The question of “What Should Orcus Summon” is a tantalizing one for fans of dark fantasy and role-playing games. Orcus, the Demon Prince of Undeath, is a figure of immense power and dread, and his summoning capabilities are as vast as they are terrifying. Exploring what he might call forth reveals much about his goals, his dominion, and the sheer horror he represents.
The Terrors of the Grave What Should Orcus Summon
When considering “What Should Orcus Summon,” one must first understand the nature of his domain. Orcus commands legions of the dead, from the lowliest zombie to the most ancient and powerful liches. His summons are not random; they are strategic and designed to sow fear, destruction, and despair.
Orcus’s primary goal is the proliferation of undeath and the utter subjugation of all living things. Therefore, his summons are typically aimed at achieving these objectives:
- Destruction of armies and civilizations
- Corrupting sacred places
- Spreading plagues of undeath
- Eliminating heroes and powerful opposition
His most common and terrifying summons include:
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Undead Hordes The most basic but still devastating. This includes:
- Swarms of zombies and skeletons
- Ghastly ghouls and their paralyzing touch
- Vile wights that drain life force
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Elite Undead Servants For more specific tasks, Orcus might summon:
Creature Primary Role Liches Powerful spellcasters, commanders Vampires Stealthy infiltrators, powerful warriors Death Knights Unyielding shock troops -
Abyssal Horrors Beyond mere undead, Orcus can also tap into the raw power of the Abyss to summon creatures that embody decay and corruption.
The importance of understanding these potential summons lies in preparing for and defending against them. Knowing what Orcus is capable of calling forth is the first step in crafting a strategy to thwart his wicked plans.
Now that you have a comprehensive overview of what Orcus is likely to summon, you can refer to the detailed bestiary and encounter tables found in the Tome of Horrors to flesh out these terrifying possibilities for your own campaigns.