View From the Bushes

One of my favorite improvements introduced by Third Edition is the ability to give classes and levels to monsters. Some would argue that this has always been possible to a limited extent, but undeniably Third Edition made it much easier. I will confess that I'm not doing anything revolutionary with this NPC: this isn't a half-dragon/mind-flayer with the vampire template and two prestige classes. It's just an orcish cleric, but given that with the Xenogenic system you can jack this puppy all the way up to 20th lvl, I think you'll agree that as a DM there is no limit to the evil you could inflict with a 20th level.

Backstory

The fetid, damp, slimy hole that Gutnak grew up in could only be described as a cave by someone who lacked the sense of smell, sight or both. Gutnak hated it, but every time the small tribe of his birth tried to secure better accommodations they were beaten back with heavy losses. Over the years, Gutnak became an orc racist, convinced that the best lands, the most fertile fields, and the richest minerals should all belong to orcs, and Gutnak in particular. Though it started with a desire for a better home,it has moved into a genocidal campaign against all non-orcs. This is not to say that Gutnak is stupid, or even hasty. The defeats of his youth have taught him patience and cunning. Gutnak realizes that there are very few orcish clerics of any power and he often pretends to be much weaker than he actually is.

Personality

Gutnak is an orc with a vision. He is sure that one day all of the kingdoms of men, elves and dwarves will be no more. In their place will be orcish lands and kingdoms, that the power now wielded by the kings of men will be in his hands. Unfortunately, these grandiose visions often lead him to overlook the smaller details. In particular he's not very good at commanding small numbers. His strong sense of destiny gives him an equally strong sense of self-preservation, and he will flee readily if things begin to turn against him.

Tactics

Gutnak prefers to lead from the rear, casting buff spells and summons where possible. However, he is so convinced of orcish racial superiority that he does not hesitate to engage anyone in single combat. He generally surrounds himself with big, dumb brutes (Ogres are members of the "Orcish Nation" in Gutnak's estimation) and uses them for the dirty work.

Using Gutnak in your campaign