Zariak

Overview

Zariak was a powerful lich associated with Cain. He was part of the undead force that invaded the abandoned Demmazon temple in search of The Aegisstaff. After most of the undead were destroyed by Magdala, Zariak remained with four vampires and volunteered to deal with the Chosen himself. The vampires considered him unpredictable and believed he had underestimated the party.

Encounter at the Temple

Zariak initially disguised himself as an Astral Diva before revealing his true form as a lich. He proved to be a powerful arcane spellcaster, using spells such as Bigby's Grasping Hand, Prismatic Spray, Baleful Polymorph, Otiluke's Resilient Sphere, Evard's Black Tentacles, and Cone of Cold during the battle.

His magic nearly overwhelmed the party. Dugan Lifebrew was transformed into a toad, Dew Gooder and Malachi were turned to stone, and several other party members were severely injured. The party eventually destroyed Zariak's physical body.

Zariak's final warning was:

"This isn't over!"

The party subsequently realized that they had not found his phylactery and therefore had not permanently destroyed him.

Fate

At the end of Under the Bus:

• Zariak's physical body had been destroyed.
• His phylactery had not been found or destroyed.
• The party therefore expected him to eventually reform.
• His ultimate fate and whereabouts are unknown.

Relationships

Cain

Zariak served among Cain's undead forces. The vampires accompanying him expected Cain to be displeased with his failure and specifically described him as unpredictable.

Magdala

Zariak was one of the undead involved in the attack on Magdala at the abandoned Demmazon temple.

Possible Future Development

A possible future idea is that Cain eventually acquired Zariak's phylactery and punished him by imprisoning it within Demmazon's realm. This is not established canon and should remain an open possibility unless Zariak is reused in a later campaign.

Uncertain Information

Zariak's mortal identity, history, exact abilities, and the location of his phylactery are unknown. The surviving combat recap also contains some uncertain details because it was reconstructed after the original sessions.