Count Duarte Amadeo
If you knew how dark man's soul truly is, you would never sleep again.
Description: A handsome man with an unblemished caramel complexion and mysterious dark eyes, everything about Duarte Amedeo seems perfectly polished. His teeth are perfectly straight, his eyebrows perfectly neat, his fingernails perfectly clipped. Never the slightest bit of dirt or hint of imperfection seems to ever mar his skin or clothing. His dark hair is kept stylishly short and a faintly amused smile seems to ever-linger on his lips.
Personality: Charming, affable, with a disarming manner, infectious humor, and quick wit, very few individuals realize how much danger they are in while speaking with Duarte Amedeo. As chief minister of Information and Safety for House Pravus in Setarco, few nobles let alone commoners could rival the man's importance in the Silken City, a fact seldom realized by many of his companions. It's not that Duarte is humble by any stretch- the dangerous and cool confidence in his eyes gives lie to that. He merely knows how much easier it is to get precisely what you want with a kind or clever word... even if it allows one to destroy the person that revealed it. He is in many ways a reflection of Pravus itself- smart, charming, and utterly ruthless.
Background: The third son of a cobbler and his wife, Durate Amedeo had an unremarkable early life, but he did learn extremely important lessons quickly. His father was mysteriously assassinated after he had loudly spoken insults about a merchant prince whose wealth he resented, his eldest brother was killed in a duel, and his second older brother was forced to flee Setarco in a hurry after he insulted the wrong people. These lessons gave Duarte a profound appreciation for the weakness of an uncontrolled temper coupled with a careless mouth, and he quickly decided he would take his life in a rather different direction. Duarte spent time with courtesans and courtiers attempting to appeal to the famously fashionable and charming nobility of Setarco, those who tried desperately to win the approval of House Pravus. Duarte quickly learned that charm and grace was useful and admirable, but what really could win over the nobility was simply useful information acquired through the right words and catching the right whispers. Duarte quickly gained a reputation as a charming young man who knew so much, and soon found himself in the employ of House Pravus itself.
He was acting as the ears of the former Duke of Setarco inside Arx, and even joined the Inquisition for a time, using the contacts there to keep the southern house informed of the goings on in the capital. It infuriates Duarte that he was not in Setarco to help Duchess Belladonna when she set her house to rights against plotters and schemers, and he feels more than a little ashamed and frustrated his talents were not in Setarco when it was needed the most. He resigned his post in the Inquisition in order to devote himself once more to House Pravus, redoubling his efforts to insure that the duchess to whom he owes his devotion is never again surrounded by her enemies. He might operate with a smile and a laugh, but more than one enemy of House Pravus has underestimated that smile to their downfall.
Along those lines, he more recently helped oversee the destruction of the treasonous House Argento, a powerful vassal of House Pravus that was plotting against Duchess Belladonna. Though the nature of his actions are not publicly known, he was rewarded with a Peerage following the conquest of the city-state of Nilanza, being named Count Duarte Amadeo, the Count of Bravura.
| Name | Summary |
| Adrienne | I met Count Duarte Amadeo after assuming the role of Voice. He possesses a dangerously keen mind as offbalancing as any rapier. I rather think he dislikes me. But he has been loyal to House Pravus and a good governor to Bravura for many years. |
| Agatha | I do not know why they call him Count Mutt, and I did not want to ask, but it is a GOOD nickname. Mutts are tough and they are often healthier, and a little saner than other dogs. |
| Aiden | So much handsome it's simply overwhelming. |
| Aisha | He seems like he'll be fun company. I'll have to spend more time with him. He's a count. |
| Ajax | A noble whose as laid back as they come. He does not stir from asking hard questions, I wonder what he is. Hero or Villain? |
| Alaric | A classic rakish Lycene raconteur, if ever there was one. |
| Alarissa | Suave Lycene gentleman. |
| Alarissa | What can I say about the man, other than it has been my profound privilege. |
| Alban | Likes Whiskey. That alone makes him a possible drinking companion some day. |
| Alessandro | The man knows how to clear a room. You have no choice but to be impressed. |
| Alexis | Count Duarte Amadeo. Friend of Valencia's and pourer of mead. Seems like a nice enough man. |
| Alrec | What a disgustingly sexy animal. Honestly I'm offended by it. He needs to cease and desist immediately. But seriously, I must say... I'm impressed. |
| Alrec | My old friend, the times are not how they used to and people forget where we come from, not you. I am glad to have you back in my life. I just hope it doesn't kill you. |
| Althea | An honest man in the dirty business of politics? I do wonder how he keeps his conscience clean. If anyone knows, it would be him. |
| Amari | Impeccably handsome and keenly intelligent. A terribly dangerous combination to be sure. |
| Amund | Doesn't ask permission. Sits right away. Prefers whiskey. Interesting. |
| Anisha | Count Duarte Amadeo is a man of style, bravado, and a very generous heart. |
| Ann | Entertaining. And gracious, thankfully. And once you get past the silly moustache, handsome. |
| Apollo | Callous or careless. I already know plenty of both. |
| Appolonia | Intelligent and keen, this Count seems charming enough of a conversationalist. I wonder if he has managed to get those messengers under control or hired any more help to keep them at bay. |
| Arcadia | An interesting man with an interesting problem and a wicked sense of humor. I like him. |
| Ardoin | Despite his disappointment at the lack of proper drinks in the bar, he diplomatically had a coffee and carried out an engaging discussion - I imagine moreso should I be able to speak to him in the future. |
| Arianna | The man was having talks with the Marquis, who seemed a bit less than enthused about the situation here in Setarco. Yet, he was still pleasant. |
| Armani | Quieter but he does seem to have good stories. Should talk to him more. |
| Armani | I'll watch out for strange woven tubes! |
| Astraea | He's a kindly man who is well informed and quite orderly. There's this inkling that I know him from somewhere but I didn't spend too long in the Lyceum as a child. |
| Athaur | A fellow count who doesn't seem so stuffed up as other nobles. Looks rather Dashing as well. Good to see I'm not the only one. |
| Austen | A typical Lycene. Quick of tongue, but disregarding of boundaries. I am not sure we get along. |
| Avita | An insightful man, an inspiring voice... he seems to know a fair few things. Perhaps I could learn something more from him. |
| Barik | A generation away from the commons and more noble than the rest of them. This man is a fountain of ironies waiting to be expunged. |
| Beatrice | Oh, so charming is our Count Duarte. He has a smile for every season and it is impossible to know what secrets they keep. |
| Belladonna | He served my father. I am honored to be worthy of his service now. That his words are the most entertaining of the journals is just an added benefit. |
| Berenice | Terribly well-informed and gracious enough to share. I'll certainly remember that. |
| Berto | A man with a plan, from all I've seen. Knows more than he says, and says plenty. Think we might do good for each other. |
| Bianca | From the first day we met, to the present he has and most likely will always be a puzzle box to me. |
| Bianca | He has been a puzzle box since the day we met and continues to be so despite the length of our friendship. Even so, Duarte's quiet compassion is a welcome solace though he'd be quite upset were I ever to make a to-do about it. |
| Bianca | What began as a flippant game in time grew to one of the deepest friendships I have known in this life. There is so much kindness within him, though he would most likely readily dismiss such a compliment. |
| Bliss | A man who knows how to take a joke and run with it. He didn't quite manage to turn it back around on me. But that's not really to his discredit, is it? |
| Brigida | A man with an answer for every question. Is that a compliment? |
| Brigida | Loud and with the demeanour of a braggart. He is rather irritating. |
| Caith | He is so smooth and gracious. Did I mention clever? Clever, very clever indeed! |
| Calarian | The responsibility accompanying the reward of being granted a Peerage can threaten to drown those unprepared. Bravura should be glad that he does not appear unprepared. |
| Calista | Dastardly and dashing. Two out of three D words I like. |
| Caprice | He bothers me, and I -hate- that that's a good thing. |
| Carita | I had not expected to find the Count so amusing at a tea party, but then, it was an amusing tea party. An interesting man, to say the least. Wouldn't mind getting to know him better! |
| Catriona | Quiet, but attentive. He seems to take in everything. |
| Celeste | His tongue was not nearly so sharp in person as it is in writing. I wish I could remember him when he was father's servant, but that was so, so long ago and childhood's memories are colored differently than adulthood's. I'm sure we'll make more memories in Arx, though. |
| Cerdensulathara | Generous. Well Spoken. Handsome, for nobility. |
| Cirroch | The poor man was sick when I met him. He seems nice, shame something bad is happening to his body. |
| Clara | He handled my abrupt annoyance at a topic I am sensitive towards fairly well. Can' be all that bad. |
| Clover | A quietly thoughtful man. One of intellect just waiting to be tested and challenged, yet one of charm and a touch of whimsy. |
| Cullen | Rather matter of fact about matters that need to be seen to, practicality is a rather commendable trait. Some things just need to be done. |
| Daemon | A fine Lycene fellow who I told a short little story to. He seemed to enjoy my tale and I enjoyed his enthusiasm! |
| Dante | I like this man. Regal, outgoing. Witty. He may well be my fancy-party-spirit-animal. Which is convenient, for I did not know I had one. |
| Delilah | I've seen Count Amadeo in passing a time or two at the Hart, but I haven't had the opportunity to speak to him until now. He seems like good company, a welcoming presence who is happy to observe but also just as willing to invite others to join him in interesting conversation. |
| Demura | Ah, I should make a point to remember where this Bravura place is. |
| Domonico | Being thanked by this man for my efforts in combating the pirate threat really brought home the fact that I am making a difference. Perhaps I should be thanking him. |
| Donato | Count Duarte still seems rather at ease about things in general. I try to pretend I am. Something I think the mask slips. Who can sleep the same after Setarco? |
| Draven | Morrgy likes you! And you're a County Count! I bet you are nice! Watch! Just keep being nice! |
| Drusila | This one is a most dangerous wordsmith and flatterer, I think I quite like him. Let's make sure he doesn't get lost. |
| Echo | I want him at any dinners I host. He's got a lovely manner of speech and if I didn't know any better, he made a Grayson Marquessa near stumble in her speech with gratefulness. |
| Elara | I am have seen him about in many places. I finally got the chance to meet him and sit and talk over, of all things, a beer. He plays things close to his chest, but was a warm enough drinking companion. Of course he probably doesn't realize that now he has me curious. |
| Eleyna | The Lyceum is full of people who have dragged themselves up from nothing to something just by their own ingenuity and wit. The Count of Bravura is an example of this writ large. Clever with a hidden edge to his glittering intelligence that he clearly wields like a weapon. |
| Elgana | Quiet. Perhaps it is what is beneath the surface that is worth taking a look at. I have been wrong before. What could be worse than being put on display or made into a rug? Guess I shall never know. |
| Ember | Tarts are my jam. |
| Emily | The count seems quite measured with his word, it is something to watch. Though he is quite impressive with a speech. |
| Ezmeralda | What a charming gentleman who has such a good heart. He cares about his people and came to me like a father concerned for his son. This, I truly do love. |
| Faye | Sneaky, sneaky! |
| Fecundo | The Count is astute and inquisitive, though seems to play charm as a distraction or a shield, even to the point of playing the jester you might not notice. Intriguing. |
| Ferrando | An always-interesting and inspiring source of endless endeavour. |
| Fiora | He has absolutely no idea who I am. This is hilarious. |
| Fiora | What is Fizzky. |
| Gabriel | If the stories have any truth to them, Lord Amadeo has traveled far to get where he is. Looking at him I don't believe he has any intention of stopping. |
| Gareth | A Count who I'm sure has enjoyed puzzling and befuddling, tricking and lurking using his intellect to best his adversaries. |
| Gehenna | Count Duarte seems to have a sense of humour and a keen mind, I wonder if he can be relied upon. If so, perhaps I should keep an eye on him. |
| Georgine | What a nice man. Thank the gods for the kindness of strangers. |
| Giada | All bodies are equal under the eyes of the Lyceum. |
| Gilroy | That's just about the right amount of attention to pay. |
| Grady | Count Duarte is a man who was glad to be made welcome among strangers, and comfortable spending time with us. His generous toast was a warm welcome from the Lyceum indeed. I'll hope to see more of him. |
| Grazia | Clearly, Count Amadeo could help me teach Nobility 101 lessons to the foolish youth of this city, squashing their romantic notions fiercely. |
| Graziella | Nice of him and his son to let me poke around their boat... he is a bit of a surly fellow though... maybe it's just the political climate? Everyone seems on edge right now. |
| Haizea | Courteous and ever prepared with a silken reply, even at our rather abrupt introduction. He was the picture of intelligent grace. And so, a dangerous man. One does not find themselves a Count elevated from the commons without exceedingly good reason, after all. |
| Harlex | A sharp-eyed Count. Keeps fine whiskey. I suppose I'll learn more, as it goes. |
| Helia | He's fun! Humorous and witty, just the sort of person I like to be around. Magnificent moustache too. |
| Ignacio | Seemingly a good and honorable man with a sense of humor, that is two good traits to have together. |
| Iseulet | What a handsome moustache. A little overly dramatic, but I have never seen someone pull it off so well... |
| Jeffeth | He tried to trick me at a very serious sermon. But he's been vouched for, so I'm sure he's fine. |
| Jennyva | Interesting Count that hates Arx for its 'unyielding mysteries' - I think that's the best compliment a city could receive. A way with words, this man has. |
| Jennyva | Count Amadeo was lovely company at Lady Medeia's ball. I really enjoyed the dance we shared. |
| Jordan | Count of Bravura. He's a nice person, even if I don't really understand Gild's sign to me. |
| Joscelin | Not severe. Reserved, maybe. Collected, well put together. Intriguing too but ... something else. |
| Juliana | There is still trouble behind his eyes but maybe it is tempered with something more.. dare one say maturaty? |
| Kaldur | He came late to the meeting of the Academy and looked haggard. I wonder what is ailing him. He asked for a Mercy... |
| Karadoc | Seems like the sort you'd want to invite to all the parties. Just irreverent to be charming, quiet enough to seem almost dangerous. In other words: Lycene. |
| Khanne | Curious and charming. For some, a dangerous combination. For me, a good person to have conversation with. I will look forward to another someday. |
| Laric | His time away from the city did him some good, I think. There's a new gleam in his eyes and he's wasted no time getting back into the thick of things. |
| Lenard | This man speaks with experience, no doubt; but I hope I never end up like him. He seems too cynical by far. Still, his insights are worth considering. |
| Leola | A smart man who is far too quick to think he's put his foot in it. Common trait among the military lords. I suppose it breeds circumspection, knowing your life is in your hands. |
| Liara | A Lycene count who made for sound conversation. He seemed very intent on his business after some initial pleasantries and introductions, which is quite alright. An interesting encounter. |
| Llewella | Interesting company. He has a Casino I will have to go check out. |
| Lore | A born charmer, this one. He knows when to hold, when to fold, and when to play all the way to the bank. I'm looking forward to causing him some trouble in the future. |
| Luca | He can talk, can't he? I find myself laughing when he does, and for the best reasons, as well. Who knew olives could be so amusing in the right hands. |
| Lys | Okay, he was up in the rafters. In the rafters. This man is either a genius or a little touched. |
| Macda | While his taste in pie is suspect, he was a good sport at the discussion. |
| Magpie | Some men are meek. Some men are weak. But some men? Those men are *heroes*, and to Magpie Grayhope, Duarte is the greatest hero of them all. Few have been so selfless and helpful in such a time of great need. Magpie will never forget what Duarte did for him. |
| Mailys | Intelligent and astute combined with a winsome personality make for a dangerous combination. |
| Mailys | Lord Duarte, quite the charmer, and one with some fine business opportunities as well! |
| Malcolm | Another neo-noble. Lycene Count. He smells -- fancy. |
| Mattheu | the father of the man that I could learn from, they were loud and happy for them. That must be a lovely thing. |
| Medeia | The man made an impression before we ever knew one another, becoming entwined in my life in two ways which seem unrelated but are not. Strange how things work out. He is vivacious and discerning - my kind of people, I think. |
| Melody | A bit of a skeptic, but who would blame him when we're all eyeing our tea? Unlike me, he seemed rather happy to bring his own drink. A good choice, most definitely. |
| Meriah | Sick when I met him with an illness that is not my specialty to cure. But it /can/ be cured. I'm glad to hear he's seeking treatment. |
| Michael | A man of depth that I have not yet ably plumbed. I do not know if I would ever be able to do so. At least he has fun friends. |
| Miella | A good friend of my sister Mirari who is always very friendly and has a great sense of humor |
| Mihai | A very serious and businesslike man with a cordial streak. He is someone who definitely observes first and speaks later, which means he's going to have control over where the conversation will flow most times. If it matters, of course. Meaningful conversation. |
| Miranda | He is no fan of winter, to be sure. And quiet. A man of few words. Entirely suspect! |
| Mirari | I get the feeling that he is up to something, always. I can appreciate that, but I still have urges to slap him around like a cat bats at a mouse. |
| Mirari | As is, as always, as forever: The charming spider. I could easily let my guard down around him, but I know what we two are. |
| Mirella | I think, perhaps due to what I know of his background, that he understands people of my kind in some way that I can't quite put my finger on. That's not a bad thing as far as I can see, though I'm going to keep my eye on him. Seems like a clever one. Nonetheless, personable and good company. No complaints from me. |
| Mirk | A very unfortunate man. Wanders in near the end and tries to figure out what was going on. I wouldn't envy him that. |
| Monique | I like his sense of humor. Also, his novels. A man worth knowing. |
| Morrighan | Count Amadeo seems like a pleasant sort, friendly and personable. Excitable upon learning who I was, and he's acquainted with Josie. Any friend of hers is good by me. |
| Mydas | He has a good head on his shoulders, and possesses the qualities required to rule a difficult county. I shall be happy to spend more time with him in the future. |
| Niklas | Lycene count always willing to say the least appropriate thing. |
| Noah | Sometimes you have to survive by wood. He understands. |
| Nurie | A kind Count with a sparkle to his eyes, if not his step. And my very first dance partner at a formal ball! |
| Ophne | The Count likes neither the cold nor snow. I feel sad for him. |
| Orathy | Man who pays, gets service. Ain't for me to decide what be what. Reckon he be one to watch. |
| Orazio | A Lycene lord, even one recently raised from the commons - or perhaps /especially/ one raised from the commons - is always a bit of a mystery. Orazio finds Duarte to be perceptive, pleasant company, and - of course - working on his own agenda. He can appreciate that in a new acquaintance. |
| Orland | Sometimes I wonder why he picked me. I do get some joy out of bantering with him though, annoying one's father is simply a matter of duty for a son. Especially one that's adopted. |
| Petal | He seems like a nice Count who is not as flashy as most nobles. |
| Prisila | Count Amadeo is a very intelligent man who seems to think two steps ahead. His charm and sense of humor could keep me enthralled all evening if I let him. Roguish to the bone. |
| Quenia | He tries very hard to fit in, I think. I suppose I get it. But, I'm sure he has some natural charm of his own, without needing flowery words to make it happen. Even if he claims not to be romantic! |
| Raja | Seems a kind enough fellow. He knew Orathy. Maybe he can tell me more tidbits about him and perhaps we can solve a mystery. |
| Reese | Polite, friendly and smart enough to keep out of trouble. |
| Renata | I didn't realise how much I've missed the Count's face, until I saw it again. He always made time for me back in Setarco and seems happy to do the same again now. |
| Renata | I have missed this man, his easy smile and quick wit. |
| Rinel | He seems to be very interested in procuring my services. I don't know why. |
| River | Very professional. Glad he likes my thighs though? I think that's what he said. Gods, mhm. |
| Rosalie | %RA very interesting nobleman with an excellent sense of humor and a keen wit! I look forward to meeting with him again. |
| Rue | Didn't talk too terribly much him but if he's good with my family, he's good with me. |
| Ryhalt | An insightful man, I look forward to speaking with him in the future. |
| Sabella | He is always absolutely delightful and I am happy to converse with him. We are clearly destined to be great friends! |
| Sabella | Always hilarious and a great conversationalist! Even if he is unimpressed with everything shared at a tea party! |
| Sabella | A man of fine taste in boats and questionable taste in all other things. Except perhaps art. |
| Sabine | A true artisan, deft in his crafting of everything from compliments to conversation. One does enjoy those occasions where careful navigation is required. |
| Salvatore | Perhaps we arrived at a bad time, but the Count made a couple of odd statements, then went quiet altogether. Or it could have been the horde that descended upon the place. Seems a witty fellow, I imagine I'll run into him again at some point. |
| Samael | A gracious man. I messed up his title and he didn't get offended or anything. |
| Samuele | Very much has the potential of being intimidating |
| Saoirse | The count is in charge of a mission in Setarco, but he also assumed Saoirse was good for nothing but boning, so... |
| Savio | Perfectly merciless in the most elegant way. You love to see it. |
| Sebastian | The Count often strikes me as a quiet, watchful observer. That's not to say he's without a sharp opinion when it counts. One to watch. |
| Selene | Politically astute and sartorially bold, if surprisingly self-deprecating. He wears an admirable hat and grasps the core of Lycene politics. I shall seek his company more often if this is what I'm missing. |
| Seren | The Count Amadeo. He was rather nice. Easy to converse with. |
| Sloane | A moustache with a smile. |
| Stygia | Fine. I'll admit he has a fabulous moustache. |
| Sudara | A courtier and count, with the ability to be both courtly and comedic. That he can enjoy the ribbing of my Truesworn Voice speaks well for his capacity to unbend and consider more than the lofty perspective afforded by his rank. |
| Sunniva | Thoroughly charming, perhaps too charming. But I find I like him nonetheless. |
| Talen | Count of Bravura, a man with many angles, the kinds that you want to keep an eye on. The kinds you want to know. Sometimes stabbing isn't the answer, or so they tell me. |
| Tamsin | He says he's old. Pretty smart. Good at impromptu lessons. |
| Tenebrae | A playboy dandy who can charm the birds from the trees. Not me. I just find him confusing. He may have been mocking me. Typical 'civilized' noble then. |
| Terese | A very forward and aggressive man. I think he takes a bit much offense at my presence, or perhaps of Valardin or higher class nobles. |
| Tessa | I've decided to make him part of my team. He's a thinker, I need a thinker. Yet sometimes he's too smart, like he's making fun of me while saying nice things. |
| Theo | I don't quite know what to make of this man. He's charming enough, but I don't trust him. |
| Theron | Count Amadeo is a man who doesn't mind a debate, and he seems very friendly. While I don't know much about his goals, he's approachable and I should endeavor to know him better. |
| Torian | A reasonable Count who seems to have a practical mind about him. Nice thing that he's personable too. Guess they can't be all bad. |
| Tris | I like him. A little. But he's a bit too attached to that mask. |
| Vanora | He has risen far through his connections to Pravus, and deserves no less. His wit amuses me, and clearly holds wisdom beneath. |
| Venturo | An interesting man whose path crosses my own frequently. A warm demeanor that fits in well with whatever situation he finds himself in. |
| Vercyn | The Count of Bravura threw a napkin at me. Well! |
| Veronica | Count Amadeo seems particularly jovial for a member of the Inquisition, but he did confess to being a secret member. Maybe his joviality is part of his cover. |
| Violet | A warm and fun man. He enjoyed my antics, crude though they were, at The Spirits. A sense of humor is always welcome. |
| Vitalis | A fine Lycene gentleman with refined manners and companionable personality. Seems like a good sort to spend an evening drinking and talking with, I need to know him better. |
| Vitalis | Interested in people who are interested in people in the Lower Buroughs. Intersting. |
| Viviana | Count Amadeo seems quite a bit more well-informed than I'd have suspected. I'll have to share a bottle with him sometime and discuss some things. |
| Willow | Both charming and impeccably dressed. |
| Zaina | What a strange man. He speaks in circles... until he finds out for whom I work. |
| Zakhar | A most loving and gracious man that looks out for all that are under his care. |