Duke

History
Ihe head of Edward's "enforcement" arm, Duke has been with Edward the longest of any of the Kindred - almost 200 years now. The Council of Denver is formed of Duke, along with Edward and Don Alonzo. Duke is very loyal to Edward and would never even think for a moment of betraying him. In fact, Edward is his regent, Duke was a soldier while he lived, and in unlife he is still a soldier, now under Edward’s command. He may query Edward about the reason behind an order, but will execute it if Edward says so, despite any personal misgivings.

In his mortal life, Duke was an Austrian soldier and would no doubt have served long and hard against Napoleon had fate not dictated otherwise. While on leave in 1807 he met and became friends with a violinist and opera aficionado who would later be known as Edward Williams. Their friendship lasted for over a year before Edward was discovered to be a Vampire by a group of Aushian businessmen. The businessmen immediately made it their job to destroy Edward and absorb his fortune. Hunted and alone, Edward gave the young man the Embrace, creating him as a Vampire and his Thrall. Quickly the pair destroyed the cabal of businessmen, restoring Edward’s masquerade.

Due to the circumstances of his creation. Duke has always felt like an outsider among the Toreadors. Although he has a fine appreciation for art and music, he is talentless himself, and therefore scorned by many. He has allowed himself to become absorbed in his work and his devotion to Edward, dehumanizing himself to inure the taunts of his clan.

Appearance
Duke is a huge man, 6 foot 2 inches and built like a linebacker. He moves with the confidence of a warrior,although there is little grace to him. His hair is blond, and his face craggy and emotionless. The overall effect is very inhuman, more like some large and dangerous machine than a man. He dresses mostly in inconspicuous clothes of moderate quality.

Prominent Features
Duke's most prominent feature is his incredible strength. Duke is well above the average even in vampire terms, making his fists deadly weapons against almost any foe.