Tt-<E BLAC:K V1PERTHE BLACK VIPER
T he Black Viper was a notorious burglar, pickpocket,
mugger, and assassin who died a century ago, after
a long and nefarious career. Esvele Rosznar, a brash
young noble, has recently adopted the Black Viper 's
persona to lead a secret life of crime. Like many other
nobles, Esvele gossips about the Black Viper's exploits
to lend credence to the villain's mystique.
The Rosznar family was convicted of slave trading-
highly illegal in Waterdeep and banished over a hun-
dred years ago, but has since returned. The Rosznars'
inability to regain the respect they feel they deserve
rankles them. The slave trade has continued in Arnn
and elsewhere, and it's not like other noble houses don·t
have skeletons in their closets. But just because of a lit-
tle family squabble that went public, the Rosznar name
has been said with a sneer for a century. As par t of the
family's constant effort to prove this conception wrong
and w i n others' respect, Esvele has been brought up
to be the most proper noble possible, partaking in les-
sons of etiquette, dance, and poise as befits someone of
her station.
In her younger days, Esvele openly rebelled, but that
behavior led to locked doors at night and house guards
APPENDIX 8 I MONSTERS Ai':D NPCSwatching her every move during the day. So she taught
herself how to pick locks, pluck keys from belts and
pouches, clamber up walls. and sneak past guards-
playing the perfect daughter by day while cutting loose
at night. To hide her identity from those she met. she
wore a hood and mask. exchanging her fine clothes for
the kind of practical clothing her parents would never
let her wear.
One of the things Esvele has learned is to embrace
the legend of the Black Viper. When she throws back
her cloak to reveal the costume she has put together,
most folk toss their purses and flee. If that doesn't wor k,
she usually needs only to draw her dagger. Of course,
some of the nobles she targets are made of sterner stuff,
so Esvele has learned how to fight as well. She know s
she's playing a dangerous game, but is satisfied that at
least one member of the Rosznar family is earni ng the
respect of Waterdeep's nobility.BLACK VIPER
Medium humanoid (human), chaotic neutralArmor Class 16 (studded leather)
Hit Points^84 (13d8 + 26)
Speed 30 ft.STR
11 (+O)DEX
18 (+4)CON
14 (+2)Saving Throws Dex +7, Int +3INT
11 (+O)WIS
11 (+O)CHA
12 (+1)Skills Acrobatics +7, Athletics +3, Perception +3, Sleight of
Hand +7, Stealth +7
Senses passive Perception 13
Languages Common. thieves' cant
Challenge S (1,800 XP)Cunning Action. On each of her turns, the Black Viper can use a
bonus action to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action.
Evasion. If the Black Viper is subjected to an effect that allows
her to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage,
she instead takes no damage if she succeeds on the saving
throw, and only half damage If she fails. She can't use this trait
if she's incapacitated.
Sneak Attack (1/Turn). The Black Viper deals an extra 14 (4d6)
damage when she hits a target with a weapon attack and has
advantage on the attack roll, or when the target is within S feet
of an ally of the Black Viper that isn't incapacitated and the
Black Viper doesn't have disadvantage on the attack roll.ACTIONS
Multiattack. The Black Viper makes three attacks with
her rapier.Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach S ft., one target.
Hit: 7 (ld6 + 4) piercing damage.Hand Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range 30/120
ft., one target. Hit: 7 (ld6 + 4) piercing damage.REACTIONS
Uncanny Dodge. The Black Viper halves the damage that she
takes from an attack that hits her. She must be able to see
the attacker.