Jakob Fugger, “The Rich Merchant, The Merchant King”

“The Untold Secrets of Jakob Fugger, the Renaissance Financial Genius who Shaped Europe’s Destiny!”

• Alias: The Rich Merchant, The Merchant King
• Gender: Male
• Race: Human
• Occupation: Merchant, Financier
• Religion: Catholic
• Allies: Influential nobles, fellow merchants, influential clergy
• Enemies: Rival merchants, political adversaries, critics of his wealth and influence
• Abode/Base of operations: Augsburg, Germany
• Nationality: German
• Languages: German, Latin
• Alignment: Lawful Neutral
• Affiliation(s): Fugger family business, Augsburg’s merchant guild
• Significant others: Married to Sybille Artzt, father to three sons (Ulrich, Georg, and Jakob the Younger) and four daughters

Jakob Fugger is an enigmatic Renaissance figure whose name reverberates through the corridors of history. As a merchant and financier, he has risen from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful and influential men of his time. Fugger’s unwavering ambition drives him to seek wealth, prestige, and a lasting legacy. With his keen business acumen, he navigates the intricate world of European trade and finance, seizing opportunities and amassing immense riches.

Behind Fugger’s calm and composed exterior lies a mind that constantly churns with calculations and strategies. He understands the intricacies of the market, the ebb and flow of political tides, and the power of connections. Fugger leverages his vast network of contacts and knowledge to strike lucrative deals, expand his trade routes, and extend his influence. His wealth allows him to finance royal ventures, support aspiring artists and scholars, and even influence the outcomes of political decisions.

Driven by an insatiable thirst for success, Fugger dreams of establishing a financial empire that transcends borders. He aims to intertwine his wealth with political power, shaping the destiny of nations and leaving an indelible mark on history. Fugger knows that in this world driven by power and money, his actions can have profound consequences. He carefully balances risk and reward, always calculating the potential gains and losses of his ventures.

But Fugger’s rise to prominence is not without controversy. Some view him as a ruthless capitalist, willing to exploit others for personal gain. Yet others see him as a visionary, a patron of the arts and sciences, and a driver of economic growth. Fugger’s character is complex, reflecting the paradoxes of his era.

In the end, Jakob Fugger’s story is one of ambition, cunning, and the relentless pursuit of wealth. His actions shape the world around him, as he strives to leave a lasting legacy and secure his place among the elite. Whether revered or reviled, Fugger’s influence is undeniable, making him a captivating figure in the tapestry of history.

Jakob Fugger, the Merchant Prince

Medium humanoid (human), lawful neutral

Armor Class 14 (studded leather) Hit Points 135 (18d8 + 54) Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
10	16	16	20	14	18

Saving Throws Int +10, Wis +7, Cha +9 Skills Insight +7, Persuasion +12 Senses Passive Perception 12 Languages Common, Dwarvish Challenge 12 (8,400 XP)

Actions

Multiattack. Jakob Fugger makes two Rapier attacks.

Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.

Flintlock Pistol. Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range 30/90 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage.

Reactions

Counterspell. Jakob Fugger has learned to protect his interests using magic. When he sees a spell being cast within 60 feet of him, he can use his reaction to attempt to interrupt it. He makes an ability check using his Intelligence modifier + his proficiency bonus. The DC equals 10 + the spell’s level. If the check is successful, the spell fails, and its effects are negated.

Legendary Actions

Jakob Fugger can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time, and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Jakob regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

Wealth of Knowledge. Jakob Fugger uses his financial expertise to provide advice to an ally, granting them advantage on their next ability check, saving throw, or attack roll.

Equipment

• Studded Leather Armor: A set of finely crafted studded leather armor provides Jakob Fugger with both protection and flexibility.
• Rapier: An elegantly crafted rapier, adorned with intricate engravings, serves as Fugger’s primary weapon.
• Flintlock Pistol: A meticulously crafted flintlock pistol, an instrument of power and intimidation.
• Signet Ring of the Fugger Family (Magical Item): Enhances Fugger’s ability to negotiate and make business deals, granting advantage on Persuasion checks related to financial matters.
• Ledger of Wealth (Magical Item): Allows Fugger to track and manage his vast financial empire, providing insights into market trends and investment opportunities.
• Coin Pouch: Always filled with a substantial amount of gold coins.

Traits

Banking Tycoon. Jakob Fugger is a master of finance and commerce. He has advantage on all Intelligence checks related to economics, investments, and business dealings.

Master Negotiator. Jakob Fugger has proficiency in the Persuasion skill and advantage on all Persuasion checks when dealing with matters of wealth and trade.

Wealthy Connections. Through his extensive network of contacts, Jakob Fugger can gain access to resources, information, and influential individuals in various cities and regions.

Personality

Jakob Fugger is a calculated and astute businessman. He is driven by ambition, seeking to amass wealth, expand his financial empire, and secure his place as a prominent figure in the world of commerce. Fugger is renowned for his shrewdness and keen intellect, always one step ahead of his rivals. He is a firm believer in the power of money and its ability to shape the world.

Alignment

Lawful neutral: Jakob Fugger adheres to a strict code of conduct in his business dealings, following the laws and regulations of the land. However, his ultimate allegiance lies with the pursuit of wealth and power.

Recommended Encounter

Jakob Fugger can be encountered in his luxurious office, surrounded by his loyal employees and guarded by skilled mercenaries. The party may seek his assistance in acquiring a loan, negotiating a business deal, or unraveling a financial mystery that threatens the stability of the region. However, dealing with Fugger comes at a price, and the party must carefully navigate his web of influence and ulterior motives.

Currently in the World

Jakob Fugger is a distinguished-looking man in his mid-50s, with a commanding presence and an air of confidence. He stands tall, with a stout build that bears witness to his prosperous lifestyle. His salt-and-pepper hair is neatly groomed, and his beard, though beginning to gray, is meticulously trimmed. Jakob’s piercing eyes reflect a shrewd intellect and a keen business acumen. He carries himself with a composed demeanor, exuding an aura of authority and success.

Currently, Jakob Fugger finds himself in his opulent office, located within his grand mansion in Augsburg, Germany. The room is adorned with fine tapestries, exquisite furniture, and shelves filled with leather-bound ledgers, documents, and account books. The atmosphere is one of bustling activity, with his trusted assistants and clerks working diligently to manage the vast financial empire under his name.

Jakob is immersed in his work, meticulously reviewing financial reports and ledgers, calculating profits and investments. His sharp mind is constantly at work, strategizing new ventures and exploring opportunities for expanding his business interests. Despite the weight of his responsibilities, Jakob remains composed and focused, driven by his unwavering determination to amass wealth and secure the legacy of the Fugger family.

In this moment, Jakob’s mood is a mix of satisfaction and ambition. He takes pride in his accomplishments, having risen from modest beginnings to become one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in Europe. Yet, he is not one to rest on his laurels. Jakob is driven by an insatiable thirst for success and the desire to leave a lasting impact on the world through his financial prowess and philanthropic endeavors.