Johanna

Johanna, the Crusader of Zakarum, is a powerful female crusader and one of the new Nephalem. There have been many women who have born the name Johanna in service of the crusade, and each has given her life to purify her faith. Johanna carries on their legacy, and has become well known for her service to the Zakarum church and in fighting off the forces of darkness.

Biography
Every crusader passess on their armor and name to their apprentice, and so it was with the most recent incarnation of Johanna. She was originally born in a small village in the Swamplands. The girl was taken in by at the age of twelve by the previous Johanna, trained to become a crusader.

As an apprentice, the young girl swore a genuinue oath to her master, but cried the first night, and every other night over the first week. Her master began to consider taking her new apprentice back to the village. However, she decided against it, for she saw even then that her young apprentice would be the greatest member of their order. Johanna would train and teach her student for many years, before she fell in front of her apprentices' eyes. Per Crusader tradition, the apprentice took up their master's armor, shield, and name, reborn as current Johanna.

Over the years Johanna became famous for her numerous exploits in the eastern portions of Sanctuary. She saw many friends fall, and it never became any easier, but she carried on in her faith. One day, however, she disappeared from the east. When she vanished, leaving her shield and favorite flail behind, many speculated that she was dead. At the least, it appeared that her journey was unplanned. In truth, she had departed for Khanduras, in search of the Fallen Star. She did not have an apprentice, though was aware that she would have to take on one soon. Arriving at Khanduras, Johanna would take up new arms and play a pivotal role in the events that transpired there, helping the fallen archangel Tyrael defeat the Prime Evils and even fought Diablo himself. She event fought against and battled the fallen angel Malthael.

However, once that great task was done, Johanna returned to her crusading ways, continuing to be vigilant against any demonic threat. She continued this for five years, before encountering the and being recruited by Later on, Johanna the like-minded and mysterious Servant, into the Guardians of Sanctuary. Fighting alongside them, Johanna would take on a leading role, using her devotion to the Light and her Nephalem powers against the forces of the Burning Hells.

During this period many disparate and remaining crusaders began to rally under her name, inspired by her courage and skill. Working with the Servant, Johanna also travelled to Kehjistan, and there successfully began a reformation of the growingly corrupt Zakarum church, smiting dark priests and cleansing the religion from its impurities. When the Prime Evils were once again defeated and imprisoned forever, Johanna worked closely with the new leaders of the Zakarum faith, and was pivotal in creating the new crusader branch of the faith. Many noble paladisn and warriors had already gathered to Johanna's side, and she created the Order of the Sacred Oath, led by Johanna herself (often earning them the name Johannaites), which served the church in fighting corruption wherever it grew, continuing to scour the lands of darkness.

Personality and Traits
Johanna is a muscular female with surprisingly long pale hair, and said to have rough features. Slightly unsual for many crusaders, she possessed long hairShe is known to have a temper of steel and iron, and does not suffer fools. She is also not fond of jokes either, and lives only to further the purposes of the church and the Light. Her faith is strong and invigorates others around her, and she can be quite judgmental of those she considers unholy or impious. However, Johanna is also loyal to a fault to her friends and allies, and continues to move with vigor and courage against any evil in her path.