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 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 cannot 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. Slaying a Jonas a posthumously Marched wizard earned him 1 point Acclaim. He earned one point Acclaim for slaying the White Wizard and one point in Pruddehomme for sharing the spoils. He earned another point of Pruddehomme for commissioning a house for his Squire after his second child is born.

Flambeau House Acclaim 1 (10)

Prudehomme 1 (9)