Joris

Billet Joris is a powerful and imposing figure within the hierarchy of the Church of St. Cuthbert, serving directly under Bishop Haufren. A man of martial bearing and austere presence, Joris is known for his unwavering adherence to the laws and commandments of St. Cuthbert. His reputation as the "Cudgel" is both literal, owing to the iron-bound weapon he wields, and metaphorical—reflecting his stern methods and unyielding convictions.

His dark hair is closely cropped in a disciplined military fashion, complemented by a neatly trimmed beard framing his severe face. Joris’s eyes are sharp, cold, and penetrating, always analyzing those around him. Clad in meticulously polished plate armor, engraved with holy symbols of starbursts and cudgels, Joris personifies the militant zeal of his faith.

Personality and Traits

• Stern & Unforgiving: Joris has little tolerance for mistakes, laziness, or lack of dedication—especially towards the Church of St. Cuthbert.
• Impatient & Abrupt: Conversations with Joris tend to be brief and decisive. He rarely repeats himself and expects immediate obedience.
• Unwaveringly Loyal: Once Bishop Haufren assigns him a task, Joris fulfills it with ruthless efficiency, leaving no room for doubt or failure.
• Unforgiving of Mistakes: Once someone loses Joris’s trust, they lose it permanently. Redemption in his eyes is exceedingly rare.

Roleplaying Joris

• Speech Patterns: Quick, clipped sentences delivered firmly, often exhaling sharply through gritted teeth.
• Interaction with PCs: Suspicious of outsiders and mercenaries. Openly judges those who fail to demonstrate proper reverence or donations to the Church.
• Response to Opposition: Immediate, decisive, and potentially confrontational. His rank and authority from the Church of St. Cuthbert give him significant influence within Verbobonc, making others cautious about openly opposing him.

Relationships and Connections

• Bishop Haufren:
• Mentor and direct superior. Joris is fiercely loyal and unquestioningly obedient to the Bishop’s directives.
• Considered Bishop Haufren’s primary enforcer in matters demanding decisive action.
• Verbobonc Officials and Nobility:
• Many officials respect but deeply resent Joris’s interference. His unyielding attitude has made him few friends but many cautious allies.
• Most prefer to avoid him altogether or quickly divert his attention to more pressing matters elsewhere.
• Other Faiths and Clergy:
• Viewed with suspicion and resentment due to his confrontational methods and single-minded promotion of Cuthbertine interests.
• Occasionally in direct opposition to followers of Trithereon or less rigid faiths.

Current Role in Campaign (NSQ-05: The Road to Asbury)

Assigned by Bishop Haufren to accompany Lady Elinor Asbury on her journey to Asbury Manor. Joris is tasked with ensuring the Lady's mission aligns with the Church's interests and providing protection and counsel as necessary. His presence is a reminder of the Church’s significant power and influence, and his stern vigilance creates tension among the traveling retinue.

Adventure & Story Hooks

• The Bishop’s Eyes: PCs may find that Joris reports their every action back to Bishop Haufren, influencing later interactions within Verbobonc.
• Conflict of Interests: The PCs might be challenged by Joris if they take actions he perceives as unfaithful or insubordinate, causing friction and political complications.
• Protection or Oppression: Joris’s heavy-handedness may incite conflicts with other travelers or locals, forcing the PCs to choose sides carefully.

Favorite Cutherine passage 35:17

The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men.Bless ed is he, who in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost souls.And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who would attempt to poison and destroy my brothers.And you will know my name is St. Cuthburt when I lay my vengeance upon thee!