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Zhalk
| Commander Zhalk | |||||||
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| Stats | |||||||
| Level 8 | |||||||
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 Race
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[[Cambion|Cambion]] | ||||||
 Type
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Fiend | ||||||
 HP
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150 | ||||||
 AC
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18 | ||||||
 Movement Speed
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9m/30ft | ||||||
 Size
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Medium | ||||||
 Weight
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80kg/160lbs | ||||||
 Proficiency Bonus
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+3 | ||||||
 Initiative
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+4 | ||||||
| Passive features | |||||||
| Resistances | |||||||
      
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| Character information | |||||||
| Location | Nautiloid | ||||||
| Model | |||||||
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Commander Zhalk is a cambion in the service of Zariel and an optional boss during the Prologue. Zhalk is encountered at the helm of the Nautiloid, where he and his minions fights with Mind Flayers. When the party enters the helm, the combat immediately begins. Though it's not required to kill Zhalk to end the fight, he can be killed and/or disarmed for his unique flaming sword and extra experience.
Attacks and Abilities
Main Hand Attack - Everburn Blade
Attack roll: +8
2d6 + 5 (7~17) 
Slashing 
1d4 (1~4) 
Fire Fly
Fly movement at a 
Range: 16 m / 60 ft.
Notable Loot
Related Quests
Tactics
Zhalk is encountered at the helm of the Nautiloid, where he and his minions fights with Mind Flayers. Despite his impressive stats and powerful weapon, he is not aggressive to the party so long as the Mind Flayer he is fighting is alive. He even lacks the ability to do Opportunity Attacks, meaning a character can walk by him without risk of being attacked. However, considering the 15 turn time limit along with the fact Cambion reinforcements will eventually arrive, he must either be beaten or bypassed hastily.
If you simply wish to gain his Everburn Blade, there is a simple way to get it without killing him. Before starting the fight, have Shadowheart or any other Cleric prepare Command and use Drop to disarm the Cambion. He won't even bother to pick it up, giving you plenty of time to do so.
As for killing him, it is far harder considering his large amount of Hit Points, AC and being resistant to most Damage Types you can deal. However, there are three (or four if you picked it up in the last room), Nautiloid Tanks that are powerful explosives. While he is resistant to fire damage, all 3 to 4 tanks can take down half his health if the rolls are in your favor on both his Saving Throw and the damage rolled. It is recommended to only blow up the tanks once the Mind Flayer he is fighting has softened him up first. Also, disarming him as stated above will greatly lower his lethality. If he is still alive, using Caustic Bulbs, Spiked Bulbs, Magic Missiles (If running as a Wizard or Sorcerer) and normal attacks to finish him off. Do keep in mind when he dies, the Mind Flayer will become hostile to you.
Notes
The stats currently* shown on this page are for Tactician Difficulty. *(2023-08-23)
Helpful Tips
Commander Zahlk hits very hard, but he can be beaten. One of the easiest ways to beat him is to make sure you recruit Shadowheart, and change one of her prepared spells to Command. Command: Drop will cause Zahlk to drop his very strong sword, and force him to resort to unarmed attacks which deal nowhere near as much damage. You can also immediately retrieve the sword, which is the best reward from the encounter itself.
After about 6 or 7 rounds, Cambions will reach you from further in the ship. They will target your Party over the Mindflayer, unless the Mindflayer engages them.
Be aware! If you choose to kill Zahlk, the Mind Flayer fighting him will immediately turn on you once Zahlk is dead. As soon as he is dead, make sure you have taken his sword and run to the helm! You won't be able to take on the Mind Flayer and the Cambions.