Markessa Dufraine Character in Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576cy | World Anvil
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Markessa Dufraine

Master of the School of Divination

Master Markessa Dufraine, the Head of the School of Divination at the Silver Consortium, is a figure of both controversy and intrigue. Her position as one of the most powerful wizards within the Consortium brings with it a blend of respect and resentment from her peers. Known for her sharp intellect and unmatched divinatory skills, Markessa navigates the complex political landscape of the Consortium with a mix of finesse and forthrightness that often veils her deeper ambitions.

Personal Background

  • Age and Appearance: In her early 60s, Markessa is both worldly and ostentatious, often adorned in lavish clothing and jewelry.
  • Origin: Though rumors occasionally hint at Rhennee heritage, such claims are staunchly denied by Markessa and can provoke her ire.

Professional Role and Abilities

  • Title: Head of the School of Divination
  • Capabilities: Renowned for unparalleled divining abilities, capable of uncovering secrets and foretelling events with exceptional clarity.
  • Reputation: Seen as haughty and self-assured, Markessa does not shy away from flaunting her status as the preeminent wizard in the Consortium.

History and Achievements

  • Career Trajectory: Rose to the top of her field through a combination of skill and strategic maneuvering within the Consortium’s hierarchy.
  • Controversial Incidents: Linked to various political machinations and rumored to have played a role in the downfall of influential figures like the Viscount Wilfrick Verdanhart.

Relationships and Dynamics

  • With Juelihm: A complex blend of professional rivalry and covert opposition marks her relationship with Grand Headmaster Juelihm, whom she believes unworthy of his position.
  • With Peers: Tense and competitive, often leveraging her knowledge of others' secrets to maintain her power and influence.
  • With Viscount Wilfrick Verdanhart: Resents his preference for consulting Juelihm over her, despite her superior divination skills.

Political Influence and Motivations

  • Goals: Seeks greater recognition and authority within the Consortium, potentially aiming for the role of Grand Headmaster.
  • Strategies: Utilizes her divinatory talents to gather intelligence and manipulate outcomes in her favor, often engaging in subtle undermining of Juelihm.
  • Public Perception: While respected for her abilities, her overt ambition and manipulative tendencies earn her both admiration and animosity among her colleagues and the wider magical community.

Hierarchy and Institutional Role

  • Position within the Consortium: As a senior member and head of one of its most pivotal schools, Markessa plays a crucial role in shaping the Consortium’s policies and educational approaches.
  • Interactions with Students: Known for her demanding standards and the high expectations she sets for her pupils, whom she prepares rigorously for the complexities of magical and divinatory practices.
  • Philosophical Views: Believes strongly in the power of knowledge and foresight as tools for personal and institutional advancement. Her philosophical approach to divination emphasizes the proactive shaping of destiny rather than passive prediction.

Temples and Rituals

  • Academic Rituals: Incorporates complex divinatory rituals into her teaching, often involving elaborate setups and ceremonial practices that reflect her deep commitment to the art of divination.

Notable Public Statements

Frequently speaks on the potential of divination to influence policy and decision-making, advocating for a more prominent role for diviners in political and social arenas.
Alignment
Neutral good
Ethnicity
Year of Birth
527 49 Years old
Children
Sex
Female
Presentation
Head of the School of Divination
Hair
volumes grey
Height
5'3'
Quotes & Catchphrases
"Foreknowledge is not just power—it is the ultimate advantage."
"In the weave of fate, every thread counts."


Cover image: by 3orcs
Character Portrait image: Markessa Dufraine by 3orcs

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