Status: Wealthy noblewoman, widow of the late Lord Eryndor Moongrace
Description:
Lady Selandra Moongrace cuts an elegant figure despite her years, draped in
shimmering silks of midnight blue and silver embroidery that recall the
moonlight. Her once-jet hair is now a silvery cascade, worn in elaborate braids
that show her noble lineage. Her pale eyes gleam with sharp intelligence, and
her posture is as poised as a queen’s, though her hands tremble faintly from
age.
Selandra is well known among Lygos’ high society as a patron of the arts and a generous benefactor of the Temple of Selune. Many remember her as the faithful wife of Lord Eryndor, who passed two decades ago, leaving her one of the wealthiest widows in the city. She is respected, even revered—though whispered gossip calls her cold and distant, even by elven standards.
Personality:
- Outwardly: Polished, dignified, and composed, with the regal bearing of old nobility. Speaks in a calm, deliberate tone, and is difficult to fluster.
- Inwardly: Haunted by her past, secretly bitter that the city she gave her life to doesn’t value her influence as much as it once did. Her greatest flaw is her conviction that the ends justify the means—a mindset born from her former cult life.
Secret Past:
Unknown to most, Selandra was once a devoted member of the Cult of the Dragon, before she renounced that life and married into the Moongrace
family. Though she buried her past, she never entirely abandoned her knowledge
of the cult’s practices, contacts, and rituals.
Story Role:
When the orc siege threatens to overwhelm Lygos, Lady Selandra’s desperation
leads her to a catastrophic decision. She secretly reestablishes contact with
old cult allies, believing that summoning a dragon to defend the city is worth
any cost. What she refuses to admit—even to herself—is that such a dragon would
not leave after the battle. It would become a cruel, tyrannical overlord,
enslaving Lygos in exchange for its protection.
Adventure
Hook:
The players uncover her scheme just as the cult begins preparations to summon
the dragon. Selandra will justify her actions with chilling logic:
“Better a tyrant dragon than a city of ash and bone. Orcs destroy, but
dragons rule.”
The party must stop her and the cultists before the summoning is complete—or else face the siege turning into something far worse.
Medium humanoid (elf), lawful neutral with a hidden streak of fanaticism
Armor Class: 12 (noble finery, magical wards)
Hit Points: ~78 (12d8 + 24)
Speed: 30 ft.
Abilities:
- STR 9, DEX 14, CON 14, INT 16, WIS 15, CHA 18
- Saving Throws: Wis +5, Cha +7
- Skills: Persuasion +9, Arcana +6, History +6, Deception +7, Insight +5
- Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12
- Languages: Common, Elvish, Draconic, Infernal
Traits
- Silver-Tongued Matriarch: Advantage on Persuasion checks when appealing to tradition, duty, or civic pride.
- Cult Secrets: Selandra retains fragments of ritual knowledge from her time with the Cult of the Dragon, allowing her to perform unique summoning rites.
- Spellcasting: Selandra is a 7th-level
spellcaster (Wisdom-based).
- Cantrips (at will): Thaumaturgy, Sacred Flame, Guidance
- 1st level (4 slots): Command, Shield of Faith, Sanctuary
- 2nd level (3 slots): Hold Person, Suggestion
- 3rd level (3 slots): Counterspell, Dispel Magic, Spirit Guardians
- 4th level (1 slot): Banishment
Actions
- Ceremonial Dagger. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, 1d4 piercing. She rarely fights physically—her strength lies in commanding cultists and channeling ritual magic.
- Call for Aid (Recharge 5–6). Once per short rest, Selandra can call nearby cultists or thralls to her side (2d4 cult fanatics appear in 1d4 rounds).
Legendary Flavor
Not a true “boss” in combat, Selandra is dangerous because she has influence, ritual magic, and allies. She’ll fight defensively while trying to complete or protect the ritual, confident the dragon will finish what she cannot.