Monarch: The Eternal Protector

Monarch’s reign was defined by loyalty, strength, and an unbreakable bond to her people. As queen, she was known for her fierce determination to protect her kingdom, standing as both a warrior and a diplomat. Her crimson robes became a symbol of her resolve, her golden crown a mark of her unshakable authority. She was more than a ruler; she was a protector, a mother to her land, and a beacon of hope during times of turmoil. It was said that her very presence could quell fears and inspire bravery among her subjects.

Monarch’s leadership was not without challenges. Her inherited kingdom was fractured, torn by internal disputes and external threats. Neighboring regions saw her ascension to the throne as a moment of weakness, but Monarch quickly proved them wrong. She led her armies into battle when needed, her crimson cloak flowing like a banner of defiance against those who sought to exploit her people. Yet, she never sought conflict for its own sake. Monarch was as much a peacemaker as she was a warrior, working tirelessly to forge alliances and mend old wounds within her realm.

Her compassion for her people was unmatched. She walked among them, visiting villages and fields and speaking to farmers, merchants, and children. She listened to their concerns and made decisions that placed their well-being above all else. “A queen is nothing without her people,” she often said. Her devotion inspired unwavering loyalty, and the kingdom thrived under her reign. It was said that Monarch carried the burdens of her subjects as if they were her own, a weight she bore with pride and grace.

But even the greatest rulers are mortal. Monarch’s death came suddenly, during what should have been a time of peace. Though the details of her passing remain shrouded in mystery, it is widely believed that treachery played a role. Whispers of betrayal spread through the court, but no culprit was ever identified. The loss of their beloved queen plunged the kingdom into mourning. Candles flickered in every window, and the streets were lined with grieving subjects who had come to pay their respects. Her body was laid to rest in a grand tomb, her crown placed atop her casket as a symbol of her enduring legacy.

Yet, Monarch’s story did not end there. Shortly after her death, rumors began to spread of a spectral figure—a queen cloaked in crimson, her golden crown shimmering with an ethereal light. The first sightings occurred near the palace, where guards reported seeing a faint glow in the halls during the quiet hours of the night. Soon, tales of Monarch’s ghost began to emerge from every corner of the kingdom. Farmers claimed to see her walking through their fields during storms, and travelers spoke of her guiding them through treacherous terrain. Her presence was always described as comforting, never frightening, as if she had returned to continue her role as protector of the land.

Over time, it became clear that Monarch’s spirit was bound to her kingdom, unable to rest as long as her people needed her. She was seen standing watch over villages threatened by bandits, her glowing form warding off danger. In places where sickness spread, families reported feeling a sudden sense of calm, as though Monarch’s presence brought hope and reassurance. Even in the darkest of times, when despair threatened to overtake the land, Monarch’s spectral figure would appear, a beacon of light and courage.

One of the most famous accounts of Monarch’s ghost occurred in a small village near the kingdom’s northern border. The village had been suffering from a harsh winter, with supplies running dangerously low and morale at its breaking point. On a particularly cold and bleak night, the villagers saw a crimson glow moving through the snow-covered streets. At first, they thought it was a trick of the light, but as the figure drew closer, they recognized the unmistakable form of their queen. She moved silently, her crown shining like a star, her presence filling the villagers with a warmth that defied the bitter cold. By morning, the storm had passed, and a traveling caravan arrived with much-needed supplies, as if Monarch herself had guided them to the village.

Such stories became woven into the fabric of the kingdom’s folklore. Monarch was no longer just a historical figure; she was a guardian spirit, a symbol of hope and resilience. Her tale was told to children as a reminder of the strength and compassion that defined her life. Candles were lit in her honor every year on the anniversary of her death, and small shrines were erected in places where her presence was most often felt.

Despite the passage of time, Monarch’s appearances have not waned. Those who encounter her speak of a profound sense of safety, as though her very essence wards off harm. Scholars have debated the nature of her ghost, some believing she is bound by an unfinished duty, while others see her as a manifestation of the collective love and respect her people held for her. Whatever the truth, one thing remains certain: Monarch’s spirit continues to embody the ideals she upheld in life.

To this day, travelers in the kingdom’s forests and fields are advised to keep an eye out for the Crimson Queen. If you are lucky enough to see her, they say, you will feel an unshakable sense of peace and protection. For Monarch is more than a ghost; she is the Eternal Protector, a queen who transcended death to remain with her people, ensuring that justice and safety prevail in the land she loved so dearly.

Professor Ravenwood

Professor Barnabas Ravenwood descends from a venerable lineage of occultists, scholars, and collectors of arcane artifacts and lore. He was born and raised in the sprawling gothic Ravenwood Manor on the outskirts of Matlock, which has been in his family's possession for seven generations.

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Pestilence: The Collector of Pain