Firav Name: Baba Cloanta Age: unknown Origin: Scythia House: Ravanossa Rank: Matriarch of Ghostglade Weapons: Mortar & Pestle Animalis: Raven of the Veil Blade Supreme: unknown Children: many daughters Appearances: Sign of the Raven Sign of the Owl Cloanta shares the fate of many powerful women in ancient folklore. Her name has been desecrated, and her persona reduced to a stereotype of old witches. Some tales describe her as a gruesome and frightening monster that is leading wanderers into their demise. Others tell of her as a child-eating troll of some sort. But neither is true. None of these narrations can truly grasp the whole picture of a woman that indisputably has become an established archetype of female sorcery. Baba Cloanta’s origins are rooted deeply in Slavic folklore. As the Wallachian and Transylvanian pendant to Baba Yaga, she is thought of as an old crone, who lives deep in the woods, where she guards the gates to the realms of death. She is a warden of the veil and as such serves the eternal forest. The raven witch herself, however, prefers to associate her work with that of a quest master. Heroes and brave people are put to the test during an encounter with Cloanta. She has shaped countless mortals into knights, priestesses, kings and queens and thus contributed greatly to numerous eras of glory for the kingdoms of mankind. Yet with her own lineage, she often struggles. Her offshoot repeatedly has proven itself inconsiderate in terms of weaving the web of fate. A duty for the House of the Raven. For death can only exist when there is life to end. Such clever animals, those ravens. They see, hear and know so much that many cultures deem them messengers of the otherside. Clearly beings of the veil—the Eastern Veil in Cloanta’s case. She is one of the last living creatures that still remembers how Transylvania got its name. The Forest Beyond it is called for a reason… …to be continued. “Time has a strange way of revealing the truth. If you follow it long enough, it will teach you every secret of existence.”

Azana Name: Azana Azona Age: 942 years Origin: Spiritwaters, Nemesava House: Valalmahar, Nightstride Rank: Matriarch of Nemesava Weapons: Crescent Moon of the Veil Animalis: Owl Ghost / Rune Panther / unknown Blade Supreme: Arayon Araqani Children: Bilqith, Radu Appearances: Sign of the Raven Sign of the Owl Azana is as knowledgeable as she is beautiful. Better known as the Countess of Owls, Radu’s clan mother is known for her skills in rune magic and herbalism. Besides, she also holds the office of arch scholar at Gardyan’s history archives. As for Azana’s character, sources usually describe her as reserved yet kind. Barely is she seen outside Azwood. On rare occasions, she can be spotted at a local festival or tournament. Other than that, she prefers a discrete way of life. Which greatly adds to her mysterious reputation as a sorceress. Together with her brothers, Azan and Bozan, as well as her sister-in-law, Azamitha, she has cultivated the fearsome sentinel order of the Night Blades. Her nightstriders are said to be relentless when it comes to Nemesava’s border defense. No outsider dares to trespass into their territory after nightfall. They show no mercy towards uninvited intruders. Despite her strict agenda in regard to border policies, Azana rules the Nemesian territories with wisdom and moderation. Although her reign is described as less harsh towards male citizens than it is practice in Rayan, Nemesava’s matriarch shares sisterly bonds with her counterpart in the North. Like Aronya, she honours the Codex of the Sisterhood and assures that the laws of the Goddess are adhered to. There is one individual, though, for whom she flexes said laws quite a bit: Arayon. The commander of Azana’s sister matriarchy has managed to win her heart and is regularly putting her role as a matriarch to the test with his rather… bold attempts to tame her… …to be continued. “My scythe is primarily for harvesting purposes. But don’t you think it wouldn’t also cut your thread of life if you provoke my silent waters…”

Aronya Name: Aronya Arayona Age: 916 years Origin: Rayan House: Arayona Rank: Matriarch of Rayan Weapon: Sanguine Spear of the Veil Animalis: Dragon Blood / Blood Fox Blade Supreme: Zakane Sion Children: Boudwicca Appearances: Sign of the Raven Sign of the Owl Aronya and her unidentical twin brother Aaron do not look much alike. Nor is their status in Rayan society the same. While Aaron serves as blade supreme in their father’s clan of origin, Aronya was born to continue the lineage of her mother. Following her footsteps, she inherited the throne of Rubinburgh and thus the title of Rayan’s matriarch. A rose with many thorns, she is said to be. For her beauty should never be mistaken for weakness. On the contrary, the maple queen’s character is full of temper—just fitting for a daughter of the dragon. Like her mother, Aronya is known for ruling the Red Forest with sovereign dominance and feminine superiority. Strict rules are in place regarding the role of men in her society. Never again should women be oppressed, as it was common during the era of the Witcher Kings. A man’s disrespectful behaviour towards his mistress and a lack of devotion for his tasks therefore face severe punishment under her reign… At times, Aronya and her Nemesian counterpart, matriarch Azana, might disagree about her hard course in the treatment of males. But other than that, the baroness holds the council of her Southern childhood friend in highest regards. After all, both women by now are indeed family to each other since Aronya coupled the countess with her cousin Arayon. A shame is the lack of opportunity to lurk into the couple’s bed chamber sometimes. Rayan’s matriarch lives for such wild passion. ‘Feral beasts shall not be separated’ is her credo, and so her greatest delight is it to observe and fuel secret desires. Of all things, were it men, who had respectable influence on female desires. In Aronya’s own case, this involved an aspiring young detective of Rubinburgh’s crime department… …to be continued. “The first mistake you made, was thinking that men in Rayan’s matriarchy would be weak. We only raise the finest stallions – feral, formidable and fertile.”

Zazan Name: Zazan Zamedi Age: unknown Origin: Nemesava House: Zamedi Rank: Baron of House Zamedi Weapons: Sword of Flames Animalis: Blood Raven / Owl Ghost / unknown Mistress: ♱ Children: Zakane Appearances: Sign of the Raven Sign of the Owl Zazan is a mysterious character. Not much is known about the raven shaman of House Zamedi, but as only baron in a realm full of baronesses, he certainly holds the uncommon title of a patriarch. His influence on Gardyan’s affairs, though, is limited to the veil. Cast out by his clan for studying the forbidden power of blood magic, Baron Zamedi’s fate lies in exile. Keeping him from having his say in matters of great importance, however, this does not… Father to Rayan’s first lieutenant and lead detective Zakane, Zazan has bequeathed his son an exceptional sense for irregularities. While his son tends to utilise said skill in order to solve crimes, Baron Zamedi has committed himself to erasing what he calls interferences within the timeline. In that matter, he does not leave it at prevention. Very actively, the blood shaman intervenes when the veil’s course of events appears to be off and does not shy away from taking radical measures. A habit that has often brought him into trouble in the past… Due to his relentless pursuit of meddling with the course of time and fate, Zazan has caused quite a bunch of unexpected consequences he endeavours to resolve nowadays. With or without permission of the raven witch. Baron Zamedi and Baba Cloanta are somewhat two sides of the same coin. He often describes her as his pendant among guardians of the veil—a spiritual sister, so to speak. Together they keep the veil’s shadow side in check and assure that darkness knows its place. It remains to be seen whether Zazan is able to do the same with regard to his own shadows… …to be continued. “Family be only runnin’ through blood…”

Azamitha Name: Azamitha Azrune Age: 934 years Origin: Nemesava House: Nightstride Rank: Sr. Lady General of the Night Blades Weapons: Rune Claw Animalis: Rune Panther / Owl Ghost Blade Supreme: Bozan Azona Children: Bozani, Cosan, Dosan, Eosan Appearances: Sign of the Raven Sign of the Owl Not every person with sharp canine teeth is a vampire. Some just originate from a rather feral family tree. Azamitha, the Night Blades’ senior lady general embodies the rune panther animalis like nobody else among Nemesava’s nightstriders. The warrior queen of ancient has fought in the Second War of Houses and is battleproof to her finely filed nails. When she bites and scratches, there will be no sweet dark romantic touch to it. Calling the wounds her blade inflicts “scratches” would would be an understatement anyways. Azamitha’s khukuri Rune Claw doesn’t scratch. It slashes. A woman wielding such a weapon cannot afford to be weak. Her Rayan ally Aaron could tell a tale about how often he lost an arm wrestling match against her. A Nemesian baroness’ silent statement about who is the strongest beastmaster in the borderlands after all. Truly, Azamitha is not a woman of many words. She lets her blade carver speak in times of dispute and prefers conversational minimalism otherwise. Her time is sacred, for her tasks are plenty. Sister-in-law to Nemesava’s matriarch, she laid the foundation for the Night Blade Order together with her husband Bozan. The royal couple trained the Twidan’s very first generation of nightstriders hundreds of years ago. When she is not overseeing the education of her rune dancers, Azamitha usually can be found with her big wild cats. Magnificent beasts, who require an equal amount of training as her aspirants. Either of them respect their lady general as their legendary alpha. And though she never seeks confrontation, they all know how deadly it would be to provoke her… There is one person who certainly inherited the traits of her mother. Azamitha’s daughter Bozani is a perfect blend of her mother’s and father’s qualities. And she is not the only one. For her little brothers, Cosan, Dosan and Eosan are very much alike. …to be continued. “Watch your tongue. Or I might as well trim it.”

Aaron Name: Aaron Sion Age: 916 years Origin: Rubinburgh, Rayan House: Arayona / Sion Rank: Raji’Draq Swordmaster / Blood Blade General Weapons: Rune Fox, Sanguinar Animalis: Blood Fox / Dragon Blood Mistress: Adra Sion Children: Navarion Appearances: Sign of the Raven Sign of the Owl Although twin brother to matriarch Aronya, Aaron is often deemed more blood fox than dragon blood. His skills in training Rayan’s war dragons however prove his divine connection to the mighty scaled beasts. Nonetheless, Aaron’s persona clearly leans towards vulpine nature, which explains his choice to marry into Clan Sion and become their Master of the Hunt. An important role in his decision played his fondness of the Sionnaigh’s young clan mother Adra. With whom he now rules over the provinces of Redbranch in Rayan’s southwest. The Lord of Dragon Peaks has always preferred a more rural way of life. Him claiming his place among the Red Rangers of his father’s clan therefore many would deem fate. But this should not obscure the fact that Aaron is the second most powerful man in all of Rayan, right after the matriarch’s consort. Though there currently is not much of a consort left. Aronya’s husband died under mysterious circumstances, before she chose Aaron’s esteemed clan brother Zakane as her new companion. A liaison Aaron benevolently tolerates. He’d rather see his sister bedded by his most trusted lieutenant than by one of those pathetic yet dangerous male aristocrats from Rubinburgh. And he’d rather see his cousin Arayon taking lead as inofficial head of military than to start a feud between royal sons. His generosity and relaxed attitude towards questions of hierarchy within his family shows how peaceful Aaron’s nature is despite his animalistic heritage. As pack leader of the Blood Foxes though, the Raji’Draq general is considered a master of the animalis and a feared duellist of the Draq’enar. Novices in particular should really think twice about facing him. Because once provoked, the beast within him is known to rage with great fury. A berserk slumbers in this laid back noble son with uncommonly bourgeois lifestyle… …to be continued. “Rayan’s fate lays in the claws of dragons and the Raji’Draq who ride them. Dragon Peaks trains both, and blood foxes in addition. We are the pack you should truly fear.”

Ravonja Name: Ravonja Corvinus-Draculesti Age: unknown Origin: Transylvania House: Ravanossa Rank: Lady General of the Raven Blades Weapons: Daggers of Castle Bran / Bow of Corvinus Animalis: Blood Raven / Dragon Blood Blade Supreme: ??? Children: ??? Appearances: Sign of the Raven Sign of the Owl As Lady General of the Raven Blades, Ravonja is the second most powerful woman of House Ravanossa. Her lineage reminds everyone of the mighty families that once ruled over Transylvania, Moldova and Wallachia. A vampiress she is indeed. But her ancestry is a mystery to most. This even more so since the source of Ravonja’s powers is not limited to vampirism alone. In fact, a mighty raven blood animalis slumbers within her soul, allowing her to walk the veil as if it was her native home. She knows all its secret paths—on land and at sea. On all her journeys, Ravonja is accompanied by her mighty Raven named Abraxis. The bird is no animal of mortal realms but rather travels between worlds as a messenger for notices of highest order. What he sees, Ravonja sees. And who he tracks, Ravonja will hunt down. There is no trail able to remain in the hidden if Ravonja and Abraxis set out to find it. Reliable tracers in service of the raven witch, with whom the Raven Blade’s lady general shares more than just a raven aspect. As a young girl, she was sent to Cloanta to become her apprentice. Their relationship can be compared to that of a grandmother and her granddaughter, making Ravonja one of the raven witch’s closest confidants. Whoever opposes Cloanta, also opposes the Raji’Rav lady general. And where she is nigh, Baron Zamedi usually isn’t far either. The triad of death they sometimes are called. For strangers, who spot one of them, might not live to see another sunrise… …to be continued. “Time has a strange way of revealing the truth. If you follow it long enough, it will teach you every secret of existence.”

Bozan Name: Bozan Azona Age: 929 years Origin: Nemesava House: Valalmahar, Nightstride Rank: Lord Commander of the Night Blades Weapons: Azkahan Animalis: Rune Panther / Owl Ghost Mistress: Azamitha Azrune Children: Bozani, Cosan, Dosan, Eosan https://youtube.com/shorts/d93WV915LWk?feature=share Appearances: Sign of the Raven Sign of the Owl While his older brother Azan became somewhat of an old-fashioned hermit before reaching his thousands Bozan endeavours to preserve a more youthful mindset. Ageing starts with one’s own spirit as he sports to tell his students, who view him as a big brother rather than the senior mentor he is known to be in entire Nemesava. But even in this seeminglyamicable blademaster slumbers a fearsome beast. As right hand of his mistress, the Night Blade’s senior lady general Azamitha, Bozan has the divine task of commanding Nemesava’s military units. Being brother to the country’s matriarch Azana as well, the wise warrior enjoys a very high status in society, making him one of the most influential males of Azwood. Training young nightstriders and leading the hunter packs of his clan, Bozan is deemed a master of the animalis. An encounter with him can easily take a fatal turn if his opponent dares to disrespect his authority. Tales about strangers vanishing or dying behind Azwood’s treelines, in a majority of cases involve his rune dancers executing the law of the land, if not even his own blade striking down a trespasser. Bozan’s most lethal creation without doubt is his beloved daughter Bozani. Carrying his name forth into the next generation, she embodies her father’s discipline in training as well as his skills. An adverse encounter with both, is nothing to be desired… Same is true for Bozan’s sons, Cosan, Dosan and Eosan who are a deadly young trio of their father’s Night Blade elite sentinels. …to be continued. “Women are warriors. And men should feel honoured to fight by their side.”

Arayon Name: Arayon Araqani Age: 916 years Origin: Rubinburgh, Rayan House: Arayona Rank: Raji’Draq Swordmaster / Blood Blade Commander Weapons: Rajakhan, Radakhan Animalis: Dragon Blood / Blood Raven Mistress: Azana Azona Children: Bilqith, Radu Appearances: Sign of the Raven Sign of the Owl As male cousin of Rayan’s matriarch, Arayon might not be heir to the throne, but his royal ancestry is undisputed nonetheless. The Lord of the Draq’Enar and founder of the Raji’Draq is a true son of the dragon. And nobody has mastered the dragon blood animalis to such perfection as the Blood Blade commander. His entire life, he has studied the martial arts of Araqan, the Rayonaigh’s legendary progenitor. Unmatched is his blade dance among the Raji’Draq. Rajakhan and Radakhan, his duel blades, are said to tear through an opponent’s flesh like the fangs of a blood dragon. With a well-balanced fighting technique, combining feral force and animalistic accuracy, facing him in combat could easily become a death sentence for an inexperienced warrior. Furthermore, the Blood Blade commander is known as secret head of military, although this title officially is held by the matriarch’s twin brother, his cousin Aaron. Not only is Arayon a master of reconnaissance, he also shows exceptional qualities as a leader in battle. Those, who train in his arena, either rise to the challenge or face painful defeat. Only the most resilient he tolerates as aspirants in his order. Nothing about Arayon is perceived as gentle by strangers. Just one knows his sensitive side. His letters to her reveal that his passion is not exclusively reserved for combat but also for poetry and the cunning seduction of his favourite… prey… …to be continued. “My arena sifts the wheat from chaff. And maybe your head from your shoulders too, if you don’t get out of my sight right now.”

Radu Name: Radu Corvinus Age: 120 years Origin: Walachia House: Nightstride Rank: Raji’Rav Swordmaster / Raven Blade Commander Weapons: Ravan, Ravaran Animalis: Blood Raven / Dragon Blood Mistress: Bozani Azamitha Children: – Appearances: Sign of the Raven Sign of the Owl Radu is one of a kind. The young swordmaster of the Raven Blade Order is infamous for his deadly ambushes. In the ways of the assassin, no one can match his flawless shift. As devoted servant of the Night Blade’s lady general, he is sworn to the Southern Forest of Nemesava. His rogueish tactics though, reveal the Rayan beast within him and something else: In fact, Radu is only half Rayonaigh. His other half originates from a mortal bloodline said to have once brought up some of the most noble yet also some of the most cruel knights in human history. There is more to this young Raven Blade than meets the eye. Beneath his dark uniform beats the heart of a voivode son—the last male descendant of two coats of arms: the raven banner of House Corvinus and the dragon banner of House Draculesti. Combined with his Rayan ancestry, Radu’s heritage would, by nature, show great affinity towards the dragon blood animalis. However, he prefers to follow the path of the raven. But despite his choice, some draconic traits even he cannot dismiss. The thirst for blood is just as strong within him as are the raven’s shadow skills. It is not recommended to test Radu in that regard. Not many opponents ever survived the blades of his hunting swords, Ravan and Ravaran. That’s where his heritage truly shines through—in his ruthless, awe-inspiring way of fighting… …to be continued. “If I can tame the most lethal girl in all of Gardyan, imagine what I can do to your spine…”

Bozani Name: Bozani Azrune Age: 146 years Origin: Nemesava House: Nightstride, Valalmahar Rank: Jr. Lady General of the Night Blades Weapons: Rune Claw, Rune Dance Animalis: Rune Panther / Owl Ghost Blade Supreme: Radu Corvinus Children: – Appearances: Sign of the Raven Sign of the Owl Bozani got her name, because she knew how to throw foot kicks like her father Bozan even before she was born. But character-wise, she takes much after her mother Azamitha, when it comes to verbal restraint and an attentive eye for detail. Nothing in Azwood happens without her knowing. No offense against her matriarch’s decree is left unanswered. And nobody in their right mind would dare question her authority as Nemesava’s head of military. Having been trained by her father in the practises of the rune dance from a very young age, Bozani is said to be the most capable among Azwood’s nightstriders. Her animalis is feared far beyond Nemesava’s borders. The same is true for her military tactics, which kept the black scales and other enemies of House Nightstride at bay for over a century. Some deem Bozani the shadow countess of Azwood, despite her refusing any nicknames of the like. Unwavering is her loyalty as House Nightstride’s prime throne guard, and merciless her punishment for plots against her aunt’s legacy. Alone, she is a threat to any agitator’s life already. Woe to those, who cross her path with her blade supreme at her side. A lethal couple they are—the Night Blades’ lady general and her Raven Blade. Rarely has a romance seemed so cold on the outside until erupting in the heat of battle. Their love language are fatal blade strikes against a common foe, executed in perfect synchronicity. A relationship forged by steel—probably the only suitable liaison for such an ironclad woman as Bozani… …to be continued. “Wrath doesn’t suit a woman. Retribution does.”

Zakane Name: Zakane “Black Fox” Sion Age: 940 years Origin: Rayan / Nemesian House: Arayona Rank: Raji’Draq Swordmaster / Blood Blade Lieutenant Weapons: Brong, Kiba Animalis: Blood Fox / Blood Raven Mistress: Aronya Arayona Children: – Appearances: Sign of the Raven Sign of the Owl Zakane has not only been Radu’s mentor in the past. Like the young Raven Blade, he also is a half-blood. Rarely has a warrior of Nemesian descent held such a high office among the ranks of the Raji’Draq. Equally uncommon is his allegiance to Clan Sion—his mother’s side of family, who deem him one of their most respectable members in service of Rayan’s throne. Known as the Black Fox among his clan brothers, Zakane is the liaison officer for Raven Blades and Blood Blades alike. His firm hand shapes aspirants of both orders into lethal weapons of the Rayan empire. The Draq’Enar Arena is his personal training ground, where he teaches bold novices the most important lesson for any young warrior: humbleness. Now, practising and teaching Rayan’s martial arts might be Zakane’s main profession. His side hustle though lays in coordinating Rubinburgh’s crime department. His olfactory senses are more than worthy of a fox blood. Following the scents associated with perpetrators, he is able to solve even the trickiest of cases with nothing but his nose. A trait that makes the Black Fox a valued detective for the crown. About his father, Zakane never talks much. His old man is said to be a powerful blood shaman, who has fallen out of favour with Nemesava’s council. But there is more to this story than the Black Fox is willing to admit to himself. Eager to find out, he is not… …to be continued. “True strength is only ever gained by fighting your own shadows. Most people fail halfway through already.”

Ruxandra Name: Arayon Araqan Name: Ruxandra “Mama Woodleg” Dragovaste Age: unknown Origin: Moldova House: Zamedi Rank: Baroness of Assassins Weapons: unknown Animalis: – Blade Supreme: – Children: Roxana Dragovaste, unknown Appearances: Sign of the Raven Sign of the Owl Ruxandra, better known as Mama Woodleg, is mother to Rayan’s late War Mistress, Baroness Roxana and thus grandmother to Firav. The administrator of the Red Raven recently acquired the title Baroness of Assassins due to the Raven Blade Order’s reformation. Now, she is part of Nathum’s council alongside its mayoress, Lady Dakeda. Her past spans centuries spent in two worlds. For Ruxandra’s biography did not begin in Gardyan. Instead, she was forcefully brought to the realm. Once handmaiden to Cneajna, the wife of Vlad Dracul II., she could’ve been part of the rich legends revolving around House Draculesti and their allies. But Ruxandra got tempted by an offer that turned out to be nothing but broken promises. As one of the Witcher Kings’ chosen concubines, she agreed to move to Gardyan during a time where darkness reigned the realm, losing all her honour, dignity and opportunities in the process, as well as one leg. The loss of latter was responsible for her nickname “Mama Woodleg” under which she runs the Red Raven as an establishment pending between tavern, brothel and assassins headquarter. An estate’s fate not welcomed by many since it affects the reputation of House Zamedi—the original title of the Red Raven. Were it not for its owner, Zazan Zamedi, Ruxandra’s patron within the domain of Gardyan, she would have not survived the torment and agony posed upon her mortal body by the Witcher King she was forced to marry. Therefore, her loyalty entirely lies with the raven shaman and Cloanta, the ravenwitch who offered her disgraced priestess redemption beyond the veil… …to be continued. “Some offers are better left unnoticed…”

Lady Dakeda Name: Lady Dakeda Didjie Age: 769 years Origin: Rayan / Nemesian House: Valalnathar Rank: Mayoress of Nathum Weapons: Blades of Nathum Animalis: Rune Panther Blade Supreme: ??? Children: – Appearances: Sign of the Raven Sign of the Owl Lady Dakeda is the mundane Mayoress of Nathum. Under her lead, the famous merchant city in the southeast of Rayan rose to greatness once more after the Second War of Houses. Her temper is as volatile as the volcanic landscape of the Nath that surrounds her hometown. And her all-female city guard, the Qebele, is her lethal line drawn in the sand when it comes to the defence of her province. To be the High Mistress of Nathum also means being a High Mistress of arcane shield and blade magic. In Nathum’s Cavern of Blades, plenty of weapons warriors, knights and assassins of Gardyan carry are forged from the rich mineral sources upon which the eastern border province was built. It is this circumstance that tells of Nathum’s Nemesian heritage. For such extraordinary craftsmanship of the divine has only ever been gifted to the lineage of Azwood’s panther god Azebo. And Lady Dakeda is still part of that lineage as member of House Valalnathar, even though her family, Clan Didjie belongs to Rayan these days. It is true that Nathum’s inhabitants show more resemblence to the Rayonaigh in their fierce, often impulsive behaviour. However, when it comes to their proud sense of feral elegance, their Nemesian heritage clearly shines through. Again, Dakeda is a prime example here. Nathum’s trader baroness tolerates no questioning of her ancestry, nor her identity as most powerful woman in the volcanic valleys of the Nath. And should someone dare to try question her authority, one of those mighty blades her blacksmiths forge might easily find its way through a disrespectful tongue. Even the Spymistress of Nathum, Lady Ruxandra, understands this and practices respectful though teasing relations to the Mayoress. …to be continued. “By the time I show my fangs and claws you certainly will agree that I am, with every fibre of my being the woman I told you to be.”

Adra Name: Adra Sion Age: 916 years Origin: Redbranch, Rayan House: Sion Rank: Clanmother of House Sion Weapons: Scathach Animalis: Blood Fox Blade Supreme: Aaron Sion Children: Navarion Appearances: Sign of the Raven Sign of the Owl Adra for certain is a foxy lady. The fierce ruler of Redbranch is clan mother to the Sionnaigh, whose name translates to Children of the Fox. It is said that their forefather was a son of Lord Herne and Epona—a true wild god, who founded Clan Sion as a bloodline that knows mortal as well as immortal offspring. Adra’s part of the family tree in that regard, represents the clan’s immortal lineage. Her Red Rangers are noble sentinels of the Wild Hunt, and she is their female alpha and high priestess. From Adra’s clan descend some of the most popular warriors in the ranks of the Raji’Draq. Zakane, the Black Fox, is a prime example there. Clan brother and childhood friend to Adra, the tall dark man resembles one of the most important values among the Sionnaigh: a sacred and deep connection to their homeland’s nature. Never would the Sion leave their native forest of Redbranch, nor would they trade their traditional way of living for modern luxury. Adra embodies the very essence of that ideal. Many deem her character more that of a wild child than a ruler. And it might be particularly said quality that predestines her for the role as head of clan. Rayan’s Children of the Fox have cultivated an amicable relationship with the blood dragons of the Ray Mountains. Their clan fortress at Dragon Peak’s is the matriarchy’s official training ground for war dragons and dragon riders. It was here where Adra became acquainted with Rubinburgh’s young Prince and brother to matriarch Aronya, her now husband Aaron. Together, they lead Clan Sion as respected regent couple that has united the two great bloodlines of Rayan. But as fateful as their liaison appears, as misfortunate are the threats they face. Because not everyone in Rayan endorses the Sionnaigh mingling with the Rayonaigh or Adra having made arrangements with Nemesava’s matriarch Azana concerning the marriage of their firstborn… …to be continued. “Clan Sion has a duty to fulfill. We are children of the Wild Hunt and as such, our eternal mission is it to live by the law of nature. Seasons, lunar cycles, elements—those are our mentors and guides. Maybe this is what connects us to our neighbours in Azwood more than to the aristocratic circles of our own nation…”

Firav Name: Firav Dragovaste Age: unknown Origin: Rayan House: Dragovaste Rank: Lord of the Ashen Host Weapons: Dark Magic Animalis: tainted Dragon Blood / Blood Raven Mistress: – Children: – Appearances: Sign of the Raven Sign of the Owl Firav is a troubled character. Torn between ambition and madness, the dark Lords of Valalfyr have been whispering to him since he was a child. “You should rule,” is what they are telling him. Baroness Dragovaste’s son is the last living male descendant of the Witcher Kings, and his ancestry shines through him like a sinister spell. Sadistic and deeply twisted is his nature, just like that of his ancestors. Needless to say that his animalis is but a tainted shadow of what it was meant to be. There is nothing pure left in the young warlock, despite his claims of purity to his lineage. His mother recognised his imperfection at birth. That’s why she gave Firav his name, which means “weak” or “frail” in Romanian. A tragic choice, for his name would only motivate the young lord to prove his mother wrong in all the wrong ways imaginable. It certainly fuelled his striving for power and thus sealed his fate. Because a man would never rule over Rayan once again. Not after what his ancestors had done to the land. But instead of accepting the task of humbleness, Firav decided to make the matriarchy his enemy… …to be continued. “The Valalfyr should have never stopped ruling Rav’an in the first place…”

Worldbuilding

Gardyan is an astral domain of myth and magic, divided into three matriarchies. Connected to the Great Veil on each side of its borders, the otherworldly realm has a rich variety of tribes and customs. History runs deep in many parts of Gardyan and its ancient beauty is testimony for its unique story creation.

Art Work & Concept Art

Explore the magical concept art and book art for the Legend of Gardyan titles! On these worldbuilding pages, you will find exclusive artwork from the books and animated lore clips for the realm of Gardyan. All images were concetuated and arranged by Brynn Danu.

Gardyan Worldbuilding

An epic world building up, one step at a time. Wander through the ancient magical landscapes of Gardyan and discover hidden places with the Eternal Forest.

All worldbuilding images are hand-picked by Brynn Danu to reflect her fantasy world and create a digital space for dreamy souls in search of peace and relaxation.

Lore Videos

(coming soon)

Characte Design

Character sheets for the epic characters from Brynn Danu’s Legend of Gardyan series. Get to know the otherworldly host of heroines and heroes that inhabit, reign and defend the realm of Gardyan.

Special thanks go out to Inkarnate, Leonardo AI and DaVinci Resolve by Black Magic Design whose tools helped me visualise and animate Legend of Gardyan characters and concept art.

Sign of the Owl: Book Trailer

“Brynn Danu’s writing style once more captivated me in the second book. I love how elegantly—almost lyrically—she tells the story. I particularly enjoyed the protagonists’ journeys across different worlds and eras. That was fantastic and added a lot of suspense to the book. But there are also murders, betrayal, romance, and battles—it has it all. “

—Ina

Character Portrait: Azana

“Brynn has not let me down at all here. Such a beautifully written sequel to Sign of the Raven! The writing, characters, world building and tension still goes strong here. This book kept me on edge just like book 1!“

—Christina

Latest Entries:

Legend of Gardyan, Sign of the Owl, Merchant, Queen,, World Building, Nemesava

Chapter 3: Merchant Queens

Legend of Gardyan, Sign of the Owl, Haunting, Times,, World Building, Nemesava

Chapter 2: Haunting Times

Legend of Gardyan, Worldbuilding, Shivering Moors, Echoes, Past

Chapter 1: Echoes of the Past

“Book 2 in the Legend of Gardyan series continues our epic journey where book 1, Sign of the Raven, left off. Brynn’s writing style continues to draw you in and fully immerse you into the story. Everything is amplified in this book. There is more tension, more complexity and epic developments. Another beautiful book inside and out.“

—Georgia