Buy me a coffeeJoshua Norton “Emperor Norton”, AKA ” “Norton I., Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico”.”
“Meet Emperor Norton: The Eccentric Ruler Who Charmed a City!”
Emperor Norton, a fascinating figure in the annals of history, emerges as a man of paradoxical eccentricities and enduring charm. Cloaked in a royal persona of his own making, he strides through the bustling streets of San Francisco, his every proclamation met with an odd blend of amusement and respect from the city’s inhabitants.
Alias: Emperor Norton
Gender: Male
Race: Human
Occupation: Self-Proclaimed Emperor
Religion: Unspecified
Allies: A motley crew of loyal subjects, including local merchants and newspaper editors
Enemies: None, as he is mostly seen as a harmless eccentric
Abode/Base of Operations: The streets of San Francisco, often homeless and residing in boarding houses
Nationality: American
Languages: English
Alignment: Neutral Good
Affiliation(s): None
Significant Others: He never married and remained a bachelor throughout his life.
Emperor Norton, born Joshua Norton, carved an unconventional path through life. He arrived in San Francisco as an aspiring businessman, only to face a series of misfortunes that would eventually lead to his peculiar transformation.
Fearless and resilient, Emperor Norton harbored no qualms about stepping into the spotlight. His actions were driven by a singular vision: to bring joy and unity to a city torn apart by social and economic divides. His quirky proclamations, such as declaring himself Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico, were a testament to his desire to make San Francisco a better place.
Emperor Norton became a beloved figure in the city, and his presence was a reminder that life could be infused with whimsy and kindness. He wandered the streets in a makeshift uniform adorned with military regalia, exuding an air of authority that San Franciscans couldn’t help but embrace. Local businesses accepted his homemade currency, and his proclamations were published in newspapers, providing an ongoing source of amusement for the residents.
Despite his eccentricities, Emperor Norton was driven by a noble goal: to mend the fractures in society and create a city where people from all walks of life could coexist harmoniously. He feared the divisiveness and injustices that plagued his era, and his unconventional actions were his way of combating these issues, albeit in a peculiar and endearing manner.
Emperor Norton’s legacy endures as a testament to the power of individuality, resilience, and the ability to inspire positive change, even in the most unorthodox ways. His story continues to captivate the imagination and serves as a reminder that sometimes, it takes an eccentric emperor to remind us of the importance of unity, compassion, and a touch of whimsy in our lives.
Emperor Norton
orgotten_Characters/large/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5633281
Medium humanoid (human), neutral good
- Armor Class 14 (sturdy clothing)
- Hit Points 66 (12d8 + 12)
- Speed 30 ft.
STR 11 (+0) | DEX 13 (+1) | CON 13 (+1) | INT 15 (+2) | WIS 12 (+1) | CHA 18 (+4)
- Skills Insight +3, Persuasion +7
- Senses passive Perception 11
- Languages Common, Celestial
- Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Special Traits
Eccentric Charisma. Emperor Norton has an aura of eccentric charm that affects creatures within 30 feet of him. Any creature that starts its turn in this aura and can see and hear Emperor Norton must make a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or become charmed for 1 minute. A charmed creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.
Monarch’s Favor. He has the unique ability to issue proclamations that, while legally unenforceable, carry an air of authority. When Emperor Norton issues a proclamation in front of a crowd, he can choose one of the following effects:
- Inspire Unity. Allies within 30 feet gain advantage on saving throws against being frightened, and they can’t be charmed or frightened by hostile creatures.
- Celebrate Eccentricity. Emperor Norton and his allies within 30 feet gain temporary hit points equal to his Charisma modifier at the start of their turns.
- Charismatic Appeal. Allies within 30 feet can reroll a failed saving throw, using Emperor Norton’s Charisma modifier instead of their own, once per turn.
Emperor Norton can use Monarch’s Favor a number of times equal to his Charisma modifier (a minimum of once). He regains expended uses after completing a long rest.
Actions
- Walking Stick. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 1) bludgeoning damage.
- Royal Proclamation (Recharge 5-6). Emperor Norton issues a royal proclamation, making a Charisma (Persuasion) check contested by the Wisdom (Insight) checks of creatures within 60 feet of him. If Emperor Norton succeeds, creatures who fail their Insight checks become charmed by him for 1 minute. Charmed creatures regard Emperor Norton as their benevolent ruler and won’t willingly harm him or his allies. A creature can repeat the Insight check at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.
Reactions
Eccentric Paranoia. When Emperor Norton is targeted by a ranged weapon attack, he can impose disadvantage on the attack roll by brandishing his eccentric attire and drawing attention to himself. Emperor Norton can use this ability a number of times equal to his proficiency bonus, regaining all expended uses after completing a short or long rest.
Royal Decree. When a creature within 30 feet of Emperor Norton succeeds on a saving throw against an effect that would cause it to become charmed or frightened, Emperor Norton can use his reaction to grant that creature temporary hit points equal to his Charisma modifier (minimum of 1) and advantage on its next saving throw against the same effect.
Legendary Actions
Emperor Norton 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. Emperor Norton regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.
- Proclamation (Costs 2 Actions). Emperor Norton uses his Royal Proclamation.
- Inspiring Words (Costs 1 Action). Emperor Norton utters inspiring words, granting one ally within 30 feet advantage on their next attack roll or saving throw.
- Confuse Foe (Costs 1 Action). Emperor Norton confuses a hostile creature within 30 feet by employing eccentric antics. The creature must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or become incapacitated until the end of its next turn.
Equipment
- Sturdy Clothing
- Walking Stick
Roleplaying Notes
Emperor Norton is an eccentric and charismatic character who genuinely believes he is the ruler of his own domain. He is beloved by many in his city, and his proclamations, while not legally binding, carry weight among the citizens. He is known for his eccentric attire and benevolent nature, always seeking to improve the lives of those around him.
Emperor Norton fears discord and strife in his beloved city. He strives to bring unity, kindness, and a sense of community to his subjects. His ultimate goal is to ensure the well-being and happiness of his people, even if his rule exists only in the hearts of those who admire him.
Currently in the World
Emperor Norton cuts an unforgettable figure as he strolls the bustling streets of San Francisco. Clad in a makeshift uniform of military-inspired regalia, he sports a navy blue coat adorned with golden epaulets and a vibrant red sash, cinched at the waist with a golden cord. His chest displays a glistening collection of medals, trinkets, and emblems of his self-proclaimed titles. A tri-cornered hat, resplendent with feathers and decorative pins, crowns his head with an air of authority.
Today, he’s traversing the sunlit boulevards of the city, his boots clicking confidently on the cobblestones. As he meanders, his eyes sparkle with an unceasing sense of purpose, and his lips occasionally break into a benevolent smile. Pedestrians and shopkeepers greet him with nods and laughter, some even curtsying or bowing as they pass by. The city around him buzzes with life, and the cheerful chatter of the people provides a harmonious backdrop to his regal procession.
Emperor Norton’s mood is one of unwavering contentment, as if he knows he has found his true calling in this peculiar role. He waves and offers his blessings to those he encounters, making them feel as if they are a part of his royal court. The warmth and goodwill he radiates are infectious, creating an atmosphere of unity and camaraderie among the diverse residents of San Francisco.