Elizabeta Pirosska, Leader of the Dawnslayers and the Midnight Clarion, steps forward. She is a striking figure who embodies both grace and strength. Standing at an imposing height, she has a commanding presence that demands attention. Her piercing amber eyes rest upon you and she motions to chairs assembled around a table. Elizabeta's raven-black hair is pulled back, accentuating her chiseled features and revealing a stern countenance.
She says:
"Welcome, brave souls. I am Elizabeta Pirosska, Leader of the Dawnslayers. Within the Church of the Morninglord, a secret society known as the Dawnslayers operates according to the covert protocol known as the Midnight Clarion. We dedicate ourselves to eradicating evil and the undead. We gather intelligence, hone our skills, and silently combat the forces of darkness in the name of the Morninglord.
The Dawnslayers and the Midnight Clarion are known only to a select few within the church. Our secretive organization upholds the values of the faith and actively works towards the Morninglord's vision of a purged and redeemed Barovia.
The Morninglord stands as a beacon of hope and resilience against the growing darkness. Its members draw strength from their deity's benevolence and commit themselves to the ongoing struggle against evil, both seen and unseen.
There is much you do not know and will soon unfortunately discover, but do not be dismayed for this is what you were born to do.
You were escorted here by Keepers of the Feather. Our alliance with the Keepers was foretold to us by the Great Archcleric of the Morninglord Saint Karreck Kir who served alongside Strahd Von Zarovich during the early days of the war. He had a holy vision of a world shrouded in Darkness where the dead walked. Saw too that the network of spies serving behind enemy lines and scouting on behalf of Barovia would be instrumental in lifting the darkness that would come. He was commanded by our lord to create a holy amulet that could banish darkness and repel evil. Said amulet required all of his life’s energy and its creation killed him. He called this Holy Symbol the Amulet of Ravenkind and gave it to Saint Andral for safekeeping. The amulet remained within the walls of the Abbey of Brilliance until very recently.
Surely you have heard of the Abbey of Brilliance and its most revered inhabitants, the late Saint Andral and Blessed Sister Markovia. If not, allow me to enlighten you.
In 323, fate wove a tapestry that forever altered the destiny of Barovia. Lyvia Markovia, a child of mystery, was discovered amidst the ancient trees of the Krezk forest by a humble wolf hunter. Adopted into his simple life, Lyvia's formative years were imbued with the whispers of the wild until destiny intervened and set her on an extraordinary path.
Her footsteps led her to the hallowed halls of the Abbey of Brilliance, where she was taken under the wing of Tavian Andral, a paragon of devotion to the Morninglord. Under his tutelage, Lyvia blossomed into Sister Markovia, her heart ablaze with compassion for the downtrodden and the wounded.
In the spring of 341, Sister Markovia's divine gift was revealed—an ethereal touch that mended the broken and healed the afflicted. She became the Blessed Sister, her touch a radiant balm that breathed life into the wounded hearts of knights and soldiers.
As the dark clouds of tyranny gathered, Contessa Sera von Hapsburg sought refuge within the Abbey's walls. There, under the tender care of Sister Markovia, the newborn Julius Vernon von Hapsburg took his first breath, heralding a fragile hope in a world spiraling into shadow.
Who is Julius Vernon von Hapsburg? I shall tell you…
The Hapsburgs were the ruling bloodline before the Van Zaroviches arrived from Cadia with their armies. In the midst of a war it behooved all involved to cooperate, but it was clear from the beginning that a collaboration would prove difficult. The two dynasties squabbled over land, troop positions and strategy in the face of certain doom and tensions finally climaxed in the battle of Berez.
Witnesses at the Battle of Berez confirmed that Strahd failed to rendezvous with Lord Falkon von Hapsburg as planned-effectively ensuring his demise. The Hapsburg army ventured east of the Luna River, baiting the Terg forces into the open expanse of Berez's fields. Prince Strahd, a sentinel of the north, was supposed to lead the Cadia army from the frigid reaches of Vallaki, ensnaring the Terg in the center, but as the moon waned and waxed over Berez, he did no such thing. The Terg forces emerged from their camp in a surging torrent and swept towards Lord Hapsburg while Prince Strahd remained motionless–perched like a shadow upon his steed. With this betrayal he managed to win the battle and rid himself of his rivals.
Which brings us back to the child. Sister Markovia entrusted the young Julius to the care of Ivan Ivliskovich, a hunter, safeguarding the future heir to the throne with anonymity. The child would be eleven years old by now.
His mother and her retinue were slaughtered on the road back to their estates. But I digress.
The ascent of Prince Strahd von Zarovich heralded a harrowing winter that gripped the land in an icy vise. Strahd's reign of terror cast a pall over the realm, and unholy alliances festered, painting a grim tableau. In the aftermath of the war, the Abbey faced Strahd's decree of forbiddance which made it illegal to shelter in the Abbey. Furthermore, he began exacting heavy levies on the church weakening our ability to raise arms against him.
Four years ago, he sieged the Abbey of Brilliance with his army. Saint Andral was slain and his bones scattered. But Sister Markovia fought on blazing with divinity. She struck down her foes with unwavering faith. Strahd was severely wounded by the holy glow of the Amulet of Ravenkind, proving to the blessed sister that he was indeed undead. Strahd’s forces retreated and the battle seemed won, but the following day eerie silence descended, and the mists closed in. That was the last we saw of the Abbey of Brilliance and the last we heard of Sister Markovia.
The Church of the Morninglord has since exalted the Blessed Sister to the hallowed status of Saint Markovia and vowed to destroy Strahd.
Now, to the task at hand. Investigate what has happened to the Abbey of Brilliance, Saint Markovia, and the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind. This is just one of the many missions the Dawnslayers are undertaking. Our numbers are small, and we must cover as much ground as possible.
Name: Elizabeta Pirosska
Race: Human
Class: Paladin
Alignment: Lawful Good
Description:
Elizabeta Pirosska is a striking figure who embodies both grace and strength. Standing at an imposing height, she has a commanding presence that demands attention. Her piercing amber eyes shine with unwavering determination. Elizabeta's raven-black hair is long and often pulled back, accentuating her chiseled features.
Background and Role:
Elizabeta Pirosska is the esteemed leader of the Dawnslayers, the secretive order of monster hunters within the Church of the Morninglord. Elizabeta understands the importance of subtlety and stealth in combating the forces of darkness.
