Argene de la Majalonga Nivea

"Il Taglia"

Tailor of Caurenze

AC 1014

"Signor Visconte, never would I doubt you on matters of governance or magic, so you should never doubt il Taglia when he says, ze sleeve should be longer and ze cape should be a deeper shade of magenta."

Background

Argene de la Majalonga Nivea, commonly known throughout Caurenze as "il Taglia", has dominated the Glantrian fashion for more than most can remember. Not only is he the most successful fashion designer of Glantri, but also he is the highest authority on almost every matter of taste in Caurenze—and probably the most successful mundaner socialite of the Principalities. His presence is much sought after in every Caurenzan or Belcadizan social event, and only the most snobbish nobles (namely the old Flaemish aristocrats and a few Alphatians nobles) would actually look down upon him.

He creates, and also wears, perfectly cut Caurenzan-style suits of a fine exotic silk (allegedly Sindhi in origin), which in the hands of il Taglia, becomes even more beautiful than the Alphatian spider-silk or the Krondaharan silk which the Glantrians prize so much. He blends the best of Glantrian traditions with the exotic western patterns, colors, and materials, and he loves to enrich the chic Belcadizan and Caurenzan fashions with the latest imported fabrics from the west. But the most important (and most downplayed) secret of his success is the ability of his partner, Sikhandin, to provide the incredible silks from Sind, Herath, and the Savage Baronies.

Appearance

Il Taglia is man of mysterious features. He is slim, enough to be unremarkable, but not too thin to suggest anything sinister. His height is slightly shorter than average, his age indeterminable, and his ethnicity suggests Caurenzan with a hint of some exotic bloodline far away from Glantri—if one cared to study his face carefully. For far more notable than his physical aspects was Signor Argene’s impeccable clothes, with which he builds his career and reputation.

Personality & Quirks

Signor Argene’s manners are as impeccable as his tailoring. He knows to be proper, discreet, and unobtrusive as any hired servant. However, when it comes to his expertise in fashion and tailoring, Il Taglia becomes animated, emboldened, even dramatic—"an ego to rival that of the Empress of Alphatia" says one Caurenzan matron. When this passion hits him, Il Taglia cannot be contradicted or dissuaded. He also refers himself in the third person and "Il Taglia," and he behaves with a flair to match.

Old gossips speak of Il Taglia once dressing down a young Glantrian nobleman of Thyatian lineage for remarking about a cuff style, and refusing ever and ever again tailor another suit for the nobleman, even when he became a Prince of Glantri!

Web of Intrigue

Il Taglia is in a unique and enviable position among the fashionable social elite of Glantri, though many wizards and politicians scoff at his status. Nevertheless, being the personal tailor of such finicky nobles—such as Signor Griseo Fulvina, Visconte di Verazzano, and Signor Bartolomeo di Malapietra, son of the Prince of Caurenze—does have its benefits to Signor Argene, both in his capacity as a tailor and as a cover for the espionage operation, run by his partner and importer of fabrics, Sikhandin. The nature and extent of his complicity remains to be seen…

Combat & Skills

Statistics: 0-level human; Str 7, Int 14, Wis 15, Dex 13, Con 6, Cha 15; AL N.

Languages: Thyatian (Caurenzan and Glantrian dialects), Sylaire, Elvish (Belcadizan dialect).

Weapon Proficiencies: none.

Skills: tailoring (+4), artistic ability (design, +5), etiquette (+2), heraldry, reading/writing.

Signor Argene has no combat skills. He usually appears in social settings and will probably not need to fight. He has no magic either, save for the silks of the abjurer (sewn into a sash worn around the waist), given by Sikhandin, and the occasional magic trinket, given by his more generous clients.

Most of the time, il Taglia will be the custody and care of his patrons—a few of whom are powerful Glantrian wizards—who will come to the defense of this valuable asset in Glantrian society.

"Only fools worship him! Drooling over those mudane rags made from some foreign tatters from some Rad-forsaken place! Tasteless! Outside the socialite circles of Caurenze, he is nobody!"

(Vanserie Krjilens, a Flaemish tailor-mage and bitter rival of Il Taglia, who caters to other factions of Glantrian haute société)

Author: Giampaolo Agosta