The Cast
This group is mostly new to roleplaying, and so they’re simultaneously learning a) the peculiarities of the Zeitgeist world, b) how to play D&D, and c) what roleplaying is, all at once. It’s quite a ride, and they’re doing great.
I’m a big believer in having stories that are tailored to suit the characters, because “My own brother betrayed me” has more emotional impact than “This guy I met three adventures ago just betrayed me.”
So, to achieve that, we did character creation collaboratively between players and the DM: i.e. a player would say “I was a prisoner in Danor until Risur liberated me,” and I’d respond “Yes, and the leader of that group was Margeret Saxby.” And so on.
Without further introduction, here’s our cast:
Eliza: the urban daughter of a human and elf who were brought together by their mutual devotion to the Old Faith, Eliza promptly rebelled as soon as she came of age. She’s quite interested in the artistic potential of technology, and has made a name for herself as a manufacturer of innovative musical instruments, building pieces for Rock Rackus and the Band. Half-elf Bard Technologist.
Eogan: an Eladrin shape-changer and mystic from Elfaivar who has believes Risur is not only the central power of Lanjyr, but also the only nation which is likely to continue to honor the Fey. He has entered the service of the king in the hopes that he can rise through the ranks, eventually positioning himself to be able to influence domestic policy in favor of the fey as an ambassador, governor, or similar. He is mistrusted by the RHC, however, because his brother, Asrabey, has similar goals but a more violent approach. Eladrin Warden Martial Scientist.
Laerni: a halfling native of a Risuri-held island in the Yerasol archipelago, Laerni was captured at the beginning of the Fourth Yerasol War and spent most of her teenage years working in a Danoran factory. She was eventually liberated by a joint Risuri/Fey strike force led by Margaret Saxby, who recruited her into the Constabulary. Instilled with a hatred of Danor and a desire to be more Risuri than Risur, she threw herself into the traditional Risuri ways under the mentorship of Nevard Sechim and made a pact with the fey to serve them in exchange for power. Halfling Warlock Skyseer.
Stana: a peasant girl from Crisillyir who displayed a natural aptitude for healing. She studied in Alais Primos, along with her sister, until her sister died in the wars leading up to the Second Victory. In a rage-fueled moment, Stana prayed for vengeance, and was transformed from a healing cleric to a malediction invoker. Eventually, she witnessed the death of Srasama and spent the next few hundred years dying over and over again, slowly losing her humanity and she searches for blessed rest. Deva Invoker Eschatologist.
Ulharaja: a young, charismatic dragon born from a “noble” family in Ber (i.e. daughter of a tribal warlord), Ulharaja wants nothing more than to join the Executores dola Liberta. Step one of this process was entering civil service, and she was promptly loaned to the Risuri government as a talented young field agent. Her exotic background and winsome personality have quickly made her the toast of the docker community, who love nothing more than something strange, foreign, and articulate. Dragonborn Sorcerer Docker.
Zahn: the son a human and an elf who left their homes to find work building railroads, Zahn has always been comfortable with technology, and his nomadic upbringing has left strongly attached to Risur, but always an outsider. Something of a fire gem savant, he began experimenting with building firearms at a young age, when he was discovered and recruited by Stover Delft, who has promised him a place in the RHC’s Research and Development wing after he’s gained some experience as a field agent. Half-elf Rogue Gunsmith.