Academy of Devastation

Hobgoblins know the value of arcane magic in warfare. Hobgoblins practice mass indoctrination and testing to identify every potential caster in their ranks.
The Academy of Devastation is a hobgoblin institution made up of spellcasters. Members are sent abroad to test young hobgoblins. Those who show an aptitude for magic are enrolled in the academy, brought to a hidden school, and subjected to a rigorous regimen of drills, exercises, and study. In the academy's view, every young student is a potential new devastator, destined to be forged into a weapon of war.
Hobgoblin devastators have little knowledge of or use for spells that have no use on the battlefield. They are taught potent, destructive spells and also learn the fundamentals of evocation magic. The death and destruction they bring about is worthy of as many accolades as the ruin wrought by traditional warriors. Devastators seldom employ sophisticated tactics, functioning essentially as a mobile artillery battery. They can bring tremendous force to bear, but rarely display the versatility and inventiveness of spellcasting elves and humans. A few do become accomplished tacticians in their own right, and it isn't uncommon for such an individual to serve as the warlord of a legion.

Type

Educational, School/Academy

Parent Organization

Hobgoblin Empire

Location

Hobgoblin Lands

Related Ethnicities

• Hobgoblin Empire residents

Hobgoblin Devastator

Medium humanoid, lawful evil

Armor Class 13 (studded leather armor)

Hit Points 45 7d8+14

Speed 30ft

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STR

13 +1

DEX

12 +1

CON

14 +2

INT

16 +3

WIS

13 +1

CHA

11 0

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Skills Arcana +5

Senses darkvision 60 ft.

Languages Goblish

Challenge 4

Arcane Advantage. Once per turn, the hobgoblin can deal an extra 7 (2d6) damage to a creature it hits with a damaging spell attack if that target is within 5 feet of an ally of the hobgoblin and that ally isn’t incapacitated.
Army Arcane. When the hobgoblin casts a spell that causes damage or that forces other creatures to make a saving throw, it can choose itself and any number of allies to be immune to the damage caused by the spell and to succeed on the required saving throw.
Spellcasting. The hobgoblin is a 7th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks). It has the following wizard spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): acid splash, fire bolt, ray of frost, shocking grasp
1st level (4 slots): fog cloud, magic missile, thunderwave
2nd level (3 slots): gust of wind, Melf’s acid arrow, scorching ray
3rd level (3 slots): fireball, fly, lightning bolt
4th level (1 slot): ice storm

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Actions

Quarterstaff. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft, one target. Hit: 4 (1d6+1) bludgeoning damage, or 5 (1d8+1) bludgeoning damage if used with two hands.