Françoise-Athénaïs de Rochechouart, Marquise de Montespan

“The Scandalous Mistress of the Sun King: Unveiling the Secrets of the Marquise de Montespan!”

• Alias: Marquise de Montespan
• Gender: Female
• Race: Human
• Occupation: Courtier, Mistress of King Louis XIV
• Religion: Roman Catholic
• Allies: King Louis XIV, influential members of the French nobility, courtiers
• Enemies: Rivals at court, political adversaries, critics of the king’s affairs
• Abode/Base of operations: Palace of Versailles, various luxurious residences
• Nationality: French
• Languages: French
• Alignment: Lawful Neutral
• Affiliation(s): French court, French nobility
• Significant others: King Louis XIV (as his mistress)

Françoise-Athénaïs de Rochechouart, Marquise de Montespan, is a captivating and influential figure at the court of King Louis XIV of France. She possesses extraordinary beauty, charm, and wit that have made her the center of attention among the French nobility. As the king’s mistress, she enjoys immense power and wealth, but her ambitions go far beyond mere indulgence in courtly pleasures.

The Marquise de Montespan is driven by a relentless desire for status, influence, and the pursuit of her own happiness. She seeks to solidify her position at court, using her allure and intelligence to navigate the treacherous waters of royal politics. Her ultimate goal is to secure her place in the highest echelons of society, exerting her influence over the king and ensuring her legacy endures.

With a shrewd understanding of court etiquette and a network of loyal allies, the Marquise de Montespan maneuvers her way through the complexities of court life. She is not afraid to employ her cunning and charm to manipulate those around her, including the king himself. Her sharp intellect and ability to captivate others with her charisma make her a formidable force in courtly intrigues.

However, beneath her glamorous façade lies a woman haunted by her own ambition. The pursuit of power comes at a cost, and the Marquise de Montespan must constantly balance her desires with the consequences of her actions. She must navigate the precarious line between loyalty and self-preservation, knowing that any misstep could result in her downfall.

In her quest for power and recognition, the Marquise de Montespan is driven by her own desires but also by a longing for a life of significance. She dreams of leaving a lasting mark on history, one that will immortalize her as more than just a beautiful mistress of a powerful king. She wants to be remembered as a woman of intelligence, influence, and substance, whose name will be whispered with awe and admiration for generations to come.

As the Marquise de Montespan’s story unfolds, her journey will be fraught with passion, betrayal, and the constant struggle for power. She will face numerous challenges and make difficult choices, all in her relentless pursuit of a life that surpasses the confines of courtly existence.

Marquise de Montespan, Mistress of the Court

Medium humanoid (human), neutral alignment

Armor Class: 15 (noble’s attire) Hit Points: 105 (14d8 + 42) Speed: 30 ft.

STR 12 (+1) | DEX 14 (+2) | CON 16 (+3) | INT 16 (+3) | WIS 14 (+2) | CHA 20 (+5)

Saving Throws: Dex +5, Con +6, Cha +9 Skills: Deception +9, Insight +6, Persuasion +9 Senses: Passive Perception 12 Languages: Common, French Challenge: 7 (2,900 XP)

Class Features: Courtier (Noble Variant)

Actions

Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.

Poisoned Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d4 + 4) piercing damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 7 (2d6) poison damage.

Commanding Presence (Recharge 5-6). The Marquise targets one creature she can see within 60 feet of her. The target must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by the Marquise for 1 minute. The charmed target regards the Marquise as a trusted ally and will follow her instructions to the best of its ability. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.

Reactions

Elegant Parry. When the Marquise is hit by a melee attack, she can use her reaction to add +4 to her AC against the attack, potentially causing it to miss.

Lair Actions

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

1. Courtly Whispers. The Marquise whispers a message to a creature within 30 feet that she can see, forcing it to make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, the creature becomes charmed by the Marquise for 1 round.
2. Dark Intrigue. Shadows twist and darken within a 20-foot radius centered on the Marquise. The area becomes lightly obscured, granting the Marquise advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks while in the area.

Equipment

• Rapier
• Poisoned Dagger
• Noble’s Attire
• Exquisite Jewelry (non-magical)
• Royal Signet Ring
• Courtly Accessories

Magic Items

• Amulet of Courtly Charms. While wearing this amulet, the Marquise has advantage on Charisma (Persuasion) checks and resistance against being charmed.

Plot Hooks

• The Marquise’s Favor: The players find themselves in the courtly circles of the Marquise, and she takes a particular interest in one of them, showering them with attention and favors. But what does she truly want from them in return?
• A Scandalous Affair: Rumors circulate that the Marquise has been involved in a scandalous affair with a high-ranking noble. The players are hired to discreetly investigate the truth behind the rumors, uncovering hidden motives and secrets along the way.
• The Lost Heirloom: The Marquise’s prized family heirloom has gone missing under suspicious circumstances. The players are enlisted to retrieve the stolen item, navigating through a web of deceit and uncovering the truth behind its disappearance.
• A Dangerous Rival: A powerful political rival seeks to undermine the Marquise’s influence and tarnish her reputation. The players are hired as her covert agents, tasked with uncovering the rival’s schemes and finding evidence to discredit them.
• A Forbidden Love: The Marquise falls passionately in love with a commoner, against the strict social norms of the time. The players become entangled in their secret affair, protecting their clandestine meetings and helping them navigate the dangers of their forbidden love.
• The Poisoned Chalice: The Marquise receives a mysterious gift—an intricately crafted chalice said to possess deadly magical properties. The players must determine the origins of the gift and its intended purpose, while ensuring the Marquise’s safety and thwarting any potential assassination attempts.
• The Royal Masquerade: The Marquise hosts an extravagant masquerade ball, inviting the players to attend as esteemed guests. Amidst the revelry and anonymity, they uncover a dangerous plot that threatens the stability of the kingdom, and it’s up to them to stop it before chaos ensues.
• The Marquise’s Patronage: The players are aspiring artists, musicians, or performers seeking the Marquise’s patronage to further their careers. They must impress her with their talents, navigate the treacherous waters of courtly favor, and prove their worthiness of her support.
• The Curse of Jealousy: A jilted lover or spurned courtier places a curse on the Marquise, slowly draining her beauty and vitality. The players must find a way to break the curse before it’s too late, delving into dark magic and ancient secrets to save her from her impending doom.
• The Marquise’s Secret Agenda: The players discover evidence that the Marquise is involved in a dangerous political conspiracy, with far-reaching consequences for the kingdom. They must decide whether to support her cause, expose her actions, or play both sides to ensure their own survival.

Currently in the World

Marquise de Montespan is an elegant and captivating woman with a regal presence. She has a statuesque figure, fair complexion, and striking features. Her wavy golden hair is often styled in elaborate coiffures adorned with jewels, and her eyes gleam with intelligence and ambition. She carries herself with grace and confidence, always dressed in the finest fashion of the French court, adorned with luxurious fabrics and ornate accessories.

Currently, Marquise de Montespan finds herself in the opulent chambers of the Palace of Versailles, surrounded by the splendor of courtly life. She is engaged in animated conversation with influential courtiers, captivating them with her charm and wit. Her demeanor exudes a combination of poise and a subtle air of authority, as she navigates the intricate web of court politics.

Her mood is one of calculated determination, as she strategically seeks to solidify her position and influence within the court. Behind her enchanting smile and pleasant demeanor lies an ambitious woman who seeks to secure her place as the King’s favorite and further her own power and status.