The Knights of the Ascendant Flame are a prestigious yet small order supported by the Temple of Asura and backed by a royal charter. They are devoted to combating supernatural threats, particularly demons and rogue spellcasters. Their leader, Margaretha van Breemen, runs the order from the Bladechapel, a grand manor in the Starfire Hill District. The Bladechapel is not only her residence but also the operational base of the knights, equipped with guest chambers, training rooms, and meeting halls. Margaretha, a master tactician with a fervent zeal against the dark arts, employs a cadre of servants and guards who maintain the manor and support the knights in their duties.
The order often collaborates with the Knights of the Veil, who focus on battling undead and free-willed spirits. Together, they form a formidable alliance against the myriad supernatural threats to Seregon. Additionally, the knights maintain close ties with Tagwan, a deva known for his wisdom and celestial power, who occasionally advises them on their more dangerous missions.
Margaretha van Breemen
is a commanding presence, both physically and in her demeanor. Standing at an imposing 6 feet tall, she possesses a warrior's build, with broad shoulders and a muscular frame that reflects her years of rigorous training and countless battles. Her hair, once a fiery red, has faded to a rich auburn, streaked with silver—a testament to her age and experience. She wears it tied back in a simple, functional braid, revealing a face marked by time and hardship.
Her skin is fair but weathered, with the subtle lines of age and the occasional scar from past conflicts. Her eyes are a sharp, piercing blue, often described as cold and calculating, though those who know her well recognize the deep-seated wisdom and compassion that lie beneath. Margaretha's gaze is intense, capable of unnerving even the bravest of warriors, and she often uses this to her advantage during interrogations or negotiations.
Margaretha is typically clad in armor befitting her status as the leader of the Knights of the Ascendant Flame. Her armor is a masterful blend of form and function, crafted from polished steel and adorned with intricate engravings of flames, a symbol of her order's devotion to Asura. The armor is both lightweight and durable, allowing for agility in combat while providing ample protection. Over her armor, she wears a deep crimson cloak, fastened at the shoulder with a brooch in the shape of a flaming sword—the emblem of the Ascendant Flame.
Despite her martial appearance, Margaretha is a woman of refined tastes and intellect. Her upbringing in a noble house endowed her with a keen mind and a strategic outlook, qualities that have served her well both on the battlefield and in the political arena. She is a shrewd negotiator, capable of maneuvering through the complex web of Seregon's politics with ease.
Margaretha's leadership style is disciplined and uncompromising. She demands excellence from her knights, holding them to the highest standards of honor and duty. However, she is also fiercely protective of those under her command, willing to go to great lengths to ensure their well-being. Her sense of duty is absolute, and she is driven by a relentless commitment to her cause—protecting Seregon from the encroaching darkness.
In private, Margaretha is a more reserved and contemplative figure. The weight of her responsibilities and the losses she has endured over the years weigh heavily on her, though she rarely shows this to others. She finds solace in her faith, often spending hours in silent prayer or meditation in the Bladechapel's private sanctuary. Despite the burdens she carries, she remains steadfast in her resolve, driven by an unwavering belief in the righteousness of her mission.
Margaretha van Breemen is a leader who embodies the ideals of the Ascendant Flame—strength, honor, and an unyielding dedication to the eradication of evil in all its forms.