DUKE SEBASTIAN BLACKWOOD
Humans AzariaDuke of the Northern Marches
"The Empire was built by strength, not by committee. It is time someone remembered that.""
Identity
- Residence
- Blackwood Castle, Northern Azaria
- Civilization
- Humans Azaria
Appearance
• Physical: Tall and imposing with the bearing of a man used to command. His face is handsome but stern, with sharp features and cold gray eyes. His black hair is worn long in the northern fashion, and his beard is carefully trimmed. He moves with the grace of a trained warrior. • Clothing: Wears rich furs and heavy fabrics suited to the northern climate, always in his house colors of black and silver. His signet ring is massive and ancient, passed down through generations of Blackwood rulers. • Distinguishing Marks: A scar across his throat from an assassination attempt; his family crest branded on his sword arm.
Relationships
- Family - A wife he married for politics; a son being groomed as heir; a sister in a southern convent
- Allies - Northern lords; military commanders; merchants who benefit from his protection
- Rivals - The High Councilor; southern nobles; the Empress
Personality
- Traits: Proud and ambitious, deeply traditional, genuinely cares for his people, believes the Empire has grown weak
- Mannerisms: Touches his throat scar when angry; stands with his hand on his sword hilt
- Voice: Cold and commanding, with a northern accent that becomes more pronounced when emotional
Backstory
Sebastian inherited his duchy at sixteen when his father died fighting barbarian raiders. He's spent his life defending the northern border and building his power base, believing that the southern nobles have grown soft and corrupt. He dreams of a stronger Empire, even if he must seize control to build it.
Daily Life
Manages his vast estates, oversees the defense of the northern border, and plots with allies against his political enemies. He trains daily with his men, hunts in the northern forests, and hosts gatherings of like-minded nobles. Sleep is brief and often interrupted by reports from his spies.
Story Hooks
- 1 He needs mercenaries for a "border skirmish" that is clearly a power play
- 2 Someone has been assassinating his allies and he needs to find out who
Narrative Value
Political antagonist; quest giver for military missions; potential villain or ally depending on player choices ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════