Hugo Merveille
Background: Hugo Procillus was born into a middle-class family with a long lineage of artisans. But ambition flowed through his veins like fiery blood. As a young boy, he worked in his father's small shop, learning the art of negotiation and haggling. When he was old enough, he took a loan and started his own business, trading in exotic goods from far-off lands.
Procillus was a natural at commerce. He had an uncanny knack for predicting trends in the market and leveraging them to his advantage. He also had a certain charm about him, a charisma that drew people in and allowed him to cultivate valuable relationships with other traders, nobles, and influential figures. His business grew exponentially, and before long, he amassed a fortune that made him one of the richest men in Aventis.
Living Conditions: Hugo resides in an opulent palace situated in the heart of Aventis. Marble pillars, mosaic floors, and gilded walls speak of his opulence. His palace is also home to a harem of beautiful concubines from various corners of the world, each more captivating than the last. However, these women are more than just trophies to Hugo; they are his secret network of informants, providing him with valuable insights into the political and economic landscape of the city and beyond.
Personality: Hugo is a cunning and ambitious man. He is charming when he needs to be, ruthless when he wants to be, and always, always calculating. He believes that power is the true currency of the world, and wealth is the means to attain it. Beneath his polished exterior, he harbors grandiose dreams of ruling over Aventis and its surrounding territories.
Aspirations: Hugo's wealth has bought him influence, but he craves more. He has his eyes set on becoming a powerful overlord. He believes that the city's current leaders are weak and incapable, and he dreams of a future where he holds the reins. Hugo is quietly building alliances, gathering resources, and plotting his ascendancy. He knows that the road to power is fraught with danger, but he is ready to face whatever comes his way.
Flaws: Hugo's ambition is his greatest strength and his most dangerous flaw. He is so driven by his desire for power that he often overlooks the potential consequences of his actions. He also struggles with pride and has a tendency to underestimate his adversaries, which may lead to his downfall.
Strengths: Hugo is intelligent, resourceful, and charismatic. His business acumen and ability to read people make him a formidable player in the game of power. He is also unafraid to take risks, which often pays off in his favor.
Alliances: Hugo has a network of influential allies who owe him favors, and he's not afraid to call them in when necessary. He's also developed a network of spies and informants, using his concubines and his business connections to gather information.
Enemies: Hugo's rise to power has not been without its detractors. The city's ruling class views him as a threat, and other ambitious figures in Aventis see him as competition. As he continues to amass power, he also accumulates enemies. Among them are rival merchants who have lost business to Hugo's ventures, nobles he has outmaneuvered in political schemes, and those who disapprove of his treatment of his concubines.
Family: Hugo is a widower, his wife having passed away under mysterious circumstances years ago. He has a son, Lucius, who is currently studying in a prestigious academy in a distant city. Hugo views Lucius as his heir and has high expectations for him. However, he keeps him at a distance, both to protect him from his own dangerous world and to ensure that Lucius grows up independent and strong.
Secrets: Hugo has many secrets, but the most significant one is the real source of his wealth. He discovered a map leading to an ancient, forgotten treasure in his early years of trading. He invested all his resources into the expedition and it paid off, leading him to unimaginable riches. He has never revealed this secret to anyone, and the map is hidden somewhere within his palace.
Plot Potential: Hugo's ambitions provide plenty of potential for conflict and intrigue. His rise to power could be threatened by his enemies, or he could face a rebellion within his ranks. His relationship with his son could also play a significant role in the plot, especially if Lucius doesn't live up to his expectations or disagrees with his father's methods. Moreover, Hugo's secret about the treasure could come to light, leading to a race among powerful entities to claim it. There's also the potential for romance, political intrigue, and betrayal within his harem. His concubines, despite being his informants, could also have their own agendas.
