❝ADMIT YOUR SINS BEFORE THE HOLY GATE.❞

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OVERVIEW

Sister Isabella is a seemingly young nun, whom has taken it upon herself to protect her sisters and the churches of Italy from the likes of vampires, demons, and other creatures of the night. Quiet and soft within churchyards, underneath lies a woman of leather, ready to kill at a moment's notice.

Characteristics:
Gender: Female
Alias: The Herald; The Retributionist
Age: 25 (Assumed)
Height: 5"7ft (169cm)
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Violet
Relationship Status: Single

Sister Isabella is a woman of faith, normally partaking in wearing a long, black dress that covers her entire body, as well as a veil that covers her head, neck, and the top of her lower back. Underneath she is leather-bound in a harness, enabling her to move efficiently and quickly if the situation calls for it. She wears heeled, laced boots under her garb, and is always seen wearing a crucifix necklace around her neck. She additionally has a piercing in her belly button, which a crucifix also dangles from. What is most curious about the woman's appearance is the unusual strip of leather that goes across one side of her face to the other. This is always worn, and is done so to hide a horrendous scar which stretches across from one side of her face to the other.



When being spoken to, Sister Isabella is always calm and polite, even if the person she speaks to criticizes her faith and devotion. She does not aim to convert anyone, nor does she get offended if anyone uses His Name in vain or when cursing. Rather, all she offers is her help, guidance, and assistance when it is needed. In fact, despite her serious nature and appearance, she is even willing to crack a small joke now and again to lighten tones and moods.

Regarding combat, she always waits until the opponent has struck before engaging. What she lacks in physical strength, she makes up for in precise attacks and agile movements. In most situations, she remains serious at all times. Sparring a familiar face, she may lighten up somewhat, and even "toy" with them to a degree, showing she is confident in her skills.

HISTORY

This woman's thirst for blood began at a young age. Sophia Magnani was her original name, and she grew up in a rural, small, Italian village. She had always heard of stories regarding vampires, but thought of it as a simple scaring tactic of making sure children didn't stay out too late at night. She soon found that this was far from the truth; upon one night did these creatures attack, and Sophia would never forget the face of her sobbing mother as she placed her in the basement and told her not to scream. From the cracks in the floorboards, she heard screams of terror and the shuffles of a hopeless fight. And all she could do was watch silently from underneath the floor, and pray. The scene she witnessed in the morning motivated her for the rest of her life.

The last few survivors were gone by the early morning and, as Sophia was locked within the basement, no one knew of her being alive and left. By the time she got out, she lived in a dead town. Alone and with no directions, the girl was lost. Another story she had heard in her youth was how if someone climbed the tallest mountain, they could reach up and touch heaven. So that is what she aimed to do.

Her journey was long. In that time she had not only grown physically, but mentally and emotionally; from a little girl who cried each night came a young woman that took life a day at a time, and was thankful for each morning she was blessed with. A keen eye came from her hunting, and a nimble body came with clambering through wilderness. In her time, she had encountered the beasts of the night that preyed upon the unsuspecting living. At first she was fearful and hid, but eventually the crucifix her mother had given her became her weapon against such beasts. Each trial and obstacle that got into her way, she overcame in whatever way possible, and she soon found herself at the base of the mountain.

Climbing it was no easy feat and made her journey longer, but she succeeded in some regard. She did not reach the top, but rather, a monastery. Knocking upon the door, she witnessed the shocked and fearful faces of nuns that stared in disbelief. And for the first time in her entire journey, Sophia felt safe, and collapsed.

Coming to, she heard whispers discussing a herald. They silenced once the girl awoke, and she looked to her bandaged arms and legs. She had not registered how damaged her body had became during her journey, but was assured by the kind faces of the women that all looked over her. They offered her food, water, and a place to stay until the young girl felt better. Eventually, she simply came to live there. She became an active member of the community, and would often go out to search for food for the nuns despite being the youngest by far. They all remarked on the woman's natural eagle-eye, as well as her skills with knives and knowledge of the wilderness. But it was the night the monastery was attacked when the sisters were truly impressed, as Sophia swiftly removed them all from the scene. The whispers of the herald began again.

As a gift for her willingness to protect, Sophia was given a holy artifact the nuns had been trying to keep safe for generations, and away from the creatures of the night. A whip blessed with holy water, being given to the monastery even before the nuns who guarded it were alive. All they asked for in return, was that Sophia joined the covenant and continued to protect those that were weak against the unholy beasts that could not be saved. She agreed, and from that point on, became Sister Isabella.

She continued working to protect the monastery and the surrounding area with her unique skills and holy whip. Her mind had began to wonder however to the stories she had heard as a child; if the creatures of the night were real, she wondered if the stories she had heard as a young child, too, were real. Asking her sisters, she never seemed able to gain a real answer. The only way to discover it was to journey and find out.

Another long journey came, filled with new challenges she had never truly faced before. Beasts that she could have never visioned blocked her path, and the weather aimed to block her at every turn. Defiant, she pushed on, eager to know if heaven was truly at the top.

Reaching the peak did not provide Sister Isabella with the gates of heaven, but a new responsibility. To reward the woman for her hard work, dedication, and desire to help and find truth, she was greeted by four lights. They did not speak, nor did they move, but Sister Isabella felt enlightened by their mere presence. From the peak of the mountain scrambled a beast the size of the peak itself, which would prove to be Sister Isabella's greatest challenge.

After a grueling battle which tested her strength, determination, willpower, endurance and balance, Sister Isabella finally gained her victory. Turning to the lights, she realised they had gone, yet still felt their presence. And continued to feel their presence with her journey back to the monastery, and for the rest of her life; and one that she would be reminded of, given the harsh gash she received during the harsh battle. Her duties were not confined to the place she now called home, and rather, she had been sent these gifts to help heal the world and prevent further devastation at the hands of chaos.

ABILITIES

Weaponry and inventory

Holy Whip
The gift she was given by her sisters from the monastery. This is her most favored weapon, as it reminds her of what started this journey and her new life's purpose. The whip is all black and made of leather, though those with sensitive eyes may register the holy glow such a weapon radiates. It deals significant damage in itself, and further damage for any who may be susceptible to holy energy.

Pistol:
A Walther P38. Times have changed, and so has weaponry. Though it is not used nearly as often as the holy whip, Sister Isabella keeps a pistol on her at all times for situations that may arise. Due to her accuracy and keen eye, this weapon - though used significantly less than others - still can prove to be dangerous. She still is not as gifted in using a gun as she is other weaponry.

Crucifix:
The crucifix her mother gave to her before her untimely demise. Since then, she keeps the crucifix on a necklace adorned with beads. While it is a rather charming accessory, it can also be used as a weapon against the unholy and demonic. Both the chain and crucifix are also made of silver; a material which is a weakness for some paranormal beings.

Holy Water Vials:
Small, glass bottles which contain holy water. Such bottles can either be drank to help those possessed, poured over malicious beings, or thrown as a holy bomb against those weak to it. She usually carries five on her at a time, and goes back to the monastery when she is in need of more.

Piercing:
Perhaps an unusual piece of "equipment", if such a thing can be considered a piece. It means there is always a crucifix on her person; a blessed symbol. It gives her resistance to unholy presences and curses, protecting mind and body.

Abilities

The Four Winds of Heaven

Uriel; The North:
Uriel specializes in knowledge and wisdom. When the wind blows from the northern quarter, their light brings the knowledge of magic of the divine; like a light to illuminate the dark and purify the souls of evil. They give their wisdom to The Retributionist; the burning light of the holy arts, able to be formed in her very hands.

Michael; The South:
Michael specializes in courage and strength. When the wind blows from the southern quarter, their light brings the strength of the angels; supernatural, offering bursts of speed and herculean strength. They give their strength to The Retributionist; the strength to carry on, and burst through any obstacle that may come her way.

Raphael; The East:
Raphael specializes in assisting with healing. When the wind blows from the eastern quarter, their light brings the heart of healing; a gentle touch can sooth pain, and a pure thought can heal an ailment. They give their compassion to The Retributionist; the kindness in offering healing to another person or being, all with pure intentions.

Gabriel; The West:
Gabriel specializes in understanding and guidance. When the wind blows from the western quarter, their light brings a holy weapon of legend; The True Crucifix. They give the holy gift to The Retributionist; through sacrifice, suffering and pain may come enlightenment and freedom, the ultimate blessing from The Almighty to use as an aid in battle.