The dragon was in a forgiving mood, gorged as she was on the
Quranis Kuilanya
Medium humanoid (high elf), neutral
Class Rogue (lvl 1) Armor Class 11
Background Archaeologist Hit Points 8 (1d8)
Occupation Antiquarian Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 13 (+1) 10 (+0) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 13 (+1)
Saving Throws Dexterity +3, Intelligence +5
Skills Deception +5, History +7, Insight +4, Perception +4,
Religion +5
Senses darkvision 60ft., passive Perception 12
Languages Common, Elvish, Draconic
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
Sneak Attack (1/turn). Quranis can
deal an extra 1d6 damage to one
creature she hits with an attack if
she has advantage on the attack
roll. The attack must use a finesse
or ranged weapon. She doesn’t need
advantage on the attack roll if another
enemy of the target is within 5 feet of
it, that enemy isn’t incapacitated, and she
doesn’t have disadvantage on the attack roll.
Expertise (Deception, History). Quranis
doubles her proficiency bonus to checks with
her Expertise skills.
Fey Ancestry. Quranis has advantage on
saving throws against being charmed, and
magic cannot put her to sleep.
Researcher. If Quranis is unable to recall a
piece of lore, she probably knows where the
information can be found.
Spellcasting. Quranis can cast
the mending cantrip using
Intelligence as her spellcasting
modifier.
Trance. Quranis does not sleep.
Instead, she meditates for four hours
each night. This grants her the benefit
of a long rest.
Actions
Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
creature. Hit: 5 (1d8 + 1) piercing damage.
Light Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 80/320
ft., one creature. Hit: 5 (1d8 + 1) piercing damage.
Overview
Quranis describes herself as an antiquarian, others might find
“treasure hunter” easier to pronounce. She was lucky enough
to have sufficient inherited wealth to pursue her passion for
unearthing history. Those who probe too deeply into the past,
however, can uncover far more than they expected…
On one of her expeditions, Quranis stumbled upon a trove of
artifacts; relics of innumerable empires, statues of forgotten gods
and, in their midst, the enormous Green Dragon, Aarvakshaza.
118
expedition’s pack mules, and willing to hear out a bargain for the
elf ’s life. The deal was simple; bring Aarvakshza tribute every year
and be taught secrets of history unknown to any short-life; fail to
do so and suffer the consequences.
As Quranis’ considerable collection depleted, shipped off to the
dragon year by year, so her knowledge grew. Going out in the field
herself became too time consuming and unreliable, so she started
funding other archaeological expeditions, which became hiring
mercenaries to do the same job quicker and cheaper. Soon she was
paying anyone who could come by any sort of relic, by legitimate
means or otherwise.
Quranis is a relatively young elf, and Aarvakshaza is a relatively old
dragon. To begin with, she was confident in her abilities to simply
put up with this inconvenience and wait it out, but it is becoming
increasingly apparent that Aarvakshaza has no intention of dying
any time soon, and Quranis’ funds are dwindling...
Personality Traits
“Why do so many look to the future when the past contains
such wonder?” Quranis has been able to follow her dreams of
the past in financial security without concern for the future,
until now.
Ideals
“Knowledge is the greatest treasure.” If it weren’t for
the fascinating insights Aarvakshaza shares with her,
Quranis probably would have tried hiring someone
to kill the beast by now.
Bonds
“I could simply break our agreement and run, but
somehow I doubt a year’s head start would do me much
good...” Every year without fail, Quranis must make the
journey to Aarvakshaza’s lair, and every year she grows
in knowledge, resentment and fear.
Flaws
“It’s only a matter of time before I have to steal these
things myself.” Quranis’ situation is getting out of hand.
She’s constantly looking for ways to make her search more
efficient, possibly cutting out the middle man. If she gets
caught... well... prison walls won’t stop a dragon.
Roleplaying Quranis
Quranis is well educated, fairly wealthy, and becoming
increasingly desperate. She’ll happily give any likely looking
group directions to some previously assumed lost ruin or ancient
dungeon in exchange for a few choice items upon their return, or
pay far more than her competitors for a recently pilfered family
heirloom. Quranis resents the recent criminal direction her life has
taken, but the life of a fence is at least a life.
“That sword you carry. Fascinating inlay on the hilt.
Were you looking to sell, perchance?”
Weapons, Armor & Items
Fine clothes, travelling clothes, rapier, light crossbow, 20 bolts,
staff, dungeoneer’s pack, gold dragon figurine, 20sp, 12gp
 Quranis Kuilanya (level 4)
Medium humanoid (high elf), neutral
Class Rogue (lvl 4) Armor Class 11
Background Archaeologist Hit Points 23 (4d8)
Occupation Antiquarian Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 13 (+1) 10 (+0) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 13 (+1)
Saving Throws Dexterity +3, Intelligence +6
Skills Deception +5, History +8, Insight +4, Perception +4,
Religion +6
Senses darkvision 60ft., passive Perception 12
Languages Common, Elvish, Draconic
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
Sneak Attack (1/turn). Quranis can deal an extra 2d6 damage to
one creature she hits with an attack if she has advantage on the
attack roll. The attack must use a finesse or ranged weapon. She
doesn’t need advantage on the attack roll if another enemy of the
target is within 5 feet of it, that enemy isn’t incapacitated, and
she doesn’t have disadvantage on the attack roll.
Cunning Action. On her turn, as a bonus action, Quranis can
take a Dash, Dodge, Disengage, Hide, or Use an Object action.
Alternatively, she can make a Sleight of Hand check or use her
thieves’ tools to disarm a trap or open a lock.
Expertise (Deception, History). Quranis doubles her
proficiency bonus to checks with her Expertise skills.
Fey Ancestry. Quranis has advantage on saving throws against
being charmed, and magic cannot put her to sleep.
Researcher. If Quranis is unable to recall a piece of lore, she
probably knows where the information can be found.
Second-Story Work. Quranis can climb without expending
extra movement. In addition, when she makes a running jump,
the distance she covers increases by 1 foot.
Spellcasting. Quranis can cast the mending cantrip using
Intelligence as her spellcasting modifier.
Trance. Quranis does not sleep. Instead, she meditates for four
hours each night. This grants her the benefit of a long rest.
Actions
Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature.
Hit: 5 (1d8 + 1) piercing damage.
Light Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 80/320 ft.,
one creature. Hit: 5 (1d8 + 1) piercing damage.
Weapons, Armor & Items
Fine clothes, travelling clothes, rapier, light crossbow, 20 bolts,
staff, dungeoneer’s pack, gold dragon figurine, 30sp, 15gp
The Last Tribute
It was the smell, she decided, inhaling another lungful, that she
hated the most. A dry, musky, reptile smell mixed with an acrid tang
fermenting in that chamber for who-knew-how-many centuries.
Pushing aside vines, she adjusted the straps on her pack and
emerged from the entryway into the main chamber of the ziggurat.
With the sounds of the forest deadened by the thick stone, all
Quranis could hear was the blood pounding in her ears and,
almost at the edge of hearing, the slow breath of the dragon
reverberating around the walls like the purr of a jungle cat.
Perhaps it was asleep. She controlled her trembling legs enough
to creep to the centre of the chamber and set down the bag
containing the last few artifacts in her collection.
There was another, louder exhalation. Hot breath rustled her hair and
jolted every nerve in her body. She hated that it could move so quietly.
She turned slowly. With its jaw resting on the ground, the beast’s
amber eyes were level with hers.
“I come with my tribute, Aarvakshaza.”
The dragon blinked once, slowly, expectantly.
“... the great and merciful,”—inwardly, Quranis rolled her
eyes—“emerald crown of the forest and mistress of all she surveys.”
“You’re not leaving already? You know how I enjoy our little
chats, Rani.”
She hated that it called her Rani. Her mother had called her Rani.
“A lighter tribute than previous,” the dragon continued, hooking
it with a talon, “I do hope our arrangement isn’t inconveniencing
you at all?”
Quranis coughed. With each syllable, a puff of poison poured
between the dragon’s fangs.
“No matter. I know you won’t disappoint me next year.”
Her eyes were watering now; she was struggling to maintain
composure.
“You know what will happen if you disappoint me, don’t you,
Rani?”
Gulping down breaths, face burning, she forced herself to meet the
dragon’s gaze.
“I know.”
119
 Quranis Kuilanya (level 8) Actions
Medium humanoid (high elf), neutral Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature.
Class Rogue (lvl 8) Armor Class 11 Hit: 5 (1d8 + 1) piercing damage.
Background Archaeologist Hit Points 43 (8d8) Light Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 80/320 ft.,
Occupation Antiquarian Speed 30 ft. one creature. Hit: 5 (1d8 + 1) piercing damage.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Reactions
10 (+0) 13 (+1) 10 (+0) 20 (+5) 14 (+2) 13 (+1)
Uncanny Dodge. When Quranis is hit with an attack from an
Saving Throws Dexterity +4, Intelligence +8 attacker that she can see, she can halve the attack’s damage.
Skills Deception +7, History +11, Insight +8, Perception +8,
Religion +8 Weapons, Armor & Items
Senses darkvision 60ft., passive Perception 18 Fine clothes, travelling clothes, rapier, light crossbow, 20 bolts,
Languages Common, Elvish, Draconic staff, dungeoneer’s pack, gold dragon figurine, 45sp, 18gp
Challenge 1 (200 XP)
Sneak Attack (1/turn). Quranis can deal an extra 4d6 damage to
one creature she hits with an attack if she has advantage on the Quranis in Your Game
attack roll. The attack must use a finesse or ranged weapon. She
doesn’t need advantage on the attack roll if another enemy of the Quranis can be relied on to have a dungeon-crawl style quest
target is within 5 feet of it, that enemy isn’t incapacitated, and for your party. She is constantly reading up on forgotten lore
she doesn’t have disadvantage on the attack roll. and poring over old maps, so often digs up references to ruins
or tombs which house a wealth of historically interesting items.
Cunning Action. On her turn, as a bonus action, Quranis can
She is, of course, tight-lipped about her specific interest in
take a Dash, Dodge, Disengage, Hide, or Use an Object action.
these items (for which the party can expect to be generously
Alternatively, she can make a Sleight of Hand check or use her
compensated), beyond simple archaeological curiosity.
thieves’ tools to disarm a trap or open a lock.
If there is a location or object of particular interest or
Evasion. When Quranis is subjected to an effect that allows her
importance, Quranis might accompany the party as a guide,
to make a Dexterity saving throw to only take half damage, she
primarily out of curiosity to see the items in situ before
takes no damage on a successful saving throw and half damage
excavation.
on a failed one.
Quest hook. After many such quests over a number of years,
Expertise (Deception, History, Insight, Perception). Quranis
an increasingly haggard looking Quranis lets the party in on a
doubles her proficiency bonus to checks with her Expertise
secret. Her situation is entirely unsustainable at this point, and
skills.
she needs a group of adventurers to slay a dragon...
Fey Ancestry. Quranis has advantage on saving throws against
being charmed, and magic cannot put her to sleep.
Researcher. If Quranis is unable to recall a piece of lore, she
probably knows where the information can be found.
Second-Story Work. Quranis can climb without expending
extra movement. In addition, when she makes a running jump,
the distance she covers increases by 1 foot.
Spellcasting. Quranis can cast the mending cantrip using
Intelligence as her spellcasting modifier.
Trance. Quranis does not sleep. Instead, she meditates for four
hours each night. This grants her the benefit of a long rest.

120
Quranis Kuilanya (level 12) Actions
Medium humanoid (high elf), neutral Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature.
Class Rogue (lvl 12) Armor Class 12 Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.
Background Archaeologist Hit Points 63 (12d8) Light Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 80/320 ft.,
Occupation Antiquarian Speed 30 ft. one creature. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Reactions
10 (+0) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 20 (+5) 16 (+3) 14 (+2)
Uncanny Dodge. When Quranis is hit with an attack from an
Saving Throws Dexterity +6, Intelligence +9 attacker that she can see, she can halve the attack’s damage.
Skills Deception +10, History +13, Insight +10, Perception +10,
Religion +9 Weapons, Armor & Items
Senses darkvision 60ft., passive Perception 20 Fine clothes, travelling clothes, rapier, light crossbow, 20 bolts,
Languages Common, Elvish, Draconic staff, dungeoneer’s pack, gold dragon figurine, 60sp, 36gp
Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Sneak Attack (1/turn). Quranis can deal an extra 6d6 damage to
one creature she hits with an attack if she has advantage on the
attack roll. The attack must use a finesse or ranged weapon. She
Shipment for
doesn’t need advantage on the attack roll if another enemy of the
target is within 5 feet of it, that enemy isn’t incapacitated, and A
she doesn’t have disadvantage on the attack roll.
Cunning Action. On her turn, as a bonus action, Quranis can String of prayer beads,
take a Dash, Dodge, Disengage, Hide, or Use an Object action. elven
approximately -1100
Alternatively, she can make a Sleight of Hand check or use her
thieves’ tools to disarm a trap or open a lock.
DA
Evasion. When Quranis is subjected to an effect that allows her
to make a Dexterity saving throw to only take half damage, she Two ceremonial obsidian
masks, dwarven
takes no damage on a successful saving throw and half damage
on a failed one.
(religious or theatrical ?)
approximately 600 D
Expertise (Deception, History, Insight, Perception). Quranis
doubles her proficiency bonus to checks with her Expertise
A
skills.
Fey Ancestry. Quranis has advantage on saving throws against Unidentified humanoid
(?) stone idol
being charmed, and magic cannot put her to sleep.
ancient (?)- BE SURE
Reliable Talent. When Quranis makes an ability check that lets T O ASK
her add her proficiency bonus she can treat a d20 roll of a 9 or
lower as a 10.
Bronze dragon statuett
Researcher. If Quranis is unable to recall a piece of lore, she e (hollow),
probably knows where the information can be found. presumably human
Second-Story Work. Quranis can climb without expending
extra movement. In addition, when she makes a running jump,
the distance she covers increases by 2 feet. Tapestry depicting elvis
h victory over orcs
Spellcasting. Quranis can cast the mending cantrip using
1200 D A based on ar
Intelligence as her spellcasting modifier. mor
Supreme Sneak. Quranis has advantage on Stealth checks if she
moves no more than half her speed on the same turn.
Trance. Quranis does not sleep. Instead, she meditates for four
hours each night. This grants her the benefit of a long rest.

121