Margriete Bruin – The Sword Wraith Warrior
Encounter: Red Flux Strikes at Kerkhof Station
Defeated by Sentinels of Seregon
Wields: Frostveil
Margriete Bruin was once a revered captain of the Iron Guard of Seregon, a soldier of unshakable discipline and courage. Over 130 years ago, she led her troops in a battle against an undead incursion on the outskirts of the city. Despite her valor, the battle ended in disaster, and Margriete blamed herself for the loss of her soldiers. Haunted by the shame of her perceived failure, her soul was vulnerable to corruption in death, and she was eventually raised as a Sword Wraith Warrior, forever seeking to reclaim the honor she lost in life.
Margriete’s spirit is bound to the service of Van Droth, now a relentless warrior who haunts the lands surrounding Seregon. She is clad in the ancient, battle-worn armor of the Iron Guard, her captain’s rank still displayed with pride, though her form is spectral, her once-bright eyes now glowing with an eerie green light. Though she serves Van Droth in death, her actions are driven by a deep, undying desire to restore her honor through combat, which she believes can only be regained by defeating worthy foes.
Margriete’s Challenge
When encountered by adventurers, Margriete will not immediately attack. She craves a duel—an honorable fight in which she can test herself and her opponents.
If challenged, Margriete will say:
“I am Margriete Bruin, champion of Van Droth. You shall provide me the honor I seek with your painful death.”
She fights with skill and determination, but not out of hatred. Her movements are precise, disciplined, and filled with the lingering sorrow of one who failed her comrades long ago. She does not speak much during combat, focusing on every strike as if it will be the blow that restores her dignity.
Margriete’s Tactics
Honor Bound: Margriete cannot resist a direct challenge to a duel. If the adventurers challenge her or call her to fight one-on-one, she will honor the challenge and focus solely on that opponent.
Relentless Fighter: Margriete is a skilled and relentless combatant. She uses her experience as a former Iron Guard captain to fight with precision and focus, making full use of her abilities as a Sword Wraith Warrior.
Undead Resilience: Margriete is not easily defeated. Her spectral form makes her difficult to kill permanently, and she will fight with determination until she is truly destroyed.
Appearance
Margriete wears the ancient armor of the Iron Guard, still bearing her rank insignia as captain. Her armor is weathered and tarnished, a relic from centuries past, yet it still bears the distinctive marks of Seregon’s elite military force. Her once-flesh-and-blood form has been replaced by a spectral, semi-transparent figure, with glowing green eyes that burn with the desire for redemption. Her sword, a long, ancient blade, gleams with a ghostly light as she wields it in battle.
Encountering Margriete
The adventurers may encounter Margriete in a ruined battlefield, an ancient tomb, or guarding a key location in Van Droth’s domain. If the adventurers try to speak with her, they may sense that she is driven more by duty than cruelty. However, she will still insist on a duel to test their strength and seek her redemption. If they defeat her in combat, Margriete's soul may find peace, or she may linger, cursed to fight again until her honor is restored.
Summary:
- Margriete Bruin is a Sword Wraith Warrior and former captain of the Iron Guard of Seregon, now bound to Van Droth.
- She wears ancient Iron Guard armor, and despite being undead, she fights with honor, seeking to regain the dignity she lost in life.
- Margriete will challenge the adventurers to a duel, fighting fiercely and with precision, though she is driven by her desire for redemption, not hatred.
- Her spirit may only rest if she is defeated in honorable combat, though her ties to Van Droth may complicate her release.