Giulia Tofana, “La Tofana”, The Poisoner of Whispers

“Meet Giulia Tofana: The Poisonous Schemer Who Freed Oppressed Wives!”

• Alias: La Tofana
• Gender: Female
• Race: Human
• Occupation: Apothecary and creator of toxic substances
• Religion: Not affiliated with any specific religion.
• Allies: Women seeking assistance from her services, those who sympathized with her cause
• Enemies: The authorities, opponents of her practices
• Abode/Base of Operations: Secret locations within Italian cities. Her base of operations is reportedly in Palermo, Sicily and a network in Rome, Italy
• Nationality: Italian
• Languages: Italian
• Alignment: Neutral Evil
• Affiliation(s): Her affiliation is primarily associated with women in desperate situations who sought her assistance.
• Significant Others: Notable for working alongside her daughter, Girolama Spera, in her poison ring

Giulia Tofana emerges from the annals of history as a mysterious and enigmatic figure, her name whispered in hushed tones in the shadowy corners of Renaissance Italy. Known for her expertise in the art of crafting deadly poisons, she has a reputation that transcends her existence. Her deadly concoctions have one peculiar purpose: to free women from the shackles of oppressive and abusive marriages.

As a character, Giulia is a complex enigma. She navigates the perilous world of poison-making with an air of caution and secrecy. She fears the harsh consequences that would befall her if her identity were ever unveiled. The risk of persecution and execution constantly looms over her, but her unwavering determination keeps her forging ahead.

At the core of her actions lies a deep-seated belief in the autonomy and agency of women. Giulia’s work is driven by a profound understanding of the suffering that many women endure in the confines of oppressive relationships. She sees herself as a liberator, offering a clandestine path to those who have been denied their agency and voice. Her desire is to provide women with a choice, even if it means risking her own life. In her secretive endeavors, she becomes an unexpected champion of female empowerment during a time when such notions were radical and dangerous.

Giulia Tofana

Medium humanoid (human), neutral evil

Armor Class 12 (leather armor) Hit Points 77 (14d8 + 14) Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
10 (+0)	14 (+2)	12 (+1)	18 (+4)	16 (+3)	18 (+4)

Skills Deception +6, Insight +5, Investigation +8, Poisoner’s Kit +6 Senses passive Perception 13 Languages Common, Italian, Latin Challenge 10 (5,900 XP)

Background: Alchemist

Class Features

• Poisoner’s Kit. Giulia is proficient with a poisoner’s kit.
• Expertise. She can double her proficiency bonus for Deception and Investigation checks.

Actions

• Multiattack. Giulia Tofana makes two attacks.
• Venomous Dagger. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage plus 13 (3d8) poison damage. The target must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 minute. If the saving throw fails by 5 or more, the target is paralyzed while poisoned.
• Toxic Brew (Recharge 5-6). Giulia throws a vial of deadly poison at a point she can see within 30 feet of her. Each creature in a 10-foot radius sphere centered on that point must make a DC 16 Constitution saving throw, taking 35 (10d6) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. Creatures that fail their saving throw are also poisoned for 1 minute.

Reactions

• Evasive Maneuver. When Giulia is hit by an attack, she can use her reaction to attempt to evade the attack. She adds a +4 bonus to her AC against that attack.

Legendary Actions Giulia Tofana 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. She regains spent legendary actions at the start of her turn.

• Venomous Strike. Giulia makes one venomous dagger attack.
• Toxic Elixir (Costs 2 Actions). Giulia can use her Toxic Brew as a legendary action.
• Evasion (Costs 2 Actions). Giulia takes the Evasive Maneuver reaction if it is available.

Lair Actions When fought in her hidden lair, Giulia Tofana can take lair actions. On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), she can take one lair action to cause one of the following effects:

• She coats her weapons with poison, allowing her to add 1d6 poison damage to her attacks for 1 minute.
• She releases a cloud of poisonous gas in a 20-foot radius centered on her. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or take 18 (4d8) poison damage and be poisoned for 1 minute.

Equipment

• Leather armor
• Dagger (x2)
• Poisoner’s kit
• Vial of deadly poison
• Toxic Brew recipe book
• Hooded cloak
• Coin purse with 50 gp

Magic Items

• Tofana’s Vial. This small vial contains a unique and deadly poison crafted by Giulia Tofana. When applied to a weapon, it deals an additional 3d6 poison damage on a successful hit. The poison loses its potency after one use.

Description Giulia Tofana is a cunning and enigmatic alchemist, notorious for her skill in crafting lethal poisons. She is a master of disguise and deception, able to blend into society effortlessly while concealing her true identity. Giulia’s demeanor is calm and collected, hiding her sinister motives behind a facade of charm.

Background As an alchemist, Giulia is well-versed in the art of crafting poisons and toxins. Her knowledge of deadly concoctions and her ability to administer them discreetly have made her a feared figure in the shadows of society. She is a lone wolf, always on the move, with no true base of operations.

Motivations Giulia Tofana seeks power and control through her craft, selling her poisons to those willing to pay the price. She operates from the shadows, exacting revenge and eliminating her enemies. Her ultimate goal is to amass wealth and influence, further establishing her reputation as the master of the poisoner’s trade.

Current Surroundings Giulia Tofana lurks in the dimly lit back alleys of a bustling city, surrounded by the whispers of her clients and the pungent aroma of various herbs and chemicals. She maintains a vigilant watch on her target, ready to deliver her deadly brew when the time is right. Her mood is calculating and patient, as she knows that the perfect moment to strike is just around the corner.

Currently in the World

Giulia Tofana, a woman in her mid-40s, possesses an air of quiet determination and unassuming elegance. She is of average height with a slender, graceful figure. Her long, raven-black hair is always neatly tied back in a simple bun, allowing her to focus on the tasks at hand. Her skin, despite the Sicilian sun, maintains its pale complexion.

Her attire is typically modest, comprising a dark, unadorned dress with a high collar and long sleeves. The deep colors of her clothing, often a somber mix of black and gray, serve as a reflection of her clandestine profession. Her keen, observant eyes, the color of rich chestnuts, reveal both wisdom and a hint of sorrow, as if she carries the weight of many secrets.

At the moment, Giulia Tofana is meticulously arranging a small apothecary shop, the shelves neatly lined with vials and jars of herbs and tinctures. The dimly lit room exudes an earthy scent of dried botanicals, and the shelves cast intriguing shadows in the corners. A small oil lamp flickers with a gentle glow on her cluttered worktable.

Tofana’s mood is composed and focused, her eyes conveying an intensity that matches her meticulous work. She carries a sense of purpose, knowing the importance of her craft to those who seek her expertise, but also a deep understanding of the gravity of her actions in a world where options for women are limited.