The Tiefling Who Was Never Really There
Mike’s Thoughts from the Barstool
Every once in a while, a villain walks into yer story so quiet, so helpful, so damn pleasant… that ya don’t realize they’ve won until you’re the one beggin’ for terms.
Elyra’s one of those.
She don’t cast big spells in the square. Don’t raise undead, don’t scorch villages, don’t wear skulls like jewelry. Nah. She donates to libraries. Smiles at children. Corrects laws with compassionate addendums. And somehow, after she leaves, things feel... off. Just a little. Like yer memories shifted half an inch to the left.
I’ve met her. I think. I remember the scent of lavender and the sound of bells that weren’t ringin’. Or maybe I dreamed that. With her, ya never know what’s real — or if she was ever really there.
Want a Villain That Doesn’t Swing — Just Smiles?
👉 Mike’s Toolshed is where ya get BBEGs with patience, not just power. Elyra ain’t just deceptive — she’s a soft knife slidin’ under yer ribs while you thank her for dinner. Run her from the Tavern Toolshed, and let her clash with NPCs from the Player Builds & NPCs, or whisper behind knights holding lying shields.
Elyra Mirvain, Lady of Mercy
Race: Tiefling
Role: Villain-in-Plain-Sight
Use Case: Slow-burning campaign manipulator
Location Fit: Courts, noble houses, guilds, temples, libraries
Secret: See her dragon form here
Mid-Game Stat Block (Level 10+ NPC)
HP: 85
AC: 16 (unarmored, enchanted clothing)
Speed: 30 ft
Proficiency Bonus: +4
Passive Insight: 19
Passive Deception: 22
Saving Throws: WIS +7, CHA +9
Skills: Insight +9, Persuasion +10, Deception +12, History +6
Languages: Common, Infernal, Draconic, Elvish
Spell Save DC: 17
Spell Attack Modifier: +9
Spellcasting (Charisma-based, innate)
At-will:
Suggestion
Message
Thaumaturgy (used only to close doors, flutter lights, etc.)
Calm Emotions
3/day:
Detect Thoughts
Modify Memory
Counterspell
1/day:
Dominate Person
Dream
Greater Invisibility
Passive Abilities
Perfect Poise: Elyra can’t be caught in a lie by mundane means (Insight checks made to discern lies always reveal truthful tone unless magical aid is used).
Whispers of Authority: When Elyra makes a Persuasion or Deception check in a crowd or group, she rolls with advantage if she speaks last.
Mirror Step (1/rest): As a reaction to being targeted by an attack, Elyra can teleport up to 30 ft to any unoccupied reflective surface she can see.
Combat Role & Behavior
Elyra does not fight. She evades. Charms. Manipulates. If attacked directly, she uses Greater Invisibility, Mirror Step, or simply vanishes with planted evidence that someone else was responsible. Every spell she casts has a social twist. Even her Dominate Person comes with a tearful apology.
Her final line before disappearing in most encounters?
“I never wanted it to come to this. But you gave me no choice.”
Which makes it sting more when the players realize... she meant that.
How to Seed Her Into the World
She sends the players a thank-you gift for defeating a minor villain — even though no one told her.
A friendly NPC begins quoting her political writings... word for word.
She’s on a council they need to persuade — and always votes second-to-last, so she can sway the outcome.
For extra punch, make her a patron to Sorin’na Lightveil
FAQ
Q: What’s her goal in this form?
A: Control through compassion. She wants the world to bend — willingly — without ever seeing the talons behind the smile.
Q: What happens if the players confront her too early?
A: She disappears. Leaves behind a letter. And someone else takes the fall. The truth never sticks — until she lets it.
Q: What level is she meant for?
A: Drop-in as early as level 5 (influence only). Direct conflict around level 10+. Final reveal? That’s another article entirely.
Smile Wide, Lie Soft, Burn Slow
👉 Elyra ain’t yer average boss fight — she’s a campaign. Use her to raise stakes, cast doubt, and shatter trust. Start here in the Tavern Toolshed, then close the circle with cursed relics from the Tavern Armory or cross her with old ghosts in the Tavern Tales. When you’re ready for the truth — we’ll finish her story.
