Nightshade

Beautiful and lethal as the belladonna flower, these mistresses of the Thenian courts serve as ladies-in-waiting to the Matriarchs, though their role extends far beyond ceremonial duties. When not attending their liege or representing her abroad, they hone the skills required to survive the intrigues of the Hollows.

Known as Court Belladonnas, they are trained in assassination and guerrilla warfare, with poisoncraft being a particular specialty. Just as important is their command of courtly intrigue, where a well-placed word may prove as effective as a blade. They act as extensions of the Matriarch’s will, quietly removing threats and ensuring her authority remains unchallenged.

Their elegance earns admiration in public, but much of their true work goes unseen. Across the Thenian Hollows and beyond, Belladonnas have played a quiet hand in shaping rivalries and preserving the balance of power.

Most Matriarchs were themselves once Belladonnas, elevated from among their finest to eventually sit upon the stone thrones of the Hollows.

“They say their daggers’re so fine, y’don’t even feel the stabbin’... Shame no one’s lived long enough to prove it.”
— Ramblings of a drunken man