Creature profile
| Type | Medium undead |
|---|---|
| Armor Class | 18 (ritual mail) |
| Hit Points | 132 (16d8 + 64) |
| Speed | 30 ft., swim 40 ft. |
| Ability Scores | STR 16, DEX 14, CON 18, INT 17, WIS 16, CHA 19 |
| Saves and Skills | Constitution +8, Wisdom +7, Charisma +8; Arcana +7, Religion +7 |
| Senses | darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 13 |
| Languages | Common, Celestial, and Aquan |
| Challenge | 9 (5,000 XP) |
Traits
Ritual Conductor. Vael has advantage on saves while at least two chains remain unbroken. Remembered Mercy. After hearing three litany lines, Vael cannot take reactions and must spend his next turn listening before he can attack again.
Actions
Multiattack. Two Tide Staff attacks. Tide Staff. Melee Spell Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) cold plus 4 (1d8) psychic damage. Conduct the Dead. Recharge 5-6; creatures in a 30-foot cone make a DC 16 Wisdom save or take 27 (6d8) psychic damage and become frightened until the end of Vael’s next turn; success halves damage.
Tactics and roleplaying
Vael holds the central dais, targets anyone working a floodgate, and uses Wraiths to defend chains. At 25 hit points or after the third litany line he listens for one round. Three successful appeals cause him to release the clapper and accept final death.
Game Master guidance
This entry is complete for table use. Apply the listed defenses, actions, and encounter behavior directly. If the creature is used outside its original adventure, preserve its surrender trigger and primary motivation so a social solution remains as usable as combat.