Tesák, Eldritch Knight and War Mage - Sketch (Patreon)

An ambitious noble adventurer I painted on commission recently!

Character: Tesák, Eldritch Knight and War Mage (and ten hidden bats!)

Tesák began life as an illegitimate child to Masłowska Książę the 5th of house Ostrava. However, with no heir to call his own, he agreed to raise the child as part of his family, instructing him in the art of navigating political intrigue, be it in the courtroom or dueling square. Tesák proved quite adept at this and had a knack for almost always being able to steer any given situation to his advantage. When asked, he would simply smile and quote his teachers: “People are like homing pigeons when it comes to their goals, once you find out what they want to achieve, most of the hard work is done for you,” and “while deception will always be a useful tool to have only a fool overlooks the value of an honest reputation,” were among his favorites.

He found his first and true love in the books of the library and he endeavored to devour as much knowledge as he possibly could, especially pertaining to history and magic, viewing his fencing practice as more of a hobby which out of a sense of pragmatism he still took very seriously. “After all, how can one attain the power to shape reality to one’s wishes if one cannot survive long enough to do so?”

One day, Masłowska’s wife announced she was pregnant and Tesák’s status as rightful heir along with much of his political clout disappeared overnight. After much pondering, Tesák eventually concluded that this was in fact a blessing in disguise. Rather than being restricted to the existing structure and status of his parent’s title he would now be free to set out and forge his own empire to rule as he saw fit. He still made extensive use of the resources available to him while he still bore the Książę name and began preparing for the day he would no longer have them, all the while ensuring that he performed his duties to the letter to remain on good terms with his parents and avoid burning any bridges.

After the coronation of his new half-brother Tygr, Tesák remained a respectful amount of time before announcing his intentions to leave. At his farewell feast, he received gifts to help him on his journey as well as the promise that he would always find a home under the house Ostrava should he wish it. Right after Tesák set off, he signed on with a mercenary company with the goals of accumulating wealth and renown as an excellent warrior.

After a couple of months, his group was tricked into traveling to Barovia to undertake a contract on false pretenses. While the rest of his group was furious, Tesák could not believe his luck. Here was an entire kingdom whose denizens were desperate for a change of management but so dejected that they had written off such an eventuality as impossible. This place was truly ripe for the taking, and while he had his doubts about the competency of his companions, Tesák recalled the words of his tutor: “You go to war with the army you have, but one must know when to fight and when to avoid it. The swooping falcon breaks the back of its prey; such is the precision of its timing”. And so, he resolved himself to make the most of this opportunity which was so graciously presented to him on a silver platter.

What do you think? :)

Full painting soon!