Duke Elric Strangeways
A wizard of immense reputation who chose distance over dominion, and influence over rule.
What People Know
Duke Elric Strangeways is a wizard of the Wizards Hall of Gax, a noble by title, and one of the most quietly influential figures the party has ever encountered. He is widely respected across borders, seldom seen in public, and almost never heard raising his voice.
When Elric speaks, people listen—not because he demands it, but because experience has taught them they should.
He does not rule lands.
He shapes outcomes.
Reputation
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Considered brilliant, restrained, and unsettlingly calm
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Known for foresight bordering on the prophetic
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Trusted by scholars, merchants, and rulers who distrust one another
Even those who dislike him concede one thing:
Elric Strangeways is rarely wrong.
Background (Public Knowledge)
Elric bears the title of Duke, though he does not govern a duchy in the traditional sense. His holdings are modest, his lifestyle restrained, and his wealth largely invisible. He has long-standing ties to Valin, Gax, and institutions of learning across the world.
His affiliation with the Wizards Hall of Gax places him among the most powerful arcane minds alive—but he is known less for displays of magic and more for knowing when not to act.
Relationship to the Party
Elric is the party’s benefactor, though he rarely frames his involvement as patronage. He provides resources, introductions, and protection when needed—but never without purpose.
He asks questions.
He observes decisions.
He does not interfere unless the stakes demand it.
Those who travel under his notice are aware that they are being evaluated, not controlled.
Philosophy
Elric believes the world does not fall to villains alone—but to those who act too late.
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Power should be distributed, not hoarded
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Magic must be free, but never careless
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Knowledge is dangerous only when monopolized
He despises the Scholas Magick of Nokan, though he speaks of them rarely and without visible anger.
Manner & Presence
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Soft-spoken, precise, and unfailingly polite
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Makes eye contact when delivering difficult truths
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Never interrupts—and remembers who does
Elric does not posture.
He does not threaten.
He simply allows silence to do the work.
Known Associations
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Senior member of the Wizards Hall of Gax
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Trusted by select merchant families and scholars
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Maintains discreet contact networks across nations
His name opens doors that do not exist for others.
Rumors
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Elric has refused crowns more than once
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He is aware of the Crown of Iron and its fragments
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He measures people by what they do when afraid
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He is preparing for something the rest of the world hasn’t noticed yet
No one agrees on how much he truly knows.
Player Notes
Duke Elric Strangeways does not need you to succeed.
He needs you to choose correctly.
If he intervenes directly, the situation is already dire.
And if he ever stops advising restraint—
the world is about to change.