[The secundus modrons actually have unique abilities, albeit class abilities from multiple other classes. They’re monks, clerics and wizards all in one. I simplified their casting a bit, in the manner of some of the other shared spell list monsters out there like gold dragons and guardian nagas, and gave them some abilities that aren’t just copies of character class abilities. I asked Tred to give them a crook and flail because the art for the modron hierarchs in the original MM2 always reminded me of Akhenaten.
Incidentally, if you want to make these guys even more complicated, I could see giving them access to a second spell list other than sorcerer/wizard. A divination or enchantment based secundus could use the psychic spell list, for example, or a conjuration or transmutation one use the druid list.]
Modron, Secundus
CR 23 LN Outsider (extraplanar)
This metallic humanoid is tall and gaunt, clad in robes. It carries a crooked rod in one hand and a jointed flail in the other. The symbol of a half-circle is embedded in its forehead.
The secundi are the most powerful of the modron hierarchs save for Primus himself. They are nearly unique creatures—only seven exist at any time, although when one is slain, a new secundus is rapidly promoted from the ranks of the tertians. They represent the domain of Magic, although Primus’ other domains (Artifice, Knowledge and Law) are all reflected in them as well. Their primary task is to facilitate the will of Primus however it needs to be done. At any time, several of the secundi can be found in the Great Modron Cathedral maintaining the Energy Pool and communing with Primus directly, while others are coordinating the efforts of lesser modrons. They are the final line of defense between Primus and any who would dare attack him, and great incursions into Regulus are met with a secundus response after an initiation of hostilities and the reports of scouts.
A secundus is well suited to this task of defense, as they are alone the equal of an entire regimen of wizards, clerics and monks. A secundus can strike with lightning speed, set up lethal vibrations in an enemy, and are capable of casting a wide variety of offensive and defensive spells. On the off chance they do not have just the right spell prepared for the occasion, a secundus can call upon the versatility of magic itself and cast almost any spell. This can only be used once per day, so most secundi typically save this ability for an emergency or highly unusual foe. The seven secundi each have specialized in a different school of magic—all of the schools except for necromancy are currently represented.
One of the many tasks of the secundi is to analyze reports from individual modrons and make suggestions for who is to be promoted amongst the hierarchs when casualties occur. Primus makes the ultimate decision, of course, but appreciates the plurality of viewpoints. This also acts as on-the-job training; each secundus knows that, if the unthinkable happens and Primus is slain, the next Primus will be chosen from their ranks. The secundus who commits the greatest act of service to the forces of Law within a week of Primus’ death will be the next Primus. Each of the secundi already has contingency plans lined up in case of Primus’ demise.
The seven secundi each have a simple alphanumeric designation, reflecting their order of creation and chosen school of magic. When a secundus is slain, the numbers decrease by one, and the new secundus adopts the number 7. Although there are no current redundancies in the schools specialized in by the secundi, it is not impossible that such a thing may happen in the future if Primus wills it. The seven secundi are CO-1, AB-2, TR-3, EV-4, DI-5, IL-6 and EN-7.
