Transcendent: Lich
Sex: Female
Faction: Arcane Brotherhood
Overall Rating: 8.1
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Arena Status: Active (S2)
Valindra Shadowmantle, a figure of monumental influence and power within the Dungeons and Dragons universe, serves as a paradigm of ambition and magic corrupted. Initially a moon elf and Overwizard of the Host Tower of the Arcane, her transformation into a lich and subsequent actions have firmly entrenched her as a pivotal antagonist, especially in the narratives surrounding Neverwinter and Thay.
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| Valindra Shadowmantle, Master of the North Tower |
Early Life and Ascension to Power
Born in the Year of the Winged Worm, 1225 DR, in the mystical expanse of the High Forest, Valindra's journey began as one of intellectual curiosity and rapid proficiency in magic. Discontented with the slow progression of her traditional education, Valindra's ambition drove her to pursue more rapid advancements. Her path took a dark turn in Mirabar, where, after gaining the trust of an old wizard, she coldly usurped his knowledge and life, seizing his magical tomes and items for herself.
Her relentless pursuit of power led her to Luskan, where she aligned with the Arcane Brotherhood, rapidly rising to the rank of Overwizard of the North Tower. Known for her cunning and strategic acumen, Valindra was a key player in the Brotherhood's machinations across the northern quadrant of Faerûn.
Transformation into a Lich
Valindra's life took a macabre pivot post the destruction of the Host Tower, when Arklem Greeth, in a bid to perpetuate their rule, transformed her into a lich. This transition into undeath marked her descent into madness, exacerbating her ruthless nature and disconnecting her from her former elven heritage. Her new form was marked by a haunting beauty, underscored by the eerie flames that danced in her lich eyes.
Major Plot Points and Antagonistic Ventures
Valindra's role as Szass Tam's agent saw her deeply involved in the political and magical upheavals of Neverwinter and beyond. Her operations often involved dark alliances and necromantic endeavors, aiming to destabilize regions and pave the way for Thayan dominance. Notably, her efforts to restore the Dread Ring and her command over the sinister operations in Neverwinter Wood marked her as a formidable foe against the city’s defenders.
One of her most audacious acts involved summoning a pit fiend in a catastrophic battle that led to the demise of the dwarf hero, Bruenor Battlehammer. This act alone encapsulates her merciless approach to achieving her goals, regardless of the cost to friend or foe.
The Soulmonger and Beyond
Valindra's ambition was not limited to the terrestrial domains. Her mission in the jungles of Chult to harness or destroy the Soulmonger—an artifact capable of devouring souls—highlights her pivotal role in the broader conflicts affecting the planes. Her manipulation of adventurers to achieve her ends in Chult speaks to her cunning and strategic depth.
Later, Valindra's involvement in the Dragonbone Vale with the aim to control all dragons of Faerûn through a dracolich rite demonstrates her scale of threat. This endeavor, although thwarted by legendary figures like Elminster, showcased her willingness to risk cataclysmic consequences for power.
Valindra Shadowmantle embodies the tragic potential of unbridled ambition and power without restraint. Her journey from a gifted elf to a feared lich encapsulates themes of corruption, power, and the eternal struggle between the arcane forces that shape the worlds of Dungeons and Dragons. Her ongoing machinations ensure that Valindra remains a central figure in the lore, continually shaping events with her formidable magical prowess and strategic mind.
Valindra Shadowmantle's Raw Power
Valindra Shadowmantle's total raw power score across all universes, considering her unique abilities and the context of her power, averages to a 7.5/10. This rating places her as a potent entity, though not at the pinnacle of all fantasy characters, where entities wielding god-like powers or those with universe-altering abilities might score higher.
Strength
While Valindra might not exhibit the physical strength typical of warrior-type characters, as a lich, her physical limitations are transcended by undead durability and the absence of normal human vulnerabilities. Liches, by their nature, do not rely on physical might but rather on their supernatural endurance and magical prowess. Therefore, her rating in physical strength alone would be misleading, but considering her enhanced durability as an undead, she scores a moderate 4.5/10.
Magical Ability
Valindra's primary domain of power is her vast magical ability. As an Overwizard of the Host Tower and a Master of the North Tower within the Arcane Brotherhood, her command over arcane forces is immense. She wields spells capable of significant destruction, manipulation, and control over the dead, which amplifies her threat level significantly. Her expertise spans a broad spectrum of necromancy and arcane magic, making her a formidable caster. For her magical ability, Valindra scores an impressive 9/10.
Combat Prowess
In terms of combat effectiveness, Valindra's approach combines her spellcasting proficiency with strategic deployment of her powers. The transformation into a lich has only heightened her lethality in combat scenarios. She is known to manipulate battle conditions to her advantage, using spells that incapacitate, harm, or manipulate foes. Her combat style, which leans heavily on overwhelming magical assaults and less on physical engagement, is highly effective in her context. Thus, she earns an 8.5/10 in combat prowess.
Valindra Shadowmantle's Tactical Ability
Valindra Shadowmantle achieves an overall tactical ability rating of 8/10. This score positions her as a highly capable strategist within the fantasy genre, albeit not at the pinnacle where characters with god-like strategic foresight might reside.
Strategic Mind
Valindra's strategic acumen is profoundly illustrated through her ascent within the Arcane Brotherhood and her pivotal role in orchestrating political maneuvers in Neverwinter. Her ability to formulate complex plans, foresee enemy movements, and adapt strategies in real-time makes her a formidable tactician. Notably, her involvement in the intricate plots of the Spellplague era and her manipulative tactics during the conflict in Neverwinter Wood exemplify her adeptness at long-term planning and situational adjustment. This component of her tactical ability is rated at 8.5/10, reflecting her superior strategic formulation capabilities.
Resourcefulness
Throughout her tenure as an agent of the Arcane Brotherhood and later as a lich serving Szass Tam, Valindra has demonstrated exceptional resourcefulness. Her capacity to innovate solutions under pressure, utilize her environment to her advantage, and creatively leverage limited resources highlights her tactical ingenuity. For instance, her use of Thayan memory-loss drugs as a destabilizing agent against her adversaries showcases her ability to turn seemingly minor tools into significant strategic advantages. Valindra's resourcefulness score is therefore a solid 8/10.
Resource Arsenal
Valindra's strategic asset management is a testament to her ability to effectively leverage resources in pursuit of her objectives. Her access to and utilization of information, magical artifacts, and alliances have significantly amplified her tactical operations. The management of her phylactery, ensuring her virtual immortality, and her alliances with powerful entities like Szass Tam and the Ashmadai, demonstrate her adeptness in using strategic assets to secure and enhance her power base. Given these factors, Valindra's resource arsenal is rated at 7.5/10.
Valindra Shadowmantle's Influence
Considering all aspects of her influence, Valindra Shadowmantle is rated at 8/10. This places her among the higher echelons of influential characters across all fantasy universes, though not at the absolute peak, reserved for those with god-like sway and charisma.
Persuasion
Valindra's ability to persuade others, primarily through manipulation and intellect rather than charm, highlights her distinct approach to influence. Her interactions often involve coercing or manipulating others into following her directives without open confrontation. Her strategic use of words and magical compulsion when necessary marks her as a formidable persuader in scenarios requiring subtlety and deception. While not the most charismatic, her persuasive tactics are highly effective in bending others to her will, warranting a rating of 7/10.
Reverence
The level of respect and fear Valindra commands is immense, primarily due to her reputation as a powerful lich and her visible successes in expanding Thayan influence. Her transformation into a lich has only amplified the awe and terror she inspires, making her a figure both revered and feared in equal measure. This aspect of her influence is particularly strong as it combines the fear of her undead nature with respect for her intellectual and magical prowess. Given these factors, her score in reverence is a solid 8/10.
Willpower
Valindra's resistance to external influences stands out as one of her most defining traits. Her allegiance to Szass Tam and her actions are driven by a combination of personal ambition and calculated allegiance rather than any form of coercion. Her formidable willpower ensures that she rarely, if ever, strays from her chosen path, regardless of the temptations or manipulations by others. This unyielding nature is crucial in a universe where mental domination and persuasion are common threats. Valindra's willpower is rated at 9/10, reflecting her exceptional ability to maintain agency even in dire circumstances.
Valindra Shadowmantle's Resilience
Valindra Shadowmantle's overall resilience rating is 9/10. This score places her near the top of all fantasy characters in terms of the ability to endure and recover from injuries or attacks. Her unique undead status provides her with several intrinsic advantages that living characters do not possess, making her one of the most resilient figures in fantasy literature.
Physical Resistance
Valindra's transformation into a lich fundamentally altered her physical constitution, granting her immunity to conventional forms of physical damage that affect living creatures. This includes immunity to poison, disease, and fatigue, as well as a diminished need for physical sustenance such as air, food, or sleep. However, she remains susceptible to magical attacks specifically designed to target undead creatures. Despite these vulnerabilities, her physical resistance is extraordinarily high, as physical attacks rarely pose a threat to her continued existence. Therefore, she earns a 9/10 in this subcategory.
Magical Resistance
One of Valindra's standout features is her formidable magical resistance. As a lich, she possesses innate defenses against most forms of magic, including spells that would typically control or manipulate undead creatures. Moreover, her background as an accomplished wizard provides her with additional protective measures against magical attacks, enabling her to counter or negate spells that could potentially harm her. This level of defense makes her exceptionally resilient against one of the most common forms of attack in her universe. For magical resistance, Valindra is rated 8.5/10.
Longevity
In terms of longevity, Valindra exemplifies the epitome of what it means to be nearly immortal. Her status as a lich means her life force is tied to a phylactery, which, as long as it remains intact and hidden, allows her to regenerate her physical form indefinitely. This ability effectively grants her immortality, barring the destruction of her phylactery. Her strategic placement of this object in locations known only to her and her closest allies further enhances her resilience. Given these factors, she scores a perfect 10/10 in longevity.
Valindra Shadowmantle's Versatility
Valindra Shadowmantle achieves an overall versatility rating of 8/10. This rating places her among the more versatile characters in fantasy universes, capable of thriving in diverse scenarios through a combination of adaptability, occasional luck, and strategic use of hidden advantages.
Adaptability
Valindra's journey from a moon elf wizard to an Overwizard of the Host Tower and later a lich illustrates her exceptional adaptability. Initially, she navigated the arcane and political landscapes of Faerûn with cunning and ambition, aligning with powerful entities like the Arcane Brotherhood and later, Szass Tam. As a lich, her adaptability further increased, shown by her ability to engage in complex magical and political maneuvers, such as orchestrating alliances with the Ashmadai and the Abolethic Sovereignty and attempting to take control of strategic locations like Neverwinter.
Her adaptability is also evident in her ability to switch tactics from overt confrontations to subtle manipulations, depending on what the situation demands. This capability allows her to handle various environments, from the political arenas of Thay to the wild frontiers of Chult. Given her successful adaptations in numerous high-stakes scenarios, Valindra scores a 9/10 in adaptability.
Luck
Luck, or the propensity to benefit from chance occurrences, plays a subtle but noticeable role in Valindra's endeavors. Although not always at the forefront of her successes, several of her achievements can be attributed to fortuitous circumstances—such as finding potent allies at critical moments or escaping seemingly inevitable defeats due to unexpected interventions. For instance, her survival and subsequent rise in power following the catastrophic events that led to her transformation into a lich involved a significant amount of luck, particularly how she came under the protection of powerful figures who had the means to preserve her life force.
However, her reliance on luck is not as pronounced as her strategic or magical skills. As such, she earns a 7/10 in this category, acknowledging the role of fortune in her saga but also recognizing that her success is largely due to her cunning and power.
Shaved Knuckle in the Hole
The concept of having a secret advantage or hidden skill that can be used as a last resort describes Valindra's access to rare and powerful artifacts, such as the ruby scepter of Asmodeus and her control over her own phylactery. These elements represent significant ace cards in her arsenal, providing her with options that can dramatically alter the course of battles or political landscapes. Her ability to keep these advantages concealed until the most impactful moment is a testament to her strategic depth.
Considering her effective use of these hidden resources throughout her narrative, particularly in times of dire need or when other plans have failed, Valindra scores an 8.5/10 in this subcategory.
Valindra Shadowmantle's Alignment
Valindra Shadowmantle's transformation from a moon elf wizard to a powerful lich in the Forgotten Realms Universe embodies a tale of ambition, power, and profound manipulation. Her alignment within the Dungeons & Dragons framework is elucidated through her actions, affiliations, and the overarching goals throughout her narrative arc, notably her role in the Arcane Brotherhood and as a pivotal agent for Szass Tam.
Background and Actions
Valindra began her journey with a disregard for the traditional academic paths in magic, seeking instead to rapidly accrue power and arcane knowledge. Her ambition led her to murder her mentor and usurp his resources, setting a pattern for her future actions characterized by strategic calculation and self-preservation. As an Overwizard of the Host Tower and later as a lich, Valindra manipulated political landscapes, formed precarious alliances, and was involved in various conflicts, all aimed at expanding her influence and that of her allies.
Alignment Determination
Valindra’s alignment is most accurately described as Neutral Evil. She is primarily driven by her own interests, and her methods, though often involving chaos, are primarily focused on the outcome rather than the means. Her actions are characterized by a consistent disregard for both lawful order and chaotic freedom unless they serve her purposes.
Valindra exhibits a pragmatic approach in her strategies, using whatever tactics, alliances, or manipulations are necessary to achieve her goals. She is not swayed by a commitment to either chaos or order, displaying flexibility in her plans and alliances. Her transformation into a lich further solidifies her detachment from the conventional moral axis, focusing solely on her pursuit of power.
Her ethical alignment aligns with evil, as evidenced by her consistent engagement in activities that harm others to benefit herself. Her tactics include deception, betrayal, and coercion, and her associations are typically with entities that share her disregard for moral or ethical considerations. Her actions have often resulted in suffering and destruction, highlighting her lack of empathy and moral scruples.
Race and Faction Considerations
Valindra's actions starkly contrast with the typical traits associated with her moon elf heritage, which values community and harmony. Her journey into darkness is a result of personal choice rather than any racial predisposition. Her affiliation with groups like the Arcane Brotherhood and Thayan agents underscores her alignment, as these factions are known for their ruthless and often destructive agendas that align with her own aspirations for power and control. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
Valindra's Trophy Case
PPET Rankings
| Season | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2 (2024-2025) | TBD (of 204) |
Overall Conclusion on Valindra Shadowmantle and Position Across Planes of Existence
Valindra Shadowmantle's rating of 8.1 out of 10 in the context of power levels across all fantasy universes reflects her formidable capabilities and influential role within the Forgotten Realms and beyond. This rating underscores her significant, yet not supreme, status among the echelons of fantasy characters, a position well-supported by her multifaceted abilities and strategic cunning.
Valindra's journey from an ambitious wizard to a lich endowed with near-immortality has provided her with a vast array of magical abilities. Her skills include high-level necromancy, manipulation of dark energies, and the command of undead forces, making her a formidable opponent in any magical confrontation. However, while her magical prowess is substantial, it does not surpass the upper tier of characters known for their world-altering capacities. This slight gap is what positions her at an 8.1, recognizing her strength while acknowledging the presence of even more dominant forces in other universes.
Throughout her existence, Valindra has demonstrated a keen strategic mind, aligning with powers such as Szass Tam and manipulating various factions to serve her ends. Her role in major political and magical upheavals within the Forgotten Realms highlights her ability to influence and shape events on a large scale. However, her occasional underestimation of opponents and overconfidence in her immortality reveal limitations in her tactical planning, which slightly diminish her overall ranking.
Valindra's resilience is showcased in her ability to survive and adapt through various existential threats, including her transformation into a lich. Her phylactery's protection affords her a sort of pseudo-immortality, allowing her to take risks and engage in battles that would be fatal to others. Her repeated recoveries and strategic retreats when necessary highlight a robust ability to endure and rebound from defeats. Yet, this resilience, while impressive, is not unique in the landscape of high-fantasy characters, many of whom possess similar or even superior recovery capabilities.
As a significant figure within the Arcane Brotherhood and a key agent for Thay, Valindra has influenced events across multiple regions and narratives within the Forgotten Realms. Her ability to operate both within and outside these powerful organizations demonstrates her significant individual agency and influence. However, her ultimate dependence on alliances and external sources of power somewhat limits her autonomy, contrasting with characters who command independent authority over vast dominions or realities.
Valindra's narrative is enriched by her complex personality and evolving goals, which add depth to her role as an antagonist. Her transformation from elf to lich and her dealings in the political machinations of Thay add layers to her character, making her a compelling figure in fantasy literature.
Valindra Shadowmantle's power level of 8.1 accurately reflects her formidable presence in the Forgotten Realms universe, positioned as a significant but not omnipotent character. Her deep magical knowledge, strategic acumen, and resilience make her a key player, yet her occasional tactical missteps and reliance on others prevent her from reaching the pinnacle of power observed in some fantasy characters. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated power ranking across all planes of existence. This will only be sortable on desktop viewing. The below table shows a summary within the same plane of existence of this article.
