Destro, The Iron Mage

Quick Reference

RaceLiving Construct
ClassWizard/Alchemist (Gestalt)
StatusActive (soul survived)
AffiliationIndependent
LocationUnknown

Description

Destro appears as a clockwork robotic apprentice—a four-armed construct body roughly humanoid in shape with a metal face beneath arcane robes. His body gleams with polished steel and brass fittings, each of his four arms capable of independent spellcasting. Energy fields shimmer around his form, and the eyes behind his metal faceplate glow with analytical intelligence. Despite his mechanical appearance, he speaks with refined courtesy and an almost theatrical politeness that makes his lethal capabilities all the more unsettling.

Personality

  • Polite to a fault: Even in combat, maintains refined manners and genuine curiosity
  • Intellectually driven: Views combat as a fascinating experiment
  • Amoral scientist: No ethical constraints on his research—the ends always justify the means
  • Respects strength: Shows genuine admiration for worthy opponents

Abilities & Powers

Combat Witnessed (Chapter 11)

  • Enhanced Scorching Ray: Signature spell dealing massive fire damage (reflex save vs touch attack)
  • Lightning Shield: Defensive spell that intercepts incoming magic
  • 60% Displacement: Chance to negate attacks through phasing
  • Mage Armor + Shield: Layered magical defenses
  • Levitation: Floats 7-10 feet off ground
  • Four-Armed Spellcasting: Can charge and hold multiple spells simultaneously

Special Traits

  • Soul Transfer: When body is destroyed, soul escapes to remote location
  • Lacrimal Control: Uses magical soul-stones as control mechanisms
  • Mad Scientist Trait: INT bonuses at cost of WIS penalties

Background

Destro has plagued civilizations for generations. He is the legendary arms dealer known for selling weapons to both sides of conflicts—not out of greed, but from a twisted philosophy that he merely “enables” destruction while the wielders pull the trigger. He specializes in magical weaponry and alchemical creations, and has tangled with Progenitors for millennia, including Ikaran himself.

Role in Story

Destro seeks Nagloshi specimens for experimentation, likely to weaponize their shapeshifting abilities. He serves as a recurring antagonist who cannot be permanently killed through conventional means.

Known Information

  • Ancient arms dealer active for thousands of years
  • Created from “archaeotech” left by the Souls (ancient civilization)
  • Has killed Ikaran multiple times; Ikaran has killed him multiple times
  • Associates with Lazarus
  • Wants to study Nagloshi for weapons development
  • Body destroyed by Elric; soul escaped

Relationships

CharacterRelationship
IkaranNemesis; long history of conflict
LazarusKnown associate; information sharing
ElricCombat opponent; expressed interest/respect
NagloshiTargets for experimentation

Appearances

DM Notes

Secret Information

  • Soul Location: Unknown; will create new body
  • CafĂ© Lorraine: Invited Elric to meet in Baldur’s Gate in 3 days
  • True Goal: Likely wants to weaponize Nagloshi shapeshifting
  • CR 19: Extremely dangerous; not truly killable
  • Weakness: Soul-stones (lacrimals) may be vulnerable

Quotes

“Would you, if you promise not to engage me in combat and I have your word of amnesty under hospitality, I will come in, have a lovely tête-à-tête…”

“Do you think you’ve won? This is only the beginning.”