Npc, Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson “Madame de Pompadour, Marquise de Pompadour”

“The Extraordinary Rise of Madame de Pompadour: From Courtesan to Influential Powerbroker, Her Secrets Revealed!”

• Alias – Madame de Pompadour, Marquise de Pompadour
• Gender – Female
• Race – Human
• Occupation – Courtesan, Mistress of the King, Noble, Courtier, Patroness of the Arts
• Religion – Catholic
• Allies – King Louis XV, Jeanne Antoinette Poisson (future Madame du Barry), members of the French court
• Enemies – The Catholic Church, political rivals within the court
• Abode/Base of operations – The Palace of Versailles, Paris
• Nationality – French
• Languages – French, Latin, Italian, English
• Alignment – Neutral Good
• Affiliation(s) – The French court, supporters of King Louis XV
• Significant others – King Louis XV (lover), Charles Guillaume Le Normant d’Étiolles (husband)

Madame de Pompadour, born Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, is a prominent figure in 18th century France. She is known for her wit, charm, and beauty, and has become one of the most famous mistresses of King Louis XV.

As a young woman, Madame de Pompadour uses her charm to enter the Parisian court and becomes a lady-in-waiting to the Queen. However, she is quickly dismissed due to her father’s scandalous reputation. Undeterred, she begins to frequent salons and cultivate friendships with artists and writers. She catches the eye of King Louis XV at a masked ball, and becomes his official mistress shortly thereafter.

Madame de Pompadour uses her position to promote the arts and sciences, becoming a patron of artists, musicians, and philosophers. She commissions works from some of the most prominent artists of her time, including Francois Boucher, and helps establish the French porcelain industry.

However, she is not content with simply being a mistress and a patron of the arts. She is ambitious and uses her intelligence and charm to influence the king’s decisions, often acting as an unofficial advisor. She works to secure political alliances and promote French interests abroad, and becomes a key figure in the French court.

Madame de Pompadour is not without her enemies, however. She faces opposition from some of the more conservative members of the court who view her as an upstart, and her position as the king’s mistress puts her at odds with his wife, Queen Marie Leszczyńska. Despite this, she remains a powerful figure in the court until her death at the age of 42.

Madame de Pompadour

Medium humanoid (human), neutral good

Armor Class: 14 (noble’s clothing)

Hit Points: 90 (20d8)

Speed: 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
10 (+0)	14 (+2)	10 (+0)	16 (+3)	14 (+2)	20 (+5)

Skills: History +7, Insight +6, Persuasion +9

Senses: passive Perception 12

Languages: French, Latin, Italian, English

Challenge Rating: 10 (5,900 XP)

Background: Noble

Equipment:

Fine clothing (100 gp) Perfume (25 gp) Poisoned Needle (25 gp) Hand mirror (5 gp) Fan (1 gp)

Perfume of seduction (magical item): Three times per day, Madame de Pompadour can apply this perfume to herself, granting her advantage on Charisma checks for the next hour.

Traits:

Noble Birth. She is a noble by birth, and is accustomed to a life of luxury and privilege. She is used to being treated with deference and respect, and expects others to do the same.

Courtly Graces. Madame de Pompadour is well-versed in the social graces of court, and knows how to flatter, charm, and manipulate those around her. She has advantage on all Charisma checks made to influence or persuade others in a social setting.

Charming Presence. Madame de Pompadour adds her Charisma modifier to her AC and saving throws against spells and magical effects.

Actions:

• Poisoned Needle. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d4+5) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 hour.
• Fan. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) slashing damage.
• Vicious Mockery (2/day). Madame de Pompadour utters a biting insult, targeting one creature within 60 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or take 10 (2d4 + 5) psychic damage and have disadvantage on the next attack roll it makes before the end of its next turn.
• Persuasive Words. Madame de Pompadour can use her action to speak persuasively to one creature within 30 feet of her that can understand her. The target must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by Madame de Pompadour for 1 hour.
• Seductive Gaze. Madame de Pompadour targets one creature within 30 feet of her that can see her. The target must succeed on a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or become charmed by Madame de Pompadour for 1 minute. While charmed in this way, the target idolizes Madame de Pompadour, and any hostile actions against her require the target to make a Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the target must choose a new target or lose the attack or spell.

Legendary Actions:

Madame de Pompadour 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. Madame de Pompadour regains spent legendary actions at the start of her turn.

• Flattery. Madame de Pompadour targets one creature within 30 feet of her that can see and hear her. She speaks highly of the creature, granting it advantage on its next attack roll, ability check, or saving throw.
• Entourage. Madame de Pompadour calls upon her entourage to aid her. Two of her loyal servants appear within 30 feet of her, ready to do her bidding.
• Courtier’s Charm Madame de Pompadour uses her incredible charisma to charm a creature within 60 feet. The creature must succeed on a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by Madame de Pompadour for 1 hour.

Lair Actions:

Madame de Pompadour has the following lair actions:

• Entertain Guests. (Costs 1 Action) Madame de Pompadour can summon a group of musicians and performers to entertain her guests, granting them temporary hit points equal to her Charisma modifier + her noble level.
• Courtier’s Presence (Costs 2 Actions). Madame de Pompadour draws upon her courtly training to grant herself and her allies within 30 feet advantage on all Charisma checks and saving throws until the end of her next turn.
• Diplomatic Overture (Costs 3 Actions). Madame de Pompadour can send an envoy to a nearby kingdom or faction to initiate diplomatic relations, possibly averting a conflict or gaining an ally.

Plot Hooks

• The King’s Confidante: Madame de Pompadour seeks trustworthy individuals to carry out secret missions on behalf of King Louis XV. Will the players prove themselves loyal and capable enough to become her trusted agents?
• The Grand Salon: The players receive an invitation to Madame de Pompadour’s renowned salon, where they can mingle with influential artists, intellectuals, and nobles. Can they make a lasting impression and gain favor in the court?
• The Artistic Commission: Madame de Pompadour commissions the players, skilled artisans or performers, to create a masterpiece for the royal court. Will they meet her high expectations and gain recognition for their talents?
• The Jealous Rival: A jealous courtier plots to undermine Madame de Pompadour’s influence. The players are tasked with uncovering the plot and protecting her from harm. Can they outwit the cunning rival and ensure her safety?
• The Royal Ball: Madame de Pompadour organizes an extravagant masquerade ball, and the players are invited as esteemed guests. Amidst the glitz and glamour, hidden agendas and intrigues unfold. Can they navigate the complexities of court politics and uncover hidden alliances?
• The Diplomatic Mission: The players are chosen as ambassadors to accompany Madame de Pompadour on a delicate diplomatic mission to a foreign court. Will they successfully negotiate alliances and secure the interests of France?
• The Royal Portrait: Madame de Pompadour selects the players as subjects for a prestigious royal portrait. As they spend time in her presence, they gain insight into her life and ambitions. Will they uncover any secrets or hidden motives behind her gracious facade?
• The Forbidden Love: One of the players becomes entangled in a clandestine romance with Madame de Pompadour or a member of her inner circle. Can they navigate the complexities of a secret affair and keep their love hidden from prying eyes?
• The Fashion Consultation: Madame de Pompadour seeks the players’ advice on fashion trends and style. They have the opportunity to shape the latest fashion trends and gain influence in the court’s sartorial circles.
• The Literary Salon: Madame de Pompadour invites the players to participate in a literary salon, where they can present their written works or engage in intellectual debates. Will they impress her with their wit and intellectual prowess?

Currently in the World

Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, known as Madame de Pompadour, Marquise de Pompadour, is an elegant and refined woman with a graceful presence. She is of average height, with a slender figure adorned in fashionable attire that highlights her beauty. Her porcelain complexion is complemented by soft, golden curls cascading down to her shoulders. She possesses enchanting blue eyes that captivate those who gaze upon her, and her lips bear a perpetual hint of a warm and welcoming smile.

Currently, Madame de Pompadour finds herself in the opulent chambers of the Palace of Versailles, surrounded by lavish furnishings and exquisite works of art. The air is filled with an air of sophistication and refinement, reflecting her refined taste and position as the official mistress of the King of France. She sits at a beautifully adorned writing desk, a quill in hand, gracefully composing a letter to a prominent diplomat, skillfully weaving words to exert her influence and further her political ambitions.

Despite her composed appearance, Madame de Pompadour’s mind is constantly at work, navigating the treacherous waters of court intrigue and political maneuvering. She possesses a sharp intellect and an acute understanding of the power dynamics that govern the royal court. While she exudes an air of confidence and poise, there is a hint of weariness in her eyes, a reflection of the burdens she carries in her role as a confidante and advisor to the king.

Madame de Pompadour’s mood is one of determination and calculated charm. She is driven by a desire to secure her position at court, protect her influence, and elevate her family’s standing. She recognizes the delicate balance she must maintain, charming and manipulating those around her to achieve her objectives while navigating the perils of courtly life. Behind her captivating smile lies a shrewd and ambitious woman, capable of using her wit and charm to shape the destiny of a nation.