Cruel InstructorCruel Instructor CR 8Source NPC Codex pg. 32
XP 4,800
Human bard 9
LE Medium humanoid (human)
Init +1; Senses Perception +9DefenseAC 12, touch 12, flat-footed 11 (+1 deflection, +1 Dex)
hp 44 (9d8)
Fort +3, Ref +7, Will +8; +4 vs. bardic performance, language-dependent, and sonic
Defensive Abilities misdirectionOffenseSpeed 30 ft.
Melee mwk club +6/+1 (1d6–1)
Special Attacks bardic performance 24 rounds/day (move action; countersong, dirge of doom, distraction, fascinate, inspire competence +3, inspire courage +2, inspire greatness, suggestion)
Bard Spells Known (CL 9th; concentration +13)
3rd (4/day)—clairaudience/clairvoyance, dispel magic, illusory script (DC 19), secret page
2nd (5/day)—eagle’s splendor, enthrall (DC 18), misdirection, tongues
1st (6/day)—cure light wounds (DC 17), disguise self, erase, hypnotism (DC 17), undetectable alignment
0 (at will)—daze (DC 16), detect magic, light, mage hand, message, read magicTacticsBefore Combat The bard casts eagle’s splendor. He typically has misdirection in place during the day.
During Combat Weak in melee, the bard uses wands and scrolls from a distance.
Base Statistics Without eagle’s splendor, the bard’s statistics are Bard Spells Known reduce spell DCs by 2; Cha 14; Skills Bluff +12, Intimidate +8, Perform (keyboard) +12, Perform (oratory) +19, Use Magic Device +16.StatisticsStr 8, Dex 12, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 14, Cha 18
Base Atk +6; CMB +5; CMD 17
Feats Arcane Strike, Catch Off-Guard, Scribe Scroll, Silent Spell, Skill Focus (Perform [oratory]), Still Spell
Skills Appraise +10, Bluff +14, Intimidate +10, Knowledge (arcana) +15, Knowledge (dungeoneering, engineering, geography, local, nature, nobility, religion) +10, Knowledge (history) +18, Knowledge (planes) +13, Linguistics +8, Perception +9, Perform (keyboard) +14, Perform (oratory) +21, Profession (educator) +6, Sense Motive +9, Spellcraft +14, Stealth +13, Use Magic Device +18
Languages Abyssal, Celestial, Common, Elven, Draconic, Dwarven
SQ bardic knowledge +4, lore master 1/day, versatile performance (keyboard, oratory)
Combat Gear potion of cure moderate wounds, potions of mage armor (2), scrolls of bestow curse (2), scrolls of command (4), scroll of fly, scroll of gust of wind, scrolls of lightning bolt (2), wand of scorching ray (50 charges); Other Gear masterwork club, ring of protection +1, 75 gp
Cruel instructors teach great knowledge, but in the most belittling manner.Ormal ArdemThough bent and frail, Master Ardem intimidates his students and annoys other instructors. He’s so entrenched in the university that everyone must pass through at least one of his classes. He never gives second chances, and nitpicks every assignment.
Ardem’s skill at language and monologue, as well as his encyclopedic memory, allow him to dumbfound anyone of lesser intelligence and belittle those he considers beneath him. He sees himself a genius able to overcome any obstacle through reason.
Master Ardem doesn’t believe anyone should have an easy time. He constantly uses obscure school bylaws to restrict other instructors in their spending and pursuits. He even got the school of divination removed from the curriculum, though he still uses the magic himself.
Though hard-hearted, Ardem shows tenderness to keyboard instruments. His skilled fingers dance across the keys of pianos and harpsichords, producing haunting and delicate pieces. For every person attending his concerts for his music, another has come to witness this cruel man be beautiful for a moment.
Combat Encounters: If forced into combat, Ardem calls students to aid him. He won’t tolerate anyone but himself bullying or harassing students and fellow faculty, and comes to their aid with brash confidence.
Roleplaying Suggestions: Ormal belittles the slightest mistakes of speech or manners. If one can get past his condescension, he can be an excellent source of academic information thanks to his years of study and experience.
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