An Adept's Grimoire [Biography & Personal Notes]

[Xanatos Gambit]

Vanessa Delozier (Nessa)

Race: Human
Gender: Female
Age: Mid twenties

Origin: Hillsfar, Faerun, Toril
Class(es): Wizard
Profession:: Archivist/Researcher

Height: Average, 5'5
Weight: 122lbs
Build: Average

Eyes: Light Grey
Hair: Medium-Short, brunette
Skin: Fair

- - - Physical Description - - -

Vanessa stands at an average height and weight, and could easily blend in with many human crowds.  Her skin is fair, in contrast to the average Barovian, and that alone may mark her as an Outlander. Her face stands out if only because of the effort gone into making it to so. It is free from blemish or mark, but one may suspect that cosmetics come into play to make it so. Her eyes are of a light gray; a ghostly color to almost match the Mists themselves, adorned with paints and shadows to cause contrast.

Vanessa's brunette hair is most often tied up in a professional knot, though it has a wave to it that does not look wholly natural. The woman's voice is a mezzo, neither overly high nor low, though depicting that she has matured past the state of extreme youth.

She wears her clothing well, and knows how to select them for function as well as style; for they are usually form fitting, but practical.


- - - Personality - - -

Many would find Vanessa's demeanor to be needlessly dry. She does not partake in humor beyond the occasional wit or sarcasm, and grasping others' attempts to do so usually fly over her head, not for a lack of understanding, but for the perceived waste of time acknowledging such may bring. Vanessa is stern, and her lips rarely move to smile, except for in a polite fashion; in fact , her overall demeanor may bring to recollection that of an overly strict governess.  Vanessa is inquisitive and not overly shy, unafraid to question those around her, though she is not overly keen on sharing her own findings. While not entirely secretive, she does not provide much information about herself without being pressed, often preferring to listen rather than speak.

Hailing from Hillsfar has colored the young woman's outlook on the so called "other races", and as such, she naturally feels most comfortable in the company of other humans, and has been known to practice subtle forms of racism against demihuman folk, though her's is a sort of quiet intolerance. Though, naturally somewhat cowardly, Vanessa is unlikely to engage in direct hostilities.


- - - History - - -

Vanessa was born the first and only child of two loving, if not somewhat distant parents, her mother a Hillsfaran native, and her father a somewhat wealthy merchant from Tethyr. Not much of any real significance can be said about the nature of her upbringing. She did not suffer needless abuse at the hands of parents nor peers nor was she the victim of any untimely tragedy. If anything , her childhood was ordinary, if not a bit cold. Her parents, while not cruel, always valued the girl's education over her emotional well being, and thusly while she was never doted upon affectionately, she was given tutelage and knowledge other children may not have been privileged enough to obtain. Because of this, many of the woman's mannerisms seem distant and forced, rather than sincere and warm, as if they are a conscious effort rather than a natural happenstance.

Vanessa was obviously a bright girl, and her induction (due to familial connections and favors, as well as a fair amount of coin being passed around) into the Guild of Mages in Hillsfar seemed a sure thing. She began tutelage in her cantrips upon her twentieth year, and her mentor , while stern and old, took a liking to her methodology, and began to entrust her to archiving his personal notes, as well as accompanying him on archaeological surveys and other business trips (where he would serve as a magical consultant, and he her assistant). The business trips were, at times, not entirely legal or even sanctioned by the First Lord's Red Plumes (smuggling of rare or contraband artifacts and items of power, in no doubt assisted by the magics of her mentor)

It was on one of these such 'mercantile excursions' that Vanessa found herself swept into the Mists and transported to the Demiplane of Dread. It is uncertain if the mists had occurred in tandem with an attack upon her wagon, if a spell cast by her mentor went awry, or if she was simply taken in her sleep, but upon collecting her senses, Vanessa decided that the most wise course of action would be to learn as much as possible about her new surroundings.

- - - Abilities - - -

Strength: 10
Vanessa was raised on a strict diet of books and learning and as such, beyond simple physical excursions and exercise possesses little physical prowess.

Dexterity: 10
Vanessa is neither swift upon her feet nor overly clumsy; having only an average amount of grace.

Constitution: 12
Hardier than her upbringing would suggest, Vanessa does not tire easily, and rarely is stricken ill.

Intelligence: 18+
Vanessa's childhood upbringing, and her very way of life both depends on and lends itself to an abundance of intelligence. She is swift of thought and  highly analytical

Wisdom 10
Vanessa is neither rash nor is she particularly adept at reading others or at intuiting. She prefers evidence and probability to 'gut feeling'

Charisma 12
Vanessa is slightly vain, taking effort to make herself up to look physically beautiful. Though cold, she has learned at least some method of associating with and interacting with others peaceably, and does not mind taking the lead in conversation.

Languages Known: Damaran (Racial), Mulhorandi (Thayan Dialect, learned in conjunction with Infernal [Lettering system] from her mentor who has had regular deals with the enclave within Hillsfar) , Infernal


- - - Goals - - -

To learn as much about the Core, its inhabitants and the "Rules" that govern the plane as possible, in order to exert her own will upon them, whether to escape or for some other purpose...unknown.

[Xanatos Gambit]

Table of Contents



The Personal Diary of Nessa Delozier



Knowledge: Arcana



Knowledge: Architecture



Knowledge: Dungeoneering



Knowledge: Geography



Knowledge: History



Knowledge: Local



Knowledge: Nature
Flora of Barovia



Knowledge: Nobility & Royalty


Knowledge: Religion
The Cult of the Morninglord

Knowedge: The Planes

[Xanatos Gambit]

The Cult of the Morninglord

As dictated by Father Ashby of the Faithful: 26 Uktar ('November') 769 Barovian Calendar

The symbol of the Morninglord

Upon my immediate arrival in the city of Vallaki within the region of Barovia, I was greeted with what I presumed to be a familiar sight. Upon the road rested a rather large, if not run down temple, with stained glass windows done in a tinted rose-gold. The temple seemed old, yet not as ancient as some that I have come across in my travels, but in a state of disrepair. When I entered the temple, I was immediately overcome with a sense of overall calm and tolerance, for many "Other Races" found some matter of acceptance here (Including such undesirables as Tieflings and those known as Caliban [See Local Mythos and Legends] ). The stone pews and alatar were equally chipped and broken, though with some measure of care shown to their restoration (No dust was present). On either side of the room rest two braziers gleaming with flame, and at the back of the chapel was a rope, likely to control the large bell rested within the tower that rings to mark the rising sun.

Below the Temple rests an older burial ground, built before the Temple was created. The catacombs and burial ground beneath are ridden wit "Imortaji" or undead animations, and it is said that the Temple itself was built upon this place intentionally, to hold back the evil that rests there. It is thought that the ancient burial site may be Tergish in nature, and may have once housed someone or a group of someones of importance in its lower reaches.

At the back of the Temple rests a pool of blessed waters. Dousing one's armaments within the pool seems to grant them power over the undead, at least in the hours of daylight. The water has no effect after the sun sets. The Temple itself is housed by anywhere from 1-5 Morninglordian priests, as well as their templar/temple guards, the Light Carriers

At first glance, the Morninglord faith would seem to have much in common with the faith of Lathander, as is widely followed and practiced in Faerun.  For in some regions of Faerun, Lathander, and/or his clergy, are referred to as the Morninglord. Similarly, the garb both priests adorn themselves in also are, for all intents and purposes, the same. Lastly, the overall message of both deities, of hope and the coming dawn; optimism in the face of darkness and oppression, is nearly identical. With that said, there are a few key differences. Locals Barovians insist that the faiths are not one in the same, and that they have evolved independently of one another, but I ask myself, how this can be the case. It is my experience, that even and especially, when several religions make reference to the same event, that that event is not myth, but holds some actual historical significance. Similarly, then, should not two religions, growing separately of one another but parrotting the same message, show perhaps traces of a similar origin?  

The symbol of Lathander

Below, is a simple retelling  of the founding of the cult of the Morninglord in Barovia, by Father Ashby, of the Morninglord Church of Vallaki.

The church of the Morninglord was founded in the fifth century of the Barovian calendar, nearly three hundred and fifty years ago, by Martyn Pelkar (Blessed be his name), who was but a young boy. One night, he and his friends were said to have come into contact with the horrible vrolock  (A creature that we know as the Vampire.). Martyn fled into the woods, with the creatures pursuing him, and it was there that it was told that he came upon the visage of the Morninglord himself, who appeared to Martyn as an almost sylvian creature, tall and slender, with golden hair and tanned skin, with the ears of an elf. His lips were tainted in blood, but he delivered young Martyn from the dangers of this Vrolock.

Marten grew into a young man, and people viewed him as mad, but after several miracles, people began to believe in the message of hope and optimism that the Morninglord spread.  

It was at this point that I began to question Father Ashby on his account, and received the following responses.

Q: Where did this take place?
A: Martyn hailed from Barovia Village, to the East of Vallaki

Q: Are there other temples to the Morninglord?
A: Most Temples of the Morninglord exist in Barovia, but there is another temple to the Morninglord within Vallaki proper. The first temple, the Sanctuary of Blessed Succor is in the Village.


Q: Is the Morninglord cult the only religion native to Barovia?
A: Many Barvians are not religious, but there were others before, forms of spirit worship.

Q: What sort of miracles did Martyn Perform?
A: The healing of the sick, the curing of the blind and so forth, miracles and blessings that his clergy can call upon today.

Q: Why were the Morninglord's Lips Bloodied?
A: There are many stories that the clergy tells about this, but it mostly comes down to the fact that there exists a bit of evil within us all, and that any and all have the power to overcome it.


It may have been, however, that the most interesting bit of knowledge by far was gained not from Father Ashby, but by a Light Carrier known as Lupou, a native herself. She stated that Martyn "The Mad" Pelkar was not a Barovian Native, but an Outlander himself.. This statement has since been confirmed by Father Ashby, however, I could not obtain information on where exactly the boy had been born.  If this statement holds truth, and the boy was indeed a captive from another land, is it not possible then that the very notion of the "Morninglord" was born in Faerun as "Lathander" and brought over in the mind of this child?  Why then, does the morninglord appear here as an Other Race, an Elf, when both Martyn and Lathander himself are human. Are there other worlds that contain some sort of "Morninglord" that is an elf?

Possible subjects of inquiry:
When did individuals from other lands begin to appear in Barovia?
Was it with the same frequency as it occurs now and if not, then when did the numbers increase?
Have any other Outlander faiths taken such a strong hold within Barovia or elsewhere?

I will perhaps visit the first Temple of the Morninglord in Barovia Village for more information. Any further information on the subject will be amended here.

[Xanatos Gambit]

Flora of Barovia

As described and maintained by Vanessa Delozier

What follows is what I hope to become a comprehensive guide on the Flora patterns and growth surveys specified to the regions of Barovia, as well as a complete detail of their medicinal and extramundane properties. In my immediate experience, the floral patterns of Barovia follow similar structure to that of the Moonsea, as the areas seem compatible in climate. Any further additions to this document should follow the following structure:

Spoiler: show

Herb Name:
Physical Description:
Areas of Growth:
Period of Growth [Time]:
If Poisonous:
If Edible:
Local Lore:
Medicinal/Extramundane Uses:

Herb Name: Woundwart
Physical Description: Woundwart is distinctive by its elongated red leaves. The leaves themselves grow upon a vine that is a deep brown in hue. Woundwart carries a subtle sweet smell.
Areas of Growth: Woundwart seems to be one of Barovia's most commonly found plants, growing strictly out of doors. It can be found in most forest and lower mountainous areas, usually found at the bases of cliffs and trees.
Period of Growth [Time]: Woundwart seems to grow in Barovia 9-10 months out of the year, and only ceases it's rapid growth in the coldest winter months.
If Poisonous: No, the woundwart plant can be applied to wounds and consumed
If Edible: Yes; the juice of the woundward plant can be consumed to produce a curative effect or poured over a wound to seal it.
Local Lore: N/A
Medicinal/Extramundane Uses: This plant seems to be the core component in a number of medicinal remedies throughout Barovia and perhaps extending to other regions. When boiled and mashed into a thick paste, woundwart can be applied to bandages, promoting clotting and stopping the flow of blood.  Additionally, when filtered and brewed through boiled water, the juices created by the finely chopped leaves provide a basis for most , if not all extramundane curative elixirs.

Herb Name: Purple Bolete
Physical Description: The purple Bolete sports a large cap that ranges from a deep red to a violet purple in hue; it is moist and sludgy to the touch, and produces a pungent residue
Areas of Growth: This shroom seems to be most abundant in woods after rainfall, but can also be found under rocky crags and other moist outdoor areas.
Period of Growth [Time]: The Purple Bolete has a slim period of growth, and only appears during the autumn months.
If Poisonous: No.
If Edible: Yes; it would seem that the purple bolete is a common staple in local cuisine, found in many soups and stews.
Local Lore: The Purple Bolete has been said by certain locals to be abandoned home of certain small pixies; which goes to explain their sludgy worn nature.
Medicinal/Extramundane Uses: While not used in medicinal circles, the purple bolete is rumored to posses extramundane qualities; wen crushed into a wet mush and applied to a boiled elixir filtered over days, it can render its drinker concealed and unseen , mimicking the Invisibility and Displacement spells simultaneously.

Herb Name: Beggar's Cup
Physical Description: The Beggar's Cup is recognizable by it's upright position (Despite it being a rather 'short' fungi) and it's yellow underbelly. It sports an unremarkable light brown hue on its upward shaped cap and is smooth to the touch.
Areas of Growth: This shroom seems to prosper in dark dank caves and caverns, though I have also, occasionally seen them growing in crypts. They seem very common.
Period of Growth [Time]: The Beggar's Cup is most commonly spotted between late summer and early fall.
If Poisonous: No.
If Edible: Yes; The Beggar's cup has a subtle taste but, according to locals, boasts a high nutritional value.
Local Lore: The Beggar's Cup got its name due to it serving as a common food supply among the poor.
Medicinal/Extramundane Uses:[/b] Unknown, further research required.

Herb Name: Ghost Cap
Physical Description: The Ghost cap is a most curious specimen indeed. Under darkened conditions, the usually white shroom takes on a bluish glow. Otherwise, this fungi has a tall stalk and a slender cap.
Areas of Growth: This shroom refuses to grow in all but the oldest of grave sites and tombs
Period of Growth [Time]: The Ghost Cap seems to grow deep underground year-round, according to research
If Poisonous: No.
If Edible: Yes, but is not known for nutritional value; and should only be used in elixirs.
Local Lore: Some locals believe these Caps to be cursed, else to be a sign that spiritual activity may linger nearby.
Medicinal/Extramundane Uses: Unknown, but it's glow leaves room to wonder if it may yet produce an effect reminiscent of the ghostly visage spell if manipulated correctly.

Herb Name: Viccar's Cap
Physical Description: The Viccar's cap ranges in color from dark brown to almost black. It is smaller than my other specimens.
Areas of Growth:  Like the Ghost Cap, the Viccar's cap seems to grow in catacombs and gravesites, though at a higher altitude than the ghost cap, and with much more abundance.
Period of Growth [Time]: Year round, under ground.
If Poisonous: No.
If Edible: Yes, though it is not readily consumed by locals and seems to be part of the diet of insects or rodents dwelling underground
Local Lore: None
Medicinal/Extramundane Uses: Unknown.