George Augustus Selwyn, “The Black Bishop”
George Augustus Selwyn is a cunning and manipulative courtier and politician with a penchant for poison and membership in the Hellfire Club.
- Alias – George Augustus Selwyn, “The Black Bishop”
- Gender – Male
- Race – Human
- Occupation – Courtier, politician, member of the Hellfire Club
- Religion – None
- Allies – Other members of the Hellfire Club, politicians and courtiers who share his views, skilled assassins and spies who carry out his orders
- Enemies – Rival politicians, enemies of the Hellfire Club, anyone who threatens his power and influence
- Abode/Base of operations – A lavish townhouse in London, secret meeting places of the Hellfire Club, various estates and properties throughout England
- Nationality – English
- Languages – English, and Latin and Greek
- Alignment – Neutral Evil
- Affiliation(s) – The Hellfire Club
- Significant others – None, though he is known to have numerous dalliances and affairs with women of high society.
Despite his long tenure, he was not known for his public speaking or active participation in parliamentary debates. Instead, he aligned himself with the King’s ministers, whoever they may be, as a means of securing his financial interests.
George Augustus Selwyn is known to be financially dependent on the sinecure offices and pension that he receives, which covered the costs of bribing the electorate and paying off his gambling debts. Despite this reliance on government positions, he was not considered a particularly influential figure in the political arena.
However, George Augustus Selwyn is well-known for his secret involvement in the supernatural world. He is a practicing necromancer who was rumored to have made deals with devils in order to increase his power and influence. He was a member of the Hellfire Club, a secret society of sorcerers, necromancers and politicians, who used their combined power to manipulate the world of politics and finance to their advantage.
Despite his association with such groups, Selwyn was widely respected for his wealth and status, and was known for his elegance and wit. However, his reputation as a necromancer and member of the Hellfire Club made him a controversial figure, and many feared his influence over the world of magic and politics.
Currently George is in his early forties, well-educated and well-bred, with an aristocratic bearing. In terms of appearance, Selwyn is tall and slender, with a narrow face, sharp features, and pale skin, with well-groomed hair styled in a fashionable manner. Dressed in the finest clothing befitting his status and wealth.
Given his interest in magic and the supernatural, he frequently wears jewelry or other accessories that symbolized his magical abilities or affiliations. He has a snobbish air about him, appearing aloof or detached from those around him.
Overall, Selwyn is a striking figure, easily recognized for his elegance, wealth, and influence, as well as his reputation as a necromancer and member of the Hellfire Club.
George Augustus Selwyn, Courtier and Politician
Medium humanoid (human), neutral evil
Armor Class: 15 (studded leather)
Hit Points: 97 (13d8 + 39)
Speed: 30 ft.
STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
12 (+1) | 18 (+4) | 16 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 20 (+5) |
Saving Throws: Dex +8, Int +5, Wis +4, Cha +9
Skills: Deception +9, Insight +4, Intimidation +9, Persuasion +9
Senses: passive Perception 11
Languages: Common, French, German
Challenge: 7 (2,900 XP)
Actions:
Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.
Poisoned Blade. George Augustus Selwyn’s rapier is laced with a deadly poison that he has concocted himself. Once per day, he can choose to add the poison to his blade, causing an additional 10 (3d6) poison damage on a hit.
Dagger. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d4 + 4) piercing damage.
Pistol. Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d10 + 4) piercing damage.
Legendary Actions:
George 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. George regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.
Parry. George adds 3 to his AC against one melee attack that would hit him. To do so, George must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.
Master Manipulator (Costs 2 actions). George can use his bonus action to make a Deception or Persuasion check against one creature he can see within 30 feet. If he succeeds, he gains advantage on all attacks against that creature until the end of his next turn.
Insightful Strike (Costs 3 actions). George makes a melee weapon attack. If he hits, he deals an extra 7 (2d6) damage and gains insight into the target’s defenses, causing his next attack against the same target to be made with advantage.
Equipment:
Rapier, poisoned blade (1 dose), dagger, pistol, 20 pistol bullets, studded leather armor, noble’s clothes, signet ring, purse containing 75 gp
Description:
George Augustus Selwyn is a well-dressed and well-spoken courtier and politician, always careful to maintain the appearance of respectability. Behind closed doors, however, he is a ruthless and manipulative man who will stop at nothing to advance his own interests. He is constantly scheming and plotting, using his wit and charm to get what he wants. He is particularly fond of using poison to take out his enemies, and is known to have a particular talent for creating deadly concoctions. He is always looking for ways to gain more power and influence, and is not afraid to betray anyone who gets in his way.
Background:
George Augustus Selwyn was born into a wealthy and influential family, and has always been accustomed to the finer things in life. He quickly learned that charm and manipulation were the keys to success in court, and he has honed these skills to a razor sharp edge. He has worked his way up the ranks of politics and court, using his talents to gain the favor of those in power. Despite his reputation as a schemer, many still trust and rely on him, as he has a way of making people feel like they are the only ones who matter. But make no mistake – George Augustus Selwyn is a dangerous man to cross.
Notes:
This stat block is designed for use in a high-level campaign, where George Augustus Selwyn can serve as a powerful political adversary or even the main villain. His use of poison and manipulative abilities make him a formidable opponent, and his legendary actions give him even more versatility in combat. The poisoned blade and pistol reflect his real-life historical context, as a courtier
As an Antagonist
George Augustus Selwyn is a complex and multi-dimensional villain. He is a master of magic and politics, using his abilities to control those around him and further his own power and wealth.
George Augustus Selwyn’s charisma and charm are unmatched, making him a charismatic leader who inspires fear and admiration in equal measure. Despite his charming demeanor, he is a ruthless individual who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. He is known for his cruelty and sadism, taking pleasure in the suffering of others and reveling in his power.
As a member of the Hellfire Club, George Augustus Selwyn has access to a network of sorcerers, necromancers and politicians who use their combined power to manipulate the world to their advantage. He is one of the most influential members of the club and often uses his connections to further his own interests.
In a campaign, George Augustus Selwyn could be the main villain, with a series of intricate plots and schemes aimed at achieving his ultimate goals. He could be the mastermind behind a magical conspiracy that threatens the world, or he could be seeking to unlock ancient and powerful magic that would give him even more power.
Adventurers who face Selwyn will find themselves up against a formidable opponent. His mastery of magic, as well as his cunning and charisma, make him a formidable opponent. To defeat him, the adventurers will need to be smart and resourceful, using their own magic and combat skills to outwit and overpower him.
In the end, Selwyn’s legacy as a villain in the world of Dungeons & Dragons will be remembered for his cunning, charisma, and magical abilities. He will be remembered as a dangerous and powerful individual who left a lasting impact on the world and its inhabitants.