Belisar von Bregelsaum, the court alchemist of Fürst Blasius von Eberstamm, is an enigmatic yet brilliant man, renowned for his extraordinary potions, elixirs, and alchemical discoveries. In addition to being the court alchemist, Belisar serves as an advisor on matters of science and medicine. His research spans from healing arts to the discovery of new substances that can be both beneficial and dangerous.
Background: Belisar hails from the wealthy but secluded city of Kuslik in Almada, where he was exposed to the secrets of alchemy from a young age. His family, rumored to have ancient magical roots, provided him with an excellent education at the Almadan Academy of Alchemy and Magical Arts, where he was quickly recognized as a prodigy. Even during his student years, he caught the attention of various nobles for his unique gift in brewing rare and powerful potions. His creations were often referred to as "miracles in bottles," healing seemingly incurable wounds or bestowing legendary powers.
Despite his obvious talent, Belisar preferred to work in the shadows. He detested public attention and would often retreat to his laboratories, where he worked tirelessly on new experiments, day and night. After several successful projects in the service of various lords, he was eventually summoned to the court of Fürst Blasius von Eberstamm, who had heard of Belisar’s reputation and was eager to secure his services.
Description: Belisar is an unappealing, downright unattractive man in his late thirties. He is of average height, slender, and bordering on gaunt, with pale skin that reflects the long hours he spends in his dark labs. His messy, black hair falls untidily over his forehead, and his sharp brown eyes have a penetrating gaze that often makes others uncomfortable, as though he sees deeper than most are willing to reveal. His hands are nearly always stained with ink or chemical residue, a testament to his constant work with his experiments. His crooked posture, uneven facial features, and gaunt appearance create a strikingly peculiar and ungraceful figure.
Belisar’s clothing is simple but functional: dark leather cloaks and gloves protect him from the dangerous substances he works with. He always carries an assortment of vials, flasks, and small tools on his belt, ready to analyze or concoct new potions at a moment’s notice. What he lacks in physical strength, he more than makes up for with his sharp mind and incredible precision.
Role at Court: Belisar enjoys the trust of Fürst Blasius but remains a mysterious figure at court. He rarely mingles with the court society, preferring to operate behind the scenes. His duties include crafting healing potions for the soldiers and nobility of the principality, but he is also responsible for creating poisons and antidotes—a skill he has mastered, even if it borders on moral ambiguity. Some whisper that he is capable of brewing "truth potions," which strip someone of their ability to lie, making him potentially invaluable as an interrogator.
Belisar is also sought out as a diplomatic mediator when it comes to the exchange of secret alchemical formulas or knowledge with other principalities. His connections in alchemical circles and access to rare and valuable materials make him an indispensable asset to Fürst Blasius. Some even claim that the Fürst would never have become as powerful as he is today without Belisar.
Secrets and Conflicts:
Dark Experiments: Although Belisar is renowned as a brilliant alchemist, rumors persist that his experiments may cross into the realm of dark magic. Some of his potions are said to contain demonic substances or forbidden ingredients. If such rumors were to surface, the consequences could be dire for both him and the Fürst.
Enemies in Science: Belisar’s rise to prominence has not earned him many friends. At the court of Blasius, there are several jealous rivals, particularly older healers or mages who disapprove of his methods and see him as a threat to their own positions. This could lead to intrigues aimed at discrediting or even removing him.
Relationship with the Group: Belisar could become a valuable resource for the adventurer group, whether by providing healing remedies, poisons, or other alchemical aids. However, his assistance is never free. He may demand favors or information in return, drawing the group deep into the political or magical shadows of the principality.
Belisar von Bregelsaum is a fascinating yet dangerous figure at the Fürst’s court, whose true loyalties and motives are not always apparent.
