Post by Josh on Jul 25, 2014 19:32:02 GMT -5
Player: Josh
Best Contact Method(s): Gmail!
Character Name: Niccolo Montefiore
Age: 25
Gender: Male
Birthdate: April 28, 1402
City / Region: Duefuemi, Seravino
House [ Birth, Marriage if applicable]: Montefiore
Played by: Tom Bateman
Appearance:
When one looks upon Niccolo Montefiore, the most notable feature will not be his height, his broad shoulders, the strong jaw, the finely trimmed beard or the neatly styled hair. Indeed, one won't really notice the clothes of his station as Duke of Seravino. Instead, one will notice the easy and genuine smile that he is frequently found wearing or they will notice the inviting qualities of his voice and speech. The man is a walking definition of gregariousness and, deep down, he takes pride in that quality.
Personality:
Niccolo Montefiore certainly lives up to the first half of his family name. Indeed, the man is as stalwart and stubborn as the very mountains they call home themselves. Yet, one would think Niccolo were born from a volcano rather than some mere mountain. For within Niccolo exists a fire unlike any in the Kingdom of Archades. This fire drives many of Nic’s other qualities, such as passion, charisma, intelligence, fortitude and capability. The man is the fire of the mountain and he is dead set on letting the world know it. All fires, after all, leave their mark.
Nic’s greatest strength comes to play when he is interacting with the crowd, especially if they are the commoners that dwell within Seravino. No one has a greater ability to whip them into a fervor and drive them to tremendous heights. Indeed, it has been under his leadership that the economy and general productivity of his Duchy has improved twofold. The people love him and he rewards them readily for their hard work. Indeed, it is not uncommon for Nic to throw festivals and holidays in honor of the people’s hard work. Yet, he is not one to neglect his vassals, either. Though his more stingy colleagues may disagree with his methods, he frequently reassures them that a happy populace is productive and loyal populace.
To that end, Niccolo and the rest of his family have provided the Kingdom of Archades a tremendous wealth of gemstones, weapons and horses. It is a point of pride that the Montefiores are so critical to the economy of the Kingdom, and even more fundamentally, its defense. One does not have to traverse far to find evidence of Montefiore steel and craftsmanship. The man is readily aware that it is this critical importance to the kingdom’s economy that keeps him safe and allows him to espouse what political ideals he sees fit.
What those political ideals are, however, are only known to a few. It is somewhat common knowledge that the Montefiores are friends of the Sandovals, for he had recently secured a betrothal to a lovely lady from the house of exiles. Yet one can only wonder at just what Niccolo’s ultimate agenda is. As charismatic and open as he may be, he knows the value of keeping cards close to the vest.
As much as he is loved, he is not without his flaws. The passions inherent in fire comes with a price: it can spread and burn out just as rapidly as it begins. The man is rumored to have a fierce temper when brought to the brink. Even more so, he has been accused of being too impulsive for his own good. If only there were one that could temper those qualities and turn them toward advancing the Montefiore agenda.
To know Niccolo is to have his steadfast support and loyalty. All members of the Montefiore family have been encouraged and Nic make certain that the strengths of each member are utilized to the fullest. He fully intends to keep the family at their established peak, and to keep a close watch on his neighbors to the south. The relationship he shares with Antonin Deliambre is tenuous at best, but Nic is convinced that the proper application of fire will ferret out anything.
After all, like he’s said, fire leaves a mark on everything…
Background:
Born the third son of Giuliano II, Niccolo's path was in constant flux. His father had his heir to bear his name and the second son to assist the family in a variety of matters. The sisters that followed Niccolo were to be used for alliance marriages. Yet, what to do with Niccolo? It was a question that frequently plagued Giuliano the Elder and Niccolo's mother. Fortunately for them, it did not take Nic very long to determine his own path. Little did he know the skills he acquired during his youth would become so pivotal for his family's future.
Niccolo's childhood was one typical of a high ranking noble family consisting of education, refinement and social gatherings. The latter tended to be Niccolo's favorite due to his effusively gregarious nature. Indeed, it was not uncommon for his elder brothers to be overlooked in favor of time with Niccolo. The man was capable of spinning a number of tales, crafting a number of jokes and making one feel completely at ease. This strength of Niccolo's instilled some jealousy in his elder brothers, but his parents finally recognized their third son's place. It was not long before Giuliano the Elder had Niccolo involved in a variety of social gatherings, chiefly to help potential business partners and fellow nobles to see what Montefiore had to offer. His father strongly encouraged his heir to recognize this strength in Niccolo and use it to his fullest advantage. In fact, it was chiefly Niccolo's influence that helped gain his brothers respectable and fine wives.
However useful Niccolo was in court, there were clear flaws that became evident to his father. While all Montefiores had within the fire of passion, Niccolo's truly burned bright. Anger would consume as quick as a match and frequently lead to disputes with either his siblings, his parents or close friends. Very few, his mother being one of them, could bring him down from an eruption. Because of the volatile temper, Niccolo did not allow himself close relationships. This was not out of fear of causing them physical, but rather emotional harm. What true friendship he had were precious to him, and thus he would never do anything endanger them.
As such, while his brothers were married with children on the way, Niccolo contented himself in the pleasure of various women. Since he was fulfilling his role within the family with aplomb, Giuliani the Elder never pressured him to marry. Over the course of the next few years, however... that all changed.
It had been labeled as accident. Giuliano III and his wife were riding by carriage to Solara to vacation on the sandy shores when their carriage was overturned. Both were killed instantly. The title of heir fell to Alberto who would die the next year due to a mysterious illness. Niccolo, however, was convinced that he had been poisoned by the Deliambres, but no evidence could be found to support his claim. There was no escaping the fact that he was now heir to Seravino.
Giuliano II fell into a deep despair at the loss of his two precious sons that no one could bring him out of. Seravino was falling in danger of being without leadership, and indeed, there was noise among the vassals to seek out the Deverauxs to intervene. This seemed to spark a flame within Niccolo, who moved quickly to secure the powers of regent. In practically a few days time, Niccolo went from being the charismatic playboy to the Duke of Seravino.
The period of adjustment was difficult at first, but he quickly learned to rely on his charisma and gregariousness to keep the vassals in line, the merchants satisfied and the commoners happy. Nonetheless, he required a good deal of advice from the family steward, who impressed upon him the importance of a marriage. Rather than secure a marriage with one of his vassals or a fellow duke of the realm, Niccolo ventured north to the Court of Joaquin Sandoval. Niccolo was convinced that the Deliambres were behind the tragedies that transpired, and their close association with the Deverauxs did not give the royal family much credence in Niccolo's mind.
Naturally, Joaquin encouraged an association with Angelia Sandoval, the would be princess of Archades. Yet, his eye fell on another entirely... a quiet, tempered, but fascinating woman by the name of Elena. At the risk of spurning Angelia, Niccolo chose Elena as his potential bride. A period of courtship and betrothal was established shortly after. With Giuliano II slowly inching toward death, Niccolo is working toward the future of Seravino and the kingdom as a whole.
Writing Sample:
While the exchange of partners occurred, Gabriel made his way around the outskirts of the dance floor. It was fascinating to watch the Gardiners moving in such a coordinate manner, reminding himself that they and the Romanovs were close friends. It suited them, really, as both families were rather eccentric in their own way. Gabriel made a note become far more familiar with the Gardiners. As for the Romanovs, he had more than enough information. The expression on his face remained pleasant, if not vaguely amused, as he witnessed them Marcus being pulled away from his pure, pleasant and pretty princess.
Lord Gardiner had made his own move, no doubt seeking to protect said princess. His brother had told him to keep a close eye on Tatianna, but he was not feeling quite so bold as to stroll onto the dance floor. Gabriel preferred to go largely unnoticed. Nonetheless, he would reveal himself when the moment came. Besides, he needed to see just whom Tatianna would select as her ladies in waiting. Would they naught but lovely paper thin shields, or a force to be reckoned with?
Gabriel was excited. He adored a challenge.
Best Contact Method(s): Gmail!
Character Name: Niccolo Montefiore
Age: 25
Gender: Male
Birthdate: April 28, 1402
City / Region: Duefuemi, Seravino
House [ Birth, Marriage if applicable]: Montefiore
Played by: Tom Bateman
Appearance:
When one looks upon Niccolo Montefiore, the most notable feature will not be his height, his broad shoulders, the strong jaw, the finely trimmed beard or the neatly styled hair. Indeed, one won't really notice the clothes of his station as Duke of Seravino. Instead, one will notice the easy and genuine smile that he is frequently found wearing or they will notice the inviting qualities of his voice and speech. The man is a walking definition of gregariousness and, deep down, he takes pride in that quality.
Personality:
Niccolo Montefiore certainly lives up to the first half of his family name. Indeed, the man is as stalwart and stubborn as the very mountains they call home themselves. Yet, one would think Niccolo were born from a volcano rather than some mere mountain. For within Niccolo exists a fire unlike any in the Kingdom of Archades. This fire drives many of Nic’s other qualities, such as passion, charisma, intelligence, fortitude and capability. The man is the fire of the mountain and he is dead set on letting the world know it. All fires, after all, leave their mark.
Nic’s greatest strength comes to play when he is interacting with the crowd, especially if they are the commoners that dwell within Seravino. No one has a greater ability to whip them into a fervor and drive them to tremendous heights. Indeed, it has been under his leadership that the economy and general productivity of his Duchy has improved twofold. The people love him and he rewards them readily for their hard work. Indeed, it is not uncommon for Nic to throw festivals and holidays in honor of the people’s hard work. Yet, he is not one to neglect his vassals, either. Though his more stingy colleagues may disagree with his methods, he frequently reassures them that a happy populace is productive and loyal populace.
To that end, Niccolo and the rest of his family have provided the Kingdom of Archades a tremendous wealth of gemstones, weapons and horses. It is a point of pride that the Montefiores are so critical to the economy of the Kingdom, and even more fundamentally, its defense. One does not have to traverse far to find evidence of Montefiore steel and craftsmanship. The man is readily aware that it is this critical importance to the kingdom’s economy that keeps him safe and allows him to espouse what political ideals he sees fit.
What those political ideals are, however, are only known to a few. It is somewhat common knowledge that the Montefiores are friends of the Sandovals, for he had recently secured a betrothal to a lovely lady from the house of exiles. Yet one can only wonder at just what Niccolo’s ultimate agenda is. As charismatic and open as he may be, he knows the value of keeping cards close to the vest.
As much as he is loved, he is not without his flaws. The passions inherent in fire comes with a price: it can spread and burn out just as rapidly as it begins. The man is rumored to have a fierce temper when brought to the brink. Even more so, he has been accused of being too impulsive for his own good. If only there were one that could temper those qualities and turn them toward advancing the Montefiore agenda.
To know Niccolo is to have his steadfast support and loyalty. All members of the Montefiore family have been encouraged and Nic make certain that the strengths of each member are utilized to the fullest. He fully intends to keep the family at their established peak, and to keep a close watch on his neighbors to the south. The relationship he shares with Antonin Deliambre is tenuous at best, but Nic is convinced that the proper application of fire will ferret out anything.
After all, like he’s said, fire leaves a mark on everything…
Background:
Born the third son of Giuliano II, Niccolo's path was in constant flux. His father had his heir to bear his name and the second son to assist the family in a variety of matters. The sisters that followed Niccolo were to be used for alliance marriages. Yet, what to do with Niccolo? It was a question that frequently plagued Giuliano the Elder and Niccolo's mother. Fortunately for them, it did not take Nic very long to determine his own path. Little did he know the skills he acquired during his youth would become so pivotal for his family's future.
Niccolo's childhood was one typical of a high ranking noble family consisting of education, refinement and social gatherings. The latter tended to be Niccolo's favorite due to his effusively gregarious nature. Indeed, it was not uncommon for his elder brothers to be overlooked in favor of time with Niccolo. The man was capable of spinning a number of tales, crafting a number of jokes and making one feel completely at ease. This strength of Niccolo's instilled some jealousy in his elder brothers, but his parents finally recognized their third son's place. It was not long before Giuliano the Elder had Niccolo involved in a variety of social gatherings, chiefly to help potential business partners and fellow nobles to see what Montefiore had to offer. His father strongly encouraged his heir to recognize this strength in Niccolo and use it to his fullest advantage. In fact, it was chiefly Niccolo's influence that helped gain his brothers respectable and fine wives.
However useful Niccolo was in court, there were clear flaws that became evident to his father. While all Montefiores had within the fire of passion, Niccolo's truly burned bright. Anger would consume as quick as a match and frequently lead to disputes with either his siblings, his parents or close friends. Very few, his mother being one of them, could bring him down from an eruption. Because of the volatile temper, Niccolo did not allow himself close relationships. This was not out of fear of causing them physical, but rather emotional harm. What true friendship he had were precious to him, and thus he would never do anything endanger them.
As such, while his brothers were married with children on the way, Niccolo contented himself in the pleasure of various women. Since he was fulfilling his role within the family with aplomb, Giuliani the Elder never pressured him to marry. Over the course of the next few years, however... that all changed.
It had been labeled as accident. Giuliano III and his wife were riding by carriage to Solara to vacation on the sandy shores when their carriage was overturned. Both were killed instantly. The title of heir fell to Alberto who would die the next year due to a mysterious illness. Niccolo, however, was convinced that he had been poisoned by the Deliambres, but no evidence could be found to support his claim. There was no escaping the fact that he was now heir to Seravino.
Giuliano II fell into a deep despair at the loss of his two precious sons that no one could bring him out of. Seravino was falling in danger of being without leadership, and indeed, there was noise among the vassals to seek out the Deverauxs to intervene. This seemed to spark a flame within Niccolo, who moved quickly to secure the powers of regent. In practically a few days time, Niccolo went from being the charismatic playboy to the Duke of Seravino.
The period of adjustment was difficult at first, but he quickly learned to rely on his charisma and gregariousness to keep the vassals in line, the merchants satisfied and the commoners happy. Nonetheless, he required a good deal of advice from the family steward, who impressed upon him the importance of a marriage. Rather than secure a marriage with one of his vassals or a fellow duke of the realm, Niccolo ventured north to the Court of Joaquin Sandoval. Niccolo was convinced that the Deliambres were behind the tragedies that transpired, and their close association with the Deverauxs did not give the royal family much credence in Niccolo's mind.
Naturally, Joaquin encouraged an association with Angelia Sandoval, the would be princess of Archades. Yet, his eye fell on another entirely... a quiet, tempered, but fascinating woman by the name of Elena. At the risk of spurning Angelia, Niccolo chose Elena as his potential bride. A period of courtship and betrothal was established shortly after. With Giuliano II slowly inching toward death, Niccolo is working toward the future of Seravino and the kingdom as a whole.
Writing Sample:
While the exchange of partners occurred, Gabriel made his way around the outskirts of the dance floor. It was fascinating to watch the Gardiners moving in such a coordinate manner, reminding himself that they and the Romanovs were close friends. It suited them, really, as both families were rather eccentric in their own way. Gabriel made a note become far more familiar with the Gardiners. As for the Romanovs, he had more than enough information. The expression on his face remained pleasant, if not vaguely amused, as he witnessed them Marcus being pulled away from his pure, pleasant and pretty princess.
Lord Gardiner had made his own move, no doubt seeking to protect said princess. His brother had told him to keep a close eye on Tatianna, but he was not feeling quite so bold as to stroll onto the dance floor. Gabriel preferred to go largely unnoticed. Nonetheless, he would reveal himself when the moment came. Besides, he needed to see just whom Tatianna would select as her ladies in waiting. Would they naught but lovely paper thin shields, or a force to be reckoned with?
Gabriel was excited. He adored a challenge.
