## Second-in-Command of [[The Silver Threads]], Proprietor of The Scarlet Coin --- ## Basic Information **Race:** Human **Age:** 29 **Class:** Rogue (Thief) 8 **Alignment:** Neutral **Title:** Second-in-Command, Operations Manager, Public Face **Base of Operations:** The Scarlet Coin (owner and operator), [[Lowward]] District, [[Brensistria]] --- ![[Madame Celestine Voss.png]] ## Physical Description **Height:** 5'6" **Build:** Elegant and poised, curvaceous figure **Hair:** Auburn with natural highlights, often worn in elaborate updos with ornamental pins **Eyes:** Green, sharp and observant **Distinguishing Features:** - Criminal brand on right ankle (always hidden under clothing and boots) - Beauty mark on left cheek - Graceful, almost dancer-like movements - Excellent posture from noble upbringing - Delicate hands despite years of criminal work **Typical Attire:** - High-quality dresses (worth 30-50gp each) in The Scarlet Coin - Practical but fashionable clothing when on operations - Always wears boots that cover her brand - Jewelry (some functional, some decorative) - Hair ornamental pins (some are lockpicks and small blades) - Makeup expertly applied --- ## Personality **Core Traits:** - **Charming:** Can talk her way into or out of almost anything - **Protective:** Mother hen to younger crew members - **Shrewd:** Excellent at reading customers and extracting information - **Diplomatic:** Smooths over conflicts before they escalate - **Ruthless When Necessary:** Don't mistake charm for weakness - **Secretly Romantic:** Has deep feelings for [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] she's never expressed **Public Persona (At The Scarlet Coin):** - Warm and welcoming hostess - Attentive to customer needs - Creates atmosphere of comfort and trust - Remembers names, preferences, personal details - Makes everyone feel like a valued guest **Private Self (With The Crew):** - Strategic and calculating - Fiercely protective of her people - Willing to make hard decisions - Shows vulnerability only to those closest to her - Deeply loyal to [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] and the organization **Strengths:** - Master manipulator (in the best sense) - Excellent judge of character - Can maintain multiple false identities - Natural leader and organizer - Makes people comfortable enough to share secrets **Weaknesses:** - Too protective (sometimes smothers crew members) - Struggles to ask for help - Secretly fears losing [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]]'s respect - Her hidden brand creates anxiety (what if discovered?) - Romantic feelings for [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] cloud judgment sometimes --- ## Background ### Early Life & Noble Heritage Celestine was born into House Voss, a minor noble family in [[Brensistria]] with a proud but fading legacy. Her family had served the crown for generations, but poor investments and changing political tides left them struggling financially. **Noble Education:** - Taught etiquette, dancing, poetry, music - Learned to read people through court politics - Studied history and philosophy - Expected to marry well to restore family fortune ### The Academy Years (Age 14-18) **The Scholarship:** Celestine won a rare scholarship to [[Brensistria]]'s Arcane Combat Academy through sheer determination and test scores. Her family saw this as salvation—if she became a successful adventurer or royal guard, she could restore their fortunes. **Training:** - Specialized as a rogue/infiltrator - Learned stealth, lockpicking, social manipulation - Excelled at infiltration exercises - Made friends with [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]]'s crew **Joining the Crew:** She joined [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]]'s small heist operation for multiple reasons: - Her family desperately needed money - The thrill excited her after years of stuffy noble propriety - She was drawn to [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]]'s intelligence and leadership - She enjoyed using her skills for something real ### The Failed Heist (Age 18) **The Capture:** When the heist went wrong, Celestine was one of those caught. Unlike [[Armara]], who escaped, Celestine faced the consequences. **The Brand:** Her family used their remaining influence to: - Have her branded on her ankle (hideable, unlike [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]]'s hand) - Avoid public shaming (it was done quietly) - Prevent complete social ruin But they couldn't prevent: - Her expulsion from the Academy - The criminal record - The stain on House Voss's reputation **The Disownment:** Her family made a calculated decision: disown Celestine quietly, pretend she never existed, and preserve what little social standing remained. She was erased from family records and cut off completely. This betrayal hurt more than the brand. ### Building [[The Silver Threads]] (Age 18-29) **Early Years (18-20):** Celestine spent two years doing whatever work she could find. Her noble education helped her avoid the worst jobs—she became a server, then manager, then found The Scarlet Coin. **The Scarlet Coin Purchase (Age 20):** The tavern's owner, Old Marcus, wanted to retire. Celestine convinced him to sell to her using: - [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]]'s early earnings from information trading - Her own savings - A loan from a merchant she had information on (blackmail, essentially) Old Marcus accepted, seeing something in the young woman that reminded him of his younger self. **Growing the Front (Age 20-29):** Over nine years, Celestine transformed The Scarlet Coin into one of the [[Lowward]] District's most popular taverns. She: - Built a reputation for discretion - Hired staff who valued privacy - Created atmosphere where people felt safe talking - Made it a legitimate business that also serves as Silver Threads HQ **Partnership with [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] (Age 18-29):** Celestine and [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] built [[The Silver Threads]] together: - She handles daily operations - He handles strategy and important contracts - They complement each other perfectly - Their trust is absolute (professionally) - Her feelings deepened over the years, his... she's not sure --- ## Relationships ### [[Keldon Ashveil]] **Professional:** - Second-in-command and most trusted lieutenant - Manages operations while he plans strategy - His first call for advice on difficult decisions - Knows his tells, moods, and patterns better than anyone **Personal:** - Considers him her closest friend - Deeply in love with him (has been for years) - Never confessed because it would complicate their partnership - Watches him with [[Armara]] and hurts - Would die for him without hesitation - Fears he'll never see her as more than a partner **Her Conflict:** She wants him to be happy. But seeing [[Armara]] return and watching his complicated feelings resurface breaks her heart. She'll support whatever he decides, even if it destroys her. ### [[Armara]] **Then (Age 18):** - Considered [[Armara]] a friend and crew mate - Admired her magical talent (sometimes jealous) - Noticed [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]]'s feelings for [[Armara]] - Felt abandoned when [[Armara]] vanished **Now (Age 29):** - **Hostile:** [[Armara]] hurt [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]], and Celestine protects him fiercely - **Resentful:** [[Armara]] had eleven years of freedom while they built from ashes - **Suspicious:** Doesn't trust her motives for returning - **Jealous:** [[Armara]] still affects [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] emotionally - **Professional:** Will work with her if [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] decides to, but grudgingly - **Watching:** For any sign [[Armara]] will hurt him again ### The Crew **[[Vex]]:** - Protective of him like a mother - Appreciates his loyalty and hard work - Taught him urban etiquette and social skills - Proud of his growth **[[Marlowe]]:** - Original crew member, shared history - Appreciates his social intelligence network - Sometimes finds his vanity amusing - Trusts him completely **[[Seris Moonwhisper|Seris]]:** - Closest thing she has to a female friend - Understands noble background struggles - They discuss fashion, politics, and strategy - Mutual respect for each other's skills **[[Brother Benwick]]:** - Appreciates his gentle nature - Confides in him sometimes (he's safe) - Grateful he provides moral guidance to crew - Worries about his crisis of faith **[[Rook Ironjaw|Rook]]:** - Protective of the gentle giant - Appreciates his loyalty to [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] - Makes sure he's paid well and treated fairly - Likes that he's good with animals and children ### The Scarlet Coin Staff **Gareth (Bartender):** - Knows he's aware of the operations - Trusts his discretion - Pays him well for his loyalty - Values his advice about customers **Rosa & Thea (Twin Servers):** - Hired them when others wouldn't - Protective of them - They're loyal in return - Taught them how to listen and remember **Old Tam (Cook):** - Completely unaware of criminal operations - Makes excellent food - She protects his innocence - Pays him fairly --- ## Skills & Abilities ### Rogue Abilities (Thief) **Fast Hands:** - Can use Cunning Action for Sleight of Hand - Can disarm traps as bonus action - Can pick locks as bonus action - Can use objects as bonus action **Second-Story Work:** - Climbing costs no extra movement - Running jump distance increased by Dex modifier **Supreme Sneak:** - Advantage on Stealth if moving no more than half speed - Can hide in places others can't **Use Magic Device:** - Can use magic items regardless of class requirements - Can attune to items beyond her normal limit **Sneak Attack:** 4d6 extra damage when advantage or ally adjacent **Cunning Action:** Bonus action dash, disengage, hide **Uncanny Dodge:** Halve damage from one attack per round **Evasion:** No damage on successful Dex saves ### Expertise Skills - **Deception +11:** Master liar and manipulator - **Persuasion +10:** Can convince almost anyone - **Insight +9:** Reads people effortlessly - **Sleight of Hand +10:** Pickpockets, palms items, cheats at cards ### Other Proficiencies - Stealth +8 - Acrobatics +8 - Perception +6 - Performance +7 (from noble education) - History +5 (noble education) ### Social Mastery **Reading People:** - Detects lies with Insight +9 - Notices nervousness, tells, micro-expressions - Understands motivations through observation - Can gauge wealth, status, desperation **Manipulation:** - Mirrors target's speech patterns - Adjusts personality to match what people want - Creates false rapport quickly - Extracts information through casual conversation **Business Management:** - Runs profitable tavern - Manages staff effectively - Handles finances (legal and illegal) - Maintains legitimate front flawlessly ### Languages - Common - Thieves' Cant - Celestial (from noble education—learned for reading religious texts) - Elvish (learned for business dealings) --- ## Equipment ### Weapons **Dagger +1 (Right Boot)** - Hidden but accessible - Primary weapon if needed - Can throw accurately **Dagger +1 (Left Boot)** - Backup weapon - Matches the first - Always keep a spare **Concealed Blades** - Hair pins (2) can be used as small daggers - Belt buckle has hidden blade - Bracelet can transform into garrote ### Magical Items **Ring of Mind Shielding** - Protects thoughts from reading - Essential for her work - Prevents divination magic **Pearl of Power** - Can recover one expended spell slot - Kept from Academy days - She can't use it (not a spellcaster) but it's valuable - Sentimental value—reminder of what she lost **Earring of Message** - Paired with [[Rook Ironjaw|Rook]]'s earring - Emergency communication - Can send short messages ### Tools & Kits **Poisoner's Kit (Masterwork)** - Hidden in her room at The Scarlet Coin - Contains rare and expensive poisons - Knows how to use without being detected - Sleep poisons, truth serums, lethal toxins **Disguise Kit (Masterwork)** - Multiple wigs and colored contacts - Cosmetics and skin tones - Padding for changing body shape - Theatrical prosthetics **Thieves' Tools** - High quality lockpicks - Some disguised as jewelry - Always on her person ### Wardrobe **Elegant Clothing:** - 4-5 high-quality dresses (50gp each) - Multiple outfits for different occasions - Noble attire for upper-class infiltration - Common clothing for blending in - Everything chosen to hide her ankle brand **Jewelry:** - Some is functional (hidden tools) - Some is valuable (emergency funds) - Some is sentimental (from before the brand) - Always wears at least three pieces --- ## Tactics & Approach ### Running The Scarlet Coin **Daily Operations:** - Greets regular customers personally - Remembers everyone's preferences - Notices new faces immediately - Listens to conversations while serving - Directs staff to gather specific information **Information Gathering:** - Creates atmosphere where people talk freely - Has private rooms for "discrete meetings" - Staff reports interesting conversations to her - She synthesizes information for [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] - Never appears to be listening (but always is) **Maintaining the Front:** - Keeps tavern profitable and legitimate - Pays taxes and fees properly - Friendly with city inspectors - Known as respectable business owner - No one suspects the criminal operations ### In Social Situations **First Contact:** - Assesses threat level immediately - Adjusts personality to match target - Finds common ground quickly - Makes people feel comfortable - Listens more than she speaks **Extracting Information:** - Asks open-ended questions - Appears genuinely interested - Offers something first (reciprocity) - Never seems to be interrogating - People tell her secrets without realizing **Negotiation:** - Starts with what benefits both parties - Finds leverage points subtly - Uses charm before threats - Always has fallback options - Closes deals definitively ### In Combat (Rare) **Preferred Approach:** - Avoid combat entirely if possible - Use social skills to defuse situations - Call for [[Rook Ironjaw|Rook]] or other muscle if needed - Fight only when no other option **If Forced to Fight:** - Uses surprise and poison - Targets spellcasters first (they're most dangerous) - Aims for quick incapacitation (poison or sneak attacks) - Retreats when outmatched (no shame in survival) - Protects [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] and non-combat crew members **Escape Priority:** - Always has exit strategy planned - Uses Fast Hands to create diversions - Climbs or hides using Supreme Sneak - Sacrifices items, not lives --- ## Goals & Motivations ### Primary Goal Keep The Scarlet Coin profitable and [[The Silver Threads]] safe. The organization is her family, and she'll protect it fiercely. ### Secondary Goal Protect [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]]—both the person and his position. He saved them all by building [[The Silver Threads]], and she ensures it continues thriving. ### Personal Goal Prove she's more than her disowned noble lineage. She built something real through her own efforts, not family connections. ### Secret Desire Tell [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] how she feels. But she fears it would ruin their partnership and hurt [[The Silver Threads]]. The organization matters more than her personal happiness... right? ### Deep Fear Losing the family she's built after being abandoned by her blood family. Also, being discovered as nobility and having both worlds reject her. --- ## Character Development Hooks ### The [[Armara]] Problem Celestine must watch [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] struggle with [[Armara]]'s return. Her personal feelings conflict with what's best for [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] and [[The Silver Threads]]. Does she: - Confess her feelings before [[Armara]] can hurt him again? - Support whatever [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] decides, even if it breaks her heart? - Sabotage [[Armara]] subtly to protect him? - Step back and let him figure it out? ### The Hidden Brand What if someone discovers she's disowned nobility? Does this: - Give her access to circles previously closed? - Make her a target for those who hate nobles? - Force her family to acknowledge her? - Provide leverage [[The Silver Threads]] can use? ### Business Expansion The Scarlet Coin could expand to other cities. Does Celestine: - Open new locations personally? - Trust others to manage them? - Stay in [[Brensistria]] where she has control? - Use expansion to prove herself further? ### Romantic Resolution Eventually, the [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] situation must be addressed. Possible outcomes: - She confesses and he reciprocates - She confesses and he doesn't feel the same - He confesses first (surprising her) - They maintain professional distance forever - [[Armara]]'s presence forces the issue --- ## Roleplaying Celestine ### Voice & Mannerisms **Speech Patterns:** - Warm and welcoming in public - Uses pet names ("darling," "dear," "love") naturally - Laughs easily (puts people at ease) - Voice becomes colder when seriously threatened - Noble diction slips out when emotional **Body Language:** - Graceful movements (noble training) - Touches people's arms when speaking (creates intimacy) - Always seems relaxed (even when calculating) - Positions herself to see doors and exits - Adjusts posture based on who she's talking to **Habits:** - Tucks hair behind ear when thinking - Plays with jewelry when nervous - Unconsciously touches her ankle (where brand is) when stressed - Straightens things (tables, glasses) when anxious - Hums while working ### Key Quotes **Welcoming Customers:** "Welcome to The Scarlet Coin, darling. Whatever you need—a drink, a room, or something more... delicate—we can arrange it." **On [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]]:** "[[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]]'s decision is final. And my protection is absolute." **On Secrets:** "Darling, everyone has secrets. The question is: what are yours worth?" **On The Crew:** "They're not employees. They're family. And I protect my family." **On [[Armara]]:** _coldly_ "She had eleven years to send a letter. She chose silence. That tells you everything you need to know." **On Her Brand:** "This?" _gestures to hidden ankle_ "This is a reminder that society defines us by our mistakes. I chose to define myself by what I built afterward." --- ## Using Celestine in Your Campaign ### As an Ally **What She Provides:** - Safe haven at The Scarlet Coin - Social intelligence and rumors - Access to private meeting spaces - Staff who can gather specific information - Expert advice on social manipulation **What She Asks:** - Respect for The Scarlet Coin and crew - Discretion about operations - Payment (less than [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] usually, she's more flexible) - Occasional favors - Never endanger the tavern's reputation ### As a Complication **Potential Problems:** - Her feelings for [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] might cloud judgment about [[Armara]] - She's protective to the point of being overbearing - Her hidden noble status could be discovered - She might ask party to help with personal matters - Other criminals might target The Scarlet Coin ### As a Character **Depth Beyond "Tavern Owner":** - She's running from disownment and building new identity - She's in love with someone who might not love her back - She's mother figure to crew while being young herself - She balances legitimate business and criminal operations - She represents resilience and reinvention ### Moral Complexity Celestine challenges assumptions: - She's a criminal but runs honest (enough) business - She uses manipulation for protection, not malice - She left noble life but retained noble grace - She's tough as nails but genuinely caring - She'll poison someone then heal a child's scraped knee --- ## Adventure Hooks Involving Celestine ### Personal Hooks **"Family Reunion"** Celestine's estranged family contacts her—they need help. Does she: - Refuse and protect her new life? - Help and risk emotional damage? - Use it as leverage against them? - Ask the party for advice/backup? **"The Noble Ball"** Celestine needs to infiltrate a high-society event. She needs: - Party members as "escorts" - Backup in case she's recognized - Extraction if things go wrong - Someone to watch The Scarlet Coin while she's gone **"Confession"** Celestine finally confesses feelings to [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]]. Afterward, she needs: - Friend to talk to (party member?) - Distraction from potential rejection - Help with mission to prove herself - Time away from [[Brensistria]] to process ### Business Hooks **"Rival Tavern"** New tavern opens in [[Lowward]] District, threatening The Scarlet Coin. Celestine needs: - Investigation into owners - Sabotage (subtle) - Protection from their retaliation - Proof they're connected to Askarian agents **"The Pearl of Power"** Someone wants to buy Celestine's Pearl of Power for huge sum. She's conflicted: - It's worth fortune - It's sentimental - What if buyer is dangerous? - Should she sell or keep Academy reminder? ### Crew-Based Hooks **"Celestine's Secret"** Someone discovers her noble background and tries to blackmail her. She needs: - Identification of blackmailer - Evidence destroyed - Blackmailer eliminated (or scared off) - Damage control if secret spreads **"Protection Detail"** Celestine must meet dangerous contact alone. She asks party to: - Provide hidden backup - Extract her if compromised - Investigate contact beforehand - Trust her judgment --- ## Secrets & Revelations ### What Few Know **Secret 1: The Love Letters** Celestine has written dozens of letters confessing her feelings to [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]]. She's never sent any of them. They're hidden in a locked box under her bed. **Secret 2: Noble Contacts** She still has secret contacts in noble circles—former servants, childhood friends, family members who disagreed with disowning her. She uses them for information but never admits they exist. **Secret 3: The Proposal** Before the brand, Celestine was betrothed to a minor noble's son. The engagement was broken after her expulsion. She sometimes wonders what that life would have been like. **Secret 4: The Test** She occasionally tests [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]]'s loyalty by setting up situations where he could betray her. He always passes. She feels guilty for doubting him. **Secret 5: The Contingency** If [[The Silver Threads]] falls apart, Celestine has enough money and connections to disappear and start over somewhere else. But she'd never leave [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] behind. --- ## Stat Block Summary ## **Madame Celestine Voss** _Medium humanoid (human), neutral_ --- **Armor Class** 15 (leather armor) **Hit Points** 52 (8d8 + 16) **Speed** 30 ft. --- |STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |10 (+0)|18 (+4)|14 (+2)|14 (+2)|16 (+3)|18 (+4)| --- **Saving Throws** Dex +7, Int +5 **Skills** Acrobatics +8, Deception +11, Insight +9, Perception +6, Performance +7, Persuasion +10, Sleight of Hand +10, Stealth +8 **Senses** passive Perception 16 **Languages** Common, Thieves’ Cant, Celestial, Elvish **Challenge** 6 (2,300 XP) **Proficiency Bonus** +3 --- ### **Traits** **Sneak Attack (1/Turn).** Celestine deals an extra **14 (4d6)** damage when she hits a target with a weapon attack and has advantage on the attack roll, or when the target is within 5 feet of an ally of Celestine that isn’t incapacitated and Celestine doesn’t have disadvantage on the attack roll. **Cunning Action.** On each of her turns, Celestine can use a bonus action to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action. **Uncanny Dodge.** When an attacker Celestine can see hits her with an attack, she can use her reaction to halve the attack’s damage against her. **Evasion.** If Celestine is subjected to an effect that allows her to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, she instead takes no damage on a success, and only half damage on a failure. --- ### **Thief Features** **Fast Hands.** Celestine can use the bonus action granted by her Cunning Action to make a Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check, use her thieves’ tools to disarm a trap or open a lock, or take the Use an Object action. **Second-Story Work.** Celestine’s climbing costs her no extra movement. In addition, when she makes a running jump, the distance she covers increases by a number of feet equal to her Dexterity modifier. **Supreme Sneak.** Celestine has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks if she moves no more than half her speed on the same turn. **Use Magic Device.** Celestine ignores all class, race, and level requirements on the use of magic items. --- ### **Actions** **Multiattack.** Celestine makes two Dagger attacks. **Dagger +1.** _Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack:_ +8 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. _Hit:_ **6 (1d4 + 4)** piercing damage. If Celestine has advantage on the attack roll, or if the target is within 5 feet of an ally of Celestine that isn’t incapacitated, the attack deals an extra **14 (4d6)** damage. --- ### **Bonus Actions** **Cunning Action.** Celestine takes the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action. **Fast Hands.** Celestine takes the Use an Object action, or attempts a Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check, or uses thieves’ tools to open a lock or disarm a trap. --- ### **Reactions** **Uncanny Dodge.** Celestine halves the damage of one attack that hits her. --- ### **Equipment** Two daggers +1, ring of mind shielding, pearl of power (keepsake), earring of message, thieves’ tools, disguise kit, poisoner’s kit, fine clothing, assorted jewelry