## Overview **Residence:** Lucien resides in his own ancestral stronghold known as **Virevault Keep**, located in the highlands just beyond [[Hexa Landing]]’s northern borders, within his own territorial estate. Hidden within the cliffs and surrounded by spectral mists, Virevault is both fortress and archive—home to the Crimson Library, dueling terraces, and ancient blood-forged sigils that protect it from both divine scrying and vampiric intrusion. **Lucien Serpentis** is the eldest of the Twelve Vampire Lords and a senior leader within the **[[Ebonclaw Conclave]]**, an elite vampiric advisory body located in [[Hexa Landing]] that helps Queen [[Callidora]] govern her dominion. With his regal poise, strategic mind, and commanding charisma, Lucien has endured for centuries as both an enforcer of vampiric law and a tactician in the shadows of larger conflicts. Though immortal, Lucien’s greatest fear is not death—it is irrelevance. He guards his stronghold, status, and authority with calculated precision, wary of **rebellious vampire clans** and **elite hunters** alike. To him, his empire is not just a domain—it is his armor against the decay of time and betrayal. - **Name:** Lucien Serpentis - **Race:** Vampire (Ancient) - **Status:** Active Lord of the [[Ebonclaw Conclave]] - **Affiliation:** One of the Twelve, advisor to Queen [[Callidora]] - **Current Residence:** Virevault Keep, his personal ancestral stronghold located outside [[Hexa Landing]], within his own lands under the Kingdom of [[Hexa Landing]] --- ## Appearance Lucien possesses an ageless and aristocratic beauty: - Porcelain-pale skin - Icy blue eyes with a cold, knowing glint - Long silver hair cascading past his shoulders, paired with a distinguished silver goatee - Prefers tailored noble attire with subtle vampiric sigils He emanates a natural nobility and control, exuding an aura that makes even fellow immortals pause. --- ## Personality Lucien is a master of the **diplomatic blade**—speaking with patience, precision, and persuasion. Every word he utters has weight. He is cultured, elegant, and possesses a deep appreciation for mortal civilization despite his kind’s nature. - **Disposition:** Calm, regal, calculating - **Flaws:** Paranoia about losing power; over-reliance on strategy at the expense of empathy - **Traits:** Articulate, patient, philosophical; ruthless when needed - **Habits:** Sips vintage mortal red wine (a curiosity among vampires), enjoys fencing as intellectual recreation --- ## [[Ebonclaw Conclave]] (Expanded Lore) **Government:** Council of Six Vampire Elders **Power Base:** [[Hexa Landing]] **Political Role:** Conclave that exerts spiritual and political influence over the vampire elite Each of the six elders commands a sect: - **Lucien Serpentis** – Charismatic, shrewd, and unwavering in his loyalty to Queen [[Callidora]]. - **[[Octavia Nightglad]]** – A master of seduction and manipulation, loyal yet pragmatic. - **[[Eldrion]] the Pale Flame** – Cold and logical, devoutly loyal to the Queen’s vision. - **[[Isolde]], the Black Veil** – The most controversial elder, known to question the Queen’s future plans. Her views have gained support among dissenting vampires. - **Unnamed Elder #1** – Under constant observation by the Queen due to questionable loyalties. - **Unnamed Elder #2** – Maintains neutrality, carefully balancing power between factions. The **Night Guild**, a branch of the Conclave, manages the city's daily affairs, from infrastructure and trade to covert operations and diplomacy. While the Queen reigns supreme, it is the Conclave that ensures the city's machine runs—with or without her knowledge. The **Whispershades**, linked to Lord [[Vaedrin]] and created from Ebonclaw knowledge, may be part of a secret alliance between [[Isolde]] and members of the Sigil who question [[Raphael]]’s true intentions. ## Background & Rise Born into a noble human family centuries ago, Lucien was turned into a vampire in his mid-40s, at the height of his intellect and social command. He retained not only his youthful appearance, but the full force of his intellect, education, and ambition. Rising through vampire society, he became the first and most senior member of the **[[Ebonclaw Conclave]]**, which was founded by Queen [[Callidora]] herself, ruling with what many call an "iron hand in velvet gloves." He has survived: - Rival vampiric insurrections - Human crusades - Internal betrayal - Intercontinental warfronts threatening the conclave borders Despite these, Lucien continues to maintain his grip, seen as a **symbol of immortality and control** in a world that grows more volatile. --- ## Interests and Pursuits - **Mortal History:** Has deep fascination with ancient human cultures, particularly empires that fell to internal decay - **Fencing:** Practices it not just for combat, but to keep his mind and body in sync - **Libraries:** Spends hours studying tomes, not only magical, but philosophical and mortal sociology - **Advising Power:** Acts as a **trusted advisor to Queen [[Callidora]]**, lending her wisdom as she manages broader vampiric politics --- ## Campaign Role Lucien may: - Serve as a diplomatic alternative to violent vampire factions - Hold rare knowledge about [[Anam]]’s past, vampiric bloodlines, or ancient undead relics - Represent the complex balance between honor and survival in vampire society His motivations are nuanced. While not overtly antagonistic, he is not to be underestimated. Lucien plays the long game—always. --- ## Future Development - May seek alliance with or opposition to [[Raphael]], depending on his perceived threat - Could become a **patron or enemy** to the party depending on their choices - Might be overthrown if his internal enemies believe he is weakening—triggering a civil crisis within the [[Ebonclaw Conclave]] --- ## Quotes - _“The sword is a lie. What wins battles is what you see before the blade is drawn.”_ - _“Immortality is a burden that must be worn like silk—gracefully, but woven tight.”_ - _“If knowledge is power, then why do so many kings fear their own scribes?”_ ## **Stats** **Lucien Serpentis – The Velvet Fang** CR: 24 (62,000 XP) Medium Undead (Vampire), Lawful Evil Proficiency Bonus: +7 **Armor Class:** 21 (Bloodsilk Ward, Fencing Defense) **Hit Points:** 392 (35d8 + 210) **Speed:** 30 ft., mist form 40 ft. (hover) **STR** 18 (+4) **DEX** 22 (+6) **CON** 22 (+6) **INT** 24 (+7) **WIS** 20 (+5) **CHA** 26 (+8) --- **Saving Throws:** Dex +13, Int +14, Cha +15 **Skills:** Persuasion +15, Insight +12, History +14, Deception +15, Arcana +14, Athletics +11 **Damage Resistances:** Necrotic, Psychic, Cold; Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from nonmagical weapons **Damage Immunities:** Poison **Condition Immunities:** Charmed, Exhaustion, Frightened, Poisoned **Senses:** Darkvision 120 ft., Passive Perception 20 **Languages:** Common, Elvish, Infernal, Telepathy 120 ft. --- ### Traits **Legendary Resistance (3/Day):** If Lucien fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead. **Blood Command (Recharge 5–6):** Lucien targets a creature within 60 ft. It must succeed on a DC 22 Wisdom save or be charmed for 1 minute. While charmed, Lucien can use a bonus action to issue one-word telepathic commands (as _command_). A creature that succeeds is immune for 24 hours. **Velvet Will:** Lucien cannot be compelled, charmed, or frightened unless the source succeeds on a contested Charisma check. Divine compulsion effects are made at disadvantage. **Strategic Duelist:** When Lucien is targeted by a melee attack, he may use his reaction to parry, adding +4 to his AC against that attack and making a finesse weapon attack as part of the reaction. **Ancestral Sigils:** Lucien is surrounded by blood-forged sigils protecting him from divine detection, _scrying_, or _divine intervention_ unless the caster succeeds on a DC 25 Arcana check or uses a legendary artifact. --- ### Spellcasting (Psionic-Arcanist Style) Lucien is a 20th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Intelligence (Spell Save DC 22, +14 to hit with spell attacks). He does not use verbal components. **At-will:** _Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, Minor Illusion, Detect Magic_ **3/day each:** _Counterspell, Suggestion, Hold Person, Detect Thoughts, Shield_ **2/day each:** _Wall of Force, Telekinesis, Modify Memory, Synaptic Static, Dominate Person_ **1/day each:** _Foresight, Power Word Stun, Mass Suggestion, Maze_ --- ### Actions **Multiattack:** Lucien makes two melee attacks or casts one spell and one weapon attack. **Shadowfang Rapier (Magic Weapon):** Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (1d8 + 8) piercing damage + 18 (4d8) psychic damage. If the target is charmed by Lucien, they take an additional 4d8 necrotic damage. **Psychic Feint (Recharge 6):** Lucien targets up to 3 creatures within 60 ft. Each must succeed on a DC 22 Intelligence saving throw or become _disoriented_ for 1 minute. While disoriented, the creature subtracts 1d6 from attack rolls, saves, and ability checks. They can repeat the save at the end of each turn. --- ### Legendary Actions Lucien can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action may be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. **Silken Rebuke:** Make one Shadowfang Rapier attack. If it hits, the target cannot take reactions until the end of its next turn. **Commanding Presence:** Lucien forces a creature within 30 feet to make a DC 22 Charisma saving throw. On a failure, the creature becomes either charmed or frightened (Lucien’s choice) for 1 minute. It may repeat the save at the end of each of its turns. **Velvet Denial (Costs 2 Actions):** Lucien cancels the effect of one spell or magical ability used within 60 ft that targets him. The spell is negated and lost as if counterspelled. --- ### Lair Traits – Virevault Keep While in Virevault Keep, Lucien can invoke the following effects on initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties): - **Mist Cloak:** The battlefield is lightly obscured; enemies suffer disadvantage on ranged attacks. - **Spectral Archive:** The walls project illusions of history. Any creature attempting to concentrate must make a DC 18 Intelligence check or lose focus. - **Blood Seal Pulse:** Each creature of Lucien’s choosing must succeed on a DC 21 Con save or be unable to regain hit points until the end of their next turn.