Xyrix

NPC Profile: Xyrix, the Eye Tyrant of Beholder's Bastion

Name: Xyrix

Title: The Eye Tyrant of Beholder's Bastion

Race: Beholder

Alignment: Lawful Evil

Background:
Xyrix, the Eye Tyrant, is the supreme ruler of Beholder's Bastion, a cosmopolitan city within the Arcane Plane known for its dense concentration of magic. Born from a particularly powerful and ancient magical anomaly, Xyrix possesses intelligence and power far beyond that of his kin. His rise to power was marked by cunning, manipulation, and an unmatched understanding of both magic and tyranny.

Personality:
Xyrix is a being of intellect and paranoia, traits that have shaped his rule over Beholder's Bastion. He is both revered and feared, known for his mercilessness towards dissent and his obsession with maintaining control over his domain. Despite his tyranny, Xyrix is a pragmatic ruler, understanding the balance required to keep the city thriving under his watch. He values loyalty, though he trusts no one, and sees the potential in using both magic and might to expand his influence.

Appearance:
Xyrix's form is that of a beholder of exceptional size, his skin a deep, iridescent hue that seems to absorb light. His large central eye, surrounded by ten smaller, constantly moving eye stalks, glows with a malevolent light. Each of his eye stalks is marked with arcane symbols that pulsate with power, a testament to the magical energies he has mastered.

Abilities:

  • Antimagic Cone: From his central eye, Xyrix can project a powerful cone of antimagic, nullifying the effects of any magic that enters this area.
  • Eye Rays: Each of Xyrix's ten eye stalks can unleash a different magical effect, ranging from petrification and sleep to disintegration and telekinetic force.
  • Arcane Mastery: Having absorbed vast amounts of magical knowledge, Xyrix can cast numerous spells, making him a formidable spellcaster.
  • Intellectual Might: Xyrix possesses a deep understanding of magical and mundane strategies, making him an excellent tactician and ruler.

Goals:
Xyrix seeks to maintain and expand his power, not just within Beholder's Bastion but potentially beyond, into other realms of the Arcane Plane and even into the Prime Plane. He is always searching for ways to increase his magical arsenal and fortify his city against both external threats and internal rebellion.

Role in the Campaign:
Xyrix can serve as a major antagonist, a potential (though dangerous) ally against a greater threat, or a source of quests for the players. His knowledge of arcane secrets and control over Beholder's Bastion make him a key figure in any story involving the Arcane Plane.

Interactions with the Party:
Xyrix is wary of any who might challenge his authority but recognizes the utility of adventurers for accomplishing tasks that require discretion or deniability. He may hire the party for missions that serve his interests, reward them with magical treasures, or seek to eliminate them if they pose a threat to his rule.

Weakness:
For all his power, Xyrix's paranoia is his greatest weakness. He is constantly vigilant against betrayal and spends considerable resources watching his allies and enemies alike. This paranoia could be exploited by those seeking to undermine his rule or distract him from their true objectives.