Baron Darkstone (Remy Desalle)
General Information
Full Name: Remy Desalle
Alias: Baron Darkstone
Titles: Liege-Lord to
House Thralen
Race: Oeridian Human
Gender: Male
Age: 45 years (Born 1180)
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
Weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
Occupation: Noble Ruler
Affiliation(s): Liege-Lord to House Thralen, part of the Oeridian aristocracy.
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"Baron Darkstone knows well the weight of leadership! It is not cowardice to send others into danger—it is strategy!"
Appearance
Build: Stocky and overweight, though he attempts to conceal it with armor and finery.
Eye Color: Dark brown, often narrowed in a self-assured expression.
Hair Color: Dark brown, streaked with gray, thinning at the crown but styled to appear fuller.
Skin Tone: Pale with ruddy undertones, indicating a life of luxury and indulgence.
Distinguishing Features: A prominent hooked nose and a permanent sneer, which he believes projects authority.
Attire: Prefers opulent, dark clothing adorned with rich embroidery. Often wears a crimson cloak with a bronze serpent-shaped clasp to emphasize his noble rank.
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Personality
Traits:
Self-important, vain, and overly ambitious.
Overestimates his intelligence and leadership skills.
Ideals:
Believes in the divine right of nobility and that his station makes him inherently superior.
Bonds:
Eager to impress his superiors within the Oeridian aristocracy and prove his worth as a noble.
Flaws:
Lacks self-awareness and empathy, frequently making poor decisions that harm those under his command.
Quirks:
Fidgets with his gilded signet ring when nervous.
Refers to himself in the third person while boasting of his supposed accomplishments.
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History
Early Life
Born in 1180 into the minor Oeridian nobility, Remy Desalle inherited his title from his father. His family’s estate, though modest, lies in a strategically important region, making them influential enough to hold House Thralen as vassals.
Rise to Power
Desalle's rule has been marked by arrogance and recklessness. He frequently leverages his vassals’ resources to undertake costly and unnecessary campaigns, all to gain the favor of his superiors and further his reputation among the nobility.
Significant Events
Scrutiny from Above:
His peers and superiors in the aristocracy have started to scrutinize his leadership due to his frequent failures and self-aggrandizing behavior.
Disolution of House Thralen:
DeSalle’s reckless use of his vassals’ resources, particularly House Thralen’s men and wealth, has eroded what esteem he may have had with his peers; absorbing Thralen's lands back into his own holdings has caused simmering discontent.
Whispers of Scorn:
Though he remains in his position as a liege-lord, his peers often mock his delusions of grandeur behind his back. Even his lessers, who rely on his protection, speak of him with hushed disdain.
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"When the annals of history are written, the name Remy Desalle will shine among the stars!"
Abilities and Skills
Strengths:
Skilled in public speaking, though often less persuasive than he believes.
Knowledgeable about courtly etiquette and political rituals.
Weaknesses:
Incompetent at military strategy, relying on advisors or sheer luck.
Cowardly in dangerous situations, often sending others to face risks on his behalf.
Unique Abilities: None, though he often claims divine favor or secret wisdom to bolster his image.
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Equipment
Weapons:
A ceremonial longsword engraved with his family crest. It is rarely used and more decorative than functional.
Armor:
Light plate armor adorned with gold detailing, meant to impress rather than practicality.
Other Items:
A gilded signet ring bearing the crest of House DeSalle.
A leather-bound journal containing exaggerated accounts of his "heroic" deeds.
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Relationships
Allies:
Few among his peers, though he clings to connections with minor nobles who may serve his ambitions.
House Thralen, though technically his vassals, maintains only reluctant loyalty to him.
Enemies:
His peers within the aristocracy, who often mock him in private or exploit his incompetence.
Family:
Lady Lisette DeSalle: His estranged wife, who has grown weary of his arrogance and failures.
Two Sons: Neither respects him, though they remain outwardly compliant for the sake of appearances.
Alric DeSalle
Cedric DeSalle
Romantic Interests:
Rumored to pursue lovers among his courtiers, though most entertain his advances out of obligation rather than affection.
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Role in the Story
Current Role:
A struggling noble attempting to maintain his position and standing despite growing scrutiny and mockery.
Key Conflicts:
His declining reputation among the Oeridian aristocracy.
The strained loyalty of House Thralen, whose resources he continues to exploit.
His inability to recognize his own faults, leading to repeated blunders.
Future Potential:
Could become a dangerous antagonist if pushed too far, or an easily manipulated pawn in greater political schemes.
"The loyalty of my vassals is unquestionable, for they serve a lord of vision and purpose!"
Extra Information
Theme Song: "The Grand Illusion" by Styx
Trivia:
Once commissioned a bard to write an epic poem about him. The bard abandoned the project, citing "creative differences."
Frequently takes credit for the successes of his vassals, spinning their victories into tales of his own brilliance.
Despite his glaring flaws, Desalle genuinely believes he is destined for greatness.
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