Count Rupert Hohenheim
The Hohenheims were an old and established family in Ryhanroos. Rupert was the eldest of three siblings, and as a child, he was immensely curious. It was during a late evening, in the dimly lit chambers of his family’s mansion, that young Rupert stumbled upon an ancient pendant - the same pendant he proudly wears today. The pendant, as legend within the family went, was said to hold dark powers and was tied to the city’s underworld.
Being an inquisitive child, Rupert sought to unlock its mysteries. He soon found that the pendant acted as a conduit, providing him whispers of the city's secrets and revealing hidden pathways to the city’s underbelly. Through this pendant, the young Rupert began to gain knowledge beyond his years and learned of the Black Network’s existence.
The Orphanage Scheme
Rupert’s first foray into Ryhanroos’s underbelly was during his early twenties. Wanting to expand his influence and wealth, he bankrolled the construction of an orphanage on the outskirts of the city. To the public, he was seen as a philanthropist, using his resources for the welfare of orphaned children. But in the shadows, the orphanage doubled as a training ground for child thieves and spies who would infiltrate the homes of the city's elite. This dual role of the institution not only supplied Rupert with information and treasures from across Ryhanroos but also allowed him to recruit and groom potential members for the Black Network.The Rise Amidst Shadows
As the Black Network and the Drow sought to reclaim their control over Ryhanroos during the Modern Era, a youthful Rupert Hohenheim, equipped with wealth, aristocratic influence, and an uncanny knack for politics, rose to power. Through strategic investments in art and culture, he ensured that the Hohenheim name was synonymous with refinement and sophistication. However, Rupert's initial intentions were not all pure. Recognizing the importance of information, he privately financed the establishment of an underground network of informants, positioning him as a man with eyes and ears everywhere. This network, initially separate from the Black Network, soon intertwined with it, giving Rupert a seat at its table.The Festival of Illumination
To mask the city's shadowy politics and provide the populace with a distraction, Rupert introduced the Festival of Illumination during his early years as Count. This event saw Ryhanroos's streets lit up with magical lights, performances from renowned artists, and a showcase of ancient artifacts. But the festival had an ulterior motive. Rupert subtly used this event to display the might and wealth of the Black Network. The rare artifacts shown were, in fact, items that the Black Network had acquired through less than honorable means. It was a flex of power, a sign that while the city celebrated, the real control lay elsewhere.The Night of Whispers
With time, as rumors of Rupert's affiliation with the Black Network grew, several nobles and influential figures in Ryhanroos sought to challenge his dominance. They formed a discreet coalition with the intent to dislodge both Rupert and the Black Network from power. Rupert, with his intricate web of informants, learned of this plot. Instead of a direct confrontation, he masterminded a silent purge. One by one, key figures of this coalition met with accidents, fell severely ill, or simply vanished. Within months, opposition to Rupert dwindled, leaving him unchallenged. Those in the know realized the extent of Rupert's power and influence, understanding that his reach could touch anyone, anywhere in Ryhanroos. Today, while Ryhanroos shines in art, culture, and prosperity, the name Count Rupert Hohenheim is spoken with a mixture of reverence, fear, and uncertainty. His public image as a patron of arts belies the whispers of the extent of his influence, power, and the shadows he controls.
Current Status
Attending the Expedition Summit in Hollow's Field
Current Location
Species
Age
Late 50s
Birthplace
Ryhanroos
Children
Current Residence
Ryhanroos
Pronouns
He/him
Sex
Male
Gender
Man
Presentation
Masculine
Eyes
brown
Hair
chesnut
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
white
Height
5'10"
Weight
190 lbs
Ruled Locations
Comments