Duke Claudas de Apres

Duke of Catterick
Lord of Richmond
The Blacksnake
Bastard Brother of the Centurion King
Commander of the Blackshield Mercenaries

Description:
Claudas de Apres, also known as the Blacksnake, is the younger bastard brother of the Centurion King, Heraut de Apres. He is Duke of Catterick and Lord of Richmond. He is considered less-than-noble by some foreign lords due to his personal mercenary company, the Blackshields, which he hires out to the very same lords who question his nobility.

Claudas de Apres is well known for his rugged and hard looks. As the bastard brother to one of the greatest kings in Britain he has enjoyed a life of wealth, and has kept his looks better than most men his age.

His nickname “Blacksnake” has been earned both by his heraldry, the shield of Malahaut with a black field instead of white, and his cunning and cruel mind. Though no one could blame him for poor management of his lands, rumors fly rampant about his harsh, even brutal treatment of his peasantry.

His hatred of Saxons is legend, and whenever Malahaut rides to war, Claudas de Apres will be at the forefront of the legion.

Though many call him Blacksnake behind his back, few are the men brave enough to do so in his presence. Many dark rumors surround the Duke of Richmond, and not all of the victims in them have been of low birth.

From his castle at Bowen, the lord of Catterick hires out a special company of his men. These soldiers are the Blackshield Mercenaries, one of the most famed mercenary companies in Britain. The fact that Claudas has such a venture doesn’t sit well with his brother as it is not proper, but due to Claudas’ bastardy the Centurion King has not seen fit to intervene as long as the Blackshields are available to Malahaut in times of war.

Family
Heraut de Apres, older brother
Barant de Apres, nephew