Enigmatic Heiress
Dona C A R D E N A dela V A R A
Doctor-Curate of the Schola Santa-Vara of Ladroa
Doctor-Curate of the Schola Santa-Vara of Ladroa
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Ht: 5'11 / Wt: 80 lbs
Hair: pale blond / Eyes: brown (red)
Age: 30 (?) / Creed: Iagosi (Vaara)
The Lady of the Schola Santa Vara
Lady dela Vara is a descendant of one of the noble families that originated the Sisters of Santa Vara a century ago. Today, their fortunes have dwindled; while she retains her title and some assets, most of her holdings are tied up in the Varantine Order. The Schola Santa Vara building in Ladroa's Puerto district functions as a hospital, and hosts traveling associates of the Order, but it also serves as her home. Here she provides services as a physician to the poor, as well as to certain wealthy clients in the city.
Despite her Iagosi name and title, her unusual appearance elicits speculation about her lineage. She is a tall, willowy woman with a striking, almost ghostly countenance. Her skin is like milk, her eyes like burnt mahogany, and her long fair hair is the colour of pale topaz. Some say she is an albino; others believe fair-skinned Ymiri blood runs in her veins.
When not in a surgeon's robes as the Doctor-Curate of the Schola Santa-Vara, she is always elegantly presented. She flaunts her unusual beauty with a blend of timeless style and fashionable audacity. Lady dela Vara possesses a rarefied wit and is profusely educated, while still demonstrating a mildly aloof kindness. However, behind the finery and knowing smiles, there is a stern, pragmatic side that hints at untold sorrows...
The True Cardena...
Cardena possesses remarkable knowledge of medicine and alchemy, and it is through these means that she has found a method to preserve human blood while retaining its supernatural potency. As the Doctor-Curate of the Schola Santa Vara, she is both a healer and an undertaker. By carefully collecting the blood of the the recently-deceased, she ensures a regular supply in times of need.
Mariscal Gorgones, the Silver Snake
However, in this role, she also enforces the Bond of her people. Should any of the Vaara in the city step out of line by feeding on humans and risking exposure for the larger Vaara community, Cardena is in a position both to punish the guilty, and to destroy evidence of any larger vampiric presence.
Cardena took on the mantle of Gorgones about a decade ago. This was made possible through the intervention of the previous Grand Magistrate, who appointed Gorgones to the office of Mariscal. Gorgones' true identity remains a secret to all, including the other Maricales, the current Grand Magistrate Judex, and the Vaara population of Ladroa.
Before now, only Cardena's apprentice, Sister Elke Marevna, shared this secret. Out of accident and necessity, others have recently been brought into her confidence; the minstrel Tom Flagstaff, the mercenary Valke Marevna, and the company of Jack Tyrsson in the employ of the Grey Stripes.
Cardena exhibits an exceptional mastery of Vaara blood magic. When acting as Gorgones, she uses these powers to supplement her strength and agility. In her Mariscal guise, she shows just enough restraint to maintain her human masquerade. Aside from these magical enhancements, she is also a skilled combatant, and appears to be proficient in several exotic fighting techniques.
The transformation between Cardena dela Vara and the persona of Gorgones is dramatic. While Cardena moves in subtle ways, and exudes feminine kindness, wit, and allure, Gorgones is full of haughty bravado and righteous fury. The Mariscales usually like to inspire fear in the underworld with theatrical displays of power, and Gorgones seemingly embraces this role with exceptional gusto. Many consider him to be the most merciless and implacable of all Ladroa's enforcers, which is no mean feat.
It remains to be seen which of these aspects of Cardena dela Vara is the nearest to her true nature...
It remains to be seen which of these aspects of Cardena dela Vara is the nearest to her true nature...
