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List of results

• Alexandre Redtyde  + (Born between his siblings Reiker and Sorre …
  Born between his siblings Reiker and Sorrel, Alexandre proved to be difficult to predict as to what kind of a man he would become. Displaying admirable intellect from a young age, medicine proved to be an early passion for the young Wyrmguard. It would not be altogether uncommon to find him in the company of Mercies, with questions aplenty about something he'd read, or about their current work. Such curiosity in the youth was encouraged, and might have led him down the path of becoming a Mercy himself, had it not been for a fateful day. Fateful, for on that day the young Alexandre witnessed an injustice. He was still young, and had not yet learned the harsher truths of the world, when he beheld such. An older boy, more man than child in physique, the reverse in spirit, bullying a younger and far smaller girl. Alexandre didn't ask what it was about, and certainly didn't ignore it. Instead, he threw himself at the boy, intent on fighting the boy off. Predictably, it didn't go well. Alexandre had yet to receive any martial training, and the boy had the advantage of size, strength and experience. Still, Alexandre never yielded once throughout his trashing, getting back up every time he was slammed down. It might have continued, and might have caused permanent harm, had someone not saved him. Dame Anna Redwood, Godsworn Knight of Solace, quickly broke up the fight, and once Alexandre had said who he was, escorted him back to his family. On the way there, she faced the usual deluge of questions the child usually kept for Mercies, about who she was, what she did, and interrogations about the Knights of Solace that his education had not yet covered. Her answers found a receptive mind, and by the time they reached his parents, he had asked her to teach him, and made the same request to his parents when they arrived, a tad worried to see their son in such a state. Dame Anna could not stay, of course, but she made a promise. She would return when she could and, if Alexandre's parents allowed it and he was still interested, would teach the young Lord and, when he was older, would take him on as a squire. Children being what they are, perhaps those involved expected Alexandre to discard this momentary distraction with time and return upon what truly interested him. Yet the opposite occured. He was still interested in medicine, devoted much of his time to it still in fact, but it was now equalled to more martial pursuits. Even as his understanding of the healing arts grew, so did his understanding of riding, the sword, and matters of war and leadership. His education was completed by Dame Anna's visits, when, as promised, she would further not only his understanding, but the virtues of the Pantheon, nurturing the compassion and kindness she saw in him, as well as the protective nature that had made her notice him. Time passed, and eventually, the time came for the second part of Dame Anna's promise to be fulfilled. Alexandre left his family and Blancbier at the age of fourteen, to serve as the Dame's squire. From her, he learned not only the duties and demands of knighthood, but also the dangers that awaited the those traveling upon the Compact's roads and paths, dangers the Knights of Solace were sworn to guard against. It was a harsher life than the one he had lived thus far, yet Alexandre only seemed to thrive, the fire within him brightening. It was during that period of time that he would visit the Cedar Vale most often, whenever Dame Anna would visit her Redwood family. These were pleasant times, and even to this day, Alexandre cherishes their memory. Yet all good things must come to an end. Eventually, Alexandre became a man, and it was time for the Lord, no longer a squire but not yet a knight either, to return home. There, he spent the next few years serving his family and Blancbier, his concern for the people seeing him involved in not only charity, but tangible efforts to improve their lot as well. Indeed, he'd often be seen joining the city patrols on their rounds within the fortress city and beyond. He also joined the Knights of Solace at the time as a disciple, though he did not see Dame Anna Redwood again, not till the Silent War begun. At once, Alexandre volunteered to join the Compact's efforts against Brand, and actively participated within the war, one among countless others fighting back against the evil that had spilled forth from the North, and threatened the Compact itself. Refugees came in drove, often sick and wounded, requiring Mercies and the Knights of Solace to care for them. It was during one such event that Alexandre and others, including Dame Anna, were tasked with sheparding such refugees to a local haven, where Mercies awaited with supplies. Unfortunately, the enemy was aware, and sent a force far outmatching the Knights of Solace and the local garrison to destroy the haven and take its supplies. Shav forces struck at dawn, and though the defenders rallied to face the attackers, they were outmatched. One after the other, Alexandre saw his brothers and sisters in arms fall, the burden to protect weighting heavier on the survivors with every death. For they knew those within would find no mercy. The enemy had come to kill, the only thing they would take with them were the supplies. Evening came, and of the local forces, few remained. The Knights had been reduced to two, Dame Anna and Alexandre. Hope was bleak, even as the enemy pulled back, giving defenders some respite. Not for long. The next clash saw Dame Anne Redwood die, slain by an archer with too much luck or skill. The last of the defenders were forced to push back into the local shrine of Lagoma, the only stone building large enough to contain the refugees and the Mercies that still stood. Alexandre felt despair then, for the first time in his life. He knew he would die. Knew there was no hope, no way out. Thoughts of flight crossed his mind, desperate plans to escape. And as the dread threatened to overwhelm him... He saw them. Families clinging to each other, parents comforting their children though they knew what awaited. And the Mercies, still taking care of their charges, even now holding true to their oaths. Moved by the light of Gild and the warmth of Laghoma, by the selfless sacrifice of those dead and those that yet lived, Alexandre strode forth, and met the enemy's full might in battle. He spoke to his fellow defenders with such conviction, that when he told them to hold the line, they did. Against the Abandonned intent on the destruction of those they were charged to protect, they held the line. Against the horrors of Silence, they held the line. One after the other, they fell. But they did so holding the line. Yet it was enough. When reinforcements came to the rescue, they found Alexandre wounded and battered, his sword broken, more dead than alive. But still holding the line. Alexandre collapsed soon after being told the area was safe, and for a time, it was uncertain whether he'd live or not. Yet he recovered, sent back to Blancbier after the war's end. It was there he was knighted for his actions, though he did not remain for long. New threats arose, banners raised to face the Gyre, a Holy War proclaimed against those that would bring an end to not only the Compact, but the Faith itself. He joined others from the Oathlands to defend Stormwall, surviving the costly victory as far too few did. Now, he has come to Arx. With a light and fire brighter rather than dimmed, he comes to serve House Wyrmguard, the Faith and the whole of the Compact. Not as the sword to pierce the black hearts of demons, but as a shield. To protect all beneath the Compact's aegis, and hold the line.
  th the Compact's aegis, and hold the line.)
• Trueth Redreef  + (Born during a late summer, early autumn th …
  Born during a late summer, early autumn thunderstorm, Trueth Melaeris was eerily calm when she was born - calm enough to startle the midwife into giving her quite a smack to get her crying. Even her cries were quiet still - but the girl thrived, content to stay near the bosom and bask in love. As she grew older, her family would wish for that quiet time. It was soon enough she was asking "Why?" constantly. "Why is the sky blue? Why does the wind blow? What makes the roses red? Why does the ocean get bigger near the sand sometimes? Why do the servants polish the silver?" Amused and exasperated, tutors were hired. Trueth had a love for knowledge and nature that was not easily contested. It helped that she was smart, too - smart enough to keep her tutors on their toes, when they weren't scolding her for her constant daydreaming. She watched her younger sister Llewella rise to have more responsibility, while she was merely challenged by her tutors. After a long, painful introduction to societal responsibilities for nobles, a marriage was in talks. Then another marriage. And another... until one took. At age 22, Trueth was wed to Roland Redreef, Tiberius Redreef's eldest son. For a variety of reasons, Trueth herself believed the marriage would never work, not only due to a large age gap but due to the fact that she was no Redreef. She preferred gardening, alchemy, and well - not owning thralls, nor did she have any fighting bones in her body, whereas Roland was a decorated soldier with a long battle record. Unexpectedly, love bloomed between them. Roland was kind and gentle with Trueth, accepting her strange, femining ways and putting up with her unending questions. They had an interesting dynamic and Trueth seemed to smooth some of Roland's rough edges. She learned to love the Redreef family, even if she did not completely agree with all of their ideals - until tragedy struck. Just as she was due to give birth to her first child, Roland was struck down in battle. Three years of wedded bliss, barely even time to get to know one another truly - but they did - and Trueth loved him. Trueth, in her grief, locked her and her son away for three long years, more or less. But now she has returned to the City with the little one to split her time between the Melaeris household and the Redreef family, aiming to reconnect with her families and raise her son to be his own person, do things in his own time, and perhaps find another happy ending for herself.
  aps find another happy ending for herself.)
• Magnus Stahlben  + (Born far from the Compact's borders, withi …
  Born far from the Compact's borders, within the last mountain of the North, Magnus' life promised to be no different from his father's, and his own father's. The son of the Chief of the Stahlben, he was expected to keep the watch over the Everwinter, pay the proper respects to the ancestors as Bonesinger, that they might entreat with the Firstborn, and ensure the Stahlben and the people that depended on them prospered and thrived. He exhibited early abilities as not only a leader, but one motivated by the need to look out for others, rather than the power and thrill of leading others. These qualities, along with a voracious curiosity and intelligence, only grew further as he aged and became a man. Duties and responsabilities grew, but he never shied away from them, meeting each challenge head-on, determined and diligent. Failures and successes were met the same way, with a clear and open mind to the rich lessons taught by either. Yet he would only be truly tested shortly after his father's death and his becoming Chief. When the Undying and their servants spilled forth from the Everwinter. Stahlben warriors and allies were gathered, and faced the oncoming tide of destruction with the strength and valour that had seen them triumph for centuries of conflict. They lost. Badly. Forced back to their mountain stronghold, besieged by a foe whose hunger for more death seemed unending, Magnus led the desperate defense to save his people from extinction. The fortress didn't fall, the enemy moving down south instead, to the relief, and dread, of the defenders. They had survived, yes. But Magnus was all too aware of the losses of his people and allies, and their failure at containing the Everwinter's monsters. In the months that followed the Compact's victory over Brand, another foe rose to attack the weakened Stahlben. Now facing either destruction or slavery for his people, Magnus gathered his advisors, and a third option was taken. To bend the knee to the Compact, become one with the victorious kingdom of the Silent War, and adapt to the new world only now awakening from a long darkness. The Stahlben stood unchanging for centuries, yet it is now Magnus' task to guide them during the first and difficult years of new loyalties and culture suddenly before them. He has been tested before and shall be again. But he will succeed. For his people. For the Firstborn. For the Compact.
  ple. For the Firstborn. For the Compact.)
• Elizabetha Grayson  + (Born for royalty, Elizabetha grew up in a …
  Born for royalty, Elizabetha grew up in a dream as reality. She found it terribly romantic to be a princess, a damsel, her favorite archetype in the stories she adored throughout childhood. This sparked an early romanticism, which she first expressed on canvas and stage. Innately an actress, she took to performance around age 5, when a Grayson dinner party was witness to an impromptu song and dance atop the table. Art, nevertheless, she names as her true calling. Her work won a plethora of contests, competitions, submissions throughout her years, her growth evinced in each flux of style. Eventually, her touch was lent to halls of marble and gilt. In adolescence, she maintained all that life and vibrancy, with a newfound curiosity that rooted itself in something beyond the typical: the study of alchemy. Her interest budded from a yearning to push the boundaries of painting, but progressed into a deep love of knowledge and academia. Her pursuits led her to experimentations, often safe enough, though she did pick up a few of the less acceptable practices-tattoo artistry a result. Moreover, she adapts the science into her art, the product either disastrous or ingenious. As she matured, Eliza began to note the world around her, the potential it held for her. A budding hunger for exploration drew her from her gardens and halls, to the place where all converge: the capital. Arx is her canvas and her stage, hers the next mark to sweep its expanse.
  , hers the next mark to sweep its expanse.)
• Jacque Valardin  + (Born four years before Sasha, Jacque was a …
  Born four years before Sasha, Jacque was a boy who dreamed of being a chronicler, a writer, an explorer. He fancied himself becoming a wise man that would teach children the right ways of the Oathlands. The young Jacque set out to try and become this sort of scholar, only to find out that he fell short of it. What he did not fall short of in his education was the physical training. He took to sword and physical exercise tirelessly, impressing his tutors in this regard, while disappointing in every other. He was adequate as a warrior but he was no genius, no smart man; average at best, he struggled with those more complex instructions, before neglecting them outright, in frustration he would opt for the path of the warrior, instead. One that he did not choose for himself, but the only one that was viable for him to walk. This became even more so when Sasha was afflicted with her illness. Out of worry, and protective brotherly concern, he became reliable with a blade, a man of strong build and nimble agility, but also tireless endurance. When his sister went to Arx, he lingered in the Oathlands and traveled the fields, assisting the subjects of his House in a number of different undertakings, all voluntary. He would escort merchants and travelers in the roads and assist the enforcers of the High Lord's law against those that would violate it. However, beneath that steely warrior's exterior was a growing sense of frustration with his life. And it is because of this that he traveled to Arx, in order to fulfill his life's dream without neglecting what led him down the path of martial prowess. He will be a scholar, aye, but he is a warrior, and will be one until he can no longer lift a sword on his own.
  he can no longer lift a sword on his own.)
• Jacque Lyonesse  + (Born four years before Sasha, Jacque was a …
  Born four years before Sasha, Jacque was a boy who dreamed of being a chronicler, a writer, an explorer. He fancied himself becoming a wise man that would teach children the right ways of the Oathlands. The young Jacque set out to try and become this sort of scholar, only to find out that he fell short of it. What he did not fall short of in his education was the physical training. He took to sword and physical exercise tirelessly, impressing his tutors in this regard, while disappointing in every other. He was adequate as a warrior but he was no genius, no smart man; average at best, he struggled with those more complex instructions, before neglecting them outright, in frustration he would opt for the path of the warrior, instead. One that he did not choose for himself, but the only one that was viable for him to walk. This became even more so when Sasha was afflicted with her illness. Out of worry, and protective brotherly concern, he became reliable with a blade, a man of strong build and nimble agility, but also tireless endurance. When his sister went to Arx, he lingered in the Oathlands and traveled the fields, assisting the subjects of his House in a number of different undertakings, all voluntary. He would escort merchants and travelers in the roads and assist the enforcers of the High Lord's law against those that would violate it. However, beneath that steely warrior's exterior was a growing sense of frustration with his life. And it is because of this that he traveled to Arx, in order to fulfill his life's dream without neglecting what led him down the path of martial prowess. He will be a scholar, aye, but he is a warrior, and will be one until he can no longer lift a sword on his own.
  he can no longer lift a sword on his own.)
• Alrigo Donatti  + (Born further out from the main Donatti fam …
  Born further out from the main Donatti family, Alrigo had instilled in him by mother and father the need to always do better. The family worked the docks of Ischia for years and, working around the rougher parts, Alrigo quickly learned how to survive on his feet and use that honey-dipped tongue to escape signs of trouble. After Alexio began building his business in Caina, Alrigo aided the contacts needed in Ischia to start. Here he found some success, a little bit, but soon he knew to make even more money he needed to start growing the business in Arx itself. Here he worked from the bottom and gradually started to build up, learning his tailoring trade, to a point which has caught some attention for just how this man from the docks of Ischia has ended up wearing fine clothes and looking like a cock among hens. Obviously, from Alrigo, he tells the brilliant tale about how the family that was too poor to even eat on some days - ended up being who he is today. A few hearts open up to that, melting in his hands. The story of how this lad from Ischia, who never even once picked up scissors, was able to craft fine jackets for the commoners and once even a Baron. Eyebrows raised. What did he know about fashion? Using that honey-dipped tongue of this, Aligro has since discovered ways to talk himself out of most problems in life, flipping the issue on its head, and pointing at someone else as being the reason it all went wrong. This helped him build up contacts that gave him the ability to open up coffers of silver to fund the family's business - Donatti Imports & Exports.
  business - Donatti Imports & Exports.)
• Arielle Rivera  + (Born in Arx to a pair of high class mercha …
  Born in Arx to a pair of high class merchants Arielle Rivera was the third born of four children. The Rivera family was common but decently wealthy and catered to nobility with their goods. Arielle grew up with a good education in addition to learning how to sew and tailor garments from her mother. The young girl found herself desiring to make a name for herself in the fashion world. To start trends that would be seen throughout the Compact and be worn at all the best parties. However she found limiting herself to cloth was confining. Arielle had skilled hands and was often put in charge of the more delicate work with embroidery and weaving. One day while helping her mother style her hair for a social event she got an idea. From that idea sprang a new career for Arielle. No longer was she simply a tailor, now she was a stylist. She studied the art of cutting and styling hair. Of applying cosmetics in a fashion that flattered ones face and matched ones attire. And finally at almost twenty years old she began searching for a shop where she could ply her trade officially.
  where she could ply her trade officially.)
• Braxas Songweaver  + (Born in Arx twenty years ago, Braxas came …
  Born in Arx twenty years ago, Braxas came into the world with no surname. His parents whoever they were did not want him so he was left at an orphanage in the worst part of town. Braxas was a dark child, handsome but frightening to the other children because of his dark moods and anger at the world. He started singing when he was five, just letting his emotions out via song. Some of the other boys tried to bully him over the singing but Braxas would not back down. When he was thirteen he ran away from the orphanage to join a troupe of traveling bards. Before he left Tomas his childhood tormentor gave him the scar that remains on his face today. He got away and has since learned how to dodge and defend himself a bit. He stayed with the troupe of bards as they traveled across the land. GOing from city to city Braxas learned how to survive and entertain on the streets. Seven years passed and after Braxas turned twenty he decided to try his luck back home in Arx once again.
  try his luck back home in Arx once again.)
• Murdoch Malespero  + (Born in Caith to a struggingly shipping fa …
  Born in Caith to a struggingly shipping family. Murdoch's elder sister (Lady Beatrice Malespero's mother) inherited. He spent his youth working the docks and caravans by day and learning the books by night, expecting to command one of his family's ships one day. But, just before coming of age, the family fortunes sank leaving a single ship remaining. His sister took command and he was asked to branch out to find new work. After a series of odd jobs and many tough months, he landed a job at a gambling establishment and discovered he had a rare head for numbers. After a few years scrimping and some personnel changes at the establishment, he was put in charge of the ledgers. It was during this time, now in his mid-20's that he met the woman he would eventually marry. Together, they had a daughter and a son, and some of his investments began to bear fruit. Things looked to be going well, and he was even able to help his sister's shipping business stay afloat through a tough spot, but...one day he came home to find tradgey. His wife and children were slain in an apparent robbery. No evidence of the killers was found. He fell into a black period and for years cultivated associates from the less savory contacts he'd met at the gambling house. His sister and her family raised Beatrice during this era, and he managed to teach her a thing or two but eventually was asked that he stay away, lest he taint their business with his shady dealings. Some years later, he learned that Beatrice prospered and was even ennobled by the Argento family. His network of contacts by that point rumored that Pravus would move against them, and for the first time he found he needed to truly pay attention to high houses. Beatrice was sentenced to prison for a year, and he was surprised to learn that she not only survived it, but thrived and landed on her feet as a new member of House Malespero. Curious how she had managed it, and feeling the loss of his own daughter, he visited.
  the loss of his own daughter, he visited.)
• Adriana Fieldstone  + (Born in Elmhurst to a farming family, Adri …
  Born in Elmhurst to a farming family, Adriana soon found herself seeking employment in the only tavern in town. She much prefered hauling barrels and trays over farming out in the warm Oathland sun. She found she had a natural talent for people, being able to get them what they needed rather than what they wanted. Adri found she loved to flirt with the handsome farmer's lads (and the not so handsome ones if they could charm her) and enjoyed making their time in the tavern that much more enjoyable for her cheerful temperment and charm. After her uncle's farm was burned to the ground and her cousin Jonathan went off to the big city, she decided she would follow him. Her dream was to one day own her own tavern and she would never be able to make that kind of money at home. Not only did she want her own tavern, she wanted her own cow too. Fresh milk and butter and cheese, and then get bread freshly baked every morning, and make sure her guests had everything they needed to be comfortable. Clean beds without any bugs in them, even. She wants -everyone- to get along and be happy and healthy.
  ne- to get along and be happy and healthy.)
• Danvir Ravenseye  + (Born in January 12, to Robert Ravenseye, D …
  Born in January 12, to Robert Ravenseye, Danvir Ravenseye leads an enjoyable life that has always mixed the wild life with the life of a noble. Perhaps it is his fiery red hair, but Danvir Ravenseye showed that he could hold his ground with his favorite weapon: an axe. As he grew he started studying the Family trade: sailing. With this he also had to study economics, the art of war and of course how to be a succesful diplomat. But that was not the only thing Danvir was studying. He also started studies in the occult and he firmly believes in Shamanism, so much so that he does tend to pay his respects to the spirts. And perhaps that has aided him in becoming a better man as he aged. When he hit his eighteen years, he told his loving dad that it was time for him to put the Raveseye name on the nautical maps. And with the blessing of the spirits and his father, he took of to the Compact, intent on increasing his knowledge as well as serving the Northern noble houses better. Some are surprised when this fiery red headed young man speaks about his love for the sea, so much that others think he is from Thrax. That could not be further from the truth. He is a Ravenseye, through and through.
  h. He is a Ravenseye, through and through.)
• Maren Lir  + (Born in Maelstrom to Prince Drake Thrax, M …
  Born in Maelstrom to Prince Drake Thrax, Maren Thrax was the youngest of the five children and the only girl; by virtue of those things she did not feature prominently in the public eye during childhood. The shadows of her brothers were tall, especially her eldest brother Donrai, but she still found ways to thrive amongst them. The household and the family were by no means indulgent, but even predatory sea serpents are sometimes moved by beauty and wit, and it was clear that she would grow into a formidable amount of both. Her parents perished when she was quite young, though the new High Lord was very dutiful in seeing to her education. Perhaps it was hoped she would join other Thraxian notables in a sharp legal and logical mind; but it was something warmer that stirred her even in Maelstrom's environment of stoic and imposing chill. She took to almost any instrument that was placed in her hands with startling ease, even some of the gruffest and most standoffish lords and ladies seemed to at least tolerate and even enjoy her presence. When she was sixteen, she was sent to Arx to serve as a lady in waiting in the royal court, as well as to train in the art of being a courtier from Whisper House. She blossomed there, forming close friendships with many of the other young ladies from Houses throughout the Compact in similar service, and seeking out further training in dance and music. By the time she was in her late teens, she was considered to be one of the beauties of her generation, particularly talented in the arts, enjoying the social whirl of Arx in full. But she was ever mindful of her place and her duty, and when she was twenty she obediently returned to Maelstrom at Donrai's request, enjoying getting reacquainted with the brothers that she'd corresponded regularly with but had seldom seen more than a couple of times a year during her time in Arx, and knowing that within a year she was likely to be introduced to whatever match Donrai decided would serve the interests of House Thrax the best. She continued in her studies of the arts, setting many sailors' and area folklore to music, capturing oral tales into written word and illustration, and even devising performances based on them, though they were often given to others to perform. As a birthday present, Donrai granted her permission to travel to House Blackshore's holdings and the great library there to gather more fodder for her works, though once she returned she was to meet her match. Her travel there was uneventful, and she set off for home by all accounts with many writings and sketches that surely would have fueled her artistic endeavors for many years. But she never returned. A terrible storm kicked up, and the ship she was on as well as one escort was lost, the remaining escort arriving badly battered in Darkwater Watch. After weeks of searching, there was a small amount of wreckage located--and months later more things started to wash up on shore. She was presumed lost at sea. In truth, she almost was. She was one of a very few survivors of the wreck that drifted for weeks; starving, thirsty, sunburnt, eventually all but her succumbing painfully slowly to exposure or their injuries. She was likely only days away from death herself, when a passing foreign ship came across her, one of the high ranking military officers aboard persuaded by his second to overrule the captain and insisting that they examine the strange wreckage. The second, Zixin Lir, was in the smaller boat that approached and drew her from the wreckage, and took her aboard before they continued their journey home. Her life was saved by the healer aboard the ship, but it took many weeks for her to recover, and she stayed with the local magistrate until they could figure out what to do with this foreigner plucked from the sea, as well as find someone who spoke Arvani. There was one constant, however; Zixin visited frequently, helped her learn the language while she taught him hers. Months after her arrival he brought her to a teahouse with musicians--she delighted them by being able to play some of the ones similar to ones she was familiar with, and singing without musical accompaniment some tales from home. After that each time they met, there was yet another new unfolding of art. He would recite poetry to her, for the beauty of the rhythm and sounds for her to enjoy long before she could understand it fully; take her to new places in the area and keep her company as she painted. They were drawn to one another, but their friendship was one that slowly unfolded, growing deeper roots before they allowed other things to blossom. For seven years, even as she built a life in this new place, she ever gave up on trying to find a way back home. Her acclaim as a performer and artist opened doors to talk to influential people, but seldom was she given a clear answer on if it was possible. Finally a visiting Imperial official told her in no uncertain terms that there would be no return, she kept her head high and hid her devastated heart. Weijin wasn't home. Instead, Zixin asked her to consider making a home with him. Nearly ten years after she was first plucked from the sea, she did just that, choosing to set aside her hopes to remain as she once was, a princess of Thrax, to marry for love and hope, and by tradition yield that title to do so. And then she moved forward and onward, using all the gifts of her upbringing, and the resolve and determination she'd only honed in Weijin to truly build a life with him. They welcomed their daughter Zyanya a few years after, when she at last closed the chapter on thinking she would ever see Arvum again. Over the next thirty years their household grew with many students (both hers and his), friendships, grand successes and failures, more happiness than heartache. Watching and guiding their daughter to blossom into a respected artist in her own right, whispering tales of the family and lands that her mother had traveled from, with Maren incorporating as much tradition and teachings as she could into Zyanya's life. The events of the wider world did not really reach her, especially in their quiet area of Weijin. Though the pace of Maren and Zixin's life slowed, she didn't even realize it was the beginning of his twilight years until her beloved warrior-poet died in her arms after a very brief illness. Devastated, she once again summoned her strength to be strong for her daughter now too. It was after his death that she discovered that Zixin hadn't forgotten her love of the Mourning Isles and those she'd left behind, and intended to honor the Arvani heritage of his child as well. Decades of dedicated and decorated service to Weijin and Jadairal had given him some influence on the layers of bureaucracy of the empire, and unbeknownst to her he'd been pushing on that quite heavily behind the scenes, to grant his family a favor upon his passing. He knew that she wouldn't leave his side, and that he was unlikely to be able to leave Jadairal. His final gift to her, after his passing, was a chance for an audience that might allow her to see Arvani shores again. Once more, the current in her life shifted, this time drawing her back to the home she never thought she would see again, bringing with her her greatest treasure and brightest hope, to give her daughter a chance to experience her heritage in full.
  chance to experience her heritage in full.)
• Apollo Oakwood  + (Born in Oakhaven, to parents who were both …
  Born in Oakhaven, to parents who were both Trackers, Apollo should have had an ideal childhood. But fate was less than kind to him, and at the tender age of six, while traveling between Lyon's Redoubt and Keaton Keep, he and his family were ambushed by a group of bandits looking to thin the packs of hunters after them. Apollo's parents were killed in the conflict and the boy was taken, the plan to rear him as a bandit, the irony found to be delicious. Weeks passed, but eventually another pack of Trackers discovered the location of the bandit's hideout and cleared the lot of them out. When Apollo was found, one of the huntsmen recognized the boy and took him home to Keaton Keep where the child was raised in the court. As an adult, he is fiercely loyal to the Keaton family. Eschewing the path of his parents, he learned the special art of tanning and leathercraft Oakhaven has become known for. The secrets of its manufacture are now his. When Kael left Oakhaven to come to Arx, he tapped his best leatherworker to come with him to see about making a name for themselves in Arx.
  about making a name for themselves in Arx.)
• Xandrine Morgan  + (Born in Sanctum to a groundskeeper of the …
  Born in Sanctum to a groundskeeper of the (mostly) respectable Morgan family and a Lycene duelist slicing her way into the Oathlands, Xandrine grew up proud of her family's reputation for honor and air of danger, both. Only fitting, no, for a descendant of the very first Champion? After the Tragedy, like many survivors, felt compelled to become a knight. She was far too young to take up arms, but that didn't stop her. Finding a Knight of the Laurent family who would squire her, she worked determinedly. Also fitting for the descendant of the very first etc, she displayed a natural talent for fighting, and quickly developed a rivalry with another young squire and aspiring Champion. Competition fueled her on towards excellence, developing a reputation - in the Laurent lands, at least. Oaths taken, duels fought (and sometimes won), Xandrine was sent on another mission: Go to Arx, escorting some precious cargo.
  Go to Arx, escorting some precious cargo.)
• Jarel Redrain  + (Born in September 15, Jarel Redrain has al …
  Born in September 15, Jarel Redrain has always been interested in being a dedicated warrior for his people. And thus that has been the majority of his focus as he grew older. Many would claim that Jarel was definitely born to be one, probably in no small regard due to his strength and dedication. Growing up he would be around warriors whether they were nobles or otherwise. That wasn't a distinction he was worried about. So he learned all he could from his peers, becoming a ferocious combatant. More so with the bastard sword he seemed to favor. It can be stated that he is everything a Northerner should be up and including how barbaric he can be in a fight. After years of training and becoming an adept warrior, Jared Redrain has been living in Arx for some time, where he does what is best to serve his people, as well as support his other family members.
  well as support his other family members.)
• Nabok Stormson  + (Born in a lumberers cottage in the wilds o …
  Born in a lumberers cottage in the wilds outside Farhaven, Nabok was born as the first signs of spring came to the lands. From a young age he was taught to cut wood, like his father and grandfather before him, and to accept his lot in life. Conditions were tough, but Nabok had a happy childhood. Food was gathered, hunted and fishd from the surrounding woods, and his father, a large, fiery man aptly named Storm, owned two sheep that provided them with wool. He even got a little sister, Eria. Every winter, he would accompany his mother and father to the outskirts of Farhaven to trade kindlewood and timber for other supplies. It was on a day such as this, as Nabok approched his 13th birthday, that his life abruptly changed. The winter had been an escpecially cold one, and business had been good, so his father was haggling for a new sheep. Hot-headed as he was, the haggling escalated into a fight, and Storm, with a slip of the fist, punched a guard dead. Nabok and his mother left Farhaven without Storm that day. Just a few weeks later, his mother became ill and feverish. He turned to the spirits of the forest for guidance the night his mother died. Young Nabok, was suddendly the sole provider of a young sister. He did not give up though, and the siblings continued the cycle of life that they had known, growing more and more distanced from civilization with each passing summer. Life was not finished with him, though. The autumn of his 24th year, as he returned from a bountiful hunt, he came back to the remains of a smoking cottage, pillaged and looted by passing raiders. Eria had stayed in the cottage while he was hunting, and her burnt corpse was still warm when he arrived. He vowed that day to leave the forest, to seek revenge over those who had murdered his sister and destroyed their way of life, and set out to the center of the kingdom for look for them.
  e center of the kingdom for look for them.)
• Cade none  + (Born in a small village, Cade's mother die …
  Born in a small village, Cade's mother died a few days after his birth. He was left to be raised by his stern and unaffectionate father who was a former mercenary. Even as a boy, Cade's father instilled into him the hard work and discipline that he had learned from his travels. Having not known any gentle touch and constantly receiving his father's ire, Cade grew to resent his father. When his father died of sickness, Cade packed whatever belongings he could carry and left the village, knowing that there was nothing left for him there. He traveled from one village to the next, doing some odd jobs when he could. From then on he wandered aimlessly, only doing what he deemed necessary to get him through the day.
  emed necessary to get him through the day.)
• Genevieve Waldenwyn  + (Born in an unremarkable farming village to …
  Born in an unremarkable farming village to an unremarkable family, Genevieve always wanted more from life. Although she could appreciate the wholesome routines of her rural community for what they were, she nonetheless found them tedious and uninspiring -- a never-ending cycle of ploughing fields, harvesting crops and foraging for food, occasionally broken up by a rustic festival or a wagon ride to the market in the nearest town. The only activity that really gave her some pleasure and made her feel alive was training in the village militia, but even then she found herself wanting for more discipline and more advanced tutelage than the local watchmen could provide. At the age of 18, Genevieve left her home village and set out on her own path. She would see sights beyond the fields and pastures with a sword on her belt and a bow slung across her back, seeking adventure and coin.
  ross her back, seeking adventure and coin.)
• Cerdensulathara Ferrier  + (Born in area called Rivermuth, far south o …
  Born in area called Rivermuth, far south of Pridehall, Cerdensulathara was one among a litter of children. Her father was a butcher and a warrior, her mother a tanner. For five long and tiresome years, they lived a simple existence. The worst of their troubles were occasional raids, and the strife caused by Cerden's peculiar fits. Rumors held her to be plagued by evil spirits, and she was subject to many, many attempts to cure her. When the neighboring tribe invaded fully, her mother managed to escape with her and two of her siblings into the woods. Traveling northeast into the woods, they were able to assimilate into another group, but it wasn't long before they her mother was presented with a choice to leave with the disabled young girl, or the tribe would sell her off. Unwilling to put her other two living children under such stress, she simply abandoned Cerden in the woods. It was a miracle of some kind that she survived to the age of thirteen. And despite the harsh realities of living in the wild, there was a peace to the daily struggle. Her fits lessened, she learned how to hunt, what to eat and what not to, (through great trial and error), and was quite happy in her life. Unfortunately, fighting between two villages drove more people into her neck of the woods, and eventually she was captured by Abandoned warriors. Who knows where should would be now if she had not been saved by the Knights of Solace. It was a short trip to the city of Arx. She swore her allegiance to the Crown, and was placed in the care of an aloof horse trader, a cousin to the very Knight who rescued her, and his wife, a well to do poet and seamstress, both childless and grateful for an opportunity to care for and teach someone less fortunate. She flourished in the Upper Boroughs, and it was a good time for the young woman. She was taught the wonders of reading and numbers, which she excelled at. She was given simple chores, and taught prayers, which she excelled at. She discovered the many different libraries and temples, and spent the majority of her time there when not helping out at home. Before she left to strike out on her own, she made a bit of silver tutoring the younger children of her adopted mother's social circle, possessing a talent for making complicated subjects simpler. Using her modest income, she's rented a small place in the upper boroughs, and few who ever met her would realize she's a Prodigal. She plans on becoming an explorer, writing books on obscure knowledge and history, and becoming a renowned scholar. Perhaps one day she can own a place of her own, with a bookcase of titles she's written herself detailing grand adventurers, treatises on lost lore and profound essays on rare phenomena.
  ore and profound essays on rare phenomena.)
• Avak Zadarra  + (Born in arx in a poor neighborhood, avak z …
  Born in arx in a poor neighborhood, avak zadarra lived hard. His parents were soldiers, and good ones, but they used all their money on equipment. At a young age, avak knew he wanted to be like them. He applied as soon as he could, and after being accepted, he was tested. He was found to be weak, but good with a sword, so they took him anyway. Now he fights as a soldier, even though he is weak.
  ghts as a soldier, even though he is weak.)
• Bron Aisling  + (Born in one of the smaller mountain villag …
  Born in one of the smaller mountain villages in the North, he was scooped up by an army recruiter shortly after reaching adulthood, his knowledge of the area along with his hunting and trail skills making him a useful skirmisher. A few small wars later, Sergeant at Arms Aisling left his Lord's service with a pension, some spoils and a desire to spend some time on his own for once. Going back to his village didn't seem quite right, not after all he had seen so after shipping home a totally non-blood-spattered care-package he vanished into the woods. Bored with his own company and perhaps missing the camaraderie of his unit, he has headed to the big city to see what that's like instead.
  big city to see what that's like instead.)
• Jarryck Buckwheat  + (Born in the Crownlands to nobody of import …
  Born in the Crownlands to nobody of importance, Jarryck was born a large baby. His parents were both farmers, and as Jarryck grew stronger and taller, he was made to work on the farm, something he was good at, since it was physical. He found the work tiresome, however, and was always fighting the other boys, when he could.
  ys fighting the other boys, when he could.)
• Cordelia Grimhall  + (Born in the Hall of the Grim, Cordelia und …
  Born in the Hall of the Grim, Cordelia understood at an early age two very important things. Firstly, she never subscribed to the strict and punishing patriarchal beliefs pervading most of the Mourning Isles. Secondly, if she was ever going to enjoy life, she would have to find entertainment on her own. Not so much comprehending as reacting to the expressions on her neglectful mother's face after a visit with the Duke, she strove to conduct little rebellions against authority. One day, she might dodge her tutors or ruin her clothes. Another day, she'd soap up the floors and secretly watch her elders trip. More guards were hired for the simple dual purposes of keeping an eye on Cordelia, and patrolling for childish traps. At first, she was just trying to gain attention, but her disobedience evolved into outright unshakable independence. After managing to convince a combat instructor to train her, a brother eventually goaded her into a duel, to once and for all prove the reason and superiority of traditional Thraxian values. Scarred and incensed by the loss, it only drove her further away. At just fifteen, she ran off to join a group of adventurers allegedly seeking fame and fortune. Buoyed by others with a similar perspective, she felt wonderfully liberated. The band of explorers journeyed from one end of the Compact to the other, hoping to find lost articles from before the Reckoning in all sorts of strange and enigmatic places. Ultimately, the Duke's men found her and returned her home, but she responded with the announcement that she would become a Champion. They retorted with a short list of likely betrothals, and so she was sent to the center of the Compact to meet her future husband.
  of the Compact to meet her future husband.)
• Vernan Culler  + (Born in the Lower Boroughs, Vernan was bor …
  Born in the Lower Boroughs, Vernan was born into the Culler family. His father was a Culler and the brother of Rencio. He grew up with Torian. His parents died in an unfortunate 'accident' and the Culler family took Vernan under their wing. He ended up showing a knack for survival and seamanship and he ended up on one of their ships. He was a natural. He ended up press ganged, so he couldn't return home as quickly as he wanted to. But he always knew who he was, and where his loyalties lie. He was drawn to the sea, but he was a Culler at heart. By his late teens, he was already adept at sailing and trade. He knew the ocean and he knew his competition. Around 20, he came across a young girl who he adopted into the family as his sister, stowing her away at various ports until she was old enough to learn the ropes. Meanwhile, he became more and more skilled at what he did. Recently, a death in the family has drawn him back to the Lower Boroughs. His skills have been put to use by the family's growing fleet. And that's where he met Acacia. Skeptical at first, he's grown to admire her. He is fiercely loyal to her, while at the same time occassionally challenging her sanity. He serves now (better at sea than on land) and seeks to show his adopted little sister how to be a true Culler.
  ted little sister how to be a true Culler.)

• Cedarav Grisni  + (Born in the Lycene city state of Tor, Ced' …
  Born in the Lycene city state of Tor, Ced's parents were Vesalius, a mason, and Robyn, a noted artist. It is from his mother that he first developed his love of anatomy, as he was often underfoot in the salons and portrait galleries - often, with models in the natural state, given Lycene tastes. He was always sharp as a child, and ever getting into problems, but usually able to think or talk his way out of them, and grew a decent artist in his own right, though he was far better at sketches and outlines than picture perfection. He, an only child, was offered a scholarship to the Tor Academy and excelled in many of his classes. He enrolled in the college of Alchemy, Medicine and Apothecary, though left quite adruptly in his last year of study. There was some question as to why he left so suddenly, but usually it is chalked up to his uncanny ability, that he simply had learned all he could there. He travelled first to Setarco, where he set up his shingle. Performing many operations in a rather short time period, he drew the attention of House Pravus, who offered him patronage and a bigger space than his less-than-desireable bit-rate clinic. Travelling with many of their family over the years, he has both cared for the members and employees of the Pravus household as well as made significant contributions to the field of anatomy, and his texts are starting to make their way into public light, although there are many who scoff at his methods and ideas.
  e many who scoff at his methods and ideas.)
• Kiral Unknown  + (Born in the Northlands, in Redrain lands, …
  Born in the Northlands, in Redrain lands, Kiral was abandoned at birth, or at least this is what the shaman that found him wrapped up in cloth in the middle of the woods assumed. This man was named Regor. Taking the event as a sign, due in part to a snake-like birthmark on the child's arm, the shaman took the child in and raised him as his own. Kiral grew up rather estranged from others, his surrogate father being a rather solitary and self-sufficient man. Kiral, of course, took after him and learned many skills from a young age such as how to start a fire, skin and gut some game, and of course, partake in the rituals of the Path of the Hunt. The boy came to know the wilds well, preferring them to the nearby towns which he would occassionally venture into with Regor. He began to commune with spirits as a young boy, something Regor took as a good omen up until the boy began to become consumed by episodes of rage and other strange fits during his communion. Regor did his best to teach Kiral how to control himself, and largely succeeded, though Kiral never succeeded in fully controlling the bouts of being consumed in the spirit of another, nor did he want to. In the first years of Kiral's adulthood, Regor passed away after a bad bout of dysentry, leaving the young man alone. At first, Kiral survived by hunting game and selling it to nearby towns. This lasted for some time until he was offered some mercenary work, which he found himself to have a knack for, and chose to pursue some more. The next few years of Kiral's life were spent wandering about from town to town, finding work where he could. He went hungry on some days in the beginning of his career, but eventually he garnered the skills required to make a living knocking heads together and hunting bands of brigands that harrassed towns and villages, putting his childhood affinity for hunting to good use. It was during these years that Kiral found a taste for battle, and for blood. Battle to him was another ritual, a part of the Hunt, and he would often relish in it and lose himself among the spirits on the battlefield. Years passed, and Kiral found himself wandering about the realm, mostly in the Northlands until he would eventually find himself in Arx, seeking work, coin and communion with the land's spirits.
  oin and communion with the land's spirits.)
• Armel Godsworn  + (Born in the city of Sanctum, Armel early o …
  Born in the city of Sanctum, Armel early on heard the clarion call of the Gods, often spending much time in the numerous chapels and temples of the city, and was utterly fascinated by how the priests could deliver such powerful messages with such few, strong words and convictions. With the messages of strength through mercy and protection through faith. When he was a young man of fourteen, his family decided to move to Arx, to hopefully continue his father's business as a carpenter, while his mother found side work as a gardener and servant. They were poor, but rich in spirit as folk. It was on the way that the family was accosted by desperate, hostile shavs, and both of his parents and his toddler sister were killed. Young Armel barely managed to escape with his life, and still bears the scars of that assault upon his face and spirit. From that moment on, as he wandered into Arx maimed and dispirited, he dedicated his life to that of the Godsworn. He became a Knight of Solace, traveling the roads of the Compact and protecting all travelers and pilgrims that wished to use them. It was not an easy life, and he has seen death in almost every form that can be offered by the hearts of men, and some that cannot, in any sane universe. For his years of service to Gild and to his Order, he was Knighted several years ago, and is now Sir Armel, such as it is, a title he received with a low, amused grunt and a simple 'I'll be'. He has now come to Arx, for the need for his Order here is great, and he wishes to be of service in whatever capacity he can, learning from those in the Order and those around, for veteran that he is? There is still much to learn in life. Always is.
  is still much to learn in life. Always is.)
• Alejandro Rossetti  + (Born in the city of Tor to a house servant …
  Born in the city of Tor to a house servant of House Fidante, Alejandro Rossetti was the first of three children born within three years of his parent's marriage. Precocious from a young age, he was considered by some to be a musical prodigy at the age of four. There was talk that the Whisper house in Arx was interested in him but by that time his path had already been laid out before him. By luck and hard work he was being raised with Lady Calista, the very young daughter of Duchess Giancinta Fidante. There was tragedy that saw Giancinta killed and Calista's brother Leo eventually becoming Duke but neither Alejandro nor Calista could well remember those times. He was raised and educated by the same tutors she was and the pair grew close. The boy's musical talent blossomed and he became well known in the gardens of Tor for practicing his guitar and trying out new songs on both the Duke's sister and anyone else that would come past. His relationship with Calista grew to one of constant companion and confidant. A convoluted series of events saw more change come to House Fidante when Alejandro had moved to Arx and Calista ascended to her brother's seat as ruler of Tor. The Duchess of Roses, they called her. Numerous were the songs he wrote in honor of his friend and now liege. Alejandro is content with his life of service and is honored with the role he plays for the young duchess, chief among them being friend.
  ng duchess, chief among them being friend.)
• Rowley Keaton  + (Born in the fall as the only child of Maxw …
  Born in the fall as the only child of Maxwell and Eugenia Keaton, young Lord Rowley was always a curious boy. Even from his earliest days a near endless stream of questions were typical fare from the young lord, often to the annoyance of his father who was a prominent and rising captain among the brigades of Keaton archers. Eventually as he became older, Rowley would learn to temper his natural curiosity to avoid the ire of his father, though his hunger for information and understanding was hardly quenched. When his lessons began, Rowley took to his studies like a fish to water. Everything, that is... other than the training surrounding swordplay, archery, or anything else that his father thought that he should be good at. Oftentimes Rowley would shirk his lessons when it came time for him to practice with the rest of the younger children, waiting for his chance to sneak away to watch the crafters at work as they plied metal to their will or brought their ideas to life upon canvas or carving them of wood and stone. No amount of whippings seemed to be able to cure the boy of his obsessions. So his life went for his childhood, ever shouldering the burden of being his father's greatest disappointment. He learned the art of working metal and painting in secret from a few friendly disciples of Jayus. Almost constantly he could be found tinkering with this and that. Such things brought Rowley joy. Enough so that when his parents began talks of marriage and upholding his duty to the Keaton family, Rowley decided that such a life was not enough for him. He did what he had to in order to make known his desire to join with the Faith, something that his father could not openly oppose no matter how much it might sting to lose his only child. And so he found a home where his passions were no longer shunned or held as an ever present disappointment. Where he could finally carry on his work in peace.
  could finally carry on his work in peace.)
• Canaan Savantis  + (Born in the lower boroughs, that is what C …
  Born in the lower boroughs, that is what Canaan spent a majority of his life. His father passed due to illness at an age he was too young to really recall, raised by his mother in majority. Too trusting at a young age he had an incident that left him somewhat untrusting despite his mother's insistence that people, as a whole, were good. It was a nice sentiment but not exactly easy to believe. His inquisitive nature brought him into brushing with the unsavory side of law led to some unfortunate outcomes and the wagging finger of his mother. In adulthood he married for a number of years before divorce came about and left him a bit weary (and quite late in the game) of further romantic pursuits, It was not long after he lost his mother to natural causes. Still.his curious nature often lead him down figurative rabbit-holes simply because not knowing the answer could become a persistent itch in the back of his head until at least attempting to look into those things with due caution toward things one generally shouldn't pry into. This natural desire to know and the irritation of lingering unknowns has lent his naturally developed skills toward helping out others when the price is right, even if it's as simple as finding proof of infidelity.
  as simple as finding proof of infidelity.)
• Snow Foxpaw  + (Born in the north, Snow was born in the mo …
  Born in the north, Snow was born in the mountains to a roaming tribe of hunters and gatherers who clung heavily to the old ways for generations after the compact was established. Though by the time he was five years old most of his tribe of people were dwindled away, from death, war and disease. He found most of his time as a child was spent on the chores or being alone to walk through the woods. And it was there, that he found his kindredness with the land around him, finding everything to be special in a way to him. This was improved by the elders of his tribe and soon he studied to be an herbalist, and healer, though when another shav tribe made a raid on their lands they destroyed everything leaving a young Snow to flee down into the valleys and hiding places. It was then that The spirits of the mountain he called home hid him, he claims, a blizzard rising up and blanketing the ground with ice though the day he insists had been clear. Since then he had communed and studied until He stumbled into a camp of Redrain soldiers , and in exchange for assistance in healing he was given food and a place to rest. From there he was brought back, and in exchange for lodging and work he was to swear fealty to Redrain and be accepted into the compact.
  Redrain and be accepted into the compact.)
• Aedric Blackshore  + (Born in the shadow of Cornelius and Oswald …
  Born in the shadow of Cornelius and Oswald, Aedric developed an immediate aversion to court politics and family diplomacy. Opting instead to follow in his bloodline's rich history of mercantilism and exploration, he spent most of his childhood pouring over textbooks, joining vassals and fishmongers on their expeditions to sea, and memorizing naval trade routes. The older he grew, the less time he spent ashore -- missing even the marriages of his brothers and births of his nieces and nephews. Rather than utilize the resources granted to him by noble privilege, he worked tirelessly to establish commercial and personal relationships throughout Arvum.
  d personal relationships throughout Arvum.)
• Lasha Khozheer  + (Born in the southern states, Lasha was a m …
  Born in the southern states, Lasha was a member of the prodigal tribes, drawn in and brought under the fealty of House Pravus in their expansion and establishment of a great house. Formerly considered an abandoned, he swore fealty to the house instead of being subjugated by force. Still, his clan was known for trade, and lesser known activities such as smuggling rare goods across the ocean. Through the years he worked on growing his fleet, before heading in to land seeking employment where he could walk the edges of lawful society, though those criminal elements continued to be exploited, even after he made himself captain of first one ship, then two. By the time his fleet had grown to a reputable size, he took heavy losses, during a large storm, three of his vessels sank with the remainder being rendered near unusable. Now he works on rebuilding and establishing himself as a shipping magnate through Arx, running his company with a ruthless efficiency and with dominance that proceeds him. His reputation known simply for his hot temper, raucous behavior and tenacity that few captains are known for.
  tenacity that few captains are known for.)
• Cora Ulbran  + (Born in the tougher parts of the world, in …
  Born in the tougher parts of the world, in the Lower Boroughs, the daughter of a thief and her man, she grew up swift fingered and able to defend herself. She was often found tagging along with her partner in crime, Raymesin. Eventually, her parents had their life of crime catch up with them and had to skip town, leaving Cora to depend on her own skills and her friends.
  depend on her own skills and her friends.)
• Amaranth Pravus  + (Born into House Pravus among a line so dis …
  Born into House Pravus among a line so distant you can almost see them from the shoreline if you squint, Amaranth has enjoyed all of the privileges of her name and none of the responsibilities or duties. To say that she was a wild child is putting it mildly, with her noble name sheltering her from the worst consequences of her behavior. As fate would have it, her untamable nature lead her to the curious habit of taming and training wild or foreign creatures. She gathers them like some noblewomen gather jewelry, and gifts them away just as easily.
  welry, and gifts them away just as easily.)
• Violet Marjawn  + (Born into a Halfshav village west of White …
  Born into a Halfshav village west of Whitehold at the forest's edge, Violet spent much of her early childhood as a hunters apprentic. A mother, a father, and four brothers, the family did well living off the land and selling to the leatherworkers. There would be the occasional skirmish with the Abandoned who had their own town nearby, but Halfshav forces usually kept them in their place and drove them off if they got too near. Eventually though, it wasn't enough. A warband from the village had gotten tired of the constant warfare, and attacked the small village outright. It was a massacre, with the Halfshav army coming too late to protect them. By the time they arrived, all save for Violet and her young brother had been killed, despite the hunters taking their share of lives from the barbarian assault. Only by running into the woods and firing from cover did they manage that. The Halfshav force stayed to protect and fortify, and meanwhile, hired a force of Crimson Blades camping nearby to aid in the assault on the Abandoned and destroy them in retaliation. Being within riding distance easily enough, the half archer, half heavy infantry force marched on the Abandoned with the Halfshav forces... including Violet. By the time the battle was done, there were few survivors of the abandoned town and those scattered to the wind. If she had been stronger, more skilled she might have been able to keep the rest of the family alive. Having witnessed firsthand how good the Crimson Blades were, she swore herself to them on the spot, having already proved her worth in battle. Both to protect her brother, and to find a new purpose in life. Two years passed, and it hadn't taken long for her drive and commitment to take her from a private in the scout Companies, to a the upper tiers of officers. With Briar's education seen too she was able to pour herself even more into her work. When he left for the North to train as a Shaman, that only drove her to work harder. The idea of being a protector and him having a safe place to come back to was always foremost in her mind. Through the Silent War she proved her worth and uncaring eye for danger and the enemy. Battles and contracts under her belt the massacre of her company, Ruby Company, with her as the sole survivor put a fire in her gut. In less than a year she has gone from Lieutenant she rocketed to Colonel. Quickly she came to be Lord Tobias Telmar's right hand. So it was no surprise that when he disappeared he left the Crimson Blades and their command in her hands. During all this her own personal life was ablaze with a marriage to Thorley Sandreef that lasted but a days before his abrupt flight and negation of their bond. Soon after Briar returned to Arx from his training and quickly made his place in the city as well as joining the Blades. The Blades were her family, now they are more than ever.
  e her family, now they are more than ever.)
• Violet Sandreef  + (Born into a Halfshav village west of White …
  Born into a Halfshav village west of Whitehold at the forest's edge, Violet spent much of her early childhood as a hunters apprentic. A mother, a father, and four brothers, the family did well living off the land and selling to the leatherworkers. There would be the occasional skirmish with the Abandoned who had their own town nearby, but Halfshav forces usually kept them in their place and drove them off if they got too near. Eventually though, it wasn't enough. A warband from the village had gotten tired of the constant warfare, and attacked the small village outright. It was a massacre, with the Halfshav army coming too late to protect them. By the time they arrived, all save for Violet and her young brother had been killed, despite the hunters taking their share of lives from the barbarian assault. Only by running into the woods and firing from cover did they manage that. The Halfshav force stayed to protect and fortify, and meanwhile, hired a force of Crimson Blades camping nearby to aid in the assault on the Abandoned and destroy them in retaliation. Being within riding distance easily enough, the half archer, half heavy infantry force marched on the Abandoned with the Halfshav forces... including Violet. By the time the battle was done, there were few survivors of the abandoned town and those scattered to the wind. If she had been stronger, more skilled she might have been able to keep the rest of the family alive. Having witnessed firsthand how good the Crimson Blades were, she swore herself to them on the spot, having already proved her worth in battle. Both to protect her brother, and to find a new purpose in life. Two years passed, and it hadn't taken long for her drive and commitment to take her from a private in the scout Companies, to a the upper tiers of officers. With Briar's education seen too she was able to pour herself even more into her work. When he left for the North to train as a Shaman, that only drove her to work harder. The idea of being a protector and him having a safe place to come back to was always foremost in her mind. Through the Silent War she proved her worth and uncaring eye for danger and the enemy. Battles and contracts under her belt the massacre of her company, Ruby Company, with her as the sole survivor put a fire in her gut. In less than a year she has gone from Lieutenant she rocketed to Colonel. Quickly she came to be Lord Tobias Telmar's right hand. So it was no surprise that when he disappeared he left the Crimson Blades and their command in her hands. During all this her own personal life was ablaze with a marriage to Thorley Sandreef that lasted but a days before his abrupt flight and negation of their bond. Soon after Briar returned to Arx from his training and quickly made his place in the city as well as joining the Blades. The Blades were her family, now they are more than ever.
  e her family, now they are more than ever.)
• Violet Farwatch  + (Born into a Halfshav village west of White …
  Born into a Halfshav village west of Whitehold at the forest's edge, Violet spent much of her early childhood as a hunters apprentic. A mother, a father, and four brothers, the family did well living off the land and selling to the leatherworkers. There would be the occasional skirmish with the Abandoned who had their own town nearby, but Halfshav forces usually kept them in their place and drove them off if they got too near. Eventually though, it wasn't enough. A warband from the village had gotten tired of the constant warfare, and attacked the small village outright. It was a massacre, with the Halfshav army coming too late to protect them. By the time they arrived, all save for Violet and her young brother had been killed, despite the hunters taking their share of lives from the barbarian assault. Only by running into the woods and firing from cover did they manage that. The Halfshav force stayed to protect and fortify, and meanwhile, hired a force of Crimson Blades camping nearby to aid in the assault on the Abandoned and destroy them in retaliation. Being within riding distance easily enough, the half archer, half heavy infantry force marched on the Abandoned with the Halfshav forces... including Violet. By the time the battle was done, there were few survivors of the abandoned town and those scattered to the wind. If she had been stronger, more skilled she might have been able to keep the rest of the family alive. Having witnessed firsthand how good the Crimson Blades were, she swore herself to them on the spot, having already proved her worth in battle. Both to protect her brother, and to find a new purpose in life. Two years passed, and it hadn't taken long for her drive and commitment to take her from a private in the scout Companies, to a the upper tiers of officers. With Briar's education seen too she was able to pour herself even more into her work. When he left for the North to train as a Shaman, that only drove her to work harder. The idea of being a protector and him having a safe place to come back to was always foremost in her mind. Through the Silent War she proved her worth and uncaring eye for danger and the enemy. Battles and contracts under her belt the massacre of her company, Ruby Company, with her as the sole survivor put a fire in her gut. In less than a year she has gone from Lieutenant she rocketed to Colonel. Quickly she came to be Lord Tobias Telmar's right hand. So it was no surprise that when he disappeared he left the Crimson Blades and their command in her hands. During all this her own personal life was ablaze with a marriage to Thorley Sandreef that lasted but a days before his abrupt flight and negation of their bond. Soon after Briar returned to Arx from his training and quickly made his place in the city as well as joining the Blades. The Blades were her family, now they are more than ever.
  e her family, now they are more than ever.)
• Briar Marjawn  + (Born into a Halfshav village, Briar was th …
  Born into a Halfshav village, Briar was the third youngest son of a full family of woodcrafters. A mother, a father, and three brothers, and a sister, Violet, the family did well living off the land and selling to the leatherworkers. He got to spend his days following his older sister around the woods, her eternal shadow. That would occasionally wander where the dappled sunlight or shadows seemed to guide him. A true child of the forest he could approach a deer with surprising ease. There would be the occasional skirmish with the Abandoned, but for most of his young life it wasn't a real threat. Eventually though, it wasn't enough. A warband from the village had gotten tired of the constant warfare, and attacked the small village outright. Only Violet dragging him out of bed before dawn and into the surrounding forests allowed them to survive the massacre of their family and most everything and everyone they had known.. By the time the Halfshav army arrived it was too late to do anything but help the survivors. Briar and Violet didn't leave with the others, however, and stayed to take out the warband once and for all. The Halfshav army had hired a nearby company of Crimson Blades to assist them in the eradication of this particular Abandoned problem. When the dust settled the survivors of the village were scattered and Violet and he had no home or family to go too. Yet his sister's talent with a bow had caught the Colonel of the Blade company's attention. Soon they were off to Arx with the Blades and a new life. Briar, who had always had a calling for shamanism finally had the ability to do something with it. Being a woodcrafter was all well and good, but he felt his passion lay with the spirits. So with his sisters blessing and support, he joined the Spirit Walkers. It was been a few years now and he has grown well into his vocation, his fierce energy doing him well in some areas and less in others.
  him well in some areas and less in others.)
• Katarzyna Morgan  + (Born into a commoner family that has a lon …
  Born into a commoner family that has a long history of serving House Valardin, Katarzyna (pronounced: kah-tah-SZIH-nah) (which is often too difficult for people to pronounce, so she also goes by Kat or Kitty) had a decent upbringing as the youngest in a brood of four children. She grew up as the only daughter in her immediate family which meant that her brothers' footsteps were quite large for her to follow. Living close to aunts and uncles also meant that Katarzyna had the chance to grow up alongside her cousins where she learned an array of skills thanks to their passions and interests. It's also how she discovered that her place was to be in the medical field. Her brothers always had need of bandages or medicinal tinctures, and more than once she had to help apply salve to her cousin Holden's bruises, or clean Aleksei's knicks from a blade, or concoct a remedy for Briseis's headaches, or help ease the stomach pains of those that ingested some of Warrick's confections. It was a calling, her mother said. Katarzyna was meant to help people. She apprenticed with physicians as soon as she turned the proper age to begin medical studies. As an apprentice, she excelled and showed promise with her attention to detail and calm demeanor under pressure. Physicians often called upon her to assist with procedures when they felt that she was ready to do more than observe, which was more often than not. She was always eager to do rather than watch. When she became a full fledged physician, Katarzyna was sent to a southern duchy to work alongside a local Mercy. The pair ended up traveling to surrounding counties and baronies to visit those that had need of medical attention and treatment. Katarzyna learned the ways of the road as she traveled and embraced with gratitude her ability to practice medicine while seeing the diverse regions of Arvum. She did this for a handful of years until the battle at Stormwall drew her north where she served as a medic and then served again when crisis struck the Lodge of Petrichor. Having since returned to a 'quiet' life on the road, recent news led her back to the city of Arx where she now hopes to find purpose helping those in need.
  pes to find purpose helping those in need.)
• Janora Grayhope  + (Born into a family of soldiers, Janora felt destined for much the same. She grew up practicing fighting with boys, as well as her father, before joining a local unit soon into adulthood, joining her family's legacy.)
• Eshra Rivenshari  + (Born into a large family, Eshra had three …
  Born into a large family, Eshra had three older brothers, Gavier, Raqui, and Athaur, to watch out for her when she took her first steps. While she loved her father, Aegis, she was closest to her mother, Triega, and learned about the spirits and ways of navigating for their people. Instead of pulling ropes and setting sales, she was looking at maps, measuring distances and following the stars at night. For the rivers and sea were her home, and dry land was something she rarely touched. Growing up among ravashari smugglers, Eshra remembers a time when House Valardin were the enemy and tried to bring them to heel. They would try to stop their efforts to move goods for the other Abandoned Tribes. She liked nothing better than outwitting the stuffy Valardin knights who tried to enforce their rules on the Free. Of course Freedom comes with a price and she remembers the day Brand's dark magic enslaved her people and forced them to fight a battle that was not theirs. She lost many friends and family when House Thrax's navy struck down her people on the day Brand tried to breech Arx's walls. She mourns the loss of his father, former leader of the Rivenshari, his mother, former Voice, and two brothers. Their losses were devastating for the young woman. If not for Athaur and their younger brother, Mattheu, then she would have lost the will to live. When he to her and asked her help to rebuild Rivenshari, she accepted without second thought. Of course, she never realized her brother meant to take bended knee to House Greenmarch, so they would now serve their former enemy, House Valardin. At first she tried to fight it, but once it became clear that it was her only option, she put aside her differences and stood by her brother's side when he pledged to House Greenmarch.
  side when he pledged to House Greenmarch.)
• Cosette Nightgold  + (Born into a large family, there was never …
  Born into a large family, there was never a dull moment for Cosette. She grew up with two older brothers and a slew of cousins in the mountains. Her father kept busy with the other mountain men, and her mother kept busy with the family when she wasn't doing work as an apothecary. Cosette was always interested in plants and minerals, and it was only natural for the girl to grow up learning apothecary skills from her mother. She learned about medicines and poisons, and she also dabbled in making other off-the-wall potions. 'Love' potions? 'Truth' potions? Whether or not they truly work, she always enjoyed creating new mixtures and tinctures for others. Once she became older Cosette decided she wanted to make the trip to Arx to see what it was like. She heard she had several cousins there, and would find a home with her extended family as she tried to make a name for herself as an apothecary.
  make a name for herself as an apothecary.)
• Conall Redrain  + (Born into a minor line of the Redrain fami …
  Born into a minor line of the Redrain family, Conall grew up just outside of Farhaven where the importance of preparing for war had been strongly impressed upon him. Eschewing drunken antics for strict discipline and drilling, he came to be known for his odd habits as much as the zeal with which he approached military life. When he was finally allowed to accompany patrols hunting for Shavs Conall was in his true element. The battle of Stormwall left him more detached and realistic towards the approaches one should take towards evil. Heavily injured in that conflict, he spent a long time in recovery before able to help aid in defending the North again. For reasons known only to himself, he recently left for Arx without a word to anyone in Farhaven beforehand.
  t a word to anyone in Farhaven beforehand.)
• Ximun Redreef  + (Born into an off-cast branch of the Redree …
  Born into an off-cast branch of the Redreef family, Ximun wasn't the type to follow politics. Instead, he was drawn to the tracking of animals and creatures. His parents did try to mould him into a proper noble, married him to a lady of Redrain - who unfortunately perished shortly after their first anniversary when she was wounded on a hunt that the two had gone on to celebrate. Breaking completely from his noble duties, Ximun took to the Thraxian navy as a hunter, a sailor, and eventually returned to land to continue his ways. It's rumored that his family still owns the contracts to many Thralls and is a holdout of the changes of reform that seem to be trying to take root when it comes to indentured servitude.
  oot when it comes to indentured servitude.)
• Zenix stonehart  + (Born into the Stonehart tribe Zenix entere …
  Born into the Stonehart tribe Zenix entered this world as an Abandoned. They were groomed to become the next shaman from a young age and this defined their youth. They spent their days studying the spirit realm and esoteric history and knowledge. Often this meant spending time with the then Shaman Mohaka. He was kind to Zenix but still strict in his tutorage. Zenix spent little time with the other children and thus missed out on many social lessons. As Zenix got older they spent less and less time with people and more and more time in the wilderness befriending animals, in particular a small bear cub. Zenix called them Big Paw to help encourage them to grow larger. Zenix would lose their innocence when one day they were held down and beaten by some of the other children. They spit on Zenix, said nasty and mean things and injured them badly, so bad as to leave several scars all over their body. Permanent reminders of the potential cruelty of humanity. Now very cynical about people but idealistic in the resolve to be different from them. Zenix left the tribe after their mother died. Zenix had had enough suffering in their life with the tribe. So they left and wandered with Big Paw (Who had indeed grown.) for a bit. One day Zenix happened upon a trapped hound. She released it only to discover it belonged to one Lady Arianna Stonewood. Arianna thanked Zenix and gave them a sweet treat. Intrigued by this wonderful foodstuffs Zenix asked to camp with Arianna and her guard for the night hoping to have more sweets come morning. Alas the sweets never came but Zenix did make a new friend of sorts. Zenix has travelled with Arianna and arrived at her estate where Zenix was offered a position as house mystic. Zenix is still considering, but has been promised sweets.
  considering, but has been promised sweets.)
• Lonnus Crown  + (Born into the church, he was dropped off a …
  Born into the church, he was dropped off at the doors as an infant. Though he began his training as a scholarly monk, he possessed the heart of a warrior. While protecting one of the other orphans from a village bully, he was shipped off to study with the more combat-oriented Templars. He quickly took to the spear, and still prefers it above all other weapons, despite his large size.
  all other weapons, despite his large size.)
• Abby Laurent  + (Born into the ducal line of House Laurent, …
  Born into the ducal line of House Laurent, Abby had been pegged as something of an 'odd duck' from her early childhood. With so many siblings ahead of her, the threat of inheritance was almost moot. Allowing her the luxury of living a comfortable life, albeit an uneventful one. She'd most commonly spent her time around the chapels, becoming a regular thorn in the side of Artshall's clergy. Bombarding them with questions or asking to assist in every little task well into her teenage life. It came as no surprise when she set on the path to be Godsworn the moment she'd come of age. It'd be a few years before she found a proper discipleship to settle into. With the addition of the Queen of Endings to the Pantheon and the creation of the Harlequins, Abby directed her passion toward reverence of the Goddess of Death. Her attitude made a very stark contrast to her macabre interests. Strangely, the skulls seemed to suit her. Bit more than the bees did, anyway.
  t her. Bit more than the bees did, anyway.)
• Savio Proscipi  + (Born into the exorbitantly rich, Saffron c …
  Born into the exorbitantly rich, Saffron commoner family of Pontelaeus, fortune has always been at Savio's service. However, where it inspired ambition in his brother Giorgio, it bred indolence in his younger brother. None of Savio's projects, aspirations, or ambitions ever seemed to succeed, and plagued by bad luck, he soon learned to stop trying. Why struggle? Why not just enjoy success? Though he had some martial skill and talent at entertaining, Savio did not share Giorgio's aptitude or interest in the cutthroat social dances and economic mastery that made Pontelaeus what it is. Eventually his bad luck and misfit nature created a series of bitter disagreements with his relatives, and Savio sought to distance himself from the family. He disappeared to other parts of the Saffron Chain, drifting from exotic location to exotic location, getting into and out of trouble, and living a wasteful life that did nothing useful for anyone. But the Pontelaeus family's patience with this wayward son was not infinite, and after almost a decade of tolerating Savio's indulgences and bankrolling his bad luck, they cut him off. Penniless, he was forced to travel to Arx, where he was expected to make himself useful to Giorgio and to the family. Time in Arx changed some things about Savio, but not all. He remains what most would describe as 'a character,' an eccentric figure who has cultivated a circle of friends and allies of similar uniqueness. He built a reputation as a bard, a skilled performer whose charm and wit could captivate an audience. He even fell in love. During the recent war against Skal'daja, Savio's beloved home city of Tremorus fell under siege. Losses were heavy, including most of his family as well as Ezmeralda, the ruling Marquessa. Her dying wish was that Savio and his brother be ennobled, and so he found himself a newly-minted lord, expected to conform to the standards of the Compact. The burden of neonobility weighs heavily on him following the devastation of the war, but for the sake of his people, it's one he's doing his best to bear.
  ple, it's one he's doing his best to bear.)