Swan and Fox NPCs
Contents
Colymar[edit]
Clearwine[edit]
Notables[edit]
Asborn Thriceborn, High Priest of Orlanth Thunderous. Male, age 35. Hiording clan. Asborn is a Storm Voice of Orlanth who refuses to stay dead. The son of a Hiording chieftain, Asborn is a boon companion of Queen Leika and twice accompanied her into Snake Pipe Hollow. He is often called Demonslayer for all the Chaos he killed. Twice he has died and twice Orlanth has returned him from the dead. He has come back to life so many times that it’s easier to come back than stay dead. Asborn was once a close friend of Kangharl Kallaisson before he became king of the Colymar. The two fought side-by-side in many adventures and battles, including one of the seven skirmishes against the Lunars atop the Hill of Orlanth Victorious that helped spark Starbrow’s Rebellion. When Kangharl betrayed Queen Leika in 1615, Asborn returned to his fortified farmhouse at the base of the Starfire Ridges and openly defied Blackmoor. When Leika returned to Sartar in 1625, Asborn returned to her service. He was instrumental in having her declared tribal Queen and now serves as her Chief Priest.
Dunorl Brandgorsson, Storm Voice of Orlanth at Clearwine Fort’s Lightbringer Temple. An old man in his mid-70s, Dunorl is the one of the last surviving remnants of the time before the Lunar Occupation. The younger brother of two kings, Dunorl was a counselor to Prince Terasarin and Prince Salinarg, and a staunch supporter of the House of Sartar. Dunorl’s reputation was enough to survive both the Lunar Occupation and Blackmoor’s reign. Dunorl is a quiet, patient man, who has outlasted and outlived most of his enemies. He cares little for clan and tribal rivalry, placing himself beyond petty squabbling. Most of Dunorl’s time is taken up with leading worship and teaching spells. His son Baranthos is chief of the Ernaldoring clan; Dunorl’s sister Yanioth is the Asrelia Priestess at the Earth Temple.
Erannina Chan, Rune Lord of Babeester Gor. Female, age 35. Ernaldoring clan. The war-loving sister of Ereneva Chan, Erannina is a Rune Lord of Babeester Gor and the sworn bodyguard of her sister. She lived in the Holy Country for many years, where it is rumored she had a troll lover. She returned to Clearwine Fort when her half-brother Kangharl became king. She is responsible for the defense of the Clearwine Earth Temple.
Ereneva Chan, High Priestess of Ernalda. Female, age 29. Ernaldoring clan. The High Priestess of Ernalda is a daughter of Beneva Chan (a previous High Priestess) and Kallai Rockbuster (king of the Colymar from 1603 to 1613). Ereneva fled to Esrolia in 1613 after her parents were exiled in the wake of Starbrow’s Rebellion and she became a Priestess of Ernalda in Nochet. Her lover (with whom she had a daughter) died at the Battle of Pennel Ford in 1624. Following his death, Ereneva returned to Sartar and rejoined the Colymar Earth Temple. She was surprised when the aged High Priestess took up the veil of Asrelia and abdicated, and Ereneva was named as the new High Priestess. Ereneva is devoted to her goddess and has strong connections to Esrolia and the Shaker Temple. She favors peace except when the welfare of her temple or tribe is threatened. In clan and tribal affairs, she relies on the counsel of Baranthos and his father Dunorl. She dislikes Kallyr Starbrow and blames her for the exile of her parents.
Hastur the Lawspeaker, Chief Priest of Lhankor Mhy. Male, age 45. Ernaldoring clan. The Chief Priest of the local Lhankor Mhy cult was trained as a scribe at the Jonstown library. He has been tribal lawspeaker (an official advisor to the tribal leaders, who gives expert opinions on tribal law itself rather than on the facts or merits of an individual case).
† Kallai, Twenty-Sixth King of the Colymar. He was of the Taraling clan. Called the Rockbuster, he married the high priestess. A veteran warrior, he was wounded at Runegate and later raised his tribe in rebellion. He was exiled after Starbrow’s Rebellion (1603–1613) and died in exile, before the Dragonrise. He was the son of Korlmhy the Priest, the son of Kerreneth, who fought for Palashee the Axe.
† Kangharl “Blackmoor” is not counted as one of the kings. He was of the Taraling clan. The son of Kallai Rockbuster, Kangharl sold his tribe to the Lunar Way, and forced his people to swallow the bitter Lunar poison so that he could be king. He was eaten by the Brown Dragon (1615–1625). He was the son of Kallai, the son of Korlmhy the Priest, the son of Kerreneth, who fought for Palashee the Axe.
Kerisdana Hollybright, Priestess of Chalana Arroy. Female, age 33. Konthasos clan. Hollybright is a compassionate, dedicated pacifist and healer. She enjoys life, wine, and song, and her devotion to Chalana Arroy reflects that. Hollybright is very pragmatic as Healers go. She is a close companion of Leika, and accompanied her into the Caves of Chaos during her Crown Test. When Leika was exiled, Hollybright accompanied the queen to Whitewall. Hollybright returned to Clearwine Fort with Leika, setting herself up in the Lightbringers Temple.
Leika Black Spear, Queen of the Colymar tribe. High Priest of Orlanth Rex for the Colymar tribe, Wind Lord of Vinga. Female, age 37. Leika is the twenty-seventh King of the Colymar by right and by conquest. She is the daughter of Orlkensor, the son of Londros, the son of Kerreneth, who fought for Palashee the Axe. She is of the Taraling clan and a cousin of Kallai Rockbuster, the previous King. Called “Beti” or “Ballista” (for her fearsome archery). She earned the name “Ballista” when she accompanied the Wooden Sword into the caves of Chaos deep within Snakepipe Hollow. She is beloved of the people and feared by the Lunars. When her kinsman and king of the Colymar, Kallai Rockbuster, was exiled by the Lunar Empire following the defeat of Starbrow’s Rebellion, Leika asserted her claim to the tribal kingship by undertaking a second harrowing raid deep into the Caves of Chaos in Snakepipe Hollow. She came out with the legendary harp called Jeweled Notes, which played magical songs of great strength, and was led back to Clearwine by a great black bull that appeared atop the Starfire Ridges. She was acclaimed Queen by her joyous people and priests, without any preliminary legal preparations, and despite the presence of other rivals. Leika was a popular queen, but the Lunar Empire conspired with her rivals and in 1615 her own tribe exiled her. The Lunars recognized her kinsman Kangharl “Blackmoor” as the new king. Kangharl was a skilled warrior who fought valiantly against the Lunar Empire several times yet joined the Lunar religion to gain support for the kingship. In exile, Leika took the Black Spear and served King Broyan of Whitewall as one of his captains. She maintained her position as high priest of Orlanth Rex and offered sacrifices on behalf of the tribe. During the siege of Whitewall, she helped slay the Crimson Bat. She led a band of Colymar exiles at the battles of Auroch Hills, Nochet, and Pennel Ford, and was one of the chiefs who acclaimed Broyan King of Kethaela. In Fire Season 1625, Leika survived the magical assault from the Lunar College of Magic that killed King Broyan and much of his army. Leika and her followers returned to Sartar to foment rebellion. But only a season later, the Dragonrise devoured the Provincial Army, and most of the key Lunar supporters in Sartar, including Kangharl. Shortly after the Dragonrise, Leika and her Colymar supporters returned to Clearwine Fort and proved herself Queen with the backing of the tribal priests and the militia. Leika acknowledges Kallyr Starbrow as the Prince of Sartar. Leika is a proud, stubborn woman; she is undaunted despite suffering numerous defeats and reversals that would have crushed the spirit of someone lesser. She is very loyal and generous to her supporters, even to many of those who acquiesced to her exile.
“Nameless”, Champion of the Colymar, Rune Lord of Humakt, Initiate of Orlanth. Female, age 34. Formerly Taraling clan. This huge and powerful woman gave up her name and her clan when she devoted herself to Death and War. She has sworn to kill anyone who asks her true name, so is referred to as “Nameless” by most people. She was a member of the Battalion of the Wooden Sword, led by her kinswoman Londra of Londros. She fought against the Lunars at the Hill of Orlanth Victorious and has been tribal champion for the past 11 years.
Sora Goodseller, Priestess of Issaries, Initiate of Yelmalio. Female, age 36. Jansholm/Hendriki. Sora Goodseller is a Priestess of Issaries, God of Trade, and her shop serves as a temple to the deity. She is also an initiate of the Sun Dome god Yelmalio; but despite this she is notably friendly towards other Lightbringers. She has a geas from Yelmalio to distrust all Darkness creatures and has a general dislike for trolls. Sora is from the city of Jansholm, in the southern reaches of the Hendriki confederation. She is loyal to Queen Leika, having aided her during her exile in the Holy Country and accompanied her to Clearwine Fort. Sora is a very tall woman with yellow-blonde hair. She is scrupulously honest but has a fiery temper, well known for her colorful insults. Sora has extensive trade contacts with the Holy Country and Balazar. As a result, her stock is both more extensive and more exotic than one would expect.
Others[edit]
Brudelia Norinel, Initiate of Ernalda Dancer. Female, Age 33. Norinel House. An Esrolian noblewoman, Norinel lives well in a modest but well appointed house in the middle city. She has a servant, Varnyr, and a bodyguard, Calpia, whom Andrasta knows from their shared worship of Babeester Gor. Ivartha first met Brudelia when she was caught up in the siege of Nochet two years ago. For her part in the siege, Ivartha met with the favour of the new queen, Samastina, who had emerged as ruler from a period of bloody strife. So it was that Ivartha helped Brudelia (accompanied by Calpia) to leave Esrolia and come to Sartar. Since then, the woman has lived among beautiful things. She is a beautiful creature herself, with a striking resemblance to the Esrolian Queen, and is an accomplished dancer. But it is a mystery to Ivartha how Brudelia earns her keep.
Calpia, Initiate of Babeester Gor. Female, Age 27, Hulta House. Calpia is Brudelias’s bodyguard, a professional who helped her leave Nochet and was rewarded with a permanent post. She is laconic, sarcastic, aggressive and highly intelligent. As well as being Brudelia’s bodyguard, she acts as her food taster, always taking any food away to be plated up later. She has light blue eyes, dark brown hair and skin, is tall and sturdy, with significant scarring on her left cheek.
Varnyr, Initiate of Ernalda. Female, Age 35, Ernaldori Clan. Brudelia’s housekeeper, cook and trusted servant. She has a son, Ernalfor.
Hiording[edit]
Clan Notables[edit]
Aileena, Priestess of Uleria. - see below
Earth Priestess., she speaks to the clan wyter, which resides in a cloak of swan feathers worn by her.
Chieftain, the clan’s Storm Voice and serves as warleader and judge. Probably father of Asborn, the tribe’s High Priest of Orlanth Thunderous?
Apple Lane[edit]
Aileena, Priestess of Uleria, Hiording Clan. Female, age 34. Aileena is witty and charming, and possessed of great beauty. She is devoted to the powers of Love and Life, and believes that her modest and remote temple has been chosen by the goddess to unite the war-torn and feuding peoples of Dragon Pass. To achieve the Eternal Moment of Allness, Aileena practices the Three Ways of Love: through the Body; through Community; and through Propagation. She casts her Rune magic for hire for anybody except creatures or worshipers of Chaos. She oversees two initiates, Janeera and Thrilla. Aileena is well respected by the Colymar and Malani tribes.
Brightflower the Brewer, Initiate of Ernalda, lay member of Issaries, Varmandi Clan. Female, age 24. Brightflower is the daughter of Bulster Brewer and his wife Bertha. Both died in the Great Winter. Her brother Barayo left Apple Lane 15 years ago to be a mercenary in the Holy Country, where he is rumored to be a mercenary captain. With her father, mother, and husband all dead, Brightflower now manages the Tin Inn and serves as the brewer. She is famed for her fruit and barley wines.
† Dronlan Swordsharp, Hiording Clan (presumed). Previous Thane of Apple Lane. Resided in the Thane’s house with his family, killed by the Lunars in 1621.
† Gringle Goodsale. was a companion of Prince Tarkalor and received the rights to establish a nearby market. A caravanserai called the Tin Inn was built alongside Gringle’s trade house, popularly called “Gringle’s Pawnshop,” and the hamlet of Apple Lane took shape. After Starbrow’s Rebellion, Gringle found himself deeply in debt to the victorious Fazzur Wideread and received the dubious honor of the right to collect Lunar taxes from the Colymar and Malani tribes. In 1621, Lunars seeking Gringle’s treasures killed the Thane of Apple Lane, burned down the Pawnshop and gave the hamlet to a retired Lunar officer, Percippus.
Gooseberry Sprig, Initiate of Eurmal, lay member of Issaries. Male duck, age 33. Gooseberry Sprig is a self-serving thief and con man. He is also a talented and inexpensive cook, which is why Brightflower has put up with him so far. He’s been at the Tin Inn since the Great Winter and he is surprisingly loyal to Brightflower. Gooseberry is friends with a gourmand satyr named Toro and a music-loving centaur named Sonzog, who occasionally visit Apple Lane; they were once part of a local bandit gang.
Hendroste Horsemaster, Initiate of Orlanth Adventurous, lay member of Issaries, Pure Horse People. Male, age 25. Oversees the Horsemaster’s Guild Hall and Residence. Married to Jeena. Hendroste is a Grazelander who came here two years ago with a string of fine horses, seeking adventure and following a mysterious vision that led him to Apple Lane. Four-year old son Jenestan.
Janeera, Initiate of Uleria and Initiate of Ernalda, Ernaldoring clan. Female, age 21. Janeera is a great beauty, perhaps the most beautiful woman in the tirbe.
Jeena, Initiate of Ernalda, Hiording Clan. Female, age 24. Jeena is the daughter of Mineera and Postal, sister to Vareena. Her first husband was a Varmandi herder, who died three years ago, leaving Jeena with a young son, Jenestan, now four. She married Hendroste last year and is now expecting a second child. Works at the Tin inn serving and as a general helper.
Kareena, God-talker of Orlanth Thunderous, Hiording Clan. Female, age 55. Caretaker of the Temple to All the Deities at Apple Lane. Kareena is an old woman and still mourns for her ward, a simple girl who died in the Great Winter.
Mineera, Initiate of Ernalda, Tarshite. Female, age 46. Mineera gardens and tends the animals at the Tin Inn. She lives with Postal. Mother of Jeena and Vareena
Percippus, Lunar overseer of Apple Lane from 1621. Received protection money from the locals and recruited several soldiers to help defend the hamlet. Fled in 1625 with his household.
Postal, Initiate of Orlanth Thunderous, lay member of Ernalda, Hiording Clan. Male, age 47. Postal works at the Tin Inn as stable hand as well as being noted for his skill at carpentry. He lives with Mineera. father of Jeena and Vareena.
Pramble, Initiate of Ernalda and of the Sisters of Inspiration, and lay member of Orlanth, Boldhome. Male, age 76. Pramble, an elderly poet, lives permanently in the Tin Inn, as he has for the last 20 years. He has a hunched posture and personality, and spends most of his meager income on vellum and ink. Occasionally he works as an extra for the inn when he needs money and when trade allows.
Saraskos, initiate of Orlanth and Barntar, farmer. Tortured by the tuskriders, Saraskos escaped and brpught word of their intent to attack Apple Lane. He is being treated initially in the Uleria Tem[ple by Aileena.
Squinch “The Greylord”, Proprietor of the Storeroom, Initiate of both Lhankor Mhy and Issaries, Hiording Clan. Male, age 51. Hiording clan. The local scholar, also lives at the Tin Inn.
Thrilla, Initiate of Uleria, Initiate of Seven Mothers, Citizen of Red Fish City. Female, age 19. Thrilla only recently came to the temple; she is a courtesan from the Lunar Empire who fled Boldhome after the Dragonrise and received Aileena’s protection. A very striking girl, Thrilla moves with otherworldy grace and draws the eye.
Vareena, Initiate of Ernalda, Hiording Clan. Female, age 21. Hiording clan. Works at the Tin inn serving and as a general helper. Daughter of Postal and Mineera, sister to Jeena.
Other Colymar Notables[edit]
Black Growler. This demonic hound originated in the Underworld. It must return to the Hound Knob each dawn, reappearing each dusk to hunt humans and other mortals.
Elves. Green elves patrol the woods around Tarndisi’s Grove. They make sure that no enemies approach the Grove undetected. They do not disturb members of neutral or friendly cults (Lightbringers, Ernalda, Yelmalio, etc.), but they attack known enemies (Chaos, dwarves, trolls, or those that hunt or cut timber in the Grove).
Hippogriffs. - A small herd of hippogriffs nests atop Pegasus Plateau. They are sacred to the Pure Horse People and have recently returned after being absent for centuries.
Redeye the Boar. King Penterest fought against High King Tarkalor, Ernalda grew angry and sent a monstrous semi-divine boar to ravage the region. When the Colymar made peace and offered renewed sacrifices to the goddess, the boar’s rampages diminished, but it remains in Pig Hollow and sometimes lays waste to the fields in the nearby valleys. Redeye is sacred to the Maran Gor cult.
Sarna Ya’qal, Dragonewt Tailed Priest. A band of dragonewts currently lives on Colymar lands, though no-one knows why. They are led by Sarna, though it only speaks to humans through its translator, Slave to Lies.
Slave to Lies, Crested Dragonewt. This dragonewt’s jaws and tongue have been surgically altered to make it better at speaking human languages. Sarna Ya’qal uses it as a translator; the tailed priest speaks in Auld Wyrmish, Slave to Lies translates and then translates anything said by the humans
Tarndisi the Dryad, Chief Priestess of Aldrya. Female willow dryad, age 900+. She rules the grove that takes her name. She has friendly relations with the Clearwine Earth Temple and accepts offerings from the Ernalda cult. The Shanassee Tree is an ancient sentient redwood tree that dates to the Dawn.
Beyond the Colymar[edit]
Fazzur Wideread.
Kallyr Starbrow.
