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Sergeant-Vanguard Frances Graf

Lawful Good Human (Soldier)
Fighter 5
49 / 49 HP
STR
20
DEX
14
CON
16
INT
11
WIS
14
CHA
12

Soldier, twin, and part-time brewer.

The Twisted Realms
View in World
Played by
Caehiren
Other characters

Soldier, twin, and part-time brewer.

Frances Graf is a landsknecht who notably served in the White Sentinel Grand Company during the Great Kus' Succession Wars, in the campaigns against the Chagoryn Khanate, the Divine Mandate of Kang, and the Dagetovan pretender rebellions. She was a sergeant-vanguard in the 3rd Crimson Dragon Company of the 1st Adamantine Vanguard Regiment, which saw particularily heavy action against the Kang. The company was recalled after the official proclamation of the Union of the Great Kus', which coincided with the end of Frances' mercenary contract; she chose not to renew it, and eventually took a ship bound for Aeryon in search of smaller-scale endeavours.
Age
27
Gender
Female
Eyes
Hazel
Hair
Short brown
Height
6'3

Appearance

Mentality

Personal history

Born in Reimarshamn, Bergenwall, Frances grew up with her twin sister Francine and the two elder brothers
Francis and Franciscus. The Graf household provided them a rudimentary formal education at the Staatliche Schule Reimar 'the Great,' instead focusing on a highly martial upbringing, with Frances being under the tutelage of Ludwig Lüwenwald, a seasoned landsknecht, up until the age of 16, which is when the Graf children are sent out as new landsknechte. With Francis ending up in the 2nd Zimean Foreign Regiment and Franciscus serving in the Zouave Guard of the ruling Yelanid dynasty, Frances and Francine went to Frankonia to search for mercenary work. This was where the twins separated: Francine took a contract with the Golden Legion and Frances undertook one with the White Sentinel condottieri company of the Merandure Grand Dynasty.




After signing an initial period of five years, she was assigned to the 3rd Crimson Dragon Company of the 1st Vanguard Regiment of the White Sentinels; the first four years were spent in the border regions of the Yelanid Alliance, mostly providing reconnaissance and protection for longer incursions into uncharted jungles on the behalf of the Gemstone League. During this time, Frances' company encountered a vast deposit of adamantium, which was claimed by the League; however, the Merandures sent an army of negotiators who argued that since the League had yet to claim the territory, the adamantium belonged to the White Sentinels. The League folded and part of the adamantium was used to fashion the Vanguard with armour made of it, at the behest of Sentinel-General Caruzzo, afterwards earning the unit the name of the 1st Adamantine Vanguard. Shortly after renewing her contract, the company was hired by the Grand Duchess & Princess Svetlana of Kaliyev-Yarskovy in what would later become known as the Succession Wars.




Frances took part in many skirmishes and small operations against the Khanate and the Kang; the two largest engagements she was involved in were the Siege of Makhattala and in the subsequent destruction of the invading Kang army in the Slaughter of Karakhasa. Frances was commended for valour after assuming leadership of her infantry section of the 3rd Crimson Dragons after its sergeant fell during the battle at Makhattala, later being promoted to that rank. When the wars in those northern countries ended, the White Sentinels were dismissed and Frances chose not to renew the contract with them, though not before buying the equipment that the company provided, which was allowed in her position as an officer.

Known Languages

Common, Zimean, Frankonian

Personality

Motivation

One day, in Ponvarus, after spending about a year doing independent contracting in La Brouhaha and Terre-de-Mer, Frances was seated playing a game of Seule with other travelers in the Gilded Mermaid when suddenly a loud voice started going off about 'pirate ship,' 'raiding,' and 'Aeryon,' which was followed by a driven minotaur (whose very lacking wardrobe suggested a life on the seas) who, after exchanging a few words with the man, seemed to become beset with rage and hurried out after managing to destroy a table in a single strike, leaving a very disappointed innkeeper in his wake. Frances decided the day after to take a ship to Aeryon for new ventures in the unending search for martial perfection, weapons of adamantium, a more forgiving climate, and perhaps to see what the deal was with the naval minotaur.

Social

Birthplace

Reimarshamn

Mannerisms

As a military person, Frances is fiercely devoted to those who travel and fight alongside her. Though long marches through frozen wastes, forested hills, and the open steppe has resulted in Frances developing a sarcastic demeanour as well as an inclination towards drink (of the alcoholic persuasion) and playing cards (often with a touch of gambling) ; likewise, Frankonian influences ran deep within the company, which has led to Frances picking up both the language and several of their customs, including the quintessential Ponvarian card game 'Seule.' Nevertheless, as is expected from children of the Graf family, her main goal is to seek martial perfection through the battlefield.

View
Tridi, Messidor, décade 30, MMCCCV (3701 AM)

End of the (Ship-)Line

by Sergeant-Vanguard Frances Graf

The rest of our journey did indeed go well. I told the captain and the rest of the crew about my intention to depart alongside the company, in part due to the significant risk to life for my unit posed by the prince's antics, and in part due to the fact that I can not justify a long-term presence of the White Sentinel Free Company on the Swift Mermaid. In the end, we are mercenaries. That life cannot be sustained on the sea as an uncontracted company alongside sailors and adventurers. I have promised them my full support in Ponvarus, and I intend to try and broker a deal with maralictor Hostilian and the captain, as well as finding my sister and pointing her in the direction of this crew. Differences aside, they are for the most part respectable, and very much capable.
 
However, the Headsmasher made a number of unwarranted comments about Francine. After that, he allowed me to retaliate in kind because he wanted to spar. He believed that the life of a Hellknight could be for him, and wanted to demonstrate his ability, or lack of it. He was able to stand for ten seconds - training recommended, by a patient instructor. I regret not knocking him senseless. Though, the appearance of a friendly dragon compensated for this. It took the form of a dwarf, and the Headsmasher was the only one not to witness this. Of course, when the dwarf dragon then wanted a brawl, the large man obliged. The dragon eventually knocked him off the ship, and surprised him by picking him up from the sea in his dragon form. Hopefully, he has learned to be better. But I know this to be false.
 
I can only hope that these companions I once thought of as strange travellers find good luck and fortune in the journeys ahead. The powers that be know that they need it. And I can only wish that captain Dormaruk never has to face the ultimate test of an officer, like I once did. Hopefully, it is not the last time I see them.

Frances's Journal Ordered oldest to newest

  1. The Strange Travellers in Amarley
    Primidi, Messidor, décade 29, MMCCCV (3701 AM)
  2. The Pair of Owlbears
    Duodi, Messidor, décade 29, MMCCCV (3701 AM)
  3. Before the Storm
    Tridi, Messidor, décade 29, MMCCCV (3701 AM)
  4. A Duel for the Tailor
    Quartidi, Messidor, décade 29, MMCCCV (3701 AM)
  5. Day at the Raging Bull
    Quintidi, Messidor, décade 29, MMCCCV (3701 AM)
  6. Remembrance
    Sextidi, Messidor, décade 29, MMCCCV (3701 AM)
  7. Where all Roads End
    Septidi, Messidor, décade 29, MMCCCV (3701 AM)
  8. Brawling and Petitioning
    Octidi, Messidor, décade 29, MMCCCV (3701 AM)
  9. A Royal Disaster
    Nonidi, Messidor, décade 29, MMCCCV (3701 AM)
  10. Commander's Notes: Soldiers of the 14th
    Décadi, Messidor, décade 29, MMCCCV (3701 AM)
  11. Riddle's End and the Future
    Primidi, Messidor, décade 30, MMCCCV (3701 AM)
  12. The Man of Troubles
    Duodi, Messidor, décade 30, MMCCCV (3701 AM)
  13. End of the (Ship-)Line
    Tridi, Messidor, décade 30, MMCCCV (3701 AM)

The major events and journals in Frances's history, from the beginning to today.

Session 14: A Familiar Spy

09:44 pm - 04.11.2021

Session 14: A Familiar Spy

05:03 pm - 04.11.2021

End of the (Ship-)Line

[justify]The rest of our journey did indeed go well. I told the captain and the rest of the crew about my intention to depart alongside the company, in part due to the significant risk to life for my unit posed by the prince's antics, and in part due to t...

08:34 pm - 18.10.2021

Session 13: Towards Liberity

06:14 pm - 18.10.2021

Session 13: Towards Liberity

06:14 pm - 18.10.2021

The Man of Troubles

[/justify]This day can only be summarised as being detrimental. At first, we rescued eight crewmates from a ship that was under attack from a kraken. Upon docking in Nova Aera, we headed for the Salty Bucket, the captain's tavern of choice. The rest of th...

08:37 pm - 11.10.2021

Session 12: The City of Cities

07:47 pm - 11.10.2021

Session 12: The City of Cities

03:37 pm - 11.10.2021

Riddle's End and the Future

[justify]Two days have gone. During décadi, after finishing my unit update, I went to pay the Headsmasher a visit. Earlier than I wanted, but a rude and nocturnal awakening were conditions I could not ignore. Also, he had been sleeping enough already. I ...

05:26 pm - 09.10.2021

Session 11: Travels on the Great Blue

10:53 pm - 01.10.2021

Session 11: Travels on the Great Blue

05:15 pm - 01.10.2021

Commander's Notes: Soldiers of the 14th

[justify][b]Sergeant Günther von Kalvar[/b] Male, 43 years old, human. Zimean, from Kalvar. Fellow landsknecht and experienced adventurer. Missed a promotion due to my actions at Makhattala. On my recommendation, succeeded as sergeant of the 14th after ...

06:49 pm - 22.09.2021

Session 10: Old and new Memories

05:03 pm - 21.09.2021

A Royal Disaster

[justify]It seems Shelyn did not keep us. The dinner itself was passable, and the king annulled the contract with the White Sentinels. Sergeant von Kalvar was happy to relinquish command back of the 14th. However, the king informed us that Nakor was a pri...

04:41 pm - 21.09.2021

Session 10: Old and new Memories

06:42 pm - 20.09.2021

Session 9: Royal Ties

02:41 pm - 17.09.2021

Brawling and Petitioning

[justify]I spent some time playing dice with a pair of dwarves at the Sour Barracuda. It is a rough place. Fortune stood on my side in the game. The others arrived later in the evening, and it took little time before Dormaruk noticed an old adversary brag...

09:53 pm - 16.09.2021

Session 9: Royal Ties

05:07 pm - 16.09.2021

Session 8: A Pitched Shadow

08:27 pm - 06.09.2021

Session 8: A Pitched Shadow

04:06 pm - 06.09.2021

Session 7: The Town of Tides

07:08 pm - 10.08.2021

Where all Roads End

[justify]This morning I had to wake up the Headsmasher and Nakor the trickster. A routine affair. The Headsmasher was not properly dressed - at all - this was no surprise, and I have seen worse in the regimental barracks. He also tried to disguise an obvi...

11:08 pm - 09.08.2021

Session 7: The Town of Tides

05:02 pm - 09.08.2021

Remembrance

[justify]The day started early in the dawn. Not for Dormaruk, the trickster, and especially not the Headsmasher, whom I and the trickster had to wake up. Dormaruk had some unfinished business with Deorgria. The Headsmasher was not keen on being up in time...

11:00 pm - 31.07.2021

Session 6: Journey to Zarastil

08:02 pm - 31.07.2021

Session 6: Journey to Zarastil

09:45 am - 31.07.2021

Day at the Raging Bull

[justify]We turned in Deorgria to the local herbalist upon returning to the village. Payment was received, the contract ended, and signatures filled. The trickster got his 75 oranges to add to his existing infinite amount of them. The captain directed us ...

09:09 pm - 29.07.2021

Session 5: The Clues Unfold

08:04 pm - 27.07.2021

Session 5: The Clues Unfold

03:46 pm - 27.07.2021

A Duel for the Tailor

[justify]Our plan of attack on the cave was initially a partial success. The Headsmasher's constructs managed to lure the sentries towards us, and we took down the ogre in a somewhat coordinated ambush. However, the trickster Nakor attempted to confuse th...

02:26 pm - 16.07.2021

Session 4: Hostiles Beware

12:19 pm - 16.07.2021

Session 4: Hostiles Beware

03:59 pm - 15.07.2021

Before the Storm

[justify]Yesterday was somewhat interesting. Before leaving our camp and the dead owlbears behind us, I spoke with the group, and the Headsmasher in particular - about his decision not to aid Dormaruk during the battle. He appears to feel an obligation to...

10:48 pm - 06.07.2021

Session 3: Riddles by the River

07:04 pm - 06.07.2021

Session 3:

06:32 pm - 06.07.2021

The Pair of Owlbears

[justify]We entered the forest west of Amarley. None of us understood the sign just at the edge of it, and Dormaruk ended up throwing it at Nakor, adding to his head trauma. Eugene vanished with a portion of our gold. With some strategising, I suggested w...

08:25 pm - 22.06.2021

Session 2: The Forest of Hoot

09:01 pm - 21.06.2021

Session 2: The Forest of Hoot

05:25 pm - 21.06.2021

The Strange Travellers in Amarley

[justify]The last few days have been spent alongside Dormaruk the seafaring minotaur, who very much lives up to the sailor's name. A bit too much. When we arrived at Amarley he charged into the inn, whose owner he knew. The other notable people inside, wh...

11:02 pm - 14.06.2021

Session 1: Common Intrests

06:19 pm - 14.06.2021

Session 1: Common Intrests

03:38 pm - 14.06.2021

The list of amazing people following the adventures of Frances.

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Played by
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by 3 Armored Kittens · Prodromos v.1.1 - World Anvil 0.9.15.045 © 2017-2024 [en] | Anvil Time: 03:08, May 22 2025