Search by property

This page provides a simple browsing interface for finding entities described by a property and a named value. Other available search interfaces include the page property search, and the ask query builder.

List of results

• Gyliam Tulfa  + (Gyliam Tulfa was born and raised in the st …
  Gyliam Tulfa was born and raised in the streets of the Lower Boroughs. He was left by his parents to fend for himself when he was no older than six years. He grew to be embittered by his situation, and often envied those more privileged than himself. Despite such bitterness, he could never have seen a future for himself beyond the average Lower Boroughs citizen's. On the day Gyliam came across the Iron Guard's recruitment drive, all of that changed. For a few years, he served as a common man-at-arms at the Iron Guard. As he trained, Gyliam proved to have a keen eye and a talent for the bow. Soon, he joined the ranks of the Iron Guard's archers. Then came the fleets of the Gyre, sailing for the Compact. The battle at Setarco, victorious though it may have been, left its mark on Gyliam. Or took it, some might say. He lost his eyesight in a terrible turn of events, when near half his face was burned off. He survived, but he was deemed unfit for duty.
  urvived, but he was deemed unfit for duty.)
• Dacian Krosse  + (Hailing from a family of level headed merc …
  Hailing from a family of level headed merchants, Dacian was afforded the opportunity to travel from an early age. With tutors on board his parents' ships, he was also quite well read from an early age - after all there was hardly ever anything else to do on the ships. Boredom and curiosity made him look forward to the trips ashore with his parents where he learned the family trade first hand from both of his parents. He can boast that by the time he was 18, he had seen every domain on the sea or waterways through the Compact. He's met many beautiful men and women and learned about many cultures and what each domain had to offer, and needed in return. He was expected to make himself a fine life for himself carrying on the family business. Except by the time he was 18 he felt the call of the wilderness and took to hunting. Of course this supplemented the family's business in perfect compliment. He would disappear for a month or two at a time and reappear with only the best pelts for sale. His path took a slight turn when an abandoned island was taken over by the Compact. Intrigued, he visited the island and was one of the most -if not THE most- successful merchant of Elune. He quickly adapted to the needs and desires of the traders there and after only a few short months decided to make it his home and base of operations. He still travels these days of course, but his primary focus is building his empire on Estroch and travels between Elune and Arx now when the financial forecast is just right.
  when the financial forecast is just right.)
• Saga Solsdottir  + (Hailing from a small settlement in the fie …
  Hailing from a small settlement in the fief traditionally governed by House Darkwater, she was young when she was left alone in the world, and the struggles to survive in the unforgiving lands of the Mourning Isles would mark her profoundly. A story not uncommon among those who toil the easternmost isles of the Compact, the orphan would prove herself a true child of the salt and steel, rising above the dominance of misery to find her way to the great city of Arx. She dreams of returning to her homeland one day, the love for the shores that gave her life still strong in the woman's heart, but destiny takes her to the capitol, where the powerful meet to play their games of passion and politics.
  play their games of passion and politics.)
• Cole Farago  + (Hailing from a tiny village under the cont …
  Hailing from a tiny village under the control of House Redrain, Cole's mother died in childbirth leaving his father to raise him. A woodcutter by trade, his father emphasized hard work and discipline above all. Though it was not an unpleasant life, money was tight and the repetitive lifestyle grew to wear on him. Hoping to make his fortune in the city, he struck off by signing on as a caravan guard.
  ruck off by signing on as a caravan guard.)
• Patrizio Pravus  + (Hailing from a very distant cadet branch o …
  Hailing from a very distant cadet branch of the Great House of Pravus and growing up as a fan of the tales of Sir Tiberio Pravus, Patrizio was a non-entity in the affairs of the main family until the wars in the Saffron Chain allowed the man to shine, his homecoming happening at the Battle of Pieros when the knight was lauded as one of the biggest reveals in the battlefield. Wounded but alive, Patrizio was welcomed at the Crown of Setara, the palace of the family, while he healed and got to know the many other Sins. To anyone else that would have been the crowning achievement of their lives, a honor and privilege, but Patrizio refused to stop while his streak was hot. The life in Setarco was intoxicating, the people of the city embracing him quick, and the man realized spending inordinate amounts of silver in pretty clothes and fancy galas agreed with him. Also, that his new tastes were very expensive. So the cycle begun of ever increasing highs producing an ever-increasing desire to perform and stand shoulder to shoulder with his cousins, a dream long in the making finally within reach.
  m long in the making finally within reach.)
• Oswyn Spencer  + (Hailing from the Lowers of Arx, Oswyn had …
  Hailing from the Lowers of Arx, Oswyn had a humble upbringing. His family runs an archery shop, Lowers Archery. Oswyn has one older sister, who has married and had a son. Both siblings learned the family trade; Muriel took to it much better than Oswyn. While capable of very basic work as a bowyer and fletcher, it was clear his talents lay elsewhere. A quiet, clever, thoughtful child, Oswyn was always a voracious reader. A miserable shot, his eyesight was fine for objects up close, like books. He was always happiest surrounded by books and surprised no one when he became a scholar himself. Oswyn further devoted himself to Vellichor as a Disciple. Tending to book collections, learning, and teaching filled his days. The more he learned, the more he discovered he didn't know. How much needed preservation or rediscovery. His searches led him to join the Society of Explorers. Oswyn's typical role on expeditions was either as a cartographer or a healer. He was a common sight documenting and drawing various plants and animals. Plants don't move, which is very helpful to someone with poor distance vision. Oswyn maintained a shop by the Vellichorian Academy, Books and Scribing Supplies. His primary goal was to provide people of every station with the tools of learning. Affordable prices for commoners did not make much profit, but he was fine with that. For a few years, he struggled with whether to take Godsworn vows or not. The decision came down to whether he wanted a family of his own. He spent time in careful contemplation in the various shrines of the Thirteen. Speaking with other Godsworn helped him come to the conclusion that he was happy as an uncle. That was enough for him. And because his shop didn't make any real money, he was allowed to keep it after taking his vows... for a time. In spring 1016, Oswyn took the position of Archscholar. That meant giving up the shop to take on the responsibility of guiding the Scholars. He is very serious about his responsibilities to the collection. He seeks to protect the scholars under his care.
  ks to protect the scholars under his care.)
• Solange Whisper  + (Hailing from the Lyceum, Solange was born …
  Hailing from the Lyceum, Solange was born to a family of commoners who have served the same Barony for centuries in various positions. She was a beautiful child, something that did not go unnoticed by anyone. She was raised differently than her sisters and brothers, with an undue amount of attention given to her education. She was quickly brought in as a companion to the Baron's children, learning to exist in the odd space of a commoner who is not quite noble but expected to act as one while never stepping past her heritage. She excelled at this, and she only grew lovelier as she aged. With the Baron's death, however, and his son's inheritance, there were rumors that he promised to marry her. Such a marriage never manifested. He married another Lycene noble and Solange disappeared. She reappeared in Arx, joining the Whispers and making them her family.
  g the Whispers and making them her family.)
• Jonathan Fieldstone  + (Hailing from the area around Oakhaven, Jon …
  Hailing from the area around Oakhaven, Jonathan's family were the simplest of farming folk, tending to their fields and their heads of cattle. They were poor, but he and his four siblings never went hungry. A bright (in personality, if not in wit) boy, Jonathan was taught some of the higher educations by a kindly apothecary who lived a couple plots over, and was thus usually the one sent into town with the crop, or to buy supplies. It was on one such trip that Jonathan returned to his beloved farm in ashes, a scene of utter devestation. The crops were stolen, and the house burned. They even butchered the cows. He searched high and low, but could not find of his family, despite months of searching. So, he headed to Arx, like many in search of a more promising future...
  ny in search of a more promising future...)
• Jovarn Grimhall  + (Hailing from the richest lands in the Mour …
  Hailing from the richest lands in the Mourning Isles, Jovarn has the unfortunate distinction of being one of the few noble-born in living memory to have been cast out from his house and reduced to a common life. Originally a child of the Grimhall family, Jovarn was betrothed at a young age to a young noblewoman of a wealthy family; as he grew older he resented the forcefulness with which he was lead towards marriage, and many other things about his family and their way of ruling, that by the time he was twenty years of age he was given a choice: Marry and produce children, or be exiled and disowned. So for the last eight years Jovarn has been travelling the Compact, from the halls of the Redrain to the dockyards of the Lyceum and everywhere in between. Drinking, singing, and bedding as often as he likes.
  singing, and bedding as often as he likes.)
• Giuliano Pravus  + (Half-brother of Arianna from their shared …
  Half-brother of Arianna from their shared mother Vayla's earlier marriage to a sickly Grayson prince, Bryn, Giuliano's birth was an inauspicious occasion as his father died of a wasting illness shortly after, one that consumed him quickly. Vayla's next marriage produced his half-sister, to whom he became very close. Unfortunately, that bond was often interrupted due to his rarely ever leaving Setarco. Trained from an early age to be a skilled swordsman, he excelled at a style of fighting with the rapier in one hand and a dagger in the off hand. When Niccolo stepped aside to make Piero Duke, Giuliano was initially optimistic - until he saw the inherent weakness in the man. Dismayed as snakelike vassals schemed to bring the House down, he was one of Belladonna's earliest supporters - and more than one traitor died upon his blade. There were no tears shed by the young Lord upon Piero's death and Belladonna's ascension, and he vowed to help safeguard her rule by any means necessary. Time passes, and Giuliano remained one of the Duchess' means of control in Setarco, although now he finds himself called to Arx by family for new duties in service of Pravus.
  amily for new duties in service of Pravus.)
• Mirk Halfshav  + (Halfshav does not always kill shav tribes …
  Halfshav does not always kill shav tribes nor force them to kneel at the tip of their swords. Sometimes they talk to them. The spirits are a universal touchstone and so is want. Lord Mirk Halfshav has always had a connection with the land and spirits. He even views them as separate things the spirits of the land and the nature of the land itself. It's those distinctions and subtle connections that color his worldview and the way he approaches problems. Born to Eoghan Halfshav and cousins with Brianna, Seax, Arik, and Khanne the man is the eldest of that generation. He was the first to titter about Whitehold as a child. He remembers the births when he was a young boy of 6 even back then he saw the desires of people. The pride of fathers, the wish of mothers, the envy of Uncles. By the time he was in his mid-teens he was already a wanderer. He would leave Whitehold to visit different village shamans and speak of the world with them. While he was at it he'd visit the local tavern, the local matchmaker, really anyone of note. He spoke to them all and learned their stories but he never made up stories to compete always sharing his humble tale as it existed at the time. It was in his eighttenth year that Mirk Halfshav encountered his first village of shav. He had been hunting for a meal, looking to bring back some pelts to a tanner in a nearby village. He stumbled onto the shavs hunting grounds and was captured. Lucky for him he is a Halfshav and he quickly illuminated the benefits of just moving a little closer to the settlement and instead of competing for game in winter and lands in summer working together. It worked! That was one of the several tribes he convinced by brokering a deal to kneel to the Compact. It wasn't all glory of the blade and he took pride in the knowledge that there always seemed to be a path towards satisfaction for all sides. Now it is years later and the wandering spiritualist comes to Arx to see his family and bring his particular brand of talents to the complicated politics of the city. Half Savage and Half Hero if Mirk can balance those two ideals he can certainly balance the scales of the Houses of Arx.
  y balance the scales of the Houses of Arx.)
• Hali Harvey  + (Hali's parents were captains for part of t …
  Hali's parents were captains for part of the Westrock merchant fleet. She was raised on the waves. In fact born on them. Pirates were a real thing as she grew up and the constant reliance on the Telmarch Navy always grated on her. And her parents. Worries about pirates were always there. And they took her father at a young age. It set the stage for what she would become. It spurred her to become a fighter on the sea. A cutlass in Hali's hand, she learned from sailors and soldiers from a huge variety of places. For their ships sometimes carried foreign visitors as well. She helped to keep her mother's ship safe with her growing martial prowess. Yet when she began to offer her mother guidance on navigation, they suffered fewer attacks and damage from storms. She was a natural to sailing, that was sure. Despite this she still suffered her fair of mishaps aboard the Silver Spectre. On a trip to deliver crates of Coffee to Arx she found herself bedazzled by a mercenary company revelling loudly in the Traders Tavern. Their tales excited her like sailing ever had, for battle and adventure burned in her blood. The idea of joining a House's standing army never sat well with her and the merchant life was too dull. There was a lack of freedom in it. And like the seas, she needed to be free to blow where the wind took her. So she took the tests and joined the mercenary group. Much to her mother's worry and upset. Her skills rocketted her through the ranks. Today she leads the Crimson Blades marines as a Colonel with enthusiasm and skill.
  es as a Colonel with enthusiasm and skill.)
• Hamamor Samilliam  + (Hamamor appeared out of nowhere in the reg …
  Hamamor appeared out of nowhere in the region of Highhill under the control of the house Steelhart. Nobody knew where such a young boy came from, how he got there or how he was still alive, but due to this nobody was interested enough to find out either. Thus, Hamamor learnt how to survive on his own, working on skills that allowed him to rely on himself and only himself. Although he stays as far away from the public as possible when he can, Hamamor still believes people in general are of good heart, and will help those in need like those who have helped him in the past.
  ike those who have helped him in the past.)
• Hana Grayhope  + (Hana's mother was a member of a trading gr …
  Hana's mother was a member of a trading group that made a great loop through the cities of the realm, in an ongoing nomadic caravan. The girl spent her early life traveling, seeing goods from around the world, and speaking to many varied people. Perhaps that's why she became tired of traveling early on. Some people dream of seeing the world, but Hana's already seen it; her dreams are of waking in the same place for more than two or three days in a row, of getting to know one's neighbors. To know a city not as a tourist, but a resident. Still, if traveling gave her anything, it was an appreciation for many different styles of crafting. Bows from two different cities would have distinct looks. Blades from one city had stylistic elements that another lacked. To someone who knows the language of weaponsmithing, everything has a story to tell in the line of the blade, the shape of the crossguard, even the chips and dents of use. And a crafter can use that same language to tell a story. Now Hana's come to Arx, seeking to hone her crafting talents and perhaps make a comfortable life for herself. And maybe even meet the father she's never really known: a man named Aureth Grayhope.
  really known: a man named Aureth Grayhope.)
• Yvon Baseborn  + (Handsome, courageous, honorable, polite, r …
  Handsome, courageous, honorable, polite, righteous; as a young (obscure, provincial) Valardin prince, Yvon learned his lessons well. And when he swore his Knighthood Oaths, he felt them as a calling: defend the gods; act with courtesy and honor, fairness and kindness; keep your word sacred, show valor in combat. For years, as a knight, he fought the Abandoned fiercely, and he fought them well. Then he fell. He was taken hostage, beaten savagely. After the first agonized, feverish months, he thinks he was moved to another camp, or sold to another group ... he doesn't know who spent years torturing him. He escaped, he was recaptured, and his toes slowly removed. He doesn't know if he was tormented for fun, for revenge, or in terrible abyssal rites, but he knows this: they broke him, until almost no trace of the previous Yvon remained. And finally--for no reason that he knows--he was freed. He spent years recovering, as much as possible. Reading, arguing, and hewing to a worship of the Thirteenth that alienated his family, whose pity curdled to disgust. He refused to stop; he was denobled. No longer Valardin, no longer prince. So he came to Arx, a new man. Reborn as 'Baseborn,' broken by the knowledge of his weakness. Maybe he'll learn a few things.
  weakness. Maybe he'll learn a few things.)
• Haramus Walrington  + (Haramus has been the chief minister of the …
  Haramus has been the chief minister of the palace for as long as any can remember. Presumably he was once a young man when serving Alaric IV's grandfather, but if he was ever less than an officious, supercilious, and obnoxious pedant, no one has shared any memory of those times. While a nuisance to nearly all who know him, he has an encylopedic knowledge of the minutiae of palace protocol, which he mistakes for importance.
  rotocol, which he mistakes for importance.)
• Hardwicke Morgan  + (Hardwicke has been a Sanctum guardsman for …
  Hardwicke has been a Sanctum guardsman for almost as long as he could hold a weapon. It was his unwavering loyalty, family history of service, and strong sense of command that eventually earned him the position of Captain of the Guard at Sanctum. It was a visit to Farhaven as part of a Valardin contingent that first brought him into a chance meeting with a dorky Northern baker named Symanthe. She was the one to start sending letters down to Sanctum after he returned (addressed quite seriously with openings like "Dear cutie butt" and "Dear serious face") and, since his duty belonged to Sanctum and hers belonged to wherever she chose to put it, she was the one to pick up her life and relocate after deciding she was going to keep him. That he managed to land such a beautiful, vibrant sort of bride was the source of much consternation to his colleagues. Their contrasting personalities proved to be a good complementary balance for both of them. They had their first child when Hardwicke was 22 and Symanthe 20, and they had another six before she declared quite firmly that she was done now that she had a brood large enough to harass her unsociable husband for the rest of his life. Their marriage has not been without strife, but it's several decades later with all their children (mostly) grown and they haven't quit yet.
  (mostly) grown and they haven't quit yet.)
• Harper Grayhope  + (Harper Ashdown was born among the denizens …
  Harper Ashdown was born among the denizens of the Lower Boroughs, before being relinquished to the Tragedy upon the untimely deaths of her parents at the behest of a serial killer. She grew up close to the most impoverished in Arx and witnessed their oppression, their suffering, and their helplessness. Someone needed to stand up and protect them, and that someone would be Harper. She made sense of the chaotic, disorderly world she grew up in by formulating her own code of ethics and behavior. It was almost knight-like, if it wasn't obvious she distrusted knights. After teaching herself how to wield a blade by befriending a retired soldier and convincing him to adopt her, she decided to join the weakened Iron Guard after the betrayal of their former Lord Commander, sensing her chance to change it for the better and protect the city she loves.
  the better and protect the city she loves.)
• Harper Ashdown  + (Harper was born among the denizens of the …
  Harper was born among the denizens of the Lower Boroughs, before being relinquished to the Tragedy upon the untimely deaths of her parents at the behest of a serial killer. She grew up close to the most impoverished in Arx and witnessed their oppression, their suffering, and their helplessness. Someone needed to stand up and protect them, and that someone would be Harper. She made sense of the chaotic, disorderly world she grew up in by formulating her own code of ethics and behavior. It was almost knight-like, if it wasn't obvious she distrusted knights. After teaching herself how to wield a blade by befriending a retired soldier and convincing him to adopt her, she decided to join the weakened Iron Guard after the betrayal of their former Lord Commander, sensing her chance to change it for the better and protect the city she loves.
  the better and protect the city she loves.)
• Perianithill Crown  + (Has since childhood done and seen many different things never being content with what he was doing, so the only way to constantly experience new things is to travel from place to place in pursuit of different experiences.)
• Haven Leary  + (Haven loved music, ever since she was a yo …
  Haven loved music, ever since she was a young child. She loved to sing as well as play instruments, though she rather enjoyed the latter much more. Her mother got her into books, however, wanting her to get a scholarly education as well as a musical one. She always told Haven stories about when she was young, for she was previously of a common house, and wanted her children to always remember to be thankful for what they had. As a result, Haven has always had great manners, which partially came from the noble side, of which her father gently and patiently taught her. She does, however, respect those of lower status to her, and believes that yes, they may be lower in class, but not in rights of their humanity. She is the second eldest of four, and loved to help her parents care for her younger siblings. She is now beginning to make a life for herself and be on her own for the first time, but she keeps in contact with her family quite frequently.
  contact with her family quite frequently.)
• Archibald Kitt  + (Having been a successful teacher serving t …
  Having been a successful teacher serving the King's Own, Archibald's early life was pleasant. He served well and even earned a parcel of land to call his own. During what had been a successful retirement, his land was raided. Though he fought to stop the raiders, he was left for dead and all of his family slaughtered. Permanently lame in his leg, he went to request aid from the crown, but it was determined resources could not be spared and he was given a token gift to assist him in his hardship. Crippled, alone, and feeling betrayed, he has lived the rest of his existance in the lower boroughs teaching riff-raff instead of soldiers.
  hs teaching riff-raff instead of soldiers.)
• Terris Deepwood  + (Having been born to the Tehoa peoples of D …
  Having been born to the Tehoa peoples of Deepwood forest, Terris lost his tribe when he was 7 years old. The Greenwood tribe, led by Thesarin, raided the much smaller nomadic tribe at the break of spring of that year. He was saved only because his hound puppy, Nico, had fled from the cave where his tribe was wintering, and Terris had gone to chase him. By the time the young lad returned, the Greenwoods were just finishing with their looting, and slaying the last of the women. Terris saw this from a distance, and watched as the war party's leader urinated on the fire at the entrance of the cave. A face that faded from his mind's eye, as the years passed, but never from his memory. Those years were spent in the forests, largely. Tehoa peoples were taught young how to survive in the wilds. As he grew larger, he would send Nico to distract someone at a stream, washing clothes, then sneak down and steal whatever he could grab and run away with. He would hunt mostly by way of snares, still, or with Nico's help, sometimes using a length of stick with a fire hardened tip as a spear. This was just enough to stay alive. Eventually, Terris' thefts were noticed, but given his young age and wild nature, the tribes of Deepwood that he would steal from became more curious than angry. Why was a lone boy of such young age by himself in the forests? And so, one of these tribes intentionally left a bag of clothing, near where they did their wash. Also in the bag was some dried foods, as well as a small obsidian knife. The knife was a treasured tool for the youth, now into his early teens. He came back in the spring of the next year, and there was another bag. More clothes. More food. The year after when Terris went to the spot, he left several uncured pelts of winter rabbits, fur white as snow, as thanks. This sort of trade happened for several more years, until the spring of Terris' 16th year. He came to the spot and there was the bag, and sitting in front of a camp fire, a man. Terris cautiously approached the man, who didn't stand, but just smiled and turned the spit containing a pair of pheasants. Terris was invited to eat, and then questioned by the man. When his benefactor offered Terris a place in his tribe, the Othalas, Terris initially refused. The man understood, and asked if the boy would like to learn to hunt with a bow. Man and boy spent the spring doing just that. Terris took quickly to the weapon, and his ability to hunt increased many fold. The following spring, he had not only hare pelts, but a pair of white wolves, and fox furs, and even a badger. Again the man made the offer for Terris to join his tribe, and Terris refused, though he did accept a fine overcloak made from the hide of a bear, that had belonged to the man himself. The third year, Terris' 18th, he finally accepted the offer to come and meet the tribe, but initially made no agreement to join. It seemed almost a sign when, resting peacefully with his head upon Terris' lap, Nico passed away. As if the hound was able to go beyond, believing Terris would be taken care of. Terris was touched when the Othalas shared his grief, and, tentatively, joined the tribe. So skilled was Terris with the bow, and at hunting, that he began teaching the children of the Othalas. He knew many tricks that the tribe, more reliant upon the bow for their hunting, did not know. 4 peaceful years passed for Terris, who grew into manhood, accepted fully by the Othalas. Then, when Terris was 22, living in the Deepwoods with his new people, Tolmar Brand besieged Arx. The Othalas were one of many Shav'arvani to take the knee. Terris was against the move, but these people were his family, and so he joined them. One of the Rangers of the Deepwoods saw Terris' skill with the bow, and enlisted him, explaining that he could protect his people against Tolmar Brand's forces by using his skills to hunt men, instead of game. After the siege ended, the Rangers of Deepwood were like another family to Terris. One that he needn't see very often, but found comraderie with, sharing the occasional campfire in the woods. And it is in this capacity that Terris was sent to Arx. A messenger for the Rangers. Despite his independent nature, he learned to follow orders, and so when Marquessa Samantha asked for one of the better archers of the Rangers be sent to teach new recruits in Arx, Terris was given the dubious honor.
  n Arx, Terris was given the dubious honor.)
• Glenn Took  + (Having been one of many children of a weal …
  Having been one of many children of a wealthy merchant family with connections he was sent off at a young age to page for a local knight. Even for a young boy he was clumsy, slow and weak. He was taught by his mother how to read and write and had a great interest in books however at the age of 16 he had become a squire, to the shock of many and undoubtedly due to his family's local influence. That same year his mentor died and since then Glenn served a new Knight every few months, traveling from fiefdom to fiefdom in hope that he one day might become a Knight himself, growing distance from his own family and surviving of the ever dwindling financial support he receives from them.
  g financial support he receives from them.)
• Lyria none  + (Having never met her father, Lyria travele …
  Having never met her father, Lyria traveled with her mother since she was little picking up crafting lessons, a little bit from every trade. Whenever she asked who her father was her mother just shook her head, unwilling or maybe unable to answer. Practicing all kind of crafts, she couldn't keep everything she created so because she didn't want to throw them away she gave them to people in need, clothes to small children, keeping for herself only a few. When she turned 19, her mother died because she was too sick and the fever overpowered her. After grieving, Lyria knew that she had to find her family. Or if not her family, then a place of her own. A place where she could live, not be dragged all around by someone. A place she could call home, with friends who wouldn't be lost when she was forced to leave. Because she was alone she ended up selling most of the things she owned so she wouldn't catch the attention of thieves. Selling small things she crafted to people for food or money, she promised herself that her story was just beginning.
  herself that her story was just beginning.)

• Jophiel Bisland  + (Having spent many of his formative years a …
  Having spent many of his formative years as a ward of House Melaeris, Jophiel's passions as an adult remain forever colored by the experiences and perspectives gained from his father's birthplace of Astarrea. Much of his professional reputation as a talented mediator and secular counselor centers around his work with former thralls and those members of the peerage responsible for helping to free them. Never one to pass up an opportunity to foster new friendships, Jophiel remains famously slow to alienate or condemn those still economically reliant on the practice. In fact, marriage contract negotiations with a princess of House Thrax and the Bisland lord were in talks for some time. The arrangement might have been a great success had the relevant Voices not proved unable to reach a happy compromise. In the wake of the Battle of Pridehall, Jophiel set aside his longstanding humanitarian efforts in Thrax fealty territories to return to the Crownlands. His work there soon shifted towards assisting those suffering from wartime bereavement and battle fatigue. It remains his focus to this day.
  fatigue. It remains his focus to this day.)
• Grady Deepwood  + (He doesn't talk too much about his past - …
  He doesn't talk too much about his past - what he does mention is how hard he worked to learn the trappings of diplomacy. Always he has been the peacemaker - between his siblings (the middle child is always caught in between), because his parents (they fought with each other frequently), between his friends (children are terrible to each other). He was always sick as a child too, though as time passed he finally grew out of that for the most part. Happiest were his moments in the woods, when he could be alone. He would take books and read there, but of course his family's library was not extensive. So he found himself reading even the driest and dustiest treatises on politics, diplomacy, and history - and finding he had a propensity for it. Avidly he read and re-read, and started using some of the theories espoused in dry and dusty tomes to start settling those fights, and found he was good at not just understanding these theories but using them as well. And so he began his life as a diplomat, building a reputation for a level head and a genial nature that encouraged communication and compromise. Then he met the woman who would become his wife - she was in the woods too one day, tilting at trees to practice her swordwork. And as the poet said, 'No sooner met but they looked; no sooner looked but they loved; no sooner loved but they sighed; no sooner sighed but they asked one another the reason; no sooner knew the reason but they sought the remedy; and in these degrees have they made a pair of stairs to marriage.' So it was that when his wife determined she would come to Arx and rejoin her family by heritage, so too did he as her faithful companion.
  , so too did he as her faithful companion.)
• Joxur Deepwood  + (He grew up far from Arx, one of many in a …
  He grew up far from Arx, one of many in a large family. But of all of them he knew what he wanted from an early age. Of course, it's fairly easy to become the best swordsman in a town with no swordsmen, so he traveled early. Gone more often than not in search of training, Joxur saw enough of the world around him to get a pretty good idea of what he wanted to do and be. And then he went home - and instead of finding his family waiting for him, he learned that his two favorite sisters had left for Arx. One of them with a husband in tow that he'd never even met! So he set his sights on Arx and headed out once more - sword by his side, dubious armor worn and ready, to seek greatness among the denizens of Arx.
  seek greatness among the denizens of Arx.)
• Tulasam Waters  + (He grew up poor in a traveling mummers tro …
  He grew up poor in a traveling mummers troupe with the talent of song that he was forced to learn by his mother. Dragged from town to town, he would sing and dance for the wealthy slowly learning to hate this from the depth of his soul. As he grow up watching them never struggle or have to wonder where the next meal was coming from he took up the fine art of theft. Over time his skilled hands got him into trouble and his mother took the brunt of him crime and disowned by the group at the tender age of 15 and with nothing to do now but leave to work on his own. He made a quick name on his own performing for the courts till a Thrax lord picked him up for ownership as his personal jester. But that only lasted for 3 years now he is seeking in this name a land patron.
  he is seeking in this name a land patron.)
• Achard de Ange  + (He is a poor country boy taken in by a poo …
  He is a poor country boy taken in by a poor country knight, Sir Reggie de Ange of Sanctum, after the boy's family was killed by forest bandits. Growing strong and healthy, a quick study, he eventually was accepted as a squire to Sir Reggie. He grew into his 20's as a man-at-arms under the knight, patrolling the forest roads north of Artshell. One day, against bandits, Sir Reggie was unhorsed and the younger man fought over his knight's stunned body, finally killing three bandits while wearing only leather armor and wielding a club. Reggie advocated for the boy and Achard was knighted. Present day, the young man is 33 and has been a knight for maybe eight years, gradually gaining a reputation as a skilled and strategically clever warrior.
  skilled and strategically clever warrior.)
• Jareth Crown  + (He was born on the streets of Arx to a lig …
  He was born on the streets of Arx to a light-skirted woman who couldn't claim to know the identity of Jareth's father. At a young age he joined with the other children on his street into a loosely formed gang, picking and scratching for scraps to supplement what little they were provided with at home, but it was evident early on he lacked the brawn to roll drunks in alleys, or the deftness to separate heavy purses from expensive belts. Jareth's strengths lay in his confidence and his ability to charm those around him and to convincingly embrace whatever role was required of him. He was a fast-talker, a patter man with a silver tongue and the ability to blind the eyes of his audience to the streaks of dirt on his face and the shabbiness of his clothes. His ability to talk his way out of (and into) trouble didn't go unnoticed, however. He fell in with the Black Rose Mummers, putting his natural charm and talent for acting to use for himself and the troupe, though it is clear he supplements his income as an actor through any means his silver tongue allows.
  hrough any means his silver tongue allows.)
• Jareth  + (He was born on the streets of Arx to a lig …
  He was born on the streets of Arx to a light-skirted woman who couldn't claim to know the identity of Jareth's father. At a young age he joined with the other children on his street into a loosely formed gang, picking and scratching for scraps to supplement what little they were provided with at home, but it was evident early on he lacked the brawn to roll drunks in alleys, or the deftness to separate heavy purses from expensive belts. Jareth's strengths lay in his confidence and his ability to charm those around him and to convincingly embrace whatever role was required of him. He was a fast-talker, a patter man with a silver tongue and the ability to blind the eyes of his audience to the streaks of dirt on his face and the shabbiness of his clothes. His ability to talk his way out of (and into) trouble didn't go unnoticed, however. He fell in with the Black Rose Mummers, putting his natural charm and talent for acting to use for himself and the troupe, though it is clear he supplements his income as an actor through any means his silver tongue allows.
  hrough any means his silver tongue allows.)
• Jareth Masque  + (He was born on the streets of Arx to a lig …
  He was born on the streets of Arx to a light-skirted woman who couldn't claim to know the identity of Jareth's father. At a young age he joined with the other children on his street into a loosely formed gang, picking and scratching for scraps to supplement what little they were provided with at home, but it was evident early on he lacked the brawn to roll drunks in alleys, or the deftness to separate heavy purses from expensive belts. Jareth's strengths lay in his confidence and his ability to charm those around him and to convincingly embrace whatever role was required of him. He was a fast-talker, a patter man with a silver tongue and the ability to blind the eyes of his audience to the streaks of dirt on his face and the shabbiness of his clothes. His ability to talk his way out of (and into) trouble didn't go unnoticed, however. He fell in with the Black Rose Mummers, putting his natural charm and talent for acting to use for himself and the troupe, though it is clear he supplements his income as an actor through any means his silver tongue allows.
  hrough any means his silver tongue allows.)
• Kyler Keaton  + (He was often the odd child out, growing up …
  He was often the odd child out, growing up. The Keatons by and large being a rather rough and tumble, outdoorsy lot, Kyler did not fit in amongst the other Keaton children. So he made friends with the adults, learning how to smile, how to bat his lashes and win over the ladies with his outlandish ways. Soon enough he never lacked for company, entertaining guests more than twice his age, impressing them with his precocious charm, even as he amused them with his effortless wit. Among his favorite pursuits, aside from entertaining, is match making. There is something very powerful in uniting two hearts; for a night or a life time, Kyler has a gift for finding even the most unusual or unexpected pairings that bring delight to the paired. Well. Most of the time. One of his most popular skills is his stunning ability to arrange the perfect bouquets. Having mastered the language of flowers and the subsequent subtlty in messaging that goes with that at a very young age, Kyler still enjoys sending messages through gorgeous arrangements of flowers and plants. One of the rare outdoor activities he has shown a proclivity for is hunting. Not for food of course, how crass. He hunts with falcons. Because hunting should be left for the birds, why should he get blood on his clothes? Kyler is more than happy to stay on his horse and let his falcons do all the messy work. As soon as he came of age he lit out of Oakhaven for Arx, eager to embrace the culture, the parties and people to be found in the Compact's greatest cosmopolitan center.
  he Compact's greatest cosmopolitan center.)
• Gerry Taken  + (He's a shady trader, the kind who doesn't …
  He's a shady trader, the kind who doesn't ask where the goods come from. From some of his scars and his stance, he knows how to handle himself in a tough spot. He arrived in Arx not long ago, less than a year, and has made his business mostly in the Lower Boroughs. With hm he brought his daughter, Catryn, for whom he has a real protective eye. Already a few wandering hands have resulted in quiet retaliation in a back alley until the word's spread that he doesn't take kindly to showing her disrespect.
  n't take kindly to showing her disrespect.)
• Mahan  + (He's always had a knack for telling stories and tales, with his expressive nature and ability to exaggerate. Raised mostly by his grandmother, the duty of family has always been of the utmost importance.)
• Conrad Drayton  + (He's seen the worst war can offer. A forme …
  He's seen the worst war can offer. A former Grayson soldier from an unremarkable village in the Gray Forest, Conrad and dozens of his friends were conscripted in the war to pacify the Reavers in the Gray Forest during those campaigns. He knew it was coming at least, and enlisted the help of a veteran from previous campaigns to teach him the basics, while his friends simply laughed at him for taking 'shavs' so seriously. In the end, most of those friends only survived the year long campaign because they stuck with him and learned to keep up with proper formation work in the infantry lines after their first real combat. When Conrad went home from there, the village just... wasn't the same. His friends went back to hunting and farming. His family expected him to do the same, but Conrad had gotten a solid taste of the power of a sword, and wanted to earn a much better living doing that, as he'd heard from the soldiers that mercenaries get paid very well if they're good enough. Having heard in passing about the Crimson Blades, Conrad went to Arx to sign up. His time among the Grayson armies had already given him an edge in experience, so when the time for promotions came around, Conrad was an easy pick. He's served as an officer in the Crimson Blades for a while, now.
  er in the Crimson Blades for a while, now.)
• Vittorio Gilden  + (He's the oldest son, but not set to inheri …
  He's the oldest son, but not set to inherit anything unless several other members of his family die prematurely, and he's hoping that never actually happens. He's more than content, happy even, to be left to his own devices, to make himself useful to the family, but not have to be in charge of anything but numbers and silver amounts. Vittorio's father was fairly typical for the family, loyal, steadfast, good with a sword, kind but blunt. However, Vittorio is entirely different than that, and seems to take more after their mother. He's kind, of course, but there's a sharpness to that kindness, the slick sort of sell you a bridge across those two islands over there aura that surrounds him. Even when he was a kid he was always hustling for something, working hard at that extra piece of cake, or the prized possession of one of the other kids...if he wanted it, he'd find a way to convince them that it was best served being given to him. As the oldest of several kids, he always looked out for his siblings, made certain that they were well taken care of. As he's gotten older he's turned his attention towards various charities, speaking loudly and proudly of his devotion to Gild, and the pantheon, the family and how it behooves everyone to help each other in darker times. Recently he's decided to head towards Arx to put his skills to use for the family there.
  ut his skills to use for the family there.)
• Rafael Bisland  + (Healer to the Crownlands elite, Rafael's r …
  Healer to the Crownlands elite, Rafael's reputation for quality care often precedes him. Unfortunately, so does knowledge of his great lacking when it comes to matters paternal. A noblewoman and warrior of rank, Rafael's wife bravely fell during the Battle of Pridehall and left him to see to the upbringing of their young children. This mostly translated into governesses, various tutors of repute, and the affection of family members better equipped than he, creating the type of cavernous distance that Rafael still works to mend now that they begin to reach adulthood. While serving in his capacity as a Mercy, Rafael was accompanying an incapacitated nobleman along the newly minted Great Road to Arx when their traveling party was attacked. Made overly confident by the vocal dissents of House Grayreeve at the time, assailants surrounded them and their protectors. There was a scuffle before the assailants fled, leaving Rafael with injuries of his own that saw any return to Pridehall delayed. By Rafael's own account, he made the terrible mistake of appearing at all useful during his stay and was consequently asked to remain in Arx by House Bisland's leadership.
  main in Arx by House Bisland's leadership.)
• Helena Redrain  + (Helena had a happy childhood, because her …
  Helena had a happy childhood, because her sister already paved the way for her. They had already gone and done things their own way, so by that time, her family was amenable for Helena to find her own path. She's tried to follow in Agatha's footsteps once. Stole her practice sword and managed to mow down a large section of hedges and topiary, taking the head off of a rather interesting rendering of an elephant. After a few more nicks and cuts, she gave it up for a while - deciding that her training can come later when she's ready. Then she followed in Elgana's footsteps. Literally. She trailed after her sister like a baby duckling and begged and pleaded for her to pay attention and play tea party with her. Elgana would spend hours sitting with her sister, and they had some tea parties that could be in books and fairy tales. Handsome frog Prince's, talking pigs and probably even a few benevolent emperors attended these teas. The middle sister doted on her little sister, and it was Elgana who helped her sister find her passion. That passion was books. They were her first true love (besides her family), and to this day her most persistent. She devoured books like they were food, and could be found hiding in a tree, nestled in between some stones, tucked in a nook in the house, or even hiding in the kitchen eating an apple as she was reading. When her sisters went to Arx, she remained behind, but after a few months of solitude she couldn't stand it anymore and followed them there. Time to be a pest again.
  lowed them there. Time to be a pest again.)
• Helewise Redreef  + (Helewise Redreef was the eldest daughter o …
  Helewise Redreef was the eldest daughter of a small family in the Isles whose lands could be best described as "bleak." Her purpose in life was to be a perfect individual match in order to further these parlous fortunes, but there was a falling out, for Helewise chose other than her father when future Baroness Ember rose her way to challenge the laws of tradition. Helewise had little to offer save a sharp mind and a willingness to work, but she took to murdering people in heavy armor like a duck to water or a Lycene to treachery, and was rewarded in the fallout of everything. She did not confront her father on the field of battle: but then, not everything makes a neat little story.
  not everything makes a neat little story.)
• Helia Redtyde  + (Helia was born of Victor and Cibale Andras …
  Helia was born of Victor and Cibale Andrasko, both favoured servants of House RedTyde, who served faithfully up to the death of their House, standing proud with their Lord when the Thrax came to lay waste. Helia herself was pulled from the burning rubble of her home by Fredrik RedTyde, who then fled with her in turn to exile, so very small and growing up with no memories of that horrible night of fire and death. She was raised by Fredrik RedTyde, who treated her as a daughter in truth, even if not in name, living with him on his ship as he plied the waters of the Compact. Never taking truly to her father's teachings on economics and business, she instead grew to love the feel of the waves, the roughness of the sailors they sailed with, and the life-or-death play of swords. Her father may have worried, but she grew into the role of a swashbuckling, outspoken woman with aplomb, even if it meant a flash of steel (or, more often, with her father having to soothe feelings with words or coin). Following him since she was old enough to make the choice, she has only known of Fredrik's true status for a short time, and was shocked to learn that her father was, in fact, a Lord of some stature. Once she grappled with that secret, she kept it well, and was understandably infuriated when he went to Arx without her, claiming he would 'send for her when it was safe'. But Helia doesn't /want/ to wait and just run freight or sit in Tyde hall (as an honored guest). She wants to be where the pulse of civilisation throbs; where rings glitter on the fingers of the silks, and steel flashes in the hands of quick-witted scoundrels; where the booze runs freely, and so does the silver. What could be better than that?
  he silver. What could be better than that?)
• Hella Redtyde  + (Hella was born of Victor and Cibale Andras …
  Hella was born of Victor and Cibale Andrasko, both favoured servants of House RedTyde, who served faithfully up to the death of their House, standing proud with their Lord when the Thrax came to lay waste. Hella herself was pulled from the burning rubble of her home by Fredrik RedTyde, who then fled with her in turn to exile, so very small and growing up with no memories of that horrible night of fire and death. She was raised by Fredrik RedTyde, who treated her as a daughter in truth, even if not in name, living with him on his ship as he plied the waters of the Compact. Never taking truly to her father's teachings on economics and business, she instead grew to love the feel of the waves, the roughness of the sailors they sailed with, and the life-or-death play of swords. Her father may have worried, but she grew into the role of a swashbuckling, outspoken woman with aplomb, even if it meant a flash of steel (or, more often, with her father having to soothe feelings with words or coin). Following him since she was old enough to make the choice, she has only known of Fredrik's true status for a short time, and was shocked to learn that her father was, in fact, a Lord of some stature. Once she grappled with that secret, she kept it well, and was understandably infuriated when he went to Arx without her, claiming he would 'send for her when it was safe'. But Hella doesn't /want/ to wait and just run freight or sit in Tyde hall (as an honored guest). She wants to be where the pulse of civilisation throbs; where rings glitter on the fingers of the silks, and steel flashes in the hands of quick-witted scoundrels; where the booze runs freely, and so does the silver. What could be better than that?
  he silver. What could be better than that?)
• Tila Sanna  + (Her childhood spent under the close watch …
  Her childhood spent under the close watch of her family, Tila found surcease from scrutiny with her studies. It wasn't that the nobles of Giant's Reach were expected to put that much store by propriety, but growing up under a regency as the younger child, there was potential for her to be used as a pawn in any number of games, and it was much better for her to be sitting quietly in the cavernous halls of Giant's Reach, studying, reading, and learning many old songs and stories of the spirits. The shaman who was her most frequent teacher was also one of the driving forces of her childhood, an old woman who passed away when she was still young, but not so young that she did not treasure her lessons for the rest of her life. As her older brother became the March in truth, Tila had only a few close, quiet friendships to treasure, and the rest of her time was dedicated to her work. She mistrusted his loud nature and his boisterous pride, and knew -- even in her teens -- that he would need a steadier hand to focus him and prevent disaster. She was a passionate student and a fierce truthspeaker, and when she was only 20, she became the Voice of Giant's Reach. Her career and competence grew over time and now, five years later, she is both the Voice of the March and one of the premier lawyers and promising young writers in the North.
  and promising young writers in the North.)
• Dora Malvici  + (Her father was Darko Blackram and mother w …
  Her father was Darko Blackram and mother was one Wendy Malvici. A second cousin among a sea of cousins. She was raised going between Southport and the Cloudspine, her parents intent on exposing her to both of her heritage. When she was two the Southport-Tor war broke out and they were on their first trip to the Cloudspine. It was a lucky thing for the family and they managed to avoid some of the upset. During time spent in Cloudspine they were free to lavish attention on the girl. Being far from home, everyone went out of their way to make her happy. Perhaps that was a bad idea. From a young age she was always wandering off. It terrified her parents and they did their best to have her under careful watch. After all, they had tried so very hard and struggled to have her. But it became a game to escape and run off on the governesses and nurses tasked with her. As she grew older she grew bored with just running off. The thrill less. And so she got into other trouble. Mostly pulling pranks on anyone who wasn't careful, or filling her little treasure chest with stolen knick knacks. When they returned to Southport in 995 they hoped that, perhaps, the militant training would work. If anything it only made her rebel worse. Oh she took to the lessons, and was skilled as any Malvici might be expected to be, but she made it clear this was not what she wanted to do. And so she wouldn't, except when she did. It led to many headaches and pains for her parents. It was only when a group of explorers came through, hosted by her parents, that some hope of reining in the wild child came. They stayed for a month and promises of tales are all that got her going to the academy regularly. Yet it wasn't what he parents hoped. At 13 she stowed away on the explorers ship and managed to hide for nearly a month. There was no turning back, only apologies to be made. True to her stubborn nature it took wile and three years before the crew were able to get her back to Southport. And her rather infuriated parents. But she was unrepentant, even bearing a tattoo hiden beneath her clothes, and all around behaving little like the lady they had hoped. It drove a huge gap between herself and her parents. During her travels she had picked up a fascination for alchemy, specifically in its use for body inks. When she returned they put her under house arrest. It started a battle of wills that drove her mother to drinking and ended with Darko sending her off a few years late. It was a desperate attempt to temper her. In 07 she went to Caer Morien just after Artorius was made its Count. Little did they realize the delight Dora would find in the native people and their own traditions. Without meaning too she managed to learn something of their culture. In so doing she helped to bridge some of the gaps between House Magnotta and the prodigals. Too bad she got bored again...
  prodigals. Too bad she got bored again...)
• Aconite Fidante  + (Her father was a Eurusi warlord wannabe wh …
  Her father was a Eurusi warlord wannabe who decided to harass a Fidante trade vessel. Then he hounded it. Then, with men, he boarded it during the night and took it captive for ransom. Fidante's response was to find out who this man is, hunt down his family, take his daughter, and offer HER as ransom for the ship. The story gets muddled but, some say he cracked immedietly. Others, that he denied her existence and caused the deployment of some secret strike force. Others still, that he yielded, but upon seeing how Eurusi are treated by other Eurusi, the Fidante in charge did not let her go, sent a strike force to destroy the enemy, and decided to keep her as one of their own. To do her a kindness.
  as one of their own. To do her a kindness.)
• Aconite Unknown  + (Her father was a Eurusi warlord wannabe wh …
  Her father was a Eurusi warlord wannabe who decided to harass a Fidante trade vessel. Then he hounded it. Then, with men, he boarded it during the night and took it captive for ransom. Fidante's response was to find out who this man is, hunt down his family, take his daughter, and offer HER as ransom for the ship. The story gets muddled but, some say he cracked immedietly. Others, that he denied her existence and caused the deployment of some secret strike force. Others still, that he yielded, but upon seeing how Eurusi are treated by other Eurusi, the Fidante in charge did not let her go, sent a strike force to destroy the enemy, and decided to keep her as one of their own. To do her a kindness.
  as one of their own. To do her a kindness.)
• Jacali Crown  + (Her father was some high-up in the city gu …
  Her father was some high-up in the city guard here or there, the details are a bit muddy and typically left well out of the conversation. Her mother was a herbalist, some unwashed nobody that captured the heart of that crusty old city boy. None of the family got along. Her father wished for her to join the guard, or the army, find some sort of direction in life. Her mother wanted her to be a free spirit. Apparently they couldn't decide on the best course of action, so they sent her away, made her somebody else's problem. That somebody turned out to be an apothecary, one which made her his apprentice. Shucks, you know, she doesn't really know where he is now, but rumour has it he wasn't exactly the best guardian in the world. What's it matter, ey? She's here now, shop of her own, destined to be the very brightest of shining merchant stars! ... Don't believe it? Just watch.
  stars! ... Don't believe it? Just watch.)
• Jacali  + (Her father was some high-up in the city gu …
  Her father was some high-up in the city guard here or there, the details are a bit muddy and typically left well out of the conversation. Her mother was a herbalist, some unwashed nobody that captured the heart of that crusty old city boy. None of the family got along. Her father wished for her to join the guard, or the army, find some sort of direction in life. Her mother wanted her to be a free spirit. Apparently they couldn't decide on the best course of action, so they sent her away, made her somebody else's problem. That somebody turned out to be an apothecary, one which made her his apprentice. Shucks, you know, she doesn't really know where he is now, but rumour has it he wasn't exactly the best guardian in the world. What's it matter, ey? She's here now, shop of her own, destined to be the very brightest of shining merchant stars! ... Don't believe it? Just watch.
  stars! ... Don't believe it? Just watch.)
• Danielle Valardin  + (Her great grandfather was a part of the li …
  Her great grandfather was a part of the line of succession in the house, if only just. Technically, Edain is a distant great uncle, but she is closer related to Ectorion, in their respective distance from any sort of inheritance or succession, his mother Lyllindyl being her aunt. Her father died fighting the forces of Tolamar Brand. Her mother died during childbirth. She has half a dozen or so half brothers and sisters from her father's later marriage. She idolized the man, and took to learning a weapon from the time she was old enough to hold one, quick to emulate her childhood hero. Her own training only recently came to any sort of formal conclusion and then only because she was so anxious to be done with learning and get on to the doing! More than any other God, her dedication is to Limerance. Though she does love the idea of love, it is more because of the importance of oaths, the reliability and accountability meaning more than any romantic elements. Of late, with the Compact seemingly teetering on the edge of war, she's come to the Capital, with the hopes to find glory on the front lines of battle, even if it's the last thing she ever does.
  even if it's the last thing she ever does.)