Level 23: Mad Wizard's Lair - Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage

Level 23: Mad Wizard's Lair. Halaster makes his home in the lowest level of Undermountain, which is optimized for four characters of 17th level or higher. Characters who defeat the monsters on this level should gain enough XP to reach 20th level. Who Dwells Here? In addition to Halaster, two of the Mad Mage's apprentices reside on this level: Arcturia and Trobriand. Halaster Blackcloak If the adventurers have made their way to this level, Halaster is equal parts impressed and curious. He is ready to grant the characters an audience, having kept an eye on their progress. True to the nature that earned him the moniker "Mad Mage," Halaster's demeanor toward the characters can change on a whim. He might alternate between seeming furious, baffled, annoyed, amused-or simply bored, depending on what the characters have accomplished before reaching this level. See appendix A for more information on the Mad Mage. If the characters and their actions support Halaster's current goal (see "Halaster's Goals"), the Mad Mage is not necessarily hostile. For example, if his primary goal is to find an apprentice, Halaster has kept an eye on any arcane spellcasters in the party. He might suggest that those characters prove their worth by surviving the Mad Wizard's Lair and "freeing up" an apprenticeship by eliminating Arcturia or Trobriand. If this is done, Halaster is willing to take on an appropriate character as a new apprentice. Halaster has no sentimental attachment toward his apprentices, and he often enjoys secretly tormenting them. Arcturia Arcturia is a lich and a master of transmutation magic. She has altered her form dramatically over the years, now appearing more alive than undead. Gossamer wings sprout from her shoulders, and bone spurs jut from her forearms and elbows. If the characters destroyed her phylactery on level 14, Arcturia attacks them on sight. She has no beef with them otherwise. Trobriand the Metal Mage Trobriand specializes in the creation of magical cons...