Francesco Maria

Played by Dan in the Affairs of State campaign, Francesco Maria has led a life with as varied a background as any; from abused servant boy, to clergy, to security chief. With each role he caries with him a fierce intellect, diplomatic nature, and willingness to exploit others for the gains of himself and those of his close and trusted friends.

He is known as the man who will get it done at all costs to his closest political allies. His enemies know that he is capable of gruesome torture if you cross his path, and the every day common folk simply respect him out of fear for going to hell. All these "faces" as he calls it are perfectly engineered by a man who crafts his reputation carefully. In fact, Francesco may even border on the edges of Megalomania. Like many who posses his talents and ability, those around him are more than happy to play a role in his grandiose schemes. He plays them all well.

Stonebridge

He was raised in Stonebridge, the son of a drunken father who squandered the earnings of his wife's whoring business, Francesco was sold to servitude to the Viceroy of Cormire at the age of 11.

Cormire

Francesco Maria in his early days

In Cormire, Maria was one of many personal children slaves to the Viceroy. Many claimed that the Viceroy seemed to have a strange fetish for such children, though no one on the outside really knows if there is truth to the tales of abuse. Once he came of age, he started to gain a sharp tongue to his master and was beaten for his witty remarks.

General Connery witnessed the beatings of Maria, and was impressed with a certain quality the young lad displayed as he took the pain of the whip in stride. Connery took him under his wing, as a man servant.

As nearly 15 years passed, the general and Maria became not only familiar with each other, but also became very close friends. The general taught Maria many skills, which he learned quickly and adeptly. So much so that he was appointed as the General's Chief of Security, which is where he remained for the last 10 years of his time in Cormire.

Upon his death, Connery had arranged through his will for his lifetime friend, servant, and protector to be shuffled out of the city via the Spice Road, which eventually lead him to Lowenport where he was given to some contacts with The Org, along with a substantial payment to assist them in giving him a new start in a fresh place. Maria could not have stayed at Cormire, for the viceroy who abused him as a child was still in power and continued to have a distaste for him--the only thing keeping the viceroy from making Maria disappear was his allegiance to the General.

The Org

Francesco Maria in his latter years under the servitude of John Vallis

Assuming a new identity (though with the same name), Maria served with The Org for several years. The purse of General Connery had assured him a place as a high priest of sorts. He had no real power within The Org, but was a figurehead who traveled often to perform duties of collection from lower priests. This allowed him to live a very well-to-do life, thriving off the piety of others (which he shared very little of.) He learned to use his wit and charm with his position of power to gain leverage and a sizable personal wealth. Corrupt priests were not uncommon in the day, and Maria was no exception.

Servitude to John Vallis (Current)

During his travels as priest of The Org, he was sent to meet Prince John Vallis about a need for a Security Chief--the previous incumbent had died unexpectedly after killing a local priest who had walked too close carrying a ceremonial knife. It was a bad judgement call, and one that left the local clergy in an uproar. It was thought that God himself struck down the man as justice for his transgression (in reality, it was poorly cooked meat.)

Ready to live a life of more interesting days, Maria expounded the virtues of his previous life (with some embellishments, of course) and was promptly offered a job. He has continued to serve as the Security Chief through the present day and has thwarted several attacks upon his target, as well as smoothed over several religious issues.

Maria keeps a notebook of key details in the investigation of the Affairs of State.

Acquaintances

Reft Taliborn

Maria hires Reft on a regular basis as a consultant for military affairs. Back in the day, Reft saved Maria's life on a raid on the command tent at a frontline defense.