Duke Franz Ferdinand

A drunken and financially ruined minor noble, Franz Ferdinand was first discovered by Muud while playing cards at The Bottled Ship Inn in Frigate. Muud, having sensed that there was perhaps something to be gained, took advantage of the duke and pressed him into taking bad bets while intoxicated. In an effort to win his money back, Ferdinand placed a magic scroll on the table which he promptly lost. Ferdinand explained to Muud that whomever opens the scroll will be lead to a great treasure. After opening the scroll, Muud was compelled to journey north and was invited by Muud to join him. After all Ferdinand had been more than a bit curious to open the scroll but was fearful of what may happen after.

Ferdinand and Muud discovered a small cave cut into the side of a cliff overlooking the sea north of Frigate. The cave lead to a grotto where old oddities and treasures lined the walls and coins of every imaginable metal laid strewn about in heaps. In the center of the grotto was a black marble pedestal where a dark and mysterious force awaited them in the form of a Damascus steel dagger with two gems set in its pommel. Muud seemed oddly affected by whatever this dagger was. Ferdinand asked Muud if he was alright only for Muud to beckon him closer to the blade. Muud then grasped the dagger by its hilt, threw Ferdinand upon the pedestal and planted the blade deep within the duke's breast. Ferdinand's corpeal form seemed to wither and turn to ash which gentle blew away to reveal a pure blood opal gemstone in its place. Black swirling smoke could be seen inside the stone that seemed to briefly take the form of a man before disappearing again. There was hardly ever mention of a duke named Ferdinand after that day though some rumors have arisen that powerful magic wielder was operating under that alias.