Charles Frederik LaVerne Blacktree IV

Lord Charles was the Lord Speaker of the Advisory Council of Ravens Bluff from ? -- ?.

Appearance
(The "current year" for the people and events in Gateway to Ravens Bluff, the Living City is just before the Time of Troubles, approximately 1356 -- 1357 DR.)

Lord Charles Frederik LaVerne Blacktree IV is a lanky and somewhat awkward young man, standing 5'11" and weighing 160 pounds. In court or at social functions he wears custom-tailored fine silks and leather boots, a brocaded cape, a velvet hat with a roc's feather and a jeweled dagger tucked into his belt. When hunting or traveling he wears a custom-made suit of green studded leather armor and sometimes his magical gauntlets of swimming and climbing which he doesn't actually use, he just likes their finely-crafted appearance.

Personality
Lord Charles enjoys his position and wealth, and doesn't mind flaunting them. He often brags about his hunting ability, his way with women, and his political connections, but with little evidence to back up his claims. If challenged, he will bluster and threaten, but if that doesn't work he finds some excuse to avoid a physical confrontation and save face (literally!). He throws many parties on his estate for his young friends and enjoys his reputation as a playboy. He is vain, lazy, foolish, and irresponsible, and believes the older nobles are too stuffy. The Advisory Council tolerates him out of respect for his father, but their patience is growing thin. Thankfully, his term of office only lasts for two years.

Background
Charles came into his inheritance too soon when his parents and brother were lost at sea. Born the second son of David Meercant Oster Blacktree IV and his wife Melanie he was spoiled and mostly ignored growing up in a long-established noble family. His older brother David V was the one being groomed for taking over the Lordship and estate and received most of the attention. Charles was completely unprepared to take on the duties and responsibilities of substantial land ownership and leaves the management of the estate (over 2,000 acres) to his major domo Hans Silverspeak who served his father for more than twenty years. Hans provides Charles with enough money to maintain a comfortable house in the city and keep him from interfering with business. The estate has meat and dairy cattle, grain and vegetable farms, and about 800 acres of forest where Charles likes to hunt.