The Order of the Ebon Gargoyle revised

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Jack the Reaper
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The Order of the Ebon Gargoyle revised

Post by Jack the Reaper »

The Order of the Ebon Gargoyle (from Champions of Darkness) has been much criticized by fans. However, I think it can be easily revised to be a useful and inspiring organization.
The OotEG is not just an "anti-Kargat agency" as described in CoD, but an ancient order of knights. It was founded around 230 BC by the legendary general-princess Nicoleta von Zarovich (see Gaz I), who chose her best champions in order to defend Barovia from the invading Neuren Horde. In other version, the kernel of the Order was composed of Neuren warriors, who, out of admiration of the princess might and courage, decided to devote themselves to her service.
Along the centuries, the Order was considered a noble and valiant organization, and many noblemen sought to get knighthood in it. Maybe Strahd himself was a member of the Order. There were some persistent dark rumors around it from the beginning, but those were quickly silenced. The knights played a major part in the war against the Tergs, and were known by their fearlessness and zeal. With Barovia's descent into Darkness, the Order has assumed a darker face. Strahd uses the knights for his grim purposes, and dark rituals and demon-worshipping are now practiced by the knights, among them the worshipping of Irlek-Khan, the original demon god of the Neurens.
The inspiration for this version of the OotEG is the "Order of the Dragon", or Ordo Dracul, associated with the historical Dracula. Strahd, like any ruler, must have a solid force of faithful, powerful men-at-arms, to use in case of war or rebellions. Not any problem can be solved by the subtle machinations of the count, or of "Vasili von Holtz". The OotEG, if portrayed correctly, can play just this rule.

Oh, and yes… "Sherif von Zarovich" is not really an appropriate name. He should be a real member of the Von Zarovich family, or have some better name. Maybe Von Klatka or something like that…
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