James

Description

Second son of a Scottish Noble, he was fostered by his mother's brother in Sussex where his Gift was noticed by a Gentle Gifted Jerbiton who abducted him. James also had the Gentle Gift but the act of opening him to the Arts caused him to lose it, shaming his paren who traded his flawed apprentice for a Rook of Vis days into his apprenticeship.

James was adopted by Duncan the Bold a Flambeau who saw James's warrior spirit. Though his new pater chosen school was that of the Founder, James flaws made this impossible so he trained him in the schools of Ramius and Vilano. Toward this end, James was allowed to fight in tournaments is the guise of the mysterious Black Knight. He'd never take armor or mounts, and those surrendered always disappeared at dawn. James managed to keep his identity secret and avoid the reputation associated with his knightly persona, but he did manage to annoy many a Norman knight who to this day hold a grudge against the Black Knight.

James aptitude with horses earned him the name Caballus even before he had past his Gauntlet.

Magic

The negative affects from his Gift manifests in such a way that despite his actions he always seems to be the villain. He is a blood descendent of the mythic Black Knight. This has the unfortunate effect that many a righteous prudhomme challenge and interfere with him. The mythic connection has one benefit, he has a knack for enchanting horses.

James Pater attempted to suppress his Gift, so that he remained Gentle, which may have resulted in his difficulty with magic that he can not touch. James compensate with by having flawless control over his spells. His Pater gave James great latitude in his study and he found the below spells within in the Covenant library:

• The Wizards Mount
• Doublet of Impenetrable Silk
• Saddle from the Sturdy Surcoat
• Canter at the Kelpie Crossing
• Knives of Vengence
• The Wizard's Parry
• Blade of the Virulent Flame
• Sword from the Unseen Scabbard

His Spell Sigil turns its target black, usually their clothes but metal would have a black patina, etc. This staining persists on the spell's target even after the effect ends, and sometimes things not directly targeted get stained too. Needless to say all his clothes are now permanently stained black.

Key Abilities

• Single Weapon
• Ride
• Finesse

Personality

James comes from a hardworking family of Scotish minor nobles. He has a no nonsense attitude which often comes off as uncultured and boorish. He is proud of his abilities and can not resist a challenge.

• Brave +2
• Practical +2
• Proud +2

More can be gathered on James' personality by reading Who is Caballus.

Reputation

James bested a giant on his Gauntlet and saved a Faerie Princess earning a boon which he then used to save Randolph's life. Overall this story earned him a reputation as a Prudehomme. His House Acclaim rose when he competed in the Stormwatch Tournament. His Prudehome Reputation rose when he started courting the fair Fredegisa, rose again when he defended his honor at the Council Table. Leading the hunt for the rampaging drake earned him a point in his Acclaim as does his leading his men into melee against the spectral horsemen.

Flambeau House Acclaim 1 (8)

Prudehomme 1 (7)

Stories

1196 Spring Trouble on the Doorstep

1195 Summer Here Be Dragons

1195 Summer On the Road to Saint Giles

1194 Autumn The Stonehenge Tribunal of 1194

1194 Spring Stormwatch Tournament of 1194

1193 Autumn Gauntlet

Character Sheet

Players in the Saga of Stranggore should probably not look at Caballus' character sheet to avoid spoilers.

Caballus