Fantasy NPC: Lord K'nyal, A Justice Of The Peace

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Lord K'nyal, A Justice Of The Peace
A balding man in dour robes. He wears a brass chain around his neck and carries a walking stick.

CR 4; 1,200 XP
Old male human aristocrat 13

LE Medium Humanoid (human)
Init –1; Senses normal; Perception +23

Defense
AC 18, touch 12, flat-footed 18 (+3 armor, +3 deflection, –1 Dex, +3 natural)
hp 62 (13d8)
Fort +8, Ref +6, Will +16

Offense
Speed 25 ft.
Melee sword cane +9/+4 (1d6)

Statistics
Str 9, Dex 9, Con 9, Int 16, Wis 16, Cha 14
Base Atk +9; CMB +8; CMD 20
Feats Alertness, Great Fortitude, Iron Will, Persuasive, Skill Focus (Knowledge [local]), Skill Focus (Knowledge [nobility]), Toughness

Skills Diplomacy +22, Intimidation +22, Knowledge (local) +25, Knowledge (nobility) +25, Perception +23, Performance (oratory) +18, Sense Motive +23, Use Magic Device +15
Language Common, Draconic, Infernal, one other

Gear +1 padded robes, +1 sword cane, amulet of natural armor +3, cloak of resistance +3, ring of protection +3, other items befitting his station—he often carries a potion of invisibility and a potion of delay poison for personal safety.


Vityus Mortond Howe, Lord K'nyal, holds a nominal title of a baron, though it's only a formality—his estate is limited to an ancient manor and a few surrounding boroughs that barely sustain themselves. His real position of power is his hereditary legal patent, granting him judicial seat in a nearby major city where he spends most of his time dispensing harsh justice.

Lord K'nyal is know for his heavy-handed verdicts, though he is also known for occasional show of mercy and lassitude—less known is that the later is never altruistic, always involving some sort of deal with the lord, a favor, a bribe, or a service. The lord-justice doesn't do that often, though, and he never accepts bribes offered. It is always him who decides if and what to squeeze from those who are subject to his sentences.

Vityus has no living children (that he would know of), though he is grooming his grand niece and a grand nephew for potential inheritors. If they meet his steep and strict standards. He doesn't put a lot of faith in them, though, seeking alternatives, preferably those that would involve extension of his own life.

As a baron, lord K'nyal has a number of staff and personal guards at his call. As a justice of the peace, he has a say in the command of the watch, lesser magistrates, and other resources of a major city.

Lord K'nyal's CR primarily reflects his rather limited physical capabilities. His influence and authority are completely different matter.