Role

Chapter 4

The Knights of the Raven Sword allow only one initiate per year. In the lands
surrounding Barovia, these Knights are known as one of the few bastions of
hope in a dark land, those who stand up for the people against the undead. To
be initiated into the Knights of the Raven Sword was an honor few could dream
of, and a burden few would be strong enough to bear. It is a life-long
dedication to eradicate evil in the land, like other guilds of Paladins. But
this elite group of Paladins is especially concerned with ending the scourge
of the undead, and the greater undead in particular.

As a child trained by their leader, her uncle, it was always understood that
Alysone would be initiated into the order one day. But her day of initiation
was bittersweet. For though her uncle was present, he could not oversee the
granting of her Raven Sword Crest tabard. He lay atop an unlit pyre, for he
had fallen to a wight only that morning. Her initiation ritual was immediately
followed by the funeral service for Jorrill. The Knights gathered around the
pyre, their heads bowed.

As the flames consumed the once proud warrior, Alysone lifted her voice in
song. It rang as clear and true as it ever had, singing The Tale of the
Charging Brigade:

"For once upon a hill so dark, the lich did make his stand. The armies he had
made his mark spread evil 'cross the land. But in the time of fear and pain,
we gathered bow and blade. Our holy light did fall like rain, the charge of
our brigade." The song continued, as all present silently listened, moved by
the words and the emotion of Alysone's voice as she mourned her fallen Uncle,
their commander. The Raven Sword crest upon her tabard seemed to come alive in
the flickering light of the pyre.

Alysone had made a promise to her uncle. The undead had grown too bold, too
powerful for the Knights to fight alone any longer. She was to take their
traditions and seek out like-minded people to aid in the cause. She was to
seek The Holy Brigade of the Phoenix.