Anna Zippel, The Queen of Blockula

“The Queen of Blockula: Unveiling the Secrets of Anna Zippel, the Most Infamous Witch in Swedish History!”

• Alias: “The Queen of Blockula”
• Gender: Female
• Race: Human
• Occupation: Wealthy middle-class woman, possibly involved in selling medicines.
• Religion: Likely Christian as it was the dominant religion in Sweden during that time.
• Allies: Her friend and business partner Anna Månsdotter, and possibly her sister Brita Zippel.
• Enemies: The accusers during the witch trials and those who believed in her guilt.
• Abode/Base of Operations: Likely in Stockholm, where the witch trials took place.
• Nationality: Swedish
• Languages: Swedish
• Alignment: Neutral Evil
• Affiliation(s): No specific affiliations mentioned in the historical information provided.
• Significant Others: Bengt Bråk, her husband who owned several bakeries, properties, and a mill.

Anna Zippel, a woman of striking elegance and commanding presence, possesses an air of mystery that captivates those who encounter her. She is known as “The Queen of Blockula,” a name whispered in hushed tones among the inhabitants of Stockholm. Anna’s reputation precedes her, as she is one of the most infamous witches to emerge during the Swedish witch mania of the 17th century.

As a wealthy middle-class woman with influential connections, Anna leads a double life. On the surface, she is a respected member of high society, mingling effortlessly with the elite. However, beneath this facade lies a darker side—a mistress of the occult arts, delving into forbidden rituals and secret knowledge. Her pursuit of power and mastery of magic drives her actions.

Anna’s journey into the world of witchcraft began when she befriended the independent and alluring hatmaker, Anna Månsdotter. Together, they dabbled in the creation of potions and medicines, using their skills to influence those around them. Anna’s close ties to her sister, Brita Zippel, who had faced accusations of sorcery in the past, only deepened her fascination with the occult.

Driven by ambition and a thirst for forbidden knowledge, Anna seeks to uncover the darkest secrets of magic. She desires recognition as a formidable witch, feared and respected by all. To achieve this, she gathers a loyal following, carefully selecting individuals who share her hunger for power. Through her influence, she aims to establish a coven of witches and sorcerers who will carry out her bidding and further her dominion over the realm of the occult.

Anna Zippel’s motivations are not solely rooted in personal gain. Deep within her heart, a desire for revenge simmers. Those who have wronged her or stood in the way of her ascension to power will face her wrath. She will stop at nothing to exact vengeance upon her enemies, using her dark magic to sow discord and fear among those who oppose her.

In the shadows of her abode, a chamber filled with candles and symbols of ancient mysticism, Anna Zippel continues her pursuit of forbidden knowledge. With each incantation and potion brewed, her power grows, propelling her closer to the fulfillment of her ambitions. The realm of magic trembles in anticipation of her rise, and those who dare cross her path will soon learn the true extent of her sorcerous prowess.

Anna Zippel, The Queen of Blockula

Medium Humanoid (Human), Neutral Evil

Armor Class 12 (Natural Armor) Hit Points 93 (11d8 + 44) Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
10	14	18	16	12	20

Saving Throws Wis +4, Cha +7 Skills Arcana +6, Deception +10, Medicine +5, Persuasion +10, Sleight of Hand +5 Senses Passive Perception 11 Languages Common, Infernal CR 7 (2,900 XP)

Abilities:

• Spellcasting. Anna is a 9th-level spellcaster. Her spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks). She has the following spells prepared:
  • Cantrips (at will): Friends, Light, Prestidigitation
  • 1st level (4 slots): Charm Person, Comprehend Languages, Healing Word, Witch Bolt
  • 2nd level (3 slots): Detect Thoughts, Invisibility, Suggestion
  • 3rd level (3 slots): Counterspell, Fear, Lightning Bolt
  • 4th level (3 slots): Banishment, Dimension Door
  • 5th level (1 slot): Dominate Person

Actions:

• Infernal Dagger. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened of Anna for 1 minute. The frightened target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.
• Witch’s Cackle (Recharge 5-6). Anna emits a haunting cackle. Each creature within 30 feet that can hear her must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. A frightened creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success. While frightened, the creature’s speed is halved, and it cannot willingly move closer to Anna.

Reactions:

• Witch’s Shield. When Anna is targeted by a spell, she can use her reaction to attempt to counterspell it. She makes an ability check using her spellcasting ability. The DC equals 10 + the spell’s level. On a success, the spell is countered.

Lair Actions: On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Anna can take a lair action to cause one of the following effects:

• The candles in the area flicker, and haunting whispers fill the air. All creatures in the lair must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or suffer disadvantage on their next attack roll.
• Anna calls forth ghostly apparitions. Each creature in the lair must make a DC 15 Charisma saving throw or take 2d6 psychic damage.

Equipment:

• Infernal Dagger (magical, grants advantage on Intimidation checks against frightened creatures)
• Amulet of Enchantment (magical, grants +1 to spell attack rolls)
• Cloak of Shadows (magical, grants advantage on Stealth checks)

Plot Hooks

• The Black Moon Coven: Anna Zippel, as the enigmatic leader of the secretive Black Moon Coven, seeks out the players as potential recruits. She believes they possess a unique talent that could greatly benefit her coven’s dark rituals. The players must decide whether to align themselves with Anna and delve deeper into the forbidden arts or resist her seductive influence and seek to dismantle the coven’s dangerous operations.
• The Vial of Shadows: Anna Zippel approaches the players with a request to retrieve a vial containing condensed shadows, a rare and powerful ingredient for her dark enchantments. The vial is in possession of a notorious thieves’ guild, and Anna promises them a considerable reward if they successfully recover it. Little do the players know, the vial holds a hidden secret that could unleash unspeakable horrors upon the world if mishandled.
• The Prophecy of Blåkulla: A cryptic prophecy speaks of Anna Zippel’s return and foretells of a cataclysmic event that will reshape the land. The players find themselves entangled in a web of ancient prophecies and must decipher the clues left behind by Anna to prevent the impending disaster. However, other factions are also vying for control of the prophecy, and the players must navigate treacherous alliances and deadly challenges to fulfill their destiny.
• The Mirror of Truth: Anna Zippel possesses a mystical mirror rumored to reveal the true nature of those who gaze into it. She offers the players a chance to confront their inner demons and uncover long-hidden truths about themselves and their companions. However, the mirror’s power comes at a cost, as it risks driving those who peer into it to madness or irreversible transformation.
• The Curse of Eternal Night: Anna Zippel’s failed experiment to harness the powers of darkness has inadvertently plunged a region into perpetual night. The players are tasked with finding a way to lift the curse and restore daylight to the land. Along their journey, they encounter eerie creatures that thrive in eternal darkness and must confront the twisted remnants of Anna’s dark magic.
• The Lost Tome of Shadows: Legends speak of a lost grimoire, the “Tome of Midnight Whispers,” which holds untold secrets and forbidden spells. Anna Zippel believes that the tome can unlock ultimate power, and she enlists the players to help her recover it from a hidden temple protected by ancient guardians and deadly traps. However, the tome’s dark influence corrupts all who touch it, and the players must resist its temptations while navigating the treacherous depths of the temple.
• The Witches’ Sabbat: Anna Zippel invites the players to attend a secret gathering of witches known as the Witches’ Sabbat, where dark rituals and occult ceremonies take place under the cover of night. As the players become immersed in this shadowy world, they must grapple with their own morality and make choices that could have far-reaching consequences. Will they succumb to the allure of forbidden power or strive to expose the Sabbat’s nefarious activities?
• The Spectral Familiar: Anna Zippel’s spectral familiar, a haunting apparition known as the Shadow Raven, seeks the players’ help to break free from Anna’s control and find peace. It believes that an ancient relic hidden within Anna’s lair holds the key to its liberation. The players must navigate the ethereal realms, confront the twisted spirits that guard the relic, and ultimately decide the fate of the tormented familiar.
• The Dark Bargain: Anna Zippel offers the players a tempting proposition: a chance to gain incredible power in exchange for performing a series of morally ambiguous tasks on her behalf. As they carry out these deeds, they discover the true cost of their newfound abilities and must confront the consequences of their choices. Will they remain loyal to Anna or break free from her influence and seek redemption?
• The Veil of Shadows: Anna Zippel seeks an artifact known as the Veil of Shadows, a mystical cloak said to grant its wearer the ability to manipulate darkness itself. The players are drawn into a race against rival factions and supernatural entities who also covet the artifact’s power. They must navigate treacherous realms, face off against formidable adversaries, and decide whether to wield the Veil for good or succumb to its corrupting influence.

Currently in the World

Anna Zippel is a tall and elegant woman with a commanding presence. She dresses in luxurious clothing adorned with fine jewelry. Her hair is styled in elaborate curls, and her piercing eyes exude confidence and allure. Despite her refined appearance, there is an air of darkness and mystery that surrounds her.

In her lair, a dimly lit chamber filled with candles and occult symbols, Anna concocts potent potions and performs forbidden rituals. Her current surroundings reflect her fascination with the occult, featuring bookshelves filled with ancient tomes and various alchemical instruments. She exudes an aura of authority and cunning, her mood a mix of calculated intensity and smug satisfaction.

Anna Zippel is driven by a desire for power and recognition. She seeks to further her influence in the world of witchcraft and sorcery, aiming to uncover and master the darkest secrets of magic. Her actions are motivated by a thirst for forbidden knowledge and a twisted desire for revenge against those who have wronged her. She seeks to build a coven of loyal followers and establish herself as a feared and respected figure in the realm of the occult.