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Background
Sir Raimond Giraldi is the son of the infamous Lady Miranda Giraldi, and newly the heir to House Giraldi. He shares some of his mother's poor reputation, but has fought well in the Great Raid, Thorn Insurgency, and Battle of Three Crowns, often at the side of his half-brother, Duke Darren Haldis. While still a young knight, he cuts a dashing and handsome figure, and levies those qualities to outwardly project a gallant and somewhat flamboyant persona, particularly on the tourney grounds. However, behind that smiles and the stylish attire is an ambitious young man who has grown up in the oft-literally cutthroat world of Pacittan politics, and who will defend his family and its' interests fiercely, even if it means stepping outside the bounds of traditionally-accepted honor and chivalry. While his family's reputation may be poor, its' coffers are full and it has the favor of powerful people. If Raimond has his way he will use these tools to cement his House as one that will stand the test of time.
Raimond Giraldi was born in the middle of Aout, 1845 IA, in the still very-young City-State of Pacitta. At the time, his parents were among the prime beneficiaries of that nations' newfound existence, with his father Armando Giraldi sitting as a High Councilor and one of the most wealthy and respected "merchant princes" of the Edge, and his mother Miranda (nee t'Alvi) as a renowned beauty (and seductress) with a keen political mind who had brought her own considerable fortune into the match. Sadly, in 1847, before Raimond was old enough to begin forming real memories of the fellow, Armando Giraldi was murdered. Raimond's earliest memories are of tense days and a grieving but determined mother, along with many other family members working diligently to both maintain their trading interests and uncover the truth of Armando Giraldi's murder. To Miranda's credit, she made certain Raimond grew up knowing his father had been a clever and exceptional man, and while the family would be drawn closer together as a result of their father's death, Miranda did not shelter her children to the point of losing touch with the outside world.
Miranda made certain that Raimond's education was as close to the equal of any young noble as she could manage (which was quite close, given her own noble upbringing and the massive fortune available to her). What struck some as odd, though, was that when Raimond was seven, Miranda set him to the duties of a page, and further still, hired the colorfully-named but well-regarded Hedge Knight Sir Cutter Steele (certainly not his birth name, but it was far more catchy than "Johan Cooperson") to oversee Raimond's education as a Knight. Cutter was a popular and flamboyant tourney knight and veteran of the Thirty Years' War. Of course, given his mother's reputation, rumor quickly spread that she had paid the Knight in more than coin, which prove a continuing source of great amusement to Cutter and Miranda, as Cutter's preference was towards his own gender, if discreetly. In any case, when he came of the proper age, Cutter took Raimond to squire, and treated him as he would a son, imparting upon him the skills and wisdom hard-won from both battlefield and tourney grounds. In the meantime, their nearness allowed Miranda herself to insure her son and Armando's heir would receive the lessons he needed to properly lead the Giraldi Trading Company. While hardly unique, some found the idea of a Knight-Merchant a novelty, but Raimond was hardly going to complain, as what young man doesn't dream of being a Knight?
Raimond proved a better-than-adequate (if not truly great) student in both the arts of warfare and of business, and along the way served as something of the ideal "big brother" to his siblings…protecting them when they needed it and not antagonizing them too much (though the occasional prank was certainly had, especially when Leander became a squire himself). Even as a squire, Raimond became a popular face in Pacitta, and was as close as any outsider really gets to his family's long-standing allies the Marchettes, particularly Tarin Marchette's sons Jensen and Samwell, whom he often socialized with in his scant free time. As he grew to adulthood, Raimond also became known in Pacitta for his handsome features, which both Sir Cutter and Miranda educated and encouraged him to levy for whatever advantage he could. It certainly helped that he was a fine complement to Sir Cutter's larger-than-life Tourney persona, which was always a crowd pleaser in the Pacitta tournaments. However, matters became far more serious in 1860, when Darren Haldis turned against Anton Tracano and reclaimed his Duchy.
Sir Cutter and by extension the young Raimond were sent along with a sizeable force of mercenaries to aid Darren in the latter portions of the Succession War in Rivana (after the forces of House Haldis shifted their loyalty to Alysande Tracano). Raimond would see battle in small skirmishes with remaining Thorn holdouts, and acquitted himself well if not truly blooding himself with any kills. He grew accustomed enough to battle, and learned more of leadership and tactics at the side of his half-brother, whom he came to admire and love as much as any of his immediate family. Raimond divided his time in those few years between accompanying his half-brother on those final campaigns, and continuing his education in Pacitta. When accompanying Darren, he often served as something of a junior aide-de-camp to his elder-half-brother, though Darren was careful to utilize him only in ways that would not offend his noble vassals. Because of this, Raimond was present when Darren and the Viscount Jaren Cassomir captured Anton Tracano in Marse of 1863, and bore witness to his execution. Sir Cutter even competed in the Coronation Tourney of Queen Alysande, though like so many contestants in that particular event, the older Hedge Knight was swiftly eliminated by younger and more skilled competition.
While Raimond looked forward to returning to Pacitta following his (minor) adventures in the Succession War, in 1864 Darren Haldis summoned his mother and half-siblings to Charger's Rest, where they soon took up residence, and Miranda began serving as a part of Darren's court. As part of the household, Sir Cutter came along as well, but while "officially" Sir Cutter remained the Knight Raimond was squired to, in practice it soon became apparent that he was serving as a de-facto squire to Darren himself even if he did not hold that title (quite possibly his mother's influence at work). Raimond's education proved significantly upgraded with the move, as Darren was one of Rivana's finest warriors, and actually being in a noble court (even if that of Charger's Rest) proved an excellent "finishing school" for the other aspects of Raimond's experience and education. His appearance and relation to the Duke made him a rather popular target for the attentions of the ladies of the Court, but along with that came a somewhat exaggerated reputation as a ladykiller based more off of "inheriting" aspects of his mother's reputation than the actual number of partners he enjoyed (which…while likely more than average, was not an exorbitant amount…he didn't have the time amidst all his continued training and schooling). Still, in some ways Raimond embraced the image, likely due to the influence of Sir Cutter's gregarious and stylish persona, though Raimond was certainly careful to keep any flings with the noblewomen of Eastfields fairly discreet, given that he knew his mother and his family were not well-liked by many of the vassals (but since when has looking down on someone halted the desires of lusty nobles?).
By Mai of 1865, Raimond was deemed ready, and in anticipation of the Tourney at Pacitta, Darren Haldis saw to it that he was knighted at age 19. There was briefly talk of seeing him join the Unbridled, but Miranda seemed to convince Darren otherwise for reasons not entirely clear to Raimond at the time. In any case, Sir Cutter's work was done, and he received a generous severance payment from Miranda for his services. While even she would have preferred to keep him on (as she was quite fond of the Hedge Knight), being a "long-term guest" in Charger's Rest made the idea of Miranda paying for and stationing her own troops while there…problematic. Cutter and Raimond bid an emotional farewell to one another, promising to meet again at the Tourney in Pacitta.
At the Tourney proper, Raimond proved that his knightly training had not been wasted, and while he was not among the finalists in any of the major events, he acquitted himself well for a young Knight in his first major tourney, and even won many admirers among the crowds by adopting a bit of his old mentor's flamboyance and style. He even briefly faced Sir Cutter in one of the preliminary melee rounds, though the bout proved inconclusive as other combatants soon joined in and diverted their attention. Of course, in the wake of the final celebrations of the Tourney, Raimond would face his first large-scale battle as the Great Raid of 1865 was unleashed upon Pacitta. Raimond was furious at the attack…Pacitta was still home in his heart, but rather than rushing off to protect Giraldi interests, Raimond instead found himself at Darren's side, and would remain there for the duration of the conflict. By the end, Raimond would have effectively watched Darren's back as he led the charge to reclaim the docks, would have killed a few Brodlund Raiders, and would have earned a few scars for his trouble. Between the Tourney and the Raid, there was little dispute that Raimond had shaped up to be an effective Knight. Sadly, the Great Raid did result in a crippling injury to Sir Cutter Steele, as he ultimately lost one of his arms to the fight (elsewhere in the city from where Raimond had been fighting). At Raimond's urging (though it took little convincing), Miranda agreed to supplement Sir Cutter's severance with a continued allowance, granting him the opportunity to live out the remainder of his days comfortably in Pacitta, another reward for his loyal service and friendship.
The return to Rivana did not give much opportunity for rest and recovery, as Darren was named Lord-Marshal of Rivana and began trying to track down the Thorn Insurgents, and took Raimond with him, letting him continue to fight (and learn) at his side. So it came to pass that Raimond was present when Darren Haldis was nearly killed in ambush by his uncle Alphard "the Butcher" Haldis. Raimond himself was among the Knights that pulled Darren from the field and defended him until healers could see to him. Raimond did not get to stay by his half-brother's side long, though, as his mother soon hired a large number of mercenaries to join the loyalist cause, and Raimond was assigned to oversee their deployment (even if the companies had their own captains and commanders beneath him). Despite his youth, Raimond rose to the challenge, and while other noble knights of Eastfield might have scoffed at the mercenaries among them, they proved their worth in the internal struggle that broke out in that Duchy, and Raimond quickly found himself a fairly seasoned warrior fighting alongside them, earning the respect of the mercenaries, and even, begrudgingly, a few of the nobles of Eastfields (though they would be loathe to admit it). Admittedly, a good bit of Raimond's success came from trusting the more experienced mercenary commanders who were reporting to him, but even that, in its' own way, was a sign of wisdom rather than lack of ability, and he certainly made his own opinions known when he disagreed.
After the battles in Eastfield were concluded, Raimond again returned to Darren's side just in time to fight in the Battle of Blackstone. After the victory there, Raimond and his mercenaries were among the "stay behind" forces to see to the cleanup of Blackstone, both because the again-wounded Darren was overseeing that effort, and because it was deemed proper that Sunsreach should be reclaimed by Rivanans. However, Raimond's efforts (and more pointedly the considerable contributions of his Mother to the loyalist cause) were recognized when Queen Alysande agreed to Darren Haldis recommendation that the Giraldis be granted a writ of ennoblement. In Marse 1866, House Giraldi was reborn as rulers of Watch Hill…a most controversial appointment both within and outside of Eastfields. Raimond wasn't around to hear the news, though, as he and his mercenaries were tasked with accompanying the forces that travelled North to relieve Valetta. Raimond saw more fierce fighting in the Battle of Three Crowns, but emerged relatively unscathed (well, perhaps a few more scars…). The mercenaries he had been leading threw a grand (for them) and impromptu celebration when they learned of Raimond's ennoblement. Given the circumstances, it would have been unseemly to not attend the coronation and tourney for Jean-Paul l'Valdan's ascension, which Raimond did (and was joined by his mother and brother). He again performed decently but not exceptionally in the tourney, but likewise attracted attention for his outwardly-gallant manner and appearance.
By the time Raimond finally returned to his new home of Watch Hill, he was a seasoned veteran of a great deal of fighting in a short period of time, and found himself older and wiser for the experience. Of course, given his family's rise in station, that just meant that it was time for the REAL work to begin….
On the Grid
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Sir Raimond Giraldi is a tall, rather well-built man who appears to be in his early to mid twenties, or perhaps a touch older. He stands an inch or so beyond six feet tall, and his build gives the impression that he probably weighs somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 pounds. His shoulders are fairly broad, though he wouldn't be described as 'barrel chested' by any means, instead retaining a lean, athletic build, at least from what can be guessed at upon first glance. He has thick, slightly curly black hair, cut short, and his face is (relatively) clean shaven, though from time to time he allows a bit of stubble to accumulate. His eyes are a vibrant hazel in color, and seem to study his surroundings attentively. The rest of his face is well-composed, with clear, chiseled features that would very likely be considered quite handsome by most standards. There's an air of resolve and even confidence that seems reflected in his face and bearing. His movements are smooth and sure, and laced with the energy and grace of one that is no stranger to athletic pursuits. Underneath the physicality, however, is a straight-backed accent of military bearing, adding a layer of discipline to his overall manner.
Raimond presents a striking figure, clad in the colors of the newly-raised House Giraldi. A royal blue coat covers his upper body, trimmed in white at the cuffs, fringe, and collar. Gold buttons trace down the front of his torso to hold it closed, and the emblem of House Giraldi is present upon his left breast in the form of an embossed brooch, leaving no doubt as to who he represents. The pants Raimond wears continue the trend, being largely white, albeit with a stripe of that royal blue running down the length of each leg, before they're tucked into a pair of sturdy black riding boots. A simple black leather belt encircles his waist, and a finely-crafted longsword hangs at his left hip, with a matching dirk upon his right. When outdoors, often a pair of kid leather gloves, also dyed black, is worn upon his hands, and a heavy hooded blue cloak with a white silk lining is draped upon his shoulders, though such accessories are only really needed in the deepest winter months, given the climate of Rivana. All in all, his finery is a match for any nobleman's, almost bordering on ostentatious.
In times of battle or training for such, Raimond favors a suit of Brigadine Armor, carefully fitted and swathed in the colors of his house. He favors the use of a shield, as well.
All people have at least two sides, and Raimond Giraldi is perhaps a more dramatic example of that than most. Outwardly, he is a charismatic young knight who conducts himself gallantly on the Tourney field and carries himself with just a touch of flamboyant flair without being foppish. He is gregarious and charming, and despite his family's (and by extension his own) poor reputation, he generally always puts his best foot forward. He is often quick to volunteer aid to others, and while this is a natural pursuit for a newly-raised house with few allies, he often tends to accomplish it with a degree of sincerity that some find surprising. He is known to be extremely loyal to his family (including his half-brother Darren), and has already weathered several intense battles in the last year and emerged stronger for them, even showing some potential talent towards command in the process.
Inwardly, however, Raimond desires above all to see his house strong and secure, and to protect their interests. While he may conduct himself with the utmost honor on the Tourney field, in the REAL battlefields (be they physical or political) he will do whatever he feels necessary to win. However, his decisions are not hot-blooded or hasty…he carefully considers and calculates (and often confers with his even more savvy mother) before taking action, but he is neither timid nor hesitant when that time comes. While he still naturally defers to his mother as the head of their house, he has shown his own initiative and while others may disparagingly claim he clings to her skirts the truth is quite the opposite. He very much has the potential to be a bold, decisive, and cunning leader for his house…but for now that potential is still in the process of being realized.
Quirks
Personality Quirks
Ambitious - Raimond wants nothing more than to see his house not only succeed, but to excel. He is quite willing to cross boundaries of morality and honor to see that done, but smart enough to understand that it must be done discreetly, and that sometimes "behaving" really is the better choice in the long-term.
Charismatic - Raimond is outwardly gregarious and despite his reputation seems to foster admiration and even trust rather easily, though he can also be fairly intimidating when he sets his mind to it.
Tight-Knit - Raimond is extremely loyal to and protective of his immediate family. This includes his Mother Miranda, his siblings Leander and Lydia, and his half-brother Darren Haldis. He tends to be close and generally affectionate with his family members.
Skill Quirks
Head For Numbers - Raimond seems to have inherited his father's talent for dealing with economic matters. He tends to easily grasp matters of stewardship and business.
Silver-Tongued - Raimond was taught by the best (his mother). He always seems to know the right thing to say and when to say it.
Social Quirks
Bad Reputation - All sorts of rumors swirl around House Giraldi, ranging from Miranda being responsible for her second husband's death or betraying her birth family to Bryar Haldis before the siege was concluded, to even more twisted (and false) rumors that Miranda is "unnaturally close" to her sons. Thankfully the latter hasn't really stuck, but Raimond has also had his fair share of dalliances, and while not terribly much more than average, rumormongering (in some cases deliberate smear-tactics) has magnified them to a level that would mark him as a lecher, whether true or not. His charisma and charm can often overcome the reputation on a personal level, and his accomplishments in the Thorn Insurgency are starting to mitigate it, but for the moment chances are if someone's heard something about Raimond, it likely has a negative connotation, and probably involves romantic conquests.
Friends in Dark Places - Raimond is close friends with members of the Marchette Syndicate, and his family has long been aligned with them as business partners. As a result, he has more information about the Syndicates' dealings (and particularly the Marchette Syndicate's dealings) than the average bear. He is aware of the Black Network and occasionally even gets a discount while using it (not that he often has reason to).
Wealthy - For a Lordly House the Giraldis are exceptionally well-off, financially, and as the heir to the House, Raimond is able to take full advantage of this fact. He never really lacks for money, provided he doesn't run around trying to buy warhorses and suits of full plate every day (though he can certainly afford such things when he needs them).
Weapons - Raimond favors the use of a longsword and shield in combat, and has good quality versions of both available to him. He also tends to carry a dirk, and utilizes a Lance when on horseback.
Armor - Raimond's mother has gone to considerable expense to make sure he is well-protected. He has a suit of full-plate armor (given to him upon their family being ennobled) and also possesses a suit of Brigadine that he wore previously (which can of course be stripped down to full maile for tourney purposes). He's also fond of riding leathers when traveling or simply out and about in rougher areas of the cities.
Horses - Raimond's primary war horse is a Haldis Charger named Summerstep gifted to him by his half-brother Darren upon becoming a Knight. He also has a pair of fine riding horses that are for everyday travel and use.
Logs and Sundry
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(bartolo conrad elrick evelyn event jonathan leander log raimond)
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(alexandra alina amara antonia darren devlin elrick emilia evelyn event gabriel gawain joffrey jonathan leander liam log manfred odilia quentyn raimond thaddeus tiadora vorian)
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(alexandra alina alivia amara ariane cesare clarke cynthia darren dawn devlin drusilla elaida elrick emilia esyld evelyn event gabriel gastogne joffrey jonathan leander lero log manfred mina orion quentyn raelyn raimond samuel thaddeus tiadora tristan vorian)
(alaric alexandra alina alivia amara ariane cesare clara clarke cynthia darren drusilla elaida elrick emilia evelyn event gabriel gastogne joffrey jonathan leander lero log manfred mina odilia orion raelyn raimond samuel thaddeus tristan vorian)
(dawn elaida emilia liam log raelyn raimond social stephen thaddeus tristan)
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