Araj Oblodra: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox creature
{{Infobox creature
| name = Araj Oblodra
| name = Araj Oblodra
| image = Araj Oblodra Portrait.webp
| image = <gallery>
Araj Oblodra Portrait.webp|In-game
Portrait Araj Oblodra.png|Portrait
</gallery>
| role = [[Trader]]
| role = [[Trader]]
| race = [[Lolth-sworn drow]]
| race = [[Lolth-sworn drow]]
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| movement m = 9
| movement m = 9
| weight kg = 75
| weight kg = 75
| hiddenlevel = 6
| str = 10
| str = 10
| dex = 17
| dex = 17
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| dex save prof = yes
| dex save prof = yes
| int save prof = yes
| int save prof = yes
| passives = Darkvision, Fey Ancestry, Opportunity Attack, Sunlight Sensitivity, Uncanny Dodge
| passives = Darkvision, Fey Ancestry, Opportunity Attack, Sunlight Sensitivity, Uncanny Dodge
}}
}}
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If no characters donate blood to Araj at Moonrise Towers, she will not appear at Lower City.
If no characters donate blood to Araj at Moonrise Towers, she will not appear at Lower City.
{{DiQ|It is said all House Oblodra perished when our estate was cast into the Clawrift. I am its last living daughter. Now the abyssal gulch in the heart of Menzoberranzan where our House was thrown is but an amusement.|Araj Oblodra| in [[Glory to the House of Oblodra]]}}
== Description ==
While at first feigning the part of a studious researcher and alchemist, Araj is, simply, evil and insane. The gray-skinned, purple-eyed drow has no qualms with deception, torture, murder, and even genocide.
Her personality is manic and mercurial, switching from breathless excitement, to wheedling seduction, to murderous anger in seconds.
The player character being a True Soul is just what she's been looking for, and so Araj will use every trick that she has to convince them to give her exactly what she wants.


==History==
==History==
Araj Oblodra was a daughter of the now-defunct House Oblodra. [[Timeline|Over a century ago]], an alliance of rival drow in the city of Menzoberranzan destroyed her House, due to their association with psionics and illithids before and during the Time of Troubles.
Araj Oblodra was a daughter of the now-defunct House Oblodra. [[Timeline|Over a century ago]], an alliance of rival drow in the city of Menzoberranzan destroyed her House, due to their association with psionics and [[Mind flayers|illithids]] before and during the Time of Troubles, among many other crimes.<ref>Act Two, Moonrise Towers
 
Narrator: Intelligence (History): *You realise why the name rings familiar: House Oblodra was purged a century ago by an alliance of rival drow houses.*
 
Narrator: *Among the many crimes tallied against them - their reckless experimentation with illithid breeding-stock.*</ref>
 
Few survived the House's destruction, and Araj believes herself to be the last remaining daughter of Oblodra.  Araj yearns to reinstate the House to its former glory.
 
==Involvement==
===Act Two===
In [[Act Two]], Araj Oblodra can be found inside Moonrise Towers, poring over alchemical equipment.  


Few survived the House's destruction, and Araj believes herself to be the last remaining daughter of Oblodra. Araj yearns to reinstate the House to its former glory.
If the player character is also a drow, they can remark upon her name:
 
{{Dialogue start}}
* {{dopt|'''Player character:''' Oblodra? That House was destroyed a century ago.}}
** {{dopt|'''Araj:''' Thankfully, I wasn't in it at the time.}}
*** {{dopt|'''Araj:''' My cousins did like to boast about their view over the Clawrift. Now their bones decorate the bottom.}}
**** {{dact|end}}
{{Dialogue end}}


== Involvement ==
====Blood-draw elixirs====
=== Act Two ===
Araj will brew unique [[elixirs]] as payment for drawing blood from the [[True Soul|True Souls]] in the party for her research.
In Act Two, Araj Oblodra can be found inside Moonrise Towers, poring over alchemical equipment.  


==== Blood-draw elixirs ====
Each character may give blood only once, incurring 1d3 damage in the process. As the elixirs contain some of the donated blood, the effects are generally themed on the [[Races|race]], and, in the case of [[dragonborn]]s, subrace of the character giving blood.
Araj will brew unique [[elixirs]] as payment for drawing blood from the [[True Soul|True Souls]] in the party for her research. Each character may give blood only once, incurring 1d3 damage in the process. The effects of these potions are generally themed on the [[Races|race]], and, in the case of [[dragonborn]]s, subrace of the character giving blood.


Unlike normal elixirs, Araj's blood-draw elixir effects are ''not'' replaced when a character consumes a second elixir.
Unlike normal elixirs, Araj's blood-draw elixir effects are ''not'' replaced when a character consumes a second elixir.


However, after consuming a blood-draw elixir and taking a long rest, the character will receive the condition [[Blood-draw Sickness (Condition)|Blood-draw Sickness]], which causes a -1 to all dice rolls until another long rest.
However, after consuming a blood-draw elixir and taking a long rest, the character will receive the condition {{Condition inline|Blood-draw Sickness}}, which causes a -1 to all dice rolls until another long rest.


With a {{Ability check|History|14}}, knowledge of [https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/House_Oblodra House Oblodra] will allow the party to realise that Araj doesn't want True Soul blood, but [[Illithid]] blood specifically – an especially illicit subject for a drow to research. If this insight is shared with Araj, she will pay 200 gold for each subsequent blood donation, alongside the normal elixir.
If asked for her intentions with keeping the rest of the blood donation, Araj will attribute it to mere curiosity. With a {{Ability check|History|14}}, knowledge of {{FRWiki|House Oblodra}} will allow the party to realise that Araj doesn't want True Soul blood, but [[Illithid]] blood specifically – an illicit subject for a drow to research. If this insight is shared with Araj, she will pay 200 gold for each subsequent blood donation, alongside the normal elixir.


{| class="wikitable sortable" order=
{| class="wikitable sortable" order
!Race !! Elixir  
!Race!!Elixir
|-
|-
|[[Black Dragonborn]], [[Copper Dragonborn]]
|[[Black Dragonborn]], [[Copper Dragonborn]]
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|-
|-
|[[Green Dragonborn]]
|[[Green Dragonborn]]
|{{RarityItem|Elixir of Dragonborn Prowess: Poison}}
| {{RarityItem|Elixir of Dragonborn Prowess: Poison}}
|-
|-
|[[Silver Dragonborn]], [[White Dragonborn]]
|[[Silver Dragonborn]], [[White Dragonborn]]
|{{RarityItem|Elixir of Dragonborn Prowess: Frost}}
|{{RarityItem|Elixir of Dragonborn Prowess: Frost}}
|-
|-
|[[Drow]], [[Elf]]|| {{RarityItem|Elixir of Elven Elegance}}  
|[[Drow]], [[Elf]]||{{RarityItem|Elixir of Elven Elegance}}
|-
|-
||[[Dwarf]]|| {{RarityItem|Elixir of Dwarven Resilience}}  
||[[Dwarf]]||{{RarityItem|Elixir of Dwarven Resilience}}
|-
|-
|[[Githyanki]]|| {{RarityItem|Elixir of Githyanki Providence}}  
| [[Githyanki]] ||{{RarityItem|Elixir of Githyanki Providence}}
|-
|-
|[[Gnome]]|| {{RarityItem|Elixir of Gnomish Ingenuity}}  
|[[Gnome]]||{{RarityItem|Elixir of Gnomish Ingenuity}}
|-
|-
|[[Half-elf]]|| {{RarityItem|Elixir of Half-Elven Healing}}
| [[Half-elf]]||{{RarityItem|Elixir of Half-Elven Healing}}
|-
|-
|[[Half-orc]]||{{RarityItem|Elixir of Half-Orcish Fury}}  
|[[Half-orc]]||{{RarityItem|Elixir of Half-Orcish Fury}}
|-
|-
|[[Halfling]]|| {{RarityItem|Elixir of Halfling Luck}}  
| [[Halfling]]|| {{RarityItem|Elixir of Halfling Luck}}
|-
|-
|[[Human]]|| {{RarityItem|Elixir of Human Versatility}}  
| [[Human]]||{{RarityItem|Elixir of Human Versatility}}
|-
|-
|[[Tiefling]]|| {{RarityItem|Elixir of Tiefling Vice}}  
| [[Tiefling]]|| {{RarityItem|Elixir of Tiefling Vice}}
|}
|}


==== Interaction with Astarion ====
==== Interaction with Astarion====
Araj deeply wishes to speak with [[Astarion]]. If Astarion is left at camp during her first interaction, Araj will politely ask that the vampire spawn be brought next.
Araj deeply wishes to speak with [[Astarion]]. If Astarion is left at camp during her first interaction, Araj will politely ask that the vampire spawn be brought next.


When Araj speaks with Astarion, she excitedly asks that he bite her, so that she may study the effects of vampire bites up close. She offers the priceless{{RarityItem|Potion of Everlasting Vigour}} in exchange, which permanently increases the [[Strength]] of the one drinking it by 2.
When Araj speaks with Astarion, she excitedly asks that he bite her, so that she may study the effects of vampire bites up close. She offers the priceless {{SmRarityItem|Potion of Everlasting Vigour}} in exchange, which permanently increases the [[Strength]] of the one drinking it by 2.


If Astarion is not the player's [[Origins|Origin character]], he will be loath to do so, privately noting to the player character that there is something deeply wrong with Araj's blood.
Astarion will be loath to do so, privately noting to the player character that there is something deeply wrong with Araj's blood.


If told to do so anyway, despite his objections, Astarion will go through with Araj's desires. Astarion will feel used, resulting in [[Astarion/approval#Act_Two_2|-3 disapproval]] and a camp scene which may impact a [[Astarion/Romance|romance between him]] and the player character if one exists.
If told to do so anyway, despite his objections, Astarion will go through with Araj's desires. Astarion will feel used, resulting in [[Astarion/approval#Act_Two_2|-3 disapproval]] and a camp scene which may impact a [[Astarion/Romance|romance between him]] and the player character if one exists.
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There are no other consequences of Astarion obliging the request, despite how foul Araj's blood seems to be.
There are no other consequences of Astarion obliging the request, despite how foul Araj's blood seems to be.


=== Act Three ===
If Astarion was chosen as [[Origin]], a simpler dialogue is instead shown, where the player character may choose to bite her.
If blood was donated in Act 2, Araj can be found again in the [[Lower City]] of Baldur's Gate in [[Act Three|Act 3]]. As the party approaches her shop, Crimson Draughts, just east of [[The Blushing Mermaid]], a series of explosions will trigger and Araj will come running out on fire, yet thrilled. She praises the character for their donated blood, as it has given her a breakthrough in her research of such magnitude, she believes the drow Grand Matriach will have no choice but to restore her house, House Oblodra.
 
===Act Three ===
If blood was donated in Act 2, Araj can be found again in the [[Lower City]] of Baldur's Gate in [[Act Three|Act 3]]. As the party approaches her shop, Crimson Draughts, just east of [[The Blushing Mermaid]], a series of explosions will trigger and Araj will come running out on fire, yet thrilled. She praises the character, as their blood has given her a breakthrough of such magnitude she expects the drow Grand Matriach will restore her disgraced house, House Oblodra. The blood proved able to attach to even "the trickiest of substances," unlike anything she'd encountered before.<ref>Act Three, Crimson Draughts basement. "A Breakthrough at Last"
 
The sample of blood that adventurer gave me was a rare find! It is hot, ready, unyielding. After spinning it for an hour, it didn't separate.
 
After boiling and recondensing it, it reformed, exactly the same as it was.
 
I think its droplets will be willing to attach themselves to even the trickiest of substances...
 
Liquid gold, sal, sulphur and mercury, hair, chalk, and clay. It will make a special brew, able to adapt to any elemental quality. But which to choose?</ref>


If Astarion did not bite Araj in Act 2, she'll flirtatiously offer it once more. Astarion has now steeled his resolve and will forcefully refuse.
If Astarion did not bite Araj in Act 2, she'll flirtatiously attempt to offer it once more. Astarion has now steeled his resolve and will forcefully refuse.


Araj is a trader in Act 3 as well, primarily retaining her inventory from Act 2.
Araj is a trader in Act 3 as well, primarily retaining her inventory from Act 2.
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If Araj was killed in Act 2, or no character donated their blood, Araj will be missing from her store and the explosions will not trigger on approach.
If Araj was killed in Act 2, or no character donated their blood, Araj will be missing from her store and the explosions will not trigger on approach.


==== Mysterious Potion ====
====Mysterious Potion====
After following Araj into her bombed-out shop, she'll breathlessly encourage the character to finish the research, and drink her new formula: Formula Gruna. The entire party urges them not to drink it.
After following Araj into her bombed-out shop, she'll breathlessly encourage the character to finish the research, and drink her new formula: Formula Gruna. The entire party urges them not to drink it.


Drinking the offered{{RarityItem|Mysterious Potion}} will deal 1d4 [[Slashing]] damage to the character and triggers a small explosion around them. The character then gains the permanent {{Passive inline|Unstable Blood}} feature, causing them to bleed out {{Area|Unstable Blood (surface)}} surfaces when hurt. When these surfaces are exposed to flame, they explode, and turn into {{Area|Fire (surface)}} surfaces.
Drinking the offered {{SmRarityItem|Mysterious Potion}} will deal 1d4 [[Slashing]] damage to the character and triggers a small explosion around them. The character then gains the permanent {{Passive inline|Unstable Blood}} feature, causing them to bleed out {{Area|Unstable Blood (surface)}} surfaces when hurt. When these surfaces are exposed to flame, they explode, and turn into {{Area|Fire (surface)}} surfaces.
 
When spoken to next, Araj will be pleased to see they did not die, <ref>Act Three, Crimson Draughts


When spoken to next, Araj will be first thrilled to see they've survived, and then just as excited at the results. She giddily deems the character the "world's first ''detonative exsanguinator.''" In parting, and with no qualms at having so risked the character's life, she'll offer to provide another explosive in exchange for a nominal fee: another blood donation.
Araj Oblodra: You are the world's first ''detonative exsanguinator''. To put it simply: From this day on, your blood goes boom. Big boom! Ahaha! It's incredible!</ref>and excited at the results. She giddily deems the character the "world's first ''detonative exsanguinator.''" In parting, and with no qualms at having so risked the character's life, she'll offer to provide another explosive in exchange for a nominal fee: another blood donation.


Agreeing to donate blood again will cause the character to take 2 damage, but gain a [[Sanguine Explosive]]. Refusing to hand over any more blood will turn her permanently hostile.
Agreeing to donate blood again will cause the character to take 2 damage, but gain a [[Sanguine Explosive]]. Beware that refusing to hand over any more blood will turn her permanently hostile.


Thereafter, Araj will accept blood donations once per long rest, gaining two Sanguine Explosives in her trader inventory each time.
Thereafter, Araj will accept blood donations once per long rest, gaining two Sanguine Explosives in her trader inventory each time.


==== Crimson Draughts ====
====Crimson Draughts====
{{hatnote|1=Main article: [[Crimson Draughts]]}}Crimson Draughts is Araj Oblodra's apothecary in Lower City – seemingly for some time before the events of the game. Araj has been operating what appears to be a legitimate business selling potions to infirm citizens. However, [[HELP|a note found inside]] Crimson Draughts' mailbox reveals that the insane drow alchemist has been swapping some orders with her own tinctures, causing horrific injury.
{{hatnote|1=Main article: [[Crimson Draughts]]}}Crimson Draughts is Araj Oblodra's apothecary in Lower City – seemingly for some time before the events of the game. Araj has been operating what appears to be a legitimate business selling potions to infirm citizens. However, [[HELP|a note found inside]] Crimson Draughts' mailbox reveals that the insane drow alchemist has been swapping some orders with her own tinctures, causing horrific injury.


Line 127: Line 164:
Whether through [[Sleight of Hand|lockpicking]] or using the key nearby, venturing into the shop's basement reveals Araj's small laboratory. Makeshift cells contain the less-voluntary  participants, with humans and beasts chained to the wall or mutilated. The butchered corpse of a [[Spectator]] can be found near her research table.
Whether through [[Sleight of Hand|lockpicking]] or using the key nearby, venturing into the shop's basement reveals Araj's small laboratory. Makeshift cells contain the less-voluntary  participants, with humans and beasts chained to the wall or mutilated. The butchered corpse of a [[Spectator]] can be found near her research table.


=== Epilogue ===
===Epilogue===
If the player character donated blood in Act 2, and in Act 3 drank the Mysterious Potion and donated blood again, Araj will have left [[Letter from Araj|a note]] in the [[Chest of Grateful Words]] during the [[Epilogue]]. She reveals that she has begun the process of, literally, "resurrecting the glorious House Oblodra."
If the player character donated blood in Act 2, and in Act 3 drank the Mysterious Potion and donated blood again, Araj will have left [[Letter from Araj|a note]] in the [[Chest of Grateful Words]] during the [[Epilogue]]. She reveals that she has begun the process of, literally, "resurrecting the glorious House Oblodra."


==Notable items sold==
==Notable items sold==
Corresponds to {{c|MOO_InfernalTrader_Trade}}.
Corresponds to {{c|MOO_InfernalTrader_Trade}}.
*{{RarityItem|Circlet of Hunting}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Circlet of Hunting}}
*{{RarityItem|Purple Worm Toxin}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Purple Worm Toxin}}
*{{RarityItem|Boots of Arcane Bolstering}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Boots of Arcane Bolstering}}
*{{RarityItem|Risky Ring}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Risky Ring}}
*{{RarityItem|Ring of Free Action}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Ring of Free Action}}
*{{RarityItem|Robe of Exquisite Focus}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Robe of Exquisite Focus}}
*{{RarityItem|Thunderskin Cloak}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Thunderskin Cloak}}
*{{RarityItem|Hat of Storm Scion's Power}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Hat of Storm Scion's Power}}


== Companion approval ==
==Companion approval==


=== Act II, Moonrise Towers ===
===Act II, Moonrise Towers===
{{Dialogue start}}
{{Dialogue start}}
{{dcond|When Astarion is brought before Araj Oblondra}}
{{dcond|When Astarion is brought before Araj Oblondra}}
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** {{dopt|'''Player character:''' He does what I tell him, if that's what you mean. {{Approval|Astarion|-2}}}}
** {{dopt|'''Player character:''' He does what I tell him, if that's what you mean. {{Approval|Astarion|-2}}}}
** {{dopt|'''Player character:''' Yes. All mine.}}
** {{dopt|'''Player character:''' Yes. All mine.}}
* {{dopt|'''Araj Obolndra:''' Can't you talk some sense into your obstinate charge?}}
* {{dopt|'''Araj Oblodra:''' Can't you talk some sense into your obstinate charge?}}
** {{dopt|'''Player character:''' He said no. There's nothing more to discuss. {{Approval|Astarion|+5}}}}
** {{dopt|'''Player character:''' He said no. There's nothing more to discuss. {{Approval|Astarion|+5}}}}
** {{dopt|'''Player character:''' I am surprised, Astarion. I thought you'd jump at a chance like this. ''or'' Just bite her - the potion sounds useful.}}
** {{dopt|'''Player character:''' I am surprised, Astarion. I thought you'd jump at a chance like this. ''or'' Just bite her - the potion sounds useful.}}
*** {{dopt|'''Astarion:''' I'm sorry, but could you excuse us for a moment?}}
*** {{dopt|'''Astarion:''' I'm sorry, but could you excuse us for a moment?}}
**** {{dopt|'''Player chracter:''' What do you mean? What's wrong with her blood?}}
**** {{dopt|'''Player character:''' What do you mean? What's wrong with her blood?}}
***** {{dopt|'''Araj Obolndra:''' I don't have all day, True Soul.}}
***** {{dopt|'''Araj Oblodra:''' I don't have all day, True Soul.}}
****** {{dopt|'''Player character:''' Don't do anything you don't want to. {{Approval|Astarion|+5}}}}
****** {{dopt|'''Player character:''' Don't do anything you don't want to. {{Approval|Astarion|+5}}}}
****** {{dopt|'''Player character:''' It's up to you, but we could really use that potion. {{Approval|Astarion|-3}}}}
****** {{dopt|'''Player character:''' It's up to you, but we could really use that potion. {{Approval|Astarion|-3}}}}
****** {{dopt|'''Player character:''' Just suck it up and bite her already. {{Approval|Astarion|-3}}}}
****** {{dopt|'''Player character:''' Just suck it up and bite her already. {{Approval|Astarion|-3}}}}
**** {{dopt|'''Player character:''' A potion that powerful could change our fates. Isn't that worth a bad taste in your mouth? {{Approval|Astarion|-3}}}}
**** {{dopt|'''Player character:''' A potion that powerful could change our fates. Isn't that worth a bad taste in your mouth? {{Approval|Astarion|-3}}}}
**** {{dopt|'''Player charcater:''' This is your choice - do what you want. {{Approval|Astarion|+5}}}}
**** {{dopt|'''Player character:''' This is your choice - do what you want. {{Approval|Astarion|+5}}}}
**** {{dopt|'''Player character:''' Don't be dramatic, it's just one bite. One nip and you're done. {{Approval|Astarion|-3}}}}
**** {{dopt|'''Player character:''' Don't be dramatic, it's just one bite. One nip and you're done. {{Approval|Astarion|-3}}}}
** {{dact|end}}
** {{dact|end}}
{{Dialogue end}}
{{Dialogue end}}


== Gallery ==
==Gallery==
<gallery heights="250px" mode="packed">
<gallery heights="250px" mode="packed">
Araj Act 3.webp|Araj in Act Three.
Araj Act 3.webp|Araj in Act Three.
</gallery>
</gallery>


== Quotes ==
==Related literature==
{{Q|It is said all House Oblodra perished when our estate was cast into the Clawrift. I am its last living daughter. Now the abyssal gulch in the heart of Menzoberranzan where our House was thrown is but an amusement.|Araj in [[Glory to the House of Oblodra]]}}


== Related literature ==
*{{MdItemIcon|HELP}}, an urgent plea from a hapless customer of Crimson Draughts suffering from Araj's care
*{{MdItemIcon|Open Investigation}}, a notice from the [[Flaming Fist]] warning Araj that her business is under investigation after complaints


* {{MdItemIcon|HELP}}, an urgent plea from a hapless customer of Crimson Draughts suffering from Araj's care
===Notes by Araj Oblodra===
* {{MdItemIcon|Open Investigation}}, a notice from the [[Flaming Fist]] warning Araj that her business is under investigation after complaints


=== Notes by Araj Oblodra ===
*{{MdItemIcon|Enver... Is your blood sweet?}}
*{{MdItemIcon|Letter from Araj}}


* {{MdItemIcon|Enver... Is your blood sweet?}}
===Books by Araj Oblodra===
* {{MdItemIcon|Letter from Araj}}


=== Books by Araj Oblodra ===
*{{MdItemIcon|Glory to the House of Oblodra}}
 
* {{MdItemIcon|Glory to the House of Oblodra}}


==Notes==
==Notes==
Line 194: Line 228:
* Donating blood in Act 2 awards the "Blood, Sweat, and the Other Thing" [[Inspiration]] to all characters with the [[Guild Artisan]] background.
* Donating blood in Act 2 awards the "Blood, Sweat, and the Other Thing" [[Inspiration]] to all characters with the [[Guild Artisan]] background.
* Donating blood in both Act 2 and 3 awards the "Innovations in Volatility" Inspiration to all characters with the [[Soldier]] background.
* Donating blood in both Act 2 and 3 awards the "Innovations in Volatility" Inspiration to all characters with the [[Soldier]] background.
* If you are using {{SAI|Disguise Self}} while giving blood, you will not obtain a different elixir.
{{noteend}}
{{noteend}}
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
* {{FRWiki|House Oblodra|long}}
* {{FRWiki|Clawrift|long}}


{{Moonrise Towers}}
{{Moonrise Towers}}
Line 206: Line 249:
[[Category:Characters in Act Three]]
[[Category:Characters in Act Three]]
[[category:Traders]]
[[category:Traders]]
<references />
[[Category:Authors]]
[[Category:Authors]]

Latest revision as of 10:03, 26 June 2024

Araj Oblodra is a drow trader and blood-focused alchemist who can be found in Moonrise Towers and the Lower City of Baldur's Gate. Other than the items she sells, she also offers unique potions in exchange for samples of blood, and will ask to speak with Astarion.

If no characters donate blood to Araj at Moonrise Towers, she will not appear at Lower City.

style=width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;

“
It is said all House Oblodra perished when our estate was cast into the Clawrift. I am its last living daughter. Now the abyssal gulch in the heart of Menzoberranzan where our House was thrown is but an amusement.
 „
— Araj Oblodra in Glory to the House of Oblodra

Description[edit | edit source]

While at first feigning the part of a studious researcher and alchemist, Araj is, simply, evil and insane. The gray-skinned, purple-eyed drow has no qualms with deception, torture, murder, and even genocide.

Her personality is manic and mercurial, switching from breathless excitement, to wheedling seduction, to murderous anger in seconds.

The player character being a True Soul is just what she's been looking for, and so Araj will use every trick that she has to convince them to give her exactly what she wants.

History[edit | edit source]

Araj Oblodra was a daughter of the now-defunct House Oblodra. Over a century ago, an alliance of rival drow in the city of Menzoberranzan destroyed her House, due to their association with psionics and illithids before and during the Time of Troubles, among many other crimes.[1]

Few survived the House's destruction, and Araj believes herself to be the last remaining daughter of Oblodra. Araj yearns to reinstate the House to its former glory.

Involvement[edit | edit source]

Act Two[edit | edit source]

In Act Two, Araj Oblodra can be found inside Moonrise Towers, poring over alchemical equipment.

If the player character is also a drow, they can remark upon her name:

  • Player character: Oblodra? That House was destroyed a century ago.
    • Araj: Thankfully, I wasn't in it at the time.
      • Araj: My cousins did like to boast about their view over the Clawrift. Now their bones decorate the bottom.
        • (End of dialogue)

Blood-draw elixirs[edit | edit source]

Araj will brew unique elixirs as payment for drawing blood from the True Souls in the party for her research.

Each character may give blood only once, incurring 1d3 damage in the process. As the elixirs contain some of the donated blood, the effects are generally themed on the race, and, in the case of dragonborns, subrace of the character giving blood.

Unlike normal elixirs, Araj's blood-draw elixir effects are not replaced when a character consumes a second elixir.

However, after consuming a blood-draw elixir and taking a long rest, the character will receive the condition Blood-draw Sickness Blood-draw Sickness, which causes a -1 to all dice rolls until another long rest.

If asked for her intentions with keeping the rest of the blood donation, Araj will attribute it to mere curiosity. With a DC 14 History check, knowledge of House Oblodra will allow the party to realise that Araj doesn't want True Soul blood, but Illithid blood specifically – an illicit subject for a drow to research. If this insight is shared with Araj, she will pay 200 gold for each subsequent blood donation, alongside the normal elixir.

Race Elixir
Black Dragonborn, Copper Dragonborn Elixir of Dragonborn Prowess: Acid
Blue Dragonborn, Bronze Dragonborn Elixir of Dragonborn Prowess: Lightning
Brass Dragonborn, Gold Dragonborn Elixir of Dragonborn Prowess: Fire
Green Dragonborn Elixir of Dragonborn Prowess: Poison
Silver Dragonborn, White Dragonborn Elixir of Dragonborn Prowess: Frost
Drow, Elf Elixir of Elven Elegance
Dwarf Elixir of Dwarven Resilience
Githyanki Elixir of Githyanki Providence
Gnome Elixir of Gnomish Ingenuity
Half-elf Elixir of Half-Elven Healing
Half-orc Elixir of Half-Orcish Fury
Halfling Elixir of Halfling Luck
Human Elixir of Human Versatility
Tiefling Elixir of Tiefling Vice

Interaction with Astarion[edit | edit source]

Araj deeply wishes to speak with Astarion. If Astarion is left at camp during her first interaction, Araj will politely ask that the vampire spawn be brought next.

When Araj speaks with Astarion, she excitedly asks that he bite her, so that she may study the effects of vampire bites up close. She offers the priceless Potion of Everlasting Vigour in exchange, which permanently increases the Strength of the one drinking it by 2.

Astarion will be loath to do so, privately noting to the player character that there is something deeply wrong with Araj's blood.

If told to do so anyway, despite his objections, Astarion will go through with Araj's desires. Astarion will feel used, resulting in -3 disapproval and a camp scene which may impact a romance between him and the player character if one exists.

There are no other consequences of Astarion obliging the request, despite how foul Araj's blood seems to be.

If Astarion was chosen as Origin, a simpler dialogue is instead shown, where the player character may choose to bite her.

Act Three[edit | edit source]

If blood was donated in Act 2, Araj can be found again in the Lower City of Baldur's Gate in Act 3. As the party approaches her shop, Crimson Draughts, just east of The Blushing Mermaid, a series of explosions will trigger and Araj will come running out on fire, yet thrilled. She praises the character, as their blood has given her a breakthrough of such magnitude she expects the drow Grand Matriach will restore her disgraced house, House Oblodra. The blood proved able to attach to even "the trickiest of substances," unlike anything she'd encountered before.[2]

If Astarion did not bite Araj in Act 2, she'll flirtatiously attempt to offer it once more. Astarion has now steeled his resolve and will forcefully refuse.

Araj is a trader in Act 3 as well, primarily retaining her inventory from Act 2.

If Araj was killed in Act 2, or no character donated their blood, Araj will be missing from her store and the explosions will not trigger on approach.

Mysterious Potion[edit | edit source]

After following Araj into her bombed-out shop, she'll breathlessly encourage the character to finish the research, and drink her new formula: Formula Gruna. The entire party urges them not to drink it.

Drinking the offered Mysterious Potion will deal 1d4 Slashing damage to the character and triggers a small explosion around them. The character then gains the permanent Unstable Blood Unstable Blood feature, causing them to bleed out Unstable Blood Unstable Blood surfaces when hurt. When these surfaces are exposed to flame, they explode, and turn into Fire Fire surfaces.

When spoken to next, Araj will be pleased to see they did not die, [3]and excited at the results. She giddily deems the character the "world's first detonative exsanguinator." In parting, and with no qualms at having so risked the character's life, she'll offer to provide another explosive in exchange for a nominal fee: another blood donation.

Agreeing to donate blood again will cause the character to take 2 damage, but gain a Sanguine Explosive. Beware that refusing to hand over any more blood will turn her permanently hostile.

Thereafter, Araj will accept blood donations once per long rest, gaining two Sanguine Explosives in her trader inventory each time.

Crimson Draughts[edit | edit source]

Main article: Crimson Draughts
Crimson Draughts is Araj Oblodra's apothecary in Lower City – seemingly for some time before the events of the game. Araj has been operating what appears to be a legitimate business selling potions to infirm citizens. However, a note found inside Crimson Draughts' mailbox reveals that the insane drow alchemist has been swapping some orders with her own tinctures, causing horrific injury.

Downstairs, untouched by the explosions, her journal reveals the true purpose of her research. She intends to resurrect an army of the dead and reinstate the defunct House Oblodra; and if rebuffed, to use explosives to kill all in the Drow city of Menzoberranzan, and rule as queen over an undead populace.

Whether through lockpicking or using the key nearby, venturing into the shop's basement reveals Araj's small laboratory. Makeshift cells contain the less-voluntary participants, with humans and beasts chained to the wall or mutilated. The butchered corpse of a Spectator can be found near her research table.

Epilogue[edit | edit source]

If the player character donated blood in Act 2, and in Act 3 drank the Mysterious Potion and donated blood again, Araj will have left a note in the Chest of Grateful Words during the Epilogue. She reveals that she has begun the process of, literally, "resurrecting the glorious House Oblodra."

Notable items sold[edit | edit source]

Corresponds to MOO_InfernalTrader_Trade.

Companion approval[edit | edit source]

Act II, Moonrise Towers[edit | edit source]

(When Astarion is brought before Araj Oblondra)
  • Araj Oblodra: And he's yours to command... My envy is palpable.
    • Player character: Excuse me? He's his own person. Astarion approves +5
    • Player character: He does what I tell him, if that's what you mean. Astarion disapproves -2
    • Player character: Yes. All mine.
  • Araj Oblodra: Can't you talk some sense into your obstinate charge?
    • Player character: He said no. There's nothing more to discuss. Astarion approves +5
    • Player character: I am surprised, Astarion. I thought you'd jump at a chance like this. or Just bite her - the potion sounds useful.
      • Astarion: I'm sorry, but could you excuse us for a moment?
        • Player character: What do you mean? What's wrong with her blood?
          • Araj Oblodra: I don't have all day, True Soul.
            • Player character: Don't do anything you don't want to. Astarion approves +5
            • Player character: It's up to you, but we could really use that potion. Astarion disapproves -3
            • Player character: Just suck it up and bite her already. Astarion disapproves -3
        • Player character: A potion that powerful could change our fates. Isn't that worth a bad taste in your mouth? Astarion disapproves -3
        • Player character: This is your choice - do what you want. Astarion approves +5
        • Player character: Don't be dramatic, it's just one bite. One nip and you're done. Astarion disapproves -3
    • (End of dialogue)

Gallery[edit | edit source]

  • Araj in Act Three.

    Araj in Act Three.

Related literature[edit | edit source]

  • HELP, an urgent plea from a hapless customer of Crimson Draughts suffering from Araj's care
  • Open Investigation, a notice from the Flaming Fist warning Araj that her business is under investigation after complaints

Notes by Araj Oblodra[edit | edit source]

Books by Araj Oblodra[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  • Araj is referred to as an "Infernal Merchant" and demon in the games files.
  • Hirelings may exchange blood for elixirs, suggesting that they have illithid blood.
  • As of Hotfix 21, in Moonrise Towers, Araj does not seem to become hostile if she catches a prty member pickpocketing.
  • Donating blood in Act 2 awards the "Blood, Sweat, and the Other Thing" Inspiration to all characters with the Guild Artisan background.
  • Donating blood in both Act 2 and 3 awards the "Innovations in Volatility" Inspiration to all characters with the Soldier background.
  • If you are using Disguise Self Disguise Self while giving blood, you will not obtain a different elixir.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Act Two, Moonrise Towers Narrator: Intelligence (History): *You realise why the name rings familiar: House Oblodra was purged a century ago by an alliance of rival drow houses.* Narrator: *Among the many crimes tallied against them - their reckless experimentation with illithid breeding-stock.*
  2. ↑ Act Three, Crimson Draughts basement. "A Breakthrough at Last" The sample of blood that adventurer gave me was a rare find! It is hot, ready, unyielding. After spinning it for an hour, it didn't separate. After boiling and recondensing it, it reformed, exactly the same as it was. I think its droplets will be willing to attach themselves to even the trickiest of substances... Liquid gold, sal, sulphur and mercury, hair, chalk, and clay. It will make a special brew, able to adapt to any elemental quality. But which to choose?
  3. ↑ Act Three, Crimson Draughts Araj Oblodra: You are the world's first detonative exsanguinator. To put it simply: From this day on, your blood goes boom. Big boom! Ahaha! It's incredible!

External links[edit | edit source]


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