PDA

View Full Version : Need to Fill a Court with Scheming Nobles



NowhereMan583
2012-04-15, 10:06 AM
So the PCs are traveling through the Capran Empire, a nation that used to be great and powerful, but is now in decline. (It lost all of its western holdings to a necromantic army about a century ago, then about 70 years ago accusations of corruption toppled the emperor and led the southern & eastern provinces to secede, and the northern provinces are gradually falling to barbarian (gnoll/goblin) hordes or resorting to barbarism themselves.) It's been established that the current situation in the Capran court is that the fairly weak, fairly young emperor is being steered around by a bunch of scheming nobles with conflicting agendas. It's likely that the PCs will want to get involved once they reach the capitol city, as one of them is of noble blood herself and is angling to restore her family to power. Thus, I'm going to need to populate the court with scheming nobles; I thought I might improve the process by appealing to the Playground's boundless creativity.

Here's what I have so far:

Frederick III Eunraed, Emperor of Capra: Emperor Frederick I seized power, establishing the sixth dynasty of Capra, after the corruption of the previous dynasty was exposed. He reigned for several decades, and minimized the decline of Capra to the best of his ability. His son, Frederick II, died young of mysterious circumstances, and Frederick III inherited the throne at a very young age. Frederick III is fourteen years old, has no idea how to run a country, and pretty much does whatever the nobles at court tell him to do.

Megara de Grinbynne, 22nd Duchess Vecata: The de Grinbynnes are one of two surviving families that can claim legitimate descent from an Emperor of Capra. Megara's ancestors ousted the Ravensbloods, the first dynasty of Capra, ruled for six generations, and then strategically stepped down when things started getting unpredictable. Megara herself holds a great deal of land and power, and intends to reclaim the throne for her family.

At the same time, she has to keep a lid on two politically ruinous family secrets -- first, and most dangerously, that they are linked to the Cult of Dispater. For thirteen generations now, the de Grinbynnes have venerated the arch-devil Dispater, a tradition that began when Helena de Grinbynne made an infernal pact in exchange for assistance in deposing the Ravensblood dynasty. Megara is considering a similar option herself, but fears the consequences. The second family secret is more of a vanity/social status concern: the de Grinbynnes have a bit of goblin blood in them, which is immediately noticeable if you know what to look for.

Charles Ranimusson, 1st Duke Hadramborough: Formerly General Ranimusson, Charles was given the duchy of Hadramborough by Frederick II as a reward for his exemplary military service. Hadramborough itself is, in fact, a region on the northern border of Capra that was won back from the barbarian hordes under Ranimusson's command. The Duke is still the leader of the Capran army, and he spends all of his time at court angling for a bigger portion of the royal treasury to go to the military.

Vornelian Thrakk, 14th Lord Cirkenton: Cirkenton is on the western edge of Capra, and until recently was constantly menaced by the People's Necrocracy, the nation founded by the leader of the aforementioned necromantic army. Miraculously, the harassment by the Necrocracy abruptly ceased a few years ago, and some speculate that Thrakk made a deal with them.

Willow Ravensblood: This would be the PC. Her father, the 25th Lord Ravensblood, still retains the family's ancestral home... and absolutely nothing else. She is aware that her family is descended from the first dynasty of Capra, and wants to restore them to glory.

So, I need more nobles, with more schemes, so that the PCs can spend a couple sessions trying to figure it all out and restore the name of Ravensblood, &c. only to have something come back and (metaphorically) bite them a couple months later. Any ideas?

AgentofHellfire
2012-04-15, 10:41 AM
Do the schemers necessarily have to be nobles, or can they be members of the priesthood or something?

Because I have a few good ideas for scheming priests.

Thrace Auranium, 10th Duke of Arikslund
This man started off being the youngest and smartest child of the former Duke of Arikslund, Boros Auranium. He was unexpected to rise very far in his regional hierarchy, however, due to both the favoritism Boros showed to his older two sons and his utter lack of noble bearing. However, just a few years into his father's death, both of his siblings died of a disease. Rumours abound that Thrace, fed up with the incompetency of his brothers, especially while only a generation out of dealing with some of the worst monstrous infestations into the region, killed both his brothers--and it's fortunate he did, because he runs the duchy far better than either of them.

NowhereMan583
2012-04-15, 10:51 AM
Do the schemers necessarily have to be nobles, or can they be members of the priesthood or something?

Because I have a few good ideas for scheming priests.

Scheming priests would also be excellent.

(And thank you for Thrace Auranium.)

Hyudra
2012-04-15, 11:08 AM
Mathilde - An orphan from an early age, Mathilde was a street urchin that got in trouble with the law at a young age. She wound up being initiated into the Church of Hextor, taken off the streets after a spate of thievery and forced into the cultlike structure of Hextor's temple. She rose through the ranks and made it through the soul crushing tests that came with such ascendancy, eventually becoming a priestess of Hextor. She was soon comissioned to start her own temple, accompanied by a small contingent of blackguards.

Mathilde did mercenary work for one year, acquiring the funds she needed to buy a disused watchtower in the northern provinces. From this vantage point, without being prompted or asked, she defended nearby villages from the gnolls, goblins and the villages that were turning towards barbarism.

She soon made herself indispensable to the locals, and with this leverage, she began acquiring prisoners, not only from the human bandits and barbarians she captured (Almost all gnolls and goblins were executed promptly) but as tithes from the villages - a wife beater here, a thief there. Each of her captives were forced into the same relentless day-and-night training and scant rations she'd endured in her childhood, breaking their wills and enforcing a rigid structure and discipline. More than a few were sent back to Hextor's high temple for further training, with Mathilde receiving more seasoned blackguards and captains in exchange, often at a three to one or four to one ratio.

With a small army, Mathilde's forces have established a kind of presence in the northern provinces, seizing and refurbishing ruins and old fortresses to house her people, guarding against incursion. Her religion is not liked, but she is enforcing a kind of law where law is badly needed. More troubling is the size of the small army she has grown. It is perhaps because of whispered concerns in the court that Mathilde has arrived at the capitol, leaving the day to day operations of her forces to her subordinates. Here, she perhaps hopes to extend her influence, have Hextor recognized as an official religion, permitted to operate in the city proper. Or, maybe, she wishes to have claim to a territory, with the ability to enforce law and religion within that territory as she sees fit. As bad as those prospects may be, the idea of Mathilde pulling out of the north and leaving the savages to run free is rather worse.

AgentofHellfire
2012-04-15, 11:23 AM
Mathilde



This wouldn't happen to be one of your former characters, would it? :smalltongue:

Girius, Head of the Mage's Guild in Cirkenton

Despite some ill rumours, Girius is not, in fact, keeping the practice of necromancy alive in secret through the guild. He abhors the practice, despite a brief exploration of it in his youth, and besides that if he was caught it'd be very bad for him and arcane research. However, of late his attempts to stamp out necromancy have been a bit...overzealous, resulting in further ill will towards him, now the man who was known as "the butcher of Cirkenton" in some circles for his tendency to use his authority and connections with Cirkenton's Lord to get a lot of people killed.

Hyudra
2012-04-15, 11:29 AM
This wouldn't happen to be one of your former characters, would it? :smalltongue:

NPC from a game I ran with scheming nobles. I just like how it fits with Hextor & what his methodology would be.

But even if you're going for a more generic (or not-strictly-evil) religion, it applies.

JonRG
2012-04-15, 02:10 PM
Rhyvos Falkor, 18th Baron of Garrant: A resident of northern Capra, Rhyvos burns with hatred for all brands of savagery. Gnoll, goblin, orc, all monstrous humanoids should be enslaved or executed. However, he's not just a bigot, but also a master strategist. He hopes to make himself indispensable to the emperor, thereby winning his ear and directing more forces towards the northern front. His predecessor and father, Akerhev Falkor, did not feel the same way. He even had the audacity to make treaties with goblins. How fortunate that the man died from consuming tainted meat, allowing Rhyvos to rectify such foolish international policy.

NowhereMan583
2012-04-16, 05:27 PM
These are excellent; please, keep them coming.

Any one of them could be a recurring issue for the players if they make the wrong move, which is always fun.

AgentofHellfire
2012-04-16, 07:39 PM
Adrian, Bishop of Hadramborough (St. Cuthbert)

Adrian was actually, till the barbarian hordes took it, next in line for the Duchy of Hadramborough. However, once the barbarian hordes took it, her father was very explicit to her about whom he blamed. The both of them, being more suited to peaceful leadership and thus not viewed as worthy of a warrior's death, were enslaved, and that no effort at all was taken to get them was more reason to both her father and her to hate the ones in charge of the Hadramborough operation.

Adrian managed to escape her captors, however, but her father died a slave, and she only survived herself thanks to a fortuitous encounter with a more adventuresome clergyman of St. Cuthbert. As she had no place to go, the church took her in, and she lived in and rose through its ranks, making it all the way to bishop.

...and that's where the problems started. Upon reaching bishop status, she was assigned to that plot of land once hers, and that was now owned by a man she held quite a grudge against--and, if that wasn't enough, their ruling styles were completely different. Though Adrian is generally good, she has let these factors overwhelm her judgement, causing her to attempt to hamper everything the Duke does.

JoshuaZ
2012-04-16, 07:41 PM
Eustace Stenholt, Baron Samcet: The Baron is from a minor noble family but the extreme fertility of their land, as well as shrewd trading, have helped raise the family to be one of the richest and most influential. Now, the Baron seeks to make his family's titles match their wealth and influence, and he won't stop scheming until he or his children have titles and land far above a mere barony.

Adrosen: Adrosen is an apparently powerful mage who has served as a close adviser to the Emperor. However, Adrosen, has a carefully guarded secret: he isn't a very powerful mage at all. He has some weak skill as a sorcerer and keeps up the appearance using scrolls and other magic items. However, he is fiercely loyal to the Emperor and the Empire.

Amelia Tes, Baroness of Solear: Baroness Tes is formally called "Lady Tes" rather than Baroness for obscure reasons of protocol. The only daughter of the late Baron Tes, she has made both enemies and allies by vocally arguing for the need to make treaties with the various so-called monstrous races and arguing for better treatment of goblins and orcs living within the Empire's borders. She has had more luck for her other campaign, trying to completely remove agnatic succession from the various titles and major landholdings. Currently, most major titles allow equal inheritance, but many of the lesser titles and the landed-gentry still operate with a salic bar.

Alesana, Magus of the First Circle: Alesana is a powerful wizard who is a frequent visitor to the court. Her main goal is to weaken restrictions on necromancy and necromantic research. She also has helped fund search parties and expeditions into various ancient dungeons and tomes, looking for magical lore and lost knowledge. Rumors of Alesana connections to the People's Necrocracy are in fact completely unsubstantiated, as she is pragmatically aware of the consequences that such attachments would bring. Moreover, she dislikes the Necrocracy's apparent belicose and unsubtle approach, seeing them as one of the reasons it is so difficult to openly practice necromancy.

Arles Duclor, Lord of Ducavny: Lord Duclor was a well-off but extremely minor-nobleman, with his family name the only sign of noble descent, when a series of unfortunate accidents and military setbacks made him the heir to an important title and large estate. Now with no training whatsoever, he is trying desperately to hold his own against the constant courtly intrigues as well as try to competently run his now vast estate. So far, his success at both has been mixed. He does not respond well to jokes pointing out that he is now only sixty-second in line to succeed Frederick.

Tomas Sharprock, Magelord of Galsoni: For reasons lost in history, the Galsoni lordship only inherits to an heir with magical talent, and if none such exists, would revert to the crown. Tomas has no great magical talent, but extensive training as a young man allowed him to cast enough minor magics to qualify. Now, as he is aging he is concerned that his offspring have shown absolutely no magical talent. The next mage-heir after his children is a cousin with whom Tomas has feuded for a long time. Tomas is now desperate, and may be willing to turn to dark or forbidden arts to ensure that one of his children can inherit.

Letes Goswain, Twenty-Third Lord of Goswain and Ambassador from Eastern Capran: Goswain is the current ambassador from the now separate country of Eastern Capran (If you already have a name for that country, swap it in here). He is a distant relative of Megara de Grinbynne, although his family made a pledge of never-ending loyalty to the line of Ravensblood, and in part supported the secession due to a long-standing belief that any Emperor not from the Ravensblood line was fundamentally illegitimate. Whether after all this time he or others of his line feel any loyalty to the Ravensbloods is possibly a different question.

Lord-Admiral Jonatan Hawsthorn: As the current Lord-Admiral of Capran's navy, the elderly Admiral Hawsthorn is painfully aware of the decline in the Empire for he has seen some of it with his own eyes. He is a keen strategist and tactician. He has managed to stay Lord-Admiral for almost thirty years, a feat which he jokingly attributes to being able to tell the changing winds in court as well as as he can on the sea.

JonRG
2012-04-16, 08:16 PM
Jezelle Natharin, 13th Duchess of Avgard: Lady Jezelle appears to the public as a young woman who followed the quickest path to wealth and luxury. She married an old duke and inherited his fortune a few weeks later. However, there is much more to Jezelle than meets the eye.

Namely, she is not Jezelle Natharin at all.

One of Duke Natharin's political rivals hired an (unbeknownst to him) doppleganger assassin to dispatch of the "loving couple" on their honeymoon. The nameless assassin cut down the aged lord and his bride in short order. But as it walked the resplendent halls of the vacation house, The Assassin had an epiphany. Why kill nobles for meager fees when becoming nobility would grant more wealth than the Assassin could spend in a lifetime? With that in mind, it assumed Jezelle's form. One dead client later, it appeared to the world that Lady Jezelle had survived the assassination attempt and hired an assassin to avenge her late husband.

Now the creature known as Jezelle intends to do whatever it takes to continue living the good life. A powerful manipulator, The Assassin exploits the courtly game to draw attention away from itself. Gone are the days of cutting throats in the night, save when someone comes dangerously close to uncovering the Duchess' secret...

Alleran
2012-04-16, 08:38 PM
Maris Arscythe, Twelfth Lady of Arscythe: The scions of House Arscythe have always styled themselves as great and powerful warriors, from the First Lord of Arscythe who slew a dragon that had been menacing the Capran Empire and thereby established for himself a patent of nobility. Martial training from childhood was not just preferred, it was required, along with in-depth studies of strategy and tactics that would be the envy of lesser nobles. Many were the times that an Arscythe rose to serve in high places within the armies of the Empire, prime among the western lords for their command of the military (although many of the older lords still see them as jumped-up commoners too obsessed with the blood and death of the battlefield). However, recent generations of the house have been less than impressive. From several humiliating defeats and the devastation of the western holdings of the house a century prior, House Arscythe has fallen on hard times. Maris Arscythe, who from an early age studied the tales of her forebears with the secret hope of surpassing even their accomplishments, is one of the few to (in her mind) believe that the honour of the house might be restored. To that end, she has made several strong overtures to some of the other power brokers and factions at court, seeking to form an alliance that will allow the Capran Empire to regain a war footing, and reconquer the provinces that seceded from the Empire. With, of course, Maris at their lead, perhaps to attain new and better lands than the still-devastated western holdings and re-establish the honour of her family. Usually at her side is her "consort" of a fashion, Morth Varn, a commoner who has risen to command her household guard (unbeknownst to her, Morth is in truth Morthecalais, a Bronze dragon who has been guiding and teaching the scions of the house in warfare and their course for centuries - and the one supposedly slain by the First Lord, who struck a bargain for his life).

"Lady" Revecca Serise: A well-known courtesan and lady of a commanding price (an hour of conversation with her is perhaps deemed even more valuable than her other talents), she is influential in the circles of nobility for the company she keeps and for the secrets and knowledge she wields. Few are the families that would openly reject her, though any acceptance is only begrudging thanks to the secrets she may or may not know about their families (often-times, paranoia will serve Revecca's purpose far better than would actually bothering to learn the secrets in the first place). Revecca seeks a patent of full nobility, though she is content with only a minor title. Not for her is the "open" (by her reckoning) scheming of the nobles. She will remain in the darkness and shadows, a survivor and string-puller always ready to emerge unscathed from whatever the latest scandal of the court is. And, should the Empire collapse entirely, it would be relatively simple for her to vanish into the night with her wealth.

Baron Amaun Prayne: A new-blood noble from the northern areas of the Empire, rumour has it that either his grandmother or grandfather was an orc. A faint tinge to his skin, a suggestion of a lower jaw that is not quite human, and his overpowering size and strength have made the Baron all but a complete outcast at the court. His tendency to wear thick, heavy garments more appropriate to a northern barbarian hall than the (so it likes to think) progressive court further marks him as an object of ridicule, ignored by the majority. He affects a very slight speech impediment, further adding to the laughter. In truth, this is all an act. The Baron is extraordinarily intelligent (INT 19) and a profound scholar of all things philosophical. It is perhaps true that he is fond of physical exercise, and there is indeed orc blood in his ancestry (though further back than what rumours have it), but behind those dull-seeming eyes is a mind sharper than anybody would guess, and a keen deductive reasoning.

Lord Tyger
2012-04-16, 09:38 PM
Brodak Daughter of Brodok: The chieftess of the White Haired People, a human barbarian tribe formerly living just beyond the border of the Capran Empire. Certain estates were settled upon the then chief by Emperor Frederick I, in return for which, the warriors White Eyed People were to serve as internal enforcers unentangled in the schemes of the noble families. Two generations later, Brodak still bleaches her hair and files her teeth, but she ruthlessly seeks the welfare of her people, and is well aware that Frederick the III is not necessarily her most valuable ally.

Dienekes
2012-04-16, 09:56 PM
Haplon "Tinderwinks" Yores: The jester of Capran. A hunched, deformed man who was brought to court as a gift for the former Emperor Frederick I, a man from a conquered nearby nation. He was given the position do to his disgusting appearance as well as his quick wit. A favorite of the young prince since childhood, Haplon finds himself in the unusual position of having the direct ear of the king, who swamped with the new responsibilities and pressures looks to anyone familiar to help him. Undoubtedly Haplon seems intelligent and has watched the Empire work from beside the throne for years, but his ultimate end goals are his alone to know.

Sir Willem Grotis the Upstart: Years ago, Willem was a common soldier who was rewarded a knighthood and small holdings as a reward for his prowess on the battlefield. Now to many this would be enough, a boost in their social standing that was nearly unprecedented. But for Grotis this was just the beginning. Now an elderly man Grotis sits on one of the larger spy networks in the Empire, and his network of contacts is unmatched. He seems to have the uncanny knack to know exactly who to support in every decision to put him ever so slightly ahead in standings. Every detail of his life seems organized in this way, his sons have been given as wards to more powerful nobles, his wife is the only heiress to a prominent bank. He has successfully engrained himself in the court as an information broker that everyone wishes to help them in their schemes, but no one is ever really sure if they are receiving his full support or more likely, just enough to keep them coming back.

Margrave Quentyn Rothford IV: The Rothford's have held the borderlands between Capran and (give an unfriendly border nation) for generations. They are deeply respected by fellow nobles for their resilience against invasion as well as by their own peasantry for their reputation for piety and fairness. The current Margrave is considered by many to be another fine addition to the Rothford name. However, after visiting the court Quentyn found himself disgusted at the display of greed, corruption, sin and has since resolved that the court as it stands is unclean and needs to be remade in Pelor's light, by any means necessary.

Empress Forda: The second wife of Frederick I and mother of Frederick III. A great beauty, but behind that beauty is a mind as vicious as it is calculating. She originally planned to have Frederick II poisoned to make way for her own child, and thus her own rise to power. However, unfortunately for her she has found the other nobles to be having some success in controlling her young son. She did not come this far to be ignored by her own son. No, she will rule, and to those who get in her way? Well, she still has her poisons.

Ravens_cry
2012-04-16, 10:07 PM
Gambols Danglefoot
The jester.
As merry as a marble in a mulberry bush, as foolish as a Faustian flea, the fool lends his infinite jest, his most excellent fancy to lighting the spirits of all around him.
What no one realizes, that while frothing on the ground as a mad dog or other merriment, Danglefoot watches, yes, Danglefoot listens.
Been considered beneath noticed, and when noticed more than a little touched in the head, has its advantages.
He knows what the Empress did that night, and what the prince does every night, and what the princess doesn't.
Yes, Danglefoot sees all, knows all.
Every secret ferreted out, purloined, stolen, and kept safe deep inside behind a wall of smiles and laughter.
Danglefoot may very well be a little mad, but he knows both how much, and how little, his life is worth.
So Danglefoot watches, Danglefoot listens. Some come, some pay, some pay much to know some small of what Danglefoot knows. But he makes sure they don't know how much he knows. And if they try to make something of it, well, Danglefoot knows other things as well.
One must know quite a lot to move more quiet than a cat when you have bells on your feet.
Danglefoot knows.

Ninjadeadbeard
2012-04-16, 11:45 PM
Mattimeo Donnal, the Fourth Viscount of Lori
Growing up on the streets of the capitol was hard. Not for Mattimeo of course, no sir. The son of a prostitute and a cutthroat (lies and slander he assures people), Mattimeo Donnal made an early name for himself on the streets as a knife for hire and a fairly good pickpocket. After some time (and math-lessons) Mattimeo realized that the meager amount of change he made every day would never amount to anything, leastways anything resembling what those fatcats made. He eventually banded together a group of like-minded thieves and scoundrels and formed what he called a "Gentlemen's Cooperation".

This little organization made it's money in two ways: First by working as bodyguards and saboteurs for wealthy merchants, and then robbing said merchants, forcing the merchants to hire them more often. After a number of years, Mattimeo's partners in crime seemed to vanish from the records, and he used a considerable sum of his money to purchase a noble title (some scandalous rumors persist despite Mattimeo's efforts, that imply he impoverished the noble in the first place by preying upon his gambling habit).

Mattimeo appears at court often, flanked by an entourage of bandits, pirates and mercenaries in expensive clothing and makeup, often representing "the good an' 'onest business-folk o' the Empire, yer most Imperially Highness". He's known publicly for his charming personality (and impeccable manners towards women) and absolutely garish wardrobe, an eclectic mix of various styles, colors and fabrics that all imply that he has entirely too much money and entirely too little fashion sense. He doesn't much care for who is technically on the throne and is willing to work for anyone, doing anything, and often doing to whomever at all. Just as long as there's good coin involved.

Lea Plath
2012-04-17, 01:28 AM
Chaplin Thule. Personal chaplin to the Emperor of Capra, Thule seeks to infulence the young king. He can sense a big promotion for himself if he plays his cards right, and is has his sights set on High Priest. He is a master forger as well, but having forged documents for nearly every noble now, he can't use them himself for fear of being caught. For now, all he can do is whisper in the Emperor's ear and hope for the best.

Almanius Thule Chaplin Thule's younger brother, and leader of a renowned mercenery force, the Songbirds. He dislikes his brother, and would love to see him cast out of the priesthood. He will hire his merceneries to whoever will pay him, but at the same time, he is looking for a title, or his own chunk of land.

JonRG
2012-04-17, 01:35 PM
Artorious Raython, Scourge of the Court: The eldest son of an entrepeneur from the Empire's capital, Artorious was shoved uncerimoniously into the court after his father's death. The young and idealistic crusader of St. Cuthbert sought to use his position to improve the lives of the common people. The old nobility intended only to fill their own coffers, and they had been manipulating emperors for much longer than he. Frustration built within Artorious' heart until he reached a breaking point. He learned that Baron Varick Steele had siphoned away food aid in the capital to fund his army, which had not seen battle in decades. He encountered the man teetering out of a brothel and threatened to reveal his deception at court. Between gales of laughter, Varick explained the terrible truth. "They already know, lad. A few were fixin' to do the same. I just did it better and faster. Now run back to the temple, where you belong."

Something snapped inside Artorious that night, and when his mind cleared, Baron Steele lay dead from a crushed windpipe. Panicked, the young man returned home and waited for authorities to arrest him. But they never did. Courtly business continued without Varick, and with his death, Fredrick III granted food aid to the capital. Artorious was floored. Thirty seconds of pressure had done more good than two years of politics. His path was clear. No longer would he submit to the decadent games of nobility. The self-styled Scourge of the Court remains mostly silent at his appearances. Other nobles believe that he's finally given up. In reality, Artorious is dutifully observing the schemes and routines of his targets. He typically focuses on the most egregious offenders to avoid detection, but no sin is too minor to attract this twisted crusader's notice.

sol_kanar
2012-04-17, 02:33 PM
Count Koodu Tsepesh

Koodu is an old, wrinkled man with white hair, pale skin and red eyes. He usually attends court only in the evenings, or in rooms with no windows. He always dines alone. He claims to be an albino, but of course all the court is whispering behind his back: his father was known to dabble in dark magic, and most of the nobles are convinced that he is some sort of vampire.

Except, it's not true. He is actually an albino. The rumors about his "true nature" have made all other nobles somewhat scared of him: as a result, nobody dares to plot against him, but nobody tries to ally (or even speak!) with him. His wife died some years ago, he has no heirs, and he feels really lonely.

If one of the PCs would be able to actually befriend him, he would become an enthusiast supporter of him/her, and eventually even adopt him/her.

P.S.: Originally, I was going to name him Alucard Notavampire Tsepesh. Lol, I made myself laugh.

SamBurke
2012-04-17, 02:44 PM
I'm stealing all of this for a game.

Just a note.

Thanks! :smallbiggrin:

garion1500
2012-04-17, 03:55 PM
I may have to 'borrow' some of these for the D&D fanfiction I'm writing.

Sir Augusta
2012-04-17, 04:38 PM
This is such an awesome thread. Anyways...

Captain Jacek Calevar, Count of Korterre

Born into a wealthy (but not noble) family, Jacek joined the military at a young age. He attended a nearby prestigious military academy, and was given command of a small unit, with which he won fame in a campaign against the gnolls. He was given the title of Count of the northern farming region of Korterre, and entered into the Imperial Court.

Believing that military power, not bickering politicians, will save the Empire, he uses force to secure his power. While he acts for the good of the empire as a whole, he believes that the Empire would be better off with someone like him in charge. However, he knows that he is not an experienced politician, and he tries to make alliances as often as he calls for military action. He curently agrees with General Ranimusson's stance on increased military spending, but does not trust the General personally, instead attempting to befriend minor nobles like himself.

Lea Plath
2012-04-17, 05:03 PM
High Priest Roland Raglimus. The son of a low level noble and a blacksmith, Roland found himself deposisted with a group of monks to avoid scandel. Beatings were common and he grew tough and quick with his fists.

When he was 18, he discovered the abbots secret affair with a nun, and the blackmail started. By age 23, he was the abbot, and by age 30 he was the high priest.

Roland lacks the patiance for long term politic manuevering, but he sees himself head of his own empire, a "holy" empire and he has a plan to seize power by using an army, hidden behind the guise of a holy festival.

Pokonic
2012-04-17, 05:11 PM
Gravelar, Peer and former Paladin.

A elderly giant of a man, this former great fighter has served all the kings of the currant dynasty. Not so much a general as a fantastic fighter, this man eventualy became a commander in the royal guard until a case of foolish haste cost him his dignity, his self respect, and his paladinhood. While stripped of his duties in the guard, he is still respected by his former guardsmen (and there sons, too) as wise in his exeptinal old age. His exact parentage is a minor mystery, for his massive size and his ability to stay in shape at the age of one-hundred and five while keeping his mind suggests a Giant ancestor somewhere. His greenish-grey skin however suggests orc-kind, which only furthers the mystery.

Neverless, he rarly comes to court, only to attempt to lure the nobles from Ranimusson's ideals and try to support veiws on diplomancy, or to personaly advise the young king. He highly dislikes people with easly seen magical skill, and would like nothing more than to see Catinella gone, presumably because he knows of her origin and would far prefer for such creatures to be explunged from the court. Men like Rhyvos Falkor, in his opinon, are a breed that should have been removed from the court ages ago, and those who help such him or others in his camp will probably not be exactly trusted by those within his social circle.

Shaven, 4th Earl of Nefron


A grossly fat man with a flare for the exotic, he values gold and jewels like few others. Neverless, dispite his apperance, his is actualy a plesant fellow to be around, often throwing parties for the pesants and nobility alike at his massive home and bringing gifts to those who can make him laugh. The family curse is his only flaw: the first Earl was a great general, but was afflicted during the war with the Gnolls with a strange curse that made it almost impossible to loose weight. Hence, every male of the line has been afflicted with said curse, which seems to need the distruction of the orignal casters corpse to dispel.

Any who could find magic to rid a entire line of a Family Curse could find themselves a very powerful family at there disposal, but that wound need one to travel to Gnollish burial sites and pick out a individual mound out of many, and those places are often home to that foul race's necromancers and ghoul-kind.

JonRG
2012-04-17, 07:14 PM
Tyrandar Faldren: This slight, androgynous man has dazzled the court with charm and good looks in recent months. Raised up from the ranks of civil service, Tyrandar is proof that anyone can climb the social ladder. He has shown great charity to the citizens of the capital, building hospitals, sanitariums, shelters, and temples. To him, these structures are worth so much more than the coin expended and the respect of the populace.

They serve as wonderfully convenient feeding grounds. For Vaalfar, as he's truly known, is an incubus.

When not indulging his appetites on the capital's marginalized populace, this master of seduction and corruption can almost certainly be found at court. Vaalfar regards the nobility as his plaything, and he has the charm (both magical and mundane) to support that sentiment. He is fully aware of Artorious' extracurricular activities, and makes sure to speak loudly about rivals' wickedness in his presence. When their deaths are announced, Vaalfar tries very hard to look surprised.

Only one person truly concerns him; Lady Jezelle Natharin. Both mindreaders, Vaalfar and The Assassin discovered each other's true identity in short order. A tacit pact has kept them both quiet, but while Vaalfar is a creature of darkness, the doppleganger is not. There's a possibility that a change of heart could endanger the incubus' livelihood, which cannot be allowed.

faith
2012-04-17, 10:01 PM
Game of thrones. nuff said.

graymagiker
2012-04-17, 10:11 PM
Catinellajust Catinella. Catinella is a half amethyst dragon. Her skin, save her face, is covered in gem like purple scales; though, she keeps it hidden with fine silk, flowing robes, and velvet gloves. Her hair is a golden yellow that makes many human women jealous. Her eyes are deep amethyst, so dark they look black at a glance.

Catinella has been coming to court since the reign of Frederick I, and possibly before then. Aside from her parentage, she is also a powerful wizard in her own right. Her motives for attending court are unclear, and it is unknown whether her dragon blood or other magic has kept her youthful appearance for so long. As for coming to court, no one has worked up the courage to inform her that she was never invited. The longer that she remains, the less likely it is that some one will. For many (all?) of the current nobles she has been there longer than them.

Catinella is the daughter of a human female and a male amethyst dragon. The two were deeply in love and the mating was consensual, at least for the two parents. Local city folk found out about the affair, but not the child, and killed Catinella's father. Her mother was heart broken, and died in labor. However, Catinella was saved by a local druid who attended her mother during Catinella's birth. Catinella was raised by the druid, but by the time she was 15 it was clear that Catinella did not desire a life living secluded in the woods. The druid being aged, and an honorable man, had no qualms about showing Catinella where her father hid his horde. Catinella has used the money to purchase a small house in the capital city.

She has a very keen sense of appraisal and a mind for business. Given that, she has managed to live comfortably as a merchant dealing in exotic wares and art; preferring to keep her fathers horde mostly hidden in case of emergencies. However she did study many tomes of magic that she found there, and at this point she is probably rivals the top wizards in the land for magical talent.

Catinella is a quiet type, that prefers to observe human interactions rather than participate. She is quite the atypical scheming noble, because her goal is to understand humanity (and other humanoids like elves and dwarfs but she focuses on humans). Humanity confuses her because its capacity for great beauty and nobleness paired with its tendency to utterly defile most anything it touches. To her, no other race shows such a wide range in good verses evil; and this fascinates her.

In court she often has cunning and well thought out insights for any question she is asked. However, she never really learned how to interact in human society. Many of her insights unintentionally point out flaws or secrets of the asker, which has over the years lead to few if any asking for her advice. She sees the other nobles trying to manipulate the young Emperor; but is unsure if this is customary or something out of the ordinary. If Fredrick were ever to ask her, she would advise him that most of the people giving him advice have their own interests ahead of his or the empire's; but to date this has not happened.

With regards to the PCs, she could be a potential ally for navigating the court. She could also be a person to sell goods obtained from their adventures to; and possibly a source of magic items from her father's treasure, with compensation of course. She will talk at length with the PCs, as long as they do not mind her often stilted dialog.

Aux-Ash
2012-04-18, 10:33 AM
Master Maerec Seneith

A senior member of the "Guild of Splendor and Colour" (artist's guild) and a former favourite of the former emperor, Maerec is primarily known as a very talented sculptor and painter. Many recent masterpieces around the court are his works. He is also a unabashed womanizer, an opportunist, a sycophant, a liar, a cheat, a coward and an assassin.

Oh, not a member of some obscure organisation of killers or possessing some sort of secret training. When he came to court he quickly became liked by the king. He spent his days painting, sculpting, seducing the daughters and wives at the court, partying, entertaining the emperor and quickly making a lot of enemies.

After a small dispute he managed to briefly lose the emperor's protection and became all too aware of just how many enemies he had made. When he regained the emperors favour he quickly set to work at doing his best to please him. He became a sycophant and worked hard at making sure the emperor liked him and thought he was useful. Eventually a couple of the emperors advisors even managed to convince him to kill for them and the emperor.

And then the emperor died. Now he makes his days trying to earn the favour of the new emperor and subtly trying to find new allies. Desperate to not be thrown out. Because, while rich and talented, he would not last long without the protection against all the people he spurned. Something he is all too aware of...

Madeiner
2012-04-19, 09:12 AM
Wow, nice thread, this will come in handy, tagging it :)

Kulture
2012-05-02, 02:12 AM
Lord Varason Rotfeder


Lord Rotfeder appears to have grown frail over the years, prematurely grey hair is combed carefully back and his beard is kept neatly trimmed. He appears to be more than 50 but is in fact not a day older than 32.

The numerous old scars and a pronounced limp set him apart from most of the court, a bastard child of an outer-fiefdom's Lord, risen through the ranks of the military before retiring early, decorated multiple times for valor and given a title for the mission that cost him most of the use of his right leg.

Though rough and somewhat militaristic, Varason remains one of the more benign figures within the court, one of the few who has little agenda above his land's welfare and the maintenance of the realm. He is also one of the few willing to sit down and listen to the young Emperor's worries informally.

His support for military privatization and outsourcing has gained him a great many enemies within the court, though his skill with magic wards of any attempts on his life.

Or so it would seem.

One fateful night Lord Rotfeder was reclining in his modest home within the capital, reading to his twin daughters Arriana and Oephelia before putting them to bed.
Just as the two children were nodding off to sleep, a group of assassins, operating using tactics oft utilised by the military's own ranger division, broke into the Lord's home, a dozen confronting him not 10 feet from his sleeping children.

The first was found with his own garrotte biting down to the vertebrae.
5 more were found later, their chests crumpled, their internal organs forced out through their backs.
5 were found on a rooftop in a slum, their bodies sliced neatly apart like butchered deer.
The final member of the team was never found at all.

Lord Rotfeder is not a mage, he is in fact a very talented assassin, a master of his trade. Familiar with the small repertoire of dark magic used by the ancient masters of his craft. His more prominent magic is in fact the work of a creature named Zen'rathan, a tremendously powerful Tsochari wizard who long ago chose Varason as his host.
The two, strangely, enjoy a close friendship, each enjoying a disturbing level of synchronicity with the other.

The pair are actually more pro-active in court than most realise.
A great number of would be usurpers of the young emperor have disappeared, leaving nary a trace, only to be found later in a place none would have thought to look.
What's more is the bodies were not moved, the location was always the scene of the crime.
All the corpses are savagely, ritualistically mutilated, their eyes boiled and white within their sockets; enormous, gaping rictus grins adorning their horror stricken faces.
The limbs, always missing. The nervous system stripped out.
The cause of death: Starvation.

Socratov
2012-05-02, 08:33 AM
I have have overlooked it, but it seems the court is missing a court wizard...

Darius, Court Wizard

As the court wizard Darius doesn't meddle in the affairs of the church or the nobles, at least, not directly. He walks around in mauve robes, trimmed with gold lining and the Capran crest on his heart side on the robe.

Darius keeps mostly to himself, lest he be asked to 'perform' his 'tricks' at court. Soon he will show those nobles what he can really do. For now Darius is making plans to turn the emperor into a puppet so Darius can rule Capran as it should be ruled.

JonRG
2012-05-02, 05:50 PM
There's a mage guild leader (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=13074192&postcount=5). :smallbiggrin:

JoshuaZ
2012-05-02, 09:26 PM
There's a mage guild leader (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=13074192&postcount=5). :smallbiggrin:

Those could still be separate wizards. Court mage and head of the guild could be different mages. If they have different goals it could lead to seriously "Don't meddle in the affairs of wizards" situation.

JonRG
2012-05-03, 01:44 AM
Of course they can be. My post was in response to Socratov's remark of "No wizards yet?"

One Step Two
2012-05-03, 04:58 AM
Vana Alendal
Vana was born to one of the maids in service of the Capran Empire, and was a playmate to the young Emperor before the untimely death of his father pushed Frederick III to the throne.

Vana Talendal appears to be a delicate young man of the same age as Frederick III. Despite his waif-like appearance, he does his best to act like a reckless young man, acting as a surrogate for his best friend, who has been thrust into power. He spends time late into the night regaling Frederick III about his day acting carefree, as if his best friend were at his side, instead of stuck on the throne all day.

In reality, Vana Alendal is a girl, one who has a great deal of love for her Emperor. As young playmates, thier contact was sometimes fleeting, and Frederick somehow never realised Vana was a woman, and after Frederick took the throne, he asked Vana to promise him, "Act like a young boy ought to, enough for both of us, and share those stories with me."
Vana accepted, and does her best to do just that.

Vana is much like any of the house-hold staff, and is often forgotten as part of the background to many nobles. Her love for Frederick means that she will be the first to pass on any information that might help him to people she thinks can help best.

Socratov
2012-05-03, 07:55 AM
Of course they can be. My post was in response to Socratov's remark of "No wizards yet?"

read closer, i said court wizard, the personal adviser on magic business toy for the seated monarch :smallamused: Ofcourse, with toys come manuals and if you don't read them things could end up... interesting... :smallyuk:

King Gorilla
2012-05-04, 01:45 PM
The House of Bakram: The Highlord's of the Eastern Marches

An old family, the Bakram’s were formally one of the weakest of the Capran Empire’s grand duchies. Their realm, Ostheim, straddles the eastern border of the empire, known for its vast forests and thin rocky soil. Although the Bakrams remained loyal to the empire during the Eastern Revolution, the peace treaty following the battle of Broken Blades cost the Bakram's their ancestral home and richest lands. While their titles and ranks remained intact the Bakrams were something of a laughing stock at court. Their son’s confined to the border garrison’s their daughters married off to lesser nobility. With the rise of the Eunraed dynasty the Bakram’s fortunes have dramatically improved. Basil Bakram, the late Grand Duke of Ostheim was a close ally of Emperor Frederick I and one of the first nobles to back the young upstart. Basil’s forces fought closely with Eunraeds to both seize the crown and regain lost lands. During this time, Basil earned renown for both his tactical skill and diplomatic prowess; it was often said he conquered more lands with his tongue than his blade. Basil formed close alliances with the other eastern lords whom in turn formed the bulwark of Eunraed power. Nevertheless the constant campaigning took its toll, Basil became moribund, sickened, and died; leaving control of the Grand Duchy of Ostheim to his wife, and three sons. With Frederick’s death, the fate of Bakrams has once again become uncertain.

Bernhardt Bakram: Constable of Capran & Champion of the Realm

Basil’s eldest son is a striking figure. Six feet tall, he is powerfully built with black hair and piercing blue eyes. Now in his mid 30’s he has spent most of his life on campaign. The effects of this wear heavily on his personality, as he has inherited none of his father’s tact or diplomatic grace. He is a cruel man and a strict disciplinarian widely feared by his own soldiers. Nevertheless he has carved out a reputation as one of Capran’s most formable warriors. He has spent the last several years fighting in the north at the behest of Charles Ranimusson, but Frederick’s death has forced him to return to the capital. The coronation of Frederick III was accompanied by his “promotion” to Constable of Capran. Although an able commander he is a poor administrator and is unpopular amongst peasant and noble alike. His transfer has also resulted in a dramatic series of military setbacks. Nevertheless his presence around the capital is the clearest sign of the young emperor authority, and his loyalty to the throne is unquestionable.


Bethel Bakram: Grand Duchess of Ostheim; voice of the Eastern marches

A formidable figure in her own right, Basil’s marriage to Bethal and subsequent alliance with the powerful Ricthof family was essential towards the unification of the Eastern marches. She is keenly aware of how much of the Bakram’s newfound fortune is dependent upon the continued support of the local lords and spends much of her time insuring their continued loyalty. Though her husband was a fanatical supporter of the Enraed Dynasty, Bethal is far less committed. She views her eldest son’s position as a powerful asset, and is not afraid to take advantage of either his reputation or authority. She has a deep seated enmity with Letes Goswain whom she see’s as her chief political rival for influence in eastern marches.

Lord Albrecht Bakram

Basils Middle son, he was reared to be the families voice in the court. Charismatic yet soft-spoken, his Ice blue eyes are supremely inquisitive. Perhaps this is why he was recalled to the eastern provinces on a vaguely defined fact-finding mission. Unlike his mother, he fails to view his brothers’ promotion as advantageous and is convinced that others are working quietly to undermine the family’s influence.


Lord Lothar Bakram

Basil’s youngest son, he is currently squiring under the tutelage of Rhyvos Falkor. Though in his early teens, he has recently been displaying some promising signs of magical aptitude. For now, Rhyvos is keeping this information to himself.