SoD has a selection of raid-like foes from level 1 up which drop raid-like loot scaled for the encounter - that is, a level 8 adept like the Beetle Queen drops gear that would be amazing for a level 8, but probably not that impressive by level 20.
To make sure these adepts are a challenge, they have an "engage level". They must con red to you before you can attack them. For the Beetle Queen in Centaur Hills, for example, level 8 is the highest level you can be and still have her con red.
You also cannot have buffs from a character higher than the engage level or you will be prevented from attacking or using beneficial spells on anyone fighting the adept.
Note: for the purposes of this raid against a player character, "engage level" is being used somewhat tongue-in-cheek.