Buy me a coffeeJoshua Norton “Emperor Norton”, AKA ” “Norton I., Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico”.”
“Meet Emperor Norton: The Eccentric Ruler Who Charmed a City!”
Emperor Norton, a fascinating figure in the annals of history, emerges as a man of paradoxical eccentricities and enduring charm. Cloaked in a royal persona of his own making, he strides through the bustling streets of San Francisco, his every proclamation met with an odd blend of amusement and respect from the city’s inhabitants.
Alias: Emperor Norton
Gender: Male
Race: Human
Occupation: Self-Proclaimed Emperor
Religion: Unspecified
Allies: A motley crew of loyal subjects, including local merchants and newspaper editors
Enemies: None, as he is mostly seen as a harmless eccentric
Abode/Base of Operations: The streets of San Francisco, often homeless and residing in boarding houses
Nationality: American
Languages: English
Alignment: Neutral Good
Affiliation(s): None
Significant Others: He never married and remained a bachelor throughout his life.
Emperor Norton, born Joshua Norton, carved an unconventional path through life. He arrived in San Francisco as an aspiring businessman, only to face a series of misfortunes that would eventually lead to his peculiar transformation.
Fearless and resilient, Emperor Norton harbored no qualms about stepping into the spotlight. His actions were driven by a singular vision: to bring joy and unity to a city torn apart by social and economic divides. His quirky proclamations, such as declaring himself Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico, were a testament to his desire to make San Francisco a better place.
Emperor Norton became a beloved figure in the city, and his presence was a reminder that life could be infused with whimsy and kindness. He wandered the streets in a makeshift uniform adorned with military regalia, exuding an air of authority that San Franciscans couldn’t help but embrace. Local businesses accepted his homemade currency, and his proclamations were published in newspapers, providing an ongoing source of amusement for the residents.
Despite his eccentricities, Emperor Norton was driven by a noble goal: to mend the fractures in society and create a city where people from all walks of life could coexist harmoniously. He feared the divisiveness and injustices that plagued his era, and his unconventional actions were his way of combating these issues, albeit in a peculiar and endearing manner.
Emperor Norton’s legacy endures as a testament to the power of individuality, resilience, and the ability to inspire positive change, even in the most unorthodox ways. His story continues to captivate the imagination and serves as a reminder that sometimes, it takes an eccentric emperor to remind us of the importance of unity, compassion, and a touch of whimsy in our lives.
Emperor Norton
Medium humanoid (human), neutral good
- Armor Class 14 (sturdy clothing)
- Hit Points 66 (12d8 + 12)
- Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 (+0) | 13 (+1) | 13 (+1) | 15 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 18 (+4) |
- Skills Insight +3, Persuasion +7
- Senses passive Perception 11
- Languages Common, Celestial
- Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Special Traits
Eccentric Charisma. Emperor Norton has an aura of eccentric charm that affects creatures within 30 feet of him. Any creature that starts its turn in this aura and can see and hear Emperor Norton must make a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or become charmed for 1 minute. A charmed creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.
Monarch’s Favor. He has the unique ability to issue proclamations that, while legally unenforceable, carry an air of authority. When Emperor Norton issues a proclamation in front of a crowd, he can choose one of the following effects:
- Inspire Unity. Allies within 30 feet gain advantage on saving throws against being frightened, and they can’t be charmed or frightened by hostile creatures.
- Celebrate Eccentricity. Emperor Norton and his allies within 30 feet gain temporary hit points equal to his Charisma modifier at the start of their turns.
- Charismatic Appeal. Allies within 30 feet can reroll a failed saving throw, using Emperor Norton’s Charisma modifier instead of their own, once per turn.
Emperor Norton can use Monarch’s Favor a number of times equal to his Charisma modifier (a minimum of once). He regains expended uses after completing a long rest.
Actions
- Walking Stick. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 1) bludgeoning damage.
- Royal Proclamation (Recharge 5-6). Emperor Norton issues a royal proclamation, making a Charisma (Persuasion) check contested by the Wisdom (Insight) checks of creatures within 60 feet of him. If Emperor Norton succeeds, creatures who fail their Insight checks become charmed by him for 1 minute. Charmed creatures regard Emperor Norton as their benevolent ruler and won’t willingly harm him or his allies. A creature can repeat the Insight check at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.
Reactions
Eccentric Paranoia. When Emperor Norton is targeted by a ranged weapon attack, he can impose disadvantage on the attack roll by brandishing his eccentric attire and drawing attention to himself. Emperor Norton can use this ability a number of times equal to his proficiency bonus, regaining all expended uses after completing a short or long rest.
Royal Decree. When a creature within 30 feet of Emperor Norton succeeds on a saving throw against an effect that would cause it to become charmed or frightened, Emperor Norton can use his reaction to grant that creature temporary hit points equal to his Charisma modifier (minimum of 1) and advantage on its next saving throw against the same effect.
Legendary Actions
Emperor Norton 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. Emperor Norton regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.
- Proclamation (Costs 2 Actions). Emperor Norton uses his Royal Proclamation.
- Inspiring Words (Costs 1 Action). Emperor Norton utters inspiring words, granting one ally within 30 feet advantage on their next attack roll or saving throw.
- Confuse Foe (Costs 1 Action). Emperor Norton confuses a hostile creature within 30 feet by employing eccentric antics. The creature must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or become incapacitated until the end of its next turn.
Equipment
- Sturdy Clothing
- Walking Stick
Roleplaying Notes
Emperor Norton is an eccentric and charismatic character who genuinely believes he is the ruler of his own domain. He is beloved by many in his city, and his proclamations, while not legally binding, carry weight among the citizens. He is known for his eccentric attire and benevolent nature, always seeking to improve the lives of those around him.
Emperor Norton fears discord and strife in his beloved city. He strives to bring unity, kindness, and a sense of community to his subjects. His ultimate goal is to ensure the well-being and happiness of his people, even if his rule exists only in the hearts of those who admire him.
Currently in the World
orgotten_Characters/large/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5633281
Emperor Norton cuts an unforgettable figure as he strolls the bustling streets of San Francisco. Clad in a makeshift uniform of military-inspired regalia, he sports a navy blue coat adorned with golden epaulets and a vibrant red sash, cinched at the waist with a golden cord. His chest displays a glistening collection of medals, trinkets, and emblems of his self-proclaimed titles. A tri-cornered hat, resplendent with feathers and decorative pins, crowns his head with an air of authority.
Today, he’s traversing the sunlit boulevards of the city, his boots clicking confidently on the cobblestones. As he meanders, his eyes sparkle with an unceasing sense of purpose, and his lips occasionally break into a benevolent smile. Pedestrians and shopkeepers greet him with nods and laughter, some even curtsying or bowing as they pass by. The city around him buzzes with life, and the cheerful chatter of the people provides a harmonious backdrop to his regal procession.
Emperor Norton’s mood is one of unwavering contentment, as if he knows he has found his true calling in this peculiar role. He waves and offers his blessings to those he encounters, making them feel as if they are a part of his royal court. The warmth and goodwill he radiates are infectious, creating an atmosphere of unity and camaraderie among the diverse residents of San Francisco.
Plot Hooks
1. The Royal Proclamation
Emperor Norton has issued a new proclamation declaring that the city will host a grand celebration to unite its citizens. However, as preparations begin, strange occurrences start happening around San Francisco—mysterious disappearances, disruptions in the city’s markets, and whispers of dark forces working against the Emperor. It is up to the players to investigate the disturbances, protect the eccentric ruler, and ensure the success of his unifying vision. Along the way, they may encounter enemies who seek to undermine Norton’s charm or exploit his eccentric authority for nefarious purposes.
2. The Emperor’s Lost Decree
One day, a valuable royal decree from Emperor Norton goes missing—one that is said to have the power to change the course of the city’s future. As the city’s residents panic, certain factions believe the missing decree could hold the key to immense power. The adventurers are tasked with recovering the decree, navigating a web of rivalries, hidden secrets, and eccentric personalities. Along the way, they will learn about Emperor Norton’s past misfortunes and his desire to forge a better world, leading them to questions about his true motivations and the extent of his self-proclaimed authority.
3. The Protector of Mexico
Emperor Norton, in his strange yet benevolent role, has recently declared that he will travel to Mexico to fulfill his duties as Protector. But when he disappears on his journey, rumors swirl that the Emperor has been captured or worse. The adventurers must embark on a quest to find him, traveling through unpredictable territories and dealing with the strange circumstances that arise from his royal decrees. Along the way, they might encounter people who see the Emperor as a figure of hope and others who mock his delusions. The journey will test the adventurers’ loyalty to their beloved Emperor and their resolve to uphold his vision of a unified world.
Quirky Plot Hooks
1. The Imperial Suit Fiasco
Emperor Norton has decided that he needs a new royal uniform to better reflect his imperial status, and he’s asked the adventurers to help him design one. The catch? He insists on the most absurd and impractical details, such as a suit made entirely of feathers, a cape made of mirrors, or a crown that doubles as a birdcage. The adventurers must gather bizarre materials, deal with eccentric tailors, and possibly navigate the disgruntled reactions of the city’s more fashion-forward residents. Meanwhile, Emperor Norton marches through the streets wearing increasingly ridiculous versions of the suit, each one more outlandish than the last.
3. The Emperor’s Pet
In a fit of eccentricity, Emperor Norton has decided that every great ruler needs a royal pet. But rather than picking a traditional companion like a dog or a falcon, he insists on a more exotic choice: a trained griffon. The adventurers are tasked with finding and bringing back this strange royal pet, navigating through the city’s back alleys and possibly dodging a few agitated griffon owners. Along the way, the Emperor’s bizarre relationship with the creature becomes clearer—he believes the griffon is not just his pet but a “trusted advisor.” Now, they must figure out how to keep both the Emperor and his griffon satisfied without causing a city-wide commotion!
2. The Great Royal Sandwich Disaster
Emperor Norton decides that San Francisco will be the first city to host the “Royal Sandwich Festival,” where every citizen must bring a sandwich to present to him, the Emperor, for his royal approval. Unfortunately, he has no idea what makes a sandwich “royal.” The adventurers must scour the city for the rarest, most exotic ingredients to create a sandwich fit for an emperor, all while dealing with increasingly bizarre requests from Norton, like “The sandwich must sing,” or “It must have 37 layers, each one representing a different country.” As the adventurers rush to assemble the strangest sandwich in history, the city becomes a battlefield of over-the-top culinary disasters—and the Emperor may or may not demand everyone eats their sandwiches in the shape of a crown.