Gravedigger Karcen

Gravedigger Karcen is a human fighter and Zhentarim mercenary that can be found in the Guildhall, during Act Three. He guards and patrols the southern half of the Guildhall in the event of a possible Stone Lord attack.

Involvement

Protecting the Guildhall

Karcen can be seen patrolling the southern and southwestern half of the Guildhall, as well as the central pit. Him and the rest of the Zhents in the Guildhall having been hired by Nine-Fingers Keene in order to deter and resist any future Stone Lord intrusions, he nevertheless makes his displeasure for the boring posting known to the party and that he'd prefer it if they attacked the Harpers instead. If Jaheira is in the party and rebukes him, Karcen will be intimidated and uncertain, not realizing that Jaheira was one until she spoke up.

On his patrol route, Karcen will often stop by Carlorina the Wolf, scheming and telling her to be sharp and to be ready for a signal.

Battle for the Guildhall

When Roah Moonglow, Boss Friol, or Trinoda attempts to take over the Guildhall, Karcen will join the fight alongside his Zhentarim allies against the Guild on the south-western side, facing against Lady Flux. Siding against the Zhentarim will end in Karcen's demise, or in his disappearance if he's knocked out.

Provided the party aids the Zhentarim win the battle, and he survives the fight in Guildhall, Karcen will stand at the door leading into the guildmaster's office. Talking with him afterwards will have him mention that he'd actually like to stay here, and will request a posting in the Guildhall as there is good money to be made.

If either Fishbait Arno or Slick Inatra perished during the battle in the Guildhall, Gravedigger Karcen can take their place and be summoned with  Gather Your Allies variant  Black Fist Enforcers, if the party completed Aid the Underduke and sided with the Zhentarim.

Combat

Attacks and abilities

 Main Hand Attack ()   –  Longsword +1

Normal weapon damage Make a melee attack with your equipped weapon.

 Melee: 1.5 m / 5  ft

 Lacerate ()   –  Longsword +1

Normal weapon damage

Slash at your target's vital points to make it  Bleed.

Undead and Constructs can't Bleed.

CON Save

 Range: Normal weapon range

Recharge: Short rest

 Rush Attack ()   –  Longsword +1

1d4 (1~4) + Strength or Dexterity modifier Piercing

Charge forward and attack the first enemy in your way, possibly pushing them  Off Balance.

STR Save

 Range: 9 m / 30 ft

Recharge: Short rest

 Pommel Strike ()   –  Longsword +1

1d4 (1~4) + Strength modifier Bludgeoning

Make a non-lethal attack against an enemy and possibly  Daze them.

CON Save

 Melee: 1.5 m / 5  ft

Recharge: Short rest

 Trip Attack (Melee) ()   –  Longsword +1

Normal weapon damage + Superiority Die Weapon damage A powerful attack that possibly knocks the target  Prone.

STR Save

 Range: Normal weapon range

Recharge: Per turn

 Versatile Sneak Attack ()   –  Longsword +1

Normal weapon damage +

6d6 (6~36) Weapon

Deal extra damage to a foe you have Advantage against.

Also works if you have an ally within 1.5 m / 5 ft of the target and you don't have Disadvantage.

 Melee: 1.5 m / 5  ft

Recharge: Per turn

 Cunning Action: Dash ()

Cover more distance this turn: double your movement speed.

 Range: Self

 Action Surge

Immediately gain an extra action to use this turn.

 Range: Self

Recharge: Short rest

Loot

• Longsword +1
• Breastplate
• Purple Worm Gullet
• Keep an Eye on Rugan

Related quests

•  Aid the Underduke
•  Confront the Elder Brain

Notes

• Carlorina the Wolf and Gravedigger Karcen are seemingly meant to be on alert for an unexplained signal, potentially the one to turn on the Guild, even though their local leader Slick Inatra seem to be unaware.
• If sided with, Gravedigger Karcen is one of the most powerful Zhents during the battle, and is the Zhentarim' biggest damage-dealer. However, his damage is off-set as he usually battles Lady Flux, whose  Rage: Wolf Heart diminishes his slashing damage.
• Unlike most Fighter NPCs in the game, Gravedigger Karcen doesn't rely on the NPC variants of Superiority Die attacks that allow them to use their Manoeuvres once per round without needing or expending a Superiority Die. Instead, he uses the player variant that allows him to use Manoeuvres as much as he wants, at the cost of Superiority Die resources.