![[KaelaPic2.png]] # Kaela Voortham _Human Necromancer | [[Cult of the Dragon]] | [[Shilrua]]_ ## Summary Brilliant necromancer who rose through the [[Cult of the Dragon]]'s ranks after her expulsion from [[Starwarden Academy]]. Once [[Valkalyn]]'s classmate, she murdered their mutual friend [[Aria Netheridge]] to access the [[Clifftop Observatory]]. Now leads cult operations in [[Shilrua]], serving [[Evendor Starbane]] while secretly reporting to [[Acererak]] through her [[Tombkeepers]] connections. Recently confronted the heroes after they killed the Elder Brain controlling [[Shilrua]], forcing them to retreat. Has invaded [[Valkalyn]]'s dreams demanding the return of stolen Dracorage Mythal research. %% ## At a Glance Tall and slender, long black hair streaked with premature white framing sharp features and calculating eyes. A black dragon tattoo coils up her left arm, occasionally seeming to ripple beneath her skin. Purple robes trimmed with gold shift subtly as she moves. Precise, clipped diction. Oscillates between cold calculation and flashes of genuine spite when discussing those who "failed to recognize her worth." ## Personality Brilliantly bitter. Views past friendships as naive weaknesses she's outgrown, treats former bonds as tools to be weaponized. The academy's rejection still burns—she'll prove her brilliance by ascending to lichdom and making their judgment seem petty and insignificant. ## Quote _"Valkalyn always worried I was going too far. Poor thing never understood that 'too far' is where real discovery begins. Aria certainly learned that lesson."_ ## Background **The Slum Prodigy:** Born in [[Neverwinter]]'s slums, her extraordinary magical aptitude provided her only escape from poverty. At [[Starwarden Academy]], she formed a competitive friendship with [[Valkalyn]] and [[Aria Netheridge]]. **The Expulsion:** Pushed boundaries with dangerous experiments that alarmed [[Valkalyn]] and led to her expulsion—a rejection she experienced as betrayal by people who should have recognized her brilliance. **The Mentor:** [[Valthrax Leerstrom]], a [[Soulmonger]] and [[Tombkeepers]] agent, recognized her potential and taught her that death was a tool, not an end. Under his tutelage, she embraced the philosophy that undeath represented the ultimate evolution of magical practice. **The Murder:** Her corruption reached its nadir when she murdered [[Aria Netheridge]] for access to the [[Clifftop Observatory]]—killing her closest friend for nothing more than a research facility. **The Goal:** Lichdom, then something greater. She's studied [[Acererak]]'s path beyond ordinary undeath and dreams of following—perhaps surpassing—him. ## Stats **Necromancer Wizard** with cult resources and multiple escape contingencies %%