Darkonian Kargatane Record
- Known Name: Natalia Stanislav
- Race: Human, Barovian
- Apparent Age: Mid-30s
- Birthday: 8 August, 719 BC.
- Height: 5'11"
- Alignment: Lawful Good.
- Affiliations: Barovia.
- Religion: Non-Committed.
- Character Class: Fighter (Seasoned Commander).
- Place of Origin: Fort Stanislav, Barovia.
- Player/Type: NPC
Appearance
Natalia Stanislav's appearance is as striking as her prowess in battle. She has long, flowing hair that cascades down to her shoulders, a rich brown that catches the light, adding to her formidable presence. In battle, her hair is often tousled and wild, a stark contrast to the precise and controlled movements of her fighting style. When not in combat, she styles her hair in a refined ponytail, revealing the noble grace beneath her warrior exterior.
Her face is marked by a fierce determination and a noble bearing. High cheekbones and a strong jawline frame her features, giving her an air of both beauty and authority. Natalia's eyes are a piercing green, filled with a steely resolve and a hint of the hardships she has endured. They can be both captivating and intimidating, capable of conveying deep empathy or unyielding resolve. Her lips, often set in a firm line, soften in moments of quiet contemplation or when addressing those she cares for, revealing a softer side to her otherwise stern demeanor.
Natalia's complexion is fair, her skin smooth yet bearing the faintest traces of scars from past battles, each mark telling a story of her bravery and resilience. Despite the hardships of her life, there is a certain elegance to her appearance, an underlying nobility that shines through whether she is in her battle armor or her courtly attire. This duality of fierce warrior and refined noblewoman makes Natalia Stanislav a truly captivating figure.
In her signature armour, Natalia is a striking and formidable figure, embodying both grace and strength. Her family legacy armor showcases a blend of practical elegance and lethal capability, marking her as a warrior of exceptional prowess. Under her armour, Natalia has a somewhat slender form, a departure from the bulkier frames often seen among ethnic Barovian humans. This lithe build can be deceptive, as beneath the carefully crafted plates and chainmail lies a body honed to peak physical condition. Natalia's muscles are toned and powerful, a testament to rigorous military training and disciplined lifestyle.
When not clad in her battle armor, Natalia adopts the attire befitting her noble status. She often wears a courtier's outfit common to Barovian nobility, which includes a black dress and corset with red piping. This ensemble is complemented by a cloak that is black on the outside and red on the interior, symbolizing her connection to the Barovian elite. In these moments, her hair is styled more elegantly, typically tied back in a refined ponytail, showcasing her ability to transition seamlessly from the battlefield to the court.
Natalia's presence commands respect and attention, whether she is in armor or courtly attire. Her physical appearance, marked by a fit and toned physique, speaks volumes about her dedication to both her martial and noble duties. She embodies the duality of a warrior and a noblewoman, capable of striking down her enemies with precision and grace while maintaining the poise and decorum expected of Barovian aristocracy.
Background
Natalia Stanislav hails from an ancient Barovian noble family, the Stanislavs, whose history is steeped in valor and military prowess. The family motto, "To a valiant heart, nothing is impossible," has been a guiding principle for generations. The Stanislavs have always been at the forefront of Barovia's defense and expansion, their legacy dating back to a time before Barovia was drawn into the Dread Realm.
As hereditary landholding nobles, or Boyars, the Stanislavs have long held sway over West Barovia, operating out of the formidable Fort Stanislav. Their lands once bordered Gundarak, and the family played a crucial role in repelling invasions. When Barovia annexed Gundarak, Natalia's father led the charge, securing significant victories for Count Strahd. Following her father's murder by Gundarakite rebels after the annexation, Natalia inherited the Boyar title, becoming the guardian of the former Gundarak population centers of Zeidenburg, Teufeldorf, and the village of Leiksburg in the Balinok Mountains.
Despite her noble title, Natalia identifies first and foremost as a military leader. Rising through the ranks of the Barovian army, she demonstrated strategic brilliance and unyielding loyalty to Count Strahd. Her promotion to General was a testament to her capabilities, and she now commands significant respect and authority within the Barovian military.
About six months ago, Natalia's life took a dark turn when she investigated strange reports from her scouts in Leiksburg, and the follow-up responses from the Burgomaster, a distant cousin of hers, raised her suspicion further. Her inquiries led her into a web of corruption woven by the demon-worshipping cultist Burgomaster. To protect his master's secrets, the Burgomaster had Natalia cursed by a demonic entity known as the Amaranth, rendering her feeble-minded and erasing her memories. Believing herself to be the Burgomaster's simple-minded niece, Natalia became his plaything, while the villagers either accepted the lie or were too fearful to speak out. In her rare moments of lucidity when she remembered something of her true identity, she attempted to flee, but the cult always recaptured her as she was never lucid for long enough to get far.
Salvation came in the form of a group of heroes who uncovered the truth and banished the Amaranth. Among them was Nathaniel Halloway, a dashing adventurer who captured Natalia's heart, despite her feeble-mindedness. Their love affair blossomed, and led to the heroes investigating the strange goings-on, which in turn resulted in their banishing the Amaranth from Leiksburg and destroying her cult. With the curse broken, Natalia regained her memories and her former self. Grateful to the heroes and aided by Strahd's Spymaster, she returned to Fort Stanislav, reclaiming her rightful place.
Although her memories had returned, Natalia recalled her time with Nathaniel. It was a little strange at first, but they soon discovered that their attraction still remained, and they began to court. Although the courtship was promising, it was cut short by his untimely return to his ancestral home, of which only his dying sister, Audrey, returned with news of the death of the entire family - including Nathaniel who gave his life to save Audrey from Mist Ferrymen. Nathaniel's death was a heavy blow to Natalia, but she remained steadfast in her duties. She appointed Audrey Halloway as the new Burgomaster of Leiksburg, maintaining a close working relationship with her would-be sister-in-law.
Natalia continues to focus on strengthening the military and economic stability of her territories. She works tirelessly to quell the unrest between the conquered Gundarakites and the Barovians, using both diplomacy and force as necessary. Her ultimate goal is to prevent another Gundarak revolt and to ensure the continued dominance and prosperity of Barovia under Count Strahd's rule. Her resilience and unwavering commitment to her people and her lord make her a formidable figure in the land of Barovia, a beacon of strength and determination in a world overshadowed by darkness.
Personality
Valour and honour are Natalia's defining traits, despite what her detractors might say. She was born and raised in military nobility, and so discipline, respect, and honour are key integral aspects of her personality. She is loyal to Barovia and its leader, Count von Zarovich, who her family have served for a long time. This can make her seem quite rigid and severe to those who don't know her well, as her responsibilities and presence usually tends to involve severe situations, military problems, or formal social etiquette.
Add to this the fact that she has become the villainous poster-child of the Gundarakite rebels, who see her as a warmongering monster who keeps the Gundarakites enslaved and in misery, and who constantly seek to assassinate her like they did her father, it is natural that it is rare for her to let people in and build trust outside of people she has worked with and known (typically her own soldiers) for a long time.
That said, although she can lack social finesse, she always speaks politely and with respect to others, and when she begins to trust others, can be quite amiable and pleasant. During the period when she was under a curse that left her feeble-minded, she was renown as being friendly and pleasant, and quite sweet - and some claim that this is Natalia's true personality, when unshackled with the burdens of leadership, responsibility, and constant imminent danger from assassins and traitors. Indeed, during this period of feeble-mindedness (see background) she began a relationship with Nathaniel Halloway (who was unaware of the curse) which continued even after the curse was broken, presumably because she knew he could be trusted and thus could be her true self around him in private. People have noted that, since his presumed death, she has seemingly been less amiable and willing to let people in, perhaps to avoid having her heart broken again.
She is well known to lack patience with politicians and other social butterflies. She feels that it an exhausting waste of time and effort to have to manoeuvre around the social wiles of Burgomasters and Barovian nobility and their schemes, fake loyalties, and egotistical manners. She prefers directness and honesty and has more patience with an angry Gundarak ranting about the injustices against his people, than a slimy Barovian Burgomaster feigning loyalty and being socially pleasant all whilst manipulating things and bending laws for his own good against the good of his people.
Those who know her claim she has a good heart, and wants to use her position to help her people and nation as best she can. Unfortunately, she's in a tough position that requires her to make harsh decisions for a greater good, or the good of the realm, often with little choice against orders from above - and live with the consequences. She has had to steel herself and get used to awfulness, and do what is necessary and/or expected of her, despite how she may truly feel. Her adherence to loyalty and duty will always be a higher priority to her than her sense of morality.
Other Notes
Natalia's family have been boyars (Barovian landowners) and members of the Barovian army for as far back as anyone can remember, even before Barovia was dragged into the land of mists. Depending who you ask, this represents great renown, or great infamy.
It is believed her family were once members of the Order of the Silver Dragon but, when they stood against Count Strahd von Zarovich's wishes after Barovia was absorbed into the land of mists, that they turned from the order to serve Strahd, and fought against their former colleagues. Some would see this as betraying their honour and allegiances, though as the Silver Dragons are remembered as a traitorous order that resisted the rightful lord, most see it as them proving their loyalty to Barovia and its lord. Ever since, the Stanislav family has served Count Strahd's descendants, and Barovia, with unwavering loyalty.
They were involved in the war against Darkon. And recently, they led the Barovian armies in the annexation of Gundarak by Barovia, revenge for which rebel Gundaraks murdered Natalia's father, and now consider her, as his successor and leader of the military keeping them oppressed, to be their greatest enemy. The tragedy of this, for those who know Natalia, is that she tries very hard to keep the fires down and prevent conflict, wanting both Gundarakites and Barovians to integrate and get along in peace. Alas, resentment and ethnic biases run generations deep, and she is stuck in the middle trying to prevent the black powder keg from going off and igniting what would be a vicious and bloody internal war.
Combat Style
Natalia is incredibly well trained and highly experienced in combat, but has what many would consider a flaw in combat - she is not used to fighting alone. She was born into military nobility and raised accordingly, and been a soldier all her life - but born to lead. Although she leads by example and enters the field herself, she is nonetheless a General and it has been a long time since she led a small squad in a direct attack. Ever since her father's death shortly after the annexation of Gundarak, whereby she inherited his noble title of Boyar of southwest Barovia, and succeeded him as General of the Barovian army, her role is more strategic than direct. She sends others to fight in her stead, having to stand back. Her engagement usually signifies the highest points of a battle. And even then, she will have others around her willing to die to protect her.
Raised for this role and purpose, her training focuses on defensive combat. She is a master of defensive tactics and use of her shield, especially when fighting with others. Many a group of bandits or barbarians have been surprised and defeated when a smaller force, led by Natalia, suddenly forms an impenetrable field wall that successfully rebutts their attack. Even without her shield, she is well trained to dodge bladed weapons, and deadly efficient with her bastard sword. Whilst there may be others with her level of experience that may be better at offensive combat, Natalia's training and experience sacrifices a little weapon familiarity and offensiveness for teamwork tactics and defensive abilities. This does not mean she fights purely defensively - quite the contrary, she rarely fights defensively unless facing a deadly threat. She simply relies on her armour, shield, and ability to dodge harmful attacks whilst striking true blows that wear out her opponent, rather than all-out attack with little defense that could harm her in the process as much as the enemy. There is no point killing an opponent if you get harmed enough in the process that the next opponent will have an easier time of you. As her combat experiences tend to involve fighting many opponents in protracted combat, her combat style is intended to keep her fit and capable for as long as possible, rather than taking threats down quickly with higher risk.
Anyone thinking she would be a glorified fop in shiny armour, like much of Barovian nobility, would receive a harsh surprise at her personal combat prowess. But give her a few squads to command, and her leadership qualities shine through, capable of inspiring and leading her troops through hell and back, in Barovia's glory.
Social Style
Natalia is a busy woman with a military mind, and has little patience for ostentatious displays and social pretense. She would much prefer to turn up, have an hour-long meeting with a Burgomaster and resolve an issue efficiently, then leave, than be forced to stay for yet another ball or feast in her honour held by some slimy and pretentious burgomaster, who has bled his people dry to finance the great feast that, at heart, is for his own glory and feigned respect.
As most people are too scared to resist her commands, terrified that defiance could lead to repercussions (a common occurrence within Barovian military and nobility), or despise her as an oppressor, it is rare for people to speak truthfully and honestly around her, for one reason or another. This means she always wonders if what she's being told is the truth, if all the facts and truths have been given to her, and if the advice is honest and good or simply what the speaker believes she wants to hear. Natalia has spent too long in the military taking orders from officers who cannot accept they may not know best, and will punish any Captain or other who give an alternate idea that may be better - which they believe makes them look bad. Natalia encourages her officers and troops to speak plainly, and is gaining ground on this as far as respect from her troops - but it is not an easy task.
Add to this the fact that anyone she has not known a long time could possibly be an assassin (and even those she knows may potentially turn traitor), trust is a very limited commodity for her, and actions tend to earn her trust far faster than any degree of diplomacy or declarations of loyalty, especially when said actions are done for honest reasons even if it may come at personal cost. She has been known to pardon "criminals" given a death sentence when she has learnt that the actions of the criminals were to prevent a corrupt Burgomaster who has stolen taxes for his own benefit, as the disloyal one deserving punishment was the Burgomaster, in her eyes. Unfortunately, even she cannot overrule Strahd's laws, and there is only so much leeway she can exert.
Adventurers and others wishing to deal with Natalia would do best to be honest and respectful, and a little empathy goes a long way. But overt and over-the-top displays of fealty, false respect, and the likes, will quickly irritate her. Greeting her with respect, asking for a moment of her time, and stating a problem and asking her to help resolve it (or allow the petitioner to resolve it with her blessing and permission) are the ideal for her - no time wasted, and everyone gets the outcome they want. She is willing to sit and try to find common ground and best overall solutions where possible, where there is respect, but not if she feels disrespected or that her time is wasted.
The few able to crack past the proverbial General's armour and befriend her, will find her a caring and friendly person, who actually enjoys being able to be herself around the limited few she can trust and call friends, and perhaps forget her responsibilities for a short time...
Signature Equipment
Many of Natalia's signature equipment are legacy family heirlooms that have been passed down and improved upon by generations of Stanislavs, of which Natalia is the latest (and possibly final) inheritor. As befitting the family motto of "To a valiant heart, nothing is impossible", many of these items grant Natalia and/or her allies boosts to their courage, or similar effects.
Armour & Weapons
- Breastplate of Command: This magical breastplate armour has a metal breastplate over a chain shirt, along with red cloth in the red of Barovian nobility. It looks like good armour, but is not as ostentatious as many other magical armour. Nonetheless, whilst worn it makes Natalia look more imposing and inspires confidence in her abilities - granting a magical boost to her Charisma and leadership abilities. The breastplate is engraved with the Stanislave family crest, which prominently depicts a Barovian bear along with the engraved words "To a valiant heart, nothing is impossible" in Balok script. Allies within 360ft who have line of sight to Natalia gain boosts to their courage. As a result, when Natalia takes the field, it is common to see her troops standing up to threats that would break the morale of most troops, and standing bravely beside her.
- Stanislav Family Shield: This large round heavy shield, like her armour, looks sturdy but not ostentatious, put has a powerful defensive enhancement making it more than twice as effective as non-magical shields of its type. It also prominently depicts the Stanislav family crest and motto. Similar to the breastplate armour, the shield provides boosts to courage to allies within 30 ft, as well as boosting the effect of other courage-boosting abilities and effects she has. Additionally, once per day, if someone strikes a potentially-fatal blow against Natalia, the shield automatically casts a Breath of Life spell on her, healing her and potentially even bringing her back from the dead, if the damage to her body was within the capability of the healing magic.
- Stanislav Family Sword: This magical bastard sword is deceptive, like much of Natalia's signature family equipment. It is ancient and not very impressive to look upon, appearing like it has seen better years, although the blade itself looks sharp and sturdy. It is, however, a powerful magical weapon that gives magical morale bonuses against fear to the wielder, and additionally roars like a bear and inflicts additional damage on getting a critical strike against an opponent, also potentially permanently deafening them.
- Silver Dagger: Natalia has on occasion had to fight against undead creatures or werewolves, and so carries a silver dagger with her for these situations, just in case.
- Composite Longbow: Whilst Natalia prefers to engage in melee, there are times ranged combat is required. For this purpose, she carries this masterwork composite longbow.
Magic Items
- Scabbard of Vigour: This scabbard can accomodate most common one-handed weapons, adapting automatically to the weapon sheathed. Additionally, one per day as the weapon is drawn the wielder can place a magical enchantment bonus on it. This can be a weak enchantment that can last for approximately a minute, or can be made a more powerful enchantment for shorter duration.
Mundane Items
- Courtier's Outfit: For formal occasions when she can't be in armour, Natalia is most commonly seen in the finery of her courtier's outfit, a black dress with red piping in the traditional style of Barovian nobility.
Signature Quotes
- "To a valiant heart, nothing is impossible"
- Stanislav family motto, but also something Natalia is frequently heard quoting. A mantra by which she lives and for which she is willing to die.