Espinada (Land of Passion and Excesses)
Posted: Fri Nov 24, 2017 9:35 am
Espinada
Culture level: Chivalric
Ecology:Full
Climate & Terrain: Temperate on the coast, more rigid on the mountanous borders, dry on the interior. Three rivers, the Musarde, the Rubion and the Maldonado, cross the domain.
Languages:Espinadish (Spanish) Vaasi and Mordentish.
Religions: The Creed [Venerates Zhakata the Lawgiver as a L/N deity, in a triad together with Ezra (as his wife and sister) and Andral as theyr Lawful/Good son)]
Races:Human (Espinadians) 97%, Other 3%.
Governement: Feudal Ereditary Monarchy.
Ruler: Queen Isabela III Maldonado.
Darklord: Don Juan Balthazar de Rivaviecha
Analog: Spain, end of Fiftenth beginning of Sixteenth century.
Capital City:Ciudad de Nuestra Madre de la Niebla (Niebla, for short) (Standard, L/N, 30,000 in)
Important towns: Puerto de Tormentas (Standard, N/G, 23,000 in), Montaña del Diablo (Non-Standard, L/E, 17,000 in), Cueva de Leones (C/N, Standard, 15,870 in), Bosque de Reyes (Standard, N, 13,000 in), Puerta Espada (Standard, L/G, 12,000 In)
Borders: West:Sea of Sorrows, North:Mordent, East: Mist and Valachan, South, Mist.
Domain Overview
Espinada is a land of ancient urbanization, excepted for the mountains and the patch of forrest; Niebla, the capital city is also callled the Sanctuary City, it was founded by a deeply religious sovereign, King Felipe III; it houses the governement of the kingdom, which resides in the hands of the Queen, of her Valido (the Prime Minister) and of the Cortes (The feudal nobility parliament). It also house his Holiness the Voz Credo (Creed's voice), the head of the Creed's Church.
On the West, Puerto de Tormentas is the main military port, housing the bulk of the Armada Real (Royal Fleet), while Cueva de Leones, on the mouth of the Maldonado River is it's main trading port. On the East, near the border with Valachan, Montaña del Diablo, a fortified city on the omonimous mountain, houses the headquarters of the Creed Santa Inquisición (Holy Inquisition) the armed hand of the Creed. On the North, Puerta Espada seat on the tiny border with Mordent, and it is a major trade hub; The Via del Rey (King's road) starts the and arrives straight to Bosque de Reyes, the mayor city in the south, throught the capital.
The People
Espinadians are a passional lot; they seldom do anything without theyr heart in it; this go for religion, too; however, exploiting the nature of Espinadians many fiends have aroused from the mists, trying to diverge them from the path of salvation, dragging souls in the Dark Hell; thus, Inquisition was born; Espinadians love strong and spicey tastes, and theyr food and drinks respects those preferences; Theyr clothing habits change with status, but even peasants, usually, try to look good, keeping themselves clean and groomed. As they are a people driven by passions, stands to reason that passional crimes and brawls are an usual occurrence; Espinadians have an olive skin and usually dark eyes and hair. Vistani aren't shunned in Espinada, nor are they persecuted by the Creed, which saw them as Ezra choosen children, able to navigate the Misty Purgatory and guide souls from there to the Sunny Heaven. Hala's Church, on the other side, is seen as demon worshipping; Arcane Magic is under strict limitation; only the crown can authorize arcanists to operate; Bards are the exception; Witches, on the other hand, are seen as demon worshippers, no matter theyr patron, so they better keep a very low profile. Divine magic performed by priests of deities ouside the creed is seen with suspicions; the deities outside the creed are seen as cold and uncaring, when not hostile; however, not evil cults are permitted with restriction on proseltysm, which is forbidden.
The Famed and the Infamous:
Don Alejandro de la Morra
(Middlaged Human Aristocrat 4/ Cavalier (Order of the Shield) 10, L/G)
A low rank noble (Hidalgo) who discovered in his middle-age a call to be an hedge knight, and decided to start his one-man crusade to right the wrong; He actually sffers from hallucinations which alterate his perceptions. However, his rank as a nobleman, and his courage, united to surprising skill in combat, plus the help of his squire, level headed Garcia Sanchez, have allowed him to made a reputation as the champion of every righteous cause.
Garcia Sanchez
( Adult Human Commoner 5/Rogue 1 N/G)
Level-headed, wise and realistic Garcia is the rock which anchors Don Alejandro to reality; he is undyingly loyal, in spite of all the troubles his master put him throught; Secretly, he believes his master promise to gift him an island and a castle to rule as governor.
Don Domingo Vasquez y Serrano
(Adult Human Caliban Aristocrat 7/Fighter 5, N )
The Valido and Regent of Queen Isabella, Don Domingo is a loyal, if machiavellic, servant of the crown; he is seen as an enemy by the Inqusition, and also by the various major noble families, so colled Grandi del Reino; Vasquez-Serrano himself was an Hidalgo, but he rose throught ranks thanks to his skills. The young queen may soon decide to marry his son, cementing the Vasquez-Serrano as royalty. Major opposition came by the de Rivaviecha, strenous defending of the rights of the aristocracy.
Melchiorre Cayetan
(Male Adult Vistani Bard 7, N/G)
The Captain of the mayor vistani tribe in the kingdom, Cayetan is also an appreciated entertainer, and thanks to that, is vardo is wellcomed in evey town and city of Espinada; Cayetan and his tribe are extremely wealthy, and also more open to giorgios than others. Melchiorre is also a follower of Ezra, and he has converted to her faith most of his tribe, which is an unicum beetwen Vistani tribes.
Esteban de Monios
(Accursed Adult Human Alchemist 9, N/E)
Head of an impoverished family of the hight nobility Esteban chose the path of alchemy and demonology to regain his past wealth; his succes came with a price, and nowadays he bear the form of a red skinned, horned tiefling; only drinking the alchemically treated blood of human victims he can take his human appeareance back. He resides in his family castle, Roca de Monios, near Bosque de Reyes.
Grande Inquisidor Friar Iago de Rochasangre
(Male Old Inquisitor 10 L/E )
Friar Iago is the head of the Holy Inquisition of the creed's Church; Formally, his objective and to fight of demonic incursions, and purge corruption from Espinada; in truth, the powers of the inquisition grew with time; and so did its involvement in politics; Today, old friar Iago main enemy is the Valido, and his accursed reforms, which endanger the power of the church and his own; not whistanding the fact that the reigning Voz currently endorse the reforms, and in his long reign he has curtained the Inquistion power. Despite his own ambition, Friar Iago do not demy the risk demons pose for Espinada, however, he secretly wishes to capture and exploit them. Due to his own cruelty, the friar has developed a craving for blood, and his complexion has became paler; he is more at ease in the darkness and he can easily impone is will on the weak minds; he doesn't fully realize it, but he is on the path to become a vampire.
Doña Carmen da Sierraalba alias Karmenia
[Succubus Wizard ( Enchanter) 4 C/E]
Karmenia is a Succubus, and the owner of an Inn in the capital. She is one of don Juan Baltazar closest ally, and every once and than, his lover.
Queen Isabella III Maldonado
Female Human Young Adult Aristocrat 8 L/G
The scion of the Maldonado family is a good hearted, earth-grounded young lady, who is becoming a good judhe of characters; Soon she will be able to govern without her regent, but she is determined to keep going down the road of reforms. She will be also in need of an husband, soon, and already vultures are coming in circles.
Don Gaspar de Puenterojo
(Old Male Coco Rogue 7 N/E)
The Alcalde (Lord-major) of Bosque de Reyes appears as an old jolly and wise fat man; In truth, he is a Coco, a shapeshifter, man-eater lizard; usually, the are child-hunters, but this Coco managed to eat an adult, the old Don Gaspara, and he he took his place; He has developed a taste for old people meat, and sate himself with the old beggars of the city; people no one shall miss.
Doña Berenguela Hernadez-Coronado
(Female Middle-Aged Rank 4 Anada Hag Sorcerer 5 C/G)
Doña Berenguela is the widowed wife of late Don Ramiro Coronado, a grande dead in suspicious circumstances; together with her daughters Aña and Isabela, she tries to keep a low profile, escaping notice from the Inquistion; she has not poisoned her late husband, as tumors tell, she, like her daughters, is an Anada, a race of good aligned hags who lives near the coast. They rules on the Castillo Florido, the Coronado estate near Cueva de Leones. She is the regent until her only son, Sebastian, will not be of age. She also own the Hernadez estate of Bahía de Delfines.
Don Balthazar de Rivaviecha
(Middle-aged Male Human Aristocrat 6, L/N)
Don Balthazar is a conservative but ethically correct Grande, ruling from Riva Viecha, his estate near the capital city. He adverse in any lecit way the reforms championed by the Valido. His own son and heir is a neverending source of trouble for the old man, whose heart may not be able to bear the real deph of his son depravity.
His Holiness Diego IV 27^ Voz Credo
(Venerable Male Human Oracle 7 L/G )
At any rate Diego IV is the longest serving Voz in known history. The ancient, frail prelate has lead the church of the Creed with wisdom and kindness for half a century, driven by his prophetical visions; his close death, however will end the curtaining of the Inquisition he started; the inquisition strenght inside the Creed is strong, and many moderates fear that Friar Iago could be elected as the next voice.
Santa Inquisición
This branch of the Creed operates in any major city and town of the kingdom; The head of the organisation answers ont to the Voz and to the Crown; It can call on 1,000 Warriors 1, 200 Cleric 3, 100 Inquisitors 5, 5 Clerics 7 and 1 Grande Inquisidor (Great Inquisitor) (see Friar Iago de Rochasangre above Entry). Inquisidores are to be involved in any matters involving demons or witchcraft.
Doña Elvira do Santo Credo
(Young Adult Female Aristocrat 4 N/G)
Hopelessly in love with Don Juan Balthazar, Elvira was the rake's intended, but he doe's not find her interesting; not because she is not beutifull, but because she represents all the things he despise (stability, fidelity, devotion)
The Stone Guest
(Soul-bound Medium Stone Golem, Fighter 4, L/N)
Once the Alcalde of Cueva de Leones, Don Manuel Vicente de Petradura dueled with Juan Balthazar after he disonored his daughter Margarita; The younger man killed him, but when later he mocked his funereal statue inviting him to dinner, the Dark Powers brought his soul back to torment the rake; Anytime Juan Balthazar depravity reach it's zenith, he appears and drag him to the Dark Hell; Than the cycle starts again. Even when destroyed, he returns after 24 hours, until he hasn't reached his goal. He crushes anyonewho tries to stay his hand. Only if Juan Balthazar would repent, he will return permanantly to stand on his tomb.
Leecherel
(Adult Human Commoner 4, N/E)
Leecherel is greedy and cynic; even if he does not approve his master's action, he is a partner in his crimes as long he is payed; he is the keeper of the Black Clock, a pocket clock with a carillon in; it signs 5 minutes for every depraved action his master commit; When it reaches midnight, the Stone Guest arrives.
The Darklord
Don Juan Balthazar de Rivaviecha
Young Adult Humanoid (Demon-bound ) [ C/E Swashbuckler 13 ] (140 HP)
Speed:30 feet
Initiative:+10 (+12 in the Hogar de Placeres)
Armor Class: 30 (+6 Dex, +8 Armor , +3 Dodge, +3 Deflection) (+2 in the Hogar de Placeres)
Space/Reach: 1 square /1 square
Combat Manouver Defense/Combat Manouver Bonus:31(35 vs Disarm and Trip)/+19(+23 Disarm and Trip (+2 in the Hogar de Placeres)
Str:15, Dex:22, Con:16, Int:20, Wis:13, Cha 22.
Saving Throws: Fort:+7, Ref:+15, Wil:+5 (+2 in Hogar de Placeres)
Special Qualities:Demonbound Traits, DR 15/Stone and Magic, Magic Immunity, Regeneration 5, Mastery 2. Sinkhole of Evil 2, Curse of the Darklord, Panache(9),Swashbuckler Finesse, Deeds (Derring-Do, Dodging Panache, Opportune Parry and Riposte, Kip-Up , Menacing Swordplay, Precise Strike, Swashbuckler Initiative, Swashbuckler's Grace, Superior Feint ,Targeted Strike, Bleeding Wound, Evasive, Subtle Blade), Nimble (+3), Charmed Life (5 x day), Undying Soul.
Special Attacks: Charme (Mag) at will, Suggestion (Mag) Three Times a Day, SL 13, DC (22, Will negates).
Attack: Melee:+3 Unholy Adamantine Rapier +26/+21/+16 (1d8+4 + 2d6 against good aligned creature, Crit 15/20 x2) ( +2 in the Hogar de Placeres).
Skills:Acrobatics (+22), Bluff (+22), Diplomacy (+22), Climb (+18), Escape Artist (+22), Intimidate (+22), Knowledge (Local) (+21), Knowledge(Nobility) (+14), Ride (+22), Perform (Dance +15), Perform (Oratory)(+22), Sleight of Hand (+22), .
Feats: Combat Expertise, Combat Reflexes, Greater Improved Disarm, Greater Improved Feint (B) Greater Improved Trip, Greater Weapon Focus (Rapier) (B), Improved Disarm (B), Improved Feint, Improved Initiative, Improved Trip, Weapon Focus (Rapier) (B), Weapon Specialization (Rapier) (B)
Challenge Rating: 15
Proprieties: +3 Unholy Adamantine Rapier, Bracier of Armor +8, Ring of Protection +3, 540 GP, Signet ring of de Rivaviecha family.
Background:
Born as the long desired heir of the already middleaged Don Balthazar, Juan Balthazar was born in luxury, and was pampered and spoiled; at the age of ten he was sent as a page to the royal court, in the capital, were he learned the art of the sword, becoming a fine duelist; it was there he discovered his strong appetites for drinks, food and women; As a youth he was sweet hearted and sensible,but his womanizing was furthered by his first meeting with Doña Carmen, which corrupted him furtherly; his unholy relationship with the demoness turned him in a demon-bound, almost invulnerable, and in posses of unholy boons; however, a vistana cursed him with his word "no living flash being shall be your demise, but the cold stone of a dead man you yourself slaughtered!" He scoffed to this prediction, and as an habit, took to send invite to dinner to each person he slayed, in one of his many duels he fought and won, against slighted husbands and fianceés; one day, he was so bold to invite the statue of Don Manuel Vicente de Petradura, on of his early victims, personally, after having intercourse on his tomb; when the statue accepted, he laughted, thinking it was an elaborated trick; but that night, the statue presented himself, and offered him to reciprocate the invitation. faced with the option of repent or face the unknown, he accepted the invitation, and was dragged, litterally, in the Dark Hell; but the Mists were not finished with him; after suffering agonizing torments in Hell, Don Juan Balthazar was returned to life, now the Darklord of Espinoza.
Current Sketches
He continue to live as a rake and a deboushed, but now, he is far more malicious; he can't get any pleasure without tormenting other persons, and so he do exactly that; his depravity, eventually catches up with him, and the Stone Guest returns, thing which he dreads, as his permanence in the Dark Hell every time fuel his nightmares for days; however his unrepetence is unchanged, and he expecially delghts in mocking the pure and righteous.
Combat
Against living beings, Don Juan Balthazar usually use his magic and combat abilities; against undeads or constricts, he usually flees or try to get someone to fight his battles.
Special Abilities:
Regeneration: Denied by natural attacks of Stone Golems or Undeads; he gets only non-lethal damage by other sources.
Magic Immunity: He is immune to any damage dealing spell wich is affected by Spell Resistence. He is also immune to any Death or Fear effect.
Curse of the Dark Lord:Juan Balthazar curse is t that he is unable to drive any pleasure from unforbidden, unharmful activities; he must steal the food and drink he has or pay it with stolen money; he must force himself on women or woe women destroyng theyr relationships; every time he doeas such a depravate action, however, the Black Clock which his servant always keep with himself go five minutes forward; when it reaches midnight the Stone Guest arrive to drag him in the Dark Hell; Even if the Guest is destroyed he will always come back after 24 hours. On a minor note, thanks to the curse, he is emasculated as long as long he does not kiss a Succubus or Doña Elvira once every other day. The first choise means furthering his debt with Karmenia, the econd means depending on the only woman he do not craves.
Undying Soul: Every time he dies, he is dragged in the Dark Hell; Next morrning he awakes screaming in his private cottage, the Hogar de Placeres, with the disgusting face of Leecherel the first thing he sees. Only killing Leecherel and dropping him in the Dark Hell together with his master, will they both be killed forever; however, only Don Juan Balthazar can kill Leecherel. Also Leecherel could forsake his generous pay and drop willingly the Black Clock in the Dark Hell, but the greedy little man will never do such a thing.
Lair:
The Hogar de Placeres is Juan Balthazar personal retreat; It is a Rank 2 Sinkhole of Evil with the Lust and Rage abilities (CD 22)
Closing the Border:
If someone try to cross the borders of Espinada when they are closed, a nauseating smell invades the area; It simple stink to much to allow anything else than reatreating. Juan Balthazar can close the Borders up to three days in a week.
As always feedback is wellcome. And sorry for eventual typos.
Culture level: Chivalric
Ecology:Full
Climate & Terrain: Temperate on the coast, more rigid on the mountanous borders, dry on the interior. Three rivers, the Musarde, the Rubion and the Maldonado, cross the domain.
Languages:Espinadish (Spanish) Vaasi and Mordentish.
Religions: The Creed [Venerates Zhakata the Lawgiver as a L/N deity, in a triad together with Ezra (as his wife and sister) and Andral as theyr Lawful/Good son)]
Races:Human (Espinadians) 97%, Other 3%.
Governement: Feudal Ereditary Monarchy.
Ruler: Queen Isabela III Maldonado.
Darklord: Don Juan Balthazar de Rivaviecha
Analog: Spain, end of Fiftenth beginning of Sixteenth century.
Capital City:Ciudad de Nuestra Madre de la Niebla (Niebla, for short) (Standard, L/N, 30,000 in)
Important towns: Puerto de Tormentas (Standard, N/G, 23,000 in), Montaña del Diablo (Non-Standard, L/E, 17,000 in), Cueva de Leones (C/N, Standard, 15,870 in), Bosque de Reyes (Standard, N, 13,000 in), Puerta Espada (Standard, L/G, 12,000 In)
Borders: West:Sea of Sorrows, North:Mordent, East: Mist and Valachan, South, Mist.
Domain Overview
Espinada is a land of ancient urbanization, excepted for the mountains and the patch of forrest; Niebla, the capital city is also callled the Sanctuary City, it was founded by a deeply religious sovereign, King Felipe III; it houses the governement of the kingdom, which resides in the hands of the Queen, of her Valido (the Prime Minister) and of the Cortes (The feudal nobility parliament). It also house his Holiness the Voz Credo (Creed's voice), the head of the Creed's Church.
On the West, Puerto de Tormentas is the main military port, housing the bulk of the Armada Real (Royal Fleet), while Cueva de Leones, on the mouth of the Maldonado River is it's main trading port. On the East, near the border with Valachan, Montaña del Diablo, a fortified city on the omonimous mountain, houses the headquarters of the Creed Santa Inquisición (Holy Inquisition) the armed hand of the Creed. On the North, Puerta Espada seat on the tiny border with Mordent, and it is a major trade hub; The Via del Rey (King's road) starts the and arrives straight to Bosque de Reyes, the mayor city in the south, throught the capital.
The People
Espinadians are a passional lot; they seldom do anything without theyr heart in it; this go for religion, too; however, exploiting the nature of Espinadians many fiends have aroused from the mists, trying to diverge them from the path of salvation, dragging souls in the Dark Hell; thus, Inquisition was born; Espinadians love strong and spicey tastes, and theyr food and drinks respects those preferences; Theyr clothing habits change with status, but even peasants, usually, try to look good, keeping themselves clean and groomed. As they are a people driven by passions, stands to reason that passional crimes and brawls are an usual occurrence; Espinadians have an olive skin and usually dark eyes and hair. Vistani aren't shunned in Espinada, nor are they persecuted by the Creed, which saw them as Ezra choosen children, able to navigate the Misty Purgatory and guide souls from there to the Sunny Heaven. Hala's Church, on the other side, is seen as demon worshipping; Arcane Magic is under strict limitation; only the crown can authorize arcanists to operate; Bards are the exception; Witches, on the other hand, are seen as demon worshippers, no matter theyr patron, so they better keep a very low profile. Divine magic performed by priests of deities ouside the creed is seen with suspicions; the deities outside the creed are seen as cold and uncaring, when not hostile; however, not evil cults are permitted with restriction on proseltysm, which is forbidden.
The Famed and the Infamous:
Don Alejandro de la Morra
(Middlaged Human Aristocrat 4/ Cavalier (Order of the Shield) 10, L/G)
A low rank noble (Hidalgo) who discovered in his middle-age a call to be an hedge knight, and decided to start his one-man crusade to right the wrong; He actually sffers from hallucinations which alterate his perceptions. However, his rank as a nobleman, and his courage, united to surprising skill in combat, plus the help of his squire, level headed Garcia Sanchez, have allowed him to made a reputation as the champion of every righteous cause.
Garcia Sanchez
( Adult Human Commoner 5/Rogue 1 N/G)
Level-headed, wise and realistic Garcia is the rock which anchors Don Alejandro to reality; he is undyingly loyal, in spite of all the troubles his master put him throught; Secretly, he believes his master promise to gift him an island and a castle to rule as governor.
Don Domingo Vasquez y Serrano
(Adult Human Caliban Aristocrat 7/Fighter 5, N )
The Valido and Regent of Queen Isabella, Don Domingo is a loyal, if machiavellic, servant of the crown; he is seen as an enemy by the Inqusition, and also by the various major noble families, so colled Grandi del Reino; Vasquez-Serrano himself was an Hidalgo, but he rose throught ranks thanks to his skills. The young queen may soon decide to marry his son, cementing the Vasquez-Serrano as royalty. Major opposition came by the de Rivaviecha, strenous defending of the rights of the aristocracy.
Melchiorre Cayetan
(Male Adult Vistani Bard 7, N/G)
The Captain of the mayor vistani tribe in the kingdom, Cayetan is also an appreciated entertainer, and thanks to that, is vardo is wellcomed in evey town and city of Espinada; Cayetan and his tribe are extremely wealthy, and also more open to giorgios than others. Melchiorre is also a follower of Ezra, and he has converted to her faith most of his tribe, which is an unicum beetwen Vistani tribes.
Esteban de Monios
(Accursed Adult Human Alchemist 9, N/E)
Head of an impoverished family of the hight nobility Esteban chose the path of alchemy and demonology to regain his past wealth; his succes came with a price, and nowadays he bear the form of a red skinned, horned tiefling; only drinking the alchemically treated blood of human victims he can take his human appeareance back. He resides in his family castle, Roca de Monios, near Bosque de Reyes.
Grande Inquisidor Friar Iago de Rochasangre
(Male Old Inquisitor 10 L/E )
Friar Iago is the head of the Holy Inquisition of the creed's Church; Formally, his objective and to fight of demonic incursions, and purge corruption from Espinada; in truth, the powers of the inquisition grew with time; and so did its involvement in politics; Today, old friar Iago main enemy is the Valido, and his accursed reforms, which endanger the power of the church and his own; not whistanding the fact that the reigning Voz currently endorse the reforms, and in his long reign he has curtained the Inquistion power. Despite his own ambition, Friar Iago do not demy the risk demons pose for Espinada, however, he secretly wishes to capture and exploit them. Due to his own cruelty, the friar has developed a craving for blood, and his complexion has became paler; he is more at ease in the darkness and he can easily impone is will on the weak minds; he doesn't fully realize it, but he is on the path to become a vampire.
Doña Carmen da Sierraalba alias Karmenia
[Succubus Wizard ( Enchanter) 4 C/E]
Karmenia is a Succubus, and the owner of an Inn in the capital. She is one of don Juan Baltazar closest ally, and every once and than, his lover.
Queen Isabella III Maldonado
Female Human Young Adult Aristocrat 8 L/G
The scion of the Maldonado family is a good hearted, earth-grounded young lady, who is becoming a good judhe of characters; Soon she will be able to govern without her regent, but she is determined to keep going down the road of reforms. She will be also in need of an husband, soon, and already vultures are coming in circles.
Don Gaspar de Puenterojo
(Old Male Coco Rogue 7 N/E)
The Alcalde (Lord-major) of Bosque de Reyes appears as an old jolly and wise fat man; In truth, he is a Coco, a shapeshifter, man-eater lizard; usually, the are child-hunters, but this Coco managed to eat an adult, the old Don Gaspara, and he he took his place; He has developed a taste for old people meat, and sate himself with the old beggars of the city; people no one shall miss.
Doña Berenguela Hernadez-Coronado
(Female Middle-Aged Rank 4 Anada Hag Sorcerer 5 C/G)
Doña Berenguela is the widowed wife of late Don Ramiro Coronado, a grande dead in suspicious circumstances; together with her daughters Aña and Isabela, she tries to keep a low profile, escaping notice from the Inquistion; she has not poisoned her late husband, as tumors tell, she, like her daughters, is an Anada, a race of good aligned hags who lives near the coast. They rules on the Castillo Florido, the Coronado estate near Cueva de Leones. She is the regent until her only son, Sebastian, will not be of age. She also own the Hernadez estate of Bahía de Delfines.
Don Balthazar de Rivaviecha
(Middle-aged Male Human Aristocrat 6, L/N)
Don Balthazar is a conservative but ethically correct Grande, ruling from Riva Viecha, his estate near the capital city. He adverse in any lecit way the reforms championed by the Valido. His own son and heir is a neverending source of trouble for the old man, whose heart may not be able to bear the real deph of his son depravity.
His Holiness Diego IV 27^ Voz Credo
(Venerable Male Human Oracle 7 L/G )
At any rate Diego IV is the longest serving Voz in known history. The ancient, frail prelate has lead the church of the Creed with wisdom and kindness for half a century, driven by his prophetical visions; his close death, however will end the curtaining of the Inquisition he started; the inquisition strenght inside the Creed is strong, and many moderates fear that Friar Iago could be elected as the next voice.
Santa Inquisición
This branch of the Creed operates in any major city and town of the kingdom; The head of the organisation answers ont to the Voz and to the Crown; It can call on 1,000 Warriors 1, 200 Cleric 3, 100 Inquisitors 5, 5 Clerics 7 and 1 Grande Inquisidor (Great Inquisitor) (see Friar Iago de Rochasangre above Entry). Inquisidores are to be involved in any matters involving demons or witchcraft.
Doña Elvira do Santo Credo
(Young Adult Female Aristocrat 4 N/G)
Hopelessly in love with Don Juan Balthazar, Elvira was the rake's intended, but he doe's not find her interesting; not because she is not beutifull, but because she represents all the things he despise (stability, fidelity, devotion)
The Stone Guest
(Soul-bound Medium Stone Golem, Fighter 4, L/N)
Once the Alcalde of Cueva de Leones, Don Manuel Vicente de Petradura dueled with Juan Balthazar after he disonored his daughter Margarita; The younger man killed him, but when later he mocked his funereal statue inviting him to dinner, the Dark Powers brought his soul back to torment the rake; Anytime Juan Balthazar depravity reach it's zenith, he appears and drag him to the Dark Hell; Than the cycle starts again. Even when destroyed, he returns after 24 hours, until he hasn't reached his goal. He crushes anyonewho tries to stay his hand. Only if Juan Balthazar would repent, he will return permanantly to stand on his tomb.
Leecherel
(Adult Human Commoner 4, N/E)
Leecherel is greedy and cynic; even if he does not approve his master's action, he is a partner in his crimes as long he is payed; he is the keeper of the Black Clock, a pocket clock with a carillon in; it signs 5 minutes for every depraved action his master commit; When it reaches midnight, the Stone Guest arrives.
The Darklord
Don Juan Balthazar de Rivaviecha
Young Adult Humanoid (Demon-bound ) [ C/E Swashbuckler 13 ] (140 HP)
Speed:30 feet
Initiative:+10 (+12 in the Hogar de Placeres)
Armor Class: 30 (+6 Dex, +8 Armor , +3 Dodge, +3 Deflection) (+2 in the Hogar de Placeres)
Space/Reach: 1 square /1 square
Combat Manouver Defense/Combat Manouver Bonus:31(35 vs Disarm and Trip)/+19(+23 Disarm and Trip (+2 in the Hogar de Placeres)
Str:15, Dex:22, Con:16, Int:20, Wis:13, Cha 22.
Saving Throws: Fort:+7, Ref:+15, Wil:+5 (+2 in Hogar de Placeres)
Special Qualities:Demonbound Traits, DR 15/Stone and Magic, Magic Immunity, Regeneration 5, Mastery 2. Sinkhole of Evil 2, Curse of the Darklord, Panache(9),Swashbuckler Finesse, Deeds (Derring-Do, Dodging Panache, Opportune Parry and Riposte, Kip-Up , Menacing Swordplay, Precise Strike, Swashbuckler Initiative, Swashbuckler's Grace, Superior Feint ,Targeted Strike, Bleeding Wound, Evasive, Subtle Blade), Nimble (+3), Charmed Life (5 x day), Undying Soul.
Special Attacks: Charme (Mag) at will, Suggestion (Mag) Three Times a Day, SL 13, DC (22, Will negates).
Attack: Melee:+3 Unholy Adamantine Rapier +26/+21/+16 (1d8+4 + 2d6 against good aligned creature, Crit 15/20 x2) ( +2 in the Hogar de Placeres).
Skills:Acrobatics (+22), Bluff (+22), Diplomacy (+22), Climb (+18), Escape Artist (+22), Intimidate (+22), Knowledge (Local) (+21), Knowledge(Nobility) (+14), Ride (+22), Perform (Dance +15), Perform (Oratory)(+22), Sleight of Hand (+22), .
Feats: Combat Expertise, Combat Reflexes, Greater Improved Disarm, Greater Improved Feint (B) Greater Improved Trip, Greater Weapon Focus (Rapier) (B), Improved Disarm (B), Improved Feint, Improved Initiative, Improved Trip, Weapon Focus (Rapier) (B), Weapon Specialization (Rapier) (B)
Challenge Rating: 15
Proprieties: +3 Unholy Adamantine Rapier, Bracier of Armor +8, Ring of Protection +3, 540 GP, Signet ring of de Rivaviecha family.
Background:
Born as the long desired heir of the already middleaged Don Balthazar, Juan Balthazar was born in luxury, and was pampered and spoiled; at the age of ten he was sent as a page to the royal court, in the capital, were he learned the art of the sword, becoming a fine duelist; it was there he discovered his strong appetites for drinks, food and women; As a youth he was sweet hearted and sensible,but his womanizing was furthered by his first meeting with Doña Carmen, which corrupted him furtherly; his unholy relationship with the demoness turned him in a demon-bound, almost invulnerable, and in posses of unholy boons; however, a vistana cursed him with his word "no living flash being shall be your demise, but the cold stone of a dead man you yourself slaughtered!" He scoffed to this prediction, and as an habit, took to send invite to dinner to each person he slayed, in one of his many duels he fought and won, against slighted husbands and fianceés; one day, he was so bold to invite the statue of Don Manuel Vicente de Petradura, on of his early victims, personally, after having intercourse on his tomb; when the statue accepted, he laughted, thinking it was an elaborated trick; but that night, the statue presented himself, and offered him to reciprocate the invitation. faced with the option of repent or face the unknown, he accepted the invitation, and was dragged, litterally, in the Dark Hell; but the Mists were not finished with him; after suffering agonizing torments in Hell, Don Juan Balthazar was returned to life, now the Darklord of Espinoza.
Current Sketches
He continue to live as a rake and a deboushed, but now, he is far more malicious; he can't get any pleasure without tormenting other persons, and so he do exactly that; his depravity, eventually catches up with him, and the Stone Guest returns, thing which he dreads, as his permanence in the Dark Hell every time fuel his nightmares for days; however his unrepetence is unchanged, and he expecially delghts in mocking the pure and righteous.
Combat
Against living beings, Don Juan Balthazar usually use his magic and combat abilities; against undeads or constricts, he usually flees or try to get someone to fight his battles.
Special Abilities:
Regeneration: Denied by natural attacks of Stone Golems or Undeads; he gets only non-lethal damage by other sources.
Magic Immunity: He is immune to any damage dealing spell wich is affected by Spell Resistence. He is also immune to any Death or Fear effect.
Curse of the Dark Lord:Juan Balthazar curse is t that he is unable to drive any pleasure from unforbidden, unharmful activities; he must steal the food and drink he has or pay it with stolen money; he must force himself on women or woe women destroyng theyr relationships; every time he doeas such a depravate action, however, the Black Clock which his servant always keep with himself go five minutes forward; when it reaches midnight the Stone Guest arrive to drag him in the Dark Hell; Even if the Guest is destroyed he will always come back after 24 hours. On a minor note, thanks to the curse, he is emasculated as long as long he does not kiss a Succubus or Doña Elvira once every other day. The first choise means furthering his debt with Karmenia, the econd means depending on the only woman he do not craves.
Undying Soul: Every time he dies, he is dragged in the Dark Hell; Next morrning he awakes screaming in his private cottage, the Hogar de Placeres, with the disgusting face of Leecherel the first thing he sees. Only killing Leecherel and dropping him in the Dark Hell together with his master, will they both be killed forever; however, only Don Juan Balthazar can kill Leecherel. Also Leecherel could forsake his generous pay and drop willingly the Black Clock in the Dark Hell, but the greedy little man will never do such a thing.
Lair:
The Hogar de Placeres is Juan Balthazar personal retreat; It is a Rank 2 Sinkhole of Evil with the Lust and Rage abilities (CD 22)
Closing the Border:
If someone try to cross the borders of Espinada when they are closed, a nauseating smell invades the area; It simple stink to much to allow anything else than reatreating. Juan Balthazar can close the Borders up to three days in a week.
As always feedback is wellcome. And sorry for eventual typos.