Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Lux Tenebris: Duke Wallen Randego

DUKE WALLEN RANDEGO, L12 Noble Human Ranger

STR 12 (+1)
DEX 16 (+3)
CON 13 (+1)
INT 10 (+0)
WIS 20 (+5)
CHA 12 (+1)
HP 88
AC 14 (Leather armor)/16 (Barkskin)

Traits:
Languages: Common, Draconic, Sylvan

Proficiencies: +4
Armor: Light, Medium, Shields
Weapons: Simple, Martial
Tools: Chess set
Saves: Strength +5, Dexterity +7
Skills: History +4, Insight +9, Perception +9, Persuasion +5, Stealth +7

Feats:
Position of Privilege
* * *
Favored Enemy: Dragons, Fey
Natural Explorer: Coast, Forest
Fighting Style: Two-Weapon Fighting
Ranger Archetype: Beast Master
- Ranger’s Companion (Mastiff)
- Exceptional Training
- Bestial Fury
Primeval Awareness
Extra Attack
Land’s Stride
Hide in Plain Sight

Spellcasting:
Spells Known: 07
Spell DC: 17
Atk Mod: +9
L1(4): Cure wounds, Hail of Thorns, Hunter’s Mark
L2(3): Barkskin, Darkvision
L3(3): Nondetection, Water breathing

Equipment:
Shortswords (2). Melee. +7 to hit; deals 1d6 +3 piercing; Finesse, Light.
Longbow. Ranged, 150/600 ft; +7 to hit; deals 1d8 +3 piercing; Ammo, Heavy, 2-handed.
Leather armor. Light armor; AC 11 + Dex Mod
An explorer’s pack, a set of fine clothes, a signet ring, a scroll of pedigree, a purse w/25 gp.

Duke Wallen Randego is the ruler of Alindrast. He makes his home in the castle-fortress of Graycrown, sitting like a spider at the center of a vast web of carefully spun alliances.
Wallen came to power just a few years ago, but he has already made considerable changes in Alindrast. His rise to power was slow and methodical, culminating in a single night of bloody violence that radically changed the power structure within Alindrast.
His origins were fairly conventional. The seventh son of the last Duke, Randego seemed destined for nothing more than an arranged marriage, to promote the interests of his family. However, before they could marry him off, Wallen was allowed to leave Alindrast on a diplomatic tour of the neighboring states.  He, and his retinue, vanished shortly after crossing the border into Alindema. 
It was assumed the party had met their end at the hands of brigands or monsters. It came as quite a shock when, ten years later, Wallen Randego reappeared at Graycastle. He claimed he and his party had been captured by slavers who sold them into bondage across the Bittersalt Sea. After careful examination, the Randego family confirmed that this strange man was Wallen Randego.
His return to Graycastle was met with celebrations. During the past decade, his older siblings had perished. Wallen Randego was declared Duke of Alindrast and declared the ceremonial head of state by the Council of Lords.
To celebrate his inheritance and his safe return home, the Randegos held a fabulous party. All the most influential people in Alindrast were invited.
At the party, the new Duke proved to be witty and charming. He personally poured the wine for many of the guests.
By the end of the night, most of those guests were dead. Some died from the poisoned wine. Others were dispatched by sword or axe. A handful, those belonging to old noble families like the Randegos, were spared on the condition they swear absolute fealty to the new Duke. Those who refused were executed on the spot.
Across Alindrast similar scenes had played out among the Merchant-Lords. A hidden army emerged, seizing power for the Duke and ruthlessly executing anyone who stood in his way.
Later, it was revealed that Wallen Randego and his party had not been kidnapped by slavers. Instead, they had gone abroad and, for ten years, recruited mercenaries and assassins to help Duke Wallen overthrow the Merchant-Lords.
Despite the bloody nature of his ascension, the common folk of Alindrast admire and support their Duke. No one liked the Merchant-Lords or their methods of holding power, so no one has really mourned their passing.
Although not a scholar by any stretch of the imagination, the Duke has a keen insight into human nature. He has surrounded himself with learned advisors and together they are building a better future for the Land of Storms.
Of course, not everyone is happy with Duke Wallen’s rule. Some of the Merchant-Lords managed to escape and they are slowly, carefully planning to move against the Duke. The pirates who have used Alindrast as a safe haven for years are also not pleased with Duke Wallen’s rule. He has declared a bounty on every pirate’s head and gone so far as to set fire to the smugglers’ port of Dagger Bay.
And then, there are the rumors. Some people say Duke Wallen arranged the deaths of his older siblings to clear his path to the title. Others say he has forged secret pacts with the Nightshade Queen and the Draconic Empire. The more incredulous rumors are that his faithful mastiff, Brede, is actually a familiar and that the Duke is a secret warlock.
Alindor and Alindema regard Alindrast with a wary eye. Duke Wallen sent only a token force to help defend the region from the Draconic legions. Count Orziri of Alindor has been particularly critical of Alindrast’s Duke.  High Magister Osre has been more circumspect, but it is widely known he suspects the Duke of having some kind of alliance with Alinshrae.  Countess Tierce of Hylondak has made discreet overtures to the Duke about an alliance, something that could tilt the balance of power in her war-torn country into her favor. So far, the Duke has declined to become embroiled in Hylondak’s internal struggles and pointedly ignores Orziri and Osre’s criticisms and suspicions.

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