---
type: npc
role: "Cult Battle Captain"
location: "Various"
alignment: Lawful Evil
race: Human (corrupted)
class: Warlock (Fiend) 12 / Fighter 3
status: alive until Arc 3 or Arc 4
---

# Keeper Malachar

## Appearance

A towering figure in obsidian half-plate over black robes. His face is hidden behind a featureless iron mask — only his eyes are visible, glowing faintly orange. He carries a glaive named *Sunder* whose blade constantly drips molten metal. He never speaks above a whisper.

## Personality

- **Silent** — speaks only to give orders or deliver the Pontiff's judgment
- **Relentless** — once given a target, he does not stop until they are dead
- **Disciplined** — unlike fanatical cultists, Malachar treats his work as a profession; he is the Pontiff's executioner, not his worshipper
- **Fatalistic** — believes the world is ending and sees no point in hope; find peace in service

## Role in Campaign

- Mentioned in Arc 2 as commander of the Thronewood convoy
- Arc 3: Hunts the party at the [[Heart of the Mountain]], attacks during [[Arc 3 - Heart of the Mountain#Hook 13: The Rite of Seven Flames|the Rite of Seven Flames]]
- Arc 4: If not slain in Arc 3, returns as a CR 17 aspect in the [[Citadel of Sundering#Tier 2 — Hall of Echoes|Hall of Echoes]]

## Stat Block — Arc 3 (CR 12)

- **HP:** 150 (15d8 + 60) | **AC:** 19 (half-plate + shield) | **Speed:** 30 ft
- **Multiattack:** 3 attacks: 2 glaive (+9, 1d10+5 slashing + 1d6 fire) + 1 Eldritch Blast (2 beams, +8, 1d10+4 force)
- **Sunder Strike (Recharge 5-6):** Melee weapon attack +9, 4d10+5 slashing + 3d6 fire. Target must make DC 17 CON save or be stunned until end of Malachar's next turn.
- **Arcane Ward (Reaction):** When targeted by a spell, Malachar gains advantage on the saving throw and resistance to the spell's damage.
- **Action Surge** (1/Rest)

## Stat Block — Arc 4 Aspect (CR 17)

If Malachar is slain in Arc 3, [[High Pontiff Vosseth]] raises him as a champion of the Wrath for the final siege:

- **HP:** 200 | **AC:** 21 | Gains immunity to fire and necrotic
- **Sunder Strike** now recharges on 4-6 instead of 5-6, deals +2d10 force damage
- **Chaos Infusion:** As a bonus action, Malachar teleports 60 ft and his next attack is a critical hit on 18-20.
- **Elemental Aura:** Creatures that start their turn within 10 ft take 2d10 random elemental damage.

## Loot

- **[[Sunder]]** — a +2 glaive. On a critical hit, the target must make DC 15 CON save or take an additional 3d6 fire damage and be unable to regain HP until the start of Malachar's next turn.
- **Signet of the Keeper** — grants the wearer advantage on saving throws against being frightened.

## Secrets

- Malachar was once a general of the [[Crown Concordat]]. He defected after the Concordat sacrificed his company to win a meaningless battle. The Pontiff found him on the verge of suicide and gave him a new purpose.
- His iron mask is a punishment, not a choice — it is seared to his face with primordial fire. Removing it would kill him.
- He knows the full truth about the Elder Dark and considers the Hand of Ruin the lesser evil.