SISTER MARGARET STONEHEART
Humans AzariaHigh Priestess of the Temple of the Dawn
"The gods don't need golden statues. They need us to be their hands in a world that desperately needs healing.""
Identity
- Residence
- El'goroth, Temple District
- Civilization
- Humans Azaria
Appearance
• Physical: Solid and imposing with broad shoulders and strong hands from years of physical labor. Her face is weathered but kind, with laugh lines around her eyes that deepen when she smiles. Her hair, once auburn, is now steel gray and worn in a severe bun. • Clothing: Wears the white and gold vestments of her order, but hers are patched and repaired rather than replaced. Around her waist hangs a heavy ring of keys to the temple's many chambers and storehouses. • Distinguishing Marks: A burn scar on her right forearm from rescuing children from a temple fire; her prayer beads are made from stones she collected on pilgrimage.
Relationships
- Family - Two adopted children from the orphanage she runs; a brother who still serves in the military
- Allies - The city's beggars' guild; several merchant families who support her charities
- Rivals - The High Priest of the rival Sun Temple; nobles who resent her criticism of their excess
Personality
- Traits: Compassionate but demanding, deeply practical, suspicious of political religion, fiercely protective of the poor
- Mannerisms: Touches her prayer beads when troubled; speaks in parables when giving advice
- Voice: Strong and carrying, trained to project to the back of the grandest cathedral
Backstory
Margaret was a soldier for twenty years before hearing what she believes was the voice of the divine. She joined the priesthood and rose through the ranks not through political maneuvering but through sheer dedication to helping the needy. She's turned the temple into the city's largest charity, much to the annoyance of more conservative clergy.
Daily Life
Rises before dawn to lead the morning prayers, then oversees the temple's soup kitchen, hospital, and orphanage. Afternoons are spent in council with other priests trying to secure more funding for her charities. Evenings bring private counseling sessions with those in spiritual crisis.
Story Hooks
- 1 She needs help investigating why the temple's charity shipments are being intercepted
- 2 A mysterious illness is affecting the poor and she needs rare healing components
Narrative Value
Healing services; quest giver for humanitarian missions; moral compass; source of divine magic ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════