Lord Charles Lively

Lord Charles Lively lives in a large, luxurious manor. He is also immensely wealthy. Unlike most titled nobility, this Lord attained his wealth and rank by his own merits. After a horrible accident in the distant past that occurred on one of his many adventures, he was forced to take his wealth and return home, where he was rewarded for his efforts with a title of Nobility and a plot of land, on which he built his manor and business. Charles, using the wealth he gained from his adventures, quickly founded Lively shipping, the main office of which is located on the first floor of his mansion. So successful were his hirelings that his wealth began to multiply. Renovations were made to the already illustrious home. The walls and floors now glow with magical light, a third story was added, and glass tubes were installed so that messages could be quickly delivered to the servants. Lively even made an enclosed, 80 foot arena so that he could relive his days as an adventurer. This arena must be why he is still so attractive, with bronze skin and coal black hair, his muscles are visible even under his loose fitting red robes. He really is incredibly charming. Most people don't even realize his vampiric nature until they're in his hands.

Lord Lively is a great villain for a moderately leveled party. He plays so heavily against the gaunt and hollow Stoker archetype that even seasoned players will be unlikely to suspect him, unless you give it away. This isn't to say they won't think he's evil. He can be as ruthless or cruel as you want, but if the players have time to prep specifically for a vampire fight, they're going to crush that fight. Vampires have so many tropes and weaknesses, obliterating one is no sweat for a moderately prepared party. So, whenever the party does find out he's a vampire (perhaps Lively sent the party to exterminate a local cleric who found out the truth) have one of Lively's spies rush to him. This will allow the PC's to attempt to earn the advantage that prep time gives them without just handing it to them.

Lord Lively is unlikely to stand and fight outside his home. His home is specially designed to protect his coffin, provide himself escape routes, and allow his minions to assail intruders from relative safety. The first floor is the guilded entrance hall described above, and is home to the city's post office. The second floor contains his library, which is full of atlas', maps, and ledgers related to his business as well as several hidden books pertaining to the creation of flesh golems. The third floor is home to his servants (which are all vampire spawns), two flesh golems, and Lively's laboratory. Illusory stairs connect the floors, but their only true access points are hidden trap doors and  the "message tubes" mentioned earlier, through which mist can easily pass. These tubes are the only way to access the basement, where Lively's vault and coffin are protected by several gargoyles, rat swarms, and at least one puzzle. Where the middle floors are well lit and ornately furnished, the top and bottom floors are where Lively's grim tendencies take full effect.