Personages of Fame & Infamy

Non-Player Characters (NPCs) to be reckoned with whether they rule a nation or just themselves! These are presented in order of descending experience level.



...Between Eighteenth and Twentieth Level...

Larthia Velavesna
Neutral-Good Elvish Mage

The Queen of Haven (the nation of the Meadow Elves) is regarded as an arch-mage who is arguably as powerful as Magnus of Nartellfar but more subtle in her use of magic. Her great grandfather withdrew Haven to its present borders. Larthia still has a responsibility for all those of Elvish blood in both present and former Elvish territory. She closely monitors the wider world and uses her magic to aid her in her investigations. It is rumoured that she sometimes assumes the identity of an itinerant mage to experience life beyond her realm and as such some fancy that if one meets a particularly beautiful and regal Elvish women then it may well be Larthia. Larthia rides a unicorn as is customary for Elvish nobility. She also has a Pixie familiar. She is cousin to her nominal vassal Aranthur Sentina of the Woodland Realm. She has two spouses - Thefarie and Arunthia - one at home and another a roving envoy for her nation.

Magnus
Neutral-Good Human Mage

This Arch-Mage is one of the two Consuls of the City of Nartellfar (the two public figures selected by the Guild Assembly to rule over the city on its behalf). He is respected by many but dismissed by some as an eccentric has-been. Magnus is allegedly in his eighties but looks almost half his age so some have speculated that he has utilized magical methods of prolonging life (which he dismisses). Magnus spends much of his time travelling and is known to be well acquainted with the rulers of many other nations and city-states. Thus garishly-robed Magnus focuses on diplomacy while his colleague Noleta attends more to domestic matters. His tower in Nartellfar always seems to be the tallest despite the best efforts of rich merchants to construct taller ones. Magnus has a Mock-Dragon named Benito as his familiar. His personal assistant and liaison with guild mages is the ever efficient Adelina Gardener.

Rufus the Dastard
Lawful-Evil Human Warrior

The fifty-something year old Baron Rufus is 'warlord' of the nation of Port Grazia, which he forged from many smaller estates and townships to form a significant new military power. His nickname 'dastard' was given him by his rival barons and baronesses at the time of his campaign to unite them together under his rule. Rufus shrugged off all such slurs, which may have had some effect of his standing among the nobility, but did nothing to lessen his popularity with the warriors under both his and rival banners. For over a decade now Rufus has ruled with an iron fist, allowing just sufficient freedom necessary to allow the Grazia Confederacy to prosper while preventing it from having the libertine character of the Sea Cities. Rufus eschews many of the trappings of nobility including the title of Duke that some have suggested he should use. See also Tempest and Orazio.

...Between Fifteenth and Seventeenth Level...

Jarl the Wild
Chaotic-Neutral Human Warrior

Of all the barbarians of the Wandering Lands, Jarl (pronounced 'Yarl') has won the most renown for his adventures. Every Summer the Eriman warriors of the far-northern Wandering Lands gather for several days of sports and feasting and Jarl wins any contest he chooses to partake in. Jarl looks like a hale and hearty forty-something but nobody knows his year of birth. They say that Jarl is the only warrior to have ever survived and escaped the test of the maze of Mount Fate. In that quest he lost his life-long companion Gunnar the Sly. Jarl is known to have recently retired to the Wandering Lands village of the Sundeer Fold and a young ward named Asta lives with him. Nobody is sure of her origin or kinship to the ageing champion.

Ceara
Neutral Human Druid

This tall aging woman is the current Grand Druid. She monitors and directs the activity of Druids across all lands between the Erimer Sea and the Greatwood Forest. Her formal residence is set deep in the Deben Woods close to the largest concentration of Druidic religion in the Brethic Hills. She is often seen travelling in the company of a brown bear called Artos as she makes surprise visits on local village Druids. Her three Ovates act as her representatives far and wide. They are presently Alessandra in Westara, Otokar in the Eastern Expanse, and Engelbert in The Wandering Lands. Only Caera wears robes of white while Ovates done a mix of blue and grey.

Torin Arcane
Neutral-Evil Human Necromancer

This Master Necromancer was once a student of the Arch-Mage Magnus. They are now known to resent one another and some even say that Torin established the Arcane Coterie merely as a way to elevate his reputation over that of his old mentor. Now forty, Torin manages the Coterie from one of several secret residences. Most recently it is rumoured that he has occupied the long-abandoned and derelict Tower of Mist – a remote site regarded as haunted. Torin is reputed to be a master of intrigue and thus his plans and plots are as opaque as his black cloak. Torin has a Homunculus as his familiar and a roving deputy known as Sigrid Spellbinder.

Adalard III
Lawful-Neutral Human Warrior

This hereditary Bordenian baron has been chosen by his fellow barons and baronesses to hold the office of Lord Keeper of Bordenia. He is respected as both an accomplished warrior and a wise councillor. Adalard is a close friend of Edward Peltonson of Rolania and an ally of Waldemar of Rovnara. The forty year old Adalard has a spouse in the Baroness Irmingard - an accomplished warrior in her own right. They have three teenage children. Adalard also has a hawk and hound which he loves to take hunting with him.

...Between Thirteenth and Fourteenth Level...

Boldizar Stonedelver
Lawful-Neutral Dwarvish Cleric

This Dwarvish priest is King of Mount Hammer. He proudly rules over a nation established by his ancestors which he says now rivals the Seven Hills in the days of its ancient glory. Naturally this has won him the resentment of his cousin Tivadar who wishes to return to those glory days but the grumblings of an old Hill Dwarf hardly matter to this ruler of a rich and secure homeland who is very popular among the Mountain Dwarves. Boldizar works to preserve firm relations with the Humans of Ivana.

Noleta
Neutral-Good Human Warrior

This warrior so excelled in her military work that she became General of the Sea Cities at the age of twenty five. Now at thirty she is one of the two Consuls of the City of Nartellfar (the two public figures selected by the Guild Assembly to rule over the city on its behalf). She lets her colleague Magnus the Arch-Mage focuses on diplomacy while she concentrate more on domestic matters of rule in consultation with the Assembly. At work she is completely composed and some think her a killjoy. However she also plays host to some of the most interesting masques at her canal-side townhouse.

Edward Peltonson
Lawful-Good Human Paladin

As the second child in an aristocratic family, Edward followed the wishes of his parents and became a Paladin – a role in which he excelled. His elder sister went onto become baroness of the Pelton Estate but then lost her life in a hunting accident. Edward returned to take charge of the ancestral lands. However the widower of his sister recognized his restlessness and suggested he nominate for the office of Protector of Rolania at the retirement of its then incumbent. He would take care of the day-to-day running of the estate while Edward ruled in name and otherwise lived a life of statecraft. Edward retired from the order of Paladins (while still holding its privileges and obligations). The thirty five year old is regarded as the best Protector Rolania has seen for some time. He is a close friend of both Adalard III of Bordenia and the diminutive Briana Greengrass of Hinhome. Edward is regarded as a fine specimen of nobility and yet to date has evaded the charms of all suitors.

Xanthus
Neutral-Evil Human Warrior

This mid-thirties warrior is Marshal of the Battering Ram Mercenary Company stationed alongside the city of Ivana. He began his life on the dangerous back-streets of Farport and became a prize-fighter. He then transferred to mercenary work and eventually became commander of the biggest mercenary crew in The Lands. He longs to become the new Duke of Ivana following the death of the present ruler. He has all the skills necessary to pass the Test of Rulership but lacks the basic qualification of membership of one of the ancestral clans. To get that he must marry into a clan but is yet to find a partner who will accept his advances despite his power and importance.

Aranthur Sentina
Chaotic-Neutral Elvish Warrior

This Elvish warrior is lord of the Woodland Realm of the Wood Elves of the Greatwood Forest. His policy for his nation is a careful balance of formal isolation combined with practical contact with others. The only formal link the Woodland Realm has is with the Elvish Haven but in practice the Wood Elves are closer to the Humans of Ivana. Aranthur sometimes wanders his woods incognito and reportedly has even inspected the borderlands currently under dispute with Grazia. Aranthur rides a Griffon as do all members of the Wood Elves Cavalry. He is cousin to Larthia Velavesna of Haven.

Waldemar IV
Neutral Human Warrior

This king is one of the few Human hereditary rulers who has effective power in the nation he rules. The late forties Waldemar loves horse-riding and drinking as much as the next Cavar (horse-warrior) but he is also a shrewd politician who understands the importance of firm relations both within his nation and with neighbours. He has worked to preserve a bond with Bordenia that will give Rovnara an ally if ever it faces an incursion from the nomadic Kantharian across the Sundering Steppes. Waldemar's Queen is Tamara, a Magøsha (sorceress) with whom he shares power. They have five children. Rovnarans say that Waldemar rides the greatest of all war-horses.

...Between Eleventh and Twelth Level...

Tempest
Chaotic-Evil Human Warrior

The only child of Baron Rufus of Port Grazia is the Lady Tempest, who was allegedly born the lust-child of Rufus and the commander of his guards. She was cared for by her father but ran away from home in her teens. A decade later she returned from obscurity as a pirate admiral holding sway over a small but growing fleet of vassal pirate ships - The Crossed Blades. Her self-regard even extends to having the figurehead of her flagship carved in her own likeness. Tempest has all the ambition of her father but none of his tact. Rufus is wary of her capricious nature but nonetheless dotes on her and as a result the Grazia Navy is under secret instructions to let all ships under her command pass unhindered.

Stanislas
Neutral-Good Half-Elvish Ranger

This Half-Elf was born in Ivana to a wandering Wood Elf father and a local Planavic mother. He travelled widely in his youth and became a Ranger of note in and beyond the Eastern Expanse. His ability and character got him the attention of both Edward Peltonson of Rolania and Adelard III of Bordenia who both at one time or another went adventuring with Stanislas. On the death of the old Duke of Allmeet the two rulers asked Stanislas to become the new Custodian and he agreed on the condition that he can still go wandering from time-to-time. He has recently and tentatively formed a relationship with Gifford, publican of the local Breezy Inn. Stanislas has a tamed Eagle which he uses to monitor his valley.

Briana of Greengrass
Lawful-Good Halfling Warrior

This Halfling warrior is Lady Mayor of Hinhome and rules her land with firmness and clarity. She takes the vassal status of Hinhome to the larger Rolania very seriously and is on excellent terms with Edward Peltonson of Rolania. She also allegedly introduced Magnus of Nartellfar to the smoking of hackberry and is one of a very select few who can influence the powerful arch-mage. Her spouse Senan is the post-master of Hinhome. Briana is more than just a politician however and has won the Hinhome Pie Making Challenge for three consecutive years.

Lura Flana
Neutral Human Bard

At the junction of the River Rolling and the Overland Road in southern Westara is the settlement of Overcrossing (which only partly sits in Rolanian territory and so is effectively self-ruled). At the four corners of that intersection are a church, a smithy, a tower-mill and the famed Welcome Inn, operated by Lura Flana, a retired Bard. Of course Bards never truly retire and the inn serves as a meeting hall for Bards of many nations. Here they exchange information and impart new skills. Many a plot or counter-plot has been discussed in the shadowy corners of the tavern and Lura may be privy to any of them. The Inn is an excellent place for travellers and the forty-something Lura amuses customers with her music and story-telling. Likewise she pays her staff well and so the Welcome Inn has cheerful serving wenches and serving swains alike. Another sometime member of her household is a youthful yet forgetful Zinda tinker named Talin. A rumour persists that Talin has left and returned to Overcrossing so many times that he must be ageless. Lura dismisses such talk while insulating Talin from it.

Patriarch Valdis & Matriarch Berdina
Neutral-Good and Neutral-Evil Human Clerics

The Court of the Lord Keeper of Bordenia comprises all the local barons and baronesses who rule the separate estates which constitute the nation of Bordenia. These gentry make the decisions but they are also advised by the patriarchs and matriarchs of the various churches in Bordenia. Recently controversy has arisen in Court from a most unusual source – two clerics of separate and even rival churches. Valdis is the Patriarch of Olarin in Bordenia – a wise and softly spoken figure who is widely respected at Court. Berdina is the Matriarch of Urala in Bordenia who till recently only ever spoke to contradict the utterances of Valdis. Recently however a truce has been noticed in the behaviour of the two and many observers wonder why. Clerics of both churches are reportedly concerned that this new closeness has religious implications and that Valdis and Berdina are dabbling in the heresy of Twilight.

Orazio Girdler
Neutral-Evil Half-Orcish Thief

For a Half-Orc Orazio is surprisingly handsome (even by Human standards) but his looks never saved him from a youth of persecution and violence in the slums of Port Grazia. The orphan Orazio got involved in crime and grew to become the most in-demand assassin during factional brawling among Grazian thieves. During his accumulation of power and land, Rufus the Dastard made occasional use of the services of the assassin and so knew and respected him for his skill and discretion. Also Orazio had stayed carefully independent of all criminal factions (never knowing who he would be contracted to kill next) so he was well placed to survive the eventual dismemberment of the Grazia Thieves Guild by the new Warlord and, even better, was chosen by Rufus to oversee the operations of his new secret spy-ring the Adamandine Network. Now at thirty Orazio has all the respect and comfort that was denied him in his youth and guards it fiercely.

Damita the Swift
Chaotic-Good Human Thief

Damita was left as a babe on the doorstep of the Traviata Home For Eriman Orphans. In that rambling house she was made to work long hours but also instructed in etiquette (which the orphanage did on the off-chance that some of its wards were the bastard children of nobility). She escaped the home in her teens and fell in with a gang of thieves but by twenty decided that there was more to life than 'the poor robbing the poor'. She then got involved in the Traivatan Resistance as a spy. Now in her mid-twenties, Damita is one of the key champions of the popular revolt in the free city of Traviata. The inland Narman city threw off its oppressive nobility (originally exiles from the republican Sea Cities) and is in the process of forming new and radical forms of popular rule. Damita played a pivotal role in discovering aristocratic corruption and depravity thereby helping to foment popular resentment of the rulers. She then provided revolt strategists with vital information on city guard movements. Now the charming Damita is a public figure and many wish her to take on roles in the new government. Damita however wants none of this and has recently disappeared from Traviata to find adventure in fresher pastures south. Rumours tell that Damita has recently had a tempestuous affair with Mala of Nerina.

Tivadar the Exile
Neutral-Good Dwarvish Warrior

Tivadar is the grandson of the last ruling King of the Seven Hills – the original Dwarvish homeland. He remembers the tales of his father who personally witnessed the Hill Giants over-running his homeland and plans one day to return to win back the Seven Hills. He is an honoured guest of the state in Mount Hammer but resents his cousin Boldizar (King of Mount Hammer) for feeling that the Mount Hammer homeland is the only one Dwarves could possibly want. What Tivadar needs is military support but apart from the small network of Hill Dwarf exiles he lacks the force he needs to even contemplate a return. Tivadar is an old and sometimes raving drunk and the day-to-day running of the Fugitives Forge citadel is left to his eldest child Helmi. Both father and daughter use Ravens as personal messengers.

Alda Lessard
Neutral Human Prognosticator

This very old Mistress Prognosticator governs the Tower of Lore – a library and university town located in neutral territory and accessed by all who seek wisdom. Alda is both a mage and sage and is thus well placed to preside over the staff on non-magical sages and scribes that comprise the Trust of Lore. She is also popular among the students who have come from far away to study in this citadel. Some say that Alda is the most perceptive and all-knowing person alive today. They also say her time left in the world is short. Alda has an Owl familiar.

...Between Ninth and Tenth Level...

General Elroy & Admiral Gazella
Lawful-Neutral Human Warriors

On the selection of Noleta as Consul of Nartellfar, the thirty year old Elroy became General of the Sea Cities Army. He immediately developed a very close working relationship with the thirty five year old Admiral Gazella of the Sea Cities Navy. More recently rumours have been circulating that Elroy and Gazella have become lovers. There are those who are concerned that this relationship may compromise the decision-making ability of both officers in a time of military crisis. Others however reply that a military crisis involving the powerful and peace-loving Sea Cities is impossible nowadays. Members of the Council of Eight (who choose the General and Admiral) refuse to comment on the relationship.

Montague III
Neutral Human Cleric

'Monty the Morbid' is now the young monarch of Orvilia (the only one of the three Sea Cities to have preserved token aristocracy). The hauntingly beautiful yet reserved Montgomery has lived a life filled with both privilege and tragedy. At the age of twelve he lost his elder brother (first in line to the throne) to a boating accident that left Monty gloomy and brooding. At the age of eighteen he lost his elder sister (next in line) to a duel she had with a rival lady for a common suitor. At this time Monty resolved to explore and come to terms with death by entering into the clergy of the Deliverer (despite his parents insisting that he now had to focus on preparing for the crown). Monty became a talented cleric but at the age of twenty seven Montague lost both his elderly parents to a rare and perplexing malady. At this time he made the decision to retire from the clergy (since the monarch must be independent of all churches) to ascend the throne. However Monty still worships the Deliverer in private and spends much of his time visiting the recently bereaved in his city while the day-to-day work of government is safely left to the Prime Minister of Orvilia.

Jovita Weller
Neutral Human Mage

This mage is leader of the Temperates - one of the three formalized factions in the Forum of Delmisar. The Temparates are currently in alliance with the governing Chaotics (while the Lawfuls sit in opposition) making Jovita the Deputy to Ivar Chandler the Chancellor of Delmisar. Since taking on this role in her late twenties Jovita has impressed other powerful figures and is particularly well-liked at the annual Council of Eight (the league meeting of the three Sea Cities). She has a cat as her familiar. Jovita is also a renowned artist.

Mala of Nerina
Chaotic-Neutral Human Thief

Mala is a collector of rare items whose renown is founded on her desire for status and recognition. She seeks items of power as well as riches in the hope of securing more respect for herself from those more important than her. Mala claims to be the child of Omero, the last Emperor of Nerina, and a Zinda courtesan. It may be this background that gives her a desire for a life greater than her own. Treasure hunting is her passion but she also enjoys wowing a crowd with acrobatic busking. Mala has recently returned from an expedition to the Lost Hills with riches sufficient to rent a small villa and hire servants. Rumour has it that Mala is in a turbulent affair with Damita the Swift.

Ivar Chandler
Chaotic-Neutral Human Thief

Ivar is the child of Plana migrants who came to Delmisar seeking a better life but who had to live in an impoverished neighbourhood. Now this former hustler and extortionist has put his past life well behind him and has become leader of the Chaotics (one of the three formalized factions in the Forum of Delmisar) and is currently Chancellor of Delmisar (alongside his Temparates Deputy Jovita Weller). It is a testament to the charisma and conviction of forty-something Ivar that he has succeeded in convincing the public that his shady past was the product of a foolish youth of which he has now repented. To date none of the old scandals his Lawfuls factional opponents uncover have diminished his standing with his faction or the citizenry. Even his friendship with Trent Mercer (alleged criminal gang boss) has survived his elevation to respectability.

Rafe Greymist
Neutral Human (?) Illusionist

This traveling puppeteer enhances his shows with impressive illusions but is also a deft hand at the mundane art of puppetry. He is renowned and loved by both children and the young-at-heart. It is generally assumed that Rafe is of Brethic kinship, however he sometimes appears at shows as a Halfling, prompting speculation that one or the other, or even both forms are phantasmal. The eccentric Rafe claims to be descended from Brethic nobility, despite his common circumstances. He is forever casting illusions on his familiar to alter its seeming nature from (say) salamander to sparrow to mouse as whim or circumstance dictate.

Olauga Odiladottir
Neutral Half-Orcish Warrior

This Half-Orc was born among and lived with her Erimin kin in Bordenia. Her extended family were kindly but neighbouring villagers were mistrustful of her difference. In adolescence she left home seeking what she felt was a missing part of herself. Her feet took her (inexorably according to Olauga) into the Border Mountains. In foothills she rescued an injured wild boar from wolves and they became companions in survival. Next she was attacked by Goblins and almost as quickly rescued by Orcs. Once they realized that Olauga was part Human they had already witnessed her best a larger Hobgoblin and so admiration overcame prejudice. The Half-Orc was adopted by the Bloodtusks fold and soon became a firm friend of Gaunt, the Bloodtusk leader. Later, Gaunt took on the role of Orc Marshal in the War of the Orcs & Gobins and, with him, Olauga's prominence grew. Gaunt entrusted her with a mission to seek help from beyond the Border Mountains. Soon Olauga made contact with Stanislas of Allmeet and is now on her way to become something new to The Lands - an Orcish diplomat.

Bevan the Nightrat?
Chaotic-Neutral Halfling Thief

All the richest residents of Roburg, the capital of Rolania, have fallen victim at one time or another to the stealthy pilferings of a burglar known only as the Nightrat. The one exception to this record is the mansion of Edward Peltonson the Protector of Rolania himself. This is an omission the Nightrat one day hopes to correct. But who is this scoundrel? The city guard suspect a respected member of the Halfling community in Roburg called Bevan who works as a shoe-maker. Nobody can prove that the daytime craftsman is by night a burglar of legendary skill and daring and some say he is too old for the role. Yet others ponder that it may indeed be a 'role' and that the Nightrat title has been recently passed to another.

The Empress Omega
Lawful-Neutral Human Non-Adventurer

Following the death of the elderly Omero, Emperor of Nerina, Omega ascended to the throne. Her coronation was the only time that the public have seen her in the flesh rather than as the subject of mosaics in public offices. The sheltered Omega has since only been seen by her large staff of palace advisors and servants. This prodigy prefers to cultivate an array of scholarly and artistic skills but will engage in political decision-making as necessary. One innovation of her rule is that she has been corresponding with 'the four other monarchs of The Lands' (Montague III, Waldemar IV, Boldizar Stonedelver, Larthia Velavesna) and hopes to meet them all during her reign. This in itself is a huge departure from the haughty tone of her predecessors.