Redond

Captain (a.k.a. The Cardinal)

Captain Redond, known as "The Cardinal" among the river folk, is a fearsome and complex figure operating out of the village of Nulb. Once a devout cleric of Wastri, Redond's ambitions and disappointments have led him to seek power through the Demon Prince Orcus. Captain of the pirate ship Sister Mercy, Redond runs a tight, family-based operation that combines deadly efficiency with religious fanaticism. His influence spans the Velverdyva River, the Imeryd's Run, and Nulb, making him a key player in the region’s shadowy economy.

"The river takes the weak, but the strong bend its current to their will."

Physical Description

Redond is an imposing figure, though his age shows in the grey streaks of his hair and beard. His strong frame, once a testament to his youthful vigor, now carries the weight of years and the burdens of unfulfilled ambition. He dresses simply but effectively, often in dark robes adorned with symbols of Orcus, concealing armor beneath. His sharp, brooding eyes suggest a mind always calculating its next move.

Personality

Redond is bitter and driven, his disappointment in life fueling an insatiable desire to leave a mark on the world. A harsh and unloving man, he tolerates no foolishness and demands absolute loyalty. Though he presents a stoic front, his internal conflict—between his service to Wastri and his growing devotion to Orcus—gnaws at him, manifesting in bursts of frustration or ruthless displays of authority.

• Harsh and unyielding, expects obedience.
• Resolute in his goals, but privately haunted by his failures.
• Torn between his past faith in Wastri and his new devotion to Orcus.
• Desperation to secure a legacy drives his decisions.

The Cardinal's Background

Born into a humble family, Redond’s early strength and ambition earned him a place as a cleric of Wastri, the Hopping Prophet. He served faithfully for decades but found himself unsatisfied with the god’s lack of intervention in his life. Turning to piracy to amass power, he eventually captained the Sister Mercy, crewed entirely by his family. Recently, Redond has begun offering prayers to Orcus, seeking the power he feels Wastri denied him. Orcus has answered, setting Redond on a dark path with grave consequences for his family and crew.

Key Events

• Early Life: Began as a cleric of Wastri, disappointed by unfulfilled ambitions.
• Rise to Power: Turned to piracy, commanding the Sister Mercy.
• Orcus Devotion: Began worshiping Orcus, lured by promises of greater power.

Motivations

Redond is obsessed with leaving a lasting legacy, whether through power, wealth, or religious significance. He dreams of expanding the Cult of Orcus and wielding influence that will echo for generations. This ambition has pushed him to sacrifice everything, even his own family, to achieve his goals.

Key Goals

• Establish a significant foothold for the Cult of Orcus in the region.
• Secure his legacy through wealth, power, and religious significance.
• Defend his ship, family, and position in Nulb’s economy.

"There will be no peace for me in this life or the next—only purpose."

Relationships

Lady Lmag
Redond and Lady Lmag maintain a professional alliance rooted in mutual benefit. She respects his strength and connections, while he acknowledges her dominance over Nulb. The two avoid conflict, understanding that cooperation is more profitable.

Key Dynamics: Mutual respect for power and influence.

Occasional collaboration on trade and smuggling operations.

Lady Lmag's men
Redond keeps a wary distance from Lady Lmag’s enforcers, ensuring they remain neutral through calculated displays of strength and subtle bribes. He sees them as useful tools rather than threats.

• Key Dynamics: Maintains neutrality with bribes and occasional favors.
• Avoids unnecessary entanglements with the enforcers.

Tolub and Grud Squinteye
Redond sees Tolub as a kindred spirit—a fellow pirate navigating the dangerous waters of Nulb. However, tensions simmer beneath the surface, as both vie for dominance in the river trade. Grud Squinteye, Tolub’s lieutenant, is viewed with disdain but tolerated for the sake of business.

• Key Dynamics: Uneasy alliance with Tolub, tempered by rivalry.
• Distrusts Grud but values his contributions.

Leaders of the Temple of Elemental Evil

Redond’s growing devotion to Orcus has drawn the attention of the Temple’s leaders. While not officially aligned, Redond’s goals often intersect with the Temple’s, leading to cautious cooperation.

• Key Dynamics: Loose ties with Temple leaders through shared interests.
• Potential for deeper involvement as Redond’s devotion to Orcus grows.

"The mercy I offer is the cold silence of the grave. If that’s what you seek, step forward."

Economy of Nulb

Redond plays a critical role in Nulb’s economy, facilitating the flow of contraband, slaves, and stolen goods. His ship, the Sister Mercy, makes regular stops in Nulb, contributing to its status as a hub of illicit trade.

Key Contributions

• Contraband: Transports valuable and illegal goods.
• Economic Impact: Strengthens Nulb’s economy through trade and smuggling.
• Connections: Builds alliances with local power players.

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"Wastri made me a servant; Orcus will make me a king."

Secrets

Orcus’ Pact: Orcus has promised Redond immense power in exchange for the soul of his eldest son, Mallandamus. Redond has agreed, setting a dark transformation in motion.

• Sister Mercy’s Treasure: Hidden beneath Redond’s bed is a compartment containing the treasure of Sister Mercy—10,000 gp in gems and coins, plus 12 potions of healing.
• Family Dynamics: Redond’s crew is entirely made up of his family, but his ruthless ambition has sown discord, particularly with his wife Maureen.
• Mallandamus’ Fate: Mallandamus is destined to become a Death Knight in service to Orcus unless the players intervene.

Adventure Hooks

• Orcus’ Rise: Prevent Redond’s pact with Orcus from transforming him into a powerful cleric and his son into a Death Knight.
• Sister Mercy’s Treasure: Discover and claim the hidden treasure, evading Redond’s wrath.
• Family Betrayal: Exploit the cracks in Redond’s family to turn them against him.
• Temple Connection: Use Redond’s growing ties to the Temple of Elemental Evil to uncover greater plots.

Captain Redond and his ship, the Sister Mercy, are rich with narrative potential, blending dark ambition, family drama, and ties to major factions in the world of Greyhawk.

"Obedience is not optional; it is the only currency I trade in."

Captain Cardinal Redond

Cleric of Orcus Level 2

• Medium humanoid (human), lawful evil
• Armor Class: 2 (Plate +1)
• Hit Points: 8 (2d8)
• Speed: 30 ft.
• STR: 16 | DEX: 10 | CON: 12
• INT: 15 | WIS: 15 | CHA: 16

Attacks

• Staff of Thunder & Lightning: Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
• Damage: 1d6 + 3 bludgeoning damage.
• Special Abilities: Capable of thunder or lightning effects (if activated).

Equipment

• Staff of Thunder & Lightning (magical).
• Plate Armor +1.
• Prison of Zagyg (currently empty).
• Amulet of Proof Against Detection and Location (worn).
• 4 non-magical rings (50 gp each).
• 105 gp.

Captain Cardinal Redond is a calculating and ruthless cleric who uses his magical items and natural charisma to dominate foes and allies alike. His Prison of Zagyg hints at a darker purpose yet to be fulfilled.

Appearance

• Grey hair and beard, a mix of strength and weariness.
• Dark robes adorned with subtle Orcus symbolism.
• Strong but aging frame, often covered in simple armor.

Notable Traits

• Sharp, calculating gaze.
• Commanding presence despite his older age.

Alignment

Lawful evil

Species

Humans of Greyhawk

Ethnicity

Oeridian Oerid

Other Ethnicities/Cultures

• Suloise Suel

Year of Birth

532 44 Years old

Sex

male

Eyes

grey Sharp, calculating gaze.

Hair

Grey hair and bear

Height

5'11"

Quotes & Catchphrases

"You mistake my age for weakness. Let me remind you—I have survived storms, blades, and betrayal to stand here."

Belief/Deity

Orcus

Aligned Organization

Sister Mercy

Other Affiliations

• The River Pirates

The Sister Merc by 3orcs