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The Iron Graf and the Emperor's Right Hand

The Empire has many enemies who wish to see its demise and all those who guard her. These opponents vary and some of them are called allies during times of war. Lord Chamberlain Graf Otto von Bitternach, Imperial Diplomat and Chief Spy and his primary henchman, Vaul Steiner the Emperor's Bodyguard ensure none of the Emperor's foes succeed in their plans.

Graf Otto von Bitternach or "The Iron Graf" as he is commonly referred to is a high stakes politician who makes judgments of life and death everyday. He is a very old man who stays mostly indoors in the Emperor's Palace at Altdorf. Most of his orders are carried out by his army of informants, spies, assassins, minor nobles bought and freelance mercenaries. Very little does he deal directly with any other imperial power except to gain an advantage politically. He has few friends in the other Electors of the Empire and they consider him a meddling nuisance. He has a partnership with the Empire College of Illusionist (RoS Pg 57) and is a main contributor to the schools academic programs. Part of the lands outside of Altdorf in the Reikland area are owned by him with a few insane asylums ran by clerics of Shallya. (Some say political enemies of the empire and other radicals who are not publicly executed are put here!) It is said he has an ear everywhere and no secret escapes his thoughts for he has a precise clockwork mind. If he wants someone to disappear overnight, it will happen! The Emperor's personal champion is in his services (By the Emperor's leave of course). It is for this reason few people are willing to challenge his power directly.

The Iron Graf is a small, old, wizened man with a few patches of silvery white hair on a liver spotted head. He wears a well kept beard which is also white. He looks upon everyone who sees him with small, sunken, dark brown eyes that often have the look of senility these days. But he is sharp as ever and uses this façade as a ploy to see into the intentions of those who serve him. Graf von Bitternach wears cloaks of dark grey with his symbol of office, a gold medallion with the symbol of the double headed eagle inset with ruby eyes on a golden chain that hangs on his neck. Underneath he wears undergarments nothing more. Several rings including a signet ring used to seal documents adorn his hands. The Graf is a man of thought not of action for he very seldom gets up to do much now days except bathe, eat or sleep. But few doubt his potency.

Stats

Graf Otto von Bitternach Noble Rank Five*, Ex-Noble Rank 4*, 3*, Spy, Explorer, Noble (* from Apocrypha Now Pg 17-20) Race Human, Alignment Lawful

Skills: Luck, Dodge Blow, Read/ Write, Blather, Charm, Etiquette, Heraldry, Ride, Wit, Gamble, Public Speaking, Consume Alcohol, Cartography, Drive Cart, Evaluate, Follow Trail, Law, Linguistics, Orientation, Act, Concealment Urban, Cryptography, Disguise, Flee!, Pick Lock, Palm Object, Seduction, Shadowing, Silent Move Urban, Sixth Sense, Evaluate, Influence, Intimidate, Specialist Weapons, Fencing, Dynastic Knowledge, Secret Language, Classical, Speak Additional Language, Norse, Araby, Southlander, Orcish, Dwarf, Stewardship, Court Intrigue.
Trappings: As GM sees fit (full army of resources, men and Vaul Steiner at his disposal).

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In the Empire no one can anger the emperor and live. There are many men who are dead from crossing words with Emperor Karl- Franz. But he is not a brutal dictator sending men to the gallows on a mere evil stare. He likes to get along with everyone and put up a façade of civility. So in order to preserve the Empire and The Emperor's dignity, his personal bodyguard, Vaul Steiner, takes care of whoever displeases the ruler of this Kingdom.

Known as the Emperor's Right Hand, Vaul Steiner serves the chosen Elector as his personal assassin. But very seldom does he get to do this for his Emperor personally, for he works with his Chamberlain Graf Von Bitternach often to protect the interest of the empire. As a personal servant of the throne, Vaul believes he can best serve his majesty by working alongside his Chamberlain. Since the Emperor is rarely seen it makes perfect sense. Usually Karl Franz will have his palace guards escort him to his daily meals and other state affairs. Sometimes on special occasions Herr Steiner accompanies the Emperor which usually turns out to be a boring exercise in his opinion. Rarely does he assassinate for the Emperor directly, but he kills quite frequently for his personal advisor and master of spies who represents the Emperor's interest in these affairs.
Little is known of Vaul Steiner's past, but it is safe to say he is a woodsman of great skill. He lived many days out in the wild living off the land and killing anything in his path. It is said he was in the service of a Duke as a gamekeeper until one day he saved the Duke's life. Then he became his bodyguard. Eventually his reputation at tournaments representing the duke earned him a good name. He became noticed at one of these festival tourneys and was hired on to serve the Emperor directly. Even though he seldom has need of his services directly Karl Franz is glad to have hired one of the most noted warriors in the Empire.

Herr Steiner is a solid built man of six feet, with cold grey uncaring eyes that can put a chill down your back. His dark brown hair is short and kept neat along with a clean shaven face which he uses his knives on everyday. Vaul wears a patchy grey cloak with leather boots and worn traveling clothes. He carries several knives, swords and bolts for his crossbow in a quiver. The assassin carries a menacing look about him as if he distrusts the whole world (which is a good idea). He is cold, calculating and ruthless with a martial prowess that few can match. One look from this man could mean death; for it is said he never forgets a face.

Stats

Vaul Steiner; Assassin Ex Judicial Champion, Bodyguard, Gamekeeper, Hunter / Race Human/ Alignment Lawful

Skills: *Very Resilient, Lightning Reflexes, Ambidextrous, Marksmanship, Concealment Rural/Urban, Follow Trail, Game Hunting, Secret Language, Ranger, Secret Signs, Woodsman, Silent Move Rural/Urban, Immunity to Poisons, Set Trap, Spot Traps, Disarm, Specialist Weapon, Fist, Fencing Sword, Flail, Lasso, Net, Parry Weapon, Two handed, Blow pipe, Throwing knife, Dodge Blow, Strike Mighty Blow, Street Fighting Strike to Stun, Prepare Poisons, Scale Sheer Surface, Shadowing, Torture

Trappings: Hooded Grey Cloak, Leather Boots, Crossbow, Quiver with 15 bolts, Two swords, Left-handed Dagger, D6 knives, Garrote, Mail shirt, Leather Jack, (Armor ½ body 0/1 Arms) , D8 does of man bane in a vial, Backpack with rations and supplies.

Scenarios for Role-play

In service of the Empire

PC's may wish to enter careers as spies, assassins or bodyguards and work for the Empire. Those who do so might find themselves under the Iron Graf's will. This might prove to be a stand along campaign, or they could be attached to the group of travelers in SRIK supplement, by Ken Rolston. Also they might work beside the greatest assassin the Empire has. This might prove to be quite unsettling to those with weaker stomachs since he is known to be cast into very dangerous scenarios. There are rewards for those in service to the Emperor and a steady paycheck. But they will all swear an oath of fealty to the crown and find this oath tested constantly.

Death at the Mother's Cupboard Inn

A nice inn that sits on the docks of Altdorf, it is a stopping place for travelers and merchants. Two wealthy traders who have committed treasonous acts against the Empire are staying here. They hire the Pc's to guard them for their stay in Altdorf. Little do they know the Emperor's best are out to see the two merchants dead. This could lead to an all out battle and chase thru the streets of the Empire's Capital. It might bode ill for the PC's if captured since the Graf Von Bitternach and Herr Steiner are known for getting the truth out of their victims thru many different types of ploys and tortures.

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If you want to find out more about Zavant, Vido and the others, please also read our review about the book Zavant which can be found [here].