Igris Askavald

“Greetings and salutations! I see introductions are in order. I am Igris Askavald. Lord, baron, patron and perhaps today, a sponsor? Your display was quite spectacular, and I have to say, I was impressed. Let me ask you something, have you ever heard of something called “The Riftguard”?”.

• Materialistic: Enjoys luxury, especially when it’s unnecessarily expensive.
• Generous: Offers coin and comfort easily; money is for solving problems, darling.
• Jovial: Laughs often, eats well, and expects others to do the same.
• Slightly vain, but not in a cruel way — more in the “touch-up-my-wig-before-we-die” way.

Igris wants to make history, but he’s not a warrior, and he knows it.

What he is, however, is wealthy, well-connected, and too stubborn to run. He wants to protect his estate (especially the gardens), help the city survive, and, if possible, have a good story to tell at future banquets.

He views the Riftguard as heroic guests at a high-stakes gala, and he wants to be the host.

• Capitalist
• Philanthropist

Igris wants dearly to be on the correct side of history and is often very generous with his wealth even though he is constantly compelled to accrue more.

• Green Thumb - Igris loves to garden in his spare time and is extremely proud of his greenhouse and gardens.
• Easily Offended - Igris does not have a thick skin. Despite all his years as a baron and lord, he is still easily offended by insults, disrespect and perceived slights. 

• Grants +20% Silver earned after each encounter
• Could potentially offer PCs a small list of Rare Items that they may gift them during the course of the campaign.
• Offers the PCs a place to stay in his manor. Essentially removing any room and board costs for them.

• Provides loans and owns a many of the properties and plots of land surrounding the city.
• His manor just outside the city proper, in the fertile band of the Meadow.
• Known for lavish parties, a love of music, and invitations embroidered with his crest: a golden sun rising over an olive tree.

• Speaks in a grand, affectionate tone that is closer to singing than talking.
• Offers tea and crumpets at every meeting.
• Could also act as:
• • Comic relief that veils true generosity.
  • A safe haven for PCs licking their wounds.
  • The source of an heirloom weapon or forgotten royal secret.

Igris Alskavald radiates warmth, the kind of golden glow that makes others relax and lean in. He is tall, broad-shouldered, and gently soft at the edges, with a beaming face that seems sculpted for expressive laughter and storytelling. His voice is smooth and resonant, trained by years of public speaking, theatre patronage, and gossip shared over wine at midnight.

Though he was assigned female at birth, Igris has lived openly as a man for decades. His presentation is proudly masculine, but his flair is unmistakably his own, expressive, rich, embroidered, and warm in tone. There is no contradiction in him, he is simply and entirely himself, and he is adored for it.

His curly hair is a lustrous silver-blond tied into a regal half-knot, and his beard is well- maintained and oiled. His skin is well cared for, and his cheeks are perpetually flushed from sun, wine, or laughter.

The Baron dresses for his pleasure, for color, fashion and charm. He blends noble regalia with personal indulgence in a way that makes him look like a nobleman and fashion aficionado. 

• Gowns & Robes: Flowing velvet coats tailored to drape like armor but feel like clouds. Each one bears a floral motif or embroidered garden along the cuffs or hem. Often wears rich blues, purples, and soft greens, trimmed in bronze or gold.
• Cloak: Long and billowing, perfumed subtly with imported lilac oil. The inside of the cloak is lined with an orchid motif, and doubles as a picnic blanket in emergencies.
• Accessories: A wide-brimmed sun hat, a silver tin of candied fruits and two brooches, one from an old lover and one from his late mother.
• Jewelry: Rings on three fingers, and a pendant locket.
• Footwear: Heeled leather boots, perfectly oiled and maintained.

Being in the same room as Igris feels like arriving at a feast you didn’t know you were invited to. He’s warm, charismatic, and instantly endearing. You feel seen, welcomed, and ever-so-slightly judged on your fashion choices.

But beneath the charisma is competence, Igris is no fool. He hides shrewdness behind wine goblets and warmth, but he watches the Riftguard closely. He understands people. He’s survived by knowing exactly when to buy and when to sell.

• His is Not a True Noble: Igris was never meant to be a baron. The title originally belonged to his master. After their mysterious disappearance during the last Melding, Igris assumed his identity and stepped in, filling the role. 

If uncovered, this secret could unravel his authority, unless he secures new legitimacy through the Riftguard’s success.

• He Once Killed a Cultist to Keep a Secret Buried: Years ago, a Cultist of the Pinnacle approached Igris, claiming knowledge of his pre-transition life and threatening to expose “the noble girl who plays dress-up as a lord.” Igris invited the cultist to dinner, danced with them in the garden, and challenged them to a duel at midnight.

They never left the grounds. Igris never reported the death. But the garden bed near the old sundial has grown... exceptionally well.

If another cultist uncovers this event, they might seek to blackmail him.

• His Garden Grows Things That Shouldn’t Exist: The Baron’s famed garden is more than a hobby. After the last Melding, a Riftspawn was killed and died there, and its arcane remains have twisted the soil. Now, strange plants grow without planting. Some bloom only at night, others seem to have magical properties.

Igris hides this fact behind excuses and distractions. If allowed to flourish, these plants could be potent ingredients, or additional dangers to the city.

• He’s Smitten With One of the Riftguard: Though he tries to remain impartial, Igris is quickly developing deep romantic feelings for one of the Riftguard (Narrator’s choice). He hides it behind polite teasing and generous gifts, but it definitely affects his judgment, and he may go to dangerous lengths to protect them, even at the risk of others.

If the feelings are mutual, this could become a powerful alliance.