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

• Jareth  + (He was born on the streets of Arx to a lig …
  He was born on the streets of Arx to a light-skirted woman who couldn't claim to know the identity of Jareth's father. At a young age he joined with the other children on his street into a loosely formed gang, picking and scratching for scraps to supplement what little they were provided with at home, but it was evident early on he lacked the brawn to roll drunks in alleys, or the deftness to separate heavy purses from expensive belts. Jareth's strengths lay in his confidence and his ability to charm those around him and to convincingly embrace whatever role was required of him. He was a fast-talker, a patter man with a silver tongue and the ability to blind the eyes of his audience to the streaks of dirt on his face and the shabbiness of his clothes. His ability to talk his way out of (and into) trouble didn't go unnoticed, however. He fell in with the Black Rose Mummers, putting his natural charm and talent for acting to use for himself and the troupe, though it is clear he supplements his income as an actor through any means his silver tongue allows.
  hrough any means his silver tongue allows.)
• Jareth Masque  + (He was born on the streets of Arx to a lig …
  He was born on the streets of Arx to a light-skirted woman who couldn't claim to know the identity of Jareth's father. At a young age he joined with the other children on his street into a loosely formed gang, picking and scratching for scraps to supplement what little they were provided with at home, but it was evident early on he lacked the brawn to roll drunks in alleys, or the deftness to separate heavy purses from expensive belts. Jareth's strengths lay in his confidence and his ability to charm those around him and to convincingly embrace whatever role was required of him. He was a fast-talker, a patter man with a silver tongue and the ability to blind the eyes of his audience to the streaks of dirt on his face and the shabbiness of his clothes. His ability to talk his way out of (and into) trouble didn't go unnoticed, however. He fell in with the Black Rose Mummers, putting his natural charm and talent for acting to use for himself and the troupe, though it is clear he supplements his income as an actor through any means his silver tongue allows.
  hrough any means his silver tongue allows.)
• Kyler Keaton  + (He was often the odd child out, growing up …
  He was often the odd child out, growing up. The Keatons by and large being a rather rough and tumble, outdoorsy lot, Kyler did not fit in amongst the other Keaton children. So he made friends with the adults, learning how to smile, how to bat his lashes and win over the ladies with his outlandish ways. Soon enough he never lacked for company, entertaining guests more than twice his age, impressing them with his precocious charm, even as he amused them with his effortless wit. Among his favorite pursuits, aside from entertaining, is match making. There is something very powerful in uniting two hearts; for a night or a life time, Kyler has a gift for finding even the most unusual or unexpected pairings that bring delight to the paired. Well. Most of the time. One of his most popular skills is his stunning ability to arrange the perfect bouquets. Having mastered the language of flowers and the subsequent subtlty in messaging that goes with that at a very young age, Kyler still enjoys sending messages through gorgeous arrangements of flowers and plants. One of the rare outdoor activities he has shown a proclivity for is hunting. Not for food of course, how crass. He hunts with falcons. Because hunting should be left for the birds, why should he get blood on his clothes? Kyler is more than happy to stay on his horse and let his falcons do all the messy work. As soon as he came of age he lit out of Oakhaven for Arx, eager to embrace the culture, the parties and people to be found in the Compact's greatest cosmopolitan center.
  he Compact's greatest cosmopolitan center.)
• Gerry Taken  + (He's a shady trader, the kind who doesn't …
  He's a shady trader, the kind who doesn't ask where the goods come from. From some of his scars and his stance, he knows how to handle himself in a tough spot. He arrived in Arx not long ago, less than a year, and has made his business mostly in the Lower Boroughs. With hm he brought his daughter, Catryn, for whom he has a real protective eye. Already a few wandering hands have resulted in quiet retaliation in a back alley until the word's spread that he doesn't take kindly to showing her disrespect.
  n't take kindly to showing her disrespect.)
• Mahan  + (He's always had a knack for telling stories and tales, with his expressive nature and ability to exaggerate. Raised mostly by his grandmother, the duty of family has always been of the utmost importance.)
• Conrad Drayton  + (He's seen the worst war can offer. A forme …
  He's seen the worst war can offer. A former Grayson soldier from an unremarkable village in the Gray Forest, Conrad and dozens of his friends were conscripted in the war to pacify the Reavers in the Gray Forest during those campaigns. He knew it was coming at least, and enlisted the help of a veteran from previous campaigns to teach him the basics, while his friends simply laughed at him for taking 'shavs' so seriously. In the end, most of those friends only survived the year long campaign because they stuck with him and learned to keep up with proper formation work in the infantry lines after their first real combat. When Conrad went home from there, the village just... wasn't the same. His friends went back to hunting and farming. His family expected him to do the same, but Conrad had gotten a solid taste of the power of a sword, and wanted to earn a much better living doing that, as he'd heard from the soldiers that mercenaries get paid very well if they're good enough. Having heard in passing about the Crimson Blades, Conrad went to Arx to sign up. His time among the Grayson armies had already given him an edge in experience, so when the time for promotions came around, Conrad was an easy pick. He's served as an officer in the Crimson Blades for a while, now.
  er in the Crimson Blades for a while, now.)
• Vittorio Gilden  + (He's the oldest son, but not set to inheri …
  He's the oldest son, but not set to inherit anything unless several other members of his family die prematurely, and he's hoping that never actually happens. He's more than content, happy even, to be left to his own devices, to make himself useful to the family, but not have to be in charge of anything but numbers and silver amounts. Vittorio's father was fairly typical for the family, loyal, steadfast, good with a sword, kind but blunt. However, Vittorio is entirely different than that, and seems to take more after their mother. He's kind, of course, but there's a sharpness to that kindness, the slick sort of sell you a bridge across those two islands over there aura that surrounds him. Even when he was a kid he was always hustling for something, working hard at that extra piece of cake, or the prized possession of one of the other kids...if he wanted it, he'd find a way to convince them that it was best served being given to him. As the oldest of several kids, he always looked out for his siblings, made certain that they were well taken care of. As he's gotten older he's turned his attention towards various charities, speaking loudly and proudly of his devotion to Gild, and the pantheon, the family and how it behooves everyone to help each other in darker times. Recently he's decided to head towards Arx to put his skills to use for the family there.
  ut his skills to use for the family there.)
• Rafael Bisland  + (Healer to the Crownlands elite, Rafael's r …
  Healer to the Crownlands elite, Rafael's reputation for quality care often precedes him. Unfortunately, so does knowledge of his great lacking when it comes to matters paternal. A noblewoman and warrior of rank, Rafael's wife bravely fell during the Battle of Pridehall and left him to see to the upbringing of their young children. This mostly translated into governesses, various tutors of repute, and the affection of family members better equipped than he, creating the type of cavernous distance that Rafael still works to mend now that they begin to reach adulthood. While serving in his capacity as a Mercy, Rafael was accompanying an incapacitated nobleman along the newly minted Great Road to Arx when their traveling party was attacked. Made overly confident by the vocal dissents of House Grayreeve at the time, assailants surrounded them and their protectors. There was a scuffle before the assailants fled, leaving Rafael with injuries of his own that saw any return to Pridehall delayed. By Rafael's own account, he made the terrible mistake of appearing at all useful during his stay and was consequently asked to remain in Arx by House Bisland's leadership.
  main in Arx by House Bisland's leadership.)
• Helena Redrain  + (Helena had a happy childhood, because her …
  Helena had a happy childhood, because her sister already paved the way for her. They had already gone and done things their own way, so by that time, her family was amenable for Helena to find her own path. She's tried to follow in Agatha's footsteps once. Stole her practice sword and managed to mow down a large section of hedges and topiary, taking the head off of a rather interesting rendering of an elephant. After a few more nicks and cuts, she gave it up for a while - deciding that her training can come later when she's ready. Then she followed in Elgana's footsteps. Literally. She trailed after her sister like a baby duckling and begged and pleaded for her to pay attention and play tea party with her. Elgana would spend hours sitting with her sister, and they had some tea parties that could be in books and fairy tales. Handsome frog Prince's, talking pigs and probably even a few benevolent emperors attended these teas. The middle sister doted on her little sister, and it was Elgana who helped her sister find her passion. That passion was books. They were her first true love (besides her family), and to this day her most persistent. She devoured books like they were food, and could be found hiding in a tree, nestled in between some stones, tucked in a nook in the house, or even hiding in the kitchen eating an apple as she was reading. When her sisters went to Arx, she remained behind, but after a few months of solitude she couldn't stand it anymore and followed them there. Time to be a pest again.
  lowed them there. Time to be a pest again.)
• Helewise Redreef  + (Helewise Redreef was the eldest daughter o …
  Helewise Redreef was the eldest daughter of a small family in the Isles whose lands could be best described as "bleak." Her purpose in life was to be a perfect individual match in order to further these parlous fortunes, but there was a falling out, for Helewise chose other than her father when future Baroness Ember rose her way to challenge the laws of tradition. Helewise had little to offer save a sharp mind and a willingness to work, but she took to murdering people in heavy armor like a duck to water or a Lycene to treachery, and was rewarded in the fallout of everything. She did not confront her father on the field of battle: but then, not everything makes a neat little story.
  not everything makes a neat little story.)
• Helia Redtyde  + (Helia was born of Victor and Cibale Andras …
  Helia was born of Victor and Cibale Andrasko, both favoured servants of House RedTyde, who served faithfully up to the death of their House, standing proud with their Lord when the Thrax came to lay waste. Helia herself was pulled from the burning rubble of her home by Fredrik RedTyde, who then fled with her in turn to exile, so very small and growing up with no memories of that horrible night of fire and death. She was raised by Fredrik RedTyde, who treated her as a daughter in truth, even if not in name, living with him on his ship as he plied the waters of the Compact. Never taking truly to her father's teachings on economics and business, she instead grew to love the feel of the waves, the roughness of the sailors they sailed with, and the life-or-death play of swords. Her father may have worried, but she grew into the role of a swashbuckling, outspoken woman with aplomb, even if it meant a flash of steel (or, more often, with her father having to soothe feelings with words or coin). Following him since she was old enough to make the choice, she has only known of Fredrik's true status for a short time, and was shocked to learn that her father was, in fact, a Lord of some stature. Once she grappled with that secret, she kept it well, and was understandably infuriated when he went to Arx without her, claiming he would 'send for her when it was safe'. But Helia doesn't /want/ to wait and just run freight or sit in Tyde hall (as an honored guest). She wants to be where the pulse of civilisation throbs; where rings glitter on the fingers of the silks, and steel flashes in the hands of quick-witted scoundrels; where the booze runs freely, and so does the silver. What could be better than that?
  he silver. What could be better than that?)
• Hella Redtyde  + (Hella was born of Victor and Cibale Andras …
  Hella was born of Victor and Cibale Andrasko, both favoured servants of House RedTyde, who served faithfully up to the death of their House, standing proud with their Lord when the Thrax came to lay waste. Hella herself was pulled from the burning rubble of her home by Fredrik RedTyde, who then fled with her in turn to exile, so very small and growing up with no memories of that horrible night of fire and death. She was raised by Fredrik RedTyde, who treated her as a daughter in truth, even if not in name, living with him on his ship as he plied the waters of the Compact. Never taking truly to her father's teachings on economics and business, she instead grew to love the feel of the waves, the roughness of the sailors they sailed with, and the life-or-death play of swords. Her father may have worried, but she grew into the role of a swashbuckling, outspoken woman with aplomb, even if it meant a flash of steel (or, more often, with her father having to soothe feelings with words or coin). Following him since she was old enough to make the choice, she has only known of Fredrik's true status for a short time, and was shocked to learn that her father was, in fact, a Lord of some stature. Once she grappled with that secret, she kept it well, and was understandably infuriated when he went to Arx without her, claiming he would 'send for her when it was safe'. But Hella doesn't /want/ to wait and just run freight or sit in Tyde hall (as an honored guest). She wants to be where the pulse of civilisation throbs; where rings glitter on the fingers of the silks, and steel flashes in the hands of quick-witted scoundrels; where the booze runs freely, and so does the silver. What could be better than that?
  he silver. What could be better than that?)
• Tila Sanna  + (Her childhood spent under the close watch …
  Her childhood spent under the close watch of her family, Tila found surcease from scrutiny with her studies. It wasn't that the nobles of Giant's Reach were expected to put that much store by propriety, but growing up under a regency as the younger child, there was potential for her to be used as a pawn in any number of games, and it was much better for her to be sitting quietly in the cavernous halls of Giant's Reach, studying, reading, and learning many old songs and stories of the spirits. The shaman who was her most frequent teacher was also one of the driving forces of her childhood, an old woman who passed away when she was still young, but not so young that she did not treasure her lessons for the rest of her life. As her older brother became the March in truth, Tila had only a few close, quiet friendships to treasure, and the rest of her time was dedicated to her work. She mistrusted his loud nature and his boisterous pride, and knew -- even in her teens -- that he would need a steadier hand to focus him and prevent disaster. She was a passionate student and a fierce truthspeaker, and when she was only 20, she became the Voice of Giant's Reach. Her career and competence grew over time and now, five years later, she is both the Voice of the March and one of the premier lawyers and promising young writers in the North.
  and promising young writers in the North.)
• Dora Malvici  + (Her father was Darko Blackram and mother w …
  Her father was Darko Blackram and mother was one Wendy Malvici. A second cousin among a sea of cousins. She was raised going between Southport and the Cloudspine, her parents intent on exposing her to both of her heritage. When she was two the Southport-Tor war broke out and they were on their first trip to the Cloudspine. It was a lucky thing for the family and they managed to avoid some of the upset. During time spent in Cloudspine they were free to lavish attention on the girl. Being far from home, everyone went out of their way to make her happy. Perhaps that was a bad idea. From a young age she was always wandering off. It terrified her parents and they did their best to have her under careful watch. After all, they had tried so very hard and struggled to have her. But it became a game to escape and run off on the governesses and nurses tasked with her. As she grew older she grew bored with just running off. The thrill less. And so she got into other trouble. Mostly pulling pranks on anyone who wasn't careful, or filling her little treasure chest with stolen knick knacks. When they returned to Southport in 995 they hoped that, perhaps, the militant training would work. If anything it only made her rebel worse. Oh she took to the lessons, and was skilled as any Malvici might be expected to be, but she made it clear this was not what she wanted to do. And so she wouldn't, except when she did. It led to many headaches and pains for her parents. It was only when a group of explorers came through, hosted by her parents, that some hope of reining in the wild child came. They stayed for a month and promises of tales are all that got her going to the academy regularly. Yet it wasn't what he parents hoped. At 13 she stowed away on the explorers ship and managed to hide for nearly a month. There was no turning back, only apologies to be made. True to her stubborn nature it took wile and three years before the crew were able to get her back to Southport. And her rather infuriated parents. But she was unrepentant, even bearing a tattoo hiden beneath her clothes, and all around behaving little like the lady they had hoped. It drove a huge gap between herself and her parents. During her travels she had picked up a fascination for alchemy, specifically in its use for body inks. When she returned they put her under house arrest. It started a battle of wills that drove her mother to drinking and ended with Darko sending her off a few years late. It was a desperate attempt to temper her. In 07 she went to Caer Morien just after Artorius was made its Count. Little did they realize the delight Dora would find in the native people and their own traditions. Without meaning too she managed to learn something of their culture. In so doing she helped to bridge some of the gaps between House Magnotta and the prodigals. Too bad she got bored again...
  prodigals. Too bad she got bored again...)
• Aconite Fidante  + (Her father was a Eurusi warlord wannabe wh …
  Her father was a Eurusi warlord wannabe who decided to harass a Fidante trade vessel. Then he hounded it. Then, with men, he boarded it during the night and took it captive for ransom. Fidante's response was to find out who this man is, hunt down his family, take his daughter, and offer HER as ransom for the ship. The story gets muddled but, some say he cracked immedietly. Others, that he denied her existence and caused the deployment of some secret strike force. Others still, that he yielded, but upon seeing how Eurusi are treated by other Eurusi, the Fidante in charge did not let her go, sent a strike force to destroy the enemy, and decided to keep her as one of their own. To do her a kindness.
  as one of their own. To do her a kindness.)
• Aconite Unknown  + (Her father was a Eurusi warlord wannabe wh …
  Her father was a Eurusi warlord wannabe who decided to harass a Fidante trade vessel. Then he hounded it. Then, with men, he boarded it during the night and took it captive for ransom. Fidante's response was to find out who this man is, hunt down his family, take his daughter, and offer HER as ransom for the ship. The story gets muddled but, some say he cracked immedietly. Others, that he denied her existence and caused the deployment of some secret strike force. Others still, that he yielded, but upon seeing how Eurusi are treated by other Eurusi, the Fidante in charge did not let her go, sent a strike force to destroy the enemy, and decided to keep her as one of their own. To do her a kindness.
  as one of their own. To do her a kindness.)
• Jacali Crown  + (Her father was some high-up in the city gu …
  Her father was some high-up in the city guard here or there, the details are a bit muddy and typically left well out of the conversation. Her mother was a herbalist, some unwashed nobody that captured the heart of that crusty old city boy. None of the family got along. Her father wished for her to join the guard, or the army, find some sort of direction in life. Her mother wanted her to be a free spirit. Apparently they couldn't decide on the best course of action, so they sent her away, made her somebody else's problem. That somebody turned out to be an apothecary, one which made her his apprentice. Shucks, you know, she doesn't really know where he is now, but rumour has it he wasn't exactly the best guardian in the world. What's it matter, ey? She's here now, shop of her own, destined to be the very brightest of shining merchant stars! ... Don't believe it? Just watch.
  stars! ... Don't believe it? Just watch.)
• Jacali  + (Her father was some high-up in the city gu …
  Her father was some high-up in the city guard here or there, the details are a bit muddy and typically left well out of the conversation. Her mother was a herbalist, some unwashed nobody that captured the heart of that crusty old city boy. None of the family got along. Her father wished for her to join the guard, or the army, find some sort of direction in life. Her mother wanted her to be a free spirit. Apparently they couldn't decide on the best course of action, so they sent her away, made her somebody else's problem. That somebody turned out to be an apothecary, one which made her his apprentice. Shucks, you know, she doesn't really know where he is now, but rumour has it he wasn't exactly the best guardian in the world. What's it matter, ey? She's here now, shop of her own, destined to be the very brightest of shining merchant stars! ... Don't believe it? Just watch.
  stars! ... Don't believe it? Just watch.)
• Danielle Valardin  + (Her great grandfather was a part of the li …
  Her great grandfather was a part of the line of succession in the house, if only just. Technically, Edain is a distant great uncle, but she is closer related to Ectorion, in their respective distance from any sort of inheritance or succession, his mother Lyllindyl being her aunt. Her father died fighting the forces of Tolamar Brand. Her mother died during childbirth. She has half a dozen or so half brothers and sisters from her father's later marriage. She idolized the man, and took to learning a weapon from the time she was old enough to hold one, quick to emulate her childhood hero. Her own training only recently came to any sort of formal conclusion and then only because she was so anxious to be done with learning and get on to the doing! More than any other God, her dedication is to Limerance. Though she does love the idea of love, it is more because of the importance of oaths, the reliability and accountability meaning more than any romantic elements. Of late, with the Compact seemingly teetering on the edge of war, she's come to the Capital, with the hopes to find glory on the front lines of battle, even if it's the last thing she ever does.
  even if it's the last thing she ever does.)
• Calypso Malvici  + (Her mother Adona had a reputation as an ex …
  Her mother Adona had a reputation as an excellent judge of character. As Calypso grew up, she realized how well-suited she was for the military path the Duchess laid out before her. In the aftermath of the Tor-Southport War, she embraced the martial life that defined House Malvici and the city of Southport. She had always stood apart; her younger brother's enjoyment of politics saved her from a role she never wanted. Calypso was in field training by the age of twelve and commanding patrols by fifteen. She lived and breathed strategy, logistics, tactics, and leadership, but it was the time among soldiers in the field that she appreciated most. She grew to love them as much as she did her brothers. The inevitable deaths and losses among her troops led her to work them and herself harder. She was a highly-demanding commander, never settling for less than the best and scant with praise. Her success at bearing the same burdens as the common troops as her training prolonged their lives won her fierce loyalty from Southport's soldiers. When her mother abdicated in favor of her younger brother Hadrian, his first act was to make her the commanding general of House Malvici's armies. She wasn't yet twenty-five years old, but some said the promotion was overdue. With the tension in Arx, Calypso finds herself needed for her counsel and good judgment as much as commanding soldiers. Though she gratefully passed the responsibility of rule off to her young brother so she could follow her passion for martial mastery, she is still determined to help. She intends to make the most of her first diplomatic excursion outside the Lyceum, aiming to learn as much as she can about potential enemies, seek out allies among those who respect the pragmatic use of force, and set her tactical experience to work in the ballrooms and audience halls. After all, she reasons, diplomacy is war by other means.
  reasons, diplomacy is war by other means.)
• Sonnet  + (Her mother claims Sonnet fell off the back …
  Her mother claims Sonnet fell off the back of a turnip cart when she was a baby and the grocer was gone before the woman could give her back, so she raised little Sonnet to be a skilled assassin and sent her to murder the errant grocer as her first kill. It's probably true, too; Sonnet's mother believed heartily in the satisfaction of a long con.
  eartily in the satisfaction of a long con.)
• Sonnet Crown  + (Her mother claims Sonnet fell off the back …
  Her mother claims Sonnet fell off the back of a turnip cart when she was a baby and the grocer was gone before the woman could give her back, so she raised little Sonnet to be a skilled assassin and sent her to murder the errant grocer as her first kill. It's probably true, too; Sonnet's mother believed heartily in the satisfaction of a long con.
  eartily in the satisfaction of a long con.)
• Valery no family  + (Her mother was a beautiful woman, and her …
  Her mother was a beautiful woman, and her father was a jealous apothecary. Valery lived locked in the store most of her life, leaving just when the whole family would go out together. Once her mother died, this chances decreased terribly and she almost never was allowed to leave the house. She learnt all she knows about herbs, remedies, parfums and poisons by looking at her father work on his store. One day she just got fed up of the situation, stole her father's money and left the house, running away to never come back.
  he house, running away to never come back.)
• Valery Frost  + (Her mother was a beautiful woman, and her …
  Her mother was a beautiful woman, and her father was a jealous apothecary. Valery lived locked in the store most of her life, leaving just when the whole family would go out together. Once her mother died, her chances decreased terribly and she almost never was allowed to leave the house. She learned all she knows about herbs, remedies, perfumes and poisons by looking at her father work on his store. One day she just got fed up of the situation, stole her father's money and left the house, running away to never come back.
  he house, running away to never come back.)
• Emily Deepwood  + (Her mother's father was a Deepwood, first …
  Her mother's father was a Deepwood, first cousin to the main Deepwood lineage, who married into the Grayridge family two generations ago. The Grayridge holdings were so far from the seat of Deepwood that neither Emily nor her mother ever went on Deepwood lands, but even so she knows that's her heritage. "Be as serene as the deepest wood," her mother told her often, and she tried to take that to heart as she explored the woods in the Barony of Grayridge. But she always wanted to be more than the daughter of a minor noble, destined for obscurity and trying desperately to resign herself to that fact. And then Samantha Deepwood came to Arx and was recognized as a noble there - and Emily knew this was her moment. This was her moment to come to Arx and claim her ties with the Deepwood family. She could be something here, and she could be more important than a minor noble in the middle of nowhere, marrying and living her life without ever traveling, or adventuring, or seeing anything new. And so she came, and now she's here with a wanderlust and a curiosity about life and everything to do with Arx. She's ready to make her name as Lady Emily Deepwood. She's ready to take her place among the rangers of the Deepwood that Rymarr has so painstakingly trained. She's ready to stand against ancient threats and current enemies alike. She'll be brave, and bold, and forge right on in to this new place and family. And nothing's going to stand in her way.
  . And nothing's going to stand in her way.)

• Hickson Gales  + (Hickson was born in Darkwater Watch, the f …
  Hickson was born in Darkwater Watch, the first of five children. His father was a trader and a seaman, and his mother worked in the Darkwater household as a servant. When he was old enough, Hickson joined his father as a cabin boy aboard a trading vessel bound to Arx. It was attacked in route by pirates, but he was recovered by a ship flying the banners of House Seliki, and transported safely to his original destination. Once in Arx, he was delivered into the care of the representatives of House Darkwater. Hickson decided to remain in the city, and, after his experience on board the ship, he turned his attention to assisting the Iron Guard with criminal matters, and found himself well suited to information gathering. He has since dedicated himself to serving the Sentinel and the people of Arx.
  erving the Sentinel and the people of Arx.)
• Ilsa Innes  + (Hillward. A town in the Oathlands of littl …
  Hillward. A town in the Oathlands of little renown. But it was home. From the moment of Ilsa's birth, a place of hard work and graft, of joy and delight. A place of simple pleasures for simple folk. Folk who knew the wisdom of the woods and who gave thanks for the gifts they were given by the gods. Ilsa was born into a house of wise women, her own mother, having lost her husband soon after her daughter was born, lived with her sister's family, with her mother and aunts. A family of women tending to their own. From her youngest days, she trailed at the heels of these wise women, learning their ways, learning the secrets of herb and flower. The power of poultice and potion. The wisdom of speaking to the gods and to the spirits of the land. And when she came of age, she took her place as a wise woman herself, tending to the needs of the town and of the countryside. Knowing, always, that the day would come when she would find her way to the wider world, to places of greater renown and grander vistas. A place where she could ply her craft and hone her skills. And now, her chance has come. And Arx awaits.
  now, her chance has come. And Arx awaits.)
• Taldolf Ridge  + (His family came to the Marche almost the s …
  His family came to the Marche almost the same year it was formed and thus Taldolf has always had a legacy of involvement with House Sanna and some might think a tradition of honoured service through his family. Ever since a young age, due to him always being quite strong and agile, he was trained in a very militarized fashion. And as he grew older he was honed and refined for field combat. His commanding voice and composed nature as made him quite the asset in Giant's Reach. Now he is coming to the city to offer what aide he and his troops can give to the Marquis.
  he and his troops can give to the Marquis.)
• Jozef Blackram  + (His father is a noble man known for his sk …
  His father is a noble man known for his skill with forging blades, a skill he had to put aside once he became more known in the court, from Sanna in Redrain who married a Valardian lady from Blackram in the Oathland. When Jozef was born they moved south to Cloudspine, where he was raised, learning their customs and religion in favor of his father's. With a bright education from a university in Artshall under his belt, Jozef became a squire of Duke Edmund Laurent, serving under the man for many years, and eventually becoming a knight himself. Then his mentor died from illness and Jozef, stricken with grief, left Artshall and the Oathland to never be heard from again. He fled north where he took on his father's trade, as a blacksmith, and camouflaged as a courtier inside the Sanna court. During his time in the north, he met a Patheon missionary and the two came to be close friends. The priest helping him practice their religion. Jozef also learned about the stars from the priest. He became obsessed with the notion that stars could fall on Arvum, that he wanted to see one himself. So much, in fact, that he left home for a second time, this time though to chase falling stars. The wilderness was cruel but Jozef had to learn to live off it as the clans do. After many years in the wild, looking up for falling stars, he returned to the court to look for his priest friend, and hearing that his friend was among the clans, trying to convert them, he ventured to track him only to encounter what was carnage left behind by wild shavs. His priest friend left on a cross for the birds to eat him alive. The sight was so intense that it buried an image into his mind. He brought the priest down, giving him a proper burial. Nowhere else to go, he came back to Cloudspine, his mother's house, to face her and his father for the shame he brought when he left the service of house Laurent. He swore vengeance through duty and to appease his family, offered himself as a potential bachelor for house Blackram to dispose of in an advantageous marriage.
  to dispose of in an advantageous marriage.)
• Nicos Ulbran  + (His father was Marcus, and his mother was …
  His father was Marcus, and his mother was April, but he never truly got to know them. When he was 12 years old, his parents had to flee Arx due to owing money to all the wrong people. He was always good with numbers, math, talking to folks, always one step ahead, so when they bailed on him, getting himself a job at a local store, doing the finances. He was able to carve out a name for himself as a wiz of financial means, also was friendly enough to get a job working at a local shop doing the finances. Through giving up his pay, he was slowly able to pay back his family debt. His folks have never returned to Arx, seeming to have vanished off the face of the earth. But, after a few years, he has a handful of clients working at their backrooms. Making a name for himself as a crack accountant can help anyone no matter how poor be able to budget.
  yone no matter how poor be able to budget.)
• Jasper Steelhart  + (His father, Lord Aaron Steelhart was cousi …
  His father, Lord Aaron Steelhart was cousins to Roslyn, Frederik, and Gregor Steelhart. A minor lord, he supported the main family by manning his fortress by the sea and assisting his cousins with protecting the shoreline. He married to Lady Lilian Ashford, while still in his mid-twenties and bore Jasper shortly afterwards. The oldest of three, he often found himself the protector of his two sisters. With his mother's tales of knights and valor, bolstering his Valardin heritage, and his father's fine example, Jasper knew that more than anything he wanted to be a knight. For many years, Jasper's life was consumed with his training. He excelled with not only the joust but also in melee with his sword. He even had an opportunity to foster with Frederik, developing connections with his other Steelhart clan. He spent time with Lionel and Sara. Even Padraig and Seth. When news of their betrayal that led to Lionel's death and Lady Lydia's suicide, he was devastated. His loss did not stop there. His parents were murdered at the Tragedy of Sanctum, suddenly trusting him sooner than he wanted into being the head of the family and caring for his little sisters. He met a woman, claiming to be Lady Blackshore, who was suddenly there as a friend, a confident. She had recently lost her fortunes and being the kind host, he offered sanctuary to the woman until she could contact her family. With all the pressures, he found himself leaning on her more and more. Obligation become love and finally he proposed marriage. Everything moved quickly as his bride urged him not to wait, to move forward. Eager to start his own family, he went along. Except the wedding never happened because his bride disappeared the night before their wedding day. He contacted the authorities, fearing the worst had happened to his bride, only to find this woman never existed. She was false in her words and took advantage of a young lord. Jasper learned a hard lesson on trusting others. The next several years were spent getting things back in order, rebuilding his finances and seeing to the education of his sisters. Dreams of being that dashing knight were put aside for more practical matters. Although, with the recent rumblings of war and call to banners, Jasper has felt the stirring once again. He finds himself in Arx to find husbands for his sisters and perhaps become the knight he originally put aside to see to his family.
  originally put aside to see to his family.)
• Holden Morgan  + (Holden's life has been one of expectation. …
  Holden's life has been one of expectation. The Morgan family has a long history of distinguished service for House Valardin, and this weight settled most squarely on Holden's shoulders as the oldest of seven. He was born to Hardwicke Morgan, Captain of the Guard at Sanctum, and his wife Symanthe, first of a long string of children over the years that followed: Elise, Sergio, Aleksei, Warrick, Sasha, and Briseis. Although his mother was a bright, vivacious, and somewhat dorkily-humored sort of woman, it was his father that Holden rather quickly took after: stern and serious, with a constant weight of responsibility on his shoulders. While all of his siblings (save Aleksei) took on the general mantle of expectation to serve responsibly and productively as commoner vassals of the Valardins, no one took it quite as seriously as Holden. He grew up with a sword in his hand and served as a guard, soldier, and man-at-arms -- whatever was needed at the time -- for the Valardins. He earned commands of his own by his actions in the field, recognized quickly for a clear natural aptitude for leadership and an unwavering sense of dedication and loyalty that outstripped his skill with a blade, and he was a friend and ally to the Valardin heir, Prince Vance. It was no surprise that he proved himself a hero at the Tragedy at Sanctum, saving many lives at the risk of his own. The knighthood that he earned for his actions -- a recognition he would once have been so humbled by and proud of -- was little solace for the fact that his own husband and child were among those who died that day, as well as his friend and compatriot Prince Vance. He continued to serve, as life can only move forward, but recovery has been a slow, private process. And now, with Bringers at the door several years later, he has been sent to Arx to continue his service for the High Lord and the rest of the family there.
  igh Lord and the rest of the family there.)
• Holt Weaver  + (Holt was born and raised in Sanctum, a poo …
  Holt was born and raised in Sanctum, a poor kid to poorer folks he was as common as they come. A couple siblings and parents who existed to labor away for what they could scratch together for necessities. Growing up in some of the roughest parts, he learned quickly that ending a fight quickly was the shortest path to success, educated only as far as the Vellichoran scholars were able in the squalor of his neighborhood, most of his experience came from life. There were a few ways to make it, start in on the more frowned upon pursuits of a young man in a bad area or try to make a life elsewhere. He spent several years trying his hand at the former, more comfortable with the physical nature of some of his tasks. A call too close to losing his pretty head was enough of a call to expand his horizons as any. So he took to the road, muscle for hire to caravans, traders and travelers, his path eventually taking him into Grayson lands. He's spent more than a decade in the Crownlands, eventually making a name for himself as a sellsword and champion for hire. A short stint for a Grayson princess landed him his current fealty to the house, though his association with the great house has otherwise been loose. His return to Arx and the Champion's guild finds him seeking work once more on behalf of those slighted and looking to prove a point. A particularly sharp point.
  prove a point. A particularly sharp point.)
• Dmitry Grimhall  + (Honesty was Dmitry Grimhall's vice, accord …
  Honesty was Dmitry Grimhall's vice, according to his father. His father, Duke Taras Grimhall, was a famously cruel and abusive man, with the sort of malevolence that even made House Thrax uncomfortable and consistently caused issues with the other houses, including completely unnecessary skirmishes with Redrain vassals that threatened to break into all out war. Dmitry never quite learned to not question what he saw as the dishonorable, brutish and stupid nature of his father's reign... resulting in him being passed over as heir for his younger (and far crueler) brother Eugine, as well only kept in the family to torment. Dmitry, a grimly determined man who took his vows of loyalty to family and liege with unshakeable loyalty, endured slight after slight, being kept by his father and younger brother seemingly just to mock and toy with. Through it all, the honorable Grimhall ignored it all, silently showing himself as a fearsome combatant on the field in the Tyde rebellion with acts of heroism that were praised throughout House Thrax and ignored or mocked at Grimhall's home of Grihem's Point. After the death of Duke Taras, the title of Duke passed to his younger brother, Lord Eugine, who sought to outdo their father in wastefulness and wanton cruelty. Many of the other lords in the Mourning Isles urged Dmitry to contest the claim, some all but promising him military support to depose his brother, but the famously honorable Dmitry pointedly refused every entreaty and served his brother Eugine without a word of complaint at the continuing abuse heaped upon him. Most of the lords of the Mourning Isles were aghast at the honorable Grimhall just ignoring the barrage of slights from his brother, save where his daughter was concerned. It seemed that Dmitry was not particularly a traditonalist, largely turning a blind eye to his daughter Cordelia's rebellious ways, and it was rumored that Dmitry and Duke Eugine nearly came to blows over it. Fortunately for the Mourning Isles, Duke Eugine's ship was lost at sea recently, dying without a decreed heir, which caused the title to pass to Dmitry. Any death of a duke is suspicious, but frankly the Mourning Isles houses were too glad to see Eugine gone to pay it much heed.
  ad to see Eugine gone to pay it much heed.)
• Bruce Valardin  + (Honor. Honor above all. Born on May 26th, …
  Honor. Honor above all. Born on May 26th, 985 AR to Prince Robert Valardin and Lady Helene Telmar, Bruce was the firstborn but grew up knowing he'd never inherit title or land. Instead, he was prepared for a life of chivalry, nursed by tales of Oathlands heroism and knighthood. He was riding by the age of five and learning how to wield a longsword by eight. At ten, he became the squire of Lord Gregor Steelhart the Chillhearted, a renowned knight and swordsman. It was a busy childhood of martial training, studying warfare, extensive conditioning and prayer. Though even now, he holds those hazy memories close of warm summers spent at the river with friends and family outside of the Capital, and along the coast outside of High Hill. His peaceful childhood was not to last. Knighted at sixteen, Bruce took up the sword for his family and began his career in earnest. It was only a year later when the Tragedy in Sanctum occured. His mother and father lay dead, along with Prince Radley Valardin and most of his immediate kin. The newly knighted Oathlander had been away in the Gray, partaking in Compact operations against hostile abandoned. When the news reached him, it changed the young man forever. 1006 AR. Bruce was a mounted knight in the Silent War, twenty one years old. He fought in countless skirmishes in the Northlands, the Gray, and finally in the Crownlands, culminating in the Siege of Arx. Months of his life had been spent waging war against Tolamar Brand and his forces. Yet there was never any respite. The following years were spent in small campaigns among Valardin forces, the Compact and Templars, fighting hostile Abandoned and cultists throughout central and western Avrum. A week before his birthday, in May 1008 AR, Bruce served under High Lord Edain Valardin in the Gyre War. Though the city burned and the losses were extraordinary, the battle-hardened knight survived and rode down the Gyre's fleeing troops alongside his comrades. In less than three years, he had participated in two grand wars that shaped the future of the Compact. And he lived. Bruce had earned a name for himself with his exploits among knightly circles and Valardin forces; a veteran of wars, countless campaigns and dozens if not hundreds of skirmishes with abandoned and brigand alike. He gave the Pantheon praise, Oathlands Orthodox through and through, living without a fear of death after experiencing so much in his young life. It took the Battle of High Hill Crossing to humble him. He was twenty six years old, a small unit commander among the united forces of Valardin and Telmar. He had recently learned of High Hill's fall to shav forces, and the massacre of House Steelhart; so many friends, comrades, good men, dead. He yearned for revenge. In his anger, he forgot the Faith's teachings. And he payed. Nearly a thousand allied troops died in that ambush, among them Prince Caius Valardin and Duke Arn Telmar, both kin to Bruce. His leg was shattered in battle by a mighty blow, a serious injury that would fully heal, but that left him bedridden for the better part of a year. His countenance grew more serious, stern. He lost that youthful charm and cocky posture. Prayer was his solace. He thought of all the brothers and sisters in arms that he had lost throughout the years. Slain family members, allies, friends, fellow knights and Oathlanders. It's during this time in which he realized that for him, war would never be over. In the years since, Bruce returned to combat and his knightly pursuits, training and assisting in the Compact's campaigns against abandoned and foreign foes whenever able. And now, he has traveled to Arx in order to get more directly involved in the coming wars. Foes surround Avrum, the Compact, Valardin. From within and without. Bruce wants to play his part; for the sake of honor, virtue, justice. He will lead his people to victory.
  stice. He will lead his people to victory.)
• Hope Sovlik  + (Hope was born to Ariana and Siro Sovlik, t …
  Hope was born to Ariana and Siro Sovlik, three years before her sister Lucina was born. As a child, she was outgoing and loved to play games with other children. She loved music, reading, and learning the art of healing, be it herbs, potions, or by other means. While her parents were away on business or one thing or another, she would spend hours locked in her room, learning what she could via scrolls, tomes, and books. Her sister, Lucina, would study with her from time to time. When not reading or playing the violin, she would train in combat with the others. Though her parents encouraged her to follow her dreams, many weren't so keen with some of the choices she made. At the age of eighteen, she was well on her way to becoming a great healer. During that time, she also witnessed the death of one of her closest friends. She found him late one night, bleeding out on the street, but she was too late to save him. Devastated and angry beyond belief, she vowed that one day, she was going to get her revenge on whoever had slit his throat and left him for dead. She had seen her fair share of deaths, but none of those deaths had involved a friend she had considered as dear to her. From that day onward, she became more aloof and more determined than ever to become better in combat. She was also determined to master medicine, even if that meant delving into some unsavory things to do it.
  elving into some unsavory things to do it.)
• Rhiannon Ashford  + (House Ashford has few traditions its child …
  House Ashford has few traditions its children embrace with more vigor than the tradition of the tree scouts, and Rhiannon's first soaring heights began when she was very young. Born of a cadet branch of the family that should never have expected the responsibility of rule, Rhiannon was raised to the spirit of adventure that is an Ashford's birthright, tempered by duty and strength, and the focused attention of parents and instructors that knew that a noblewoman must have a grounding in many topics in order to be successful. Many nobles are reared with the certainty that their primary duty to the house will be as marriage bait, but Rhiannon's parents especially knew that the military tradition of a ducal house would be where they would aim their daughter, especially when she saw how quickly and delightedly she took to climbing trees as a tiny child. Hide and seek in the woods was the best game that they played as father and daughter, and they would play it for hours, on camping trips that her father insisted on taking the time for despite the demands of house and Compact that should have required him to spend more time elsewhere. Rhiannon's father made the time, no matter what. And this, too, was a lesson that Rhiannon learned well. If something's important, you will find the time ... and there is nothing more important than your family. As a teenager, Rhiannon awkwardly skipped past adolescent rebellion. At a time when girls and boys her age were lashing out at their parents and flaring out at their instructors, Rhiannon was buckling down and learning all the harder, weighted down by duty and trust and finding her outlet in nights spent running through the trees, swinging through the canopy, and learning the ways of the woods. The first time she visited Arx as a teenager, she fled a dance party to climb the trees of Ashford Park and hide there, and honestly, there are times that now, adult Rhiannon, a woman nearing 30 and commanding troops, might be tempted to do the same. But she earned her command, her mettle tested by several years of hard service among the scouts of the woods with the rest of the Ashford tree scouts, and she earned the respect of the men and women who follow her, and with that respect, their love and affection. It's a lesson she has tried to apply to other social areas. If they respect your competence, they are more likely to recognize your worth in other ways, too.
  o recognize your worth in other ways, too.)
• Lailah Bisland  + (House Bisland has a proud tradition of bei …
  House Bisland has a proud tradition of being the most steadfast vassals of House Grayson, staunchly supporting them in war and peace. While certainly not every noble follows martial pursuits, Lailah still stunned her parents when she made quietly clear she intended to embrace the Faith of the Pantheon and not just as a priestess, but one of the scholars of Vellichor. While the clergy, including the scholars, is considered a well respected and honorable profession, House Bisland has never been known for its great religious devotion, and her parents clearly expected the charming young woman to follow her mother's footsteps in dealing with courtly politics and diplomacy. Lailah was a gifted singer, after all, but they didn't realize that her appreciation for bardic songs was a deep interest in the history of the Realm and an introvert's fascination for well-crafted stories. As far as Lailah is concerned, becoming a scholar is by no means neglecting her responsibilities as a noblewoman. Quite the opposite, in fact. She loves a good song more than most, but she never failed to notice the subtle creep of hyperbole and fiction infesting supposedly historical pieces, and she firmly believes that safeguarding the truth for future generations is every bit as vital to the safety and security of the Realm. She is a woman that firmly believes in pursuing the truth for its own sake and harbors more than a passing suspicion that in a snake-pit of deception such as Arx, that is by no means a safe or mild occupation.
  is by no means a safe or mild occupation.)
• Gabriel Bisland  + (House Bisland's proud lion banners have lo …
  House Bisland's proud lion banners have long been recognized as one of the most steadfast stalwarts of House Grayson, and none exemplar that as well as Duke Gabriel Bisland, the Crown's Lion. As a lifelong friend of the old king, King Alaric Grayson III, they were nearly inseparable in youth and the old king had told Gabriel on more than one occasion he was his brother in soul, if not in blood. A talented and famous knight, he was so trusted by Alaric III that he often led all of House Grayson's forces in battle and has spent the better part of two decades crushing the attempted incursions by Shav hordes trying to test the borders of the crownlands, and much of the stability of recent years was done by his tireless work on the king's behalf. More than once, Gabriel was the only vassal trusted enough to offer counsel to Alaric III, though he is as excruciatingly uncomfortable giving his opinion on the murky, shifting politics of the Compact as he is confident and dauntless when it comes to war. Perhaps his largest regret then is not accompanying King Alaric III when his majesty traveled east to visit House Thrax and try to put an end to the bloody slaughter of the Tyde Rebellion. The arguments at the time made sense- the king wasn't traveling to battle after all, just to speak to warring subjects and bring them to heel, and Gabriel needed to deal with some shav clans striking out of the Gray Forest at fringe settlements on Bisland land. After Alaric III's ship was lost at sea, Gabriel even briefly stood as regent for the king's young son, Alaric IV, and ruled with the concurrence of the five high lords until Alaric IV came of age. Since Alaric IV assumed his responsibilities as king, Duke Gabriel has returned to leading House Bisland and helping his godchild the elder illegitimate daughter of Alaric III, Lady Dawn, rule House Grayson's holdings while Alaric IV saw to the Realm as a whole. In 1015 AR, when the now awakened King Alaric IV found himself under threat by Eurusi and seditionists claiming to support his shockingly alive father, Duke Gabriel announced he was giving up his title and dedicating his life to the safety and success of King Alaric IV. Joining the King's Own, and serving as one of the King's personal bodyguards and advisors.
  e King's personal bodyguards and advisors.)
• Radhilde Acheron  + (House Cliffmore was a barony of little con …
  House Cliffmore was a barony of little consequence once sworn to House Aviaron and its later incarnation, House Acheron. They could trace their family lineage back not to some neonoble clan bending the knee, rather the daughter of a proud Northern Duchess proven worthy by deeds and gifted lands for her sacrifices to family and Compact. Winters are harsh in the mountains. With already treacherous passes blanketed by snow, it's easy to fall out of contact for weeks or months on end. House Cliffmore built much of their wealth by policing the trappers and furriers operating in their territories, but this meant frequent skirmishes with ambitious Shavs at times when allies were not always close at hand. In the interim period between Prince Ettore setting the rule Aviaron's Peak aside and Marquessa Rhea picking it up, during which House Cliffmore was without a direct liege, the systems in place that might have protected them were allowed to go lax. Their cliffside stronghold was overrun by a band of Abandoned warriors. The singular tomb of both warring groups was sealed by sound of their own steel, which prompted a series of terrible avalanches each more brutal than the last. Their distress beacons were never seen. When the snows were finally cleared away and help arrived, rescuers were met with the vision of a winter siren. They identified her as the Baroness's youngest daughter, Lady Radhilde. First accounts say she was dressed in fine fur-lined silks and icey jewels, with her hair loose about her shoulders. Had it not been for the grime caked beneath her nails, she might have been ready to present at court that very afternoon. With the perpetrators having expired along with any opportunity for justice, the Marquessa needed to improve the situation's optics. She elected to adopt the girl, naming her a beloved little sister and opening the doors of the Glacial Fortress to her. Of course, the two never actually met. Aviaron's Peak is impossibly far from Arx. Don't look at that map! It doesn't account for inclines!
  that map! It doesn't account for inclines!)
• Radhilde Tyde  + (House Cliffmore was a barony of little con …
  House Cliffmore was a barony of little consequence once sworn to House Aviaron and its later incarnation, House Acheron. They could trace their family lineage back not to some neonoble clan bending the knee, rather the daughter of a proud Northern Duchess proven worthy by deeds and gifted lands for her sacrifices to family and Compact. Winters are harsh in the mountains. With already treacherous passes blanketed by snow, it's easy to fall out of contact for weeks or months on end. House Cliffmore built much of their wealth by policing the trappers and furriers operating in their territories, but this meant frequent skirmishes with ambitious Shavs at times when allies were not always close at hand. In the interim period between Prince Ettore setting the rule Aviaron's Peak aside and Marquessa Rhea picking it up, during which House Cliffmore was without a direct liege, the systems in place that might have protected them were allowed to go lax. Their cliffside stronghold was overrun by a band of Abandoned warriors. The singular tomb of both warring groups was sealed by sound of their own steel, which prompted a series of terrible avalanches each more brutal than the last. Their distress beacons were never seen. When the snows were finally cleared away and help arrived, rescuers were met with the vision of a winter siren. They identified her as the Baroness's youngest daughter, Lady Radhilde. First accounts say she was dressed in fine fur-lined silks and icey jewels, with her hair loose about her shoulders. Had it not been for the grime caked beneath her nails, she might have been ready to present at court that very afternoon. With the perpetrators having expired along with any opportunity for justice, the Marquessa needed to improve the situation's optics. She elected to adopt the girl, naming her a beloved little sister and opening the doors of the Glacial Fortress to her. Of course, the two never actually met. Aviaron's Peak is impossibly far from Arx. Don't look at that map! It doesn't account for inclines!
  that map! It doesn't account for inclines!)
• Leo Fidante  + (House Fidante's long held position as the …
  House Fidante's long held position as the closest rival to House Velenosa in terms of power and prestige in the Lyceum has much to do with the city state of Tor's key strategic location between the westlands controlled by House Valardin and the rest of the Lycene city-states. While Tor enjoys the same dubious reputation for deceit and treachery shared by all of the Lyceum, its closeness to the westlands had a formative effect on the young Lord Leo, who grew up admiring the chivalry and knightly virtues of the West even as he learned much about the art of proper rule from his mother, the Duchess of Tor. His mother recognized his romanticized love of honorable ideals and sent the young Leo to foster with House Valardin, in large part to ease growing tensions between House Valardin and the border city-states of the Lyceum, and secured a betrothal for the future duke with a Valardin princess (distant from the line of succession, but still carrying the prestige of the family name). Years later, his mother's kindness still fills Leo with guilt. While the prince was living in Sanctum and spending his teenage years growing up among knights, his mother remarried to the Count of Southport, a match that Leo to this day blames himself for not being present to prevent. Barely a few months had gone by after his mother's new marriage before she suffered an extremely suspicious accident while riding and died, and her new husband declared that Leo was an illegitimate child of the Duchess (and claimed he had a confession from the now dead Duchess to that effect), and therefore the Count would have to act as regent and rule over Tor until Leo's infant sister came of age. Even among the treacherous Lyceum city-states, it was a particularly blatant power grab to seize control of the Fidante family and the city of Tor, but the much younger Leo was shocked how many seemed prepared to let an ambitious and ruthless man murder his mother and lie about his claim. Leo was stunned how many of his relatives in the Fidante family were willing to support Count Lucien of Southport in his bid for a regency, and the wealth surrounding the man raised an army of sell swords and bought him scores of allies among the surrounding other city-states. Nonetheless, Leo's marriage to House Valardin gave him sufficient voice to ask the Prince of Sanctum for aid and returned home to Tor with an army of Valardin knights to contest his claim. The Tor-Southport War that followed shattered any romantic notions of war and combat for Leo, and even by Lycene standards was an ugly war. Leo raised much of the commons of Tor to his cause, becoming close friends with many of the more powerful commoner families, and he had to witness first hand the butchery of many men and women he came to care deeply about as the war progressed. Though he feels his cause was just, and ultimately led him to killing Count Lucien in single combat and slaying an evil man, he still wonders if the justice and regaining his claim was worth the thousands of lost and shattered lives that he witnessed. Now much older and wiser, Duke Leo Fidante, the Duke of Tor, is a rarity among the Lycene Houses as a man of dignity and honor and one whose word carries weight and meaning. He stands as a stark contrast in a man that speaks truthfully and acts honorably, and is deeply dedicated to the well being of his people. In his mind, he has an enormous debt that was bought in steel and blood, and has a lifetime of just rule to attempt to pay for it.
  ime of just rule to attempt to pay for it.)
• Petraea Livy  + (House Livy of Cardia is an old and powerfu …
  House Livy of Cardia is an old and powerful family that has stayed near the top of the heap for centuries, a position maintained by a great amount of wealth thanks to their lucrative vineyards and a web of connections to House Tullus through generations of marriages and alliances. Yet, they have never been particularly influential in the political arena, lacking ambition for anything other than making money and maintaining their position in Cardian society. At least until Petraea Livy began to distinguish herself as one of the rising stars in Cardian politics as a staunch and rather ambitious member of the Scales faction. Her rise started with winning the position of Tribune with the backing of House Tullus, a militaristic position that few Scales have held in recent memory. From there, she has steadily gained power and influence, enough that she was sent to the wilds of Arvum to deal with the diplomatic mess that Marcus Sulla made. At least, that is what the official line is. More politically savvy minds think she is attempting to take Sulla's spot as Praetor, something that her fellow Scales seem to be watching carefully though the fact that such a move could anger far more than just the Senate means she is supported quietly and cautiously. In Cardia, Petraea Livy's drive and ambition is admired but also feared, even amongst her supporters.
  also feared, even amongst her supporters.)
• Roxana Grayson  + (House Malvici is unique in aspects among t …
  House Malvici is unique in aspects among the other Houses of the Lyceum. They are one of the more powerful families as holders of a duchy as well as the largest and most well trained army in the Lyceum, making them key players on the table at every conclave and often suspected of an eventual plan to crave even more power than they already possess. Yet as ever among the competitive city-states there is no role for military prowess that would not be served well with silk as well as steel. Lady Roxana Malvici was the 'baby' of the family and still enjoys the moniker even at the age of 33. Growing up among so many strong willed individuals all with exceptional talents, Roxana did all she could to show that she was just as exceptional (and more than just as strong-willed). She was never going to be much of a warrior, even when taught by the finest money could by. Though she picked up a few skills, for the most part because of the family's insistence, it was not long until it was apparent that other gifts of Roxana's could serve Malvici just as well as the clash of a blade. Thus she became that gentle touch, working to advance diplomatic meetings and to navigate court intrigue in Malvici's best interests. She also discovered a penchant for espionage, though most are not certain whether that claim has any basis in truth. Known is some circles as 'The Jewel of Southport", Roxana's reputation for charm and beauty eventually spread beyond the Lyceum and among the nobility within Arx itself. It was this moniker that led Prince Albion Grayson to determine he must make her acquaintance. Roxana had always understood that securing an important alliance such a this was crucial both for Malvici and for herself. Prince Albion wasn't quite as charming as his second cousin the future King, but he was thoughtful and poetic, at times even romantic. So it was that late in her 23rd summer she found herself planning an exclusive and breathtaking wedding.The title 'Highness' certainly suited Roxana beautifully, as did lavish apartments various palaces and a wardrobe filled with the lastest one-of-a-kind fashions that spared no expense. Albion enjoyed spoiling her in the easiest ways he could...with jewels and trinkets that made golden-green eyes dazzle. Their son Frederic was born after the first three years of marriage, followed shortly after by a stillborn daughter who caused both parents great grief. Yet deeper tragedy would not permanently alter the family until Frederic was 8 years old. Albion Grayson passed away very suddenly one winter morning, with his cause of death sometimes referred to as mysterious and other times quite natural if unexpected. Albion left Roxana a widow. It was through the mercy and generosity of her cousin-in-law King Alaric Greyson (before slipping into his slumber) that she was promised a permanent home among the Grayson family and the title of Princess. Thus Princess Roxana Grayson has determined it time to move to the city of Arx, the better to support both her ancestral family and her married one in all possible endeavors, as well as see that the stage is set for her son's own illustrious future. The boy Frederic is currently being fostered deep in the Crownlands until old enough to begin his role as a courtier in the bustling capital. In the meantime, intrigue and ambition have lured her with their siren song, and she intends to follow.
  eir siren song, and she intends to follow.)
• Jephray Pike  + (House Pike was one of the larger houses on …
  House Pike was one of the larger houses on Tyde and within it two contentious brothers, Hudson and Jameson Pike. though Jameson the eldest ruled most of the family split itself in loyalty to either the Lord or the Captain Hudson. It was into this simmer conflict that Jephray was born. Like his father he was made for the sea and spent his youth on deck moreso than land. He learned to swim, fight and Captain a boat. Both father and mother made sure he worked for his want to instill responsibility and grit. The eldest, Jeph surely was the grittiest. by eighteen he was Captain of his own ship and by 19 set to be engaged to a Wake of Tyde. But such joys would not be realized. For rebellion lay in the Fishes that grew too bold. Tyde rebelled and with it came half the banners of Pike, the family torn as Hudson preached caution and loyalty. Jameson would have none of it. While Hudson gathered his fleet for his overlords Jameson struck his brother at his costal garrison. His ships sank, and family butchered in their beds. Jephray was first hung then drowned and left to the see before his father and mother before they were similarily executed. The same followed for his siblings by cousins and kin. It was known as the Salting as Hudson and his wife were sent in salted barrels to Tydehall as signs of loyalty. Jephray however survived, his body picked up by fishermen and taken down to the Thrax once the situation could be sussed Given that his father still had survivg loyal men who could attest to the deed, Jeph was given a ship and sent back to aid Victus Thrax in the salting of Tyde. By ship and by field Jeph brought his Hurricane to bare. Jephray lost an eye in the great battle in which Victus slee the Duke of Tyde, but he gained a knighthood. An honor it is to serve as a house knight and Captain for house Thrax. Exiled by the surviving member of his house, Jeph who styles his colours with a Black fish instead of red on a field of blue and green is ever Thrax's man. There are rumors he might be offered a marriage of a lowest cousin, but his loyalty was sealed with water in his lungs a long time past.
  with water in his lungs a long time past.)
• Salvador Seraceni  + (House Seraceni and the isle of Ischia has …
  House Seraceni and the isle of Ischia has always needed keen engineering. Sal descends from the Costello family the designed for Braiga and his family line has typically served as keepers of the civil engineering for the volcanic island. Sal was particularly brilliant and began his work as a shipwright and improved upon designs over the years of the Saraceni fleet. During an accident he lost his arm in a mishap with a ship that fell from its hoist and crushed his arms. He built himself a crude prosthetic but often finds challenges with having only one truly functional arm. He is trusted also with the overall leadership and engineering for the capital, he is responsible for the upkeep and design on the inner island gates, walls, and fortifications. He has come up from a simple commoner to being on the edge of deserving elevated status into peerage. Sal has a had a close friendship and association with Appolonia Seraceni and has often discuss with her the ambition to build bigger ships. Vessels that would make the trip to distant lands and Eurus easier. He has had loose designs but never focussed or had the resources to settle on the project long enough to make headway. It is understood that Sal holds the keys to the defense and well being of House Seraceni. He is rewarded, well regarded, and often treated more like family than an outsider. He appreciates the recognition of his contributions and he seeks to find more ways around intellectual problems through engineering and other sciences to solve problems. Sal is given a generous operational stipend and there is talk of making the man a minister within the family. He is on the cusp of making things happen.
  He is on the cusp of making things happen.)
• Shreve Tyde  + (House Tyde wielded enormous influence as t …
  House Tyde wielded enormous influence as the most powerful of House Thrax's vassals, but simply possessing the name by itself won family little. Lord Shreve Tyde was a very distant third cousin of the current Duke of Tydehall, and his impoverished very minor branch of the noble family tree raised him as an exceptionally hungry and bitter little man. While the exact sequence of events aren't well known outside of House Thrax, during the Tyde Rebellion which resulted in the complete destruction of House Tyde, Shreve may have lost his noble title from the family being attainted but he did not suffer the same fate that saw most of the ancient house flayed living and crucified by the sea. Shreve himself was in Arx and never went to his family's defense, and as a junior member of the inquisition even seized some Thraxian commoners that were sympathetic to House Tyde and put them to the question. While his loyalties are uncertain, he saw a steady rise through the inquisition to become the newest Master of Questions.
  to become the newest Master of Questions.)
• Noelle Pravus  + (House Valardin is known for being exemplar …
  House Valardin is known for being exemplars of honor, paragons of virtue, and standard-bearers of all that's chivalric. House Pravus was, and is not, given the same description. Instead, they are known for their passions, their boundary-pushing. It would be difficult to pick two more opposite Houses in the Compact. One would expect that where these two meet there would be explosions. But that was not the case with the first several meetings of Gerard Valardin and Taziana Pravus. Their first encounter was a joust in Arx where he rode by and so chivalrously asked for a Favor to wear and she obliged. Aas Taziana found quite a bit of passion to be enjoyed in things such as jousts and melees she followed the circuit for the year. And each time he jousted, Gerard would come to ask her favor. By the end of the year, they were wed with Prince Gerard Valardin becoming Lord Gerard Pravus. Less than a year after that: Noelle, named for her Valardin grandmother. Noelle was a pain for her tutors. Smart, but unwilling to apply herself. She was a pain for her tailors, uncaring about fashion. She would spend winters in Sanctum, enjoying things like ice skating but being horrible at things like riding horses or using weapons. Most of the year she would just people-watch in Setarco. And there were people to watch! Finally something changed in the girl. Oh, she still preferred to watch people, but after one particular carnival, she became obsessed with street magic, the kind used by performers to the delight of audiences. Her parents were both dismayed, but at the same time glad she took an interest in something. So they gave her six months. If she could master a certain number of tricks in six months, they'd let her continue; and if she couldn't, then she was going to learn to be a knight. It took her five. Five months and she had mastered the basics of sleight of hand, enough to avoid having to learn to fight. It'd take her years longer to be a true master but in these tricks, Noelle found something she had been lacking: Confidence. She took the lessons of misdirection to heart and made them part of herself. She learned to use them to get around, not over, the awkwardness of new friends. And she found a thrill in pickpocketing. Uusually that was just a way to make an introduction. Pick a pocket, then, "Oh, sir, you must have dropped this," and start a conversation. But that's not to say she doesn't have a collection of secret treasures of things that never made their way back home. The only time this has really been a problem was when she picked the pocket of a passing priest, pulling a coin. She turned to try to give it back to the older gentleman and he was gone. She couldn't find him! That's her bad luck coin. Ever since then she's just had huge runs of bad luck and knows they won't end until she can give the coin back. And now that Noelle's back in Arx, she thought her luck was going to change. She saw the old priest at the Queensrest.... the night he was killed and called a false dominus. Well, now what?
  nd called a false dominus. Well, now what?)
• Sophie Valardin  + (House Valardin of all the great houses has …
  House Valardin of all the great houses has the greatest representation among clergy in the Faith of the Pantheon, so it comes as no surprise when a prince or princess of the Oathlands feels drawn towards the Faith. However Princess Sophie surprised her parents and siblings not just by being devout, but by the much rarer choice of feeling called to serve as a disciple of a specific goddess, announcing even as a teenager that she intended to become a Mercy of Lagoma. Her decision was driven by the first time she saw the aftermath of a battle, as a young niece of Prince Radley accompanying the high lord to inspect a skirmish against shavs, and she witnessed white robed members of the Faith giving care to not only the soldiers of House Valardin who were wounded, but even to the dying shav enemies who had been left lying upon the field. The agony of the dying tore at her soul, and she'll never forget the humanizing compassion in each of the Mercies of Lagoma's actions. She remembers a pair of Mercies struggling fiercely to save the life of a desperately wounded shav, and she remembers so very keenly that courageous members of the Faith refused to allow stricken enemies to be massacred by vengeful Valardin knights and faced their swords until Prince Radley told the knights to stand down. Sophie saw a sort of courage in those unarmed healers that resonated with her, and her mind was made up from that moment on. As a very young adult, after extensive training as a Mercy in Blancbier, she traveled to Arx to study with the Faith. This put her on the path to becoming godsworn, giving up her family and potential titles and become sworn only to the gods and the crown while serving as the Mother Mercy of the Mercies of Lagoma of Arx. She knew how powerful the Valardin name is, and she knew she is in a unique position to be the one to speak for the defenseless, the sick and the injured. She knew full well that she could be the one woman in white whose voice can be heard by the truly powerful, and she felt she owes it to Lagoma and to the defenseless to be the one to speak it. But having established herself firmly in Arx, Princess Sophie Valardin felt it was time to become Sister Sophie Valardin, and she intends to leave the world in a better place than she found it. As of the summer of 1006 AR, following the still unsolved murder of her predecessor, she ascended to the position of Mother Mercy of Arx. So far, her tenure has seen to the development and implementation of the Harrowed Heart initiative, which treats post-traumatic stress. Improving the lives and the care of the denizens of the Lower Boroughs and the refugees in Arx continues to very much be a keystone of her service to Our Lady of Change.
  tone of her service to Our Lady of Change.)
• Alantir Valardin  + (How Alantir survived the Tragedy at Sanctu …
  How Alantir survived the Tragedy at Sanctum remains to this day a mystery. He has the scars to show for it, of course -- the raised and discolored tissue marring the majority of his bare chest and back. But the memories, beyond crawling from beneath a pile of corpses and burning debris? Hidden behind an impenetrable veil that obfuscates even his unconscious mind from uncovering the truth beneath. He talks about the event rarely, opting instead to busy himself with tasks entrusted to him on behalf of his family and its dignitaries. Outside of this blemish on an otherwise perfect record, he is very much the honor-bound and chivalrous knight one would expect to find bearing the crest of the White Dragon -- though perhaps with a negative predisposition toward the shav'arvani due to the great pain the Abandoned inflicted upon the Valardin psyche.
  ndoned inflicted upon the Valardin psyche.)