Corrupted Thew (AD&D Monster)

Also known as a Thane of Xylak (the Consuming Disease), a corrupted thew is very much like a lich, but a dwarven cleric/fighter corrupted by disease in such a way that only a dwarf of considerable constitution could reliably survive the process. Such a servant of Xylak must be of at least 6th level as a cleric and 8th level as a fighter (requiring 18 wisdom and 17 strength).

The corrupted thew gains clerical powers beyond his dwarven kin, preparing and casting spells as a 7th level cleric of 18 wisdom (5 1st, 5 2nd, 3 3rd, and 2 4th). Often, animate dead is among these spells, giving it access to undead minions to extend its will. It wields whatever weapon it wielded in life with the same skill (as an 8th or 9th level fighter). Attacks that deal damage require a save against poison or a disease is contracted (see DMG page 14).

The repulsive appearance of the pustule-covered dwarf oozing through its armor causes creatures under 5th level (or 5 HD) to retch and vomit for 1d4-1 rounds modified by wisdom adjustments. Strength is reduced by 1 point per round of vomiting and recovers 1 point per turn thereafter.

A corrupted thew is not affected by charm, sleep, enfeeblement, polymorph, cold, electricity, insanity, or death spells. It is turned as a lich and suffers 2-8 hit points of damage per vial of holy water which strikes. Cure disease, requiring touch and a failed save, negates the corrupted thew’s ability to cause disease with attacks and causes the corrupted thew to lose 1 strength and 1-4 hp per round permanently until it is destroyed completely.

Corrupted Thew
FREQUENCY: Very Rare
NO. APPEARING: 1
ARMOR CLASS: 0
MOVE: 6″
HIT DICE: 8-9
% IN LAIR: 90%
TREASURE TYPE: A
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1 1/2
DAMAGE/ATTACK: By weapon as with 18 strength (+1 to hit, +2 damage)
SPECIAL ATTACKS: See above
SPECIAL DEFENSES: +1 or better weapon to hit
MAGIC RESISTANCE: As a dwarf with 18 constitution (+5 on saves)
INTELLIGENCE: Genius
ALIGNMENT: Neutral Evil
SIZE: S (4’+ tall)
PSIONIC ABILITY: As in life
Attack/Defense Modes: As in life

Spoilers: this is the master of the West Tower in Garih Duzuli, which I will be finishing up this week and posting in next week’s updates.