Morgana Ravenswood “The Witch of Berkeley”
“Unveiling the Cursed Legacy: Meet the Witch of Berkeley, the Sinister Sorceress Who Sold Her Soul to the Devil!”
- Alias: The Witch of Berkeley
- Gender: Female
- Race: Human (with mystical abilities)
- Occupation: Sorceress, Practitioner of the Dark Arts
- Religion: None (Primarily focused on occult practices)
- Allies: Her children (as protectors of her legacy), her pet jackdaw (familiar and loyal companion)
- Enemies: The Church, witch hunters, those who seek to banish or destroy her
- Abode/Base of operations: Ravenswood Manor, a secluded estate on the outskirts of Berkeley
- Nationality: English
- Languages: English, Latin, Infernal
- Alignment: Lawful Evil
- Affiliation(s): Covens of dark magic, secret occult societies
- Significant others: Her children (who she has entrusted with her instructions to safeguard her spirit after death), her pet jackdaw (familiar and trusted companion)
Morgana Ravenswood, known as the Witch of Berkeley, is a captivating figure steeped in English legend and folklore. Born and raised in the town of Berkeley, Gloucestershire, Morgana possesses an otherworldly allure that has both fascinated and terrified the local villagers for generations. Her story is one of forbidden knowledge, a pact with darkness, and a quest for power.
Character Description: Morgana is a mysterious and enigmatic woman, adorned in flowing black garments that seem to merge seamlessly with the shadows around her. Her raven-black hair cascades down her back, framing a face adorned with a captivating gaze and an air of ancient wisdom. Her presence exudes an aura of arcane power, leaving those who encounter her simultaneously intrigued and wary.
Motivations and Ambitions: Driven by an insatiable thirst for power and a desire to fulfill her ambitions, Morgana ‘Witch of Berkeley’ made a fateful choice long ago. Selling her soul to the Devil, she sought the wealth and influence that eluded her in life. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge of the occult and mastery over dark arts has propelled her on a path of both supernatural prowess and moral compromise.
Morgana ‘Witch of Berkeley’ seeks to wield her newfound powers to reshape her own destiny and command the forces that lurk beyond mortal comprehension. She craves recognition and respect, yearning to establish herself as a formidable force in the realm of magic. Through her eldritch abilities, she aims to transcend the boundaries of humanity, unravel ancient secrets, and uncover the true extent of her magical potential.
As the Witch of Berkeley, Morgana aims to challenge the conventional limits imposed by society and reshape the world to her own design. She seeks to manipulate the threads of fate, leaving an indelible mark on history and securing her place among the most revered and feared practitioners of the arcane arts.
However, beneath her veneer of power and ambition, Morgana ‘Witch of Berkeley’ battles with the consequences of her pact. The shadows that cling to her soul serve as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made and the price paid for her abilities. In her heart, she wrestles with the conflict between her desire for power and the lingering remnants of her humanity.
In the depths of her being, Morgana craves redemption and the restoration of her soul. She seeks to break free from the shackles that bind her to the darkness, striving to find a path that reconciles her magical prowess with a renewed sense of purpose and righteousness.
As Morgana Ravenswood, the Witch of Berkeley, walks the precarious line between light and shadow, her journey unfolds in a tapestry of mystery, temptation, and self-discovery, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of both history and myth.
Morgana Ravenswood, The Witch of Berkeley
Medium humanoid (human), lawful evil
Armor Class: 15 (natural armor) Hit Points: 150 (20d8 + 60) Speed: 30 ft.
STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
12 | 16 | 16 | 18 | 14 | 20 |
Saving Throws: Int +9, Wis +7, Cha +11 Skills: Arcana +15, Deception +14, Insight +7, Persuasion +14 Damage Resistances: necrotic Senses: darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 12 Languages: English, Latin, Infernal Challenge: 16 (15,000 XP)
Spellcasting. Morgana ‘Witch of Berkeley’ is a 20th-level spellcaster. Her spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 19, +11 to hit with spell attacks). She can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
- At will: detect magic, mage hand, minor illusion, prestidigitation
- 1/day each: dimension door, dominate person, plane shift, true seeing, wish
Actions
Eldritch Blast. Ranged Spell Attack: +11 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (4d8) force damage.
Chill Touch. Ranged Spell Attack: +11 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (4d6) necrotic damage. The target can’t regain hit points until the start of Morgana’s next turn.
Devil’s Pact. The Witch of Berkeley unleashes the power of her devilish pacts, summoning a fiendish entity to aid her. The devil’s presence grants her advantage on Charisma-based ability checks and saving throws for 1 minute. Additionally, once per turn, she can choose to deal an extra 14 (4d6) fire damage on a successful spell attack.
Legendary Actions The Witch of Berkeley can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time, and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Morgana regains spent legendary actions at the start of her turn.
Arcane Bolt. Morgana makes an Eldritch Blast attack.
Dark Enfeeblement. One creature Morgana can see within 60 feet must succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving throw or take 21 (6d6) necrotic damage and have disadvantage on Strength-based attack rolls and Strength saving throws for 1 minute. The creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.
Summon Fiend. Morgana ‘Witch of Berkeley’ calls forth a devilish minion to aid her. The summoned fiend acts on her initiative count and follows her commands.
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If Morgana ‘Witch of Berkeley’ fails a saving throw, she can choose to succeed instead.
Lair Actions On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Morgana ‘Witch of Berkeley’ Morgana takes a lair action to cause one of the following magical effects:
- Shadows writhe and dance, creating an area of dim light or darkness within a 30-foot radius, chosen by Morgana.
- Ethereal whispers fill the air, making it difficult for creatures to communicate. Any creature within 60 feet of Morgana must succeed on a DC 18 Charisma saving throw or be unable to speak or understand any language for 1 minute.
- Fiendish flames erupt from the ground, causing 14 (4d6) fire damage to creatures within 30 feet of Morgana. A successful DC 18 Dexterity saving throw halves the damage.
Equipment Morgana ‘Witch of Berkeley’ wears a flowing black robe adorned with symbols of dark magic. She carries a gnarled staff, carved with ancient runes and topped with a crystal orb that pulses with a sickly green light. Around her neck, she wears a pendant crafted from bone and inscribed with infernal symbols.
Relevant Magic Items The Witch of Berkeley possesses the following magic items:
- Amulet of Dark Whispers: This amulet allows Morgana ‘Witch of Berkeley’ to communicate telepathically with creatures she can see within 60 feet of her. It also grants her advantage on Charisma-based checks when interacting with fiends or creatures connected to the lower planes.
- Staff of Shadows: This staff grants Morgana the ability to cast the darkness and shadow blade spells. It also functions as a +2 quarterstaff.
Lair and Legendary Actions The Witch of Berkeley’s lair is a decrepit tower hidden deep within the dark forests surrounding Berkeley. The tower is filled with dark artifacts, forbidden tomes, and cursed relics. Morgana ‘Witch of Berkeley’ Morgana can use her lair actions to manipulate the environment and hinder her foes, while her legendary actions allow her to unleash devastating magical attacks and summon fiendish allies.
Minion: Barbatos, the Shadowed Servant
As part of her devilish pacts, Morgana ‘Witch of Berkeley’ Ravenswood has made a pact with Barbatos, an infernal minion known as the Shadowed Servant. Barbatos appears as a humanoid figure wrapped in dark, flowing robes, with glowing red eyes that pierce through the shadows. This minion possesses stealthy and manipulative abilities, making it a perfect companion for Morgana’s schemes.
Barbatos aids Morgana ‘Witch of Berkeley’ with his mastery over shadows and darkness, offering his services in reconnaissance, subterfuge, and gathering information. He can slip through the shadows unnoticed, eavesdrop on conversations, and manipulate the environment to create illusions and distractions. When called upon, Barbatos can also lend his combat prowess, using his shadowy tendrils to ensnare enemies and drain their vitality.
Barbatos, the Shadowed Servant
Medium fiend (devil), Lawful evil
Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points 75 (10d8 + 30)
Speed 30 ft.
STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 16 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) |
Saving Throws Dex +5, Wis +3
Skills Stealth +7, Deception +5, Perception +3
Damage Resistances cold; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities fire, poison
Condition Immunities poisoned
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 13
Languages Infernal, Common
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
Shadow Blend. Barbatos can step into and out of shadows as if they were doorways, allowing him to move between areas of darkness or dim light as if they were adjacent.
Shadow Tendrils. When Barbatos hits a creature with a melee attack, he can choose to expend a bonus action to cause shadowy tendrils to erupt from the target. The target must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be restrained until the end of its next turn. On a successful save, the target is immune to Barbatos’ Shadow Tendrils for 24 hours.
Innate Spellcasting. Barbatos’s innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 13). He can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: darkness, minor illusion, pass without trace
1/day each: shadow step, shadow blade
Actions
Multiattack. Barbatos makes two attacks: one with his shadowy dagger and one with his shadow tendrils.
- Shadowy Dagger. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) necrotic damage.
- Shadow Tendrils. Melee Spell Attack: +5 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (2d6) necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or have its hit point maximum reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken. This reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest.
- Shadow Cloak (Recharge 5-6). Barbatos magically enters an extradimensional shadow, becoming invisible and gaining resistance to all damage until the start of his next turn. While in this state, he can move through other creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain. He takes 10 (3d6) force damage if he ends his turn inside an object.
Description Barbatos, the Shadowed Servant, is a fiendish entity bound to the service of Morgana Ravenswood. This devilish minion appears as a humanoid figure draped in flowing dark robes that seem to merge with the shadows around him. His glowing red eyes peer through the darkness, exuding an air of malevolence and cunning. Barbatos moves with silent grace, blending effortlessly into the shadows.
He wields a shadowy dagger infused with necrotic energy, capable of striking both the flesh and the life force of his enemies. In addition, he possesses the ability to conjure tendrils of shadow that can ensnare and drain the vitality of his foes. Barbatos is also adept at manipulating shadows, seamlessly moving through areas of darkness and creating illusions to confound his enemies.
As Morgana’s faithful servant, Barbatos acts on her commands, employing his stealth and subterfuge abilities to aid her in achieving her dark goals. He excels in reconnaissance, infiltration, and gathering information, employing his innate spellcasting to create darkness and illusions to further their objectives. Barbatos is a formidable asset to Morgana, a shadowy companion who thrives in the darkness and strikes fear into the hearts of those who oppose them.
Pact : Arch Devil: Prince Belial, (Devil of Pain)
Morgana’s pact with the infernal realms extends to the powerful Arch Devil Belial, the Lord of Lies. Belial is a master manipulator and deceiver, known for his silver-tongued persuasion and cunning intellect. Morgana has made a pact with Belial, exchanging her soul for dark powers and arcane knowledge.
Belial’s influence grants Morgana enhanced charisma and persuasive abilities, allowing her to bend others to her will with ease. She gains access to forbidden knowledge and sinister spells, becoming a formidable spellcaster in her own right. Belial’s guidance provides Morgana with strategic insights, enabling her to outwit her enemies and navigate treacherous situations.
As part of their pact, Morgana is bound to carry out certain tasks and missions on behalf of Belial. Failure to fulfill these obligations may result in dire consequences, as Belial holds her soul in his grasp. Morgana’s ultimate goal may be to find a way to break free from this pact and reclaim her freedom, but that remains a perilous journey filled with uncertainty and danger.
Plot Hooks
- The Jackdaw’s Lament: While traversing a desolate forest, the players stumble upon an injured jackdaw with a broken wing, its ebony feathers shimmering with an otherworldly aura. As they approach, the bird’s mournful cry resonates with an unspoken message. Through a strange connection, they hear the voice of Morgana ‘Witch of Berkeley’ Ravenswood pleading for help from her purgatorial existence. The players must embark on a perilous journey to gather rare artifacts imbued with the essence of the elements, overcome trials set by vengeful spirits, and navigate treacherous landscapes to reach the ethereal realm where Morgana’s spirit is trapped. There, they face the ultimate test of their strength, wit, and compassion, as they strive to release the witch’s tormented soul from its eternal limbo.
- The Chains of Restraint: Deep within a cursed forest, the players discover a forgotten burial ground, where a decaying stone coffin adorned with three shattered chains stands as a testament to Morgana’s past. Intrigued by the enigma, they embark on a quest to restore the chains and seal the witch’s restless spirit once more. Guided by ancient prophecies and cryptic clues, the players must traverse treacherous terrains, decipher forgotten rituals, and confront malevolent spirits guarding the keys to Morgana’s salvation. Along the way, they encounter spectral guardians bound to protect the witch’s secrets, navigate treacherous illusions, and unveil the truth behind the witch’s motives. Ultimately, they must decide the fate of Morgana ‘Witch of Berkeley’s’ spirit, determining whether her redemption or eternal damnation awaits.
- The Pact Unraveled: Haunted by nightmares and cursed by misfortune, an individual plagued by a pact forged with Morgana ‘Witch of Berkeley’ Ravenswood seeks the players’ aid in breaking free from her insidious grasp. Bound by the witch’s enchantment, their life has become an unending spiral of suffering and despair. To undo the pact and sever the ties that bind them, the players must venture into the perilous realm where Morgana’s power is strongest. They navigate through a distorted dreamscape, where reality intertwines with nightmares, facing treacherous illusions, and relentless tormentors. Along the way, they uncover fragments of Morgana’s tormented past, reveal the vulnerabilities in her magical bindings, and ultimately confront the demon that holds the pact. The fate of the cursed individual hangs in the balance as the players must outwit, outmaneuver, and outlast the witch’s relentless pursuit.
- Coven of Shadows: Whispers of a hidden coven of witches draw the players to an isolated moor, where the veils between worlds grow thin. There, they discover the clandestine gathering of Morgana ‘Witch of Berkeley’ Ravenswood’s loyal followers, each adept in forbidden arts. The witch queen herself extends an invitation to the players, testing their mettle and offering them a chance to embrace the darkness within. As they delve deeper into the mysteries of the coven, the players face moral dilemmas, navigating alliances and rivalries within Morgana’s inner circle. They must unravel the secrets of ancient rituals, confront malevolent spirits summoned from the nether realms, and ultimately decide whether to succumb to the seductive allure of Morgana’s power or rise against her and bring balance back to the realms of magic.
- The Tome of Shadows: Legends speak of a long-lost grimoire known as the “Ravenswood Codex,” said to contain the forbidden knowledge and potent spells of Morgana Ravenswood. Pursued by covetous cultists and ambitious sorcerers, the players embark on a perilous quest to recover the elusive tome. Their journey takes them to hidden libraries, treacherous catacombs, and ancient ruins, where they decipher cryptic symbols, unlock arcane puzzles, and overcome guardian spirits bound to protect the secrets within. Along the way, they uncover forgotten rituals, delve into dark incantations, and face the moral quandaries of wielding such dangerous magic. They must navigate the thin line between unlocking the codex’s power for their own purposes and preventing it from falling into the wrong hands, all while the lingering presence of Morgana’s spirit haunts their every step.
- The Cursed Hamlet: A remote village, perpetually shrouded in mist and plagued by supernatural calamities, is bound by a curse cast by Morgana Ravenswood centuries ago. The players arrive in the cursed hamlet as reluctant heroes, answering the desperate pleas of its afflicted residents. They must unravel the tragic history of the village, seeking clues and artifacts tied to Morgana’s past, as they confront apparitions, navigate cursed labyrinths, and face the restless spirits trapped within. Their quest leads them to forgotten rituals, ethereal realms, and encounters with the remnants of Morgana’s dark legacy. To lift the curse, the players must delve into the depths of the witch’s lair, decipher her malevolent spells, and ultimately decide the fate of the cursed hamlet and its haunted inhabitants.
- Whispers of Betrayal: A shadowed figure emerges from the depths of the darkness, revealing themselves as an exiled confidant and former ally of Morgana Ravenswood. Their tragic tale of betrayal and torment unfolds before the players, painting a vivid picture of the witch’s treachery. Seeking revenge against the witch, they implore the players to aid them in their quest for justice. Together, they journey through forbidden realms, haunted realms, and twisted reflections of Morgana’s memories. Along the way, they confront moral dilemmas,face choices that test their loyalty and resolve, and unravel the intricate web of secrets that binds Morgana’s dark past. The players must gather allies, decipher ancient prophecies, and confront the consequences of crossing paths with powerful entities tied to the witch’s fate. Their ultimate goal is to expose Morgana’s true nature, lay bare her crimes, and decide the ultimate fate of the betrayer and the betrayed.
- The Forbidden Rite: Legends speak of a forbidden ritual performed by Morgana ‘Witch of Berkeley’ Ravenswood, in her relentless pursuit of godlike powers at a grave cost. The players stumble upon remnants of the ancient rite, concealed within a hidden chamber deep beneath the earth. Drawn by curiosity and the allure of unimaginable power, they stand at the precipice of a monumental decision. To prevent the forbidden rite from falling into the wrong hands and unleashing chaos upon the world, they must decipher cryptic texts, navigate treacherous traps, and unravel the hidden history behind the rite. Along their perilous journey, they encounter rival seekers of forbidden knowledge, guardians of ancient secrets, and manifestations of the powers Morgana sought to harness. The players must decide whether to succumb to the temptation of wielding such dark magic or sacrifice the forbidden knowledge to preserve the delicate balance between light and darkness.
- The Witch’s Bargain: Morgana ‘Witch of Berkeley’ Ravenswood, veiled in intrigue and treachery, approaches the players with an offer that seemingly promises fulfillment of their deepest desires. She presents a choice that can alter their destinies, whether it is the resurrection of a lost loved one, the attainment of immense power, or the rewriting of their own past. However, the witch’s bargains always come at a price. As the players engage in a dance of deception, they navigate through a twisted labyrinth of contracts, ancient sigils, and enchanted trials. They face moral quandaries, weigh the consequences of their choices, and confront the shadows of their own desires. In this treacherous game of manipulation, the players must determine if they can outwit Morgana and break free from her web of deceit, or risk being forever ensnared in a pact that could consume their very souls.
- The Haunting Melody: A haunting melody drifts through the wind, drawing the players towards an ancient instrument hidden within a forgotten chamber. The instrument is said to be the creation of Morgana Ravenswood, crafted from the bones of fallen creatures and enchanted with her sorrow and longing. As the players play the haunting melody, they unlock the memories trapped within the instrument, revealing Morgana’s tragic past and the events that led to her descent into darkness. With each note, they witness pivotal moments, face apparitions of Morgana’s past allies and enemies, and gain insight into the true depths of her power. The players must navigate a surreal dreamscape, overcome surreal challenges, and confront their own emotions as they strive to understand the complexities of Morgana’s character and perhaps find a way to redeem her tormented spirit.
- The Veil Between Worlds: The boundaries between the material plane and the shadow realm have become dangerously thin, unleashing malevolent entities and chaotic magic upon the world. Desperate to restore balance, the players are thrust into a cosmic battle between forces of light and darkness. They discover that Morgana Ravenswood, as a powerful witch attuned to the shifting energies, possesses the key to sealing the rifts between realms. In a race against time, the players must navigate treacherous terrains, decipher ancient rituals, and face off against the minions of darkness in order to reach Morgana and convince her to use her immense power for the greater good. Along their journey, they encounter mysterious gateways, ethereal guardians, and manifestations of the chaos seeping through the cracks. The players must confront their own beliefs, make difficult sacrifices, and forge alliances with unlikely allies to restore harmony and prevent the world from plunging into eternal darkness.
- The Cursed Bloodline: The players find themselves embroiled in a generational curse tied to Morgana Ravenswood’s lineage. They encounter a desperate descendant of the witch, whose every step is shadowed by misfortune and whose family has suffered for centuries under the weight of Morgana’s dark legacy. To break the curse, the players must trace the roots of the bloodline, delving into ancient archives, deciphering cryptic prophecies, and confronting the spirits of Morgana’s ancestors. Along the way, they must confront the consequences of choices made by their predecessors, confront vengeful specters, and navigate a twisted ancestral manor filled with traps and illusions. The players must decide whether to embrace their connection to the witch’s bloodline and wield her dark powers or reject their tainted heritage and forge a new path free from the shadows.
Currently in the World
Morgana Ravenswood, also known as “The Witch of Berkeley,” is a captivating figure with an air of mystery and power. Standing at an average height, her presence commands attention in any room. Her long, flowing raven-black hair cascades down her back, complementing her fair and pale complexion. Deep, piercing green eyes hold a hint of otherworldly knowledge and an intensity that can unsettle even the bravest souls.
Currently, Morgana is seated in her dimly lit study, surrounded by ancient tomes and occult artifacts. The room exudes an aura of mystical energy, with flickering candlelight casting eerie shadows on the walls. The air is filled with the scent of incense, adding an ethereal quality to the atmosphere.
Morgana’s mood is contemplative yet determined. Her brow furrows as she pores over ancient texts, deciphering cryptic passages and unraveling arcane secrets. Her fingers trace intricate patterns in the air, a testament to her mastery of the mystic arts. There is a sense of purpose in her actions, as if she is on the cusp of unveiling a hidden truth or embarking on a new venture that will further solidify her position as a formidable force in the realm of dark magic.
Surrounded by the trappings of her craft, Morgana’s study is a reflection of her persona. The room serves as a sanctuary for her arcane pursuits, a place where she hones her powers and delves into forbidden knowledge. The walls are adorned with symbols and sigils, carefully arranged to enhance her connection to the otherworldly forces she harnesses. The ambiance is both eerie and alluring, drawing those who seek forbidden wisdom or a taste of the supernatural.
In this secluded sanctum, Morgana Ravenswood embraces her role as the Witch of Berkeley, weaving spells, making pacts, and delving into the depths of the occult. Her surroundings and demeanor reflect the enigmatic nature of her craft, leaving those who encounter her with a mix of fascination, apprehension, and a tingling sense of danger.