Hexen II

Praevus serves as the boss of hexen II's expansion pack (the portal of praevus).Praevus has an unusual body structure most notably four arms. and can levitate. During the battle, he will teleport between 3 separate alcoves, never pursuing the player directly. His attacks are entirely ranged, so he has no need for melee capabilities.

When first encounted, Praevus will be surrounded by a spinning ring of energy shields (the shields will morph between 3 shapes: circles, rectangles, and a shield shape - this only slightly alters their hit boxes.) The shields will absorb damage intended for the dark wizard until they are destroyed. Note that certain attacks can punch through the shields and strike Praevus directly, such as the lasar-like beam from Lightbringer, as well as area effect explosions if placed properly. Once the shields are gone, they will not return during the battle.

Praevus has several attacks: a series of energy stars that will track the player and deal moderate damage, a flame column that appears on top of the player for light damage, a slow-moving fire wave that sweeps the chamber away from him - this attack is extremely damaging, and a thunderstorm that calls down lightning from the heavens. This final attack can be deadly, though it is usually relatively easy to avoid.

As damage is inflicted on the dark wizard, he will eventually cry out in pain and raise up his arms to shield himself for a few moments: this is a good sign that the battle is progressing well. Later on in the fight, when this happens the chamber will start to collapse with columns falling to ruins (the collapsing columns typically will not damage the player and are just for show.)

Finally, when defeated, he explodes in a burst of light and the souls of the 3 Serpent Riders are freed before they vanish into the unknown...