Roger Klopp

Herr Roger Klopp (a.k.a. The Accountant, Herr Reckoner)

Roger Klopp is an old man in the Old World. At the ripe old age of 78, it's about time he retired and spent his remaining years enjoying his wealth. But he just can't bring himself to do it. Not while the books aren't cooked and there's so much left to do for the SchwarzeNägel. One of Oskar Daubmann's earliest associates and now trusted friend and advisor, the Reckoner of the Nails is still very much an active player in the criminal underworld of Reikland. From his apartment in Weissbruck, few deals are brokered without his knowledge and fewer still without his approval.
Roger Klopp was born in Weissbruck, the son of Reikland State Trooper Jurgen Klopp. His mother Jaina died at his birth. Determined that his only child raise above his father's lot in life, Jurgen spent most of his wages on ensuring young Roger was educated in Altdorf. Jurgen shed happy tears the day his son told him he had been admitted to the University of Altdorf. Sadly, he would not live to see Roger's graduation. In the year 2465, Jurgen Klopp was killed in the Battle of Schrolnetz Plain, attempting to hold the line against the charge of the Red Devils Blood Knights. Roger came home to an empty house upon graduating. He could not secure a job befitting his education and was on the verge of losing what little remaining coin he had to the bailiffs of the Grubers, the ruling family of Weissbruck. Desperate, Klopp turned to crime to make ends meet. He started off as a book keeper for a smuggling ring, keeping track of their profits and making sure they were not embezzled. That where he first crossed paths with Oskar Daubmann, the boy who would grow to be his boss.
Daubmann was a precocious thing, often pestering him to teach him what he called the "magic" of words and numbers. Klopp eventually gave in and to his surprise, the 11 year old boy proved to be an apt pupil. He greedily devoured Klopp's teachings and would often ask Klopp to get him more books, paid from the boy's own wages. Soon, Klopp was promoted to a fence, shifting the goods of the smuggling ring discreetly. Again he found Daubmann at the door to his front, asking the older man to teach him the ins and outs of business. Klopp happily obliged and was proud of his pupil. When Daubmann turned 16 and starting delivering goods to Klopp for laundering, the relationship of mentor and student soon developed into one of genuine friendship and respect. It was no surprise then that when Daubmann turned 20 and invited Klopp to join him on his own venture, Klopp readily agreed.
The journey in creating the Black Nails was not an easy one. Klopp and Daubmann were often targeted by other gangs, simply because they were the newest and smallest group. Taking a rather risky gamble, Klopp proposed to Daubmann that they try to secure a smuggling route between Marienburg and Weissbruck - up till then, a route most smugglers deemed too hazardous. Daubmann agreed and with his skills and Klopp's savvy, they managed consistent runs between Marienburg and Altdorf. This made them very rich. And being rich made them targets. Fortunately, Daubmann had rescued the Tilean pirate Frank Gotti, a man of great size, strength and violence. Working together, Gotti and Klopp grew the gang and defeated their rivals one at a time. Klopp found himself tutoring a new pupil at this time as well, a young former whore by the name of Hulda Kant, freed from servitude by Daubmann, a financial decision that Klopp was not happy with. But his resentment at Kant's freedom was short-lived as she proved to be as able a student as Daubmann was and he found himself proud and happy to be serving her when she was made Daubmann's right-hand.

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

At the age of 78, Klopp has outlived the vast majority of Imperial Citizenry though is still rather spry. Now slightly hunched and needing glasses to aid his failing eyesight, Klopp is very much looking and feeling his age.

Apparel & Accessories

Klopp dresses simply, caring not for standing out or blending in. Books and numbers do not have eyes that need impressing.

Specialized Equipment

Klopp maintains an extensive collection of books covering all sort of topics. His home doubles as the SchwarzeNägel's library and repository. Furthermore, Klopp manages a large network of informants. Few can boast as much knowledge of the going-ons in Reikland as he can.

Mental characteristics

Education

Educated at the University of Altdorf, Roger Klopp is an educated man, well-read and well-mannered. Familiar with the workings of business and trade, his acumen has propelled the SchwarzeNägel to great wealth. Klopp takes pride in his knowledge of business, crime, laws and politics and takes even greater pride in being able to pass such knowledge down to the younger folk.

Social

Family Ties

Klopp married late for an Imperial and his wife has long since passed. His twin sons, Jurgen II and Eben (now aged 30), both followed in their father's footsteps and were educated in Altdorf, returning to Weissbruck after graduating to work for the SchwarzeNägel.
Klopp has a granddaughter named Jaina, the daughter of Eben and his wife Liz. Jurgen remains unmarried and utterly commited to taking over his father's duties with the Nails.

Religious Views

Klopp is a worshipper of Handrich, the God of Trade.

Social Aptitude

Straightforward and not one for pleasantries, Klopp can come off as rude to strangers and underlings. However, should one persevere, many find that Klopp is a actually a caring, grandfatherly figure, albeit a cranky one.

Relationships

Roger Klopp

Mentor (Vital)

Towards Oskar Daubmann

3

Frank

---

Oskar Daubmann

Student (Vital)

Towards Roger Klopp

5

Honest

---

History

Daubmann was Klopp's student at the start and the relationship soon blossomed into genuine friendship. Both men view each other as equals and Daubmann will be the first to correct anyone referring to Klopp as his employee - they are partners. Till today, Daubmann will regularly seek Klopp's advice before carrying out an action.
Klopp holds great pride in his student leading the largest criminal gang this side of the Empire. Never once in Klopp's life did he ever think that one day he would be a founding member and mentor of the strongest gang in Reikland. He thinks it an honor to be serving Daubmann and his ambition.

Nicknames & Petnames

Daubmann affectionately refers to Klopp as "Professor", ever grateful for his lessons.
Klopp never really lost the habit of referring to Daubmann as "Boy".

Relationship Reasoning

Mentor and Student blossoming into genuine friends and then the Student surpasses the Mentor. Klopp is genuinely proud of Daubmann as Daubmann is genuinely thankful to Klopp.

Roger Klopp

Partner (Important)

Towards Frank Gotti

0

Frank

---

Frank Gotti

Partner (Important)

Towards Roger Klopp

4

Honest

---

History

Klopp and Gotti are responsible for expanding the membership of the SchwarzeNägel.
Klopp knows without Gotti, there would have been no way that he could have recruited the necessary fighting men for the gang nor would he have been able to advise Daubmann regarding more violent endeavours. Furthermore, Gotti has long served as protector to both Daubmann and Klopp, having taken the brunt of many assassination attempts on them. While he does not publicly display any affection for the big Tilean, Klopp certainly thinks well of him.
Gotti knows Klopp as the brains of the outfit - Daubmann may be leading and holding everything together but without Klopp, the SchwarzeNägel would have floundered at the very beginning. He is terrified at Klopp's vast knowledge of almost anything but was pleasantly surprised to discover that the old man could converse with him in Tilean. Gotti genuinely respects and is fond of Klopp and will be sad when Morr comes knocking.

Nicknames & Petnames

Gotti refers to Klopp as "Dottore", a Tilean term for a learned man.
Klopp refers to Gotti using his Tilean title, "Capo".

Relationship Reasoning

While polar opposites in terms of expertise, both men are well aware of each others capabilities and genuinely respect each other for it. Furthermore, they are bonded by the same goal - that of further advancing the prosperity of the SchwarzeNägel .

Roger Klopp

Mentor (Vital)

Towards Hulda Kant

4

Frank

---

Hulda Kant

Student (Vital)

Towards Roger Klopp

4

Honest

---

History

At Daubmann's behest, Klopp tutored Kant the same way he tutored Daubmann. Kant proved to be as apt a pupil as his first student and Klopp takes great pride that both his students are now underworld royalty. Kant is one of the very few people that Klopp publicly displays some affection for.
Kant adores Klopp almost as much as she adores Daubmann. He reminds her of her merchant father, harsh yet caring, and wise and learned. Klopp was also the one that helped Kant overcome her mental scars, something that even Daubmann found difficult to do. Often visiting him at his apartment, the two enjoy each others company.

Nicknames & Petnames

Like Daubmann, Kant refers to Klopp as "Professor". He does get slightly irritated at this though. He much prefers it when she affectionately calls him "Opa", Grandfather.
Klopp refers to Kant as "Biene", his busy, little Bee.

Relationship Reasoning

Student and Mentor developing into something almost familial, Klopp never had daughters and Kant was the closest thing he has to one. Kant is grateful that Klopp made her the educated and formidable woman she is today.

Roger Klopp

Rival, Partner (Important)

Towards Falko

0

Frank

---

Falko

Rival, Partner (Important)

Towards Roger Klopp

0

Dishonest

---

History

An accountant and a swindler, friends do not make. Klopp does not trust Falko, not since he first caught the Lord Gambler attempting to embezzle more than his fair share of the gambling proceeds from the SchwarzeNägel. He does admit that Falko knows how to run a casino although he would not say that openly.
Falko is frustrated with Klopp. The Reckoner makes things difficult and since being caught attempting to swindle from the Nails ("It was an honest mistake Herr Klopp!"), Falko has been careful not to give the book keeper any reason to delve further into his activities. Of all of Daubmann's associates, Falko is most wary of Klopp for his large network of informants and vast knowledge.

Nicknames & Petnames

Klopp refers to Falko as "Wurfels", meaning dice in Reikspiel.
Falko refers to Klopp as the "Bean Counter".

Relationship Reasoning

Audit and Cheating do not play well together. Fact.

Jesper Phinkermann

Assistant (Important)

Towards Roger Klopp

3

Honest

---

Roger Klopp

Boss (Important)

Towards Jesper Phinkermann

3

Frank

---

History

Phinkermann caught Klopp's eye when the boy showed up at his Altdorf office, practically demanding that the Reckoner halt the latest shipment of Adder Root that day as it was tainted. Further inspection proved the boy right as the shipment had been sabotaged by rival gangs and those responsible were held to account. Klopp took a liking the boy, even with his somewhat crass demeanour, and hopes to teach him some patience as the old man is wont to do for the younglings.
Phinkermann is thankful for the lessons in life Klopp has to offer but more importantly, for access to his extensive library.

Relationship Reasoning

Klopp has a habit of picking up young strays and Phinkermann likes books - Klopp has an entire library's worth.

Wealth & Financial state

Klopp is as rich as Daubmann and has numerous investments to launder his ill-gotten gains. He maintains a number of discreet offices across Reikland but these days, operates out of his apartment in Weissbruck. His home serves as an archive of information, maintained by the old man himself and his issue.

Current Location

Weissbruck

Species

Human

Honorary & Occupational Titles

Lord Reckoner, Chief of Smugglers, Spymaster

Year of Birth

2442 IC 78 Years old

Birthplace

Weissbruck

Spouses

Siblings

Current Residence

Weissbruck

Gender

Male

Eyes

Black, often hidden behind his eye glasses

Hair

White

Height

168cm

Weight

59kg

Aligned Organization

The SchwarzeNägel