About Lady Kyra RubiconStats:
Female Human Bard 12 N Medium Human (human) Init +12; Senses: Normal, Perception +20 Defense
Offense
Bard Spells Known (CL 12; Concentration +20)
Statistics
Special Abilities:
Traits - Skilled: +1 Skill Point per Level Bonus Feat: +1 Feat 1st Level ---- Irrepressible: Use cha instead of wis on will saves verses Charm/Compulsions Meistro of the Society: +3 rounds of Bardic Performance. Resilient: +1 Fortitude saves Meticulous: -2 on Untrained Skills Class - Aristocratic Erudition: +6 on Knowledge Local, Nobility, and Diplomacy. Bardic Knowledge: +6 on Knowledge All Bardic Performance: May initiate one Bardic Performance as a swift action. Can maintain Bardic Performance as a free action while conscious for 49 rounds per day. Countersong: Make perform sing check for Bardic Performance, any creature within 30ft can choose Bard's perform check instead of their will save result if higher against sonic and language dependent magical attack. Any creature already under the effect of such an attack may roll a second will save with the Bard's perform check. Doesn't work on effects that do not allow saves. Distraction: Make perform act/dance check for Bardic Performance, any creature within 30ft can choose Bard's perform check instead of their will save result if higher against illusion pattern/figment dependent magical attack. Any creature already under the effect of such an attack may roll a second will save with the Bard's perform check. Doesn't work on effects that do not allow saves. Fascinate: Can use Bardic Performance to Fascinate up to 6 creatures within 90ft that can see and hear Bard as long as Performance is maintained. DC 27 Will save negates. Affected creatures do not act and take -4 to d20 checks. Potential threats allow new saves. Overt threats end the effect. Inspire Courage: Allies who can perceive the Bard visually or audibly receive a +3 on Competence Attack/Damage and Saves vs Charm/Fear. Inspire Competence: One ally who can perceive the Bard visually and audibly receive a +5 Competence on skill checks as long as the performance is maintained. Bard can't Inspire self. Suggestion: Bard can make a Suggestion to any creature under the effect of Fascinate as per the spell as a Standard Action. DC 27 Will negates. Inspire Greatness: Up to three Allies who can perceive the Bard visually and audibly receive 2 HD, +2 Competence to Attack, and +1 to Fort saves. Soothing Performance: Bard can heal 16 people who can perceive the Bard visually and audibly for 3d8+16 HP as per Cure Serious Wounds by spending 4 rounds of Bardic Performance. Frightening Tune: Enemies within 30ft who can hear the Bard must make a DC 26 Will save or be Frightened. Inspire Heroics: One ally who can perceive the Bard visually and audibly receive +4 morale bonus on Saves/AC while bardic performance is maintained. Dilettante Studies: Performer: Bard level is +4 for Bardic Performance. Rogue: Add 1d6 precision damage to all damage rolls against targets who are flat footed or otherwise denied their dex bonus. Warrior: +1 Attk/Dmg rolls. Evasion: Take no damage on successful reflex saves instead of half damage. Greater Leadership: Leadership as a free feat at lvl 2. May take a cohort of equal class level. Lore Master: Can always take 10 on Knowledge Checks. 2/day can take 20 on Knowledge Checks. Peerless Patrician: Roll twice on Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, or Sense Motive checks. 1/Day assume natural 20. Prestigious Influence: 270g free for small purchases per week. Well Versed: +4 Saves from bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent attacks. Versatile Performance: Substitute Bluff and Disguise for Perform Act, substitute Acrobatics and Fly for Perform Dance, substitute Diplomacy and Sense Motive for Perform Sing. Feats -
Backstory:
Kyra Rubicon is the fourth child of Menelaus Rubicon, patrician of House Rubicon, a powerful family within the Imperial Court of Taldor. Though their family officially claims lands that lie within Galt, they continue to hold large influence in the Imperial senate, as well as the military, having tangential connections to even the highest level officials. Kyra's father is a retired general from the Taldan Phalanx, two of her older brothers - Cyrus and Lexarius, served as Captains in the Navy and Army respectfully. Her other older brother Gavrill is more of a classic noble, and dallies in parties more than work, while her only younger sibling Ilya has taken up with the clerical faith of Pharasma. Her mother Eustacia was a wealthy lower class merchant who married into the Rubicon family for its more prestigious title, and quickly shot her way up the ranks of the social ladder. Kyra grew up a child without most want, though she could have had almost anything she wanted her father Menelaus often curbed the excesses of the family - particularly of her mother. Her family life was always rambunctious with three older brothers to look after and entertain her, though she often found frustration with their unwillingness to afford her the same treatment as each other. After her younger sister was born she found herself gradually shift to caring for her. From a young age her brothers Cyrus and Lex had the almost full attention of their father in his domestic life, often training with him or the family guards. Though she would not admit it, she is resentful of both that they monopolized the attention of their father to such a high degree. She always had childhood fancies of sword fighting but continually found her requests denied, which was exacerbated when both joined the military. Eustacia always loved her children, but she loved the politics of the Imperial court more, and her father less than either. Kyra and her older brother Gavril often found themselves in her company at court, or attending parties and plays with socialites. Both spent much of their time learning politics from her, despite the fact that she rather fancied the fighting techniques her other brothers learned. Once she was old enough she secretly tutored with the house's guard captain on how to wield a sword, though she never had the proficiency or strength a true warrior usually possessed. Despite this, she rather enjoyed the socializing as well, and often found interest in the arts despite the seeming necessity of attending; though as time wore on, she found herself less and less tolerant of Gavrill's worsening personality. It wasn't long before she'd taken an interest in attending Kithorian Academy, though she'd considered the Rhapsodic College as well. Kyra found that mixing swordplay and the musical arts was quite her calling. As the eldest daughter of the family, her parents of course eagerly supported her endeavor in what he mother called 'the feminine arts' though in truth Kyra always hated the idea of the arranged marriages her mother proposed to her and secretly wished she could have joined the Navy like her brother Cyrus. Her bardic studies were a welcome distraction from her family life. Though not particularly bright or wise, she committed herself heavily to her studies, deciding she wanted to become more than the mindless sycophants most women in court seemed to be. Though she is careful to project an outward appearance of neutrality and feigned indifference, at heart Kyra is very much a romantic. Growing up on and then living out magnificent stories, one of the driving forces of her bardic studies was the belief she would carve out her own story into the history of Taldor. At one point during her education she engaged in a brief love affair with her cousin Adephon. Kyra never considered herself deeply in love, but she would have been happy to remain with him though she knew her mother would not approve. Eventually he broke off their relationship, much to her dismay, and caused her to close herself off from any suitor her mother sent to her. Recently she graduated from the academy, to her family's joy. Yet her accomplishments were once again overshadowed by her family; first by Lexarius' recent promotion, and then by her brother Cyrus' sudden murder. Though the killer was never caught, she confronted her brother Gavrill, and continues to suspect his hand in the act. Her father closed himself off completely after that, leaving the management of his estate to his new heir Gavrill - though in practice this responsibility has now fallen to Kyra. A position which she has just begun making thorough use of. Goals 1. Kyra wants to stand out from the Taldan elite, using her skills to become a famous actress and political power broker. In general she wants to receive some of the limelight she feels her brother Lex is always getting. 2. She intends to see the lowest point of Taldor during her life, and feels that whomever takes the throne after Stavian will guide Taldor to new glories - which is why she works closely in the interests of Dominicus Rell. 3. Kyra makes her disdain for much of Taldor's squalor well known, feeling it need to be swept aside for a new Taldor. Unlike most nobles she does more than complain about it though and sponsors many projects around Oppara. She's also often proposed measures to improve the city which are never acted upon by the Senate to her frustration. Secrets 1. Was approached by one of her teachers to be recruited into the Lions Blades but deferred her decision. She does work for them on occasion though and views them as powerful friends to have. 2. Kyra resents the shadow her family name casts over her own fame and wants to make herself known for something besides her more famous family. She views acting and politics as one such way. 3. Was involved in a secret relationship with one of her cousins, Adephon. He eventually became troubled by the tryst, especially once he became a cleric, and broke off their relationship. Relations Merriweather Stokes - A good friend of Kith's Academic administrator, Kyra has studied under him and been pleased to even be given minor roles in his famous plays. She makes occasional donations to the school to support it and frequently revisits the campus even after her graduation. Dominicus Rell - An associate of Kyra's. While she refused to subordinate herself to the Lion Blades and the whims of the Emperor, Kyra agreed to act as a free agent on Rell's behalf. Even she can see that Rell and his Blades are necessary to keep the Empire together, and acts as one of his spies and supporters from beyond the organization when he needs one.
Followers And Estate:
Leadership Score: 26 Lvl1: 145/160 Lvl2: 5/16 Lvl3: 6/8 Lvl4: 1/4 Lvl5: 1/2 Lvl6: 2 Lvl7: 1/1 Lvl12: 1 Followers: 30 Lvl 1 Various Experts: Kyra's personal Orchestra, the Hymmnos Orchestral Guild, which plays for her performances, as well as for other functions, often hired by other nobles. Also performs craft and clerical work related to the guild. Uses the Guildhall as Lodging.
10 Lvl 1 Human Fighters: Guards who keep the premises safe. Always three on duty. Quarter in the facility and guard in shifts.
5 Lvl 1 Various Commoners: House staff, cleaners, cooks, groundskeepers. Quarter in the lodging.
20 Lvl 1 Human Fighters: Fort guards.
Estate:
Hymmnos Theater - Canal Row, Oppara
Hymmnos Guildhall - Canal Row, Oppara
Rubicon Villa - Worldbreaker Hill, Oppara
Rubicon Family Waterfront - Canal Row, Oppara
Cost: (2800gp)
Rubicon Military Manufactory - Grandbridge District, Oppara
Cost: (7750gp)
Fort Halcyon - Porthmos North Fork, Near the World's Edge Mountain
Cost: (13,550gp)
House Rubicon:
Overall House Alignment: Lawful Neutral Common Classes: Cavalier, Fighter, Aristocrat, Expert, Magus, Swashbuckler Rarer, but not unheard of: Bard, Wizard/Eldritch Knight, Battle Herald Rare: Paladin, Lion Blade, Cleric Favored Deity: Abadar, some Gorum, very rare Iomedae. Formerly Aroden. House Rubicon was once staunchly followers of Aroden, and was among the most distraught of the Taldan nobility when he died. Though they held out hope for decades, eventually the House converted to Abadar - a suitable god of law which held much of the ideals of the House. Many of its members, particularly those currently in service, worship Gorum and turn to his strength to carry the day for their House and Taldor. Rarely some worship Iomedae, despite the negative stigma attached to her Chelish ancestry, boldly claiming that Iomedae herself would strike down her infernal homeland, as well as the evil that holds back Taldor. House Blazon: A castle wall flanked by two turrets waving banners House Motto: Everlasting Foundations Family Structure: The Rubicon family employs a traditional Agnatic Primogeniture Feudal inheritance system, which keeps their old claim to Galt concentrated in the primary male line. This forms the family's Main House, with the numerous other descendents forming the larger Branch House of the Rubicon name, all of which answer to the primary title holder of the Ducal claim to Galt. Given the natural instability of Primogeniture inheritance, the family has long learned to come down hard on traitors to the house who try to remove those next in line for the title. Sons of the House typically serve within some branch of the Taldan Military, Daughters are encouraged to pick up the sword should it fancy them, but most turn to the arcane arts - either becoming Bards or Wizards. Overview: Notable Historical Rubicon: Hector Rubicon, the Founder: An ambitious young man, were in not for Hector House Rubicon would never have become the grand family of the Empire it is today. The son of a minor lord in the Empire, Hector worked had to climb the ranks of the Taldan hierarchy, demonstrating his worth as both a competent soldier and administrator in the recently pacified lands of Andoran. Tall and imposing, one would be surprised to learn how well read and learned he was, often finding great pleasure in construction. Soon he was commanding armies in the west driving off the hoards of Orcs in the Hold of Belkzan. His defeat of a numerically superior Orcish force occupying an impregnable position by constructing two defensive walls to encircle his opponents and protect the encirclement is legendary. Hector finally received a high enough position within the Imperial Army to lobby the Senate of the Empire for the next great Army of Exploration, the Fifth. After being given command, he marched north into Galt and founded the city of Isarn before driving north into the River Kingdoms - leaving fortified outposts wherever he went to solidify the Empire's control of the area. For his efforts he was eventually made Duke of Galt, elevating his family to the high nobility of Taldor. Xander Rubicon, the Stalwart Defender: Xander had the misfortune to be born long after the beginning of the Grand Campaign, but well before its end. With the loss of well over three quarters of the Empire to Cheliax and Qadira, this bleak period of hopelessness seemed to sap the strength of the Empire so badly that when Xander joined the Taldan Phalanx, most recruits had given up on victory. Looking at Xander one would not have assumed much, he did not possess the imposing figure of his many ancestors - but he did possess their cunning. At the time Taldor had made little progress pushing Qadira from its borders, losing ground as fast as they gained it and only remaining fighting due to the natural defensive advantage provided by the Porthmos. Everybody knew Taldor's tactics were not working, but nobody could envision anything better, and it seemed soon that Taldor may have needed to sue for peace. Xander Rubicon had other plans. After a rather bloody attack against a Qadiran army that had resulted in a rare victory, Xander found himself in command when the General was slain in combat - the men cheered for him to press the attack and gain ground, with commendations from the Emperor himself and orders to move further south. Xander disobeyed his orders and to the disappointment of his men, began the construction of fortifications. His intuition proved correct, as Qadira counterattacked, but was repulsed for the first time in over a century. Xander went on to establish the Empire's general policy regarding the war, in which Taldor fought almost purely defensively - gaining little land but always holding what it recaptured. Xander was reviled throughout Taldor as a coward who avoided taking the fight to Qadira, and still remains controversial to this day. Though he died well before the conclusion of the war, in the end House Rubicon holds him vindicated for his results, however long they took to accomplish. Notable Current Rubicon: General Menelaus Rubicon, Duke of Galt, Count of Isarn, Baron of Halcyon, Patrician of House Rubicon A man utterly feared in his day, the current head of the house is a no nonsense disciplinarian who's seen more action fighting Qadira in border skirmishes then most. Captain Lexarius Rubicon The Captain of the recently constituted Royal Guard of the Princess. Lexarius has made a splash not only among the elite of Taldor but even his own family, disregarding caution and allowing his ambition to seize opportunity for advancement in the ranks. Though merely a Captain, he holds the confidence of what is likely to be Taldor's next ruler, and that counts for more than most ranks. (See Lex's profile) Kyra Rubicon, the Songstress of Taldor Recent graduate of the Kithadorian Academy, Kyra has hit the artistic state of Oppara in force. Founder of the new Hymmnos Orchestral Guild, Kyra desires to see the Rubicon family make a name for themselves for something else besides war. (See Kyra's profile) Strengths of House Rubicon: Military Connections The Rubicons are one of the premier Houses within the Taldan Military's hierarchy. Over the centuries the Rubicons have increased their presence all across the many legion's of Taldor's officer ranks, concentrating mostly in the Taldan Phalanx. Not only that but a large degree of Taldor's weapons, everything from swords, bows, and siege engines are supplied by the family's metal smiths. Furthermore, the Rubicons make it a point to scout out talent, as well as treat their subordinates with respect and dignity - the loyalty they engender from their troops is often astounding. Because of the degree to which they can command individual units (often outside of the regular chain of command) practically no noble ever challenges the Rubicons in any form of open combat. In fact, their troops would more likely mutiny under the orders of the opposing Rubicon general. Actually Battle Hardened The Rubicons aren't strangers to fighting, in fact, they take postings out on the borders for a reason. The Rubicons can trace their reputation as stalwart defenders of the realm all the way back to their ancestor Hector who established the family in the first place. Many of the Rubicon branch family lands lie in Southern and Western Taldor where fighting is most likely, as such Rubicons are skilled in fighting and strategy with centuries of accumulated experience. This also affords their house a high degree of prestige and favor with the Imperial family, which can be turned into political capital for the family. Arcane Knowledge With a long history of sharp minded members, the Rubicons are often accustomed to playing 'the long game.' Many Taldan nobles claim expertise with the Arcane arts as a way of buffering their egos, but few sans the Rubicons have the intelligence and diligence for true mastery of magic. Many Rubicons apply what they learn to simple battle magic, and indeed one can find many a Rubicon in the Imperial Battlemages; others, especially their more intellectually inclined women, have been powerful wizards and bards. With such a long history in the arts the Rubicons have compiled a large repository of Arcane knowledge to assist its newer members. Weaknesses of House Rubicon: Politically Inflexible The Rubicons drew their battle lines ages ago, their political allies, chief among them the Grand Prince are known and they're deadlocked where they are. They can't maneuver the court politics very well, because their positions are predictable. Worst, since most of their talent goes off into the military, and usually stays there, their influence on the senate is lacking. They also don't tend to play nice with their rivals, and it makes jockeying for position difficult. Death in fighting Many Rubicons fight the good fight against Qadira, many die. Probably the biggest downside to the Rubicon's martial lineage is that its family members sometimes die fighting the Empire's wars and defending its borders. The Rubicons have often lost many talented members of their house to war, far more than nearly any other noble house in Taldor. Notable Foreign Relations: Galt The many governments of Galt consider the Rubicon family enemies of the state, making them the only noble family (aside from the Emperors of Taldor) explicitly blacklisted among Galt - though it goes without saying any noble in Galt would be at risk.
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