Buy me a coffeeEmperor Jingtai of Ming, also known as Zhu Qiyu, the Betrayer of the Crown Prince.
“Emperor Jingtai of Ming: A Tale of Betrayal, Ambition, and a Stolen Throne!”
- Alias: Emperor Jingtai of Ming, also known as Zhu Qiyu, the Betrayer of the Crown Prince.
- Gender: Male
- Race: Human
- Occupation: Usurper and former Emperor of the Ming Dynasty
- Religion: Buddhism (used for political purposes)
- Allies: Manipulative courtiers and advisors who helped him seize the throne, ruthless generals, corrupt officials.
- Enemies: Loyalists of his older brother Crown Prince Yihuan, rebels seeking to restore the rightful heir to the throne, those who suffered under his oppressive rule.
- Abode/ Base of operations: The Forbidden City in Beijing, China, was the heart of his tyrannical regime.
- Nationality: Chinese
- Languages: Classical Chinese, Mandarin, various regional dialects.
- Alignment: Lawful Evil
- Affiliation(s): The Ming Dynasty (although he betrayed its principles and values)
- Significant others: Empress Xiaozhuang, whom he used as a pawn to solidify his claim to the throne but ultimately disregarded her as a mere political tool.
Description: Emperor Jingtai of Ming was once a prince who harbored dark ambitions and ruthless intentions. In his insatiable quest for power, he plotted to eliminate his older brother, Crown Prince Yihuan, and claim the throne for himself. Cunning and devious, he conspired with treacherous advisors and unscrupulous generals to orchestrate an ambush that would ensure the Crown Prince’s demise.
Upon the successful execution of his wicked plan, Emperor Jingtai ascended to the throne through betrayal and deceit. He proclaimed himself the ruler of the Ming Dynasty, but his reign was tainted by the blood of his own kin and the treachery that led to his rise.
As the ruler of the empire, Emperor Jingtai wielded his power with a cold heart and a callous disregard for the welfare of his people. He ruled with an iron fist, suppressing any form of dissent and crushing opposition through fear and intimidation.
The once-great Ming Dynasty, once a beacon of culture and prosperity, suffered under his oppressive rule. The people lived in constant fear, and those who dared to question his authority faced dire consequences.
Emperor Jingtai’s betrayal had consequences beyond the palace walls. Loyalists of Crown Prince Yihuan, fueled by righteous anger and a desire to restore the rightful heir to the throne, rallied against the usurper. Rebels and dissenters emerged, seeking to overthrow the tyrant and free the empire from his malevolent grasp.
Yet, Emperor Jingtai was a master manipulator, skillfully quelling dissent and silencing his enemies. He surrounded himself with a network of spies and informants, always staying one step ahead of his opponents. His cunning actions left a trail of chaos and suffering in their wake.
In the end, it was the combined forces of justice and valor that would challenge the wicked emperor’s reign. The clash of wills and swords would determine the fate of the Ming Dynasty, as the empire stood on the precipice of a profound and historical turning point.
Emperor Jingtai, the Betrayer of the Crown Prince, would forever be remembered as a dark stain on the annals of history—a man whose lust for power led to the ultimate betrayal, plunging a once-great empire into darkness and turmoil.
Emperor Jingtai of Ming
Emperor Jingtai of Ming Medium humanoid (human), lawful evil
Armor Class 16 (breastplate) Hit Points 250 (20d12 + 120) Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 18 (+4) | 16 (+3) | 20 (+5) | 20 (+5) |
Saving Throws Wis +10, Cha +10 Skills Insight +10, Persuasion +10, Deception +10, History +8 Senses passive Perception 15 Languages Common, Classical Chinese Challenge 20 (25,000 XP)
Actions
Multiattack. Emperor Jingtai makes two attacks with his imperial dao.
Imperial Dao. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (1d8 + 6) slashing damage.
Imperial Command. Emperor Jingtai can use his action to issue a command to one creature within 60 feet that can understand him. The creature must succeed on a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by Emperor Jingtai for 1 minute. While charmed in this way, the creature regards Jingtai as its trusted ally and will follow his commands to the best of its ability.
Reactions
Parry. Emperor Jingtai adds 4 to his AC against one melee attack that would hit him. To do so, he must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.
Lair Actions
On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Emperor Jingtai can take a lair action to cause one of the following effects:
- Ensnaring Shadow. Shadows coalesce around a creature within 60 feet of Jingtai. The target must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving throw or be restrained by the shadows for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.
- Vexing Whispers. Jingtai whispers dark secrets into the minds of all creatures within 30 feet of him. Each creature must make a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. The creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.
Legendary Actions
Emperor Jingtai 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. He regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.
- Attack. Emperor Jingtai makes one imperial dao attack.
- Imperial Order. Emperor Jingtai uses his Imperial Command ability.
- Shadow Step (Costs 2 Actions). Emperor Jingtai magically teleports up to 60 feet to an unoccupied space he can see.
Equipment
- Imperial Dao (magically enhanced)
- Breastplate
- Imperial Crown (grants advantage on Charisma checks when dealing with subjects)
- Imperial Scepter (functions as a +1 mace)
Description
Emperor Jingtai of Ming, once a respected and benevolent ruler, has fallen to the darkness of ambition and betrayal. His eyes, once filled with kindness, now hold a cold and calculating gaze that betrays his true intentions. Dressed in the finest regal attire, the weight of the crown rests heavy on his brow, a symbol of his corrupt reign.
Motivation
Emperor Jingtai’s lust for power has driven him to commit heinous acts, including plotting the ambush of his own brother, the Crown Prince, to secure the throne for himself. Consumed by ambition and paranoia, he seeks to retain his hold on the empire by any means necessary, resorting to manipulation, deceit, and even dark magic.
Background
Once a beloved prince, Jingtai was overshadowed by the Crown Prince’s popularity. Driven by envy and a desire for the throne, he conspired with dark forces to orchestrate his brother’s downfall. The throne now rightfully his, he struggles to maintain control, haunted by the ghosts of his past actions.
Personality
Emperor Jingtai is a master manipulator, skilled in using charm and persuasion to bend others to his will. Behind his facade of authority lies a deeply insecure and vengeful man, haunted by the guilt and fear of his past deeds.
Currently in the World
Emperor Jingtai of Ming stands tall with an imposing figure, his once youthful appearance now marred by the weight of his malevolence. His eyes, once bright and curious, now hold a cold and calculating gaze that betrays his true nature. The years of treachery and deceit have etched deep lines on his face, reflecting the burden of his dark ambitions.
Currently, he sits upon the throne in the opulent halls of the Forbidden City, the seat of his oppressive rule. The grandeur of the surroundings is a stark contrast to the sinister aura that pervades the air. Servants and courtiers bustle about, but their footsteps echo with an underlying tension, a reminder of the fear that grips them in the presence of their malevolent ruler.
His mood is one of constant vigilance, for he knows that his grip on power is tenuous at best. Paranoia lurks in the depths of his heart, and he constantly watches for signs of dissent or betrayal from those around him. Every whisper, every sidelong glance, sets him on edge, ready to extinguish any threats to his dominion.
As he surveys his realm from the palace windows, he can’t help but feel a sense of emptiness, despite his grand achievements. The weight of the crown rests heavy on his head, and the throne room, once a symbol of authority, now feels like a gilded prison.
Amidst the trappings of his station, Emperor Jingtai is plagued by haunting visions of the past—the face of his slain brother, the Crown Prince, haunting his dreams like a ghost seeking vengeance. Guilt gnaws at him, but his ambition drives him to suppress any remnants of remorse.
In the pursuit of power, he has forsaken family bonds and honor, becoming a puppet master in a grand game of deceit and manipulation. The empire he sought to control now controls him, entwining him in a web of lies and treachery.
Emperor Jingtai’s physical presence may command respect, but it is his twisted mind and heart that truly define him. With each passing moment, he clings desperately to his ill-gotten throne, knowing that his own actions have sowed the seeds of his downfall. The once-proud empire under his rule now stands on the precipice of rebellion and chaos, and he can feel the ground shifting beneath his feet.
In the end, Emperor Jingtai stands alone in his tower of power, surrounded by enemies and shadows. The grand halls may be adorned with riches, but they cannot fill the void in his soul—the emptiness of a man consumed by ambition and betrayal.