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{{CharacterInfo
{{Infobox character
|title =Shar's Scalpel
| name = Malus Thorm
|name = Malus Thorm
| image = Malus Thorm.png
|image=[[File:Malus Thorm.png|350px]]
| voice = Sean Baker
|STR=14
| titles = Shar's Scalpel
|DEX=18
| family = [[Ketheric Thorm]] (nephew){{cite text|Tissue and Organ Register|Malus Thorm}}<br>[[Isobel]] (grandniece)
|CON=14
| hometown = [[Reithwin Town]]
|INT=14
| race = Undead [[elf]]
|WIS=16
 
|CHA=8
| modules =
|level=7
|race=Undead, formerly an elf.
|type=Undead
|HP=276; 358{{tactician}}
|AC=18
|speed=9m / 30ft
|size=Medium
|weight=100kg
|proficiency=3
|initiative=+4
|background=
|location = [[House of Healing]]
|allies =
|enemies =
|va = Sean Baker
|alt-name = Model
|alt-image = [[File:Malus Model.png|350px]]
|piercing=Resistant|bludgeoning=Resistant|slashing=Resistant|fire=Double|wis save=Proficient|dex save=Proficient
|passive=
{{PAS|Legendary Action: Wail of Loss|honour=1}}
{{PAS|Magic Resistance}}{{PAS|Multiattack: Wounded (Malus Thorm) (Passive Feature)|Multiattack: Wounded}}{{PAS|Opportunity Attack}}{{PAS|Turn Resistance}}
}}
}}
'''Malus''' is the undead master surgeon of the [[House of Healing]], and twisted follower of Shar. Having somehow kept his personality despite being in the [[Shadow-Cursed Lands]], he believes graceful pain and calculating mutilation are the key to truly embracing the ideals of his dark faith. At his depraved hospital, he tirelessly works to train his [[Undead]] Nurses to hone such skill, yet their hollowed state leaves them lacking in ability beyond being dutiful assistants.


'''Malus''' is a unique intelligent Undead, the master surgeon of the [[House of Healing]] and twisted follower of Shar. Having somehow kept his personality despite being in the [[Shadow-Cursed Lands]], he believes graceful pain and calculating mutilation are the key to truly embracing the ideals of his dark faith. At his depraved hospital, he tirelessly works to train his [[Undead]] Nurses to hone such skill, yet their hollowed state leaves them lacking in ability beyond being dutiful assistants.
{{Q|The objective of the scalpel, sisters, is to soothe, for a scalpel, indeed, is an extension of Shar. See how the patient reacts when I but stroke the right nerve. Hear its comfort. Hear the melody of mercy. Pray, sister, show us the extent of your beneficence.|Malus Thorm instructing the Undead Nurses in their "medical practice."}}


{{Q|The objective of the scalpel, sisters, is to soothe, for a scalpel, indeed, is an extension of Shar. See how the patient reacts when I but stroke the right nerve. Hear its comfort. Hear the melody of mercy. Pray, sister, show us the extent of your beneficence.|Malus Thorm instructing the Undead Nurses in their "medical practice."}}
== Overview ==
=== Background ===
In life, Malus directed a shift in the House's purpose from tending to the sick and injured among the populace of Reithwin to exclusively serving the [[Dark Justiciar|Dark Justiciars]] of [[Ketheric Thorm]]'s army, as he believed keeping the latter healthy would help them serve Shar while the rest were better off left to her oblivion.{{cite text|Patients' Registry}}{{cite text|URGENT: Request for Supplies|Sister Anna Lidwin}}


In life, he directed a shift in the House's purpose from tending to the sick and injured among the populace of Reithwin to exclusively serving the [[Dark Justiciar|Dark Justiciars]] of [[Ketheric Thorm]]'s army, as he believed keeping the latter healthy would help them serve Shar while the rest were better off left to her oblivion.<ref>''[[Patients' Registry]]''</ref><ref>[[URGENT: Request for Supplies|''URGENT: Request for Supplies'']]</ref>
=== Quests ===
He plays the role of obstacle in the quest [[Wake up Art Cullagh]], holding the quest item the [[Battered Lute]]


He plays a role in the quest [[Wake up Art Cullagh]], being an obstacle, holding the [[Battered Lute]] which is a clue for that quest. 
== Involvement ==
{{Spoiler warning|act=2}}
Arriving at the [[House of Healing]] and gaining entry to the surgery theatre, Malus will be busy educating his undead nurses on a poor 'patient'. While cordial at first seeing you as a new student, preaching his view of Absence being the way to understanding Shar. After mutilating the 'patient' he will urge to do the same to you. Beyond attacking to defend yourself, there are a mix of [[Skill Check|Skill Checks]] that can be done instead:


{{SpoilerBox|Arriving at the [[House of Healing]] and gaining entry to the surgery theater, '''Malus''' will be busy educating his undead nurses on a poor 'patient'. While cordial at first seeing you as a new student, preaching his view of Absence being the way to understanding Shar. After mutilating the 'patient' he will urge to do the same to you. Beyond attacking to defend yourself, there are a mix of [[Skill Check|Skill Checks]] that can be done instead:
* A [[Difficulty Class|DC]] 14 [[Investigation]] check with advantage for [[Rogue]] to check nurses tools and point out that they're unusable


*A [[Investigation]] of [[Difficulty Class|DC]] 14 will lead to you pointing out the nurses aren't skilled enough for surgery.
*A [[Difficulty Class|DC]] 14 [[Investigation]] check will lead to you pointing out the nurses aren't skilled enough for surgery.
*A [[Religion]] of [[Difficulty Class|DC]] 14 will let you use the ways of Shar to counter '''Malus''' own views.
*A DC 14 [[Religion]] check will let you use the ways of Shar to counter '''Malus''' own views.
*A [[Persuasion]] of [[Difficulty Class|DC]] 16 will suggest the nurses aren't ready and just make you sick instead of 'curing' you.
*A DC 16 [[Persuasion]] check will suggest the nurses aren't ready and just make you sick instead of 'curing' you.


If any of these checks are successful, '''Malus''' will ask how to train the nurses properly, leading to two differing [[Persuasion]] checks with a [[Difficulty Class|DC]] 21.
If any of these checks are successful, '''Malus''' will ask how to train the nurses properly, leading to two differing Persuasion checks.
*Suggest that '''Malus''' offer himself up to be practiced on by the nurses, which he gleefully accepts. After a bloody scene in which they blindly hack away at his body, the nurses will become passive, and the master surgeon very much dead.
*DC 21 with advantage for [[Monk]] or [[Bard]] Suggest that '''Malus''' offer himself up to be practiced on by the nurses, which he gleefully accepts. After a bloody scene in which they blindly hack away at his body, the nurses will become passive, and the master surgeon very much dead.
*Convince '''Malus''' to have the Sisters test their skills against each other, leading to a bloody brawl between them.
*DC 21 with advantage for [[Rogue]] or [[Fighter]] Convince '''Malus''' to have the Sisters test their skills against each other, leading to a bloody brawl between them.


If the player has first read the [[Surgery and Physiology: A Sharran's Primer]] book in the room behind '''Malus''', two additional options are available, both of which are instead [[Difficulty Class|DC]] 18, and both of which result in the nurses killing '''Malus''':
If the player has first read the ''[[Surgery and Physiology: A Sharran's Primer]]'' book in the room behind '''Malus''', two additional options are available, both of which are instead DC 18, and both of which result in the nurses killing '''Malus''':
* [INTIMIDATION] I have read your treatise. Initiate the final lesson, or die by my hand. (DC 18)
* [INTIMIDATION] I have read your treatise. Initiate the final lesson, or die by my hand. (DC 18)
* [PERSUASION] ‘Only with sacrifice is mastery gained.’ For the sisters to learn, you must submit. (DC 18)
* [PERSUASION] ‘Only with sacrifice is mastery gained.’ For the sisters to learn, you must submit. (DC 18)


If the nurses were convinced to fight each other, the mad surgeon will press to tend to you next. He can be attacked, proving much easier to defeat without the support of his nurses. Alternatively, he can be convinced to do the work for you:
If the nurses were convinced to fight each other, the mad surgeon will press to tend to you next. He can be attacked, proving much easier to defeat without the support of his nurses. Alternatively, he can be convinced to do the work for you:
* A final [[Persuasion]] ([[Difficulty Class|DC]] 21) check, requesting that Malus perform the procedure on you
* A final DC 21 [[Persuasion]] check, requesting that Malus perform the procedure on you
* [[Deception]] ([[Difficulty Class|DC]] 21) with advantage for [[Sorcerer]] or [[Cleric]], asking that Malus bless you with the blinding procedure
* DC 21 [[Deception]] check with advantage for [[Sorcerer]], [[Cleric]], [[Fighter]], or [[Druid]] asking that Malus bless you with the blinding procedure
Awed by your diligence, '''Malus''' will happily make an example of himself, stabbing and killing himself through the eye.}}
Awed by your diligence, '''Malus''' will happily make an example of himself, stabbing and killing himself through the eye.


== Attacks and abilities ==
== Combat ==
{{Infobox statistics
| child =
| name = Malus Thorm
| race = Undead
| size = Medium
| type = Undead
| armour_class = 18
| hit_points = 276
| hit_points_tactician = 358
| movement_speed_meters = 9
| movement_speed_feet = 30
| weight_kg = 100
| weight_lb =
| level = 7
| str = 14
| dex = 18
| con = 14
| int = 14
| wis = 16
| cha = 8
| wis_save_proficiency = Proficient
| dex_save_proficiency = Proficient
| resistant1 = Piercing
| resistant2 = Bludgeoning
| resistant3 = Slashing
| resistant4 = Fire


=== {{SAI|Claws (Class Action)|Claws|w=40}} ===
| feature1_name = Legendary Action: Wail of Loss
* Lash out with deadly claws, dealing {{DamageText|2d4+4|Slashing}} damage.
| feature1_description = Spend a legendary action to make your assistants cast Wail of Loss
* {{action}}
| feature1_mode = Honour
| feature2_name = Magic Resistance
| feature2_description = Advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
| feature3_name = Multiattack: Wounded (Malus Thorm)
| feature3_description = Can Multiattack if your hit points are at 40% or less.
| feature4_name = Opportunity Attack
| feature4_description = Automatically attack an enemy moving out of your reach.
| feature5_name = Turn Resistance
| feature5_description = Advantage on saving throws against being turned.
}}
=== Attacks and abilities ===
{{Feature box|Claws}}


=== {{SAI|Request Surgical Instrument|w=40}} ===
{{Feature box|Request Surgical Instrument}}
* Request a tool for advanced surgery.
* {{action|bonus}}


Grants {{Cond|Surgeon's Chosen}} onto one of the undead nurses, having them lend a unique Instrument of Loss for him, allow Malus to perform powerful and debilitating attacks. The surgical tools are the following:
{{Feature box|Bloody Bonesaw}}


* {{Cond|Instrument of Loss: Bonesaw}} - {{SAI|Bloody Bonesaw}}
{{Feature box|This Won't Hurt A Bit}}
* {{Cond|Instrument of Loss: Syringe}} - {{SAI|This Won't Hurt A Bit}}
* {{Cond|Instrument of Loss: Trepan}} - {{SAI|Terror Trepan}}
* {{Cond|Instrument of Loss: Leech}} - {{SAI|Lethal Leech}}


==== {{SAI|Bloody Bonesaw|w=40}} ====
{{Feature box|Terror Trepan}}
* Hack at a target, dealing {{DamageText|8d8 + Dexterity Modifier|Slashing}} damage, and possibly {{Cond|Slowed|Slow}} it.
* {{Action}}


==== {{SAI|This Won't Hurt A Bit|w=40}} ====
{{Feature box|Lethal Leech}}
* Jab a foe with a syringe, dealing {{DamageText|8d8 + Dexterity Modifier|Piercing}} damage, and {{Cond|Poisoned|Poison}} them.
* {{Action}}


==== {{SAI|Terror Trepan|w=40}} ====
{{Feature box|Lovely Assistant}}
* Bore into a foe's brain, dealing {{DamageText|8d8 + Dexterity Modifier|Piercing}} damage and {{Cond|Frightened|Frighten}} them.
* {{Action}}


==== {{SAI|Lethal Leech|w=40}} ====
=== Notable loot ===
* Suckle a foe with hundreds of piercing teetch, dealing {{DamageText|8d8 + Dexterity Modifier|Piercing}} damage, making them {{Cond|Bleeding|Bleed}}.
* {{Action}}
 
==== {{SAI|Lovely Assistant|w=40}} ====
* The Surgeon reanimates the corpse of one of his nurses.
* {{Action|bonus}}
 
== Notable loot ==
*{{RarityItem|Surgeon's Subjugation Amulet}}
*{{RarityItem|Surgeon's Subjugation Amulet}}
*{{RarityItem|Battered Lute}}
*{{RarityItem|Battered Lute}}
Line 102: Line 105:
==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery heights="300px">
<gallery heights="300px">
Nikolai-chugunov-malus-thorm-nikolai-chugunov-tex-02a.jpg|Concept model by Nikolai Chugunov
Nikolai-chugunov-malus-thorm-nikolai-chugunov-tex-02a.jpg|Concept model by Nikolai Chugunov.
Malus Alt Model.png|Model
Malus Alt Model.png|Model.
Malus Model.png|Malus' in-game model.
</gallery>
</gallery>


== Related literature ==
== Related literature ==
* {{MdRarityItem|Surgery and Physiology: A Sharran's Primer}} - Malus Thorm.
* {{MdRarityItem|Surgery and Physiology: A Sharran's Primer}}
* {{MdRarityItem|URGENT: Request for Supplies}}, [[Anna Lidwin|Sister Lidwin]] avails a Baldur's Gate surgeon of Malus's descent into madness under Shar
 
=== Notes by Malus Thorm ===
 
* {{MdRarityItem|Reithwin Necrology}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Surgeon's Memorandum}}
 
=== Books by Malus Thorm ===
*{{MdRarityItem|Surgeon's Research Notes}}


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
{{reflist|text}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{FRWiki|Malus Thorm|long}}
* {{FRWiki|Malus Thorm|long}}
{{NavShadowCursedLands}}
{{NavShadowCursedLands}}
[[Category:Authors]]
[[Category:Bosses]]

Revision as of 09:40, 28 April 2024

Malus is the undead master surgeon of the House of Healing, and twisted follower of Shar. Having somehow kept his personality despite being in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, he believes graceful pain and calculating mutilation are the key to truly embracing the ideals of his dark faith. At his depraved hospital, he tirelessly works to train his Undead Nurses to hone such skill, yet their hollowed state leaves them lacking in ability beyond being dutiful assistants.

The objective of the scalpel, sisters, is to soothe, for a scalpel, indeed, is an extension of Shar. See how the patient reacts when I but stroke the right nerve. Hear its comfort. Hear the melody of mercy. Pray, sister, show us the extent of your beneficence.
— Malus Thorm instructing the Undead Nurses in their "medical practice."

Overview

Background

In life, Malus directed a shift in the House's purpose from tending to the sick and injured among the populace of Reithwin to exclusively serving the Dark Justiciars of Ketheric Thorm's army, as he believed keeping the latter healthy would help them serve Shar while the rest were better off left to her oblivion.[text 2][text 3]

Quests

He plays the role of obstacle in the quest Wake up Art Cullagh, holding the quest item the Battered Lute.

Involvement

Arriving at the House of Healing and gaining entry to the surgery theatre, Malus will be busy educating his undead nurses on a poor 'patient'. While cordial at first seeing you as a new student, preaching his view of Absence being the way to understanding Shar. After mutilating the 'patient' he will urge to do the same to you. Beyond attacking to defend yourself, there are a mix of Skill Checks that can be done instead:

  • A DC 14 Investigation check with advantage for Rogue to check nurses tools and point out that they're unusable
  • A DC 14 Investigation check will lead to you pointing out the nurses aren't skilled enough for surgery.
  • A DC 14 Religion check will let you use the ways of Shar to counter Malus own views.
  • A DC 16 Persuasion check will suggest the nurses aren't ready and just make you sick instead of 'curing' you.

If any of these checks are successful, Malus will ask how to train the nurses properly, leading to two differing Persuasion checks.

  • DC 21 with advantage for Monk or Bard Suggest that Malus offer himself up to be practiced on by the nurses, which he gleefully accepts. After a bloody scene in which they blindly hack away at his body, the nurses will become passive, and the master surgeon very much dead.
  • DC 21 with advantage for Rogue or Fighter Convince Malus to have the Sisters test their skills against each other, leading to a bloody brawl between them.

If the player has first read the Surgery and Physiology: A Sharran's Primer book in the room behind Malus, two additional options are available, both of which are instead DC 18, and both of which result in the nurses killing Malus:

  • [INTIMIDATION] I have read your treatise. Initiate the final lesson, or die by my hand. (DC 18)
  • [PERSUASION] ‘Only with sacrifice is mastery gained.’ For the sisters to learn, you must submit. (DC 18)

If the nurses were convinced to fight each other, the mad surgeon will press to tend to you next. He can be attacked, proving much easier to defeat without the support of his nurses. Alternatively, he can be convinced to do the work for you:

Awed by your diligence, Malus will happily make an example of himself, stabbing and killing himself through the eye.

Combat

Attacks and abilities

Generic Physical.webp
Claws Claws ()
D4 Slashing.png 2d4 (2~8) Damage TypesSlashing damage

Lash out with deadly claws.
 Melee: 1.5 m / 5  ft
Generic Utility.webp

Request a tool for advanced surgery.

Grants Surgeon's Chosen Surgeon's Chosen onto one of the undead nurses, having them lend a unique Instrument of Loss for him, allow Malus to perform powerful and debilitating attacks. The surgical tools are the following:

 Range: 8 m / 25 ft
Generic Physical.webp
D8 Slashing.png 8d8 (8~64) Damage TypesSlashing damage

Hack at a target and possibly Slowed Slow it.
DEX Save
 Range: 2.5 m / 8 ft
Generic Physical.webp
D8 Piercing.png 8d8 (8~64) Damage TypesPiercing damage

Jab a foe with a syringe and Poisoned Poison them.
DEX Save
 Range: 2.5 m / 8 ft
Generic Physical.webp
D10 Piercing.png 8d10 (8~80) Damage TypesPiercing damage

Bore into a foe's brain and Frightened Frighten them.
CON Save
 Range: 2.5 m / 8 ft
Generic Physical.webp
D8 Piercing.png 8d8 (8~64) Damage TypesPiercing damage

Suckle a foe with hundreds of piercing teeth, making them Bleeding Bleed.
DEX Save
 Range: 2.5 m / 8 ft
Animate Dead Zombie.webp

The Surgeon reanimates the corpse of one of his nurses.
 Range: 8 m / 27 ft

Notable loot

Gallery

Related literature

Notes by Malus Thorm

Books by Malus Thorm

References

External links