Henri Praisse de la Rachetisse, Henri du Paix, Enrique de la Paz, et cetera, et cetera...
Henri is a dissolute young nobleman in his early twenties, educated with the
finest tutors, and given the finest opportunities. His family is the one most
closely tied by blood to the original Numan senator Montanus in all of Montaigne,
save that of the du Montaigne themselves. He has poise, wit, resources, and
powerful relatives. Carrying the gift of Porté sorcery in his hands,
he can draw what he needs from across vast distances, and correspond with
his fellow sorcerers with astonishing swiftness. He is also perhaps Montaigne's
most thoroughgoing traitor.
While vacationing on the Castillian island of Casa Blanca, he was witness to his country's invasion of its neighbor, in retaliation for the Vaticine church's attack upon Montaigne and Verdugo's attempt to depose and arrest its king, Leon Alexandre. Miffed at his treatment by the officers in charge, and feeling he had not received the respect he was due, he became an agent of Castille, a central actor in the escape from the island, and spy within the first day.
He has fought at La Muralla, on the side of Castille and wearing its uniform, has authored an inflammatory book (which has seen several printings in its first month, soon to be smuggled to Barcino and Paix!) urging the defeat of Montaigne in this war, and has joined the Swordsman's Guild for the express purpose of surviving the challenges that will be coming his way should his identity (and wartime activities) become known to his former countrymen. He is also on the verge of joining the Sociedad de Los Vagos.
His most potent tool is the well-crafted lie, coupled with a devious gift for easing the suspicions of his victims. He consoles himself for the present with the notion that the end he is pursuing, and the people he fights to protect, will excuse his scurrilous tactics. Here's hoping he's right..
Against all odds and good sense, Henri has also conceived a passion for an officer in the invasion force at Casa Blanca. Lt. Audra Antrée, deadly and magnificent made quite an impression on Henri, and he's lately taken to writing poetry to give her when next they meet. With luck, she won't kill him before he can press his suit for her heart.
Henri's companions, better known as Los Casablanqueños, are:
Quinn Smythe-- a Knight of the Rose and Cross. He's the good guy in our group, and Henri keeps Quinn's hands clean, and his mind as free as he can from the knowledge of the tools Henri employs.
Cecil Jackson-- Avalon debtor, boxer, and expatriate. He owes quite a fortune, and will need to travel to the Crescent Empire to recover it. He's convivial, courageous, and quick on his feet. He'll need to be!
Asgard-- A delightful mix of Vodacce and Vendel, equally lovely and dangerous.
A great lover of sailing, riding, and carousing, she enjoys being in the thick
of things. If she's eyeing the threads of your Fate, or getting ready to put
a broadsword alongside you, I'd suggest running.