NPC/Isabella Thalmore

# Isabella Thalmore, the High Inquisitor

## Isabella Thalmore

**Isabella Thalmore**, the High Inquisitor, - is the current leader of Faith Keepers. She has devoted her life to serve the Drowned Church and its chosen and one true god - Umely, the Goddess of the Sea. Little is known of her life prior to her stepping into the role of the High Inquisitor.

Thalmore's sharp mind and relentless determination have propelled her to the forefront of the church's efforts to enforce faith and suppress dissent. Her methods are often ruthless, and she shows no mercy to those who defy the church's teachings. Isabella Thalmore is seen by many as a zealous and feared enforcer of the faith, her influence extending deep into the religious and political fabric of the Holy State of Akkalat.

## About

### Appearance

Isabella is known for her tall, imposing figure and long, fiery red hair that cascades like a torrential flame. However, her true face remains shrouded in mystery, concealed behind the ubiquitous golden masks worn by all Inquisitors. Those few who may have glimpsed her visage beneath the mask dare not utter a word, for the penalty for such indiscretion is swift and severe—silenced tongues and blinded eyes serve as grim reminders of the consequences of breaching this forbidden knowledge.

Inquisitors don distinctive attire that reflects their unwavering devotion to the Drowned Church and their role as enforcers of the faith. They drape themselves in flowing silk robes, a rich navy blue in color, adorned with intricate golden embroidery. These robes bear the sacred symbols of the Church, notably the graceful, undulating waves representing Umely, the Goddess of the Sea. Beneath these elaborate vestments, they wear armor plates, ensuring both protection and intimidation. To complete their formidable appearance, Inquisitors don shoulder guards featuring the proud and resolute sigils of Akkalat, reinforcing their unyielding dedication to safeguarding the faith and rooting out heresy.

### High Inquisitor

Isabella Thalmore's influence in the Holy State of Akkalat extends far beyond her role as the High Inquisitor. Rumors persist that she may hold a shadowy position as the de facto second-in-command of the Akkalat military forces, given the close ties between the Faith Keepers and the state religion, the Drowned Church. The church's immense influence on Akkalat's politics and military makes her a formidable figure.

## Faith Keepers

*\* This section partially mirrors Faith Keepers' page segment "Purpose".*

### The cullings of the unfaithful

When it comes to settlements and townships perceived as unfaithful or harboring dissent, the Faith Keepers employ a range of punitive measures. These can range from mass exiles to neighboring kingdoms, including Fayers Cove, to public executions and brutal torture of dissenters. Faith Keepers, always accompanied by their unwavering emissaries of faith, carry out these actions as part of their grim mission known as "culling," a practice that has continued since the fall of the Kingdom of Qyrasz. This iron-fisted approach to enforcing religious conformity has contributed to the church's reputation as a ruthless and unforgiving institution within the Holy State of Akkalat.

Isabella Thalmore's ascent to the position of High Inquisitor appears to have marked a disturbing escalation in the severity of cullings within the Holy State of Akkalat. Reports of the bordering refugee camps suggest that the brutality unleashed under her leadership has reached levels previously unimaginable and unheard of. The unyielding zeal with which the Faith Keepers now carry out their duties has struck fear into the hearts of many within the state, further solidifying the organization's reputation for ruthlessness and unrelenting fervor.

## Campaign

### Backstory

Little is known of her life prior to her stepping into the role of the High Inquisitor. Thalmore's sharp mind and relentless determination have propelled her to the forefront of the church's efforts to enforce faith and suppress dissent. Her methods are often ruthless, and she shows no mercy to those who defy the church's teachings. Isabella Thalmore is seen by many as a zealous and feared enforcer of the faith, her influence extending deep into the religious and political fabric of the Holy State of Akkalat.

### Story

Expand a session block to read more.

 < . . . > Greg and Tobias ventured outside the mines and encountered Kofrok Brod. They explained the situation to him, and the half-orc departed in search of assistance, either from the Aetherforge masters or the mages of Lumina Arcanum, to unlock the Arcane Lock or fashion a fitting key. While waiting for Kofrok's return, Aiden Bell, who had stepped outside to smoke his pipe, along with the two, noticed a group of Akkalati soldiers. Among them was an individual described by everyone the group had encountered before as a woman with "long red hair," potentially the High Inquisitor of the Holy State of Akkalat.

 As Lorna detailed the reward for the group's deed, offering access to a network of information and quests through the provided necklace, Tobias detected the approach of something loud. A group of marching troubadours, a lively band of bards, was heading their way, their instruments creating a cacophony. Overwhelmed by the noise, he decided to retreat north toward the Grey Bridge, seeking refuge from the overwhelming soundscape. On the bridge, he spotted the red-haired woman, whom they suspected to be the High Inquisitor, walking down the paved way along the river bank. She was accompanied by two Akkalati soldiers from the Drowned Church. Tobias observed them in silence as they walked, their figures disappearing gradually behind the turns and corners of the makeshift houses constructed under the bridge and alongside the river.

### Sessions

*\* To see all the campaign sessions and events check the list of sessions in the "Story" page's segment "Sessions".*

List of all sessions Isabella Thalmore appeared in the campaign.

 Session 2 | «No cogdogs allowed»
 Session 3 | «Trapped with cogdogs»
 Session 4 | «Nosedive»