_The Flame of Sovereignty_ **Full Name:** Dame Sapphira of the [[Iron Ray Order]] **Race:** Elf **Gender:** Female **Class:** Paladin (Oath of Redemption / [[Oath of the Flame]], ) **Deity:** [[Perserphina]], Goddess of Beauty and War **Title(s):** Lady-Knight of the South, High Flamebearer, Liberator of Chains **Affiliations:** The [[Iron Ray Order]], Temple of [[Perserphina]], Allied Command of Brensistria **Era:** 10,000s A.P., Age of [[Perserphina]] **Status:** Alive and active **Apparent Age:** Early 30s (Human years) **True Age:** 142 (Elven years) --- ### Overview Dame Sapphira is a revered paladin of [[Perserphina]], known throughout the southern kingdoms of Solare as a beacon of justice, compassion, and martial discipline. One of the highest-ranking Flamebearers in the [[Iron Ray Order]], she is both a spiritual guide and a formidable force on the battlefield. Her most famous deed—rescuing the tiefling slave boy who would become [[Sovereign]]—marked only the beginning of her legacy. --- ### Origins & Rise Born to an elven family of silversmiths in the luminous forests near Brensistria, Sapphira's life changed when her village was raided by [[Askaria]] slavers. She was rescued as a child by the [[Iron Ray Order]], a militant sect of [[Perserphina]]’s faith known for its strict vows and unflinching service to justice. Raised in the order’s temple-fortress, Sapphira—despite the long years typical of elven development—embraced both the sword and scripture, rising quickly through the ranks. Her elven grace, long lifespan, and extraordinary talent for both mercy and martial prowess earned her the title _High Flamebearer_, a position reserved for those who could balance [[Perserphina]]’s dual tenets: strength in war and beauty in peace. Over time, she developed her own style of combat and diplomacy, emphasizing redemption and nonlethal solutions where possible—but never hesitating when violence was necessary. --- ### Role in [[Sovereign]]’s Life Sapphira infiltrated a noble gathering in the [[Askaria]] Empire, having received word of slaves being kept for vanity and cruelty. There, she discovered _[[Sovereign|Spike]]_ ([[Sovereign]]) and [[Stick]]. She worked closely with [[Stick]] during the party, coordinating an escape plan. When the fire broke out, Sapphira was waiting beyond the estate’s edge with her divine steed, prepared for their escape. Though she could only rescue a few, [[Stick]] and [[Sovereign|Sov]] were her chosen. [[Sovereign|Sov]]'s bravery and wounds stirred her deeply. She took him under her wing, giving him sanctuary within the [[Iron Ray Order]]. For thirteen years, she trained him in body and soul, instilling the doctrines of [[Perserphina]]. When [[Sovereign|Sov]] chose to take up the cleric’s mantle, she gave him her personal holy symbol—a radiant sunburst with a flaming sword—as a sign of her belief in his destiny. She remains his most trusted confidant. --- ### Personality - **Wise and Steady:** She is not quick to anger and often guides others with gentle, firm conviction. - **Fierce When Needed:** On the battlefield, she is a burning flame of righteousness. - **Protective:** Treats [[Sovereign|Sov]] like a spiritual child, and remains protective of all innocents. - **Charismatic:** Her presence inspires those around her, making her a natural leader in both temple and warcamp. --- ### Combat & Power Sapphira is a high-tier paladin with custom features: - **[[Oath of the Flame]]:** Grants her radiant fire powers that cleanse corruption and shield allies. - **Aegis of the Flame:** Can extend an aura of fire that heals allies and damages enemies. - **Brand of Liberation:** Strikes that land on slavers or oppressors deal bonus radiant damage. - **Summoned Mount:** Her steed, _Glorymane_, is a divine celestial warhorse with wings of light. - **Legendary Paladin Boon:** Once per long rest, she can shield all allies within 60 ft with [[Perserphina]]’s Embrace, rendering them immune to fear, charm, and possession for 1 minute. --- ### Appearance - **Height:** 6’0” - **Build:** Athletic and commanding - **Hair:** Braided gold-blonde hair, often pulled back with a silver band - **Eyes:** Shining blue, filled with focus and clarity - **Armor:** Silver-etched plate armor adorned with flame motifs and [[Perserphina]]’s sigils - **Holy Symbol:** A sunburst clasped around a blade, glowing when she channels divine power --- ### Reputation & Influence - **Beloved in Brensistria:** Considered a national heroine and military advisor to [[Queen Cyrill]] - **Feared in [[Askaria]]:** Known as the Flame of Sovereignty, her name is whispered with contempt and fear - **Respected by Clergy:** Her balance of mercy and might makes her a paragon of [[Perserphina]]’s philosophy --- ### Key Lore & Solare Connections - **[[Queen Cyrill]] Lightheart:** One of her closest allies; the two share mutual respect and have collaborated on numerous campaigns against [[Askaria]] slaver rings. - **Order of the Tower:** Though not directly affiliated, Sapphira is known and respected among its upper clergy and has been granted access to sacred texts on prophecy. - **The [[Daughters of Serenity]]:** She views their mission as kindred in spirit, often working diplomatically to defend their rights in city-states where nudity and open spirituality are controversial. - **The [[Companions of Bliss]]:** She supports their emotional healing missions and sees them as vital complements to martial resistance. - **The [[Green Palace]]:** Maintains strong ties through Councilor [[Rillion Rolid]] and [[Marshal Vaerin Mossblade]], both of whom view her as a key southern contact. --- ### Relationships - **[[Sovereign]]:** Spiritual child and protégé - **[[Queen Cyrill]]:** Ally and occasional confidant - **[[Iron Ray Order]]:** Holds near-legendary status among them - **[[Stick]] (Indirectly):** Respects her bravery and sacrifice, and feels personally responsible for helping [[Sovereign|Sov]] honor her --- ### Goals - To dismantle systemic slavery and oppression within the [[Askaria]] Empire and beyond - To elevate those like [[Sovereign|Sov]] into heroes of the next age - To discover a divine truth hidden deep within [[Perserphina]]’s flame—an ancient prophecy only hinted at in sacred texts - To ensure peace through both might and mercy across southern Solare --- ### Notable Quote > _"Justice is not won through vengeance. It is forged through light... and held fast by fire."_ ## Sapphira – Level 20 Paladin ([[Oath of the Flame]]) *Elf | Lawful Good | Divine Hero of [[Perserphina]]* --- ### Core Stats - **Race:** Elf (High Elf or Custom Lineage w/ +2 Cha, +1 Str) - **Class:** Paladin 20 ([[Oath of the Flame]]) - **Background:** Knight of the Order - **Alignment:** Lawful Good - **Deity:** [[Perserphina]] - **Armor Class:** 20 (Plate + Shield) - **Speed:** 30 ft. - **Hit Points:** 212 (20d10+60) ### Ability Scores (Point Buy / Adjusted) - **STR:** 20 (+5) - **DEX:** 13 (+1) - **CON:** 16 (+3) - **INT:** 13 (+1) - **WIS:** 14 (+2) - **CHA:** 20 (+5) ### Proficiencies - **Armor:** All armor, shields - **Weapons:** All simple and martial weapons - **Saving Throws:** Wisdom, Charisma - **Skills:** Persuasion, Insight, Athletics, Religion --- ### Class Features **Divine Sense (5/day)** – Detect celestial, fiend, or undead within 60 ft. **Lay on Hands (100 HP)** – Heal HP or cure disease/poison **Divine Smite** – Spend spell slots to deal radiant damage on melee hits **Divine Health** – Immune to disease **Aura of Protection (10 ft)** – Add +5 Cha mod to all saving throws for self and allies **Aura of Courage (10 ft)** – Allies can’t be frightened **Cleansing Pyre (15th)** – Fire & radiant AoE that heals allies / blinds foes **[[Oath of the Flame]] **: - *Flamebrand (CD)* – Weapon glows, +1d8 fire/radiant, extra vs fiends/undead/slavers - *Blazing Rebuke (CD)* – Reaction fire damage on melee hit - *Aura of Burning Light (7th)* – Fire & radiant resistance, stealth disadvantage for foes - *Legendary Boon* – Grant immunity to fear/charm/possession 1 min, 1/long rest - *Incarnation of Flame (20th)* – 1 min flame avatar (see subclass entry) --- ### Spellcasting (Paladin 20) - **Spell Save DC:** 20 - **Spell Attack Mod:** +12 - **Spell Slots:** 4/3/3/2/1 **Commonly Prepared Spells** - *1st:* Bless, Command, Shield of Faith - *2nd:* Lesser Restoration, Magic Weapon - *3rd:* Daylight, Aura of Vitality, Fireball (oath spell) - *4th:* Freedom of Movement, Wall of Fire - *5th:* Flame Strike, Greater Restoration --- ### Equipment - **Radiant Longsword ([[Flamebrand]])** – +1d8 radiant/fire, glows with divine light - **Blessed Flameplate** – Custom +1 Plate Armor (fire resistance) - **Shield of Emberlight** – +2 shield, glows faintly in darkness - **Holy Symbol:** Sunburst and sword insignia (focus) - **Divine Steed:** *Glorymane*, celestial pegasus (custom mount) --- ### Feats (Optional) - **Inspiring Leader** – Temp HP to allies - **Resilient (Con)** – Boost concentration and saves ---