Dawn of Darkness

Lore

Maps

The Hinterlands

Supporting Cast

Aemon Coroy
Youngest of the Conroy sons, Aemon takes after his late-mother: exuberant and helpful. He could talk a stone to death and befriend a locust. Despite the fact that he is barely into his teens, Aemon fashions himself quite the lady's killer and is always looking to charm one into making him a man.
Aida Srishara
An expatriate from the Carboth Deserts, Aida wears her devotion to Fahrom on her sleeve, following the Wanderer into the 3rd Expeditionary Force and following them to adventure. She manages a streak of melancholy through prayer and wonder for the world in which she wanders.
Al'lysana Moeynshiem
Vibrant and always amazed at the wonders of nature, humanity, and the universe, Al'lysana works the caravan route from Grennig to Wargun with her husband Darhiek'hyime. The more adventurous of the two, she keeps their caravans from getting lost on-route and leads almost all of their negotiations. Just don't confuse her with Andrea Roen'shai.
Amaria of the Eastwood
A forest beauty with green, curly hair and devilish eyes, Amaria wiles away the days trying to find entertainment in the Eastwood. Sadly, for those mortals that happen across their path, they often become her playthings. In her spare time she rules a court of fey, headed by the faithful Dondric the Lame.
Antonio Brnekin
Grand explorer of southern Azermathia, Antonio has retired to a quiet life in Rathgar. He spends his days working on his memoires and his evenings regaling locals with tales of his adventures at the Bugs' Jar.
Baldric Loganborne
Thin as a rail and vaguely resembling a weasel, Baldric has spent the last decade travelling Azermathia, surviving by his wits and loose conscience. A known practitioner of magic, he uses his natural charm and arcane talents to stay ahead of the authorities.
Birdlegs
Scrawny, red haired, and freckled, Birdlegs is an unlikely soldier. Still, he is the second best scout in the 3rd Expeditionary Legion and by far the fastest runner. He has proved his worth to Colonel Starrin on numerous occasions since joining as a new recruit after their first winter in the Frozen North.
Briqbex the Magnificent
Self proclaimed as the "finest chef in all of Tarien", Briqbex poses a striking figure in any kitchen with iron gray fur over his hoofed legs and a washboard human torso. With a voice to match a drill sergeant he has, for the past century and half plied his trade for the Queen of Air and Darkness, Mayve Snowbound, in her strange winter palace.
Cedric Kandar
With a handlebar mustache, booming voice, and lineage of great explorers, Lord Cedric Kandar brims with confidence. Unfortunately his family fortunes have waned over the preceding generations and he is desperate for funding for his next great adventure so he can make his own mark on history.
Darhiek'hyime Moeynshiem
Dark, quiet, and meticulous, the Soulmeliti trader seems all business to any but his closest friends. Working the caravan route from Grennig to Wargun with his wife, he is perfectly adapted to a solitary life on the road.
Dondric the Lame
Wounded by wolves and left behind by his herd, Dondric has found a home in the fey court of Amaria. His chestnut hair and with darker topknot make him quite a striking site as he patrols the forests on errands for his mistress.
Dorian Darksides
A member of the Lost Clan, Dorian joined the Mercenaries' Guild Lodge in Drakkar to find honest work and has been helping his Orkish friend Tog drum it up ever since. Quick to point out the dangers of the open road and quicker to show off his Adamantine war hammer, Dorian is a fierce ally and fiercer enemy. Just don't ask him about his past.
Edwyn Smythe
A sergeant in the Free Militia, Edwyn owes his loyalty to the Wrights, who purchased his commission - and to young Paolo specifically, who keeps him lodged, fed, and well watered with wine. A fair swordsmen, he might show promise in the militia if his social obligations don't get in the way.
Errol Silver Tongue
Still dashing after nearly four decades of touring, the witty and debonair bard continues to entertain nobles and peasants alike with story and song. He has left more than one woman heart-broken in his journeys and perhaps a few husbands as unwitting new father. A great source of news, he seems to know every rumor coursing through the subcontinent.
Fitz Conroy
Fitz says even less than his father, Taggart. Sullen and prone to irrational outbursts, he has mastered life as a late teenager. While he would rather be strumming a lute or composing poetry in a Rathgar, he is fully capable of running the family business should there be a need.
Florant Lightbringer
Towering, broad shouldered, and imposing, Florant has golden locks that fall to his shoulders and literally wears his heart - in this case Anderi's sunburst - on his sleeve. Wandering Azermathia, he dedicates his light to righting wrongs, smiting evil, and other, often more humble, acts of service. His passion, like many of the Holy Legion of Light, is to seek out sorcery and bring its practitioners to Drakkor for justice.
Florence Kandar
A product of the Yatian Finishing school and married to the explorer Cedric Kandar, she uses her good looks and social graces to enjoy the finer things in life while her husband raises funds for, or worse yet partakes in, his explorations. Bored with her lot in life, she detests Azermathia but holds her head high and does what she needs to make do.
Francis Starrin
A veteran legionnaire, the gray haired and well scarred Colonel Starrin has a thirst for adventure and the unknown. With a love of big game hunting, cartography, and a disdain for civilization, he leads the 3rd Expeditionary Legion in their five year mission to explore and map the Frozen North.
Freyja Layladotterdotterdotterdotterdotter
Dressed in a rainbow of brightly colored silks, the diminutive Nerrid bounces about the decks of the Nightrunner, alternating between barking orders to its crew and tinkering with her latest gadget. A fast friend of the captain, she has outfitted the Nightrunner with the latest smoke powder weapons and navigational gadgets.
Justin Woodpond
Too young to shave and only marginally useful in a fight, Justin has seen plenty of violence in his two years of service with the 3rd Expeditionary Force. Gifted with a head for letters and cursed with memories of demon battles he's seeking a support role that gets him off the front lines.
Kasin Zhadoc
With coal black skin and snow white hair down to his shoulder, Kasin moves with the grace of great cat, his hand never far from his rapier. Hailing from the realm of shadow, the Svartálf has sworn his allegiance to the Winter Queen and serves as her champion.
Kerrigan Gryphon
Always bubbling with joy and bustling about some task or another, the slightly rounded form of Kerrigan has entertained patrons at the Inn of the Flowering Rose since she could walk. A member of the Women's Council, mother of two, business owner, and chief town gossip in Gryphon's Crossing, she is constantly busy at some task - or more likely juggling three at once.
Lance Krycek
Less than half the age of some of the men that he leads, this Republican Army Aide-de-Camp has demonstrated himself an able administrator, a keen judge of character, and has the impeccable morals of one who has not yet been forced to make an impossible decision. If asked, General Tariif would tell you that Lance, and not any of the more senior officers, will one day take the General's place.
Marco Wright
Stern and almost Puritanical in his work ethic, Marco has built his family's lumber business into the largest in Rathgar. Combining his shrewd business sense with good fortune and touch of ruthlessness, he has managed to purchase a seat on the City Council and has no plans on settling down as he ages. His son, Paolo, certainly can't manage the lumber empire.
Marcus Von Gretten
With a top hat, monocle, and cane, this entrepreneur can does not look like one of the wealthiest businessmen in Yaty. With his wife, Persophone, however, he was created a vast fortune by investing in merchant ships and other interests. Despite his balding head and pot belly, he can still hold his own on the ballroom floor.
Marcus Blacknose
Articulate and outspoken, Marcus has quick hands and a quicker wit, traits he needs to survive on the streets of Rathgar. An orphan homeless for the past two winters, Marcus is working his way into the Azermathian Alliance; his exit strategy from the streets.
Marge Le Smythe
With unkempt dreadlocks down to her waist and a sharp tongue, Marge does not remind anyone of a successful innkeep, Yet she has owned the Cattail Hotel for almost two full years - an eternity for the struggling Farthington inn. Many suspect the birds she keeps on the roof provide her with an additional income by trading information with the Azermathian Alliance.
Marie Pendrale
With a round face and a mousy brown bun on her head - complete with needles pins and scissors stashed inside - Marie putters around her shop in central Rathgar, catering to its wealthy patrons with her fine, custom made clothing. Adamantly refusing to negotiate on prices or timing, she has a stubborn streak that sometimes manifests by whacking her own patrons with a yardstick.
Marley Moreau
With long, thick dreadlocks, deep blue eyes, and light coffee skin, don't let Marley's good looks fool you. Everyone on her crew jumps when she so much as looks in their direction and the merchants that deal with her generally don't negotiate. It doesn't hurt that her ship, the Nightrunner, is happy to sail into and out of ports under the cover of darkness - for the right coin.
Mayve Snowbound
Dark haired, uncannily beautiful, and utterly alien in appearance, Mayve is the Winter Queen, a fey of immense power and unknowable motives. Bringing snow and darkness with her, she travels Tarien in her palace, appearing deep in the wilderness to Tiras knows what ends.
Merrick Shal'Vorka
Tall for an Elynthi, Merrick has immaculately groomed sable fur with silver highlights. He wears matched blacksteel swords human style, over his shoulders, and travels everywhere in his chainmail. A diplomat in a foreign land, he speaks and moves with a quiet confidence that promises violence could erupt at any time.
Mirin Marchand
A young runaway from Warwick, she escaped the drudgeries of a loveless marriage for the adventures of the Hinterlands. As the youngest member of Gunther's Riders, she is still learning her craft. She idolizes Amelia Jasper, the Rider's captain.
Omar Ironarms
His red beard flying in the wind, Omar operates a discrete Water Taxi Service between Seal Island and the Darrin Peninsula in Wargun. The catch - he's deathly afraid of water and spends the entire voyage manning the oars and cursing Jendredi.
Oprhan Rin
Scrawny and dirty, the 10 year old Rin lives in a treehouse outside of Farthington. Living half by her wits and half by the charity of others, she is the only truly active member of the Azermathian Alliance in the village. Trading information to Marge Le Smythe for favors, she hopes to get noticed - and transfered.
Otto Palomar
With a beard that reaches his balky knees, Otto is the affable proprietor of the Bugs' Jar in Rathgar. Always willing to extend his friends credit, h takes exception to Cedric Kandar, who would still owe him a moon's back lodging if it weren't for their mutual friend, Antonio Brenkin.
Padushan Shal'Tuiz
Far from home and displeased by it, Padushan has a short temper and sharp tongue, neither of which are great traits for a diplomat. She flaunts her magical powers before the superstitious Azermathians and wants nothing more than to be done with her mission and return to Merdenkal.
Paidrag Bellinhyme
A curious and private Soulmeliti smith who has been a fixture in Gryphon's Crossing for over half a century. He crafts everything from horses to sabres in his forge.
Paolo Wright
Just handsome and just wealthy enough to run with society in Rathgar, Paolo often finds himself short of coin and need of a source of income. Shut out of the family business by his conservative father, he hopes to some day elevate his family's status to one of the true city elite.
Persephone Von Gretton
A stunning beauty, mother of five, and financial genius, Persephone is whirlwind of activity. Her mathematics have ensured the success of the ventures she and her husband have backed making her the wealthiest - if at times most scatterbrained - woman on Tarien.
Ragur Abberduff
Gruff and authoritarian, Captain Abberduff commands a pair of Zennonaize longships that travel back and forth across the Great North Sea in service to Colonel Starrin and his 3rd Expeditionary Forces. That service, of course, comes with a price, one he is always trying to raise higher.
Regis Ironstone
Tall, dark, and heavily muscled from a childhood of hard labor in Logan, Regis moved to Gryphon's Crossing after falling for Kerrigan Gryphon, the proprietress of the Inn of the Flowering Rose. He has picked up just enough talent at cooking, brewing, and building repair to help out around the Inn, supplementing his contagiously warm and friendly personality.
Renshi Shal'Vorka
Chatty and always interested in foreign cultures, Renshi, as his friends call him, is on his fourth trip abroad. In the two centuries since he began serving his family, he has risen to a Captain, likely the highest rank he will attain given his bloodline's proximity to the central figures of the Vorka Family.
Reyna Star Eyes
Imposing and taciturn, Reyna leads the Tribe of the White Wolf through her skill as a huntress and prowess in battle. She wears eagle and owl feathers woven into her blond dreadlocks and has strikingly blue eyes that seem to bore into her quarries very soul.
Rutger O'Malley
Huge in size and huge in myrth, Rutger owns the general store in Gryphon's Crossing. His three triplet teen daughters do most of the work at the store, leaving him plenty of time to gossip and sift through the news that he seems to have from all over Azermathia.
Sameer the Beardless
Red hair and a century of lines on his muddy brown face have not stained the optimism of the 3rd Expeditionary Forces executive officer. Even his inability to grow a beard - as long as it is not discussed - can't dampen his spirits as he reminds his soldiers how much better they have it than the time he was surrounded by...
Sasha the Hobbled
Lamed in an accident chasing a warlock, Sasha received an official position in Wargun as compensation. He now drags his left leg up and down the docks of Seal Island, collecting tariffs for the duke, his crew, and, when arcane magics are suspected, an orphanage near the Burned Quarter.
Seranz Metzkor'al
With jet black scales that reflect light in strange, shadowy rainbows, Seranz is an odd sight, even for a Tzecheni'korak. He spends most of his days in deep study, favoring history with a belief that understanding the past will help him lead Tarien to balance, only emerging from his lair to thwart those that seek to disrupt the balance of power in the Swamps.
Siani Lightbringer
Faithful squire to Florant Lightbringer, Siani grew up an orphan at the Temple of the High Sun in Drakkar. Always an outsider due to her Dharjan race - an unusual trait in Azermathia - she has found a home with Florant.
Skaranda Skywatcher
A bent and ancient crone living in Gryphon's Crossing, Skaranda knows many dark and secret things. While her speciality is celestial objects, Skaranda has proven that she understands more about the workings of the arcane that perhaps is right for a member of the Woman's Council to understand.
Snowwatcher
Over a hundred feet tall and majestic with huge boughs of lush, blue-green pines, Snowwatcher appears to most travelers as nothing more than a large spruce tree. He is curious for a Treant, forging a relationship with the members of the 3rd Expeditionary Force and now often wishes he could speak with others a bit more often - perhaps even twice a year.
Stefon du'Mare
Huge, one-eyed, and loud, Stefon has recently been promoted to Bosun on the Nightrunner. He is determined to run the tightest ship in the Darsiac Ocean despite any stereotypes about Orks as sailors.
Taggart Conroy
What little Taggart says is gruff, to the point, and seldom unnecessary. He has worked the trade route between Rathgar and Drakkar for nearly two decades and now that his sons have joined the business, has finally gotten to the point where he is saving some silver. He's not likely to part with it willingly.
Three Fingered Sal
With greasy, curly hair and beady dark eyes, Sal gets his name from the missing index fingers on each of his hands. Undaunted by his missing digits, he has mastered the art of forgery and, via his flock of birds, sends his missives throughout Azermathia.
Tog Twin-Scars
Some say Tog is short for an Ork, but his still tops six feet and can frighten a stone wall with his stare. When he speaks, however, he is extremely articulate, allowing him to present both the monster and gentlemen when encouraging travellers and merchants to take advantage of the Mercenaries' Guild's services.
Ulf Black Tongue
Scrawny for a human and puny for a member of the Tribe of the White Wolf, Ulf is both mate to Reyna - the tribe's alpha - and its Spirit Seeker. He talks incessantly, using his wit to both insult and bewilder the rest of the tribe in between proclamations from Reyna and the Spirits.
Valette Farinshyme
With long dreadlocks, dyed green by one of the many plants on her small nature reserve within the otherwise stone and mud city of Wargun, Valette runs the Fairy Queen's Respite, a high end inn for the adventurous. Despite the ban on magic in the Confederacy, everyone turns a blind eye to the old Soulmeliti's eccentricities, such as Rex, a lion that patrols her grounds and, according to legend, not only speaks passable Zennonaize but is also nearly as old as Valette.
Vander Tariif
Lean, clean shaven, and with close cropped salt and pepper Vander is the consulate soldier. A veteran of the Zennonaize Cavalry. he retired to Azermathia only to find himself pressed into service again.
Ver'sheli Roen'shai
Outcast and reclusive, Ver'sheli has spent the past centuries living alone, deep within the Grey Peaks of Azermathia, a pariah from the Soulmeliti, wrestling with her guilt. Still with a lean warrrior's body and keen wizard's mind, she has maintained loose contact with the Aran'fantarhyme. It is her belief that something - likely Elynthi for it is in their nature - is threatening the balance of Tarien from outside the veil that Shar'iishta raised in the fifth century.
Verazsuuth
Often seen as a doddering old man complete with an iron grey, chest length beard and shoulder length hair, Verazsuuth has been seen throughout Tarien over the centuries. None know his true age, but rumors that he has lived for millennia, his steadying hand behind the Order of Shar'iish'ta, are hard to ignore.
Vrbit
Vrbit has survived and indeed thrived by using stealth and cunning. He rarely engages in a fair fight, preferring ambushes, hit & run tactics, and other traps. Currently a warband leader, his wolf, Rex, is his constant companion and perhaps the only living creature for whom he truly cares.

Sessions Archive

17th Jan 2022

Fleeing Chetria's Wrath

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For near three millennia the Age of Waves has flowed through Tarien, the gory and tragedy of its history recorded by quill and scroll through the curious Soulmeliti invention of writing. Its sheafs fill countless libraries with the sorrow of wars fought over ancient slights, the wonders of invention forever pushing progress, and the bitterness of fear that eradicated the mysteries of magic from much of the continent. But now, the great River of Time may have run its course. Historians have long speculated that other eras predated the Age of Waves. Many believe that each Age ends with apocalypse - a fire to cleanse Tarien so that civilization may grow anew. They claim that they signs are clear for those willing to look. The Age of Waves tumblers to a close ending and the Age of Darkness dawns. Cover Art: "Beginning Apocalypse" by Nele-Diel (https://www.deviantart.com/nele-diel/)

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