Duke Tristan Blackwood

Summary

Duke Tristan Blackwood is a midlord of House Blackwood, a vassal house that holds a smaller parcel of land loaned to them by one of the greater houses. House Blackwood is not one of the big three noble houses at the King’s Tourney and does not typically win tournaments. Source: 2026.06.02.

Current Status

Present at the King’s Tourney. During the party’s first Proving Grounds bout, he walked from the noble box to the table with his goblet and began watching mid-fight. After the bout ended he gave Cassian a golf-clap acknowledgment and a valiant nod when their eyes connected. Cassian winked back. Following the bout, he formalized a sponsorship deal: 8% of any prize money in exchange for a 750 gp advance and four combat items (delivered at Clover Hill). The party attempted to negotiate down to 3% then 5% (persuasion with advantage, DC 22, rolled 14—failed); Duke Blackwood would not go lower than 8%. Source: 2026.06.02, 2026.06.11.

Notes

• His level of nobility is comparable to Cassian’s family house—approachable, not a high lord.
• Watches from a red-tent section of the noble box at the Proving Grounds.
• He did not pay close attention to the match until partway through, when the fighting quality drew him in.
• House Blackwood is a vassal of House Corwin, one of the three dominant houses at the tournament. Duke Blackwood operates within Corwin’s sphere of influence. Source: 2026.06.11.
• Gruvelda Duskbelt’s assessment of him is blunt: “Backwood—slimy bastard. Stay away from him.” The party is now bound to his sponsorship despite this warning. Source: 2026.06.11.

Relationships

• House Blackwood: His house, for which he serves as duke/midlord.
• Cassian: Made eye contact with Cassian after the first bout; appears interested in the party’s potential.