The Noctuary (D&D 3.5e, Level 20+ Adventure)

[BelGareth]

Xerxes the Mad
M CN Half-Battle Dragon human Scout 3/Ranger 15, Level 18, Init 8, HP 252/252, Speed 40, 150 (good)
AC 46, Touch 28, Flat-footed 39, Fort 22, Ref 27, Will 18, Base Attack Bonus 17/12/7/2
+5 Shattermantle Seeking Collision Energy bow +32 (1d8+21, x3)
Rapid Shot, Full Attack +30/+30/+25/+20/+15 ( , )
Manyshot -2 to hit per attack ( , )
Celestial Armor (+10 Armor, +7 Dex, +4 Deflect, +8 Natural, +7 Misc)
Abilities Str 30, Dex 24, Con 22, Int 18, Wis 24, Cha 18
Condition Darkvision 60ft
Low-light vision
Evasion
immunity to sleep and paralysis effects
immunity to sonic damage
immunity to mind-affecting spells and abilities

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Spoiler: Fluff

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In the twilight-drenched wildlands of the Gloomreach, Xerxes, a half-battle dragon human ranger, forged his skills amidst the shadowed threats that lurked. Survival was not merely a skill but a necessity in a realm where otherworldly dangers prowled.

In the early throes of his adventures, fate intertwined Xerxes with Elara, a paladin whose radiance pierced the darkness of his existence. She embodied justice and mercy, a beacon in his tumultuous world. Together, they stumbled upon the Dreamheart, an ancient orb with a sinister secret—it held the power to twist reality to its malevolent will.

Enthralled by its potency, Xerxes wielded the Dreamheart to craft a sanctuary, a pocket realm where he and Elara could seek refuge from their trials. Initially, it manifested as a haven of serenity, reflecting their deepest desires, a timeless haven where peace reigned.

But the Dreamheart's darkness seeped insidiously into Xerxes, feeding on his draconic essence and inner fears. The realm, too, mirrored his descent, transforming into a nightmare realm, a reflection of his own corrupted soul.

In a tragic clash of ideals, Elara, bound by her paladin's oath, confronted Xerxes, seeking to sever his connection to the malevolent artifact. The battle was cataclysmic, tearing at the fabric of reality itself as Xerxes, consumed by the Dreamheart's power and his own inner turmoil, fought not only Elara but the very essence of the twisted realm.

Defeated and driven to madness by the confrontation, Xerxes was cast out from the pocket realm, flung into the unknown planes with no path of return. His last glimpse was of Elara, her visage etched with sorrow and betrayal, as the realm's gates slammed shut.

Now adrift among the planes, Xerxes is haunted by a tumult of guilt, love, and desperation. His quest is clear—to find a means back to the pocket realm, to rescue or redeem Elara, whom he fears is consumed by the very darkness he inadvertently unleashed.