Dramatis Personae

 This information is available to anyone who walks around and keeps their eyes and ears open. Higher and more specific Knowledge Skills will give you more people and more information about each one.

Northpoint

Northpoint City Council
While the city is technically rules by the council as a whole, the four primary merchant houses pretty much control everything. It is possible, though rare, for the collection of lesser houses to ally together and successfully go against the wishes of the big four, but such alliances are difficult to create or maintain and rarely last more than a season or two. This difficulty is encouraged by the big four.

Notes: Everyone is human unless stated otherwise, and the title "Patriarch" is equivalent to "Baron" - the appropriate address is "my lord".

House Torenescu: First among the merchants is House Torenescu (toren-ES-ku).

  • Primarch: Aleksander Torenescu: Young for the position, but eminently capable. He's stubborn and ambitious, and intelligent enough to know his limitations.
  • Boris Torenescu: Aleksander's uncle. The younger sibling of Aleksander's father Christoph, Boris grew up in his brother's shadow. He failed to become primarch in Aleksander's place.
  • Melinda Azuros: Aleksander's mother. After an economic but tolerable marriage, she is well placed in the upper merchant society and slowly beginning to explore her options.
  • Pavel Torenescu & Ordana Dracul: Aleksander's eldest uncle and his wife. They manage the family's spice interests.
  • Stephanos Torenescu: Pavel's son. He is a squire in the Order of the Griffon, and shows great enthusiasm.
  • Nichola Toresencu: Antoehr of Aleksander's uncles, he rules the Ebonov shipyards with an iron fist and a crude sense of humor.
  • Katherine Marilenev: Alexsander's second cousin on his grandfather's side, married to Ivan Marilenev. It is an economic marriage but appears to prosper.
  • Minrothaddan Ebonovs: Aleksader's mother's mother's father and a mage of renown. He is a dirty old man, entertains young ladies on a regular basis and is known to play practical jokes on his fellow Mage's Guild Council members.

    House Nirov: Arguably second in power is House Nirov (NEE-rov).

  • Primarch: Anton Nirov. Strong-willed and clever, endlessly plotting. He has had a few spectacular failures but always seems to end up on top in the end.
  • Victoria Artho: Anton's wife and mother of Antonito. A marriage of love has survived decades of politics and she is as radient and sociable as ever.
  • Antonito Nirov: The headstrong heir apparent, currently overseeing the family holdings in Northpoint.
  • Gloria Inexdio: Antonito's wife and mother of their son and heir Emil. She is shy and rarely seen in public, preferring to plan exquisite galas and balls.
  • Zwies Nirov: Antonito's brother and right-hand man, Zwies is an accomplished diplomat and the velvet around the family's economic fist.
  • Rebeca Kaison: Zwies' wife and mother of their two children Pieter and Theodoscius. She manages the household and extensive farming mansions north of the city.
  • Antonio Nirov: Known as "The Great", Antonito's father suffered a stroke 6 years ago and, while he recovered nearly completely, soon passed control to his son. He stays active by overseeing the family finances and stables.
  • Dorisimo Calihar: Antonio's wife and the magical expert of the family. She is a priestess of Vana and maintains the household harmony.

    House Marilenev: Third in Northpoint, House Marilenev (MARi-len-ev) is a strong ally of Qual a'at Maan. They are third only because much of their wealth is tied up in their fleet and not in local holdings.

  • Primarch: Gunter Marilenev. An old man and set in his ways, he has nonetheless increased the size of the family fleet by almost 50% during his rule.
  • Lady Magda Marilenev: Gunter's wife and mother of Ivan. She is rumored to be the power behind Ivan's success and attends nearly all business meetings.
  • Ivan Marilenev: Heir and in control of day-to-day operations in Northpoint. He is a silent man with little sense of humor.
  • Katherine Marilenev: Ivan's wife and mother of his five children: Melanie, Octavon, Sebastian, Dmetros and Valor. She is a hardworking mother and has adopted many promising youths into the family.
  • Cyndaria Whiteforge: Valor's wife and mother of Britan and Caspar. She is from Whiteland and maintains contact with her family there.

    House Vorloi: The fourth of the great merchant Houses but arguably the most dangerous, House Vorloi (Vor-low) is less a dealer in goods than a dealer in arms, armor and those who use them. While they have significant shipping interests their core strength is in equipping, training and hiring out mercenaries.

  • Primarch: Patros Vorloi: An aging warrior of Eloah, Patros has aged well and maintains a firm grip on family affairs. He has a sense of humor about everything except war.
  • Rogaria Canolocarius: Patros' third wife and mother of his youngest daughter Michaela. She is a young woman from a lower Amesbury noble family and has adapted well to Northpoint.
  • Fortunato Vorloi: Patros' eldest son and heir. He is a reserved warrior, preferring subtle strategic manipulation to swinging a sword, but is entirely capable of doing so.
  • Marianne Ginjos: Fortunato's wife and mother of Lucia, the Vorloi heir. She is a powerful diviner and regularly guides the family away from disaster on the battlefield.
  • Lucia Vorloi: Heir to the House Vorloi, he being trained to hold the reins of power. He is a squire in the Order of the Griffon, said to have a competition with Stephanos Torenescu.
  • Baron Philip Vorloi: Patros' second son. While the rank of Baron of the Southmarch may be mostly theoretical (as the Southmarch region of the Kamanjei Hills are sparcely populated), Philip takes great pride in his ascent by right of conquest.
  • Lady Anna Braun: Philip's wife and mother of their children Mikel and Marianna. She is perhaps more realistic about her title, but still aids in plans to settle, fortify and improve the Southmarch region.
  • Arkan Vorloi nee Sulanov: Michaela's husband and adopted into the fmaily. His is the story of a mercenary captain who saved the beautiful young daughter of his employer and won the right to court her. They married and have a daughter Zandra.

    The Lesser Houses:

  • Avzzel Redmane: A skaven from the southern Skeel Plains, Avzzel is a calm, even-tempered and disbelieving person who dislikes draconics intensely. House Redmane supplements House Vorloi with scouts and fast infantry, and serves as guards to many of the northern farms.
  • Baron Vladimir Sutyrin: Current leader of House Sutyrin, Vladimir's title is from Amesbury and several of his farmsteads have been raided. He blames Northpoint and is in the process of garing up for an active winter campaign.
  • Ethshar Farclaw: This skaven has much more self control than normal, and appears to have mastered the game of poker. House Farclaw concentrates on messengers, communication, small packages and rapid travel for small numbers of people.
  • Doņa Elena Diego: A fiery woman from central Laskin, she arrived six years ago to take control of House Lyra from the brink of bankruptcy. She has since turned it into the primier entertainment source of the city. She is smart, flamboyant, pretty and single.
  • Lady Evana Kopelyan: One of the two females leading a major merchant house, Evana has proven many times she is intellectually and strategically worthy of the position. She is widowed and has turned down multiple marriage offers, preferring to groom her son-in-law for the position.
  • Mistress Lara Sascia: A competant mage, she has led House Sascia for over three decades in dealing with magic, magic items and sub-contracting mages from the Guild to those outside the city. The House is mostly successful in its attempts to avoid politics.
  • Retameron Verge (ver-ZHEY): A short body, a shorter temper and a long memory, with a nose for a profit and a thing for good wine. He is as flamboyant as he is amoral.
  • Sekreth Alderthrus: The draconic House specializes in jewelcutting, glassware and china. Sekreth is old and silent, preferring for his son Kesrith to speak.
  • Sherlane Halaran: A deeply religious man, Sherlane follows Adi zealously and hates all things of Amesbury with a passion. This has led him to a series of financial setbacks to the detriment of House Halaran. His daughter Aleena is a member of the Order of the Griffon.
  • Vlad Lutescu: Known as the Eyes of the West, Vlad earned his nickname as a knight errant patrolling the eastern border with Amesbury. He is a competant patriarch but uninspiring.

    Other Members of the Council:

  • Creelmak of Clan Longtooth: The envoy from Syreedik enjoys sitting on the council and while he does not have a vote, his opinion is carefully consitered.
  • Dorus Hilltopper: While the Dwarven King of Northpoint is awarded status on the Council, his status in dwarven kingdoms is much greater. Clan Hilltopper controls much of the mineral resources of the region and supplies Tintown with vital supplies.
  • Sir Konstantin Petrov: Grand Master of the Order of the Griffon, a large man with infinite energy. While his voice easily and often dominates a room, he is quite capable of listening to differing opinions.
  • Lessthar Zull'kak: The draconic representative also does not have a vote. However, he is old and wise and many seek him out for matters unrelated to Northpoint.
  • Lady Arteris Penhaligon: Mistress of the Northpoint Mage's Guild, Arteris appears far too young for her position. This raises speculation she is either extremely powerful for her age, or just extremely powerful and choosing to appear young. She is even-tempered most of the time but is given to fits of rage over supposedly minor issues.
  • Skrivver Bonechewer: Representing the Darsheen Empire, Skrivver enjoys playing the role of "dumb ork barbarian".

    Well-Known Personalities

  • Abubakar: One of the few spirit-mages willing to live in a city, he learned his trade in the ancient ruined cities of Mopoti-Jeno long ago. He is old, wrinkled and spry with a taste for the ladies and an evil sense of humor.
  • Sir Adrian Zelnya: The Grand Master of the Loyal Order of the Purple, he is a seasoned fighter entering middle age. While he may regret his actions, he maintains it is his honorable duty to continue the work of the Order. He is known to have a sense of humor, though it is hidden under the dignity he feels his position should maintain.
  • Alya Dream-Reader: A diviner and fortune-teller from Amesbury, she is friendly, jovial and loud in her denouncements of local alcohol - imported is better.
  • Lady Artemisia Kalakos: Knight Commander of the Order of the Golden Apple and a priestess of Artemis, she is a beautiful woman, proud of her heritage and strong in her faith. While sometimes harsh in her judgments, she is merciful on the battlefield and has gained great wealth from ransomed enemies.
  • Bargle the Black: A known and unrepentant traitor to the king of Amesbury, he is a marked man with a rather large price on his head. He is also shrewd, cunning and an experienced bladesmaster as well as a powerful wizard.
  • Buba (BOO-bah) of Kastorskiy: A local boy made good, Buba worked as a mercenary for thirty years before buying half of a tavern and learning to barkeep. He's friendly as long as you don't cause trouble, and enjoys telling tales of when he was your age.
  • Mage Guild Librarian Darnash: A tall, dour man from Mopoti-Jeno, he holds onto books as though they were his virgin daughters.
  • Baron Desmond Kelvin: Knight of the Order of the Griffon and a landholder in Amesbury. He is a powerfully-built and highly-skilled man, given to bouts of depression between military campaigns.
  • Prince of Beggers Dimitrios: The head of the Begger's Guild and a highly skilled poet, Dimitrios spends his days outside the Bricktop and his nights somewhere in the Wetlands.
  • Emilio the Great: Actor, playwrite and philosopher. Driven in the persuit of his art and a charmer with the ladies.
  • Flameflicker The Thief King: Known only as a name and a dark figure, the ruler of thieves in Northpoint is powerful, deadly and does not suffer fools. He is fair in his judgements, and has installed restrictions on street crime.
  • Giorgi at Makarov: A jolly gambler, he is a fat man wearing velvet and silk who jokes that he never cheats as he's too fat to run away. As far as anyone can tell, he doesn't - and the house always gets a cut.
  • Kombo: A wrestler from Mopoti-Jeno, large, muscular and trim, he teaches, fights for entertainment and works as a bouncer. He hates House Vorloi with a passion.
  • Townmaster Lucas Tormandros: Appointed by the council to take care of details, such as building permits, business lisences, hiring guidelines and so on. He is a very powerful, methodical and dull man, to whom nearly everyone owes a favor.
  • Luthor Seforza: Tavernkeeper of the Black-Hearted Lily, one of the better taverns in Southside. Big, friendly, generous to those in need, harsh to those who try and take advantage of him and carrying a leather-wrapped "cane" to keep the peace.
  • Lev Dromilov: Ruler of Castle Dmitrov on the border to Mopoti-Jeno, Lev is a friendly but reserved man. His lands are among the first to be attacked by raiders from the south and he is both resigned and determined to make the best of his position.
  • Makhno: A town crier making his living in Southside. Off the clock he is a quiet man who enjoys building model bridges.
  • Mayyasah: A beautiful but shy animal-handler from Al'Rakseem, she specializes in guard dogs. While single and living alone, she has had few troubles with thieves.
  • Mikhail of the Swamp: A peddler from the Metylkin family, he is an average man who traves from the Wetlands to the northern farms every few months with a load of goods ranging from pots to thread to gossip.
  • Misha: An old man who wanders Northpoint, sometimes begging and sometimes spending.
  • Nadezhda Fedosova: Wife to a shipbuilder, she is a loud woman with flaming red hair, eight daughters, a touch of the Sight and a high-power distillery.
  • Otis Lydiason: Stablemaster for the Order of the Golden Apple, Otis is a strong man, easygoing and respectful to his men. He cares for horses and dogs as he does his own children.
  • Pavel Yesikovsky: A retired ship's captain, he now teaches young sailors the secrets of Tarinar Bay. There is litle he doesn't know about the waters, and he keeps in touch with his students for current events.
  • Prestelle of Riffillian: The most visible draconic in the city, he is a tall, powerfully built warrior. He is from the northern Whiteland mountains, but holds little loyalty to anyone but his lord, the rumored Dragon Lord Riffillian. Much of his business is personal training for House Vorloi.
  • Svetlana Luiks: A blonde, buxom lady of the evening, she also gives professional-grade massages to warriors and knights. Her skills at making people feel good have made her a lot of friends.
  • Squire Thomas: A stocky youth in the Order of the Noble Stag, Thomas is unusual in that he is crippled yet still expected to become knighted. He lost his left hand in the defense of Sir Forrestal, a knight in the royal bodyguard of Whiteland. The wound resisted healing, but Thomas lost none of his fighting edge and makes up for the loss of his hand with skill, strength and determination.
  • Viktor Kosyikh: Stablemaster for the Dancing Pony, a large tavern in central Tintown. A powerfully-built man, he has a fondness for large animals of all kinds and is willing to travel for days to see rare creatures.
  • Yefim: Young and small for his age, Yefim makes a living as a courier between the Brickhouse and the eastern ports and shipyards.
  • Yolanda of Luln: A singer, danger and entertainer, she is one of the city's favorites. She occasionally performs in a marketplace for free.
  • Zoltan the Firebringer: A firebreather, juggler and street entertainer from Mopoti-Jeno. He is young, short, thin and has an extensive memory for dirty jokes.

    Knightly Orders

  • The Order of the Griffon: The Order was founded around 230 years ago by an ork from Ulmar - Ulgreth of Gromshoot. He'd fought his way to leading a mercenary company that ravaged southern Amesbury for nearly 8 seasons, using the numerous hobgoblin bands as scouts, skirmishers, decoys and cannon fodder. Towards the end of that 8th year, a priest of Adi was captured and spend the winter/spring with Ulgrath. A near-total religous conversion took hold of Ulgreth, he took his men to Northpoint and declared loyalty to the king. After a few tense explinations and negotiations, Ulgreth formed the Order of the Griffon. He left his mistress in Northpoint and took the majority of his men into the Kamanjeio hills, where he spent the majority of the next half-dozen years stamping out brush wars and local bandit kings.

    Upon hearing of the murder of the royal line, Ulgrath returned to Northpoint, established martial law upon the chaotic city, arrested, tried & executed several hundred rebels and assassins, and established the merchant houses as interm keepers of the throne. He then gradually relinquished his hold on the city over the next few years, let the council take charge and returned to his duties in the hills.

    Four years later (six years after the assassination) while visiting the city for his quarterly report, he was murdered in his sleep. Eight young men and women with him were tried on trumped-up charges and executed later that same day. The remainder of the Order entered the city, butchered the thieves & assassin's guilds, slaughtered over six dozen merchant heads-of-households, everyone on the current city council and it was only the priests of Adi reminding them of their oaths that they stopped. They made some fairly grisley threats, a few more examples and left for their duties once again.

    Since then the Order has held high respect and a 'don't fuck with me' attitude. They are the preeminent defenders of *Northpoint* and see no difference between external threats and interal politics that weaken the city. While they have no vote on the council, the Grand Master is *always* included in military, security and diplomatic matters. They also have no official authority within the city limits (unless there's a declared emergency), but most guardsmen know better than to punish Order members under civil law - they take the offender to the Order chapterhouse, explain things and let the Order discipline its own.

    The Order is the most prestigeous place for young gentlemen to be toughened up, and they have no prejudices towards non-humans. There are few Skaven as the training emphasizes heavy armor and massed formations, however. followers of Adi are welcomed, followers of other Old Gods are accepted and those who follow other faiths are tolerated as long as they keep quiet about it. There are extensive training facilities in Northpoint itself, but the bulk of their forces are stationed throughout the lands, or on patrol. Think of them as the Legions of Rome - tough, nasty and at arm's length from the city.

    Their shield is per bend azure and sable, a griffon rampant or - a shield divided diagonally, upper left to lower right, blue on top and black on the bottom, with a gold griffon standing on his hind legs (facing to the left). Their motto is "Dona Nobis Pacem, Semper Para Bellum": Give us peace, but always prepare for war.

  • Order of the Golden Apple: Founded by a warrior from foreign shores, this started as a warrior brotherhood and only became a knightly Order after fighting in the wars with Mopoti-Jeno around 600 years ago. They are dedicated to seeking and achieving physical perfection in all forms, with the understanding that while true perfection is unachievable the glory is not in the goal but the quest. All members must be physically whole (no missing limbs) and skilled in a wide range of skills, such as swimming, gymnastics, sports and, of course, combat. Members avoid addictive drugs, never drink in excess, and are quite popular with the ladies – it *is* another physical skill, after all. The chapter is known to have a Ring of Regeneration. Their device is a red field with a black basket of golden apples, with a bundle of three silver arrows above.
  • The Loyal Order of the Purple: This is a loosely organized collection of young knights from the noble families, founded only recently after a particularly vicious ork raid from Ulmar. The youths fought a series of skirmishes with the main body of invaders, ultimately leading them into a trap in which they were destroyed. In the drunken feast the followed several of the survivors pledged themselves to restoring the true king of Northpoint. Upon sobriety and realizing their rather foolish actions and binding oaths, they decided to devote their efforts to genealogical research and the general defense of Northpoint. They are actively involved with the Order of the Griffon in the defense of the city, and are viewed with a mixture of admiration and humor. Their device is a silver field with a purple robe on it.
  • The Order of the Noble Stag: A more old-boy Order, composed of elderly nobility and their children. It is centered in the farmlands north of the city, and concentrates on defending the region from raiders, bandits, brigands, virgin wenches and full barrels of ale. There is also stiff competition for a place on the contingent that represents the Order in Whiteland tournaments.

    Local Attractions

  • Ambassador's Row: A number of mercantile, ambassadorial and diplomatic representatives to Northpoint live here. The street is clean, safe, well-patrolled and home to many high-level dinners, galas and dances.
  • Legend of Koriszegy Keep: One of the southern border keeps, the Koriszegy family built and maintained a good-sized keep. Some hundreds of years ago, the head of the family fell into dark powers and was consumed by evil spirits, along with all within the keep. The lands fell abandoned and few travel there.
  • Lord Gustav Vandevic: Ruler of Vandevicsny, a small valley on the far north-eastern Kamanjeio Hills. They maintain the lighthouse off the north coast and have a small shipyard for emergency repairs. There are significant fortifications in place, both physical and magical.
  • Fort Doom: Properly the Castle of Halag, this complex watches over the eastern shores of where the western and southern Runmal Rivers merge. It is one of the few fords across the southern Runmal and a popular crossing for merchant caravans, raiders and ambushes. The fort is manned by both human cavalry and skaven infantry as a fast-reaction force. The current commander is Milo Whiteforge, sent to "toughen him up". It is hoped that Captain Korrigan will keep him alive long enough to learn.
  • The Weeping Mountains: A range in the northern Devlon Hills, the region is always - magically so - experiencing precipitation of some sort, from light drizzle to thunderous storms. It is said that this is where Abar learned of his son's death at the hands of Atta's children. Most vegitation is fungal, sprouting 30-foot mushroom forests.

    Whiteland

    The Royal Family

  • King Stephan Amesbury: Middle-aged, large and stocky, gruff and uncompromising. He is hesitant to strike but once decided, does so with all his might.
  • Queen Olivia Prothemian: Arranged when she was 11, she was given the option of breaking the contract but chose to marry Stephan. She is short, pretty and a gracious hostess. She has three chidren, Adriana, Justin and Valen.
  • Prince Consort Devon Hyrakson: Husband to Princess Adriana Hyrakson, Devon is first in line to the throne but would much rather be hunting pirates. He has two young children, Crown Prince Lucien and Princess Argent.

    The Court of Whiteland

  • Seneschal Alexius Korrigan: A large, merry man who loves numbers, puzzles and solving problems.
  • Minister of Magic Terari: A cheerful enigma and cunning strategist. He owes an unknown debt to the Gyntar Mage School.
  • Archbishop Olliver Jowett: A tall, reedy man with a booming voice, he preaches often and loudly.
  • Alfred Ogdenberry: Bishop of the Whiteland Roman Catholics, Alfred is tireless in his attempts to heal the rift between the countries.
  • Ataman Burmash: Chair of the Whiteland Merchant's Guild, he ruthlessly stamps out opposition.
  • Hylim Skydreams: Representing the Neskeek Empire, he is a calm, precise skaven with a taste for good wine.
  • Baron Ludwig von Hendricks: The Black Eagle Baron with a heart as black as his armor. His lands include vast mineral riches, worked by multitudes of slaves. Taxes are high and the farmers are plagued by monsters, vampires and bandits.
  • Magdel: Assistant to Archbishop Jowett, he is a prolific writer and is is regular communication with churches across Whiteland.
  • Kador Ben-Salim: The best horseman and horse-trainer around, he works for the king's army.
  • Sun-Nose Gyntar (JIN-tar): Founder of the premire school of magic in Whiteland, Gyntar is ageless and has mastered shape-shifting - with the exception of his nose, which always take a bright hue.

    Knightly Orders

  • The Chivalric Order of the Most Gallant Companions of the Golden Spear: Headed by the king, this is his personal bodyguard, trusted messengers and wartime commanders.
  • The Most Gentle Order of the Black Horse: The queen's personal guard, all members are of noble birth, blooded warriors and of above-average appearance. They are trusted by the king as few others, as they hold the keys to his wife's chambers.
  • The Most Chivalric Order of the Silver Plume: A small Order, all members have at least some magical ability. They preserve, protect and defend the code of chivalry
  • The Most Loyal Order of the Kight-Defenders of the Bridge: Founded over 350 years ago during one of the major ork invasions, the founding members held a major bridge over the Runmal against an orkish horde, while the rest of the kingdom rallied and send reinforcements. They have manned the bridge ever since and have a reputation for stick-in-the-mud loyalty and dedication.
  • The Loyal Order of the Throne: A western Order, they are dedicated to the eradication of evil, the unholy, the foul and the unclean.
  • The New Celts: A recent fraternal Order, the order is dedicated to maintaining the feudal social order, such as defending freemen, discouraging yeoman and insuring that merchants are both safe and do not rise above their station.
  • Order of the Golden Apple: A loose organization of knights dedicated to chivalrous ideals and mutual support. It is one of the many 'old boy' networks among barons and earls.
  • Order of Red Knights: Serving as a reminder that knights are inherently violent, these knights follow the code of chivalry, obey the king's law and are as violent as they can get away with.