Dietrich Schenk von Erbach

“Power, Politics, and Printing: The Intriguing Life of Dietrich Schenk von Erbach, Archbishop of Mainz!”

Alias: Dietrich Schenk von Erbach
Gender: Male
Race: Human
Occupation: Sacred Elector of Mainz
Religion: Rhenish civic, household and temple traditions
Allies: German princes, imperial electors, sacred colleges and printing patrons
Enemies: Opposing factions during the Council of Basel
Abode/Base of Operations: Mainz, Aschaffenburg
Nationality: German
Languages: German, Latin
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Affiliation(s): Electorate of Mainz, Rhenish sacred estates and electoral courts
Significant others: N/A

Dietrich Schenk von Erbach is a German nobleman who rose to prominence through Mainz’s sacred electoral chapter. Chosen to hold the electorate’s highest ritual and political office, he must balance imperial privilege, Rhine commerce, temple estates and the rival interests of princes who expect Mainz to influence every imperial election.

Dietrich is a shrewd diplomat who navigates rival princes, sacred colleges and competing claims of ritual authority. He prefers mediation to open rupture and works to keep Mainz influential without allowing any distant sacred court or neighbouring prince to reduce the electorate to a client state.

One of Dietrich’s notable achievements was his commissioning of the Mainz Psalter, a significant contribution to the world of printing. Recognizing the potential of Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press, Dietrich supported the production of this important religious text, paving the way for the dissemination of knowledge through the printed word.

Despite his diplomatic nature, Dietrich faces constant challenges from rival factions, competing nobles and external powers. His actions are driven by a desire to protect Mainz’s electoral privileges, its sacred estates and the stability of the Rhine while securing his own authority.

Dietrich passed away in Aschaffenburg, leaving behind a legacy of political maneuvering, religious diplomacy, and his contribution to the world of printing. His life serves as a testament to the complexities and ambitions of those who held power in medieval Europe, as well as the ever-evolving landscape of faith and politics in which he operated.

Dietrich Schenk von Erbach

Medium humanoid (human), lawful neutral

Armor Class 18 (plate armor) Hit Points 157 (15d8 + 90) Speed 30 ft.

STR 16 (+3) DEX 12 (+1) CON 16 (+3) INT 14 (+2) WIS 18 (+4) CHA 16 (+3)

Saving Throws Wis +8, Cha +7 Skills History +6, Religion +6, Persuasion +7 Senses passive Perception 14 Languages Common, Latin Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)

Divine Eminence. When Dietrich casts a spell that deals radiant damage or restores hit points, he adds his Charisma modifier (+3) to the damage or healing done.

Spellcasting. Dietrich is a 9th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 16, +8 to hit with spell attacks). Dietrich has the following cleric spells prepared:

Cantrips (at will): light, mending, sacred flame, thaumaturgy
1st level (4 slots): bless, command, cure wounds, guiding bolt
2nd level (3 slots): lesser restoration, hold person, spiritual weapon
3rd level (3 slots): dispel magic, mass healing word, spirit guardians
4th level (3 slots): death ward, divination, guardian of faith
5th level (2 slots): commune, flame strike
6th level (1 slot): harm

Actions Multiattack. Dietrich makes two melee attacks.

Warhammer. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) bludgeoning damage.

Healing Touch (3/Day). As a bonus action, Dietrich touches another creature, spending up to 15 hit points from his pool of healing. The target regains hit points equal to the amount spent.

Channel Divinity: Radiance of the Divine. Dietrich channels the divine energy within him, creating a burst of radiant light. Each creature of his choice within 30 feet of him must make a DC 16 Constitution saving throw, taking 21 (6d6) radiant damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Divine Intervention (1/Week). Dietrich can call on his deity for aid, seeking divine intervention. The DM chooses the nature of the intervention, which might come in the form of a sign, an omen, or a manifestation of the deity’s power.

Equipment Full plate armor, warhammer, holy symbol, a set of priestly vestments, a prayer book, 40 gold pieces.

Dietrich Schenk von Erbach is a tall and imposing figure, standing at around 6 feet tall. He has a sturdy and well-built frame, evident even beneath the layers of his gleaming full plate armor. The armor is adorned with intricate engravings depicting holy symbols and scenes from religious texts, reflecting his devoutness.

His face is weathered, with deep-set eyes that exude a sense of wisdom and determination. His neatly trimmed beard and short gray hair complement his dignified appearance. A holy symbol hangs prominently around his neck, a constant reminder of his devotion to the divine.

As he moves, the weight of his armor seems almost effortless, reflecting his years of training and discipline. His warhammer, carried firmly in his gauntleted hand, bears the signs of use and displays a fine craftsmanship befitting his station.

Currently, Dietrich stands within the grand halls of his cathedral, surrounded by the echoes of reverence and devotion. The soft light filtering through stained glass windows casts colorful patterns on the stone floor, illuminating the sacred atmosphere that permeates the space. His demeanor is calm and focused, his eyes surveying the area with a mix of vigilance and compassion.

Despite the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, there is a sense of unwavering determination in his posture. His presence commands respect and inspires those around him to seek guidance and solace in his presence.

In this moment, Dietrich radiates an aura of divine authority, embodying the virtues of his faith and the unwavering commitment to his duty as a spiritual leader.

Roleplaying Hooks

Dietrich seeks to bring order and stability through sacred law, arbitration and electoral authority, using Mainz’s ritual courts and territorial privileges to settle disputes before they become wars.
Rumors have circulated that Dietrich possesses a sacred relic, said to grant immense power to those who possess it. Many seek to either acquire or destroy the relic, leading to confrontations and alliances.
Dietrich’s sermons are known to be moving and captivating, drawing crowds from all walks of life. Some suspect that his words carry a mystical power, able to sway the hearts and minds of those who listen.
Dietrich has learned that a forbidden cult has infiltrated one of Mainz’s sacred estates. He seeks capable outsiders to identify its patrons before the scandal reaches rival electors.
Dietrich is known to possess a secret chamber within his cathedral, filled with ancient texts and artifacts. Scholars and adventurers alike are drawn to the mysteries hidden within, hoping to gain knowledge or treasures of great value.

Currently in the World

Dietrich Schenk von Erbach was a man of dignified presence and refined demeanor. He possessed a tall and imposing stature, with a commanding presence that demanded respect. His thinning silver hair, neatly trimmed beard, and piercing blue eyes revealed wisdom and experience beyond his years. Clad in the traditional vestments of his ecclesiastical office, he exuded an air of authority and piety.

Dietrich can usually be found within his residence in Mainz, surrounded by diplomatic correspondence, sacred relics and the printed and manuscript works that increasingly define the city’s intellectual life. His study is less a retreat than a control room for Rhine politics.

Despite the weight of his responsibilities, Dietrich remains calm and deliberate. His attention moves constantly between diplomacy, sacred jurisdiction, printing, river trade and the welfare of communities whose loyalties are divided among many rulers and divine traditions.