The Marshals of Ladroa
Few rules are enforced in City of Masks, whether they be the laws of man or of god. Here, the Watchmen of Ladroa are as indolent and corrupt as any other in the city.
However, those few remaining laws that are still treated with true gravity here are presided over by the Marshals of Ladroa - Los Mariscales.
However, those few remaining laws that are still treated with true gravity here are presided over by the Marshals of Ladroa - Los Mariscales.
Their names are whispered in the low places of Ladroa... the Hunter; the Silver Serpent: the Titan; the Laughing Shadow, the Hunchback, etc... though few in number, these figures are enforcers, judges, and (when necessary) executioners.
They answer only to their leader, the Grand Magistrate Judex, a priest of Law. Their true identities are unknown, but they are believed to be above corruption... and above mercy.
Mariscal
L O B O
The Moonlight Hunter
Ht: 6'3* / Wt: 200 / Hair: ? / Age: ? / Eyes: ? / Creed: Iagosi
The marshall known as Lobo hunts alone, prowling the rooftops and surging out of the night like some predatory beast. Lobo has a dramatic streak which he deploys to instill fear in his targets, reveling in their terror. Many describe him as a looming figure wearing a cloak of black scales that make no sound, and with the head of a monstrous wolf (thanks to his stylized mask which resembles a snarling lupine muzzle.
Roofdancers especially fear Lobo over other Mariscales, as the rooftops offer no obstacle him. It is said that once Lobo gets your scent, he will track you to the ends of the earth.
In combat, Lobo uses a specialized set of clawed gauntlets that also aid in climbing. He is a skilled blade-thrower, and employs an assortment of tools in his work, including his “wolf-jaws" - a spring-operated clamp he can deploy on a long chain, both for grappling to ledges or for trapping criminals.
Although the Mariscales are granted powers of extra-judicial execution, Lobo rarely kills his prey. Instead, he prefers to punish offenders by crippling and maiming them, believing that the pathetic remains of broken men provide a greater deterrent to those who might follow.
Lobo nurses a simmering rage that feeds his zeal. He has few illusions about 'cleaning up' the city -- it's unclear whether he truly wishes to protect the people of Ladroa, or if his work is simply a means to enact a kind of vengeance against the city itself.
For him, Ladroa is just a hostile wilderness where beast preys upon beast. All within the city walls are his prey, a means to slake his fury and disgust. Even among the Mariscales, he is a bit of a rogue, but as long as he works within the law (and the admittedly broad powers of the Marsicales), he is free to wreak retribution on the criminals of the city.
For him, Ladroa is just a hostile wilderness where beast preys upon beast. All within the city walls are his prey, a means to slake his fury and disgust. Even among the Mariscales, he is a bit of a rogue, but as long as he works within the law (and the admittedly broad powers of the Marsicales), he is free to wreak retribution on the criminals of the city.
NOTES:
After Kian Grey fought him to a standstill in Los Corredors, it is said that El Lobo bears a grudge. Time will tell whether he will act upon it.
Beat: Los Corredors, La Playa, Mercado
After Kian Grey fought him to a standstill in Los Corredors, it is said that El Lobo bears a grudge. Time will tell whether he will act upon it.
Beat: Los Corredors, La Playa, Mercado
Mariscal
G O R G O N E S
The Silver Snake
Ht: 6' / Wt: 170 / Hair: ? / Age: ? / Eyes: ? / Creed: ?
Among the most vicious of the Mariscales, Gorgones is notorious for his harsh methods and cold fury. Operating mostly in the Puerto and the Mercado red lantern district, he patrols the nightlife of Ladroa's busiest sectors. His manner is brash, haughty, and without mercy. He does not hesitate to mete out a cruel justice to those who would prey on the innocent.
Gorgones cuts an ostentatious figure in a distinctive suit of ornate silver half-plate adorned with elaborate snake motifs. His helm is shaped like a gorgon's face, crowned with coiled vipers, and the eyes of his mask are inlaid with glass lenses that gleam red in the light.
Gorgones has command of a detachment of Ladroa watchmen, but prefers to take a personal hand in altercations. He is an extremely competent warrior, and moves with surprising agility despite his armour.
His favoured weapon is a marvelous whip-like device (which rests disguised as one of the snake decorations on his armour). This whip is fashioned from tightly interlocking metal segments, and can be used to entangle, pull, throw, or lacerate targets. The weapon can also lock into a rigid lance-like form. At his side hangs a shortsword that he often uses in tandem with his whip.
Gorgones is the youngest and boldest of the Mariscales. His true identity is unknown, even to the current Grand Magistrado (Mariscal Judex). Sponsored by two influential local lords, he was admitted into the order by the previous Grand Magistrado just 6 years ago. Now, he operates on condition of anonymity. Judex does not like secrets, but Gorgones approaches the work with undeniable gusto and achieves excellent results.
NOTES:
The party knows Gorgones' true identity is that of Lady Cardena dela Vara, Doctor-Curate of the Varantine Order. Her true nature as a member of the blood-drinking Vaara race is a secret that, were it revealed, would likely destroy her and all those of her kind in the city. In her role as Mariscal, she works to maintain the secrecy of the Vaara in Ladroa, and ensures that none among them transgress against the old taboos.
Beat: Puerto, Mercado, Calle Placeres
Mariscal
V U L C A N
El Corcovado
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Ht: 6'3 / Wt: 350 / Hair: ? / Age: ? / Eyes: ? / Creed: Torvarian Duma
Vulcan's broad form is clad head-to-toe in a gleaming suit of ornate brass-toned armour, with a helmet forged in the likeness of a snarling dragon or sea monster. Like his namesake, Vulcan has a large hump on his back which is similarly armoured and emblazoned with the crest of Ladroa.
All in all, Vulcan bears his bulk with surprising ease and a jaunty step, but his every movement is accompanied by a cacophony of whirring, clanking, and ratcheting noises. The armour itself has visible armatures, rotating wheels, and small pistons built into its design that pump and articulate as he moves, and periodically the nostrils on his dragon-helm will flare and release a hissing jet of steam.
As if he needed anything more, affixed to Vulcan's armour by a hinged armature is a rather large exotic musket with eight barrels arranged in a circular array. Despite his bullish bluster, witnesses have attested that Vulcan is in fact a master marksman with this outlandish gun, even at great distances, and that he has rarely needed to fire more than a single shot to settle affairs.
As if he needed anything more, affixed to Vulcan's armour by a hinged armature is a rather large exotic musket with eight barrels arranged in a circular array. Despite his bullish bluster, witnesses have attested that Vulcan is in fact a master marksman with this outlandish gun, even at great distances, and that he has rarely needed to fire more than a single shot to settle affairs.
Vulcan is frequently seen in situations requiring bold action or a show of force, though like all Mariscales, he also operates as an inspector and adjudicator. He is often in charge of coordinating larger operations with the Ladroa Watch, and also sometimes serves as an honour guard for important visitors to the city.
NOTES:
It is now known that Vulcan lives and works in Ladroa under the name Sergeant Tadeo Lorca, quartermaster for the Imperial Garrison of Ladroa. During the War of the Phoenix, he was known as Helmut Ubalenkroft, an artillerist who fought in the Battle of Obrau and lost both of his legs in an explosion.
Left for dead on the battlefield, Helmut was found and nursed back to health by the artificer Amadeo Bronzanti. He was bestowed with mechanical steam armour that allowed him to walk normally, and for a time, Helmut served at Castle Dreist. Eventually he came to recognize Bronzanti's madness, and parted ways with him, although he still felt indebted to the old wizard.
Coming to Ladroa, he came into the employ of the Grand Magistrado, and began a new life under a new name. Few would suspect that the grizzled legless veteran in the Garrison workshop is in reality the fearsome Mariscale Vulcan.
It is now known that Vulcan lives and works in Ladroa under the name Sergeant Tadeo Lorca, quartermaster for the Imperial Garrison of Ladroa. During the War of the Phoenix, he was known as Helmut Ubalenkroft, an artillerist who fought in the Battle of Obrau and lost both of his legs in an explosion.
Left for dead on the battlefield, Helmut was found and nursed back to health by the artificer Amadeo Bronzanti. He was bestowed with mechanical steam armour that allowed him to walk normally, and for a time, Helmut served at Castle Dreist. Eventually he came to recognize Bronzanti's madness, and parted ways with him, although he still felt indebted to the old wizard.
Coming to Ladroa, he came into the employ of the Grand Magistrado, and began a new life under a new name. Few would suspect that the grizzled legless veteran in the Garrison workshop is in reality the fearsome Mariscale Vulcan.
Although Bronzanti's marvelous gyroscopic stabilizers make Vulcan as sure-footed as any man, he pointedly avoids the Puerto out of a fear that, should he fall, the sea would surely quench his fires, and his armoured form would sink like a stone.
Beat: Palacio, Colegio, Terceto
Mariscal
A P O T H E O
The Fist of the Titans
Ht: 6'7 / Wt: 300 / Hair: ? / Age: ? / Eyes: ? / Creed: Aesosi
Mariscal Apotheo is a veritable mountain of a man, with a massive physique that exudes inhuman power. Stories abound of his astonishing feats of strength and prowess, such as the time he snapped the neck of a rampaging bull that had run amok in the Mercado, or when he dragged a smuggler's carrack ashore by the anchor chain, or the occasion when he purportedly leapt clear across La Grieta.
His deeds have made him a kind of urban folk figure, and it has become a game among Ladroans to concoct increasingly outlandish stories about “the Great Apotheo"... but those who find themselves on the wrong side of this Mariscal rarely find anything to be amused about.
Apotheo wears ceremonial armour in an Aesosian style, with a stylized facemask that gives the appearance of a God-Titan out of mythology. He famously wields no weapons, relying only upon his mighty fists to subdue criminals. Even with his brawny form, he moves with remarkable speed and athleticism.
In spite of his tendency toward grandiose gestures, his manner is stoic, almost humble. More than most Mariscales, Apotheo may be seen applying his talents to activites beyond just the enforcement of laws, such as when he scaled a burning Colegio tenement to rescue a child, or the time he bore the tremendous weight of the collapsing Arch of Irma Luto until the statue of the saint could be safely removed.
NOTE:
Apotheo wears ceremonial armour in an Aesosian style, with a stylized facemask that gives the appearance of a God-Titan out of mythology. He famously wields no weapons, relying only upon his mighty fists to subdue criminals. Even with his brawny form, he moves with remarkable speed and athleticism.
In spite of his tendency toward grandiose gestures, his manner is stoic, almost humble. More than most Mariscales, Apotheo may be seen applying his talents to activites beyond just the enforcement of laws, such as when he scaled a burning Colegio tenement to rescue a child, or the time he bore the tremendous weight of the collapsing Arch of Irma Luto until the statue of the saint could be safely removed.
NOTE:
Based on comments made by Apotheo, it is likely he hails from the Kingdom of Thessios, and he shows great interest in any news of the King Taronymes (whom he physically resembles). It is suspected that Apotheo could be the Laughing Mountain's royal older brother, the former King Methokrates, long thought to have perished at sea.
Beat: Bosque, Laseda, Armacenes
Mariscal
R I G O L O
The Laughing Shadow
Ht: ? / Wt: ? / Hair: ? / Age: ? / Eyes: ? / Creed: ?
This Marshall is rarely seen, but is feared by criminals to with a superstitious intensity. He comes and goes as he pleases, and the stories claim he sees all and knows all in the city. Some believe he is more phantom than man, while others insist he doesn't really exist at all. The mere mention of his name is often enough to elicit dread and paranoia in the criminals of Ladroa.
Rigolo moves through the underworld of Ladroa invisibly, gathering information and striking from the shadows when the time is right. He will often to sow fear in his quarry first, haunting them until they are mentally broken, and confronting them only when their sanity is in shreds. The chilling sound of his maniacal laughter has caused hard men to drop to their knees and surrender without even seeing him. Those who stand their ground find they must contend with his sword and pistols instead.
Even when Rigolo emerges from the shadows, he remains mysterious. Under the brim of his tricorn hat, he wears a dark cowl and a coarse canvas veil, on which is painted a simplified laughing face resembling a theatrical mask. His body is swathed in a black judge's robe voluminous enough to obscure his true silhouette, with a vermillion tippet bearing the crest of Ladroa.
When he moves, he makes no sound, his concealing layers roiling around him like smoke. From the folds of his robes he can produce various weapons in the blink of an eye; rapier, daggers, or his signature pair of quad-barreled wheellock pistols.
His manner stands somewhat in contrast to his appearance. His speech is flamboyant and melodramatic, affecting a mocking tone that is both ridiculous and menacing. He takes great pleasure in announcing his presence with a peal of echoing, unsettling laughter.
The nature of Rigolo's investigations means he operates mostly autonomously and in secrecy. His identity is a mystery to all but Grand Magistrado Judex, to whom he reports personally. Although both Rigolo and Mariscal Lobo prefer to work alone, Rigolo is the more subtle operator. His independence is tempered by pragmatism, and he wastes no time brooding. When it is required to get results, he will coordinate with the city watch... though he is likely to observe from the shadows rather than lead the charge.
Mariscal
S A L T A M O N T E S
The Masked Rider (DECEASED)
Ht: 5'7 / Wt: 140 / Hair: ? / Age: ? / Eyes: ? / Creed: Iagosi
The Mariscal Saltamontes was known for her equestrian skills, agility, and skill with both swords and unarmed combat. Although she patrolled all of Ladroa, she would most often be found on horseback, enforcing the laws of the city in the wooded areas of the Bosque.
Saltamontes wore lightweight armour, a large belt with the crest of Ladroa, and a face-obscuring classical gladiatorial helm with an ornate crest resembling the antennae of some great insect.
Although she would often mete out punishment with her metal-shod fists and feet, she also carried a flexible belt-sword with which she adminstered more lethal justice when the circumstances called for it.
Death:
Unfortunately, Saltamontes was fatally wounded when she attempted to apprehend Red Rain of the Hundred Curses during a raid on Ladroa's Carcelario. This makes her the first Mariscal to die in the line of duty for almost a decade.
Beat: Bosque, Terceto, Colegio
Grand Magistrado
J U D E X
J U D E X
The Faceless Judge
Ht: 6'10 / Wt: 250 / Hair: ? / Age: ? / Eyes: ? / Creed: Iagosi
Judex takes as his model Ka, the old Siiga god of justice. This towering figure is mostly concealed under a majestic flowing robe, topped with a dramatic ceremonial helmet with wide flanges. In his hand, he carries the symbol of Ka, a greatsword of prodigious length.
In addition to being the highest-ranking Mariscal and the Grand Magistrado of Ladroa, Judex is also an ordained Priest of Ka as well. Rather than walking the streets like other Mariscales, one typically finds Judex presiding over high-profile trials and important legal disputes. His portfolio often includes the enforcement of contracts or ruling on civil cases, but he is not above taking a hand in police actions.
The mask of Judex is ingenious, as it appears as if he wears no mask at all, and possesses no face within his large helmet. This mysterious hollow void mimics the visage of Ka, also known as the Faceless Judge. This trait represents laws as enforced in the interests of all citizens collectively, beyond the needs or desires of any single individual.
Judex takes this role very seriously. Traditionally, Siiga priests of Ka will act as both judges and executioners. The immense sword carried by this Mariscal may be a symbol of the divine Ka, but many lawbreakers have learned that it is not simply for show.
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