High Priestess of Tarhun Griet Van den Berg is a formidable figure both in presence and in power, commanding respect and fear in equal measure. As the High Priestess of Tarhun, the god of storms and war (See Temple of Tarhun, she stands at the pinnacle of the Thunderwardens (King's Guard), the elite bodyguards sworn to protect King Wolfswinkel. Her most prized possession is the legendary battleaxe, Skofnung, which she wields with deadly precision. The weapon is imbued with the spirits of twelve berserker bodyguards, granting her the ability to rage like a barbarian, making her a force of nature on the battlefield.
Appearance: Griet Van den Berg is a tall, muscular woman with a commanding presence. Her skin is a deep bronze, weathered by years of exposure to the elements and countless battles. Her long, dark hair is streaked with silver, often braided tightly back to keep it out of her sharp blue eyes. Those eyes are cold and piercing, often described as stormy, reflecting the tempestuous nature of her god, Tarhun. A jagged scar runs down the right side of her face, a mark from a past battle that only adds to her intimidating appearance.
Griet typically dons the ceremonial armor of the Thunderwardens, a suit of blackened steel adorned with silver lightning motifs, symbolizing her divine connection to Tarhun. Around her neck, she wears a pendant with the symbol of a thunderbolt, a sacred relic of her faith. When she wields Skofnung, the battleaxe seems to hum with energy, its blade glowing faintly with a cold blue light, as if charged by the spirits within.
Motivation: Griet's rise to her current position was driven by an unyielding devotion to Tarhun and a relentless desire to prove herself worthy of his favor. Born into a warrior family, Griet was raised on tales of Tarhun’s might and the honor of serving as his chosen. From a young age, she exhibited exceptional martial prowess and an innate connection to the divine, qualities that set her apart from her peers.
Her early years were marked by hardship and sacrifice. Griet fought her way through the ranks of the church and the Thunderwardens, never shying away from the most dangerous missions or the harshest training. Her unwavering faith in Tarhun and her ruthless efficiency in battle earned her a reputation as a warrior without equal. She was motivated not only by a desire to serve her god but also by a fierce determination to protect her homeland from all threats, whether mortal or supernatural.
The path to becoming High Priestess was fraught with challenges, both physical and spiritual. Griet faced numerous trials designed to test her faith, her resolve, and her loyalty to the crown. Each time, she emerged stronger, her bond with Tarhun deepening with every victory. Her ultimate goal has always been to be the perfect embodiment of Tarhun’s will, a living weapon of divine justice and wrath.
As the head of the Thunderwardens and the High Priestess of Tarhun, Griet Van den Berg is a living legend, a symbol of unshakable faith and martial excellence. She is respected, feared, and admired by her peers, and her name is spoken with reverence across the kingdom. Her loyalty to King Wolfswinkel and her god is absolute, and she will stop at nothing to fulfill her duty, even if it means sacrificing herself in the process.