Overview
Tlad Xolbrys is a drow mage trapped within the Mirror of Life Trapping in the Tomb of the Nine Gods. Originally a visitor to Omu, he became imprisoned during the tomb’s construction. Unlike the other prisoners, his motivations are entirely self-serving—he will either aid or betray those who free him based solely on what maximizes his own chances of survival.
Alignment and Behavior
- Alignment: Neutral Evil
- Core Motivation: Self-preservation above all else
- Tactical Approach: Uses his magic to support liberators only as long as they appear to be winning; turns against them if defeat seems imminent
Release Dynamics
When the Mirror of Life Trapping is destroyed, Tlad emerges along with 11 other prisoners. His behavior in the ensuing chaos reveals his opportunistic nature:
- Initially uses his magical abilities to assist the party against the hostile creatures (invisible stalker and troll)
- Monitors the battle carefully, assessing the party’s chances
- If the party appears near defeat, he switches sides and attacks them instead
Game Statistics
Race/Class: Male drow mage (uses standard drow mage statistics)
Strategic Considerations
Tlad represents a conditional ally—useful for his magical support but unreliable under pressure. DMs should track the party’s status during combat after his release; he could become an additional threat if the battle turns against them. His betrayal threshold is deliberately vague (“near defeat”), allowing the DM to gauge when his presence would create the most dramatic tension.