Empress Chrona Or'stet

When the immortal known as Chrona returned triumphantly into the world after defeating the vampire Strahd von Zarovich her allies rejoiced, believing that it was sign she was about to renter her millenias-long quest for freedom and justice after a century of mourning. But instead they found the worst had come to pass. Something had happened to Chrona in Barovia that had changed her. She had become paranoid and spiteful, announcing that she would be beginning a new quest: one to rid the world of all extra-planar influences.

In the five years since, Chrona has made great progress toward her goal. her experience and charisma has meant she is able to sell her vision to the masses, making them believe that the gods have abandoned them, that demons and devils lurk around every corner, and that the only way for the mortal races to progress is to cut the world off from outside influences. And of course, the only way to accomplish that is to unite under her leadership.

The few ancient beings who remember the fall of the Empire of E'vanlius two and a half thousand years ago have looked on this development with growing concern. Even after Chrona's two millenia of pennace, how they could ever forget the millions that suffered under Chrona's first Reign of Terror? How could they forget the cultures purged from history as she cut a bloody path of conquest throught the known world? Allready, the ancient gold dragon Anotorinax is gathering a resistance force to stop Chrona should her actions continue down this dark path.

Yet maybe not all hope is lost for Chrona. Although her actions are misguided, it is clear she vehemently believes what she is doing is best for the mortal races. And their are glimmers of the old Chrona in the little things: just last week she anonomously donated one of her estates to the local orphage and was seen sitting in the garden retelling tales of her old adventures to the children.

While her list of subjects grows, her list of friends dwindles. They struggle to reconcile the Chrona they once knew with the new Chrona who recruits from hobgoblin legions, who burns down temples and shrines, who is obsessed with obtaining more power, and who is willing to kill anyone who stands in her the way of her vision.

Close to death. Despite how she may appear, Chrona is still very much alive. But she clings on to that life desperately. Since emerging from Barovia, she has been afflicted by a relentless necrotic rot. She lost her sense of taste over a year ago, her sense of touch months ago, and in the past week she's completly lost her sight. Her body has weakened to the point where she can no longer injest food and can barely stand on her own. She is wracked with constant pain from the shards of ice growing from her spine as part of her wings. Talking strains her and she relies more and more on her teleapthy. But she pushes onward, using her magic to numb her pain and replace her lost abilities. She loves life and hopes to find a cure for the necrotic rot before she is forced to become a lich, bind her soul to a construct, or do some other unthinkable measure.

Disguised. Chrona is a master of disguise and will take on any number of humanoid forms to suit her needs. When wanting to appear imperious she takes on an angelic form, appearing beautiful, statuesque, and her icy wings sprout white feathers. Only a handful of individuals have seen her true form: her husband, Orinac, the ancient lich Zinnok, her head general Obo'shilagog, the original party she was with in Barovia, and one spy who was intellgent enough to wear googles of truesight when meeting her before running off to spread rumors Chrona was secretly a lichh.

Orinac. Orinac is an ancient steel dragon and Chrona's husband of four centuries. He died a century ago but was resurrected by Chrona in Barovia. Orinac believes Chrona's current curse is part of the price she had to pay for his resurrection. He is deeply conflicted about her current state and blames himself for what has happened. He has remained by Chrona's side, acting as her conscience even as she has lost hers in the hopes she might one day 'find her way home'. He will protect Chrona with his life and will resurrect her if she dies using his innate magic. He will strongly dissuade would-be heroes from going against his wife for fear of what she might do. If Chrona were to lose him, her vengence would be terrible. Ironically, having a steel dragon by her side has only legitimised Chrona in the eyes of the common folk.