Thadeus Volus Maximus III's page

Thadeus Volus Maximus III
Male half-orc bard 1
CG Medium humanoid (human, orc)
Init +3; Senses Perception -1
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Defense
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AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 10 (+3 Dex)
hp 8 (1d8)
Fort +0, Ref +5, Will +3
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Offense
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Speed 30 ft.
Special Attacks bardic performance 6 rounds/day (countersong, distraction, fascinate [DC 12], inspire courage +1)
Bard Spells Known (CL 1st; concentration +3)
. . 1st (2/day)—cure light wounds, vanish[APG] (DC 13)
. . 0 (at will)—mage hand, mending, prestidigitation, summon instrument
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Statistics
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Str 7, Dex 16, Con 11, Int 18, Wis 8, Cha 14
Base Atk +0; CMB +3; CMD 11
Feats Agile Maneuvers, Iron Will
Traits cultivated (any city), magical knack, rising star
Skills Bluff +3, Craft (bookbinding) +8, Craft (calligraphy) +8, Craft (painting) +8, Intimidate +4, Knowledge (arcana) +9, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +5, Knowledge (engineering) +5, Knowledge (geography) +5, Knowledge (history) +9, Knowledge (local) +9, Knowledge (nature) +5, Knowledge (nobility) +9, Knowledge (planes) +5, Knowledge (religion) +5, Linguistics +8, Perform (comedy) +6, Perform (dance) +6, Perform (sing) +6, Perform (string instruments) +7, Profession (scribe) +3, Sense Motive +0, Sleight of Hand +7, Stealth +7; Racial Modifiers +2 Intimidate
Languages Azlanti, Celestial, Common, Draconic, Elven, Orc, Sylvan, Thassilonian
SQ bardic knowledge +1, finesse weapon attack attribute, forgetful, orc blood
Other Gear courtier's outfit (2), jewelry[UE], silver holy symbol of Shelyn, spell component pouch, spellbook
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Special Abilities
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Agile Maneuvers Use DEX instead of STR for CMB
Bardic Knowledge +1 (Ex) Add +1 to all knowledge skill checks.
Bardic Performance (standard action, 6 rounds/day) Your performances can create magical effects.
Finesse Weapon Attack Attribute Finesse weapons use on attack rolls.
Forgetful DC 10 Wis check to avoid leaving something behind somewhere you've been over an hour.
Orc Blood Half-orcs count as both humans and orcs for any effect related to race.

- Fifth-generation half-orc Taldan.
- Comes from a well-to-do family, well, well to do for half-orcs.
- Spent his childhood sneaking into art galleries, studios, practice halls, libraries, and anywhere else that he could either learn something or see some grand piece of art.
- Married a young noblewoman who is a rising star in the Taldane music and theatre scenes.
- Has a successful career as a scribe and calligrapher.
- Loves books.
- Loves learning new skills.
- Loves his wife and children. (2 sons, five daughters, two of the latter being twins.)
- His bumbling absentmindedness hides his razor-sharp wit and a practiced talent for mockery.

For nearly five generations, Thadeus' family has lived in Oppara. Unlike many half-orcs, the Maximus family has found a measure of comfort and wealth thanks to their talents in theatre, music, and the arts. Still, they are half-orcs in Taldan society. Many of their patrons have ignored the talents and hard work members of the family had put in, claiming that it was only their generosity that has allowed the family to flourish.

Thadeus was born with an innate curiosity that often got him into trouble as a youngster. He would sneak into libraries, studios, galleries, theatres, and dozens of other places he really shouldn't be to watch, listen and learn. It was during this time that Thadeus found his first love, books. He was apprenticed to a scribe in the hopes he would, somehow, avoid getting into more trouble. Sadly for those hopes, Thadeus had a sharp tongue and wit that was just as capable at getting him into trouble. He completed his apprenticeship, but the old codger that had been his master wanted nothing more to do with the fiesty young man.

The next few years saw Thadeus bounce from job to job, learning and honing new skills all the while. Around the time of his twentieth birthday, he calmed and settled into a comfortable living as a scribe and bookbinder specializing in custom tomes the printing houses could or would not make. When the light waned and the laterns were lit, however, he made his way to playhouses where he played fools and rapier-tongued servants when not filling in for the bass singer or playing among the orchestras.

Shortly after turning thirty, he found his greatest love, Aelia Plinia Oraninia Volus. The charming girl was a fast rising star in a family noted for their connections to the arts and the church of Shelyn. At first, many worried that Thadeus would cause a scandal by incensing the young actress, but she proved to be of sterner stuff and teased Thadeus right back. From the battle of wits, friendship blossomed. Shortly after the pair did cause a scandal when they eloped. Despite their detractors saying the marriage would never last, they have been happily married for eighteen years.

In those eighteen years, Aelia has become a popular and highly sought actress, performing in some of the most prestigious venues in Taldor. Thadeus, meanwhile, has seen a steady stream of work as a scribe and fine bookmaker, but it is his paintings that have gained him some recognition of his own in the high circles of society. Many critics claim that it is thanks to Aelia that he has his success, only to find themselves at a loss for words when Thadeus heartily agrees with them.

Aelia and Thadeus have seven children, two sons and five daughters. While the two boys take after their father, with long limbs and thin frames, the girls take after their mother, often being compared to pixies or fairies. Unlike their father, whose skin, tusks, and ears reveal his non-human roots, the children pass for human, save a couple of pairs of golden eyes and some too large and pointy canines.

Thadeus Volus Maximus IV - Age: 17
The eldest of the children and the one most like their father, Thadeus or Teddy, as he is known to his friends and family, is an apprenticing scribe and scholar well on his way to earning a scholarship to one of the wizarding academies around the Inner Sea. His sense of humor tends to the dry side of things and while he rarely cracks more than a grin in person, his writting is full of wry humor.

Astella and Aluna - Age: 16
Twin sisters and the most social of the bunch, they are also avid artists and musicians seemingly possessing a divine talent for mastering any instrument they pick up or any medium they try. They are bright and cheerful with a love of whimsy and a delight for new stories. They can both be a bit flighty at times, but neither will leave the other, or any family, in the lurch.

Isolda - Age: 13
Isolda is the most adventurous of the children, and is drawn more to tales that take place in the wilds than the cities. She currently is nursing a broken leg after falling from a tree, and hating being cooped up indoors. Headstrong and self-reliant, she's proving to be a handful to raise from a child into a young woman.

Dalen - Age: 10
A quiet and bookish sort, Dalen is often a target for his younger sister's bullying. He is often found in Thadeus' library reading about all sorts of topics from magic to sailing. He has an ear for music and has already composed a few pieces on the piano.

Caitrina - Age: 8
The terror of the younger children, Caitrina is a brat that is in trouble more often than not. When not picking on Dalen, she will switch to Terabella or make mischief for one of her elder siblings and even her parents. While she hasn't driven Thadeus crazy, it's not from lack of trying.

Terabella - Age: 5
Almost as shy as Dalen, Terabella is sometimes overlooked by others. She is always with one of her stuffed animals that she's named after different instruments. Her current favorite is Basson, a long, furry critter with short legs that has stumped all of Thadeus' attempts to identify it.

Thadeus is a scribe by day and a performer by night. He lives in a townhouse with the ground floor converted into his shop.

Aelia is an actress with ties to money. Her family is known for its support of the Shelynite clergy.

Aelia, Thadeus' wife, is a scion of a minor noble house, the Oraninias. If primogenture is repealed, then Aelia will become the heir to her father's title of Baron.

Thadeus is a bookmaker and part-time scholar. His work has slowly been gaining traction among nobles seeking to make their collections stand out as printing technologies advance and become more common.

It was only recently that Baron Oraninia recognized Aelia's marriage to Thadeus. Up until the birth of their seventh child, Baron Oraninia refused to even acknowledge Thadeus' existance. It wasn't until then and a bilstering rebuke from his daughter after yet another failed attempt to set her up with someone of "proper breeding" that he finally did.

Those that want to stay on Aelia's good side have learned that involves treating Thadeus as an equal, rather than a servant. There have been several instances of someone making the mistake of talking down to him at events and functions, and if Thadeus doesn't politely cut them off at the knees, then Aelia certainly will.

Kunala
A dancer and instructor at Archirel Destrie dancing school. Popular years ago with his partner and sister Padmavati. He has a reputation of being a fop and hedonist.

Edelmira
?? Not sure what an 11 will get me.

Cassandra
With a 26, Thadeus probably knows the highlights of her background, though not the specifics.

Nicolette
Knowledge Local DC5 (Easy): This lady. You know you've seen her before. She holds a highly esteemed relationship to the Grand Prince. Whoever she is, she is often seen up there with the family during those grand events, and she surely looks related to Princess Eutropia. Perhaps a family member?
Some say they saw this lady in a public duel once. She dresses like a military cadet with a nice breastplate, so she must be part of the military.

It is a custom to celebrate the Grand Prince's birthday, and each year, a different person gets up and speaks about how good he is. You think you've seen her say some words of kindness about him. Whoever she is, she surely certainly is a royal. Unlike many people in the royal family, you swear you've seen her smile during such grand events too.

Knowledge Local DC10 (Common): This woman's name is Nicolette Yardley. You definitely think she's a member of the royal family. You believe that she lives on the grounds of the palaces and estates.

Knowledge Local DC15 (Uncommon):
Nicolette is the daughter of the sister of the king, and by law, she holds no claim to the throne currently. Some say she is charitable, giving to the poor at times when she travels through the city. Some people have referred to her as the “Lioness”. This is a title some have given her because she’s someone who stands for the weak. You also know that some nobles don't like her for that very reason.

There have been some squabbles with nobles in her past due to her views, and similar to the princess, Nicolette isn't afraid to offer steel for those who treat her less than human. All in all, Nicolette is not confrontational and has been busy focusing on serving her uncle and the princess in their endeavors. Now completed with her graduation, her social reform stances and supported views of laws are projected to mirror the princess's views. At times, she has been seen pressing for the education of the masses and unity.

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Knowledge Nobility DC5 (Easy): Duchess Nicolette Yardley is part of the royal family. Her presence is often seen when the Grand Prince addresses the nation.

Knowledge Nobility DC10 (Common): Nicolette's mother is the Grand Prince Stavian III's sister, Duchess Bruellia Yardley. Nicolette's father, Count Sargentis Yardley was, at one point, set by the Grand Prince over a county and was highly connected to the Stavian family through many ties. He passed away at the hands of assassins when Nicolette was just a baby. It is said that Nicolette's mother suffers most recently from mental illness and has been bed-ridden for a few years now.

With primogeniture in effect, Nicolette holds no claim to the throne. As such, she still is under the honorary noble title of her father. To properly address her or her mother (if she were somehow out in society) would be "Duchess" or "your grace". With the primogeniture ended, Nicolette's position and claim would all change. If Princess Eutropia's father dies, the Princess comes into power, as long as she never marries or has children, Nicolette is the heir apparent.

Some nobles who are resistant to Princess Eutropia's views are resistant to Nicolette as well. Both she and the Princess are very close in friendship as well as political views.

Knowledge Nobility DC15 (Uncommon): Some 19 years ago, there was a call for prayers to go up to the gods in the nation for the Grand Prince's niece. She was supposedly kidnapped and taken away for a time. The report was kept mostly close to the chest, but you believe it was Nicolette. Word spread that she was recovered and was once again feeling healthy after being starved. For a time, she was rarely seen and hidden from viewings. After a few month’s time, she was once again revealed.

Some saboteurs have attempted to cause division between the Princess and Nicolette. These attempts failed completely.

Knowledge Nobility DC20 (Rare): While not much is known about Nicolette's political activities outside of the shadow of her cousin, there is a rumor that Nicolette loves to help the poor. Some attempts on her life have been in connection with this fact, although most are in relation due to the various activities and laws put in place by her uncle. Fortunately, the Lion's keep a close eye on the royal family concerning such back-alley talk, and most threats are dealt with before they become a realized problem.

Princess Eutropia occasionally will poke fun at her cousin Nicolette for not being skilled enough with a blade. It is all in good humor between them and some very few have seen the two of them spar together; with Nicolette often losing. It is clear that it motivated Nicolette to join the military to better herself in this aspect of her character. Having exited the service, Nicolette now utilizes a scorpion whip and buckler in her fighting.