Bonus Day: Swords of the Serpentine - Erika Santambrogio, matriarch

Yes, there is a bonus day - I felt the party needed their evil grandmother. Strictly speaking, I think she'd best be an NPC, and therefore would follow different rules. But hey, I like the idea of fleshing her out a bit. So, let's see how Erika Santambrogio, Matriarch of the Santambrogio family ticks.

When I picture her (making cutting remarks directed at Tri), she is Abrasive, Manipulative, and Demanding. Without a doubt, she is a Proud woman and has a mean, Cynical streak a mile wide. Not a pleasant person to be around, and I would recommend to her grandkids to keep as far away as possible. Best in Life in her opinion are:

• Getting what you want without having to tell anyone.
• Making your idiot grandchildren face reality.
• Honey-laced ice cream

As for the rest, since I stat her as a starting character I have to cut some things here and there. The sheet later will be the beginner PC status, I will, however, mention in [] brackets where I think she'd have higher stats if done as an NPC. Her Allies are the Ancient Nobility 1 [3], and the Church of Denari 1, [and the Sorcerous Cabals 1, as well as the Mercenaries 1. And a few favors.]. Her enemies are also the Ancient Nobility 1 [2, and Church of Denari 1, as well as Grudges. So many Grudges from so many factions.]. She is a headstrong woman, but physically old and frail, meaning 15 Morale, and 3 Health. Socially, she has Charm 1, Command 1 [3], Intimidation 2 [3], Liar's Tell 1 [2], Nobility 2, and Taunt 1 [2]. She also has Scurrilous Rumours 2 [5], Spot Frailty 1 [3], and Leechcraft 1 [3].

Her General Abilities are Bind Wounds 2 - she has experience in medicine from when she learned the fine art of poisoning people, at a young age. From that time stems her Stealth 3 as well. But it has been a while, and both of them are things she rarely does. Her Preparedness is 10, and her Sway 15. Don't mess with her, or she will send you home crying. Quite literally. As for Equipment, I think I'd go with:

• Elegant and expensive but simple sets of clothing that make subtle statements. Worn, but extremely well kept.
• Lots of relatives, and a few servants. None trusted.
• Useless grandchildren who need grandma to show them their place in the world.
• The indomitable will to drag the family where it belongs, to the top.
• The family manor, in desperate need of repair. And an airing. Maybe a fire.

Yeah, this is the kind of mean, emotionally abusive, unreasonable person I envisioned as 'Grandmother' to the other four characters. Best used both carefully and sparingly. And it would likely be a good idea to nudge her into comic relief territory by exaggerating some of her traits. Or, you know, not use her.

Here is the sheet.

And with that ends the Character Creation Challenge. I had a ton of fun, even though I ditched my plans a few times while doing it. Hope some people read this, and that those who did got to enjoy it.