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</gallery>
</gallery>
| role = [[Trader]]
| role = [[Trader]]
| race = [[Lolth-sworn drow]]
| race = [[Drow]]
| subrace = [[Lolth-Sworn Drow]]
| va = Hanako Footman
| va = Hanako Footman
| hometown = [[Baldur's Gate]],<br> [https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Menzoberranzan Menzoberranzan] (former)
| hometown = [[Baldur's Gate]],<br> [https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Menzoberranzan Menzoberranzan] (former)
| class = [[Rogue]]
| class = [[Rogue]]
| level = 6
| level = 6
| size = Medium
| size = [[Medium]]
| type = [[Humanoid]]
| type = [[Humanoid]]
| ac = 14
| ac = 14
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| perception = 0
| perception = 0
}}
}}
'''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]] [[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 asks to speak with {{CharLink|Astarion}}.
 
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]]}}
{{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 ==
== Overview ==
While at first feigning the part of a studious researcher and alchemist, Araj is, simply, evil and insane. The gray-skinned, red-eyed drow has no qualms with deception, torture, murder, and even genocide.
=== Description ===
While Araj does at first feigning the part of a studious researcher and alchemist, the gray-skinned, red-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.
===History===
 
Araj Oblodra was a daughter of the now-defunct {{FRWiki|House Oblodra}}. [[Timeline|Over a century ago]], an alliance of rival drow in the city of {{FRWiki|Menzoberranzan}} destroyed her House, due to their association with psionics and [[Mind flayers|illithids]] before and during the {{FRWiki|Time of Troubles}}, among many other crimes.<ref>Act Two, [[Moonrise Towers]]
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==
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: Intelligence (History): *You realise why the name rings familiar: House Oblodra was purged a century ago by an alliance of rival drow houses.*
Line 61: Line 57:
==Involvement==
==Involvement==
===Act Two===
===Act Two===
In [[Act Two]], Araj Oblodra can be found inside Moonrise Towers, poring over alchemical equipment.  
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:  
If the player character is also a drow, they can remark upon her name:  
Line 73: Line 69:


====Blood-draw elixirs====
====Blood-draw elixirs====
Araj will brew unique [[Elixirs]] as payment for drawing blood from the [[True Soul|True Souls]] in the party for her research.
Araj brews 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. 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. Note that if the character is [[Disguise_Self_(Condition)|disguised]] while donating their blood, the potion they receive will still be that of their original race.
Each character can 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. If the character is [[Disguise_Self_(Condition)|disguised]] while donating their blood, the potion they receive will still be that of their original race.


Unlike normal elixirs, Araj's blood-draw elixir effects are ''not'' replaced when a character consumes a second elixir. The Half-elf version is not a true elixir at all, as it does not impart a long-lasting condition, but is instead a single-use healing consumable.  
Unlike normal elixirs, Araj's blood-draw elixir effects are ''not'' replaced when a character consumes a second elixir. The half-elven version is not a true elixir at all, as it does not impart a long-lasting condition, but is instead a single-use healing consumable.  


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.
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.


Upon first speaking with Araj (and if Astarion is not in the party) she will, if asked for her intentions with keeping the rest of the blood donation, attribute it to mere curiosity. However, if the character passes a {{Ability check|History|14}}, knowledge of {{FRWiki|House Oblodra}} will allow them to realise Araj doesn't merely want True Soul blood, but [[Illithid]] blood specifically – an illicit subject for drow to research. If this insight is shared with Araj, she will pay 200 gold for each blood donation (including the current one) alongside the normal elixir. Note that if Astarion is in the party upon first meeting, the History check may not be made and, by extension, Araj may not additionally offer gold in exchange for blood.
Upon first speaking with Araj (and if Astarion is not in the party) she can be asked about her intentions with keeping the rest of the blood donation. She then attributes it to mere curiosity. However, if the character passes a {{Ability check|History|14}}, knowledge of {{FRWiki|House Oblodra}} allows them to realise Araj does not merely want True Soul blood, but [[Illithid]] blood specifically – an illicit subject for drow to research. If this insight is shared with Araj, she pays 200 gold for each blood donation (including the current one) alongside the normal elixir. If Astarion is in the party upon first meeting, the History check may not be made and, by extension, Araj may not additionally offer gold in exchange for blood.


If responding to her offer with ''Keep it, your gold. I prefer to know what the sect does to non-believers.'', she refuses, saying that she has a project, which she cannot risk losing a unique specimen like the player character and that she has no choice but to observe the evolution of the player character from afar. Then she will turn invisible and run to disappear from Moonrise Towers and Act 2.
If responding to her offer with ''Keep it, your gold. I prefer to know what the sect does to non-believers.'', she refuses, saying that she has a project, which she cannot risk losing a unique specimen like the player character and that she has no choice but to observe the evolution of the player character from afar. Then she turns invisible and runs to disappear from Moonrise Towers and [[Act Two]].
 
Donating blood in [[Act Two]] awards the "Blood, Sweat, and the Other Thing" [[Inspiration]] to all characters with the [[Guild Artisan]] background.


{| class="wikitable sortable" order
{| class="wikitable sortable" order
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==== Interaction with Astarion====
==== Interaction with Astarion====
Araj deeply wishes to speak with {{CharLink|Astarion}}. If he is left at camp, or is far enough away from the party during her first interaction, she will politely ask that the vampire spawn be brought next.
Araj deeply wishes to speak with {{CharLink|Astarion}}. If he is left at camp, or is far enough away from the party during her first interaction, she politely asks, that the vampire spawn be brought next time.


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


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


If the player character's approval with Astarion is high enough in some conversation options where he is presented with a choice in the matter (or if he is told to do so anyway, despite his objections), Astarion will go through with Araj's desires. However, he will literally retch after doing so and 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 the player character's approval with Astarion is high enough (in some conversation options where he is presented with a choice in the matter) or if he is told to do so anyway - despite his objections, Astarion gives in to Araj's desires. However, he literally retches after doing so and feels used, resulting in [[Astarion/approval#Act_Two_2|-3 disapproval]] and a camp scene which impacts a [[Astarion/Romance|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.
There are no other consequences of Astarion obliging the request, despite how foul Araj's blood seems to be.
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===Act Three ===
===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"
If blood was donated in [[Act Three]], Araj can be found again in the [[Lower City]] of Baldur's Gate in [[Act Three|Act 3]]. On approaching her shop, Crimson Draughts, just east of [[The Blushing Mermaid]], a series of explosions will trigger and Araj runs 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 has 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.
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.
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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>
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 attempt to offer it once more. Astarion has now steeled his resolve and will forcefully refuse.
If Astarion did not bite Araj in Act 2, she flirtatiously attempts 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 Three]] 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.
If Araj was killed in [[Act Two]], or no character donated their blood, Araj is not at her store and the explosions do 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. If accepting the potion and then leaving her shop without gulping it, she will interject and insist, if refused she'll turn hostile.  
After following Araj into her bombed-out shop, she breathlessly encourages the player character to finish the research, and drink her new formula: Formula Gruna. The entire party urges them not to drink it. If accepting the potion and then leaving her shop without gulping it, she interjects and insists, if refused she turns hostile.  


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}} surfaces when hurt. When these surfaces are exposed to flame, they explode, and turn into {{Area|Fire}} surfaces.
Drinking the offered {{SmRarityItem|Mysterious Potion}} deals 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}} surfaces when hurt. When these surfaces are exposed to flame, they explode, and turn into {{Area|Fire}} surfaces.


When spoken to next, Araj will be pleased to see they did not die, 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.
When spoken to next, Araj is pleased to see, that the character did not die, and is excited at the results. She giddily deems the character the world's first ''detonative exsanguinator''. In parting, and with no qualms at having risked the character's life, she offers 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 {{SmRarityItem|Sanguine Explosive}}. Beware that 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 {{SmRarityItem|Sanguine Explosive}}. Refusing to hand over any more blood turns her hostile.


Thereafter, Araj will accept blood donations once per long rest, gaining two Sanguine Explosives in her trader inventory each time.
Thereafter, Araj accepts 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.
Araj's shop [[Crimson Draughts]] is her 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 drow alchemist has been swapping some orders with her own tinctures, causing horrific injuries.


Downstairs, untouched by the explosions, {{SmRarityItem|Glory to the House of Oblodra}} 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.
Downstairs, untouched by the explosions, {{SmRarityItem|Glory to the House of Oblodra}} 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 {{FRWiki|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.
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.
Donating blood in both [[Act Three]] awards the "Innovations in Volatility" Inspiration to all characters with the [[Soldier]] background.


===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 {{SmRarityItem|Letter from Araj|a note}} in the {{SmRarityItem|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 Moonrise Towers and the Lower City, drank the {{SmRarityItem|Mysterious Potion}} and donated blood again, Araj has left {{SmRarityItem|Letter from Araj|a note}} in the {{SmRarityItem|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==
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* 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.
* 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 party member pickpocketing.
* As of Hotfix 21, in Moonrise Towers, Araj does not seem to become hostile if she catches a party member pickpocketing.{{verify}}
* 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.
* Using {{SAI|Disguise Self}} while giving blood does not change which elixir will be received, and also will not allow to donate a second time.
{{noteend}}
{{noteend}}



Latest revision as of 22:00, 14 December 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 asks to speak with Astarion Astarion.


Portrait Araj Oblodra.png
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.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Description[edit | edit source]

While Araj does at first feigning the part of a studious researcher and alchemist, the gray-skinned, red-eyed drow has no qualms with deception, torture, murder, and even genocide.

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 brews unique Elixirs as payment for drawing blood from the True Souls in the party for her research.

Each character can 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. If the character is disguised while donating their blood, the potion they receive will still be that of their original race.

Unlike normal elixirs, Araj's blood-draw elixir effects are not replaced when a character consumes a second elixir. The half-elven version is not a true elixir at all, as it does not impart a long-lasting condition, but is instead a single-use healing consumable.

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.

Upon first speaking with Araj (and if Astarion is not in the party) she can be asked about her intentions with keeping the rest of the blood donation. She then attributes it to mere curiosity. However, if the character passes a DC 14 History check, knowledge of House Oblodra allows them to realise Araj does not merely want True Soul blood, but Illithid blood specifically – an illicit subject for drow to research. If this insight is shared with Araj, she pays 200 gold for each blood donation (including the current one) alongside the normal elixir. If Astarion is in the party upon first meeting, the History check may not be made and, by extension, Araj may not additionally offer gold in exchange for blood.

If responding to her offer with Keep it, your gold. I prefer to know what the sect does to non-believers., she refuses, saying that she has a project, which she cannot risk losing a unique specimen like the player character and that she has no choice but to observe the evolution of the player character from afar. Then she turns invisible and runs to disappear from Moonrise Towers and Act Two.

Donating blood in Act Two awards the "Blood, Sweat, and the Other Thing" Inspiration to all characters with the Guild Artisan background.

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 Astarion. If he is left at camp, or is far enough away from the party during her first interaction, she politely asks, that the vampire spawn be brought next time.

When Araj can speak with Astarion, she excitedly asks, that he bite her, so 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 is loath to do so and if asked, privately notes to the player character, that there is something deeply wrong with Araj's blood.

If the player character's approval with Astarion is high enough (in some conversation options where he is presented with a choice in the matter) or if he is told to do so anyway - despite his objections, Astarion gives in to Araj's desires. However, he literally retches after doing so and feels used, resulting in -3 disapproval and a camp scene which impacts 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 Three, Araj can be found again in the Lower City of Baldur's Gate in Act 3. On approaching her shop, Crimson Draughts, just east of The Blushing Mermaid, a series of explosions will trigger and Araj runs 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 has encountered before.[2]

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

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

If Araj was killed in Act Two, or no character donated their blood, Araj is not at her store and the explosions do not trigger on approach.

Mysterious Potion[edit | edit source]

After following Araj into her bombed-out shop, she breathlessly encourages the player character to finish the research, and drink her new formula: Formula Gruna. The entire party urges them not to drink it. If accepting the potion and then leaving her shop without gulping it, she interjects and insists, if refused she turns hostile.

Drinking the offered Mysterious Potion deals 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 is pleased to see, that the character did not die, and is excited at the results. She giddily deems the character the world's first detonative exsanguinator. In parting, and with no qualms at having risked the character's life, she offers 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 turns her hostile.

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

Crimson Draughts[edit | edit source]

Araj's shop Crimson Draughts is her 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 drow alchemist has been swapping some orders with her own tinctures, causing horrific injuries.

Downstairs, untouched by the explosions, Glory to the House of Oblodra 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.

Donating blood in both Act Three awards the "Innovations in Volatility" Inspiration to all characters with the Soldier background.

Epilogue[edit | edit source]

If the player character donated blood in Moonrise Towers and the Lower City, drank the Mysterious Potion and donated blood again, Araj has 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)

Combat[edit | edit source]

Attacks and abilities[edit | edit source]

Dash Bonus Action.webp
Cunning Action: Dash Cunning Action: Dash ()
Cover more distance this turn: double your movement speed.
 Range: Self
Disengage Bonus Action.webp
Cunning Action: Disengage Cunning Action: Disengage ()
Retreat safely. Moving won't provoke Opportunity Attacks.
 Range: Self
Sneak Attack Melee.webp
Sneak Attack Sneak Attack ()
Normal weapon damage +
D6 Weapon.png 1d6 (1~6) Damage TypesWeapon

Deal extra damage to a foe you have Advantage Icon.png Advantage against. Also works if you have an ally within 1.5 m / 5 ft of the target and you don't have Disadvantage Icon.png Disadvantage.

 Range: Normal weapon range
Recharge: Per turn
Sneak Attack Ranged.webp
Sneak Attack Sneak Attack ()
Normal weapon damage +
D6 Weapon.png 1d6 (1~6) Damage TypesWeapon

Deal an extra 1d6 damage to a foe you have Advantage Icon.png Advantage against. You can also use Sneak Attack if you have an ally within 1.5 m / 5 ft of the target and you don't have Disadvantage Icon.png Disadvantage.

 Range: Normal weapon range
Recharge: Per turn

Notable loot[edit | edit source]

Related literature[edit | edit source]

  • A Breakthrough at Last, detailing experiments on the blood obtained from the party
  • 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]

Gallery[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 party member pickpocketing.[Needs Verification]

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?

External links[edit | edit source]