François Grimaldi (“the Cunning”), the Eternal Sovereign of Monaco

“Meet François Grimaldi, the Cunning Monarch of Deception, who seized a kingdom with a monk’s disguise, held it for centuries through secret heirs, and still rules in the shadows of Monaco’s storied past!”

• Alias: François Grimaldi
• Gender: Male
• Race: Human
• Occupation: Master of Intrigue and Monarch
• Religion: Varied (Adapts for Political Expediency)
• Allies: Secret Networks, Political Operatives
• Enemies: Rival Nobility, Those Uncovering the Deception
• Abode/Base of Operations: Hidden Chambers within Monaco
• Nationality: Monaco
• Languages: French, Italian, Latin (for Disguises)
• Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
• Affiliation(s): Grimaldi Dynasty (Secretly Pulling the Strings)
• Significant Others: Wife (Marriage for Political Leverage)

François Grimaldi, a master of intrigue, presides over the enigmatic realm of Monaco with a presence that transcends the ages. Born into a legacy of power, he navigates the complex tapestry of political machinations with a blend of cunning and charisma. Fearless in the face of uncertainty, François conceals his true ambitions behind a veil of charm, each calculated move echoing his unwavering desire for perpetual influence.

Draped in regal attire, François moves through hidden chambers, an eternal guardian of a mystical artifact that grants him immortality. His gaze, both piercing and wise, betrays the weight of centuries. In the pursuit of secrecy, he pores over arcane texts, unraveling the threads of time to maintain the illusion of his rule.

François fears the exposure of his true nature, a vulnerability that could shatter the carefully crafted façade. Yet, the perpetual dance of political subterfuge propels him forward. His every action, every hidden maneuver, is driven by the desire to perpetuate the legacy of the Grimaldi dynasty, an intricate game where he stands as the eternal puppeteer.

Within the concealed heart of Monaco, François Grimaldi aims for more than mere survival. His ambitions extend beyond the mortal coil, weaving a tale of immortality and influence that echoes through the corridors of time. In this dance between shadow and power, François strives to achieve a destiny entwined with the very essence of the principality he calls home.

François Grimaldi, Master of Monaco

Medium humanoid (human), neutral evil

Armor Class 16 (mage armor, ring of protection)
Hit Points 144 (17d8 + 68)
Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
12 (+1)	14 (+2)	18 (+4)	20 (+5)	16 (+3)	22 (+6)

Saving Throws DEX +6, INT +9, WIS +7, CHA +10
Skills Deception +10, Insight +7, Persuasion +10
Senses Passive Perception 13
Languages French, Italian, Latin, Thieves’ Cant
Challenge 12 (8,400 XP)

Eternal Charm. François Grimaldi is proficient in Charisma saving throws and has advantage on Charisma-based skill checks.

Innate Cunning. François Grimaldi has advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened.

Actions

Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.

Enigmatic Manipulation (Recharge 5-6). François Grimaldi targets one creature he can see within 60 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed for 1 minute. While charmed, the creature is under François’ influence and regards him as a trusted ally.

Mystic Illusion (3/Day). François Grimaldi casts major image without expending a spell slot.

Legendary Actions

François Grimaldi 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. François regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

• Dagger Attack. François makes a dagger attack.
• Evasive Maneuver. François uses the Disengage action and moves up to half his speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
• Charming Presence (Costs 2 Actions). François uses Enigmatic Manipulation.

Equipment

• Dagger
• Robes of Elegance
• Ring of Protection
• Talisman of Immortality (Artifact): Grants François Grimaldi immortality. If separated from the talisman, he loses his immortality until it is recovered.

Lair Actions

On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), François Grimaldi takes a lair action to cause one of the following effects:

• Mystic Shroud. François obscures the area with illusions, granting him and his allies advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks until initiative count 20 on the next round.
• Illusory Distraction. François creates illusory duplicates of himself, causing attacks against him to have disadvantage until initiative count 20 on the next round.

Regional Effects

The region containing Monaco is warped by François Grimaldi’s magical influence, creating the following effects:

• Mystical Aura. Creatures within 1 mile of Monaco find it difficult to discern the truth from illusions, imposing disadvantage on Intelligence (Investigation) checks.
• Influence of the Immortal. Local rulers may unknowingly be swayed by François’ charm, acting in ways that align with his goals.

Roleplaying Notes: François Grimaldi is a master of deception, wielding charm and mysticism to achieve his immortal ambitions. His actions are calculated, and his true motives remain hidden behind layers of illusion. Players may find themselves entangled in a web of political intrigue as they navigate the enigmatic ruler’s schemes.

Talisman of Immortality

Talisman of Immortality (Artifact): This ancient relic, intricately crafted and adorned with mystic symbols, is the source of François Grimaldi’s enduring immortality. Passed down through generations, its origins are shrouded in mystery, whispered to be a gift from otherworldly entities or a creation of long-forgotten arcane masters. The talisman radiates a subtle, otherworldly glow, and its surface bears the weight of centuries in the form of delicate, etched engravings.

Properties:

• Immortal Essence: While attuned to the Talisman of Immortality, François Grimaldi is immune to the effects of aging, disease, and magical attempts to alter his lifespan. His existence is untethered from the relentless march of time.
• Symbiotic Bond: François shares an unbreakable bond with the talisman. If separated from it, he loses the benefits of immortality until the artifact is recovered. The talisman has an innate connection to François, guiding those attuned to its energies to seek out their immortal master.
• Warding Aura: The talisman emits a protective aura that grants François advantage on saving throws against spells and effects that target his life force. Additionally, the aura provides him with advantage on checks to resist being banished to other planes.
• Mystic Resonance: The Talisman of Immortality resonates with the magical energies of Monaco, enhancing François Grimaldi’s innate spellcasting abilities. Spells cast by him within the principality’s borders are subtly empowered, their effects intensified.

Awakening the Talisman: To unlock the full potential of the Talisman of Immortality, François must perform a ritual within the heart of Monaco, channeling the essence of the principality itself. This ritual involves communing with the artifact in a secret chamber hidden deep within Monaco’s ancient walls, where the convergence of magic and history breathes life into the talisman’s dormant powers.

Vulnerabilities: While the Talisman of Immortality offers unparalleled advantages, it is not without vulnerabilities. If targeted by specific anti-magic or dispelling effects, the talisman’s protective properties may temporarily wane, leaving François susceptible to the ravages of time until the artifact’s magic is restored.

Legends and Whispers: Throughout the ages, legends and whispers have circulated about the origins of the Talisman of Immortality. Some claim it was a gift bestowed by benevolent spirits, while others speak of a pact with mysterious entities that transcends the mortal coil. Regardless of its true origins, the talisman remains a symbol of François Grimaldi’s enduring rule and the mystical bond that ties him to the destiny of Monaco.

Currently in the World

In the clandestine chambers of Monaco, François Grimaldi, a figure draped in regal attire, stands amidst the soft glow of ancient manuscripts. His lean frame is adorned in deep burgundy and rich velvet, a nod to both opulence and secrecy. A finely groomed beard frames his face, adding an air of sophistication to his hazel eyes—eyes that carry the weight of centuries.

At this moment, François is engrossed in the study of arcane texts, the pages of which whisper the secrets of immortality. His expression is one of focused intensity, as if unraveling the threads of time itself. The air is thick with the scent of aged parchment and the faint hum of the mystical artifact that grants him eternal life.

The surroundings, adorned with tapestries bearing the Grimaldi crest, create an atmosphere steeped in history. Shadows dance upon the shelves housing volumes of hidden knowledge, adding to the mystique of the concealed sanctum. The room is a testament to the enduring secrecy that has defined François’ existence.

François’ mood is a delicate balance—satisfaction from maintaining the centuries-old charade and a perpetual vigilance, a recognition of the precarious nature of his rule. As he stands amidst the hallowed halls of Monaco’s hidden chambers, François Grimaldi embodies the enigma of an immortal ruler, forever entwined with the mystic energies that course through the veins of the principality.