Disciples III: Resurrection Hero Profiles, Continued
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The strongest and noblest warriors in the Kingdom of Alkmaar were brought by Mortis from oblivion into unlife as Death Knights. With their unquestionable authority and combat prowess they will lead the undead armies where the Goddess orders them to.
Some of them fell in battle; others succumbed to the plague inflicted by Mortis upon the ancient kingdom, but all of them are driven by a common purpose to protect Alkmaar from any encroachment. Be it invasion of foreign armies or intervention of supreme powers, the Death Knights fearlessly attack their enemies, backed up by their countless armies.
It is no secret that the undead expand their ranks with each battle, as the Goddess collects her grim harvest on the battlefields. Any mortal being can be brought under Mortis' banner, but only men have the privilege of swearing an oath of loyalty to the fallen kingdom and be brought back as dark warriors. One of them, a knight, betrayed and killed by the Inquisitors, has vowed vengeance and returned to Nevendaar in a new image. He rejected his former name and faith and renounced his service to the Empire.
This Death Knight was later known as Hashim, Destroyer of Elves. Doing his Lady's bidding, he brought plague upon the wild forests and accomplished his mission. On the blood-soaked battlefields, the Death Knights are in their element. They need no rewards; they only crave for more victories, perfecting their combat skills with each battle.
The Death Knights do not recognize political games and intrigues. The body of a Death Knight is long dead, but the soul still lingers, and defeat means disgrace for them, which is much worse than demise. Any Death Knight will choose an open fight over any negotiations, so that steel would decide the fate of both sides.
Their terrifying steeds are inexhaustible. They know no fear and are loyal and obedient in the heat of battle. The strength of these mounts is truly legendary - even before the plague, the Kingdom of Alkmaar was renowned for its horses, but the power of Mortis had transformed them as well. Undead steeds are capable of great endurance; they can gallop at full speed without even noticing the weight of the rider.
A Death Knight on the battlefield omens swift defeat to his enemies and strikes great fear into their hearts. Earth is trembling under the heavy tread of the dark warrior, as he is riding around his forces, checking their readiness. The undead army greets its commander with a fierce battle cry and the clank of steel. As soon as the banners of Alkmaar are raised and the undead rider has charged into battle, the enemy is doomed!
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The cult of Death, which had flourished in the ancient kingdom of Alkmaar, didn't fade away with its fall, but rather was reborn. During the great plague Alkmaar's nobles sought protection of the Goddess, who decided to claim the Kingdom's people for herself. Powerful priests performed terrible rituals, sacrificing animal and people alike, so that the nobles could cross the brink and be returned in a new image.
This is how the first Alkmaar's vampires were born. They rejected the Highfather and swore loyalty to Mortis in exchange for power over life and death. They are masters of tactics and persuasion, their talents matched only by their cruelty and pride. These black-hearted warlords keep their subordinates in constant terror.
Human passions are not alien to them - they crave for power, glory and wealth. Their nobility and superiority on the battlefield go without question. Nosferatu feed on the life force of their enemies, and their dead and cold beauty bewitches them. In every gesture of the undead aristocrat is a hint of his right to command, for there are those destined to rule, and others are born to obey.
But submission and obedience will not save the enemy from a gruesome fate nonetheless. Nosferatu are cruel and bloodthirsty beings. They will drain their victims dry to enjoy their suffering. No pleas or promises can buy off a Nosferatu, since anything that the subdued enemy can offer to the Undead Hordes, they can simply take by force.
Common vampires are no match for their undead leader. A Nosferatu can turn anyone into a vampire, and the newly converted bloodsucker will faithfully serve him forever. Vampires obey him without question.
The ferocity of a Nosferatu on the battlefield is an example for others to follow. In a bloody haze of battle he is riding his swift horse, enjoying the symphony of war - the clank of steel, moaning of the wounded, the death rattle and terrified screams. They are masters of outflanking movements and treacherous moves.
They have eyes and ears everywhere in the impenetrable darkness. Not the castle walls, nor the guards, armed to the teeth, can warrant protection against a Nosferatu. Every wall has its weak points, and every castle has a traitor. Nosferatu will know a black heart out of thousands, and the enemy's fall will be inevitable.