Nassandra
Cowled Lady
Among the most terrifying and enigmatic figures to haunt the Viscounty of Verbobonc, Nassandra, known as the Cowled Lady, is a vampire sorceress of unmatched cunning and cruelty. She is the whispered name in shadowed alleys, the specter looming over the Lortmil Mountains, and the unseen hand guiding giant armies against the free peoples of the region. Unlike the rank-and-file agents of Iuz, Nassandra operates outside the Boneheart and Boneshadow, pursuing her own insidious designs while still serving the Old One’s greater ambitions. Her presence is felt through the devastation left in her wake—the burning villages, the enslaved tribes, and the relentless whispers of dread that spread before her approach.
Description
Nassandra is a vision of allure and menace, her flawless alabaster skin seemingly untouched by the passage of time. Her full lips, as red as freshly spilled blood, curl into an ever-present smirk, promising both pleasure and peril. Sleek, raven-black hair is oiled and combed neatly behind her pointed ears, revealing features of sculpted perfection marred only by her predatory eyes—depthless pools of malice and amusement.
Her movements are a study in predatory grace; each measured step, each elegant motion of a manicured hand speaks of confidence and control. When she speaks, her voice carries the weight of ancient power, an intoxicating melody laced with venomous intent. Cloaked in a flowing black mantle that seems to drink the very light around her, she exudes an aura of supernatural command.
Midnight Keep: The Shadowed Fortress
- A Fortress Beyond Reach: High in the Lortmil Mountains stands Midnight Keep, a citadel of obsidian stone and eldritch wards, once the seat of Nassandra’s power.
- A Place of Dark Rituals: Within its walls, blood sacrifices and profane magic fueled her war efforts, drawing the attention of Iuz himself.
- Lost and Forgotten: Since her fall, Midnight Keep remains a desolate ruin, its halls echoing with the whispers of her former minions, waiting for their dark queen’s return.
Rumors and Whispers
Murmurs from the Dark
- The Giant Queen: Some claim she is the true leader of the giant tribes plaguing the Lortmils, bending their chieftains to her will through sorcery and blood rites.
- The Wicked Wolves Prophecy: The sylph Elspeth prophesied three "Wicked Wolves" prowling Verbobonc—many believe the Cowled Lady to be one of them.
- A Mistress of Monsters: It is said she has tamed dragons and enslaved a mountain giant of great power, using it to summon more of its kind.
- The Wars of Shadow: The Cowled Lady is rumored to have led assaults on Verbobonc three times in as many years, attacking Sheernobb, Swan, Twilight Falls, and Fortress Hagthar, mustering an army in the south.
“I’ve yet to meet an artist who can capture the enigma of my beauty. A comely face is actually quite a common thing—but few command the power of truly striking features.” Her fangs elongate with a hiss. “The legacies of lords and ladies have been lost to the curve of my hips. Dreams of grandeur, conquest, the making of names—they all fizzle to nothing in the nape of my neck.” She trails a finger along her clavicle. “You see it, do you not? You, too, are enchanted. Come, now. Even dullards stop to stare at the setting sun.”
History of a Nightmare
The Rise of the Cowled Lady
A mysterious figure, the Cowled Lady is reputed to be the head of the giant armies that have been plaguing Verbobonc for the past several years. It is also believed that she is one of the three “Wicked Wolves” prowling Verbobonc, as prophesied by the sylph Elspeth late last year. The Cowled Lady commands great magic. She has been able to enslave a great mountain giant, command dragons, and muster a force.
- Reference: VER4-09 Wicked Three
The Strike Against Nassandra
When her identity was revealed, a band of adventurers launched a daring raid on her fortress, hidden within a demiplane accessible through the isolated town of Sojourn. Though she was not present, they uncovered valuable intelligence, including her personal journal, which revealed a shocking truth—her undying devotion to Halmadar, whom she considered before even her service to Iuz.
- Reference: (in VER5-06 In the Viscount's Secret Service)
The War in the Shadows
Following the revelation of her plans, the forces of Verbobonc moved quickly to disrupt her growing influence. A coalition of knights, gnomish scouts, and elven rangers launched a series of skirmishes against her minions in the Lortmil foothills. The most decisive of these was the Battle of Fellspire Pass, where her forces, including summoned elementals and enslaved giants, were routed. Though this was not enough to bring her down, it forced her into a desperate retreat, delaying her ultimate plans. More significantly, they were able to recover the Renvash Splinter, a holy relic of St. Cuthbert lost in the Lortmil Mountains many years before. These adventurers also recovered a personal journal that spoke of the Cowled Lady's devotion to “another” that she felt should come before her plots in service of Iuz— this other was Halmadar, who had become the Cowled Lady’s lover.
- Reference: VER5-06 On the Viscount's Secret Service (3E)
The Grand Assault
With her plans exposed, Nassandra launched an all-out assault on Verbobonc. She and the infamous assassin Obmi the Hammer of Iuz led a combined force of giants and infiltrators, striking deep into the heartland of the Viscounty. However, her ambitions met disaster; Obmi was captured, her armies shattered, and she herself was driven from the battlefield, grievously wounded and weakened.
- Reference: VER5-07 Crownfire
A Prisoner of Love and Power
With her plans in ruin, Nassandra fled to her lover, Halmadar the Cruel, only to find him consumed by his own dark machinations. Weakened beyond recovery, she became a shadow of her former self, dependent on Halmadar for survival. Trapped within his growing empire of terror, she now lingers, awaiting the day she might reclaim her strength and continue her war against the light.
- Reference: VER8-02 Crypt Things
Relationships and Alliances
Halmadar the Cruel (Lover and Captor)
- Though once her equal, Halmadar now holds power over Nassandra, using her as a tool in his schemes.
- Their relationship is one of twisted devotion, fractured by ambition and betrayal.
Iuz the Old (Dark Patron)
- Though she serves the Old One, she has never been granted a formal position within his hierarchy, operating instead as a rogue agent of destruction.
- Iuz tolerates her independence for now, but should she rise again, her loyalty may be tested.
The Giant Tribes of the Lortmils
- Many chieftains still fear her, though her direct control has waned.
- If freed from her imprisonment, she could easily rally them once more.
The Priesthood of Iuz
is a sinister and far-reaching organization devoted to the worship and expansion of the Old One’s dominion. Within this unholy clergy, dark magic, blood rituals, and political manipulation serve as tools to further Iuz’s plans for conquest. The priesthood extends its influence across the Flanaess, acting as both enforcers of the demigod’s will and orchestrators of chaos in lands yet to fall under his control. While the Boneheart represents Iuz’s closest circle of elite advisors and warlords, and the Boneshadow his most elite infiltrators, the Priesthood is his unyielding foundation, bringing his doctrine to conquered lands and ensuring obedience through terror.
Nassandra, the Cowled Lady, though not officially part of the Boneheart or Boneshadow, maintains a vital role within the priesthood’s network, utilizing her dark gifts to further Iuz’s objectives. Though she operates with a degree of autonomy, her connection to the priesthood ensures she remains a potent force in his growing empire.
- A Rogue Servant: Though she serves Iuz, she has never been part of the Boneheart, instead aligning with the secretive Boneshadow, a network of spies, assassins, and enforcers who operate beyond the direct gaze of the Old One.
- The Dark Faith: Nassandra was once among the most powerful independent warlords of Iuz, her faith in the Old One as much about ambition as devotion.
- Torn Loyalties: While once unquestioning in her service, her growing obsession with Halmadar has caused doubt to fester, creating a potential fracture in Iuz’s dominion.
Nassandra’s Duties in the Priesthood
Agent of Destruction
- Unlike conventional priests of Iuz, Nassandra is not bound to a single temple or citadel; rather, she is deployed as an instrument of destruction.
- She is often sent to destabilize regions, weakening them before Iuz’s armies arrive to claim dominion.
- The giant wars she orchestrated in the Lortmil Mountains and the attacks on Verbobonc align with the priesthood’s mission to bring chaos and disorder to Iuz’s enemies.
Manipulator of Mortal and Monster
- Nassandra is entrusted with bringing powerful beings under Iuz’s sway, either through enchantment, coercion, or force.
- Her ability to dominate giants, manipulate dragons, and enthrall mortals makes her a valuable asset to the priesthood.
- Some priests resent her influence, as she does not follow the strict clerical hierarchy, yet few dare to challenge her openly.
Keeper of Forbidden Knowledge
- She is often tasked with uncovering lost relics of power that might serve Iuz’s growing might.
- In her ruined fortress, fragments of dark knowledge from forgotten ages are rumored to lie hidden, awaiting the day she can reclaim them.
- Her journal, recovered by adventurers, hinted at even greater ambitions—ones that may one day rival the Old One himself.
Adventure Hooks
- A Whisper from the Shadows: Nassandra’s minions seek artifacts of power to restore her strength. Can the players intercept them before they succeed?
- The Lost Mistress: The adventurers learn of Halmadar’s secret prisoner and must decide whether to slay or free her.
- The Rise of the Giants: Rumors spread that Nassandra’s agents are once again stirring the giant tribes. Can the party stop her before she wages another war on the Viscounty?
- Blood and Betrayal: As she regains her power, Nassandra must choose—will she continue serving Iuz, or carve her own path of conquest?
Conclusion
Nassandra, the Cowled Lady, remains one of the most fearsome and enigmatic villains of the Viscounty of Verbobonc. A creature of dark beauty and even darker ambition, she is a foe that lingers on the edge of legend—waiting for the day when the stars align, and she may once more cast her terrible shadow over the land.
“What drives you to seek out such danger? Is it anger? Fear? How the passions must rage within your heart to bring you to a place like this. Oh, it has been so very long since I’ve felt that pulse. I can barely remember it now… The hunger consumes more than just blood.”
Nassandra
The Cowled Lady
Medium Undead (Vampire), Sorcerer 18, Chaotic Evil
Armor Class 22 (Bracers of Armor +3, Shadowed Cloak +2, Natural Armor +6)
Hit Points 117 (18d8)
Speed 30 ft., fly 60 ft., climb 20 ft.
Challenge Rating (CR 21 | 33,000 XP)
Abilities
STR 18 (+4) | DEX 20 (+5) | CON - | INT 18 (+4) | WIS 18 (+4) | CHA 31 (+10)
Saving Throws Dex +12, Wis +11, Cha +17
Skills Arcana +11, Bluff +19, Deception +19, Insight +11, Persuasion +19, Spellcraft +15, Stealth +12
Damage Resistances Cold, Necrotic, Lightning
Damage Immunities Poison, Psychic; Non-magical weapons that aren’t silvered
Condition Immunities Charmed, Exhaustion, Frightened, Paralyzed, Poisoned, Stunned
Senses Darkvision 120 ft., Passive Perception 14
Languages Common, Draconic, Abyssal, Giant, Goblin, Orc
Legendary Actions (3/Turn)
Nassandra can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time, and only at the end of another creature’s turn.
- Blood Drain (Costs 2 Actions). Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature grappled by Nassandra. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 4) necrotic damage, and the target's hit point maximum is reduced by the damage taken.
- Children of the Night. She summons 3d6 bats, rats, or wolves under her control.
- Shadow Step. Nassandra moves up to 30 feet without provoking attacks of opportunity.
Actions
Multiattack. Nassandra makes two melee attacks or casts a spell and makes one melee attack.
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage plus energy drain (see below).
Energy Drain. A creature hit by Nassandra’s slam or bite attack must succeed on a DC 21 Constitution saving throw or lose two levels or hit dice.
Dominate (Recharge 5-6). Nassandra targets one creature she can see within 30 feet. The target must make a DC 21 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed for 24 hours or until she or her allies harm it. While charmed, the target follows her commands as if under the Dominate Person spell.
Spellcasting. Nassandra is an 18th-level sorcerer. (Spell Save DC 21, +13 to hit with spell attacks).
Cantrips (at will): Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic
1st Level (4 slots): Charm Person, Shield, Magic Missile
2nd Level (3 slots): Mirror Image, Invisibility, Scorching Ray
3rd Level (3 slots): Fireball, Counterspell, Lightning Bolt
4th Level (3 slots): Greater Invisibility, Dimension Door
5th Level (2 slots): Dominate Person, Cloudkill
6th Level (2 slots): Disintegrate, Mass Suggestion
7th Level (1 slot): Greater Teleport, Project Image
8th Level (1 slot): Power Word Stun
9th Level (1 slot): Dominate Monster
Legendary Resistances (3/Day)
If Nassandra fails a saving throw, she can choose to succeed instead.
Shapechanger.
She can transform into a large wolf, mist, or her humanoid form at will.
Mist Escape.
When reduced to 0 hit points, Nassandra transforms into a cloud of mist instead of falling unconscious, escaping to her lair unless prevented by radiant damage.
Lair Actions (If Encountered in Midnight Keep)
On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Nassandra can use one of her lair actions.
- Shadows Stir. All creatures hostile to Nassandra must succeed on a DC 21 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute.
- Dark Illusions. She creates an illusory copy of herself that lasts until the end of her next turn, confusing attackers.
- Blood Magic Surge. Nassandra regains 20 hit points at the start of her turn while in her lair.
Equipment & Magic Items
- Shadowed Cloak. Grants +4 Charisma, +2 AC, total concealment in dim light, and Shadow Binding (1/day).
- Bracers of Armor +3. Adds +3 to AC.
- Ring of Arcane Might. Grants +1 spell DC and +1 spell attack bonus.
- Amulet of Proof Against Detection. Nassandra cannot be located or divined by magical means.
- Cube of Force. Can activate various protective force barriers.
Tactics & Combat
- Master of the Battlefield. Nassandra prioritizes control spells like Wall of Force, Globe of Invulnerability, and Evard’s Black Tentacles before unleashing Fireball or Meteor Swarm.
- Evasive and Unkillable. If reduced to 0 HP, she turns to mist and retreats to her Midnight Keep.
- Overwhelming Minions. She rarely fights alone, using Children of the Night to flood enemies with creatures while she strikes from afar.
Wicked Three IUZ plot line series
NPC: Cowled Lady, Obmi, Brother Barnaby Revnash Splinter. Bishop Haufren
- VER4-09 Wicked Three | Elespeth the Messenger Iuz the Evil sent three agents prophecy. doppelgangers work for Obmi VERBOBONC local action.
- VER5-02 Fallen Hero | Baron Rollof Avgustin | Obmi assassinate
- VER5-06 On the Viscount's Secret Service
- VER5-07 Crown Fire | Cienega Valley | Shrine of the Peacemaker
- VER8-02 Crypt Things | Halmadar the Cruel, Cowled Lady
Comments