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(the disapproval from the Astarion/Araj interaction is only -3, not something relationship-ending)
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{{PageSeo
{{PageSeo
| description = Araj Oblodra is a Drow trader in Moonrise Towers.
| description = Araj Oblodra is a Drow trader in Moonrise Towers and Lower City.
| image = Araj Oblodra Portrait.webp
| image = Araj Oblodra Portrait.webp
}}
}}
{{CharacterInfo
{{Infobox character
|title = Trader
| name = Araj Oblodra
|image = [[File:Araj Oblodra Portrait.webp|350px]]
| image = Araj Oblodra Portrait.webp
|imagename= Act 2
| role = [[Trader]]
|image2 = [[File:Araj_Act_3.webp|350px]]
| race = [[Lolth-sworn drow]]
|imagename2= Act 3
| voice = Hanako Footman
|name = Araj Oblodra
| hometown = [[Baldur's Gate]]
|STR=10
| class = [[Rogue]]
|DEX=17
| level = 6
|CON=12
 
|INT=12
| modules =
|WIS=10
{{Infobox statistics
|CHA=12
| child = yes
|dex save=yes
| size = Medium
|int save=yes
| type = Humanoid
|level=6
| armour_class = 14
|race=Lolth-Sworn Drow
| hit_points = 52
|type=Humanoid
| movement_speed_meters = 9
|HP=52
| movement_speed_feet = 30
|AC=14
| weight_kg = 75
|speed=9m / 30ft
| weight_lb = 150
|size=Medium
| hiddenlevel = 6
|weight=75kg / 150lbs
| str = 10
|proficiency=3
| dex = 17
|initiative=+3
| con = 12
|location = [[Moonrise Towers]],
| int = 12
[[Lower City]] {{coords|-91|-93}}
| wis = 10
|passive= {{PAS|Darkvision}}
| cha = 12
{{PAS|Fey Ancestry}}
| dex_save_proficiency = yes
{{PAS|Opportunity Attack}}
| int_save_proficiency = yes
{{PAS|Sunlight Sensitivity}}
 
{{PAS|Uncanny Dodge}}
| feature1_name = Darkvision
| feature1_description = Can see in the dark up to 12m.
| feature2_name = Fey Ancestry
| feature2_description = Immunity to sleep and advantage on saves against Charmed.
| feature3_name = Opportunity Attack
| feature3_description = Automatically attack an enemy moving out of your reach.
| feature4_name = Sunlight Sensitivity
| feature4_description = While in sunlight, disadvantage on attack rolls and Perception checks that rely on sight.
| feature5_name = Uncanny Dodge
| feature5_description = Once per round, when an attack hits you, you only take half damage.
}}
}}
}}
'''Araj Oblodra''' is a [[drow]] [[Traders|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]].


'''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 asks to speak with [[Astarion]], and offers you a potion in exchange for a sample of your blood.
If no characters donate blood to Araj at Moonrise Towers, she will not appear at Lower City.


== Speaking with Astarion ==
==History==
When you bring Astarion to speak with her, she asks him to bite her so that she may study the effects of vampire bites up close. She offers a {{SmIconLink|Potion of Animal Speaking Icon.png|Potion of Everlasting Vigour}} in exchange, which permanently increases the [[Strength]] of the one drinking it by 2. Astarion is reluctant to do so, sensing there is something wrong with Araj's blood, but he will comply if you ask him to, no ability check required (although he does disapprove). It should be warned that this choice can end his romance if the character presses him to do so.
{{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]]}}
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.


== Blood for potions ==
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.
Araj offers potions in exchange for True Soul blood. With a DC 14 [[Intelligence]] ([[History]]) check, you can determine that she wants [[Illithid]] blood rather than [[True Soul]] blood specifically, and if you reveal what you know of her intentions she'll up her offer to 200 gold along with each potion.


Each character may give blood once, taking D3 HP of damage, this includes hirelings which suggests they, too, have Illithid blood. The potion you receive depends on the race of the character giving the blood. As with standard elixirs, the effects last until a long rest, excepting the "Elixir of Half-Elven Healing" which is simply a single-use consumable. Unlike elixirs, however, the potion's effect is not replaced when you drink another elixir (game version 4.11.3669438). Using these potions inflicts the condition Blood-draw Sickness after a long rest. The tool tip reads Nothing is ever free- until the next long rest the affected entity has a -1 to all dice rolls.
== Involvement ==
{{SpoilerWarning}}
=== Act Two ===
In Act Two, Araj Oblodra can be found hard at work found inside Moonrise Towers, poring over alchemical equipment.  


{| class="wikitable"
==== Blood-draw elixirs ====
!Race !! Potion !! Effect
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" order=
!Race !! Elixir
|-
|[[Black Dragonborn]], [[Copper Dragonborn]]
|{{RarityItem|Elixir of Dragonborn Prowess: Acid}}
|-
|[[Blue Dragonborn]], [[Bronze Dragonborn]]
|{{RarityItem|Elixir of Dragonborn Prowess: Lightning}}
|-
|-
|[[Elf]]|| [[Elixir of Elven Elegance]] || +10m [[Movement Speed|movement speed]], [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]], and immunity to [[Charmed (Condition)|Charmed]]
|[[Brass Dragonborn]], [[Gold Dragonborn]]
|{{RarityItem|Elixir of Dragonborn Prowess: Fire}}
|-
|-
|[[Dragonborn]]|| [[Elixir of Dragonborn Prowess: Acid]], [[Elixir of Dragonborn Prowess: Fire|Fire]], [[Elixir of Dragonborn Prowess: Frost|Frost]], [[Elixir of Dragonborn Prowess: Lightning|Lightning]], [[Elixir of Dragonborn Prowess: Poison|Poison]] || [[Advantage]] on [[Intimidation]] and [[Persuasion]] Checks, resistance and ability based on [[Black Dragonborn|subrace]].
|[[Green Dragonborn]]
|{{RarityItem|Elixir of Dragonborn Prowess: Poison}}
|-
|-
|[[Drow]]||[[Elixir of Elven Elegance]] || +10m [[Movement Speed|movement speed]], [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]], and immunity to [[Charmed (Condition)|Charmed]]
|[[Silver Dragonborn]], [[White Dragonborn]]
|{{RarityItem|Elixir of Dragonborn Prowess: Frost}}
|-
|-
|[[Dwarf]]|| [[Elixir of Dwarven Resilience]] || Add [[proficiency]] to [[Saving Throws]] three times, or until [[Long Rest|long rest]]
|[[Drow]], [[Elf]]|| {{RarityItem|Elixir of Elven Elegance}}
|-
|-
|[[Githyanki]]|| [[Elixir of Githyanki Providence]] || Cast [[Misty Step]], [[Enhance Leap|Invigorate Leap]], and [[Blur]] once each
||[[Dwarf]]|| {{RarityItem|Elixir of Dwarven Resilience}}
|-
|-
|[[Gnome]]|| [[Elixir of Gnomish Ingenuity]] || [[Sleight of Hand]] [[proficiency]], cast [[Knock]] once
|[[Githyanki]]|| {{RarityItem|Elixir of Githyanki Providence}}
|-
|-
|[[Half-Elf]]|| [[Elixir of Half-Elven Healing]] || You and surrounding allies regain hit points equal to your [[Constitution]] score
|[[Gnome]]|| {{RarityItem|Elixir of Gnomish Ingenuity}}
''Note: Although the description says that the potion heals equal to your Con score, the actual healing is 1d20+Con.''
|-
|-
|[[Half-Orc]]||[[Elixir of Half-Orcish Fury]] || When you are [[Downed (Condition)|Downed]] before your next [[Long Rest]], you instead drop to 1 hit point thanks to the relentless will roiling in your veins.
|[[Half-elf]]|| {{RarityItem|Elixir of Half-Elven Healing}}
|-
|-
|[[Halfling]]|| [[Elixir of Halfling Luck]] || [[Advantage]] on skill checks
|[[Half-orc]]||{{RarityItem|Elixir of Half-Orcish Fury}}
|-
|-
|[[Human]]|| [[Elixir of Human Versatility]] || [[Proficiency]] in all [[skills]]
|[[Halfling]]|| {{RarityItem|Elixir of Halfling Luck}}
|-
|-
|[[Tiefling]]|| [[Elixir of Tiefling Vice]] || Cast [[Thaumaturgy]], [[Hellish Rebuke]], [[Burning Hands]], and [[Flame Blade]] once each
|[[Human]]|| {{RarityItem|Elixir of Human Versatility}}
|-
|[[Tiefling]]|| {{RarityItem|Elixir of Tiefling Vice}}
|}
|}


== Unstable Blood ==
==== Interaction with Astarion ====
You can find Araj again in the [[Lower City]] of Baldur's Gate in Act 3. As the player approaches her shop, Crimson Draughts, just east of [[The Blushing Mermaid]], a series of explosions will begin and Araj will come running out, on fire and thrilled. She'll offer the player a potion, the newest results of her research.
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.


This "Mysterious Potion" causes a small explosion when drunk, and imbues the consuming character with the permanent {{SmIconLink|Generic Blood Icon.png|Unstable Blood}} passive feature, turning their blood into a flammable explosive.
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.


In the locked basement of her shop, you can discover the butchered remains of several less-voluntary participants in Araj's research. Her journal also reveals the true purpose of her research, to find a way to restore House Oblodra to its former glory, or failing that, to exact explosive vengeance for the fallen house.
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.


== History ==
If told to do so anyway, despite his objections, Astarion will go through with Araj's desires. Astarion will feel used, and the [[Astarion/approval#Act_Two_2|-3 disapproval]] from this may impact a [[Astarion/Romance|romance between him]] and the player character if one exists.
Araj Oblodra is part of the now defunct House Oblodra. Over a century ago, an alliance of rival drow destroyed her House, due to their association with psionics and illithids before and during the Time of Troubles. House Oblodra was known for, among other things, reckless experimentation with illithid breeding-stock.


Very few survived the House's destruction, making Araj Oblodra one of few members left alive. The only other two known survivors of House Oblodra [https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/K%27yorl_Odran K'yorl Odran], a Matron Mother of the house, and [https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Kimmuriel_Oblodra Kimmuriel Oblodra], who had joined the Bregan D'aerthe after the house's fall.
There are no other consequences of Astarion obliging the request, despite how foul Araj's blood seems to be.


== Notable items sold ==
=== 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 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.
 
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.
 
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 ====
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 [[Unstable Blood (area)|Unstable Blood surfaces]] when hurt. When these surfaces are exposed to flame, they explode, and turn into [[Fire (area)|Fire surfaces]].
 
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.
 
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.
 
Thereafter, Araj will accept blood donations once per long rest, gaining two Sanguine Explosives in her trader inventory each time.
 
==== 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.
 
Downstairs, untouched by the explosions, [[Glory to the House of Oblodra|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 [[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 ===
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==
Corresponds to {{c|MOO_InfernalTrader_Trade}}.
*{{RarityItem|Circlet of Hunting}}
*{{RarityItem|Circlet of Hunting}}
*{{RarityItem|Purple Worm Toxin}}
*{{RarityItem|Purple Worm Toxin}}
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*{{RarityItem|Thunderskin Cloak}}
*{{RarityItem|Thunderskin Cloak}}
*{{RarityItem|Hat of Storm Scion's Power}}
*{{RarityItem|Hat of Storm Scion's Power}}
== Companion approval ==
=== Act II, Moonrise Towers ===
{{Dialogue start}}
{{dcond|When Astarion is brought before Araj Oblondra}}
* {{dopt|'''Araj Oblodra:''' And he's yours to command... My envy is palpable.}}
** {{dopt|'''Player character:''' Excuse me? He's his own person. {{Approval|Astarion|+5}}}}
** {{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|'''Araj Obolndra:''' 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:''' 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|'''Player chracter:''' What do you mean? What's wrong with her blood?}}
***** {{dopt|'''Araj Obolndra:''' 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:''' 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:''' 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:''' Don't be dramatic, it's just one bite. One nip and you're done. {{Approval|Astarion|-3}}}}
** {{dact|end}}
{{Dialogue end}}
== Gallery ==
<gallery heights="250px" mode="packed">
Araj Act 3.webp|Araj in Act Three.
</gallery>
== 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
=== Notes by Araj Oblodra ===
* {{MdItemIcon|Enver... Is your blood sweet?}}
* {{MdItemIcon|Letter from Araj}}
=== Books by Araj Oblodra ===
* {{MdItemIcon|Glory to the House of Oblodra}}


==Notes==
==Notes==
{{notebegin}}
{{notebegin}}
* Araj is referred to as an "Infernal Merchant" and demon in the games files.
* 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 the player 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.
{{noteend}}
{{noteend}}


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[[category:Drow]]
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{{NavBaldursGate}}
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[[Category:Authors]]

Revision as of 09:18, 15 April 2024

Araj Oblodra
Level 6
RoleTrader
Voiced byHanako Footman
Information
RaceLolth-sworn drow
ClassRogue
HometownBaldur's Gate
Stats
SizeMedium
TypeHumanoid
Armour Class14
Hit points52
Movement speed9 m (30 ft)
Weight75 kg (150 lb)
Initiative+3
Ability scores
STRDEXCONINTWISCHA
10
(0)		17
(+3)		12
(+1)		12
(+1)		10
(0)		12
(+1)
Proficiency bonus+3
Saving throws
  • Str 0
  • Dex +6
  • Con +1
  • Int +4
  • Wis 0
  • Cha +1
Features
Darkvision Darkvision
Can see in the dark up to 12m.
Fey Ancestry Fey Ancestry
Immunity to sleep and advantage on saves against Charmed.
Opportunity Attack Opportunity Attack
Automatically attack an enemy moving out of your reach.
Sunlight Sensitivity Sunlight Sensitivity
While in sunlight, disadvantage on attack rolls and Perception checks that rely on sight.
Uncanny Dodge Uncanny Dodge
Once per round, when an attack hits you, you only take half damage.

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.

History

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

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.

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 hard at work found inside Moonrise Towers, poring over alchemical equipment.

Blood-draw elixirs

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. The effects of these potions 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, which causes a -1 to all dice rolls until another long rest.

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 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.

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

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 pricelessPotion of Everlasting Vigour in exchange, which permanently increases the Strength of the one drinking it by 2.

If Astarion is not the player's 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.

If told to do so anyway, despite his objections, Astarion will go through with Araj's desires. Astarion will feel used, and the -3 disapproval from this 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.

Act Three

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 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.

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.

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

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 offeredMysterious 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 surfaces when hurt. When these surfaces are exposed to flame, they explode, and turn into Fire surfaces.

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.

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.

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

Crimson Draughts

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

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

Corresponds to MOO_InfernalTrader_Trade.

Companion approval

Act II, Moonrise Towers

(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 Obolndra: 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 chracter: What do you mean? What's wrong with her blood?
          • Araj Obolndra: 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 charcater: 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

  • Araj in Act Three.

    Araj in Act Three.

Related literature

  • 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

Books by Araj Oblodra

Notes

  • 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 the player 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.


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