Augusta Sunhigh

Duke Augusta Sunhigh rose from the blood-soaked pits of the Crimson Arena, where he spent his youth as an enslaved gladiator, forced to entertain the cruel nobility of the southern kingdoms. His massive frame and savage fighting style made him legendary—a beast that couldn't be tamed, a warrior whose rage seemed bottomless and eternal. When a plague swept through the arena, killing guards and nobles alike, Augusta seized his chance and carved a path of vengeance through the city, burning it to ash behind him. Rather than fleeing into obscurity, he conquered the surrounding territories with terrifying efficiency, establishing the Sunhigh house through sheer brutality and an iron will that bent entire regions to his command. His reputation for cruelty spread like wildfire across the realm, whispered in taverns and feared in royal courts, yet somehow this monster of a man found himself sitting upon a throne, ruling with an iron fist that showed no mercy to his enemies. Yet beneath the scarred exterior and the legend of his savagery lies a contradiction that confuses and haunts those who know him—Duke Augusta maintains an inexplicable devotion to the old faith, spending hours in candlelit chapels despite his countless sins and atrocities. He fathered Kalith in a moment of unexpected tenderness, a brief respite from his endless rage, and has since struggled between the violent impulses that define him and a strange, almost pathetic need for spiritual redemption. His piety seems utterly at odds with his ruthless governance and the trail of corpses he leaves behind, creating a fractured soul trapped between damnation and desperate prayer. The Duke's contradiction has become the defining characteristic of House Sunhigh—a dynasty built on blood and brutality, yet guided by a patriarch who genuinely believes his cruelty serves some greater divine purpose, no matter how delusional that faith may be.

Strength

26, modifier +8

Dexterity

14, modifier +2

Constitution

24, modifier +7

Intelligence

10, modifier +0

Wisdom

16, modifier +3

Charisma

18, modifier +4

Savage Strike

Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 3d12 + 8 slashing damage.

Rage of the Fallen

Augusta unleashes a wave of rage. All creatures within 30 ft. must make a DC 20 Wisdom saving throw or take 6d10 psychic damage and be frightened until the end of their next turn.

Cleansing Fire

Augusta channels divine energy, creating a 20 ft. radius of fire. Each creature in that area must make a DC 20 Dexterity saving throw, taking 8d6 fire damage on a failed save, or half as much on a success.

Brutal Conqueror

Augusta deals an extra 3d6 damage on melee attacks against creatures with less than half health.

Unyielding Rage

When reduced to 0 hit points, Augusta can make a DC 20 Constitution saving throw to remain at 1 hit point once per day.

Divine Paradox

Augusta has advantage on Wisdom saving throws due to his devotion to the old faith.

Fearsome Presence

Enemies within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute.

strength

+15

dexterity

+9

constitution

+14

wisdom

+10

Vengeful Charge

Augusta can move up to his speed and make one melee attack as part of this action.

Divine Retribution

When hit by an attack, Augusta can use his reaction to deal 4d10 radiant damage to the attacker.

Unholy Command

Augusta can target one creature he can see within 60 ft. The target must succeed on a DC 20 Charisma saving throw or be compelled to attack a creature of Augusta's choice on its next turn.

bludgeoning

piercing

slashing

frightened