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Fantasy NPC
Balthus Stormslaugh
Dwarf Crime Lord
“Pretty words and a sharp blade will get you much more in life than pretty words alone.”
Appearance: A morbidly obese dwarf lounges comfortably in his massive throne-like chair. The voluminous braids of his salt and pepper beard are shiny with grease from the piles of food spread before him. A wry grin splits his face as he wipes his hand on a silk napkin and gestures for you to step closer.
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Personality: Even though he maintains a veneer of civility, Balthus Stormslaugh is a hardened criminal. He prefers to stay in the shadows, using his underworld gang to carry out his dirty work, while he gluttonously enjoys the riches that crime affords. He has a long memory, and never forgives a grudge.
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Motivation: Better to be a king in the dark than a dog under the sun. I will guard my power and keep myself safe, no matter the cost, rewarding those who serve well, and scourging those that defy me.
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Roleplaying Tips: Swollen and selfish, Balthus tries to turn every situation to his own advantage. Those he can’t control, he finds a way to hurt. When truly afraid or angry, he begins to stutter uncontrollably.
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Background: The son of dwarven slaves, Balthus Stormslaugh was subjected to backbreaking work in the mines of the northern mountains until he masterminded the revolt that led to his freedom. Many of those former slaves still serve him as heads of his extensive web of corruption, which includes gambling, smuggling, black markets, drugs, and a host of other illegal endeavors.
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Traits: Criminal, Cunning, Evil, Intelligent, Intimidating, Slow, and Villainous
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Dark Secret: Years ago, Balthus received a prophecy concerning his own murder, and lives in constant fear, never leaving his underground stronghold. He wears an amulet that protects against divination.
Plot Hooks
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The crime lord Balthus Stormslaugh is obsessed with divination in all its forms and has slowly been coercing those with such talent for his exclusive service. All that refused have mysteriously disappeared. Whether true or not, he believes that someone in your party is a diviner and his thugs are on their way to make you an offer you better not refuse.
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Underworld rumors claim that a small rogue’s guild has been encroaching on Balthus Stormslaugh’s territory. Balthus’ forces are trying to break this new threat, and violence has risen sharply in the city. Despite his tactics, the thieves remain, and Balthus is willing to recruit new blood to rout the upstarts.
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You end up in The Blinking Dog tavern as Balthus Stormslaugh’s strong-arms arrive to collect the weekly protection payment. For whatever reason, there’s not enough, so the criminals start tearing the place up, hurting the owner and staff. Are you going to leave, or do something about it?
Connections
Balthus Stormslaugh is the head of the criminal empire known as The Union.
Balthus Stormslaugh is bribing Watch Sergeant Davon Bosh to overlook his criminal empire's activities.
Balthus Stormslaugh is holding the younger brother of bounty hunter Vandryn Orrivar until he pays off his brother’s gambling debts.
Balthus Stormslaugh's criminal empire once included the father of city guard, Caston Agosta.
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Balthus Stormslaugh particularly favors the rare cheeses made by Jarom Goodpepper at The Insatiable Mouse.
Bonus Content
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Quick Summary Card - Balthus Stormslaugh, Dwarf Crime Lord
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Campaign Logger Profile - Balthus Stormslaugh, Dwarf Crime Lord
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