![[Thaviues Kreeg.png]] # Thavius Kreeg _Human Former High Observer | [[Cult of Zariel]] | [[Vanthampur Manor]]_ ## Summary Architect of [[Elturel]]'s fall. Ruled as High Observer for thirteen years while secretly serving [[Zariel]]. Fled the city before dawn on the day that was promised. Now hides in [[Thalamra Vanthampur]]'s basement shrine, writing "divine missives" for [[Dead Three]] cultists. His shadow shows his future: a pudgy horned devil with small wings. The amnizu he's destined to become. %% ## At a Glance Elderly man in his late sixties with worn features and gray hair. Still wears clerical robes of [[Torm]] he no longer has any right to wear. His most damning feature: his shadow shows not a human form but a horned devil. No magic can hide it. Smooth and practiced in deception after decades of lying to an entire city. Fundamentally a coward—cycles through lies, begging, and offering deals when cornered. Never admits guilt directly. Always has excuses. ## Personality Self-justifying to his core. Convinces himself everything he did was necessary—the vampires had to be stopped, the pact was the only way, fifty years of preparation was service to a higher cause. Cannot face his own villainy without elaborate rationalization. Even [[Sylvira Savikas]], who met him once, thought him a charlatan. ## Quote _"I grieve for Elturel as deeply as any... but we must consider the greater good, mustn't we? Sometimes sacrifices are necessary."_ ## Background **The Usurper:** Legitimate priest of [[Torm]] during [[Elturel]]'s vampire crisis. When the [[Companion]] appeared, positioned himself as the miracle's champion while [[Naja Bellandi]] worked desperately to break the bargain she'd made. [[Cult of Zariel]] recognized his ambition, recruited him. He abandoned [[Torm]] and faked divine magic using the [[Companion]]'s infernal energy. **The Murders:** Ordered [[Naja Bellandi]]'s assassination in 1446 DR. When [[Tamal Thent]]—popular paladin likely to succeed [[Cathasach Restat]]—threatened his path to power, Zarielite [[Hellriders]] murdered her entire retinue in 1479 DR. Became High Observer in 1481 DR. **Thirteen Years:** Merged [[Hellriders]] with [[Order of the Companion]], requiring all to swear the [[Creed Resolute]]—binding their souls and bloodlines to [[Zariel]]. Passed Unity Laws enforcing [[Companion]] worship. Systematically eliminated anyone who asked questions. **The Escape:** On the morning of [[Elturel]]'s fall—fifty years to the day after [[Naja Bellandi|Bellandi]]'s pact—departed before dawn carrying the [[Infernal Puzzlebox]] with his contract inside. Didn't warn anyone. Didn't save anyone. Fled to [[Vanthampur Manor]]. **Current Role:** Writes fake "divine missives" that [[Dead Three]] cultists believe come from [[Bane]], [[Bhaal]], and [[Myrkul]]. [[Thalamra Vanthampur]] keeps him alive because his knowledge of the [[Elturel Pact]] is essential for replicating it in [[Baldur's Gate]]. ## Stats **Thavius Kreeg** (Descent into Avernus) - **Devil's Shadow:** Shadow always shows amnizu form; DC 12 Perception to notice - **Lost Faith:** No spellcasting despite priestly vestments - **Cowardly:** Disadvantage vs. frightened; surrenders at half HP - **Silver Tongue:** Advantage on Deception regarding [[Elturel]]'s fall %%