Npc, René d’Aramis de Vannes “Aramis”

René d’Aramis de Vannes “Aramis”

“The Dashing Duelist: Unveiling the Secrets of Aramis, the Master of Wit and Steel!”

• Alias: Aramis
• Gender: Male
• Race: Human
• Occupation: Former Musketeer, Former Priest
• Religion: Catholicism
• Allies: Athos, Porthos, d’Artagnan, Queen Marie of Anjou, Captain Tréville
• Enemies: Milady de Winter, Rochefort, Cardinal Richelieu (at times)
• Abode/Base of operations: Paris, France
• Nationality: French
• Languages: French, Latin
• Alignment: Lawful Good
• Affiliation(s): The Musketeers, The Church
• Significant others: None

Aramis is a learned swordsman and former member of the royal Musketeers, as comfortable before a church altar as in a Paris alley. In 1454 his divided loyalties have become dangerous: Cardinal Richelieu has dissolved the Guard, and Aramis uses religious houses, confessors and scholarly contacts to protect his comrades from the Blue Guard.

Raised in modest circumstances, Aramis possesses an innate curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. From a young age, he was drawn to the sacred scriptures and the mysteries of faith. This longing led him to the priesthood, where he found solace in the divine and sought to serve a higher power. As he dons the robes of a cleric, he carries with him the weight of his beliefs and a desire to bring light and guidance to those around him.

His clerical studies brought him close to abbeys and bishops, but he never abandoned the road or the sword. When the King’s Musketeers were disbanded, Aramis concealed their correspondence among devotional texts and travelled as a scholar. He still fights for Charles VII, though his knowledge of Richelieu’s ecclesiastical allies makes trust difficult.

Aramis seeks the identity of a chaplain who regularly visits a masked prisoner in the Bastille. The trail passes through monasteries beholden to the Cardinal and a Paris bookbinder who has copied the same confession twice. He can offer protection and sanctuary, but only to allies willing to keep the secret from the wrong confessor.

Beyond his dedication to his cause, he is a man of intense passions. His heart is both his strength and his vulnerability. He is drawn to the intricacies of human relationships, forming deep bonds with his fellow musketeers and others he encounters on his journey. He cherishes loyalty and camaraderie, valuing the friendships he forges along the way.

Yet, beneath his composed exterior, there lies a restless spirit. Aramis is haunted by his own internal conflicts, torn between his duty to the church and his thirst for adventure. His pursuit of higher truths often leads him down unexpected paths, testing his faith and challenging his resolve.

Ultimately, Aramis seeks to find harmony between his dual roles as a musketeer and a man of God. He aspires to bridge the divide between the earthly and the divine, merging his physical prowess with his spiritual depth. In doing so, he hopes to discover a sense of fulfillment and purpose that transcends the confines of a single role or identity.

In a world teeming with political intrigue, personal ambitions, and the clash of swords, Aramis stands as a beacon of honor and virtue. His journey is one of self-discovery, a quest for enlightenment and understanding. With each step, he delves deeper into the mysteries of his own soul, grappling with the complexities of his existence and striving to create a legacy that will endure beyond his mortal years.

Aramis, the Dashing Musketeer

Medium humanoid (human), lawful good

Armor Class: 16 (Musketeers attire) Hit Points: 90 (12d8 + 36) Speed: 30 ft.

Saving Throws: Dex +7, Wis +5 Skills: Acrobatics +7, Insight +5, Persuasion +7 Senses: Passive Perception 12 Languages: Common, French Challenge: 6 (2,300 XP)

Actions:

Multiattack. Aramis makes two attacks: one with his rapier and one with his pistol.

• Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) piercing damage.
• Pistol. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range 30/90 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d10 + 5) piercing damage.
• Parry. Aramis adds 3 to his AC against one melee attack that would hit him. To do so, Aramis must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.

Riposte (Recharge 5-6). When a creature misses Aramis with a melee attack, Aramis can use his reaction to make a melee weapon attack against the creature.

Spellcasting. Aramis is a 6th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks). Aramis has the following spells prepared:

• 1st level (4 slots): Command, Cure Wounds, Disguise Self, Heroism, Shield of Faith
• 2nd level (3 slots): Hold Person, Lesser Restoration, Zone of Truth
• 3rd level (3 slots): Dispel Magic, Revivify, Tongues

Equipment:

• Musketeers attire (AC 16)
• Rapier
• Pistol
• Dagger
• Fine Clothes
• Component Pouch
• Thieves’ Tools
• Signet Ring of the King’s Musketeers
• 50 gold pieces

Reactions:

Elegant Maneuver. When a creature Aramis can see within 30 feet of him is hit by an attack, Aramis can use his reaction to expend one use of Bardic Inspiration, adding a d8 to the target’s AC, potentially causing the attack to miss.

Lair Actions:

Courtly Charisma. Aramis can use his legendary actions within 60 feet of a noble or influential figure. He can spend 2 actions to make a Persuasion check with advantage to influence the target’s opinion or gain their favor.

Legendary Actions:

Aramis 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. Aramis regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

• Parry. He makes a parry attack.
• Riposte. He makes a riposte attack.
• Charm Person. Aramis casts the Charm Person spell without expending a spell slot.

CR Calculation: Based on Aramis’ abilities, combat prowess, and resourcefulness, he is estimated to be a challenge rating 6 (2,300 XP) encounter.

This representation of Aramis reflects his skill with the rapier and pistol, his adeptness in courtly manners, and his charm as a charismatic individual.

Currently in the World

Aramis is a tall and handsome man with a commanding presence. He possesses a well-groomed beard and piercing blue eyes that seem to hold both wisdom and mischief. His chestnut hair, usually worn in a neat shoulder-length style, frames his face. He carries himself with an air of confidence and grace, his posture reflecting years of training as a Musketeer.

Currently, he finds himself in a dimly lit study within the walls of a grand abbey. The room is adorned with ancient books, religious artifacts, and flickering candlelight that casts dancing shadows on the walls. Dressed in a simple yet elegant robe, Aramis is engrossed in a scholarly text, his finger tracing the lines as he delves deeper into the wisdom within. There is a serene expression on his face, suggesting a deep sense of contemplation and intellectual curiosity.

His surroundings exude a tranquil and hallowed atmosphere, enhancing Aramis’ introspective mood. The scent of old parchment and incense lingers in the air, creating an ambiance that is both soothing and evocative. As he delves into the pages of knowledge, a sense of purpose emanates from him, driven by his unwavering dedication to his beliefs and the pursuit of greater understanding.