Kaspar von Falkenheim, der Flinke

[adavis]

Kaspar von Falkenheim, der Flinke, is a man shaped by delusion and disdain, a minor Swabian noble born around 1500 who clings to the illusion of grandeur his mother instilled in him. Raised to believe he was a prince destined for greatness, Kaspar’s exclusion from inheritance shattered his prospects but not his arrogance, driving him into the brutal world of mercenary work.

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Now in his mid-30s, he leads a small band of German Reiters—elite mounted pistoliers—through the chaos of the Italian Wars, his swift, decisive tactics earning him the epithet "der Flinke" (the Nimble). Yet beneath his blackened steel breastplate and feathered hat lies a man whose inflated self-image blinds him to reality: he fancies himself a ladies’ man, though no woman has ever crossed his path willingly, and his abrasive demeanor ensures that even his own men follow him more out of necessity than loyalty.

Kaspar’s weathered face, scarred across the right cheek from years of campaigning, mirrors the decay of his leadership. His neatly trimmed beard and fine saber are props in the theater of his self-importance, but they do little to mask the truth: he is an absolute asshole, despised by all who know him. His Reiters grumble behind his back, their obedience fraying under the weight of his grating arrogance, and his enemies mock him as much as they fear his wheel lock pistols. Kaspar’s belief in his own princely destiny is unshakable, a delusion that fuels his reckless ambition but isolates him in a world where respect must be earned, not assumed. In the misty ravines of northern Italy, where he leads ambushes with ruthless precision, Kaspar von Falkenheim remains a paradox—a tactically brilliant but insufferable leader, hated by all, yet clinging to the fantasy that he is a king among men.

Fast-Facts

• Name: Kaspar von Falkenheim, der Flinke (the Nimble)

• Classification: #Historical-Fiction

• Roles:
  • Rottenmeister (squad leader) of five German Reiters, elite mounted pistoliers
  • Führer/Hauptmann (captain), for a cavalry squad leader

• Background: Minor Swabian noble, born ~1500; turned mercenary after being disinherited

• Age: Mid-30s, active during the Italian Wars and regional conflicts

• Appearance: Weathered, with a neatly trimmed beard and a scar on his left cheek

• Wearing: Blackened steel breastplate, wide-brimmed feathered hat; carries three wheel lock pistols and a fine saber

• Personality: Arrogant, delusional, and universally despised; believes he’s a prince and a ladies’ man despite no evidence

• Leadership Style: Swift and decisive in combat, but his abrasive nature undermines loyalty; his men follow reluctantly but his tactical genius (e.g., nimble ambushes) keeps his reluctant followers in line, despite their disdain.

• Delusion: Brainwashed by his mother to believe he’s royalty, a belief he clings to despite his mercenary life

• Social Skills: Fancies himself charming but has likely never spoken to a woman; alienates everyone around him

• Combat Skills: Highly skilled in hit-and-run ambushes, leveraging wheel lock pistols for speed and precision

• Epithet Origin: "Der Flinke" earned for his nimble tactics, though his personality ensures it’s said with a sneer

Attribute Score Summary

• Human Fighter (Cavalier) 7

• STR: 14 (+2) | DEX: 16 (+3) | CON: 13 (+1) | INT: 12 (+1) | WIS: 8 (-1) | CHA: 6 (-2)

• HP: ~55 (7d10 + 7, average roll)

• AC: 16 (breastplate, DEX bonus)

• Weapons: Wheel Lock Pistol (1d10 piercing, 30/120 ft., loading), Fine Saber (1d8 slashing, versatile), Dagger (1d4 piercing, thrown 20/60 ft.)

• Proficiency Bonus: +3

• Alignment: Chaotic Neutral. Kaspar’s arrogance and delusions drive him, not loyalty to any cause, but he’s not inherently evil—just insufferable.

• Flaw: "I am destined for greatness, and all should recognize my nobility."

• Bond: His band of Reiters, though they hate him.

• Ideal: "Power and glory are mine by birthright."

Attribute Details

Strength (STR): 14
Kaspar is a seasoned mercenary and cavalry leader who wields a fine saber and likely engages in melee combat after pistol volleys. His ability to wear a blackened steel breastplate and fight on horseback suggests above-average physical power, though he’s not described as a brute or heavy warrior (ruling out an exceptional score like 16+).

Dexterity (DEX): 16
His epithet "der Flinke" (the Nimble) and mastery of hit-and-run tactics with wheel lock pistols point to high agility and precision. Reiters relied on speed and coordination, and Kaspar’s skill in ambushes and mounted combat demands excellent reflexes and hand-eye coordination. This is likely his highest stat.

Constitution (CON): 13
Years of campaigning have left him weathered and scarred, implying resilience. He’s in his mid-30s and still leading men through the brutal Italian Wars, so he’s hardy enough to endure a mercenary lifestyle, but there’s no indication of exceptional toughness beyond what’s typical for a veteran.

Intelligence (INT): 12
Kaspar’s tactical brilliance in ambushes and leadership of an elite Reiter squad suggest above-average cunning and battlefield awareness. However, his delusions and inability to read social cues (e.g., his men’s disdain, his lack of charm) prevent a higher score.

Wisdom (WIS): 8
His low Wisdom reflects his disconnection from reality—clinging to delusions of princely grandeur and failing to perceive how others view him. He’s tactically smart but lacks insight, judgment, or empathy, making him prone to missteps outside combat.

Charisma (CHA): 6
Kaspar fancies himself a ladies’ man and a princely figure, but he’s universally despised, abrasive, and socially inept. His leadership inspires obedience through necessity and fear of his skill, not loyalty or charm. A below-average Charisma fits his grating arrogance and inability to win genuine respect.

Class and Level
Kaspar’s profile aligns with a Fighter class, with a possible splash of Rogue for his nimble, ambush-centric style. However, Fighter feels most fitting as his primary class due to his combat focus, leadership role, and reliance on martial prowess. The Cavalier archetype (from Xanathar’s Guide to Everything) suits him perfectly, emphasizing mounted combat, tactical expertise, and a noble (delusional) self-image.

Level: 7
As a mid-30s veteran Rottenmeister leading a small elite squad during the Italian Wars, Kaspar has significant experience but isn’t a legendary figure. Level 7 gives him proficiency, extra attacks, and subclass features without making him an overpowered warlord. It reflects a seasoned but mid-tier mercenary captain.

Reasoning: Levels 5–10 represent skilled professionals or regional notables. Level 7 grants a Fighter two attacks per turn (Extra Attack at 5th level) and Cavalier features like Unwavering Mark (marking foes, fitting his commanding presence) and Warding Maneuver (defensive tactics, reflecting his nimble combat style).

Proficiencies and Features

Skills:

• Athletics (+5, STR-based): For mounted combat and physical exertion.

• Intimidation (+2, CHA-based, proficiency offsets low stat): His men follow out of necessity, and he likely bullies them into line.

• Perception (+1, WIS-based): Tactical awareness, though tempered by low Wisdom.

• Survival (+1, WIS-based): Navigating misty ravines and campaign life.

• Saving Throws: STR and CON (Fighter proficiencies), reflecting physical resilience.

• Weapons: Proficiency with martial weapons (saber, dagger, lance) and firearms (wheel lock pistols, treated as a reskinned hand crossbow or custom weapon: 1d10 piercing, 30/120 ft. range, loading property).

• Armor: Medium armor proficiency (breastplate).

Cavalier Features:

• Born to the Saddle: Advantage on checks to stay mounted, fitting a Reiter.

• Unwavering Mark: Marks enemies to focus combat, showing his leadership.

• Warding Maneuver (7th level): Adds a defensive flair to his nimble style.

[adavis]

Wheel Lock Pistols

• Description: Wheel lock pistols were revolutionary firearms in the early 16th century, introduced around the 1510s–1520s. They used a spring-loaded wheel mechanism to create sparks and ignite the gunpowder, offering greater reliability and speed compared to matchlock firearms, especially in wet conditions. Kaspar is explicitly described as carrying three wheel lock pistols, which aligns with Reiter tactics. Reiters often carried multiple pistols (typically two to four) to fire in rapid succession during caracole maneuvers—riding up, discharging pistols, and retreating to reload.

• Use: Used for hit-and-run attacks, engaging enemy infantry or cavalry at close range with precision. Kaspar’s skill in leveraging these for speed and precision in ambushes is central to his "Nimble" epithet.

• Historical Context: By the 1530s–1540s, wheel lock pistols were expensive but prized among elite cavalry like Reiters, reflecting Kaspar’s lingering noble status and mercenary wealth.

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Fine Saber

• Description: A finely crafted, single-edged sword with a curved or straight blade, typically used for slashing and thrusting. Sabers were common among cavalry in the 16th century, particularly among Reiters, who needed a versatile melee weapon for close combat after discharging pistols. Kaspar’s "fine saber" suggests a high-quality weapon, possibly a remnant of his noble heritage or a prized possession as a mercenary.

• Use: Employed in hand-to-hand combat, particularly after closing with the enemy or during chaotic melee engagements. It complements his mounted pistolier role, allowing him to engage foes if dismounted or in close quarters.

• Historical Context: Sabers became increasingly popular among German and Eastern European cavalry in the 16th century, evolving from earlier straight swords. A "fine" saber indicates craftsmanship, fitting Kaspar’s delusions of grandeur.

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Dagger (Side Arm)

Quillon dagger (also known as a "side-sword dagger" or "main gauche"), common among 16th-century European nobility and cavalry.

• Description: A short, pointed blade, often carried as a secondary weapon or utility tool. Reiters and other mercenaries typically carried daggers for close combat, self-defense, or practical tasks like cutting ropes or food.
  Use: Used in desperate close-quarters fighting, as a backup if pistols and saber were lost or ineffective, or for utility purposes in camp.

• Historical Context: Daggers were ubiquitous among 16th-century soldiers, including mercenaries. A simple or ornate dagger (depending on Kaspar’s wealth) would be standard for a Rottenmeister.

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Short Spear (Occasional)

• Description: While Reiters primarily relied on pistols and sabers, some early 16th-century Reiters or their predecessors (e.g., Stradiots or light lancers) might carry lances or short spears for initial charges or to engage enemy infantry. By the 1530s, lances were less common among Reiters, who favored firearms, but a lightweight lance could still be used for specific operations.

• Use: Used for charging enemy lines or as a thrusting weapon against infantry or dismounted foes, though Kaspar would likely prioritize his pistols and saber.

• Historical Context: Lances were more typical of heavy cavalry (e.g., Gendarmes), but some lighter cavalry units retained them early in the 16th century before fully transitioning to firearms. This is less certain for Kaspar but feasible if his unit adapted older tactics.

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Shield (Rare or Improvised)
A small buckler (18–24 inches in diameter), made from scavenged wood, leather, and metal scraps:

• Description: While not standard for Reiters, who prioritized mobility and firearms, a small, lightweight shield (e.g., a buckler) could be carried for occasional protection, especially in close combat. Kaspar might improvise with a captured shield or carry one for specific engagements.

• Use: Used for defense against enemy swords, spears, or arrows in melee, though it would hinder his mobility as a mounted pistolier.

• Historical Context: Shields were declining in use among cavalry by the 16th century, but some mercenaries retained them, especially in mixed units or during sieges. This is optional for Kaspar but plausible in a historical fiction context.

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