Name & Domain

Peryite, the Lord of Pestilence and Balance
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Domains: Disease, Order, Decay
Suggested Cleric Domains: Death, Order, or a custom Pestilence Domain.

Core Themes

Peryite represents the paradox of order through decay. While most see disease as chaos, Peryite views it as a natural mechanism to maintain balance. His followers believe that plague and suffering are tools to cull the weak and restore equilibrium. Unlike other destructive entities, Peryite’s influence is methodical and purposeful.

Appearance

Peryite manifests as a serpentine dragon, smaller than true dragons but radiating an aura of inevitability. His scales shimmer with sickly green and gold hues, and his breath reeks of rot and alchemical fumes. His voice is calm, almost soothing, even as he speaks of death.

Dogma

• “Decay is not chaos; it is correction.”

• Disease is a divine instrument to enforce balance.

• Those who survive plague are deemed worthy; those who perish were excess.

• Followers must spread pestilence strategically, not recklessly—order must be preserved.

Followers

• Cultists of Balance: They infiltrate cities, spreading controlled outbreaks to “purge corruption.”

• Plaguebearers: Warlocks and clerics who wield disease magic as holy power.

• Alchemists of Peryite: Scholars who brew toxins and plagues, believing they serve a higher purpose.

Symbols

• A serpent coiled around a circle, representing cyclical decay and renewal.

• Colors: Green and Gold (signifying sickness and divine order).

Plane & Realm

Peryite’s domain could be adapted as a layer of the Nine Hells or a unique demiplane called The Scaled Garden:

• A vast swamp of toxic fumes and rotting flora.

• Rivers of alchemical sludge.

• Serpentine constructs patrol the land, enforcing Peryite’s laws.

Mechanics for D&D

• Warlock Patron: The Plague Serpent
  Features could include:

  • Expanded Spell List: Ray of Sickness, Contagion, Cloudkill.

  • Plague Aura: Enemies within 10 ft have disadvantage on Constitution saves.

  • Serpent’s Breath: Once per long rest, exhale a cone of disease damage.

• Cleric Domain: Pestilence
  Features:

  • Channel Divinity: Infect a creature with magical disease.

  • Immunity to poison and disease at higher levels.

  • Spells: Inflict Wounds, Blight, Harm.

Adventure Hooks

1. The Green Bloom: A mysterious plague spreads through a kingdom. The party discovers a cult of Peryite orchestrating it to “restore balance.”

2. The Scaled Garden: A portal opens to Peryite’s realm, releasing toxic serpents into the Material Plane.

3. The Alchemist’s Bargain: A brilliant scholar offers the party a cure—but at the cost of spreading a different disease.

Peryitian Plague Dragon

Large Dragon, Lawful Evil

Armor Class 19 (natural armor)

Hit Points 225 (18d10 + 126)

Speed 40 ft., fly 80 ft.

STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA

:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---: 22 (+6) | 14 (+2) | 25 (+7) | 15 (+2) | 18 (+4) | 17 (+3)

Saving Throws Con +13, Wis +10, Dex +8

Skills Perception +10, Insight +10, Arcana +8

Damage Resistances poison; necrotic

Damage Immunities disease (see Diseased Form)

Condition Immunities poisoned

Senses blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 20

Languages Common, Draconic, Abyssal

Challenge 14 (11,500 XP)

Proficiency Bonus +5

TRAITS

Aura of Pestilent Order (Aura, 10 ft.)

Creatures that start their turn within 10 feet of the dragon must succeed on a DC 21 Constitution save or take 10 (3d6) poison damage and are poisoned until the start of their next turn. While poisoned this way, a creature cannot regain hit points.

Diseased Form

The Peryitian Plague Dragon is immune to diseases and magically spreads them. A creature that hits the dragon with a melee attack using a non‑reach weapon must succeed on a DC 21 Constitution save or contract the Peryitian Rot:

• HP maximum reduced by 5 (1d10) every 24 hours

• Cannot be cured except by greater restoration, heal, or wish

Magic Resistance

The dragon has advantage on saving throws against spells and magical effects.

Magic Weapons

Its attacks are considered magical.

ACTIONS

Multiattack

The dragon makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.

Bite

Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target.
Hit: 19 (2d12 + 6) piercing damage plus 10 (3d6) poison damage.

Claw

MeIee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 15 (2d8 + 6) slashing damage.

Pestilent Breath (Recharge 5–6)

The dragon exhales a wave of virulent gas in a 60‑foot cone.
Each creature in the area must make a DC 21 Constitution saving throw:

• On a failed save: 45 (10d8) poison damage and becomes diseased.
  While diseased, the creature has disadvantage on all Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution checks and saving throws.

• On a successful save: Half damage and no disease.

The disease lasts for 1 hour or until cured by magic.

BONUS ACTIONS

Coiled Strike

The dragon lashes its tail in a burst of rigid, serpentine motion.
One creature within 15 ft. must make a DC 19 Dexterity save or take 18 (4d8) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone.

REACTIONS

Toxic Reprisal

When a creature within 10 ft. hits the dragon with an attack, the dragon releases a burst of toxic spores. That creature must make a DC 21 Constitution save or take 10 (3d6) poison damage.

LEGENDARY ACTIONS (Optional)

The dragon can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from below.

Detect. The dragon makes a Wisdom (Perception) check.
Tail Attack. Makes a tail attack (Coiled Strike but without the prone effect).
Wing Buffet (Costs 2). Each creature within 10 ft. must succeed on a DC 19 Dex save or take 13 (2d6 + 6) bludgeoning damage and be pushed 10 feet.