A

Alvar, Helain – Guild Mistress of the Merchant’s Guild in Devok, Arushal. Mother to Master Merchant Kenis Alvar. Elderly but still strong of mind and body, a no-nonsense, hard-nosed business woman, the Guild has prospered under her scrupulously honest leadership.

Ariath, Baylora – Born in the northern mountains of Arushal in 2902, she was considered by many to be one of the greatest, and perhaps strangest, Torazan mages of the last century. When many of her peers could not understand her complex theories, and grew fearful of the direction of her research, she disappeared for five years. She was believed to have traveled widely during this time, perhaps as far away as eastern Ishkala.

She eventually created a hidden sanctum deep in the marshes of the Pelon Delta, where she was free to conduct her research and live free of the disputes and constraints of other mages. It was there that experts believe she began to dabble in powerful arts far beyond her capacity to fully understand, much less control. In 2948 something terrible happened to Baylora and her small household of servants and students. Only one, Therax Isgaren, survived; but he was raving, incoherent, and in a deep state of shock, unable (or unwilling) to reveal what, exactly, had happened.

The mystery of the exact location of Baylora’s hidden island sanctum, and of her ultimate fate, were only recently solved by the adventurers known as the Hand of Fortune, in the spring of 3018. A dozen wildly variant stories are current throughout northern Ysgareth, but it is too soon to tell which one will come to be “common knowledge.” See the post The Folly of Baylora, in the Common Knowledge category for more information.

Arven, Obras – A mercenary caravan guard, frequently employed by the master merchant Alvar Kenis. A friend and sparing partner of Drake Bartoff in his early days in Devok, and later of Devrik Askalan. Died in a battle with Gülvini during an expedition to find Baylora’s Island.

Askalan, Devrik – An adventurer, very skilled in combat, especially with the battlesword and spear; also a somewhat erratic mage of the Yalva convocation. A native of the Kildoran Republic, he spent much of his youth at a chantry in Darikaz. Part of the increasingly well-known group called the  Hand of Fortune, currently active in the Northern Ukalis region of Ysgareth. Married to Raven of the Rethmani tribal people; they are expecting their first child in Margas 3019. Click here for a more complete biography.

Askalan, Seria – A Kalathir (warrior woman) of Olvânaal, one-time mistress of Equar Brandis Nordaka of the Kildoran Republic, with whom she had a son, Devrik. After the birth of her son, Seria gave up active combat and settled in the small town of Thurnok, in the Republic, to raise him. Equar Brandis had minimal contact with them, but did provide a modest stipend for his son’s support. Seria’s sister, a skald in their homeland, came south to help her raise her son, having had prophetic vision that he would grow great in the world, for good or ill, depending on how he turned to or from the Light.

Askalan, Kathela – A skald, or bard, of Ovânaal, sister to the Kalathir Seria, a warrior woman of some renown. When Seria gave birth to the bastard son of a Republican knight, Kathela had a prophetic vision that the boy would be a great force in the world, for either good or evil. Determined that it should be for good, she traveled south to help her sister raise the child, instilling in him the lore and values of the North, and a strong moral sense. When, at the age of 12, he was taken to live with his father, she was able to stay near him as his nursemaid, and so continue his training. When he was sent off at 14 to a Darikazi chantry, she knew she had done all she could… leaving the rest to Fate, she returned to her homeland.

B

Bartyne, Ser Alakor – aka Colith One-Eye; the older brother of Draik Bartyne (aka Drake Bartoff) and former captain of the mercenary company The Hand of Vengeance. Currently serving the Earl of Buran as the Constable of Dor Dür.

Bartyne, Danyes – Younger son of Querdon Bartyne, the infamous apothecary of Dür; abandoned by his father and elder brother when they fled after the conviction of Ser Danyes Bernan, one-time Constable of Dür. He now works for his cousin, Draik Bartyne, as an assistant in the shop where he grew up, now owned by Draik. He is much happier now, and hopes his father and brother never return.

Bartyne, Kimbar – Elder son of Querdon Bartyne, the infamous apothecary of Dür; fled with his father after the conviction of Ser Danyes Bernan, one-time Constable of Dür. In recent years he had been drawn into the crimes of his father and the Constable, and like his father convicted in abstentia for numerous felonies. Cousin of Draik Bartyne, who has now inherited the apothecary shop in Dür.

Bartyne, Querdon – Infamous apothecary of Dür, deeply involved in the illicit drug trade run by the now-executed Ser Danyes Bernan, former Constable of Dür. Querdon supplied the Constable and his allies with illegal herbs, potions and poisons as part of a plot to destabilize the Kingdom of Nolkior. Convicted in abstentia of numerous felonies, he fled with his elder son, Kimbar, whom he had corrupted, before the authorities could seize them. He abandoned his despised younger son, Danyes, who now works in the shop under the new management of Draik Bartyne, Querdon’s much-hated younger nephew. His even-more-hated older nephew, Alakor Bartyne, is now Constable of Dür. Wherever he has fled, it seems likely that Querdon harbors a serious grudge against the two nephews who destroyed his life and fortune, as well as against their friends, who aided and abetted them.

Baysiron, Borin – young son of a butcher in Devok, Arushal, rescued from death at the hands of an undead spirit by the Hand of Fortune. A hunch back, he is shy, but very intelligent. He seems to remember nothing of the night he almost died, only that he fell asleep under a bush while searching for his lost sister, who was later found drowned.

Baysiron, Elana – wife of a butcher in Devok, Arushal; she believed for a time that her daughter Mirial drowned by misadventure, but recently learned that the child was actually slain by an undead spirit. Her son Borin was rescued from a similar fate by the Hand of Fortune. In gratitude to Mariala Teryne, especially, she and her husband recently named their new daughter Mariala.

Baysiron, Marik – a butcher in Devok, Arushal; he believed for a time his daughter Mirial drowned by misadventure, but recently learned that the child was actually slain by an undead spirit. His son Borin was rescued from a similar fate by the Hand of Fortune, for which he and his wife will be forever grateful.

Baysiron, Mirial – young daughter of a butcher in Devok, Arushal, the last victim of an undead spirit created centuries earlier by the demon-worshiper, Golhan Zhanul.

Bernan, Ser Danyes – Constable of Dür for the Earl of Buran. He was a corrupt, thieving administrator, and under his direction, Dür became the center of a quiet operation that acquired herbs and fungi from various herbalists and produced poisons and proscribed drugs. He used the Zalik-mal to spread his wares across all of Nolkior, creating addiction and chaos in every class. The arch-nemesis of Drake Bartoff and his brother Colith One-eye, he became a target of the adventurers known as the Hand of Fortune in 3018; by late summer of that year he was under arrest for various crimes, including treason. He was hanged at Kolosür on 19 Kilta 3018.

Bokelan, Garis “Blood-eagle” – Darikazi pirate captain, master of the pirate vessel Sea Hag. He was captured during an early adventure of the Hand of Fortune, and hanged in Devok on 27 Margas 3018, guilty of involvement in a Korönian plot to spread the Red Death in Arushal.

C

Canatori, Marik– A mercenary soldier in the freebooter company The Hand of Vengeance. A skilled longbowman, he rose steadily through the ranks, and after the decimation of the company during the battle for Baylora’s island, he became second in command. When the long-time captain of the Hand, Colith One-eye (aka Alakor Bartyne), was elevated to a knighthood and took the position of Constable of Dür, Marik was appointed captain of the company. As half the men of the Hand followed Ser Alakor to Dür, to become yeomen, Marik’s first act was to recruit new mercenaries.

Colith One-eye – The nom d’adventure of Alakor Bartyne, which see. Under this name he was for many years the captain of the mercenary company The Hand of Vengeance.

D

Darkeye, Lekorm – Commander of the Shadow Guard of Prince Rhoghûn of Dürkon. He is a Sixth Level Adept of the ancient Khundari martial art known as Kahar-ün-Tem. Besides his great physical prowess, he possesses a brilliant, and subtle mind, that is much feared by the enemies of Dürkon. He is completely loyal to his Prince, and supports Rhoghûn’s forward-looking plans for their city-state.

Demalian, Ser Jenkus– Sheriff of Savartimshire, in eastern Arushal.  A hard but reasonably just man of 50 years, with brown hair shot with gray and sea-gray eyes.

Darolithukan – (dahir-oh-LEE-thoo-khan) c. 28th Century.  A famous Grey  Mage active in throughout most of the 2700’s in Ysgareth, the Ocean Empire and the Galean Sea regions. An inventor of clever artifacts and arcane devices, many of which are still used today, he is perhaps best known as the creator of the magical artifact known as a “bag of holding.” Like many of his works, this involves the manipulation of interdimensional spaces, his particular specialty. Although considered a polymath genius by his peers, he was also a shameless self-promoter (among other things, he insisted that his likeness accompany every copy of his published works, either tooled in leather on covers or as a printed face piece inside), and is why he remains one of the better known mages to the general public. His death was as over-sized and dramatic as his life and ego had been, vanishing in a tremendous extra-dimensional accident that took half a mountain with him in 2903 SR.

Doritar, Belin – A scholar and teacher in Medälk, in the Republic of Kildora. A member of the Scholarly Class, his primary patron is the powerful Senator Aric Kendora, whose children he has tutored for the past 12 years. He is himself patron to several younger, up-and-coming scholars and philosophers. A stern man, with strong opinions on learning and rational thought, he is very proud of his clan’s long history of famous scholars and sages. He expected both his sons to follow him down that path, and was furious when the younger one, Erol, chose to join the Legions instead. Until recently he believed Erol died several years ago, during a military action in Darikaz. Attempts by the two strong-willed men to reconcile have so far proved rocky. He has twin daughters, Irina and Aria, to whom he pays scant attention.

Doritar, Erol – An adventurer, skilled in combat after training as a Legionnaire of the Kildoran Republic and many years as a slave-gladiator in the arenas of Darikaz. Recently associate with a pirate ship plying the Sea of Ukalis, he is now part of the increasingly well-known group called the Hand of Fortune, currently active in the Northern Ukalis region of Ysgareth.

Doritar, Evol – Son of Belin Doritar, a Kildoran scholar and teacher, brother to the adventurer Erol Doritar.  Currently studying under a private tutor in Delfarin, the capital city of the Republic. Until recently believed his younger brother to be deceased.

Doritar, Norina – An artist and poet of some repute in the Republic; wife to the scholar Belin Doritar, mother to Evol, Erol, Irina and Aria. Despite her distance from the centers of culture (i.e., Delfarin), her works are much sought after in Patrician homes, and she has been asked to read her poetry at the Opening of the Senate twice – an honor that she has twice declined at her husband’s insistence.  Until recently she believed her second son, Erol, to be dead, and consoled herself by encouraging the artistic skills of her 15-year-old twin daughters.

Dornkurl, Bazlo – Born a citizen of the Kildoran Republic, he gladly turned traitor during the Korönian-led Darikazi invasion of his native town of Bremkin in 3006. Then just a street-tough, his potential was recognized by a Korönian cantor, who sent him to study at the Yalva/Tykizu joint chantry at Kerig. A bully at heart, he chose the wrong target when he decided to torment a younger Arushali student named Sarno Janir, and came afoul of his friend Devrik Askalan. Although a year younger, Devrik beat Bazlo bloody, an insult he has never forgotten, though he has yet to find the right way to avenge it. A devout Korönian, he is now a weapon crafter for the Red Hand of Pain in Bremkin.

E

Edokar, Zarik – Grandmaster of the Korönian Order of the Iron Claw, 2994 – 3000. His unauthorized invasion of Arushal began the 15-year long conflict known as Zarik’s War.

Ergaboreth of G’tall (air-gah-BORE-eth) – A Gyantari youth from the remote and isolated community of giants, nestled in a hidden valley on beneath the slopes of Mount Katha, in the southeastern Blackmist Mountains. Leaving home to “see the lands of the Small Folk,” against the wishes of his family and the Elders, he was quickly captured by Darikazi “monster hunters” of the Korönian Order of the Iron Fist of Tarutha. Beaten, starved and tormented for a month, he was intended to be the centerpiece of the gladiatorial games in the town of Bremkin, fighting a renegade gladiator to the death. But instead he was freed by the gladiator and his friends, who turned out to be the Hand of Fortune, and joined his new friends to continue his explorations in the wide world.

Eristern, Ser Dalan – A landless knight of Arushal, aide-de-camp to Ser Owain Hanorn. A bit of a prig, but meticulous in his duties and completely loyal to his patron.

F

Farlox III – Current king of the feudal realm of Darikaz, who came to the throne after the death of Farlox II in 3013. The late king having left no direct heir, Rikola Araku, one of his cousins, murdered his way to the crown by eliminating all contenders except two. Only by a lucky twist of fate did Saval and Hesela Targelis escape the massacre. Although both these children had better claims to the throne, this did not prevent the ruthless Rikola from declaring himself king. Most of the major nobles of Darikaz have since recognized Rikola’s claim to the throne, but like all such men, Farlox III is paranoid that someone else will copy his success. And, indeed, someone is trying.

G

Gil-Garon (gill-gar-OHN) – Current Emperor of the Ocean Empire.

Goldentouch, Yimara (gill-gar-OHN) – A Telnori mage of Xaranda, in the ancient Kingdom of Serviana. Late in her life, during the Great War, she volunteered to sacrifice her body so that her soul could be placed into Zhezekar, the Great Elemental Beast of Fire. Along with the other Elemental Beasts she defended her city from the forces of the Necromancer, until summoned by King Taharazod to take part in a great working to defeat and imprison the demonic Corruptor who was ravaging the land. Since then her soul has powered one of the Great Seals that keep the demon bound outside the world.

Grennan, Helkam – Proprietor of the Inn of the Cloven Shield, in Devok, Arushal.

H

Hanol, Kirdik – A moderately high-ranking cantor of the Chained God, Korön, in Darikaz. He was also associated with the mysterious group known only as the Vortex. He tried for years to recruit the Kildoran youth Devrik Askalan, believing him to be the subject of the Fire Prophecy, and thus to have a great destiny as the one to free the Chained God (or extend His confinement for a thousand years). When Devrik engendered a child, Kirdik became convinced this unborn child would be a son and was the true child of the prophecy. He now wished Devrik dead and the child in his own custody, to which end he kidnapped the boy just minutes after his birth. His possession of the child lasted only a few hours before Devrik caught up with him and killed him. His body was consumed in the eruption of Mount Katai on 12 Margas 3019.

Hanorn, Ser Owain – Brother of the Earl of Devok, and close advisor to Crown Prince Darlanis of Arushal. Hale and strong at 75, with iron gray just touching his black hair, his piercing ice-blue eyes miss very little. He is an astute judge of character and motivations. He is also an associate member of the Star Council.

Hanorn, Ser Ronalt – Son of the Earl of Devok, currently acting for his father in most day-to-day matters concerning the Earldom. The nephew of Ser Owain Hanorn.

Harox, Edan – Blacksmith’s apprentice from the Aruhsali village of Dirdon. The 18-year-old youth was transporting a shipment or ironwork to Kar Vandol for his master when he was accidentally transported to some unknown, but presumably distant, part of the world by Mariala Tyrene as she was examining an Ancient artifact. Unable to retrieve him, Mariala and her companions sent money and another artifact after him, in the hope that they would help the lad to survive.

Hepkahir, Arghon – A very prosperous fisherman in the village of Rados, on the small Hiron Channel island of Tenith, in the Ocean Empire. The 50-year-old operates a fleet of five boats, and while liked by his peers is considered a somewhat dour, if sternly fair, master. Brother-in-law to the adventurer/mage known as Korwin Seaborn, whom he dislikes and distrusts. He caught him stealing several times in his youth… generally small items of little real value, true, but wrong is wrong!

Hepkahir, Miram – (neé Venad) Wife of prosperous fisherman Arghon Hepkahir, daughter of Elezam and Mahirza Venad, adopted sister of the adventurer/mage known as Korwin Seaborn. Sympathetic to her much younger adopted brother, she nonetheless maintains a certain distance so as to minimize conflict with her husband, who dislikes the youth.

Hosath, Bartum – A scribe in the city of Shalara, in the Kingdom of Nolkior. A tall, thin, ascetic man of around 45, his small but elegant shop is located in the Flames Court Market in New District. Aside from his services as a scribe, he makes and sell inks and papers, from the mundane to the exotic, including a red-gold ink of his own creation that is in great demand by the nobility as well as by manuscript artists. He also deals in the illicit Lyrin Oil trade on the side.

I

Isgaren, Therax – Torazan mage, formerly a student of Baylora Ariath, and the only (corporeal) survivor of the disastrous explosion of Torazon energies that consumed Baylora, killed every human on her island retreat, mutated many other life forms, and created a monstrous plant intelligence.

Isgaren, Torold – A Caelite monk of Eldora Abbey, physician. Target of revenge by a Korönian High Cantor due to his actions during Zarik’s War.

J

Janir, Sarno – A young mage of the Tykizu convocation. Although a native of Arushal, he chose to study in the Darikazi chantry of Kerig, it’s great reputation for quality in both Tykizu and Yalvan magics trumping the dangers of living in a hostile country. He became close friends with Devrik Askalan during his years of study, depending on him for protection, and they remain in touch as the Post and their mutual travels allow. He is a skilled weapon crafter, and his reputation for artistic metal work is growing now that he is returned to his native land. He has yet to settle in one place, preferring to travel and learn all he can from others.

K

Kalarin, Prince Darlanis – Younger brother of the unmarried King Dorikon IV of the feudal kingdom of Arushal, and current heir to the throne. He is also the Sheriff of Perol, the Arushali shire which extends along the western border with Darikaz. As the younger brother of the unmarried King Dorikon IV, he is also the current heir to the throne of Arushal. He is also heir to their father’s title of Earl of Seftim, making the 25-year-old prince one of the most powerful men in Arushal. Considered by some to be the more talented and energetic of the two brothers, many of whom would prefer him on the throne. There is, however, no actual movement to dethrone Dorikon IV, and if there were, Prince Darlanis would never be party to such a conspiracy.

Kalarin, Lisbil – High Cantor of Eldora Abbey, a prosperous religious establishment dedicated to Cael, located in southern foothills of the Sarajis Mountain of northeastern Arushal. She is the sister of the Kleros of Savartim’al, to whom she owes her current position.  A competent administrator and devout follower of the Immortal Paladin, she is also ambitious and well aware of her clan’s political interests.

A member of Clan Demalian had been High Cantor of the abbey for the last six administrations, over 150 years, and the Demalians were dismayed when Cantor Lisbil was appointed over qualified members of their own clan. The monks and cantors of Eldora also greeted her appointment with a mixture of indignation and skepticism. The young, energetic Lisbil soon succeeded, however, in winning the respect and affection of most of the clerics. She has now firmly established herself as head of the abbey and is building her influence with the local nobility, although her efforts have been undermined by Clan Demalian whenever possible. The High Cantor’s relations with the Sheriff of Savartim, Ser Jenkus Demalian, however, are strained.

Kalarin, Ser Ranald – The Earl of Seftim in the feudal kingdom of Arushal. Widowed husband to the late Queen Mirela, he is the father of the current monarch, King Dorikon IV, and of the Heir Apparent, Prince Darlanis. Many in the kingdom feel the Earl has too much influence over his son the King, although few would claim it was a malign influence.

Kelskon, Ilor – A Vendari (master) of the Tykizu convocation at the joint Yalva-Tykizu Chantry at Kerig, in Darikaz. He was one of Devrik Askalan’s many teachers there, and one of his two great mentors. He taught the boy many of the skills that have made him a great warrior, and is one of the few who believe he can overcome his fears and become a great mage, as well.

Kendora, Aric – A powerful Senator of the Kildoran Republic, and a leader of the Consolidation Faction in that august body. He is also one of the senators opposing the current effort to build a paved road through the Chevan Gap and the heart of the Firilani tribal range to the mouth of the Hiltem River. If this could be done, and a port established, the Republic would gain access to the rich trade of the Galean Sea, cutting out months of travel and many middlemen. So far the dream has remained elusive, due to determined resistance by the tribes as well as factions in the Senate. His eldest son, Eldok, a childhood friend of Erol Doritar, has just begun his time serving in the Diamond Legion.

Karavina of Samokara – (khar-ah-VEE-nah) b. circa 2945 SR. A Grey Mage based out of the city-state of Samokara, on the Wild Coast. Unlike the majority of her fellow mages, Karavina is not particularly reclusive, indeed is one of the more popularly famous wizards of the modern age. She is best known to the world in general for her decades-long work to bring general education to every stratum of society, not just the noble and wealthy classes, and for her strong views on democracy and the republican form of self-government. Both are views that have not endeared her to many in the more feudally-oriented nations of Ysgareth over the years.

She was instrumental in helping to set up the government of the city in which she eventually settled, some 30 years ago, and to which her name is now permanently linked. Her original with name is not generally known. Besides being a powerful sorceress, Karavina is known to be a consecrated cantor of Shala, Immortal Patron of Knowledge, and is heavily involved in that cult, especially along the Wild Coast where her educational efforts are mainly concentrated.

Karasina vanished from public sight in late 3017, and by the summer of 3018 the rumors of her death had spread across the arcane world. But the stories are often contradictory, and no one seems to know what actually happened to her, beyond participation in an apparently ill-fated polar expedition beyond the mountains of the great northern continent.

Kendora, Eldok – Son of the powerful Senator Aric Kendora, the 22-year-old scion of privledge and wealth has just taken the first steps on the path of power in the republic: two years in one of the Legions, then an appointment to a minor civil service post, then a run for elected office… all eventually ending in a seat in the Senate. He is not completely sure that this is what he really wants, but it is what is expected of him. He sometimes wishes he had the nerve of his childhood friend Erol, and could just run off…

L

Levtor, Barin – A experienced captain of trading vessels, of middle years but still hale and vigorous, he stands 5′ 11″, has black hair and black eyes, and is missing his right arm. A member of both the Merchant’s guild and the Seaman’s Guild, and so able to buy and sell his own cargoes, he was on his way to becoming quite rich until his ship was set upon by Darikazi pirates in 3017. He was wounded in the battle, and though the pirates ransomed him (and at his insistence his crew), he lost his arm from infection. He found it impossible to find a berth after that, until Vulk Elida and his companions hired him to captain their vessel, the Fortune’s Favor, in the spring of 3018. He has been making money for them (and himself) ever since.

M

Mataya – A northern “wise woman” of uncertain origins. During the years of Devrik Askalan’s training, she made her home in a small hut in the woods near Kerig Chantry, in Darikaz. Known derisively to many of the students as “the stinky hut hag,” she was nonetheless a figure of some fear amongst them, due to her rumored powers as a witch. Devrik befriended her, at the urging of one of his teachers, and learned much of the arts of divination from her. About a year before Devrik left Kerig, Mataya’s hut was found abandoned and no word has since been heard of her in Darikaz. It would be many years before the young warrior-mage would learn the truth of the matter.

N

Nordaka, Brandis – Equestrian (knight) of the Kildoran Republic. He is an important landholder in the Moralo Province, a stern, humourless man who takes himself, and his position, very seriously. Father of a bastard son, Devrik, and a legitimate one, Ernell. When Devrik began to manifest psionic fire powers in adolescence, Equar Brandis shipped him off to a Yalva chantry for training, and essentially disowned him. He has never acknowledged Devrik legally. His wife, Elsbet, remains convinced that Devrik tried to kill her and his new-born half-brother with a house fire.

Nordaka, Elsbet – Formerly Elsbet Aquil, the wife of Equar Brandis Nordaka and mother of his only legitimate son, Ernell. Shwe always resented the existence of her husbands bastard son, Devrik. When she finally succeeded in giving her husband a legitimate son, she was greatly relieved. But a house fire almost killed her and the infant, and even before it was learned that Devrik had accidentally started the fire with his emerging psionic gift, she had accused him of trying to murder them both. She would have preferred to see the boy hanged, but had to settle for his banishment to a chantry in Darikaz. While she hates the bastards mother, Seria Askalan, she is also very afraid of her.

Nordaka, Ernell – The only legitimate son of Equar Brandis Nordaka, a major landowner in the Moralo Province of the Kildoran Republic. Now almost 11 years old, he knows his older half-brother Devrik only through his mothers’s use of him as a boogeyman who will burn him up if he doesn’t behave. A nervous child, he lives in constant terror of his forbidding father, his domineering mother, his demonic half-brother… his only refuge is his collection of lead figures, where he is in control of their destinies and master of the world. But even that safe harbor is threatened as he grows older, from his father’s disapproval of “dolls,” and he is increasingly taken to hiding them.

Nordaka, Migray – The Chief of Clan Nordaka in the republic of Kildora, he is also a Magistrate in Varinport. The great uncle of the adventurer Devrik Askalan, he retains some affection and sympathy for his nephew, despite his bastard status and exile by his father, Equar Brandis Nordaka.

Norel, Sharm – Pilot of the Darikazi pirate ship Sea Hag. Acquitted of conspiracy in the matter of the Red Death Plot, but found guilty of piracy. Spared the noose, but banished from Arushal in Margas 3018.

O

Name – Text

P

Parek, Arlun (Pahr-eck, AHR-luhn)– A powerful mage, apparently of the Toraz and Yalva convocations, known to be an associate of the mysterious criminal organization called the Vortex. Apparently involved in the raw-materials-end of their illicit drug trade, he was known in many northern Ysgareth realms as a legitimate trader of herbs, plants and furs until 3018, when two separate clashes with the adventurers of the Hand of Fortune rendered his public cover useless. Escaping physically unscathed from those encounters, he (or his superiors) devised an elaborate death trap to eliminate the Hand of Fortune – which the heroes managed to escape with relative ease. They subsequently derailed an assassination Parek had orchestrated in the Khundari city of Dürkon, during which he was apparently killed, ironically sucked into a vortex to the elemental dimension of fire. His motivations and goals, like those of his organization, remain unclear at this point, beyond their malevolent nature.

Q

Name – Text

R

Rhoghûn, Prince (ROW-ghoon) – Current ruler of the Khundari city-state of Dürkon. He succeeded his father to the throne in late 3017, at the age of 65, quite young for a Khundari ruler. He has instigated a series of sweeping reforms, aimed at bringing his people into greater contact with the wider world,  that have many of the older nobles worried. Change is not a popular concept in many Khundari cultures. Rhoghûn has three young children, two boys and a girl, aged 10 to 19, and he has again shocked his people by seeking out non-Khundari tutors to supplement their traditional education. Most scandalous, he proposes to include his daughter in this educational program – Khundari females are rarely seen by outsiders in most Northern Khundari cultures.

S

Sanza, Fornat – Alias of the Vularun mage Polus Oldek. Killed by the Hand of Fortune on 19 Sarnia 3018 during his attempt to gain control of the Orb of Golhan.

Seaborn, Korwin – A youthful but very talented mage of the Avikor convocation, an adept of the Order of the Emerald Depths. Orphaned very young, he was raised by foster parents as a fisherman on a remote island of the Ocean Empire. His great affinity for water led to his enrollment at age 14 in the highly regarded Avikor Chantry of Alkimar, on the island of Morgos. He is currently on his year-and-a-day journey to prove his skill, and is pursuing it outside the Empire due to some slight misunderstanding with the Imperial Governor of the Syklian Islands, Kharmet Genokir. He has recently joined a group of adventurers who are gaining a reputation in the kingdoms of the North Shore of the Sea of Ukalis, the Hand of Fortune.

Storex, Krydel – Crazed Bosun of the Darikazi pirate ship Sea Hag. Acquitted of conspiracy in the matter of the Red Death Plot, but found guilty of piracy. Spared the noose, but banished from Arushal in Margas 3018.

Synolkantar, Davil – Master shipwright in Devok, Arushal. Survivor of an outbreak of the Red Death that killed most of his family in his youth, he bears the pockmarks of that illness still. Oversaw the repair and outfitting of the Sea Hag when it was recommissioned as Fortune’s Favor; paid for her beautiful purple and gold sails from his own pocket as a thank you for the ships owners, who had forestalled a Korönian plot to spread the Red Death anew in Arushal.

T

Targelis, Lord Denyl – The Earl of Gormilioth in the feudal kingdom of Darikaz. The dominant political force in western Darikaz, and the leader of the opposition against Farlox III, Lord Denyl seeks to place either his nephew or niece on the throne. Both Sovul and Isella Targelis have a better claim to the throne than the current occupant, who murdered, among many others, their mother (the Earl’s sister). King Farlox III wishes the children dead, and Earl Gormilioth seeks both revenge and political power for his clan. The impasse between the King and the Earl has not deteriorated into civil war yet only because neither side has gathered enough military force to be assured of victory. Although the Earl is building an army of mercenaries at Gormilioth, this is very expensive, and he seeks an ally to defeat Farlox III.

Talorin Silvereye (tah-LORE-en) – One of the greatest mages of the Fifth Age, some say of any Age. Born in Avantir, Oceania, c. 2460, he is considered the father of modern Thularian philosophy and the application of magic. His writings, particularly his master work On Learning the Art, are still used as the primary texts in every Convocation of the T’ara Kul. Many legends and stories of his exploits are still popular across the planet, and there are those who believe that he still lives and will come again in the moment of the world’s most dire need.

Tramano, Gordek – A Deputy Grandmaster of the Order of the Seven Pillars, a Korönian clerical order concerned with the administration of the Taruthani Games in Darikaz and the Kildoran Republic.

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Veldan, Torkin (VHEL-dahn, TOR-keen) – An old hermit, herb-gatherer and trapper who lived in a small cabin in the Torvin Marsh, on the shores of Lake Everbrite, and claimed to be a direct descendant of the kings of the ancient kingdom of Valen. He was wanted little to do with civilization, trading for the necessities only when he had to, but he was great friends with the highly intelligent and gentle urve with whom he shared the marsh. He was killed 11 Turniki 3018 by Arlun Parek, a Torazin mage and trader with whom he had previously done business. He was cremated later that day by the adventurers of the Hand of Fortune, who drove off but failed to capture his murderer.

Venad, Elezam (ven-AHD, eh-la-ZAHM) – Adopted father of the adventurer Korwin Seaborn. The elderly fisherman, from the small coastal town of Rados, on Tenith Island in the Ocean Empire, discovered the toddler Korwin drifting alone in a battered ship’s boat off Cape Raupin on 28 Margas 2996. He and his wife Mahirza adopted the boy, having lost there own three sons to the the sea over the years. Elezam passed away quietly, in his sleep, when Korwin was 14.

Venad, Mahirza (ven-AHD, may-HEER-zah) – (neé J’Korul) Adopted mother of the adventurer Korwin Seaborn. She never wanted the boy to follow the family trade of fishing, having lost three sons to the sea already, so when her husband Elezam passed away when Korwin was 14, she quickly sold their fishing boat to her son-in-law. This provided enough money for Korwin  to begin his training as an Avokirim mage. She now lives with her daughter and son-in-law, enjoying her five grandchildren, and occasionally dreams of visiting her native land of Kunya-Kesh again once more before she dies.

Vetaris, Kiril – A Sur Vendaz, or Gray Mage, little known outside the halls of the Arcanium and the highest levels of government, but of great repute within those arenas. He resides just outside the port town of Devok, in Arushal, but travels extensively in his capacity as an associate member of the mysterious and powerful Star Council. To further the Council’s aims, he often seeks out and grooms potential recruits who show promise in any number of fields, but especially those of magic.

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Wendeth, Sorvil – A Vendari (master) of Yalva at the joint Yalva-Tykizu Chantry at Kerig, in Darikaz. He was one of Devrik Askalan’s many teachers there, and one of his two great mentors. He remains convinced that Devrik will one day conquer his fears and become a powerful T’ara Kül as well as a great warrior.

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Zhanul, Golhan – Demented follower of Naventhül, one-time Governor of Devok during the reign of the Second Mageocracy.