Bernardo Altomonte
## **History**
### **The Origins**
Bernardo Altomonte was born into a family of small landowners in the Magna Contea in a mountainous valley surrounded by thick forests and rugged cliffs. From a young age, he demonstrated a natural propensity for leadership and a strong sense of justice. His family, like many others in the County, lived under the yoke of the local nobles, forced to pay heavy taxes and suffer humiliation. These experiences forged in him a deep aversion to the injustices of the feudal system.
Despite economic difficulties, Bernardo joined the County's army as a cavalry officer, eager to build a future for himself and serve his land. His military career led him to distinguish himself for his tactical skills and empathy towards the common soldiers, earning the respect of the troops. However, his destiny changed drastically when he was sent to destroy a fishing village accused of rebellion.
### **The Rebellion**
Upon reaching the village, Bernardo discovered that the order for its destruction came from a corrupt nobleman, **Ennio Parrino**, who wanted to take over the lands to build a luxurious estate. This event was the breaking point for Bernardo: disgusted by the cruelty and greed of the system he had sworn to serve, he decided to abandon his post.
During the night, Bernardo led the villagers in a flight towards the mountains, eluding the troops of the County. This act of desertion earned him the death sentence from Viscount Enea Prisco. With the survivors of the village and a group of deserters, Bernardo formed the **Mountain Wolves**, a band of rebels and brigands that has since acted as a “parallel state” in the mountainous regions.
## **Character and Personality**
Bernardo Altomonte is a complex figure, combining the charisma of a revolutionary leader with the unwavering determination of a man of faith. His personality reflects the conflict between his noble ideals and the often ruthless means he must use to pursue them.
- Just and Compassionate: Bernardo has a deep sense of justice and an innate desire to protect the weak. Although his actions are often violent, he always acts with the goal of fighting injustice.
- Charismatic and Inspiring: His natural charisma allows him to attract followers from all walks of life, from oppressed peasants to army deserters. Many see him as a symbol of hope and as a potential leader of a future revolt against the Viscount.
- Determined and Unyielding: Bernardo is willing to sacrifice everything, even his own personal happiness, for the cause. However, this unyielding nature can make him stubborn and sometimes blind to the risks.
- Conflicted: Although he acts as a bandit, Bernardo is tormented by the conflict between his faith as a paladin and the actions necessary to maintain control of his gang. This torment makes him a deep and complex character.
## **Relationships and Conflicts**
### **Marisa, his love and ally**
While escaping from the fishing village, Bernardo met **Marisa**, a brave and spirited young woman. Their relationship is based on a deep mutual respect and a love that has strengthened through hardship. Marisa is not only his love, but also a skilled and determined fighter, who supports him both in battle and in leading the gang.
Marisa often acts as a balance for Bernardo, reminding him to stay in touch with reality and not to sacrifice his ideals for the cause. However, she is also aware that their love is always at risk, due to the numerous threats that surround them.
### **Conflict with Viscount Enea Prisco**
Bernardo is considered the Viscount's main internal enemy, who has placed a price on his head. The Viscount sees Bernardo not only as a traitor, but also as a direct threat to the feudal system. Despite this, the Viscount's forces have not yet managed to capture him, thanks to the Mountain Wolves' in-depth knowledge of the mountain territory.
The Viscount has placed a price of 100 Ducats on Bernardo's head, and with each of Bernardo's sensational actions, the price increases further.
### **The Mountain Wolves Gang**
Bernardo leads his gang with charisma and determination, but he is not immune to internal tensions. Some members of the gang, particularly those with a past as true bandits, question his ideals and push for more ruthless and lucrative actions. This creates internal conflicts that Bernardo must constantly manage to maintain unity.
## **Abilities and Powers**
As a 7th-level paladin, Bernardo Altomonte possesses a number of abilities that make him a formidable leader and a deadly combatant.
### **Paladin Powers**
- Aura of Protection: Bernardo radiates an aura that instills courage in his allies, improving their resistance to magical and psychological attacks.
- Lay on Hands: His ability to heal wounds and diseases makes him a point of reference not only in battle, but also to the local populace.
- Oath of Vengeance: Bernardo has sworn a sacred oath against injustice, granting him supernatural abilities to punish the wicked and protect the innocent.
- Spells: He can use spells such as *Divine Smite*, *Shield of Faith*, and *Lesser Restoration* to fight and support his allies.
### **Tactical Skills**
Bernardo is a master strategist, capable of using the mountain terrain to set ambushes and conduct guerilla warfare. His military experience makes him a respected leader on the battlefield.
## **Possessed Items**
### **Justice Blade**
An ancient longsword once owned by a legendary paladin, which Bernardo found during one of his early missions as a rebel. The sword radiates a golden light when wielded by someone with a pure heart, and deals extra damage (+1D8 radiant damage) against evildoers.
### **Wolf Shield**
A shield adorned with the image of a wolf, the symbol of his band. The shield was forged by the villagers of the fishing village as a sign of gratitude, and offers magical protection against ranged attacks (+2 AC melee / +4 AC missile and magical ranged attack).
### **Mountain Cloak**
A cloak made of thick wool and decorated with ancient runes. This item grants Bernardo increased resistance to the elements, allowing him to survive the harsh mountain conditions (The cloak bestows Resist Elements on the user).
## **The Figure of Bernardo in the Magna Contea**
Bernardo Altomonte is more than just a bandit: he is a symbol of hope for the oppressed people of the Magna Contea. Although his gang often operates on the fringes of legality, many see him as the only one capable of leading a future revolt against Viscount Enea Prisco. However, the road to freedom is long and dangerous, and Bernardo must face not only the Viscount's forces, but also the internal conflicts within his gang and doubts about the correctness of his own methods.
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