Sir Francis Walsingham “The Spymaster of England”

“The Mastermind Spymaster: Unveiling the Secrets of Sir Francis Walsingham, England’s Shadowy Protector!”

• Alias: The Spymaster of England
• Gender: Male
• Race: Human
• Occupation: Former Secretary of State and Principal Secretary, Master Spy and Spymaster
• Religion: Protestant
• Allies: Queen Elizabeth I, loyal and skilled agents in his spy network
• Enemies: Catholic spies and conspirators, foreign agents threatening England
• Abode/Base of Operations: Various safehouses and secret locations throughout England
• Nationality: English
• Languages: English, Latin, and various European languages for communication with spies and foreign agents
• Alignment: Lawful Neutral
• Affiliation(s): The English Crown, Elizabethan government
• Significant Others: Sir Francis Walsingham was married to Ursula St. Barbe and had several children, including his daughter Frances Walsingham, who later married Sir Philip Sidney.

Sir Francis Walsingham is an astute and enigmatic figure, renowned as a master of espionage. As a man of unwavering loyalty and indomitable resolve, he dedicates his life to safeguarding England’s interests. With a sharp intellect and an extensive network of spies, Walsingham is driven by a sense of duty to protect the realm from its enemies.

Walsingham’s journey as a spymaster stems from a deep understanding of the precarious political landscape of his time. Recognizing the critical role of intelligence gathering and counterintelligence, he becomes determined to ensure the security and prosperity of his beloved nation. Guided by an unwavering commitment to the Protestant cause and a desire to uphold England’s interests, Walsingham takes it upon himself to dismantle conspiracies and thwart potential threats.

Motivated by an acute awareness of the perils both within and beyond England’s borders, Walsingham immerses himself in the realm of espionage with unmatched zeal. He establishes a sophisticated network of spies that spans across Europe, employing covert agents who operate in secrecy to gather vital information on plots, foreign intrigues, and potential acts of subversion. His methods are cunning, employing codes, ciphers, and undercover operatives to extract valuable intelligence.

Walsingham’s ultimate goal is to safeguard the realm’s survival and prosperity in the face of numerous adversaries. He understands that the fate of the nation rests on his shoulders and spares no effort in his mission to protect England. Whether it entails infiltrating enemy networks, foiling assassination attempts, or uncovering treacherous plots, Walsingham utilizes his intellect and resourcefulness to remain one step ahead of his adversaries.

Though he operates in the shadows, Walsingham’s influence and impact are far-reaching. His unwavering dedication and meticulous attention to detail have earned him the reputation as one of the greatest spymasters in history. His resolute commitment to the realm and his ability to uncover threats make him a formidable force in an era fraught with danger.

In pursuit of his mission, Walsingham encounters countless challenges and makes personal sacrifices. Yet, he remains steadfast, driven by his belief in the greater good and the need to protect England from its enemies. His legacy as a protector and guardian endures, and his contributions to the security and stability of England are legendary.

Sir Francis Walsingham

Medium humanoid (human), lawful neutral

Armor Class 16 (chain shirt)

Hit Points 135 (18d8 + 54)

Speed 30 ft.

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

Saving Throws Int +8, Wis +7

Skills Investigation +8, Perception +7, Insight +7, Deception +6, Persuasion +6

Senses passive Perception 17

Languages Common, Latin, French

Challenge 10 (5,900 XP)

Background: Spy Master. Sir Francis Walsingham has advantage on Intelligence (Investigation) checks and gains expertise in the Investigation skill.

Special Equipment. Sir Francis is equipped with a rapier, a dagger, a chain shirt (under his clothes), and a spyglass.

Spellcasting. Sir Francis Walsingham is a 7th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 16, +8 to hit with spell attacks). Sir Francis has the following wizard spells prepared:

• Cantrips (at will): message, prestidigitation, mage hand, minor illusion
• 1st level (4 slots): charm person, disguise self, detect magic, unseen servant
• 2nd level (3 slots): invisibility, detect thoughts, suggestion
• 3rd level (3 slots): clairvoyance, counterspell, sending
• 4th level (3 slots): locate creature, dimension door

Actions

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

Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage.

Legendary Actions

Sir Francis 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. Sir Francis Walsingham regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

Cantrip. Sir Francis casts a cantrip.

Covert Maneuver (Costs 2 Actions). Sir Francis moves up to his speed without provoking opportunity attacks.

Counterintelligence (Costs 3 Actions). Sir Francis Walsingham makes an Intelligence (Investigation) check contested by a creature’s Dexterity (Stealth) check. If Sir Francis succeeds, he uncovers any hidden or invisible creatures within 60 feet of him.

Reactions

Counter Spell. When a creature within 60 feet of Sir Francis Walsingham casts a spell, he can use his reaction to attempt to counter the spell. Sir Francis makes an ability check using his Intelligence modifier + his proficiency bonus. The DC equals 10 + the spell’s level. On a success, the spell fails and has no effect.

Roleplaying Hooks

• A Web of Secrets: Sir Francis approaches the party with a covert mission, seeking their assistance in uncovering a dangerous plot that threatens the realm. He offers them valuable information, resources, and protection in exchange for their service.
• Political Intrigue: Sir Francis seeks to manipulate the party’s allegiances to serve his own political agenda. He presents them with compelling evidence that challenges their beliefs and forces them to question their loyalties.
• Infiltration and Espionage: Sir Francis enlists the party’s help in infiltrating a rival faction’s stronghold or uncovering a hidden spy network. He equips them with special tools, disguises, and magic items to aid them in their mission.
• Codebreaking and Cryptography: Sir Francis tasks the party with deciphering a complex code or cracking a mysterious cipher. He provides them with ancient tomes, enchanted artifacts, and clues to unravel the secrets hidden within.
• A Sinister Deal: Sir Francis Walsingham approaches the party as a dubious ally, offering information that could bring down a powerful enemy. However, his true motives remain unclear, and the party must decide whether to trust him or delve deeper into the web of deception.
• The Queen’s Watchdog: Sir Francis Walsingham acts as the ever-watchful eye of the crown, monitoring the party’s actions and reporting back to the throne. His presence adds an element of tension and intrigue, as the players must navigate their own goals while being mindful of Walsingham’s surveillance.

Currently in the World

Sir Francis Walsingham stands tall with a lean and imposing figure, his graying hair neatly combed and a stern countenance etched upon his face. His sharp eyes, hidden behind spectacles, constantly scan his surroundings, revealing a keen intellect and a perpetually vigilant nature. Dressed in a well-tailored, dark-colored doublet adorned with the insignia of his office, he carries an air of authority and seriousness.

Currently, Sir Francis Walsingham is seated at a sturdy wooden desk in his private study, a room adorned with shelves filled with books, scrolls, and various documents. The flickering light of candles casts long shadows on the walls, adding an aura of secrecy to the chamber. Papers and quills are scattered across the desk, evidence of his meticulous work in deciphering codes and piecing together intelligence.

His mood is focused and determined, as he carefully reviews reports and letters, piecing together fragments of information in pursuit of threats to the realm. There is a sense of urgency in his demeanor, knowing that the safety and stability of England depend on his astute observations and decisive actions. Though the weight of responsibility rests upon his shoulders, he exudes an unwavering resolve, driven by a deep commitment to protect his nation from internal and external dangers.