## Korgath the Wraith Lord **Title**: Wraith Lord of [[Gor’Karn]], The Oathbreaker, Keeper of the Stone **Race**: Undead Orc (formerly orc warlord) **Class**: Warlock/Champion Hybrid (in life) **CR**: 10 **Current Status**: Bound to the [[Sacred Stone]], ruling the inner sanctum of [[Gor’Karn]] --- ### Overview Korgath was once one of the **Six Shields of [[Durgath]]**, elite champions sworn to protect the orc city of [[Gor’Karn]] and uphold the will of [[Grushnar]] the Reclaimer. When the gods turned their gaze from the world and enemies closed in, Korgath made a desperate choice: he turned to **forbidden necromancy**, believing undeath was the only way to preserve their legacy. His soul became fused with the **[[Sacred Stone]] of [[Grushnar]]**, warping him into a Wraith Lord. Though twisted, he believes he still defends [[Gor’Karn]] from those who would destroy it—including the living. --- ### Appearance - A tall, ethereal orc clad in shattered blackened armor - Wields a massive spectral blade crackling with necrotic energy - Trails violet and black flame; his voice echoes like grinding stone --- ### Lore - Korgath defied Warchief [[Durgath]]’s command to retreat and instead performed a dark ritual that drew upon the souls of [[Gor’Karn]]’s fallen - In doing so, he cursed the city and corrupted the [[Sacred Stone]] - Believes the **undead form of [[Gor’Karn]] is purer** than the flawed mortal one it once was --- ### Abilities (Combat Notes) - **Necrotic Blade**: Deals necrotic damage and reduces maximum HP - **Withering Pulse**: AoE necrotic burst that empowers nearby undead - **Summon Wraiths**: Calls forth corrupted souls to his aid mid-battle - **Soulbound Regeneration**: Regains HP while near the [[Sacred Stone]] unless hit with radiant damage --- ### Connections to the World - **Varnak**: Fellow Shield of [[Durgath]] who opposed him but was partially corrupted - **[[Sela]] Groatfang**: Her soul may have been absorbed or preserved as a binding tether in the Stone - **[[Grumthar]] Ironfurrow**: Stands as a symbol of [[Gor’Karn]]’s living legacy, and a personal threat to Korgath’s dominion - **[[Tarnik]]**: Through visions, may help unlock the truth behind Korgath’s decisions and downfall --- ### Encounter Role - Final boss of the [[Gor’Karn]] dungeon - May begin with intimidation or parley, attempting to twist the party into agreeing with his ideology - Mid-fight: attempts to break the party emotionally by using [[Sela]]’s voice and references to [[Grushnar]]’s abandonment --- ### Redemption? Though unlikely, there exists a sliver of the warrior Korgath once was. If presented with the **Rite Stones**, invoked in the name of **Warchief [[Durgath]]**, and shown **true sacrifice**, he may falter—if only for a moment. --- ### Necromancy and Forbidden Magic: The False Salvation As [[Gor’Karn]] faced starvation, divine silence, and encroaching enemies, many began to lose faith in the ancestral rites. Among them was **Korgath**, who believed the traditional ways of Grushnar were no longer enough to protect their people. - **Preservation Through Undeath**: Korgath theorized that by raising the fallen as undead warriors, the orcish legacy could continue—even without the gods. Corpses would not need food, and fallen champions could still defend the city in death. - **Binding to the [[Sacred Stone]]**: Through dark rituals, Korgath fused his own soul to the **[[Sacred Stone]]**, anchoring his existence to the heart of [[Gor’Karn]]. This act transformed him into the **Wraith Lord**, allowing him to command spectral armies and protect the city from all intruders. - **Endless Defense**: In Korgath’s mind, undeath was a form of immortality—not just for himself, but for [[Gor’Karn]]. Its walls would never fall as long as its warriors rose again. However, this came at a terrible cost: - The **spiritual corruption** of the [[Sacred Stone]]. - The **eternal unrest** of [[Gor’Karn]]’s people, bound in death. - The **betrayal** of the orcish code, leading to civil war and the death of Warchief [[Durgath]]. **Korgath’s logic was cruel but calculated**—a desperate gambit to ensure survival. Yet his defiance of [[Durgath]] and the old ways twisted what remained of the orcish legacy.