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Lady Katherine Ferrers “The Wicked Lady”

“Unraveling the Enigma: Unveiling the Secrets of Lady Katherine Ferrers, the Legendary ‘Wicked Lady’ of Hertfordshire!”

Lady Katherine Ferrers "The Wicked Lady"
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  • Alias: The Wicked Lady
  • Gender: Female
  • Race: Human
  • Occupation: Aristocrat, Highwaywoman
  • Religion: Not specified
  • Allies: Possibly “Ralph Chaplin” (legendary accomplice)
  • Enemies: Law enforcement, societal norms
  • Abode/Base of Operations: Ferrers estate, Markyate Cell
  • Nationality: English
  • Languages: English
  • Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
  • Affiliation(s): Involved with Royalist supporters during political unrest
  • Significant Others: Thomas Fanshawe (husband), Simon Fanshawe (stepfather), Lady Tempest (possible confidante)

Lady Katherine Ferrers, a figure who strides both the pages of history and the realms of intrigue, possesses a story that unfolds with both grace and audacity. Nestled within the rolling landscapes of Hertfordshire, her life dances between the boundaries of tradition and rebellion, making her an enigma that captivates hearts and minds.

Brought into the world amidst the splendor of the Ferrers estate, Katherine’s existence was marked by privilege and legacy. The echoes of her family’s esteemed history reverberate through the grand halls that surrounded her, shaping the expectations laid upon her shoulders. Yet, within her beats a heart that yearns for freedom beyond the confines of her birthright.

In her union with Thomas Fanshawe, a chapter unfolds that defies the scripted narratives of her time. Their partnership navigates the tumultuous waters of political unrest, intertwining fate with the intricacies of loyalty and ambition. As a woman in an era where her choices are often dictated by others, Katherine finds herself at a crossroads, poised to challenge the very norms that seek to confine her.

The tales that shroud her as the “Wicked Lady” paint her as a daring highwaywoman, a contradiction that adds layers to her multifaceted persona. Beneath the moonlit robberies and the whispered legends, a complexity emerges. Fueled by both a yearning for agency and a desire to break free from predetermined roles, Katherine’s actions take on a life of their own, each heist becoming a declaration of her indomitable will.

But within the heart of this enigmatic soul, fears reside as well. The shadows of uncertainty and the weight of societal expectations cast their gloom. Katherine fears the suffocation of a life unfulfilled, bound by the chains of convention. It’s this fear that drives her to seek a realm beyond the ordinary, even if it means donning a mask of defiance and embarking on a path less traveled.

In the tapestry of her journey, what Katherine seeks to achieve transcends mere notoriety. Beyond the tales of daring escapades, she aspires to leave an indelible mark on history, to carve out a space where her voice, her choices, and her legacy will not be forgotten. And as her story unfolds, it invites us to contemplate the essence of rebellion, the allure of a life less ordinary, and the unquenchable thirst for a destiny that is truly one’s own.


The Wicked Lady - illustration by Eric Fraser from Folklore Myths and Legends of Britain (1973). Lady Katherine Ferrers
The Wicked Lady – illustration by Eric Fraser from Folklore Myths and Legends of Britain (1973).

Medium humanoid (human), Chaotic Neutral

Armor Class 14 (leather armor) Hit Points 65 (10d8 + 20) Speed 30 ft.

STRDEXCONINTWISCHA
10 (+0)16 (+3)14 (+2)12 (+1)14 (+2)14 (+2)

Skills Acrobatics +5, Perception +4, Stealth +5 Senses passive Perception 14 Languages Common Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)

Noble Born. Lady Katherine “The Wicked Lady” has advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put her to sleep.

Evasion. When Lady Katherine is subjected to an effect that allows her to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, she instead takes no damage if she succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if she fails.

Sneak Attack (1/turn). Lady Katherine “The Wicked Lady” deals an extra 10 (3d6) damage when she hits a target with a weapon attack and has advantage on the attack roll, or when the target is within 5 feet of an ally of Katherine that isn’t incapacitated and Katherine doesn’t have disadvantage on the attack roll.

Cunning Action. On each of her turns, Lady Katherine can use a bonus action to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action.

ACTIONS

  • Multiattack. Lady Katherine makes two melee attacks.
  • Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage.
  • Pistol. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 30/90 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d10 + 3) piercing damage.

SPECIAL TRAITS

  • Highwaywoman’s Guile. Lady Katherine Ferrers excels in stealth and speed, granting her advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks and increasing her movement speed by 10 feet.
  • Fearless Rebel. Lady Katherine has advantage on saving throws against fear effects and is immune to being frightened.
  • Noble Elegance. Lady Katherine’s presence commands respect and attention. She has advantage on Charisma (Persuasion) checks when dealing with noble or high-ranking individuals.

REACTIONS

Parry. Lady Katherine adds 3 to her AC against one melee attack that would hit her. To do so, she must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.

LEGENDARY ACTIONS

Lady Katherine can take 1 legendary action, choosing from the options below. She regains spent legendary actions at the start of her turn.

  • Daring Maneuver. Lady Katherine moves up to her speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
  • Precise Strike. Lady Katherine makes a melee attack.
  • Intimidating Glare. Lady Katherine forces a creature she can see within 30 feet to make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 14) or become frightened until the end of its next turn. Once a creature has successfully saved against this effect, it is immune to the Intimidating Glare for the next 24 hours.

LAIR ACTIONS

On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Lady Katherine can take a lair action to cause one of the following effects:

  • Whispers of the Wicked. Lady Katherine conjures eerie whispers that fill the air, making it difficult for creatures within 60 feet to hear or communicate clearly. All creatures in the area must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be unable to understand any spoken language or communicate using telepathy for 1 minute.
  • Shadowy Escape. Lady Katherine melds into the shadows, becoming invisible until the start of her next turn. During this time, she can move through other creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain.
  • Audacious Diversion. Lady Katherine creates a distracting illusion that lures the attention of creatures within 30 feet. All affected creatures must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or have disadvantage on their next attack roll against targets other than Lady Katherine.

LEGENDARY RESISTANCE (1/DAY)

If Lady Katherine fails a saving throw, she can choose to succeed instead.

EQUIPMENT

Leather armor, rapier, pistol, noble’s outfit, burglar’s pack, 25 gp.

Currently in the World

Lady Katherine Ferrers stands at an average height, her presence characterized by an air of elegance mixed with an underlying restlessness. Her deep, chestnut hair cascades in waves down her back, hinting at the aristocratic lineage she hails from. Her eyes, a piercing shade of hazel, carry a mixture of curiosity and mischief, hinting at the hidden desires that have led her down her unconventional path.

Currently, she is standing at the window of her family’s grand estate, Markyate Cell. The dim candlelight casts a soft glow on her features, accentuating the contemplative expression that lingers on her face. Dressed in a flowing gown of dark colors, she appears every bit the regal lady, yet her posture and demeanor suggest a longing for something more, something beyond the confines of her noble upbringing.

The surroundings are a mix of opulence and decay. The grandeur of Markyate Cell’s architecture is marred by signs of neglect, a reflection of the turmoil that has gripped the land. The wind rustles the leaves outside, carrying with it a sense of anticipation. Inside the mansion, the air is heavy with history and the weight of her decisions.

Her mood is a complex blend of yearning and defiance. She longs for adventure and freedom, a life beyond the constraints of society’s expectations. There’s a flicker of excitement in her eyes, an eagerness to embrace the unknown. Yet, beneath that excitement lies a sense of fear, of the repercussions her actions might bring. Lady Katherine Ferrers is poised on the precipice of her destiny, torn between the life she was born into and the one she yearns to create for herself.

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