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

• Gawain Blanchard  + (Gawain never expected a knighthood. He nev …
  Gawain never expected a knighthood. He never expected to be Count'sVoice. He never expected to be in line for the Countship. He expected to run amok in the fields with the other younger sons, become a horse trainer, become a soldier, and live a quiet life, marry somebody, have kids, settle down, et cetera. What stood in his way, of course, is Gawain. He was just too awesome to be held back. He had a natural knack with the horses, a ready athleticism as a boy that had him winning most of the races, and then there was the whole deal where the main line seemed not to be producing any likely heirs, which just seemed to bring greatness trippingly into his path. His brother died in a Shav'arvani raid, and Gawain earned a knighthood rescuing other Wyrmguard vassals from a great fire -- which he ran inside a burning building to do, not because he wasn't afraid of fire but because somebody had to do it and by gods, he was the fastest, what was he going to do, let people die? Gawain was toying with a religious bent, as a lay devotee of Gloria, in his youth, but when his brother died, the young knight had to step up to the plate, taking on a role as heir presumptive to his uncle, Count Blanchard. If anything, the new attention only made him want to shine harder and brighter. His uncle is super boring and he's super awesome and hilarious. His real ambition may be to social climb with a glorious princess -- duchess? who knows, who cares -- but he also has hopes of proving himself in war, and maybe rounding out the trifecta by becoming ... no, he hasn't figured that out yet!
  ng ... no, he hasn't figured that out yet!)
• Gehenna Redreef  + (Gehenna hails from what could be called th …
  Gehenna hails from what could be called the 'very traditionalist' branch of the Redreef family tree. She embraced this identity from a young age, far moreso than either of her two siblings. When Baron Landis Redreef died, and his brother Tiberius's claim to the Barony was challenged by Landis's daughters, Ember and Marina, Gehenna was a young woman freshly arrived in Arx. She had excelled in what the Mourning Isles saw as 'women's work' -- administration and diplomacy. Through that talent and her family connections, she had secured a plum role as a diplomatic representative of Redreef Shores in Arx. She was quite certain that Tiberius would make short work of Landis's unruly daughters, that tradition would be upheld, and that things would all go back to normal very quickly. Gehenna was so certain of it, in fact, that she said as much to anyone who asked. The conflict between Tiberius and the daughters of Landis was a long, grueling one, and one that Tiberius eventually lost, after Ember slew his champion in a duel to the death. With Ember firmly established as Baroness, it was more than just an embarrassment to Gehenna -- it was the loss of her job. Gehenna was recalled to Redreef Shores, and since she had been so vocal in her support of Tiberius, she was effectively kicked back down to the bottom of the administrative ladder. As the years passed and Redreef steadily became one of the Mourning Isles' most progressive Houses, Gehenna was aghast. However, that displeasure with the new status quo only fueled her. She worked harder and pushed herself to be more clever than the rest, and climbed back up to the position she once held. Now, having returned to Arx after years away, she is once again a diplomat in the service of Redreef Shores. As she sets foot in the city again, the Mourning Isles is caught between tradition and progressivism, and Gehenna knows which side she'll try to tilt things toward.
  ich side she'll try to tilt things toward.)
• Gelassen Whisper  + (Gelassen came to the Whisper House after s …
  Gelassen came to the Whisper House after several years serving as something of an advisor and companion to a Baron in the Oathlands. He doesn't speak much about his family or past, always gently (and skillfully) turning the conversation back to those he speaks with. This, he says, is a skill he learned during his advisorship, helping the Baron deal with some of the more unruly elements of his demesne (and family).
  ruly elements of his demesne (and family).)
• Genevra Artiglio  + (Genevra Artiglio was born into the family …
  Genevra Artiglio was born into the family of Lenosia's loyal Hounds, meaning that any career she chose would likely be heavily influenced by the city's reigning House. Some might have chafed at that, but Genevra found herself to be quite happy learning to fight with the House Guard with her ultimate goal being to one day lead them as their Captain. She worked hard and mostly maintained discipline. There were a few scrapes here and there, mostly involving some of the involved pranks she would pull. Training and working left Genevra little time to start a family of her own, but she found satisfaction in doing her job well. By the time she was promoted to Captain in her late twenties, fewer people were poisoned in the palace under her watch than had been in generations! Genevra was considered quite success by anyone's terms and settled into a comfortable position in maintaining her charges and continuing to serve with diligence. Then, Archduchess Carlotta Velenosa was killed. Genevra remained in Lenosia to protect the family there. Then, Archduchess Esera Velenosa was killed. Still, Genevra remained where she was, believing that she could best serve the Velenosa by protecting their home. When Archduchess-Consort Deva Velenosa went missing, Genevra struggled to believe that she was more helpful in Lenosia instead of in Arx, where clearly the House Guard was failing in their one, most important task. After hearing more rumors of injury and death befalling members of the Velenosa family, Genevra requested a transfer to Arx to take over from the clearly incompetent House Guard Captain at the Velenosa Estate in the capital.
  ain at the Velenosa Estate in the capital.)
• Georgine Dubois  + (Georgine Dubois comes from a wealthy merch …
  Georgine Dubois comes from a wealthy merchant family in Sanctum, one that deals in the kinds of luxuries and trends that makes an apprenticeship with a jeweler just part of the family business. Even as a child, she always had her head in the clouds, spending hours just doodling pretty things like dresses and tiaras. It was not uncommon for the girl to be carried through the workshops by her father, and she grew into a creative and inspired designer of jewelry. After several years, she decided to leave Sanctum for the very first time. The news of the Cathedral's sad state after the Heretic, Georgine travelled to Arx with no thought but to lend her hands to the effort.
  ought but to lend her hands to the effort.)
• Gerald Wilkerson  + (Gerald Wilkerson has worked his entire lif …
  Gerald Wilkerson has worked his entire life in the business of business. Buying when buying is good, selling when selling is good. Losing it all. Regaining it. His life is tale of ups and downs as can happen with one over the years in a variety of fashions. Still, he takes it with equanimity, being the sort that is rather good at landing back on his feet. Most recently, he has landed in Arx -- not so much retired from business as accepting the fact that he simply doesn't have the desire or, frankly, the stamina to do the sort of running around he might have done in the past. Travel is just not so fun anymore.
  e past. Travel is just not so fun anymore.)
• Gerrick Bradshaw  + (Gerrick Bradshaw was born to Gabriella Bra …
  Gerrick Bradshaw was born to Gabriella Bradshaw of Okahaven, and an unknown man from... somewhere. Growing up without a father, Gerrick would watch the other children interacting with their dads and often come home to pester his mother with his hundred and one questions about his father. Gabriella was always patient and she would spin the most fantastic tales of the man, his deeds and adventures. There was no question she did not have an answer for and Gerrick took these tales to heart, believing in them so completely it fostered in him a nascent belief of the unrealistic and the ability to accept things some others might reject out of hand. As he grew older, instead of abandoning the stories of his youth, he set out to prove them all true. Knowing he would need a specific set of skills to accomplish this, he volunteered to join the Keaton Trackers. His inventive mind was an asset, and he often saw connections that others might have missed. He had a knack for stumbling into clues, and though his interpretation was often... unusual, it typically worked for him. His reputation as oddly effective gained him the attention of Margerie Keaton who had him transfered to her personal guard. She shared with him her belief of the Keaton Curse, and Gerrick's fertile mind dug into the story. He became her personal investigator, looking into stories of Keatons past, hunting down rumors and trying to prove (or disprove... but totally prove) the Keaton Curse was real. When his lady and the new young lord were making plans to relocate to Arx, there was no way the faithful Gerrick was going to let them out of his sight in the big bad city.
  them out of his sight in the big bad city.)
• Gertrude Grayhope  + (Gertie was born into a common family. She …
  Gertie was born into a common family. She was quite sickly and frail growing up, so she spent a lot of time at home, reading. All that time spent not feeling well seemingly sparked plenty of inspiration to become an Apothecary. Anyone meeting her for the first time probably won't hear her shut up about it, the girl clearly very passionate about her work, dreaming of one day making a big breakthrough.
  ming of one day making a big breakthrough.)
• Gesa none  + (Gesa's life, she has always said, was shap …
  Gesa's life, she has always said, was shaped by the bad habits of her ancestors. Somewhere down the line there was a drunkard gambler who managed to get him or herself enthralled. She doesn't know who, and as far as she knows her family always served House Kennex of Stormward. She was born a week before Lord Aethan Kennex, and her mother served as his wetnurse and then nursemaid. Because of this she was always close to the family, but also very separate. She may have played with them, but birth had destined her to a different path. It was a path she had no interest in walking because who wants to walk when one can laze about? Gesa knew she didn't want to toil her life away as a thrall, mostly because she hates toil, and she always envied her noble masters for the fine things they had. Her path became clear at seventeen when a traveling entertainer came to Stormward. There was her easy life, she decided. She would escape and become an entertainer. Escaping wasn't difficult. She stowed away on a merchant ship heading towards Setarco. No one missed her until it was too late. They assumed she was hiding to avoid work as was her habit. Stowing away wasn't so hard, either. Gesa is very good about lazing about, and did so about the cargo. She is also good at making friends and flirting. She secured a friendship with a young sailor and with a few suggestive comments she had no intention of following through with she managed to gain food and water for the duration of the trip. Setarco was rough at first, but it also provided her with a place to learn the skills she needed to be an entertainer. She learned to sing, dance, and tell stories. She also learned how to smile even when it's hard so she could get what she wants. And if you're sad? Well, there is plenty of things to do or take that can be distracting enough to put a smile on your face.
  acting enough to put a smile on your face.)
• Gesa Whisper  + (Gesa's life, she has always said, was shap …
  Gesa's life, she has always said, was shaped by the bad habits of her ancestors. Somewhere down the line there was a drunkard gambler who managed to get him or herself enthralled. She doesn't know who, and as far as she knows her family always served House Kennex of Stormward. She was born a week before Lord Aethan Kennex, and her mother served as his wetnurse and then nursemaid. Because of this she was always close to the family, but also very separate. She may have played with them, but birth had destined her to a different path. It was a path she had no interest in walking because who wants to walk when one can laze about? Gesa knew she didn't want to toil her life away as a thrall, mostly because she hates toil, and she always envied her noble masters for the fine things they had. Her path became clear at seventeen when a traveling entertainer came to Stormward. There was her easy life, she decided. She would escape and become an entertainer. Escaping wasn't difficult. She stowed away on a merchant ship heading towards Setarco. No one missed her until it was too late. They assumed she was hiding to avoid work as was her habit. Stowing away wasn't so hard, either. Gesa is very good about lazing about, and did so about the cargo. She is also good at making friends and flirting. She secured a friendship with a young sailor and with a few suggestive comments she had no intention of following through with she managed to gain food and water for the duration of the trip. Setarco was rough at first, but it also provided her with a place to learn the skills she needed to be an entertainer. She learned to sing, dance, and tell stories. She also learned how to smile even when it's hard so she could get what she wants. And if you're sad? Well, there is plenty of things to do or take that can be distracting enough to put a smile on your face.
  acting enough to put a smile on your face.)
• Gianna Whisper  + (Gianna doesn't speak much about where she' …
  Gianna doesn't speak much about where she's from. Refuses to, really. She sounds and looks Lycene, so that's probably a safe bet. If she has any brothers or sisters, she hasn't said. If her parents are still alive, she hasn't said. If she has any children, she hasn't said. While she arrived in Arx, she spent time playing songs and singing in various inns, taverns, and other public places where passersby might spare a little coin. Gianna quickly made a name for herself by becoming a Whisper and then founding the Bard's College, a social organization for singers, musicians, those hoping to better their musical skills, and supporters of such artists. Her rough edges (mostly) smoothed over, Gianna continues to strive for recognition and riches. Gianna has an eye for shiny things, and is unapologetic about her plans to obtain them.
  apologetic about her plans to obtain them.)
• Gianna Corvo  + (Gianna doesn't speak much about where she' …
  Gianna doesn't speak much about where she's from. Refuses to, really. She sounds and looks Lycene, so that's probably a safe bet. If she has any brothers or sisters, she hasn't said. If her parents are still alive, she hasn't said. If she has any children, she hasn't said. While she arrived in Arx, she spent time playing songs and singing in various inns, taverns, and other public places where passersby might spare a little coin. Gianna quickly made a name for herself by becoming a Whisper and then founding the Bard's College, a social organization for singers, musicians, those hoping to better their musical skills, and supporters of such artists. Her rough edges (mostly) smoothed over, Gianna continues to strive for recognition and riches. Gianna has an eye for shiny things, and is unapologetic about her plans to obtain them.
  apologetic about her plans to obtain them.)
• Gianna Delvecchio  + (Gianna doesn't speak much about where she' …
  Gianna doesn't speak much about where she's from. Refuses to, really. She sounds and looks Lycene, so that's probably a safe bet. If she has any brothers or sisters, she hasn't said. If her parents are still alive, she hasn't said. If she has any children, she hasn't said. While she arrived in Arx, she spent time playing songs and singing in various inns, taverns, and other public places where passersby might spare a little coin. Gianna quickly made a name for herself by becoming a Whisper and then founding the Bard's College, a social organization for singers, musicians, those hoping to better their musical skills, and supporters of such artists. Her rough edges (mostly) smoothed over, Gianna continues to strive for recognition and riches. Gianna has an eye for shiny things, and is unapologetic about her plans to obtain them.
  apologetic about her plans to obtain them.)
• Gideon Thrax  + (Gideon claims to be the bastard son of the …
  Gideon claims to be the bastard son of the last highlord of house Thrax, Prince Donrai Thrax, and a cousin of the current highlord. His father toyed with him, never formally legitimizing him or bothering to explain the reasons for his parentage (and sometimes said he was an adopted ward, casting doubt on his parentage), treating him with callous indifference. He was not often associated with the Thrax family, despite holding the name over his head. Prince Donrai, his possible father, never had him killed, but made it clear he had no interest in the child and that he had no place among trueborn children, supporting him in a minimal way to avoid the condemnation of his enemies among the Faith, and few wanted to associate with him for fear of being in disfavor with the highlord. Finding no place among the people, his journey into knighthood was a long and lonely one. He was persistent in his raising, knowing that, in his position, he had the entire world to prove wrong. On the battlefield he was a monster in his own right, furthering the path of the sword through experience, his destruction only limited by his sense of honor as he waited for each opponent to die before moving to the next. Garrisons and camps became the half-bloods home in the coming days. From an early life he raised his blade to other men, from one battlefield to the next. He adjusted little, having no rights as a young lord, and no experience as the common folk, though this was skin deep. The boy kept expectations low, he drank each night until he fell into slumber, and fought by day if there was a war to be fought. Once he was called to the table he excelled, be it a battle of brain or brawn the low expectations always helped him overcome the obstacles. He was often hateful, and discreet, but always came to be what he needed when times became serious. He had been away long now, returning home after what may have been a horrific event. The man had disappeared on the open battlefield, a crushing defeat rendering him useless with a stray arrow and numerous wounds, initially being presumed dead. Instead, months later the man came back to camp, scars lining nearly every inch of him, and his right eye missing. To this day he hasn't spoken of what had happened to him, a popular story among the men saying he had went off into the woods to find a worthy opponent and gotten into it with a bear. When he came back, in the one battle afterwards he'd fought like a beast, beyond what he had before, his sense of honor slightly diminished. A trail of near fatal wounds were left as he'd carried through, and realizing what had happened he left the advancing army. Knowing that standings within his family had changed and may allow him to return, as well as the cities siege. Be it a sense of duty, or the internal need to assert himself as one of the family, he rode home to find his place.
  he family, he rode home to find his place.)
• Gilbert Unnknown  + (Gilbert has not lead an easy life, only re …
  Gilbert has not lead an easy life, only recalling his mother's touch in his deepest of dreams, the lyceum beauty having passed due to illness when the boy was but four. How this single mother and her child ended up in a sleepy village just inside the oathlands would never be known to the child with the miller and his wife who raised him only referring to his mother as 'that woman'. It was a discontent for his lot in life that lead this youth to rebel and start down a wayward path that would ultimately see him running off and joining up with a group of bandits who preyed on the country roads in his late teens. It was this newfound occupation that he truly excelled in, taking to the spear and banditry like a fish takes to waters and eventually usurping control of the little band by his early twenties. However it was at age twenty five when fortune truly shined on the man when it seemed as if she had totally turned her back. When it looked as if his band had been encircled by Duke Cristoph Laurent's men, the band of knights themselves were in turn ambushed by a war party of shav who sought to wipe out both groups in one fell sweep. Faced by this greater enemy, bandit and knight turned aside their differences and fought back against the greater force side by side, with Gilbert even managing to save Duke Laurent by fighting to drag him to safety after the man had decided he best play pin cushion for shav arrows. With this act Gilbert after a little negotiation managed to find his way into the Duke's men at arms and now had a comfy existence and a meal ticket on the opposite side of the law he'd been running from for years.
  the law he'd been running from for years.)
• Gildaren Laurent  + (Gildaren grew up on an apiary on the north …
  Gildaren grew up on an apiary on the north side of Artshall, the third of seven children. His mother and father were struggling beekepers producing honey for one of the largest meaderies in all of Arvum. His childhood was shaped by long days of hard work harvesting honey, tending to the hives, and enjoying the occasional sticks of honey. His mother died during the birth of his 6th sibling, and much of his formative years were shaped by the influences of his father. Beekeeping in Artshall was cutthroat and rife with favoritism and politics, and Gildaren's father never held much favor with the heads of the meadery, perhaps because he refused to pay the bribes they demanded. As a teenager spending time at the Haven of the Honey Bee, Gildaren found the Faith that would lead him on his life's path.
  th that would lead him on his life's path.)
• Massimiliano Buccheri  + (Giovanni Buccheri never had much time for …
  Giovanni Buccheri never had much time for his only son. He was a hard-working man who did his best to make end's meet on whatever coin a barber could pull in. It was always just enough and never more. Massimiliano's tale was a motherless one at that, so as a child he was largely left to see to himself on the streets of Tor and it was a relationship he grew comfortable with. Unlike some children left to that life he never found himself in much trouble, or if he did it was so unexceptional as to leave little behind him in the way of a reputation. Rather, Massi fell into good hands when he could have been taken in by much worse influences. Early on, in order to afford the things he wanted instead of just the things he needed, the southerner earned a place for himself as a sculptor's apprentice. It was a job that mostly had him hauling materials and running errands and largely wasted his cunning, but it also instilled in him like a seed some deep love for shaping things with his hands - not just the act of it but the whole culture surrounding it - the excitement of someone coming in to gush over a part of their imagination given life or the ways in which daily it would allow him to brush up against various other artisans. It was rare the sunrise that wasn't followed by a much younger Massi being held in awe by the beauty of one work or another whether they were glass blown into the likeness of Tor's famous roses or iridescite being cleverly inlaid into the carved wooden doors of a newly-founded shrine. Tor, very few could argue against, was a city of remarkable beauty playing against the backdrop of the young Buccheri's unremarkable upbringing. In time and with a very rudimentary skillset, Massi absconded from beneath his teacher's wings. He dabbled in other arts, but it was ever and always sculpting where he truly found his comfort and inspiration both. Eventually, with age and experience, people began to look at his creations with the same wide-eyed wonder he remembered feeling while gazing upon those works of his one-time teacher and fellow artisans. The rest has been history, but it's the quiet history of an unassuming man who runs a modest trade in making real the imaginations of those who come to him.
  the imaginations of those who come to him.)
• Miella Corsetina  + (Girl. That was the name that Miella Corse …
  Girl. That was the name that Miella Corsetina went by for sixteen years of her life. There were a few variations to that, but most of the time the title was accompanied with slaps and even kicks to make sure she knew who someone was talking to. Growing up in Arx as an orphan can lead you down various paths. Chance is a wonderful thing. There are various families that you can be absorbed into if you are seeking protection or work. There are odd jobs that some people might trust you with, such as running messages or cleaning. Miella had the chance encounter with a courtesan named Mirari Corsetina in the market one day, and the dark haired Lycene woman took in Miella and gave her a name, family, job and training. Miella might remember where she had come from, and she might know who her old family was, but she'll never say now. She's a Corsetina, for better or for worse.
  he's a Corsetina, for better or for worse.)
• Giselle Caron  + (Giselle's father was a soldier, gone more …
  Giselle's father was a soldier, gone more often than he was home, and though it broke her mother's heart, it was no real surprise that he died when she was eight, leaving her with the memory of strength and gentleness, battle-field stories, and random snippets of advice. Raised by her mother who was a herbalist and avid gardener, Giselle learned the many uses of plants, especially the curative and culinary aspects. However, the lass was drawn far more to the scent and color, the artistic flair that plants can bring to dyes, perfumes, and decor. She apprenticed to an apothecary, learning the skills that she fancied most, as well as the more practical ones necessary to earning a living. Thanks to recent events, she's made her way into the city, to see if she can't learn a little more and refine her skills, making a name for herself in the meantime.
  making a name for herself in the meantime.)
• Glister Vindrel  + (Glister Vindrel was born in a farming comm …
  Glister Vindrel was born in a farming community to loving parents. Gliter's parents were known to be hard and studious workers but also had a love of learning that they instilled in Glister as a child. Glister's favorite thing to do is absorb knowledge. Growing up in a farm community however required hardwork daily to survive. Glister learned to love working with his hands and is blessed to be in good shape form his labors. Glister's parents passed away and almost immediate Glister set out seeking something more.
  te Glister set out seeking something more.)
• Godric Stewart  + (Godric was born the third son of a third s …
  Godric was born the third son of a third son, out in the back of beyond. His parents worked the land for their liege lord, poor but loving, and everyone around the settlement -- in the depths of the woods around Pridehall -- was more or less part of the same sprawling extended family. He was a hard worker, cleverer with his fingers than some of his brothers and sharper with his mind than most, but an odd, quiet boy who didn't really have much use for speaking when he could be dreaming, wondering, or attaching himself to stories of greater things. He learned herbcraft from an old man who lived near the edge of the woods, and when the Father Mercy of Pridehall sent his Mercies to circuit the land with the Knights of Solace for guides, he attached himself to the feet of their robes every year, and learned what he could. When he was old enough to apprentice, he earned permission to tag along, and followed in their train for awhile, but he was disgruntled by the mellow patience of those he traveled with, and demanded reasons for everything, until finally he went his separate ways with the Mercies and attached himself as apprentice instead to a traveling bonesaw named Kiton, Crownsworn, who wandered doing doctoring for pay along the roads and paths, and grew a reputation as particularly creepy for haunting graveyards after funerals and digging up the dead to study their rotting bones. There are doctors who are educated at fancy physicians' colleges, but Godric learned first from the gentle healers and then from the vicious, wandering the world with bright, fascinated eyes and learning what he could, where he could, with the appetite of a young man who wanted to know everything. He knew that Kiton was involved in some darker practices and while he didn't like it, he found he could ignore it in pursuit of his studies of anatomy, the inner workings of blood and bone, the mixtures and tinctures and practices he learned. Many young men have sins, but Godric's worst and defining one was curiosity. He never asked what Kiton did with some of those bodies, though, until one day the Inquisition came. At the end of that night, Kiton had lost an eye to the tender mercies of the House of Questions, and was Shreve Tyde's loyal man for life, as long as that was. Kiton and Godric both worked for the Inquisition after that, and if Kiton ever dug up a dead body again, he definitely never did it where Godric could see him. One night, after patching up a young woman after a particularly brutal round of questioning from several confessors, an Inquisitor of a rather different mindset caught him on his knees, vomiting, on the grounds behind the House of Questions, trying to hide his dismay. No matter how hard he tried to mask and bluff with some of the others, Laric knew him after that for what he was -- a human being with human compassion -- and when the Grayson Prince became High Inquisitor, Godric found that he no longer had to mask and bluff quite so hard. Kiton died with several other Shreve loyalists when the new Master of Questions took over the Inquisition and began cleaning house. That was when Godric found himself promoted to Inquisitor, without fear of the blood on his hands getting there in quite so hideous a way as before.
  there in quite so hideous a way as before.)
• Graziella Pravus  + (Graziella was born in the most extensive b …
  Graziella was born in the most extensive branch of the Pravus family, being the youngest daughter of Tiberio and Aurora Pravus. With years separating her from her other siblings, Grazi's interests laid elsewhere than battle and adventure: hers was a desire for intellectual pursuit, and her acute curiosity was always her defining trait, something that made Grazi Lady Aurora's unofficial favorite child. She was sweet and comely, always smiling, but the twinkle in her eyes was her mother's pride. The Argento matriarch taught Graziella courtly grace and political shrewdness, raising Graziella to be the closest thing to Aurora herself, the power behind any throne and the secret protector of her ever more reckless siblings in Gabriella and Lucrezia. While Graziella learned she always did so out of respect for her mother and a sense of duty to her family, her love for Gabriella and Lucrezia trumping her desire to control anything behind the scenes. Truth be told, the girl just adored to spend her days thinking of fabulous stories and dreaming of times when things such as demons, dragons, powerful queens and elven lords were possible. Unfortunately, when House Argento and its agents struck, the whimsical Pravus was ill-prepared to protect herself, and in the same night her father Tiberio and her uncle, Duke Piero, were murdered, Graziella vanished without a trace. For years, she remained at large, most assuming she was yet another casuality of that coup until, recently, she returned to her family. No scars, no stories, but different, somehow. Her return was unheralded but it was greatly celebrated in Setarco, but in Graziella's eyes there was too much amiss. Her mother was lost in the heart of Setarco, her sister Gabriella juggled responsibilities in Arx and the command of the Swords of the Evening and Lucrezia was half-mad and leading the Black Fleet of Pravus. The world she knew was dead, and in its place there was a broken mirror that Graziella would have to relearn in the following years. Without any fuss the young woman positioned herself by her sisters' side, the less questions asked about her the better, as she reintegrates with a family that thought they had lost her and rediscovers her place among them.
  her and rediscovers her place among them.)
• Greer Thornburn  + (Greer Thornburn has always lived in the ci …
  Greer Thornburn has always lived in the city of Arx. His father worked the forge and his mother was a lower boroughs girl who caught the eye of a man with a job and prospects. The third of four children, Greer was a firebrand in his youth. His youth was one of resistance against his father's rules and desires, rebellion a way of life. That stopped when his mother died on his thirteenth birthday. When he settled down, he became his father's apprentice and learned how to hammer metal and shape it into the armor that protected the armies of the Compact. At first it wasn't a calling but over time the heat from the fires and the pounding of the metal became a part of him. Greer married young, a nice girl from a good family, and they had seven children. He's seen many things in his years but the rapid changes of the recent months - elves and bringers and blood magic - have left him feeling old. So he has recently retired, leaving the work over to his daughter Eithne. He feels he's earned it but a hammer still fits perfectly in his hand and the forge fires still burn inside him.
  and the forge fires still burn inside him.)
• Gregori Volkov  + (Gregori was born the one of the many child …
  Gregori was born the one of the many children of Ruslan's uncle. Odrev Volkov, the younger brother, and his wife Shaina Volkov to be exact, and happened to be right smack in the middle. Perhaps that is what made him so shy and prefer to sneak away to the libraries in the towns when he could and delve into the stacks. He was not really one to want to play outside or train with his other family members. Often he and Aahana would sneak away together. She was quite good at it and helped him out with that as well. As he grew older he decided he wanted to be a scholar and focuses his efforts there immensely. And now that Aahana's eldest brother Ruslan bended a knee to the Fidante ducal, he has come to join her in Arx and help her however she may need, as well as focusing upon further his studies and support to the Scholars and also learn how to become a teacher of what he does know.
  to become a teacher of what he does know.)
• Gregory Grayfallow  + (Gregory is the only living decedent of his …
  Gregory is the only living decedent of his branch of the Grayfallow family, being the son of Henry Grayfallow, half-brother to Emmanuel Grayfallow on their fathers side. The brothers lived seperate lives, and the families never reunited. As a child Gregory was taught to work on the farm with his father. Nobody in the village was prosperous, but the hard years were few and far between. Had life continued in this way, Gregory would likely have never visited Arx, growing up and in the course of time taking his fathers place. Then came the accident that changed the course of his life. When he was twelve he was thrown from a horse as he led it back into the stables on a stormy night. The horse was spooked and threw him. He spent many weeks recovering, and while his general health has not suffered, his back has, and can no longer bear the weight it once did. Of course, this made him fairly useless as a farmer, where long days of, no pun intended, back breaking labour are expected and endured. The Sereph of the village, a kindly woman by the name of Kayleigh, decided to take him on as an assistant and see what could be made of him. His intellect and determination stood him in good stead for this, and he learned quickly the ways of the Pantheon, beyond what every commoner knows. As time went on and Kayleigh fell into poor health, he took on the position of Sereph in the village, finding the position much to his liking, both in terms of the respect it was shown and giving comfort to the women in the village while their men were away. Gregory did however help the village as he could, leading them through troubled years, assisting where he could and keeping spirits strong with faith. So why is he in Arx? After the Triad of the Lost was found, he finds himself in need of training. He does not know what he should regarding them, and so has relinquished his position in order to head to the City and be taught what he lacks in order to serve the Pantheon better.
  cks in order to serve the Pantheon better.)

• Gretchen Moore  + (Gretchen renown in the country for her tra …
  Gretchen renown in the country for her travelling show of "CURES FOR ALL THAT AILS YOU" especially her 'Spirits to Lift your Spirits' (which is essentially moonshine). While she is a 'Working' Moore and many of her poverty riddled family members look down on that, they wouldn't say so to her face given Gretchen is probably the most financially stable and independent members of the family. Sick of travelling, and hearing of the 'success' of her cousins in Arx, Gretchen's invited herself along to the city to stay with them and maybe open a 'barber' shop to tend to all that ails the heavy purses of Arx.
  to all that ails the heavy purses of Arx.)
• Lewis arterius  + (Grew up in middle-class suburbs of Arx, a …
  Grew up in middle-class suburbs of Arx, a child of merchants, but a sickly disposition in childhood confined him to his home for much of his youth. He gained escape through books and tales of distant lands. As he neared adulthood, his strength grew, and soon he was well enough to leave home and travel on his own. He ascribes this recovery to the gods, and in order to thank them for this miracle, he has vowed to travel the land and give praise to the pantheon.
  the land and give praise to the pantheon.)
• Harald Grimhall  + (Grimhall breeds grim men, none moreso than …
  Grimhall breeds grim men, none moreso than Harald. He took to sea young, took up the sword young, and won his first glories early. His cousins and brothers no doubt harbored fears that he would seek to usurp rule of Grihem's Point, though to all of their great reliefs, he showed no interest in seizing rule, for there was joy in his life, as well: Harald also married young, being wholly smitten with the daughter of a minor vassal. There was no advantage to the marriage, no significant dowry to be had. It was encouraged by the Grimhalls only because it would prevent Harald making a more dangerous match. Yet while he would continue to do his duties aboard the ships of his family's fleet, and while he was always swift to fly to the defense of his family's interests, much of his ambition for personal advancement faded with the first cries of his children. And they had many children. While his cousin Eugine fancied himself a genius of war, and while Dmitry was the honorable and politic leader, Harald's skills always lay with the sea with the steel, and with the men who traded in both. When Tyde rebelled against Donrai, he had led the Grimhall ships north with Thrax to smash the Tyde fleet, and open the shores to the conquering Thrax armies, and Harald had reveled in the grandeur of the struggle. Yet afterward, he had been equally content to return home, as he always did after death was paid, and glories won and lost. For long years it remained so; then the chaos began in Arx. First the death of Queen Genevieve and months later Eugine was lost at sea. Harald went to Arx and was appointed Voice to impose order on the household as the chaos continued. Abruptly, perhaps proving the long forgotten fears, Harald named his famously honorable cousin Dmitry a traitor, was elevated as Duke himself, and promptly thereafter slew his kinsman in a duel. Ever since, the Grim Duke has remained a staunch voice of tradition against sudden change and mainland influence.
  inst sudden change and mainland influence.)
• Grindol Unknown  + (Grindol isn't sure where he is from or rea …
  Grindol isn't sure where he is from or really how old he is even. The furthest back he can remember is washing up on a beach near Brighthold, the first thing he saw upon awakening was the great lighthouse and it's shining beacon. Since then he has wandered the world wherever the winds and his feet would take him.
  ver the winds and his feet would take him.)
• Azolla Nightgold  + (Growing up Azolla was a sickly child. This …
  Growing up Azolla was a sickly child. This meant she was kept inside alot. She spent her time drawing, painting, playing music and singing when she was feeling well enough. Her family worried and doted over her till she finally was strong enough to overcome her illness. She now is ready to fulfill her duties to her family.
  ready to fulfill her duties to her family.)
• Aelgar Navegant  + (Growing up a noble son in Escuma, Aelgar w …
  Growing up a noble son in Escuma, Aelgar was lucky to have House tutors and a physically active rural lifestyle in a relatively invasion-free location. He survived childhood uninjured and healthy in the unremarkably active way of country children. Of note, though, is that his curiosity was often commented by adults and his interest in learning occasionally drew ridicule from his peers. He eventually came to the attention of the Disciples of Vellichor, or, perhaps they came to his attention, so precocious was he. As the years passed, he became a student and then an acolyte and, finally, a priest. Along the way, his curiousity and cultural tradition also pushed him to explore the island, wrestle with his peers, learn horses and dogs, and otherwise soak up the normal learning for a boy of his station. As a priest, he carried on the tradition and taught children himself, and then adults, mostly about thinking clearly and critically on topics like medicine and ruling. Over time, the scholarly thinker received some acceptance as a man with a good head on his shoulders and even became respected by some for his contributions. Eventually, though, he became restless with the offerings of his island home. He decided to travel to Arx with a letter of introduction to the church and another for distant relatives living there.
  nother for distant relatives living there.)
• Rainier Ashford  + (Growing up all Rainier Ashford ever wanted …
  Growing up all Rainier Ashford ever wanted was to become a soldier; his father, Benedict saw it in him, and noticed the boy had the early signs of athleticism and single-mindedness to perhaps be a good one at it so he encouraged the notion. Many of his young years were spent with a wooden blade in hand swinging at trees imagining battle-borne glory and honor untold. Benedict was no wealthy man but he cared for his family a great deal, so what coin he had to spare went to hiring mercenaries to teach his son first the rudimentary and then increasingly advanced lessons - trees don't fight back, he reasoned, and his loss would have been greater than any sum of money. One of those tutors, a strange, wiry looking fellow few would have picked as a sword instructor was a great influence in the teenager's life, combining blade forms with words of poetry and introspection, a binding of the philosophical and the martial; if life is to be taken, he reasoned, must we not examine why? Rainier joined the army when he came of age and he was both advanced and disciplined enough to advance up the ranks; he made a name of himself and was chosen to be one of the elite who took up arms in the King's Own, where he had long dreamt of belonging - but also where he first started losing track of why, exactly, he was there to begin with. The spilling of blood never came easily to the young man but raids and duty both made demands of him, sometimes against his judgment or conscience; but soldiers obey, and he rode where he was told to ride. It wasn't long though before his life was bound to change again. King Alaric Grayson IV was pretty young, though not particularly trained as a soldier, he wanted to join Grayson forces doing sweeps against raiding shavs at the reaches of Crownlands territory, even though the King's Own was a little horrified at him being placed in danger. During that time Rainier, as a senior member at that point, saw action after action in fights against Abandoned forces that weren't merely barbarians with the lust of battle in their eyes but really just tribes that often were merely territorial. Many unnecessary battles were fought and the sheer waste of combat that just more careful negotiations could have taken care of. Perhaps the needless bloodshed was too much for Rainier whose father's influence combined with the man's own achievements were enough for the rare event of someone taking a leave of absence from the elite band, putting their banners aside in order to return once more to a family he had left behind. He rejoined House Ashford for a time, then just as he seemed to be settling back into civilian life he suddenly vanished, reportedly without given an explanation to his own kin. When he returned, months later, the only explanation he provided was 'being north' for that period. Whatever happened in the interim must have had some kind of impact on the man, however, since he immediately reached out to the Hundred and rejoined the King's Own as a Knight once more.
  ined the King's Own as a Knight once more.)
• Edris Elwood  + (Growing up as a second child of a third ch …
  Growing up as a second child of a third child in a small county of the North, Edris had duties to keep him busy, but his personal aspirations were largely his own, without the weight of impending rule. As a result, he was able to largely focus his education and activities on that which he was most inclined. An avid outdoorsman and capable leader, he seemed to have the workings of an excellent ranger; though when his father died when Edris was in his late teens, his focus naturally fell to stepping into a more traditional path that he felt would honor him--he was knighted in his late adolescence and then served capably within the patrols and defenses as well as military campaigns both in and out of the Northlands; and when left to his own devices, spent many days or weeks wandering, hunting, and bringing back trinkets and treasures to his sister, cousins, and lady mother as he always had, a way to use solitude and communion with the mountains and wilds to heal some of the echoes of un-unseeable things of war, as well as a way to keep tabs on the local shav'arvani, with his trusted companions. About 5 years ago his mother and Lord Acorn Hill negotiated a marriage contract for his sister Elin to marry Lord Rylan Moore, it was Edris that was chosen to accompany her south, first to visit his father's family, the Keatons, while Elin and Rylan courted. He fit in well with his sister's soon to be family; there were new wild places to explore, after all. New bands of shavs and prodigals to learn about. A beloved sister to see happily settled. Keaton cousins to become reacquainted with. And increasingly, a camaraderie amongst the Acorn Hill Moores as well. He was invited to stay longer, all the better to cement the new bond between houses, both due to his parents' marriage and the new one with the Moores. After six months, news of his mother's sudden illness had him making his way home, when word reached him on his travels of the slaughter at Acorn Hill. Nearly mad with worry, he rushed back, only to find that she and her new husband and many of those he'd enjoyed getting to know slain. His deep and near-destructive grief was only compounded when he learned that his mother had also died of her illness soon after he received word of it at all; but rather than drown his sorrows in drink or other vices, he threw himself completely into helping to lead what remained of the scattered and decimated forces, aiding in the rebuilding efforts of the remaining family, hunting down of likely perpetrators or shavs trying to take advantage of the weakness. It was grueling, uphill work, but those underneath him thrived under his leadership, and both houses continued to benefit from a bond. It might have been cemented by another marriage, his own, to one of the surviving Moores. But plans for that died the night the rest of the surviving family was butchered while he was away ranging, hunting down the location of another group of shavs who had been a thorn in the side of one of the villages. Deep in yet another round of grief, and needing to work though what surely must have felt like yet another failure, he immersed himself in yet more work. He had built a strong relationship with many of the commoners there, especially the youngest survivors of the initial massacre at Acorn Hill over the years. He continued to range and considered renouncing his title and joining the faith. But the kinship he now felt in this land not of his birth stayed his hand as he wrestled with what to do. The answer came not from his prayers, or the quiet and calm of the forest but from a missive waiting for him at the inn he'd taken up residence at. It did not come with an offered hand of a wife, but he was given the opportunity to keep fulfilling the promises between houses first made those four years ago, and join the new Barony of Elwood. He had been serving the people there out of grief and honor--now he would be able to honor the names of his sister and friends that spilled their blood on these lands by being claimed as one of their own, Lord Edris Elwood, Sword of Arden.
  ir own, Lord Edris Elwood, Sword of Arden.)
• Enyo Malvici  + (Growing up as a single child inbetween two …
  Growing up as a single child inbetween two sets of twins was not ideal, especially considering that both her parents were dead in two different kinds of tragedies, leaving her older siblings and the rest of the family to pick up the slack. Growing up she had moments of not feeling like she belonged, that somehow she was the oddity in the family, but instead of letting that turn her bitter and angry, it made her work harder to fit in. For years she did her very best to be just like her siblings, her cousins, aunts and uncles, everyone that she could she would go out of her way to emulate her family. She learned to fight, she sharpened her mind and her body. As she grew older, however, she realized that being like everyone else (as she saw it in her head) wasn't going to make her fit in any more with the family. She was never not part of it, afterall, it was just her childhood impression of things. So she began to decide on who she was, who she wanted herself to be. There were plenty of aspects of people she had emulated that she loved, such as being active, reading, and getting into as much mischief as she could. But she had to do it her own way, to be true to who she was herself. Due to this, after fulfilling her duties to the family in service to the military she decided that she wanted to see the rest of the Lyceum, then after that she decided she wanted to see the rest of the islands that she could reach, then the mainland. Every time she went somewhere new, there was just one more new place to go after that. Eventually, though, she realized that she needed to come back home to the family and do more than just wandering around on her own.
  ore than just wandering around on her own.)
• Enyo Gilden  + (Growing up as a single child inbetween two …
  Growing up as a single child inbetween two sets of twins was not ideal, especially considering that both her parents were dead in two different kinds of tragedies, leaving her older siblings and the rest of the family to pick up the slack. Growing up she had moments of not feeling like she belonged, that somehow she was the oddity in the family, but instead of letting that turn her bitter and angry, it made her work harder to fit in. For years she did her very best to be just like her siblings, her cousins, aunts and uncles, everyone that she could she would go out of her way to emulate her family. She learned to fight, she sharpened her mind and her body. As she grew older, however, she realized that being like everyone else (as she saw it in her head) wasn't going to make her fit in any more with the family. She was never not part of it, afterall, it was just her childhood impression of things. So she began to decide on who she was, who she wanted herself to be. There were plenty of aspects of people she had emulated that she loved, such as being active, reading, and getting into as much mischief as she could. But she had to do it her own way, to be true to who she was herself. Due to this, after fulfilling her duties to the family in service to the military she decided that she wanted to see the rest of the Lyceum, then after that she decided she wanted to see the rest of the islands that she could reach, then the mainland. Every time she went somewhere new, there was just one more new place to go after that. Eventually, though, she realized that she needed to come back home to the family and do more than just wandering around on her own.
  ore than just wandering around on her own.)
• Enyo De Lire  + (Growing up as a single child inbetween two …
  Growing up as a single child inbetween two sets of twins was not ideal, especially considering that both her parents were dead in two different kinds of tragedies, leaving her older siblings and the rest of the family to pick up the slack. Growing up she had moments of not feeling like she belonged, that somehow she was the oddity in the family, but instead of letting that turn her bitter and angry, it made her work harder to fit in. For years she did her very best to be just like her siblings, her cousins, aunts and uncles, everyone that she could she would go out of her way to emulate her family. She learned to fight, she sharpened her mind and her body. As she grew older, however, she realized that being like everyone else (as she saw it in her head) wasn't going to make her fit in any more with the family. She was never not part of it, afterall, it was just her childhood impression of things. So she began to decide on who she was, who she wanted herself to be. There were plenty of aspects of people she had emulated that she loved, such as being active, reading, and getting into as much mischief as she could. But she had to do it her own way, to be true to who she was herself. Due to this, after fulfilling her duties to the family in service to the military she decided that she wanted to see the rest of the Lyceum, then after that she decided she wanted to see the rest of the islands that she could reach, then the mainland. Every time she went somewhere new, there was just one more new place to go after that. Eventually, though, she realized that she needed to come back home to the family and do more than just wandering around on her own.
  ore than just wandering around on her own.)
• Rosalind Ravenseye  + (Growing up as an Abandon was perhaps not a …
  Growing up as an Abandon was perhaps not always the easiest, the compact not exactly smiling down upon you, along with the fact that you have several other tribes to contend with. And while of course that had an affect on Rosalind's childhood and early adult life, she in some ways was blessed. Perhaps not in life events but in family, and loved ones. Growing up surrounded by family, who were more then happy to let Rosalind be herself. Exploring the world around her in various ways. Eager to learn what she could about anything and everything, always wondering why and how, and the first to try to figure it out. At an early age Rosalind would follow her older sister, Aella around, often imitating her, wanting to be just like her big sister. Who was in many ways like another mother, and in fact she was when their mother Sorcha died, well Rosalind's real mother and Aella's second mother. Rosalind grew up exploring more and more, often by herself. At some point that exploring started to involve a bow and her spending more time in the wild. She tends to love the freedom that comes with being around her family, being in the wild or even being on the water. From the time she was born she has had a best friend and partner in crime, her twin brother. They have always been able to have conversations without saying a word or sometimes with a language that they created. Also being the less reserved of the two she often talked her brother into many different things from exploration to things that got them into so much trouble when they were younger. Two other people who have made a huge impact upon Rosalind are Branwen and Kaede. Branwen is the one that showed her how to navigate the wilderness, giving her the necessary tools needed to always be aware of her surroundings, this gift also spilling over into everyday life. Kaede gifted Rosalind with the love of sailing. And now that their family has bent the knee and been ennobled by the compact, she has chosen to accompany her older sister and the rest of the Ravenseyes that have decided to move to Arx to help with their families new allies, and those they owe fealty to.
  new allies, and those they owe fealty to.)
• Fawkes Laurent  + (Growing up as the oldest son there was a l …
  Growing up as the oldest son there was a lot that was expected of him. Having grown up in the Laurent holdings of Artshall, Fawkes, like the rest of his family, took part in the business of breeding and selling horses. A family business which his own Father and Grandfather had started. Fawkes would argue that he knew how to ride long before he knew how to walk, and might actually feel more comfortable on the back of a horse than on his own two feet in some situations. His father joined the military, while Fawkes was still young, giving the boy something more than horse breeding to fill his dreams with. Dreams of combat, fighting, sword play, and all those other adventurous, romantic notions that a child might have of what it means being an Oathlander, being a knight, being a soldier. His father eventually died in battle, leaving to to fall upon his shoulders to step up and be the man of the family. Upon hearing of his father's death, Timothy Laurent, whom only ever came to his father when his steed needed care beyond that of what his stable hands were capable of, took pity on the family and offered Fawkes the chance to become his squire, giving the family another source of income and greater social backing should they have need of it. While still alive his father would often return home from war and encourage Fawkes' dreams of joining the cavalry and becoming a knight; taking a hand in teaching him to wield a weapon, or to behave in the way many felt appropriate for a knight, or future knight. Upon being given that offer by Timothy, Fawkes at first tried turning it down, saying he needed to stay and help out his family, but it was his mother who nudged the young man into accepting and being able to actually chase after his dream. His time with Timothy was spent training to be part of the Laurent cavalry, and learning the ways of being a knight. Another war broke out in the region during this time, forcing Fawkes to join in the fighting alongside Timothy. Fortunately the campaign was short lived and successful, after which, Timothy having been impressed by Fawke's deeds worked to finish his training and further the process of getting him knighted.
  rther the process of getting him knighted.)
• Javarn Evrith  + (Growing up for most of his life as the son …
  Growing up for most of his life as the son of a blacksmith, Javarn has always had dreams of grandure, and of living a life of adventure much to the dismay of his father. Still, Javarn secretly learned at an earlier age than normal how to read, and spent most of his youth neglecting his duties to his family, instead preferring to layabout with a good story, or out wandering the woods looking for adventure. His dreams were seen to fruition when the then Marquessa of Leary commissioned his father for a project of a blade. As the Marquessa retrieved the completed work for her sword, she witnessed something special in the boy, and conscripted him into her service as her squire. With his life turned around, Javarn had been given the opportunity to train and learn under the guidance of the Marquessa's tutors, preparing him for battle and teaching him proper leadership tactics. In a sick twist of fate, newly Knighted Sir Javarn Evrith helped to lead the charge, along side Marquessa Hianara in a brutal battle against raiding Shav'Arvani tribes. The battle was bloody, and the results were his witnessing the death of that very same Marquessa, and leaving Sir Javarn as one of the few survivors.
  ng Sir Javarn as one of the few survivors.)
• Braden Laurent  + (Growing up in Artshall and being so close …
  Growing up in Artshall and being so close to the boarder of the Lyceum, Braden took to the sword early. Not being in line for any kind of leadership rolls allowed him to concentrate more on his martial training than anything else. When he was younger, his sword teacher was called to take care of an issue outside of the walls of Artshall. That teacher did not make it back alive, and this was a man that the young Lord greatly respected. It was at that point in time Braden decided to make it his duty to keep everyone he could alive. Having decided that he had learned all he could from the people in Artshall, Braden left and made his way to Arx, where he figured either he will get better, or he is good enough and will continue his goal in keeping people safe. Only time will tell.
  keeping people safe. Only time will tell.)
• Noah Grayson  + (Growing up in Bastion, Noah was always hel …
  Growing up in Bastion, Noah was always held in high regard. He is a Grayson. He comes from money. He comes from breeding. He comes from a name. If he wanted it, he got it. If he wanted a certain type of clothing, he got the best. If he wanted the man or woman of the moment? He found a way to turn their head. Nothing has ever been denied to him and it shows in how he acts. Noah got in a bit of trouble in Bastion. It involved a noblewoman and some bad decisions. He decided he wanted the woman. The woman decided she wanted him. The only problem was that she was already courting his best friend. A small fight broke out and everyone thought it best that Noah go to Arx for a bit of time. Maybe it would give him the actual time to grow up and see there is more to the world than what it offers him.
  more to the world than what it offers him.)
• Noah Velenosa  + (Growing up in Bastion, Noah was always hel …
  Growing up in Bastion, Noah was always held in high regard. He was a Prince of Grayson. If he wanted it growing up, he got it. First born son to his parents. There was nothing he could not get out of if he wanted out of it. He was charming as a child and then spoiled as a teenager and into adulthood. If he wanted an outfit, he got the best. If he wanted attention, he got it anyway needed. He left a trail of broken hearts without once looking backwards or being apologetic about it. Noah got sent from Bastion to Arx after a bad decision. A young noblewoman caught his interest. He was a prince, so he caught his interest. He figured why not? The reason he shouldn't have? She was already very public in courting of his best friend. Noah said all the pretty things and in the end the courtship ended and Noah's father thought it best he go to Arx where his younger sister was. The fall of Bastion (and his family there) is still a very sensitive subject to Noah. When he arrived to Arx he immediately (his first day) was challenged to a duel. This gathered the annoyance of an Oathlander Prince, who became Noah's nemesis for a moment. So when that prince was trying to flirt with a single High Lady Regent --- Noah stepped in. Only history did not repeat. Not at all. What started as a display of one-up-manship between the two moved to a courtship. Then moved to a contract. Then moved to a marriage and children. In the perhaps most sweeping change to his life is when the High Lady Regent became High Lady of her own and Noah Grayson found himself as Archduke Consort Noah Velenosa of the Lyceum. The High Lady already had two dead husbands before him, every year there is a vote if this will be the last.
  there is a vote if this will be the last.)
• Kiera Wyrmguard  + (Growing up in Blancbier Kiera was an inqui …
  Growing up in Blancbier Kiera was an inquisitive child. Unlike most of the family she did not engage heavily in martial pursuits though basic self defense and first aid skill was a requisite. Instead she had a scholar's bent though she did not seek knowledge solely from a library but from nature and social encounters as well Being an atypical family member does not mean she shirks her family duty but instead hopes to use her intellectual and social skills for Wyrmguard's advancement. She is eager to spend more time in Arx for the many learning opportunities it affords
  the many learning opportunities it affords)
• Narcissa Fidante  + (Growing up in Tor was an upbringing any ga …
  Growing up in Tor was an upbringing any gal could hope for. For all of its colors and richness of flora, Narcissa was still drawn to the gloomy side of things. Where there was a graveyard, dark and dusty library, or memorial hall of statues long forgotten, Narcissa was certain to be found. The younger sibling of Dante and Juliet, she was content to avoid all the limelight her siblings seemed to gather with such relative ease. Where others may loathe to be forgotten, she seemed to relish it. Time left alone was time alone with her thoughts, her books, no one else's voice butting in. There was a sanctity in solitude, and to this day she still is on edge when forced to gala's or into large crowds. Juliet's death came as a shock, but even after an appropriate season of mourning, Narcissa could not be swayed to leave Tor to come to Arx for answers. The city was so very far away, as distant and real as the tales in her parchments. It wasn't until very recently, when Dante and Inigo journeyed back to Tor, that she was convinced to come back with them. Her reasons remain unknown, but still she finds herself now in Arx and all of the culture shock that comes with it.
  l of the culture shock that comes with it.)
• Corrala Leary  + (Growing up in a manor Corrala never saw th …
  Growing up in a manor Corrala never saw the outside world much as a child. Being taught from an early age about the arts of scholarship and nobility she thought that one day she would be a scholar. This all changed when she had to visit a healing temple one summer afternoon. Her focus in life changed from knowledge gathering to medicine and she learned about all the different medical interventions. When she got sufficient training she decided to join the Mercies of Lagoma where she dispensed healing to all who came to the temple near her home. Finding that she was also able to listen to people's troubles as she worked Corrala soon became the one that everyone went to for advice, and she soon gained a reputation for being knowledgeable especially in matters of leadership and medicine. In her spare time Corrala does some decorative gardening, sewing, and reads as many books as she can find.
  , and reads as many books as she can find.)
• Irisa Wainryte  + (Growing up in a mixed county, Irisa's fami …
  Growing up in a mixed county, Irisa's family were river people who worked boats, and she had a lot of opportunity when she was young to see how the Greenblood children played. She was fascinated by them, even as a little girl, and tried frequently to get herself involved in their games, to learn their language and to become one of them despite the fact that she looked different, acted different, and was raised different. Her parents disapproved, and so did her brothers. But there was just something about being other than she was that wildly appealed to her. Not all of those she tried to befriend were people who were good for her, and the more and more frequent time that she spent hanging around as far away from her family as possible -- particularly in her early teens -- took her to some dark places. When she was rejected by a tribesman boyfriend at the age of 15, she fled from that familiar source of solace to hurl herself into the kind of nasty, bad troublemaking that any family would be dismayed by. Running with a mob that called themselves 'river rats', she ended up addicted to Dust by the time she was old enough to really be an adult. One of Thesarin's knights ran a raid that captured several of these malcontents, including Irisa, but it was her youth that saved her from the worst of it. First the knight brought her to a priest, and they healed her of her physical harms as best they could; and then the knight, being herself Dame Esoka, whose history was with the Greenblood people, brought her to a different kind of healer, who walked with her in the forest and helped her, with martial and spiritual training, to overcome her addiction. Irisa swore off drugs and swore off violence except in aid of others. She learned to be excellent with a weapon, and to return to her love of the different and strange that had first charmed her when she was a child. She also learned to love honor above all things, and to find a higher purpose for herself. And there was nothing she loved more than the blended life of the Twainforts, because she felt very strongly that Thesarin -- and his knight, Esoka -- had saved her life for some higher purpose. When one of the baron's men challenged Thesarin to a duel over what came down to a cultural dispute -- whether one of the 'Shav people' of the Twainforts could marry one of the baron's sons -- Irisa leapt into the fray even though it was not her station or place to do so. She made a public proclomation that she would be Thesarin's champion, whether it was in that duel or any other, for any dispute relating to his tribal roots. Both charmed and exasperated by her impulsiveness, the Count agreed that she could fight the duel for him. She won it so handily and with such flowing grace and poise that the Twainforts elevated her and made her Dame Irisa Wainryte, and brought her with them to Arx as part of their retinue.
  with them to Arx as part of their retinue.)
• Ardoin Valardin  + (Growing up in a provincial cadet branch of …
  Growing up in a provincial cadet branch of the Valardin family, Ardoin is the second son and initially was allowed to indulge in scholarly pursuits while soaking up stories of the family's honor and piety. After the Tragedy at Sanctum, though, his remote chance of succession to the high duchy got bumped up a few places and his father demanded Ardoin take up the blade. And he did - with enthusiasm, taking the vows of knighthood at sixteen. His life became an endless quest to protect the commoners and peasants from bandits and Abandoned raids, his idealism as much of a weapon as a blade. Over time, his voracious reading habits combined with his steadfast beliefs in honor and nobility, created the unpleasant idea that the nobility ought to not only protect and control the commoners with an iron fist, but also provide them with greater education, land, and economic opportunities - from the pockets of the peerage. Needless to say, this disconcerting belief caused concern within the family, whereupon his father sent him off to Arx to serve the Crown and the interests of House Valardin - and hopefully smarten up in the process.
  - and hopefully smarten up in the process.)
• Cigano Laroye  + (Growing up in a small camp of vagabonds, C …
  Growing up in a small camp of vagabonds, Cigano learned from an early age that the world was unfair. His mother passed as he came into the world, already making him resented among his people. They treated him as an ill omen, passing him from family to family in the camp, giving him only the barest essentials so he would survive and they believed made good with his poor mother. It wasn't until he had his coming of age rite performed that the tribe would even speak to him as an equal. As he began to work for the family, he proved his worth and was given a chance to live and work as the rest of the tribe. He proved adept as spinning stories with cards that brought him fame among the nobles that the tribe often encountered. He soon became popular enough that the tribe leader began to groom him for his replacement. The leader's son, whom should have been the rightful heir, didn't take kindly to the news. He planned to poison Cigano at his first chance. Cigano sensing the man's anger ensure that nothing that came to him was ever out of his sight. Eventually swapping a cup force upon him by the heir apparent with the leaders. Once the poison was revealed, Cigano used his new acquired status to have the heir exiled for his crimes. The years after Cigano continued to run the camp, doing as much as he can help provide for the family, always watching for the next assassin and the next chance for him to bring more money into the camp.
  for him to bring more money into the camp.)
• Jorunn Stahlben  + (Growing up in and around the Bonespire to …
  Growing up in and around the Bonespire to the North, Jorunn's upbringing is everything you would expect a young lad's in such an environment to be. Rules to govern his life were strict and simple, as was the physical training he underwent in order to not only defend himself, but his family and allies. With the constant threat of danger on the white horizon, Jorunn steadily grew into a tall, gangly young man. Yet despite any awkward motions, he proved himself when he came of age - helping to repel repeated threats and constant attacks from the enemy. As one of the small few to survive the Silent War, Jorunn was left with what many of the other survivors were left with: death and grief. While many of his surviving kin felt betrayed that the family had reached out to the Compact for survival, Jorunn was of the view that it was at least better than extinction. Still, with his immediate family and friends dead, and his Chief in Magnus venturing to the South, he packed up and left the icy halls of the Bonespire to try and find some sort of new purpose. His travels took him far and wide, though as a Prodigal he found forging new friendships more difficult than anticipated. Some found it difficult to talk to him, while others ignored him outright. This view was initially returned in favour, scouring at those whom had no right to judge him. Yet despite the hostilities, he made do by selling his services as a sword for those that needed it. In carrying out these services, thereby exposing himself to the trials and tribulations of the local townsfolk, he began to witness philosophies quite different to those that he experienced growing up. Unlike life on the Bonespire, children were simply allowed to be children. Adults could work a hard day without having to worry about getting invaded at night. Without the constant state of threat on the horizon, citizens were able to flourish in a far more natural state. In fact, as the years passed, Jorunn found himself quite enamoured by the Compact and subsequently its leadership. Though he didn't know much of the King, one couldn't help but be suitably impressed by how the Crown had managed to keep all of the Houses in some sort balance. Local villages dubbed him the 'Bear of the North' - a friendly enough character to converse with, but absolutely savage when it came to battle. Of particular note was his defence of a travelling caravan from 'at least a dozen bandits, four dogs and a chicken' - an encounter which he neither confirms or denies to those that continually ask. After eight years of this life, wandering from town to town and territory to territory, he finally arrived in Arx. With a focused determination he now steps forth, hoping to find some sort of purpose for his life that derailed nearly a decade ago.
  is life that derailed nearly a decade ago.)
• Gaspard Blackram  + (Growing up in the Blackram family meant th …
  Growing up in the Blackram family meant that rough was a way of life, and lessons that anything worth having was worth struggling for, and anything given to you wasn't really worth much. Gaspard learned quickly that a people did well when everyone determined what they were good at, and did that, for the good of all. Merchants traded, bakers baked, sailors sailed, and of course, the warriors fought and protected. When Gaspard excelled in his fighting training as a child, he threw himself into his study and workouts and stopped considering anything else. He joined the rest of the family's fighters in Cloudspine leading pikemen in defending the marches, and earned a few scars and his Knighthood in action there and at Gyre, as well as a name for dependably being at the front of battle. Gaspard saw himself as staying there until he finally caught a blade or an arrow and died honorably defending his people and the lands. Perhaps unfortunately for his plans, it has been made clear to him that a Knight is expected to set an example OFF of the field as well, and if the younger Marquis can be a shining example, then damned well can travel to Arx and support him.
  ed well can travel to Arx and support him.)