Marquis Ellenore Basara
Marquis Ellenore Basara (a.k.a. The Iron Wall of Basara)
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Background & Rise to Power
Ellenore Basara was not born into power but rather into a family that had spent generations clawing their way up the mercantile ladder of the Vorr'Khal Sultanate. Her father, Dahmir Basara, was a cunning merchant lord who expanded The Basara Trading Company (BTC) from a modest caravan enterprise into one of the most influential trade networks on Granheim. Specializing in exotic goods, high-grade silks, alchemical reagents, and rare enchanted artifacts, the BTC established exclusive trade routes, securing deals with the Sultanate and powerful noble factions.
Dahmir was granted the title of Marquis for his instrumental role in securing crucial trade agreements between the Sultanate and foreign powers, particularly in navigating trade routes through the treacherous Indred Archipelago and opening commerce with the coastal cities of Nidira and Kozuka. However, his reign as Marquis was not long—he was assassinated under mysterious circumstances, presumed to be the work of a rival merchant faction or a disgruntled warlord.
Ellenore, at the young age of 23, inherited both the title and the company, stepping into a role that many doubted she could fill. She was seen as inexperienced and vulnerable, yet she proved the doubters wrong in a matter of years.
Accomplishments & Achievements
How She Cemented Her Power
Over the past 15 years, Ellenore has ruled over Caldan and its trade networks with a sharp mind and a ruthless sense of business and diplomacy. She maintained her family’s title and control through a combination of calculated deals, bold moves, and, when necessary, ruthless enforcement of her dominance.
Some of her defining accomplishments include:
The Gold Veil Pact – Shortly after inheriting her title, she forged a powerful mutual trade and defense agreement between the Sultanate and the merchant lords of the Eastern Trade Coast (a loose confederation of independent city-states beyond the Sultanate’s borders). This cemented Caldan’s position as the most prosperous port in the region, ensuring a steady influx of wealth, resources, and military protection.
Crushing the Ashen Blades Rebellion – Five years into her rule, a rogue warlord-backed pirate faction, the Ashen Blades, attempted to seize control of Caldan’s harbor, disrupting trade and challenging her authority. Instead of waiting for the Sultan’s intervention, Ellenore personally organized a counter-offensive, leveraging privateer fleets and mercenary companies under her payroll. The Ashen Blades were annihilated in a decisive naval battle, and their leader was executed publicly to send a message: Caldan belongs to the Basara, and no one else.
The Aether Trade Monopoly – She was instrumental in securing an exclusive contract with Aetheric Alchemists, allowing her to control the flow of refined Aether components in and out of the Sultanate. This made her one of the most powerful economic forces in the region, as Aether is crucial for both magic and technological advancements.
Outmaneuvering Rivals – Unlike many merchant lords who rely solely on brute force, Ellenore employs subtlety and manipulation. She has successfully pitted rival merchants against one another, created false shortages to inflate her own prices, and blackmailed nobles into favorable deals. She understands that warfare is costly, but economic strangulation is deadly.
Maintaining the Sultan’s Favor – She has remained in the Sultan’s good graces by ensuring a steady and ever-growing flow of wealth into the Sultanate's coffers. She regularly "gifts" warships, funds public projects, and ensures the nobility benefits from her success. In return, she is granted autonomy and even a say in matters of state.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
Current Conflicts & Future Ambitions
Political Intrigue in the Sultanate – Many within the Sultanate’s nobility see Ellenore’s growing influence as a threat. Some are whispering about her eventual downfall, while others attempt to court her favor. She must navigate this ever-changing political landscape carefully.
A Secret Naval Expansion – Rumors suggest she has been constructing a fleet larger than what is publicly known, possibly preparing for a power move that could disrupt the Sultanate’s balance of power.
New Trade Ventures – She has recently begun exploring opportunities in the Indred Archipelago, hoping to secure a foothold in this largely uncharted region.
The Shadow of Her Father – While she has surpassed her father in many ways, there are whispers that Dahmir Basara’s assassination was not random, and that his killers still hold power within the Sultanate. Some say Ellenore is hunting them in secret.
Social
Contacts & Relations
Notable Associates & Faction Allegiances
Al-Jahir Nazzir (Right Hand & Enforcer) – A former pirate turned head of her personal security forces, known for his brutal efficiency.
Lady Marwa Velqen (Alchemical Advisor & Aether Specialist) – An influential figure in the Aether trade, advising Ellenore on all matters of magic and alchemical commerce.
Omar Basara (Brother & Fleet Admiral) – Commands the BTC’s private navy, ensuring their shipping lanes remain secure. Unlike Ellenore, he is direct, loud, and militaristic, though he remains fiercely loyal.
Sultan Grada Vorr’Khal – While their relationship is transactional, Ellenore is one of the few nobles he actually listens to, as her economic influence cannot be ignored.
Social Aptitude
Personality & Leadership Style
Ellenore is known for her charismatic but enigmatic presence. She carries herself with an air of unshakable confidence, often smiling in the face of threats and appearing amused even in tense negotiations. Her voice is smooth and deliberate, never betraying too much emotion unless she intends to.
Cunning & Calculated – Every move she makes is part of a greater strategy. Even when it seems like she’s being generous, there’s always a hidden gain.
Unforgiving – Those who betray or cross her are dealt with swiftly and mercilessly. She believes that fear is a useful tool, but loyalty built on prosperity is even stronger.
Pragmatic, Not Cruel – While ruthless, she is not needlessly cruel. If someone has value, she will find a way to use them rather than destroy them.
Loyal to Her Own – Despite her manipulative nature, she is fiercely protective of those truly loyal to her—whether they be family, trusted advisors, or key figures in her trade empire.
Resents the Warlords – Though she tolerates and negotiates with warlords, she despises their reliance on brute force over intellect and strategy.
Relationships
Alignment
Lawful Neutral
Current Status
Overseeing the Port City of Caldan
Current Location
Honorary & Occupational Titles
Head of The Basara Trading Company, Marquis of The Vorr'Khal Sultanate, Marquis of Caldan
Age
38
Date of Birth
25th of Weurel, 436 AEL
Birthplace
Milas
Spouses
Vaelin Damaris
(spouse)
Siblings
Commander Omar Basara
(Younger Brother)
Children
Pronouns
She/Her
Sex
Female
Gender
Woman
Presentation
Feminine
Eyes
Amethyst
Hair
Raven Black Hair
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Greyish Purple
Height
5' 10"
Quotes & Catchphrases
On Power & Influence:
“The strong take what they can. The wise take what they must. I take what I will.”
“Gold is just another blade. Learn to wield it, or be cut down by those who do.”
On Trade & Business:
“Everything is a trade. Time, loyalty, even life itself. The only question is whether the price is worth paying.”
On Strength & Ruthlessness:
“Mercy is the privilege of the weak. I have no such luxury.”
"I would rather be feared than adored. Adoration fades, but fear lingers."
On Betrayal & Enemies:
“They whispered of my downfall. I whispered back, ‘Try.’”
"The difference between a fool and a corpse is a single bad decision."
On Legacy & the Basara Name:
"My father built this empire. I made it untouchable.”
"Caldan is not just a port. It is a fortress of trade, a kingdom of coin. And I am its queen."
Belief/Deity
Veth'arden Pantheon
Aligned Organization
Other Affiliations
