Cesare Borgia, The Duke of Valentinois, The Prince of Rome,

“The Ruthless Renaissance Prince: Unraveling the Dark Secrets of Cesare Borgia!”

• Alias: The Duke of Valentinois, The Prince of Rome,
• Gender: Male
• Race: Human
• Occupation: Statesman, Military Strategist, Diplomat
• Religion: Roman Catholicism
• Allies: Niccolò Machiavelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rodrigo Borgia (father)
• Enemies: Girolamo Savonarola, Giovanni Sforza, Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere
• Abode/Base of Operations: The Papal States, Rome, Italy
• Nationality: Italian
• Languages: Italian, Latin, French
• Alignment: Lawful Evil
• Affiliation(s): House of Borgia, Papal States
• Significant Others: Lucrezia Borgia (sister), Charlotte d’Albret (wife)
• Children: Louise Borgia, Cesare Borgia, Jr.

Cesare Borgia, the enigmatic Renaissance figure, possesses an aura of power and intrigue. With his piercing gaze and calculating mind, he strides through the tumultuous political landscape of 15th-century Italy, leaving a trail of both admiration and fear in his wake. Driven by ambition and a thirst for dominance, Cesare Borgia navigates a treacherous path to shape his destiny and establish his family’s dynasty.

Character Description: Cesare Borgia is a charismatic and cunning individual. Tall and well-built, he carries himself with an air of confidence and authority, effortlessly commanding the attention of those around him. His piercing eyes reflect a depth of intelligence and a strategic mind, always assessing the next move on the intricate chessboard of power. With a silver tongue and an ability to adapt to any situation, Cesare captivates both friends and foes, drawing them into his complex web of manipulation.

Motivations and Ambitions: Driven by a relentless pursuit of power, Cesare Borgia aims to elevate his family, the infamous House of Borgia, to unparalleled heights. Fuelled by a desire for control and influence, he orchestrates political alliances, military conquests, and Machiavellian maneuvers. Cesare’s ambitions extend far beyond personal glory; he seeks to solidify his family’s grip on Italy and secure their place among the most powerful ruling dynasties of the time. Nothing will stand in his way as he methodically dismantles his enemies and navigates the dangerous waters of Italian politics.

Desire for Legacy: Beneath Cesare’s calculating exterior lies a yearning for a lasting legacy. He seeks not only to acquire power in the present but also to shape the future. Cesare aims to establish a dynasty that will endure for generations, leaving an indelible mark on history. Whether through military conquests, diplomatic triumphs, or ruthless intrigue, he yearns to be remembered as a legendary figure whose name will echo through the ages.

Struggles and Inner Conflicts: While Cesare Borgia appears invincible on the surface, he grapples with inner conflicts that threaten to unravel his carefully constructed façade. The weight of his ambition and the moral compromises he must make take their toll, leaving traces of doubt and guilt. Cesare battles with his conscience, questioning the means he employs to achieve his goals and the personal sacrifices he must endure. Yet, his unwavering determination to shape his own destiny pushes him forward, brushing aside any hint of weakness.

Conclusion: Cesare Borgia, a master of political intrigue, possesses the qualities of both a formidable leader and a complex character. With his unwavering ambition, strategic mind, and captivating charisma, he leaves an indelible mark on the annals of history. As he continues his quest for power and legacy, Cesare’s journey is filled with triumphs, sacrifices, and the eternal struggle between the pursuit of greatness and the weight of one’s conscience.

Cesare Borgia, the Machiavellian Conqueror

Medium humanoid (human), lawful evil

Armor Class 18 (plate armor, shield) Hit Points 200 (20d10 + 90) Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
16 (+3)	14 (+2)	16 (+3)	18 (+4)	12 (+1)	20 (+5)

Saving Throws Str +9, Dex +8, Con +9, Int +10, Wis +7, Cha +11 Skills Deception +11, History +10, Intimidation +15, Persuasion +15 Senses passive Perception 11 Languages Common, Italian, Latin Challenge 17 (18,000 XP)

Brilliant Strategist. Cesare has advantage on Intelligence (History) checks related to military tactics and war.

Master Duelist. Cesare adds his Charisma modifier as a bonus to his initiative rolls.

Actions

Multiattack. Cesare makes three attacks: one with his longsword, one with his dagger, and one with his crossbow.

Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (1d8 + 7) slashing damage.

Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d4 + 4) piercing damage.

Hand Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage.

Legendary Actions

Cesare can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Cesare regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

Parry. Cesare 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.

Powerful Presence. Cesare uses his commanding presence to rally his allies. Each creature of his choice within 60 feet of him gains advantage on the next attack roll or saving throw it makes before the start of Cesare’s next turn.

Inspiring Words (Costs 2 Actions). Cesare addresses his allies, granting them temporary hit points equal to 2d10 + his Charisma modifier.

Equipment

• Plate armor
• Shield
• Longsword
• Dagger
• Hand Crossbow
• Signet Ring of the Borgia Family (grants advantage on Charisma checks when dealing with individuals familiar with the Borgia family)
• Borgia Banner (magical banner that instills fear in enemies and grants advantage on Intimidation checks)

Plot Hooks

• The Scheming Prince: Cesare Borgia, the cunning and ambitious prince, approaches the players with a proposition to join his inner circle of trusted advisors. They are tasked with aiding him in his relentless quest for power, maneuvering through treacherous political landscapes, and eliminating rival factions that stand in his way. The players must navigate a web of intrigue, engage in strategic alliances, and devise clever schemes to ensure the Borgia dynasty’s dominance.
• The Pursuit of Power: As Cesare Borgia seeks to expand his influence and conquer new territories, the players are enlisted as his trusted agents. They undertake dangerous missions on behalf of Borgia, ranging from leading military campaigns to securing strategic alliances and eliminating rival leaders. The players must navigate the challenges of war, diplomacy, and covert operations to fulfill Borgia’s ambitious goals.
• The Betrayal of Loyalties: A powerful noble family has turned against Cesare Borgia, accusing him of treachery and seeking to undermine his rule. In a desperate bid to clear his name and regain lost trust, Borgia turns to the players for assistance. The players must unravel a complex conspiracy, gather evidence, and expose the true conspirators, all while navigating the treacherous waters of political intrigue and avoiding deadly traps set by Borgia’s enemies.
• The Quest for the Apple: Rumors of a mythical artifact known as “the Apple” have reached Cesare Borgia’s ears. Believed to possess incredible power, Borgia is determined to obtain it and wield its might for his own purposes. He tasks the players with retrieving the artifact from a hidden temple, guarding against ancient traps, solving cryptic puzzles, and facing formidable guardians. The players must ensure the artifact falls into Borgia’s hands, becoming key players in his pursuit of ultimate power.
• The Battle for Cesare’s Soul: Cesare Borgia is haunted by a dark secret or cursed by a malevolent force that threatens to consume him. Tormented by his past actions, Borgia seeks redemption and freedom from this ominous grip. Recognizing the players’ unique abilities, he enlists their help in breaking free from the curse. Together, they delve into forbidden magic, confront supernatural entities, and uncover ancient rituals that hold the key to Cesare’s salvation or damnation.
• The Revenge of the Rivals: Cesare Borgia’s past actions have created powerful enemies who seek to avenge themselves upon him. The players find themselves as part of Borgia’s trusted circle, acting as his personal bodyguards. They must be constantly vigilant, defending against assassins and foiling assassination plots. As they delve into the motives behind the vendetta, the players discover a hidden world of rival factions, secret societies, and dangerous alliances.
• The Legacy of the Borgia Name: Cesare Borgia is determined to restore honor and dignity to his family’s name, which has been tarnished by rumors, scandals, and dark deeds. Recognizing the players’ skills and resourcefulness, Borgia tasks them with uncovering evidence that will exonerate the Borgia legacy and rewrite history in their favor. The players must navigate treacherous courts, decipher cryptic clues, and engage in political maneuvering to shed light on the truth and reclaim the Borgia name from infamy.
• The Hidden Conspiracy: Cesare Borgia suspects a secret society is working behind the scenes to undermine his rule and destabilize his empire. Recognizing the players’ expertise in espionage and infiltration, he recruits them to infiltrate the society, gather vital information, and expose the conspirators. The players must navigate a labyrinth of clandestine meetings, coded messages, and hidden agendas, ultimately uncovering a vast network of powerful individuals with their own hidden motivations.
• The Renaissance Patron: Cesare Borgia, a patron of the arts, seeks talented individuals to contribute to his cultural projects and enhance his image as a Renaissance prince. Recognizing the players’ artistic abilities, he invites them to showcase their talents in his court. The players must compete against other artists, create masterpieces, and gain favor with Borgia through their creative endeavors. However, they must also navigate the treacherous waters of artistic rivalries, court politics, and the whims of an ever-demanding patron.
• The Road to Infamy: Cesare Borgia desires to be remembered as a legendary figure in history, one whose name echoes through the ages. Recognizing the players’ skills as storytellers and manipulators of public perception, he enlists their aid in orchestrating grand events, shaping the narrative of his life, and ensuring his deeds are immortalized in the annals of history. The players must employ their creativity, strategic thinking, and persuasive abilities to craft a legacy befitting of Borgia’s ambitions, knowing that every action they take will shape his place in history.

Currently in the World

Cesare Borgia is a tall and commanding figure, standing at around 6 feet. He has a lean and athletic build, with a strong presence that demands attention. His dark hair is cut short and neatly styled, complementing his sharp features. His piercing blue eyes hold an intensity that reflects his ambitious and calculating nature. Cesare typically wears luxurious garments adorned with intricate embroidery and jewels, showcasing his wealth and status.

Currently, Cesare Borgia is standing in the grand halls of the Vatican, surrounded by opulent decorations and religious artifacts. The air is thick with the scent of incense, creating an atmosphere of power and reverence. Cesare’s mood is focused and determined, his mind consumed by political intrigue and the pursuit of expanding his family’s influence. His calculating gaze scans the room, observing those around him and strategizing his next move in the intricate web of power and manipulation.