Lucrezia Borgia — Duchess & Diplomat

Borgia · Duchess · Diplomat · Court Power

Lucrezia Borgia is a diplomat, noblewoman and dynastic power whose reputation is useful precisely because other people think they already understand her. She listens carefully, remembers insults, protects the people she chooses as hers and knows that a marriage contract, household appointment or rumour can move armies without drawing a sword.

Explore: Italian NPCs · Rome · Roman States · Cesare Borgia · Lorenzo de’ Medici

• Alias: Lucrezia Borgia
• Gender: Female
• Race: Human
• Occupation: Noblewoman, Diplomat
• Religion: Roman temple cults
• Allies: Cesare Borgia (brother), Rodrigo Borgia, the Golden Pontiff (father), Borgia family members, influential Italian nobles
• Enemies: Rival noble families, political adversaries, enemies of the Borgia family
• Abode/Base of Operations: Various palaces and residences in Italy, including the Sacred College precincts in Rome
• Nationality: Italian
• Languages: Italian, Latin
• Alignment: (Lawful Evil)Ambitious, Manipulative, Strategic
• Affiliation(s): Borgia family, Roman States
• Significant Others: Giovanni Sforza (first husband), Alfonso of Aragon (second husband), Alfonso d’Este (third husband), various rumored romantic liaisons

Lucrezia Borgia, a captivating and enigmatic figure of the Renaissance, possesses an allure that both beguiles and intrigues those who cross her path. With flowing raven locks framing her delicate features, she exudes an air of elegance and mystery that hides the depths of her ambitions. As a member of the powerful Borgia family, Lucrezia has been thrust into a world of political machinations and familial alliances, where power is both a coveted prize and a dangerous weapon.

From a young age, Lucrezia has been groomed to play a pivotal role in her family’s grand design. Raised under the watchful eyes of her father, Rodrigo Borgia, the Golden Pontiff, and her brother, Cesare Borgia, she has been shaped into a cunning and resourceful woman. However, beneath her carefully crafted facade lies a yearning for autonomy and control over her own destiny.

Driven by a desire to secure the Borgia dynasty’s influence, Lucrezia wields her charms and intellect as weapons, navigating the treacherous waters of courtly life and manipulating those around her. Her motivations are a complex blend of loyalty to her family, a hunger for power, and a longing for genuine love and companionship amidst a sea of political alliances.

While her family’s notoriety often precedes her, Lucrezia seeks to transcend the limitations imposed by her name and reputation. She longs to be recognized as an individual of substance, breaking free from the shadows cast by her family’s misdeeds. With a keen intellect and a shrewd understanding of the delicate balance of power, Lucrezia maneuvers through the tumultuous landscape of Renaissance Italy, strategically aligning herself with influential figures and engaging in subtle acts of manipulation to further her own agenda.

In her pursuit of autonomy and significance, Lucrezia’s journey is fraught with both triumphs and sacrifices. Behind the elegance and grace, she is a complex character driven by an insatiable hunger for power, love, and personal agency. Lucrezia Borgia is a woman who defies expectations and challenges the constraints imposed upon her by society, determined to carve her own path in a world dominated by men and defined by treachery.

Game Statistics

D&D 5.5e — Lucrezia Borgia

Medium humanoid (human), lawful evil

Armor Class: 15 (studded leather) Hit Points: 130 (20d8 + 40) Speed: 30 ft.

Saving Throws: Dexterity +8, Wisdom +6, Charisma +10
Skills: Deception +10, Insight +6, Persuasion +10
Senses: Passive Perception 12
Languages: Common, Italian
Challenge: 9 (5,000 XP)

Actions

Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.

Poisoned Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d4 + 4) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Enthralling Beauty (Recharge 5-6). Lucrezia casts an enchanting gaze upon a creature she can see within 30 feet of her. The creature must make a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or become charmed for 1 minute. While charmed, the target idolizes Lucrezia and will do anything she commands.

Reactions

Parry. When a creature hits Lucrezia with a melee attack, she can use her reaction to expend one superiority die and subtract the number rolled from the attack’s damage roll.

Legendary Actions

Lucrezia 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. Lucrezia regains spent legendary actions at the start of her turn.

Command. Lucrezia uses her Enthralling Beauty ability.

Distracting Whisper. Lucrezia whispers words of manipulation and deception, causing a target within 60 feet of her to make a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the target has disadvantage on its next attack roll or ability check.

Strategic Retreat. Lucrezia disengages from melee combat and moves up to her movement speed without provoking opportunity attacks.

Court Actions

On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), when Lucrezia is in a court, palace, embassy or household where she has established influence, she can use one of the following Court Actions:

Lingering Charisma. Lucrezia exudes an aura of charm and allure. Each creature of her choice within 60 feet of her must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the creature is charmed by Lucrezia for 1 minute.

Venomous Ambush. Lucrezia summons a swarm of poisonous snakes in an unoccupied space within 60 feet of her. The swarm immediately attacks any creature of her choice within its reach, dealing 14 (4d6) piercing damage on a hit.

Aura of Deception. Lucrezia creates an illusory effect within 60 feet of her, causing all creatures in that area to have disadvantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks for 1 minute.

Equipment

• Rapier
• Poisoned dagger (2)
• Courtly attire
• A vial of poison
• Signet ring of House Borgia (magical item, allows Lucrezia to cast the Friends cantrip)

Description: Lucrezia Borgia is an enchanting and manipulative noblewoman, with striking beauty and a cunning intellect. She is dressed in elegant courtly attire, exuding an air of regal confidence. Currently, she is strategizing her next move in a lavish chamber adorned with luxurious furnishings. Her mood is calculated and composed, a smile playing at the corners of her lips as she contemplates the intricate web of power and deception she weaves.

Plot Hooks

• The Forbidden Heiress: Lucrezia Borgia, the young and vibrant daughter of Rodrigo Borgia, the Golden Pontiff, seeks the players’ help in escaping her arranged marriage to secure true love and autonomy. She has grown tired of being a pawn in her family’s political games and longs for a life of passion and independence. The players must navigate the treacherous web of political alliances and rivalries, ensuring Lucrezia’s safety and freedom while keeping her true desires hidden from her powerful and controlling family.
• The Poisoned Consort: Dark whispers echo through the corridors of power, suggesting a plot to poison Lucrezia Borgia. The players, trusted confidants of the Borgia family, are tasked with investigating these rumors and protecting Lucrezia from harm. They must delve into the shadowy world of court intrigue, seeking out potential enemies and untangling a complex web of motives. Time is of the essence as they race against the ticking clock to identify the culprit and prevent the unthinkable.
• The Dark Machinations: Lucrezia Borgia, a woman of intelligence and ambition, enlists the players to aid her in securing her family’s power and influence. They become key players in a dangerous game of politics and strategy, maneuvering through the treacherous world of Renaissance Italy. The players must navigate shifting alliances, uncover hidden agendas, and engage in both subtle diplomacy and bold actions to further Lucrezia’s goals while avoiding the pitfalls that surround her infamous family.
• The Hidden Diary: While exploring an old family estate or ancient library, the players stumble upon a hidden diary belonging to Lucrezia Borgia. Filled with cryptic entries and secrets, the diary becomes an enigma waiting to be unraveled. The players embark on a quest to decipher its contents, uncovering a hidden treasure, a long-lost family secret, or a revelation that could rewrite history. Their journey takes them through perilous locations, tests their wits, and exposes them to the depths of Lucrezia’s desires and fears.
• The Legacy of Infamy: Determined to redeem her tarnished reputation, Lucrezia Borgia seeks to prove herself as a capable ruler and compassionate leader. She enlists the players as her trusted advisors, tasking them with helping her undertake charitable deeds, diplomatic missions, and acts of kindness to change public perception and rebuild her legacy. The players must navigate the complexities of courtly life, appease the wary nobles, and counter the whispers of scandal that still haunt Lucrezia’s name.
• The Art of Seduction: Lucrezia Borgia, renowned for her beauty and allure, enlists the players to aid her in a game of seduction and manipulation. Drawing upon their diverse skills and talents, the players become integral to her plans of winning the hearts and minds of influential figures. They navigate courtly intrigue, scandalous affairs, and rival suitors, using their charm, wit, and cunning to secure alliances, gather information, and further Lucrezia’s political agenda.
• The Family Curse: Legends and whispers speak of a dark curse that haunts Lucrezia Borgia and her descendants. The players embark on a perilous journey to lift the curse, traveling through haunted places, facing supernatural entities, and uncovering long-forgotten secrets. Their quest leads them to ancient rituals, forbidden knowledge, and moral dilemmas as they seek to free Lucrezia and her family from the dark forces that have plagued them for generations.
• The Betrayal of Trust: A trusted confidant and ally of Lucrezia Borgia has betrayed her, jeopardizing her safety, reputation, and the stability of her family. The players are tasked with uncovering the traitor’s identity and motives, delving deep into the secrets and conspiracies that surround Lucrezia. They must navigate a treacherous landscape of betrayal, shifting loyalties, and personal vendettas, all while ensuring Lucrezia’s survival and preserving the fragile balance of power that keeps her family in control.