The World Tree/Gray Company

The Gray Company (or Windenosse in the elven tongue), is an ancient order found deep within the Khim Mountains of Ethir. Often told as stories or fairy tales, these adventurers are an organization that seeks to protect the world while keeping order, the greater good, and freedom as their highest values.

To the common eye, the Gray Company is a group of seemingly normal adventurers, with different identities, goals, and flaws. Upon further investigation (or if they choose) the Gray Company is actually a band of chromatic dragons (including a Pseudodragon that cannot speak) that have been the saving force of the world when its need is dire. Throughout history, the Gray Company has implemented themselves into various places of power in order to keep current with news, only returning as a company should they be drawn otherwise. Their deeds have many songs and texts written of them, with none mentioning their true form. The Gray Company is the hidden hand of protecting Ethir and its people from the Wilds, cannibals, and Magnus' forces.

Individuals

Adathar Mintone

Adathar Mintone is the temporary leader of the Gray Company during the World Tree campaign. He served in the Ethhirian armies during the Time of Chaos as a commander, but did not work directly with the Ashen Warrior.

History

Adathar was rarely a leader before the Time of Chaos in both his human alias and his true form. Adathar developed his skills with a sword under countless teachers and mentors, developing the skills to prove himself in battle without needing his change of form (with his biggest obstacle being his arrogance, as many dragons hold). Adathar was a foot soldier in many skirmishes and raids into the evil orc cities of Axas. During the Time of Chaos however, Malraamo Yaara instructed and implemented Adathar into a commander of the Time of Chaos, effectively holding the city of Daerum from multiple onslaughts and maneuvering forces into effective positions. Arguably the most valued commander during the Time of Chaos, Adathar's alias perished during an excursion into Old Axas, shifting focus away from the Gray Company and onto the Ashen Warrior's heroic deeds.

Adathar throughout the ages has been highly involved with the armies of Ethir, changing his name and appearance slightly to work his way up the chain of command to keep tabs on the military information that passes through. Since the Time of Chaos, Adathar has been establishing his most recent form as a lieutenant and acting as the head of the palace guard of Daerum (although he is drawn away from this position when the adventurers begin their quest).

Appearance and Race

Adathar is overly confident and gruff as a human. Adathar's human appearances tend to have scars on their left cheek, due to his scar in dragon form. Adathar's persona should be similar to that of a grizzled military leader, with black furs adorning his armor. He is forceful and a natural leader his actions can be very predictable, and is often seen pacing when he is confused or uncertain of his actions.

Ideals, Bonds, and Flaws

Ideal: My responsibility and duty is to the Gray Company and the balance of the world
Bond: I am extremely protective of my fellow company members, but I miss my post in Daerum
Flaw: My actions and interactions have been labeled as arrogant, but that is only because they do not hold the same wit as I.

Dragon Form

Adathar's dragon form is an ancient adamantine dragon, with a large scar under his left eye. He is one of the largest dragons of the company and attacks strategically and aggressively with his cold breath and large claws.

Statblocks

• Adathar Mintone.jpg

  Adathar Mintone Statblock

• Adathar Mintone Dragon.jpg

  Dragon Form Statblock

Braxton Hornraven

Braxton Hornraven is the primary information collector of the Gray Company. Braxton is a well versed scout for many different military regiments, trading caravans, and other patrons. He knows the land and all of its secrets, choosing to explore it through many different forms.

History

Braxton role within the Gray Company has always had one constant: always keep an update of what is happening within the material realm of Ethir and the surrounding powers. Before the Time of Chaos, Braxton would roam the skies of Ethir, watching the world as it would shift and change with each new city or developed trade route. There are some stories in Grayhedge that tell of a Brass Dragon that watches over the children there, with one story including a black dragon that was driven away from the city by him. During the Time of Chaos, Malraamo directed Braxton to work as a scout, giving the armies of Ethir only enough information to keep them alive, whether the information was true or not. Braxton was also the only scout to spot Magnus’ position without being slain, exposing Magnus’ weakness at the precise time the Ethirian armies could attack with minimal bloodshed. Braxton throughout the ages has been highly involved with scouting and settling unknown lands (such as Saltvale, the Trinity Islands, and Blackbriar).

Appearance and Race

Braxton is disoriented at best. He holds the appearance of a drunken half-elf, with messy brown hair, unshaven stubble, three noticeable missing teeth, and disheveled dirty clothing. He tends to slur his words together and interrupts at times that are not socially polite to. Clad in leather armor and a green cloak, Braxton’s two shortswords are at the ready should the need arise. He also has a tankard attached to his belt, and is very protective of it (probably due to its magical properties to never run out of ale).

Ideals, Bonds, and Flaws

Ideal: People should be able to do as they please, as long as it doesn’t restrict others from doing what they want.
Bond: I will never give up my tankard, it’s the valuable-ist thing I own!
Flaw: I am a lover, although my companions think I love only at sight.

Dragon Form

Braxton's dragon form is an ancient brass dragon, with several teeth missing and a hole in the roof of his house. Braxton fights swiftly using guerrilla tactics with his claws and bite, keeping out of range as often as possible.

Statblocks

• Braxton Hornraven.jpg

  Braxton Hornraven Statblock

• Braxton Hornraven Dragon.jpg

  Dragon Form Statblock

Klog Steelbringer

Klog Steelbringer is a warrior and muscle for the Gray Company. Klog is one of the first members of the Gray Company and dissolved many barbaric settlements that allowed for the settling of Ethir, the Trinity Islands, and Kusha.

History

Klog Steelbringer was a primary instrument in clearing out the hordes of cannibals and barbarians within the lands to allow for the more civilized races to claim a foothold. His methods included intimidation and brute strength to gain respect and authority, causing revolts, wars, and sabotage within the tribes. When not toppling a barbaric tribe, Klog stays close to Adathar and his armies, brothers in arms against the hordes of Magnus.

After the Time of Chaos, Klog stayed close to Malraamo, keeping close watch over his studies and aiding the other members of the company in times of need.

Appearance and Race

Klog is a brute and a fearsome half orc, covered in tribal tattoos in runes that no longer have a language associated with them, across his arms and back. His skin is a pale green with jet black hair and a large underbite. Clad in furs and wielding a greataxe, a noticeable eye would see the scars of a thousand battles crossing his arms with two fingers missing from his left hand. Klog’s voice is particularly low and can be forceful at times, although his intelligence is not the highest.

Ideals, Bonds, and Flaws

Ideal: I’ve seen this age brought forth due to the destruction of the natives of this land. The ends will always justify the means.
Bond: I am the last of my family (and the last of the steel dragons), and I will bring vengeance to those who have done this to us.
Flaw: Rushing into a fight is the only solution, the rest is simply avoiding the inevitable.

Dragon Form

Klog's dragon form is an ancient steel dragon, missing two fingers from his front left claw. His dark leathery wings have been inscribed in an ancient language for his family’s ancient customs. The ritual was never explained to him. In combat, Klog will attack viciously and ferociously, wading into combat and dealing as much damage as possible, only retreating if his life or another of the company’s life is in danger.

Statblocks

• Klog Steelbringer.jpg

  Klog Steelbringer Statblock

• Klog Steelbringer Dragon.jpg

  Dragon Form Statblock

Mithren Dreamspeak

Mithren Dreamspeak is the seer and war cleric for the Gray Company. Mithren is the only member of the company who does not become directly involved in reconnaissance or human immersion.

History

Mithren Dreamspeak, under direction of Malraamo, has spent his years collecting as much ancient lore as possible, including many texts from the shamans of Kusha’s deserts, the duergar of the hidden cities of Ikhael, and the studies of the cult of serpents in Axas. From his libraries, Mithren communes with unnamed gods and deities, pouring his time into prophesying the future and healing any and all that seek aid with the company. Mithren allowed the Ashen Warrior to survive after Magnus’ death, writing her name in history as the warrior that destroyed Magnus. After the Time of Chaos, Mithren stayed confined from the world, studying in his private hoard of knowledge for answers to who Magnus was and where he was sent from.

Appearance and Race

Mithren is a dark skinned elf who hails from Kusha. Mithren has no pupils, holding pure white eyes behind tattooed eyes. Mithren’s sight is unaltered and is prone to predictions of doom. In normal conversation, Mithren speaks plainly and does not understand undertones, sarcasm, or idioms. He is commonly seen in white robes carrying a quarterstaff made of dried willow. He looks frail and sickly, but speaks clearly and quietly, but very suspicious of what people’s true intentions are until he knows for sure.

Ideals, Bonds, and Flaws

Ideal: Life is the only true progression of the world. The secret to life is by following strong logic and preserving life for as long as possible.
Bond: I do not follow the laws of man or their gods. I follow a truth that none shall ever know, for to know would bring their destruction.
Flaw: Confining spaces signify the confinement of life and ideas. I fear my demise in spaces that will restrain me.

Dragon Form

Mithren's dragon form is an ancient mithral dragon, with pure white eyes and ribs being exposed through his leathery skin. Mithren stays at the rear, predicting enemies’ moves and healing those who are injured on his side. Unless absolutely necessary, Mithren will not attack the enemies.

Statblocks

• Mithren Dreamspeak.jpg

  Mithren Dreamspeak Statblock

• Mithren Dreamspeak Dragon.jpg

  Dragon Form Statblock

Fargrim Bronzehammer

Fargrim Bronzehammer is the only dwarven member of the party, serving the Gray Company as a holy warrior of Penur. Besides Malraamo, Fargrim is the oldest of the Gray Company, with life spanning over 1000 years. With the help of Klog and Braxton, Fargrim played a key role in clearing the Trinity Islands as well as settling the Isle of Dread and Isle of Life as established early trading and communities.

History

Fargrim Bronzehammer spent much of his time clearing the islands of dangerous creatures and vile people that plagued it before the Time of Chaos. The islands were once considered lands of mystery and death, resulting in many trade ships between Kusha and Ethir to be attacked. Fargrim spend 50 years clearing the lands of its horrors and treachery, single handedly banishing its most powerful monsters to its aptly named Isle of Banishment. During the Time of Chaos, Fargrim served alongside Sylven Nimalda, smiting Magnus’ undead ranks to allow for the Ashen Warrior’s victory. Upon their victory, Fargrim continued to work as an agent of the Isle of Life, keeping the island to be overtaken by the hidden bandit hierarchy that took advantage of its safety during the Time of Chaos.

Appearance and Race

Fargrim is an elderly silver haired dwarf, often seen chewing on plants or sticks. He is often seen wearing half plate armor adorned with markings and symbols of Penur, with a great hammer strapped to his back. Fargrim is ponderous and quiet, rarely speaking unless asked or an appropriate question is asked. Fargrim is also stout and strong, despite his age, but can often be seen missing a key part of his equipment or clothing (such as his armor for battle or tankard to get a drink) but he can also be seen with a small doll that belonged to his daughter, Torbera.

Ideals, Bonds, and Flaws

Ideal: An educated people is a survivable people. Knowledge is what separates us from death.
Bond: I can not part from a doll that was my daughters. It reminds me of the sacrifices I make and the oath I keep.
Flaw: Torbera Bronzehammer is my daughter, but no one must know. She despises me for her half dragon race and for keeping her a secret.

Dragon Form

Fargrim's dragon form is an ancient bronze dragon. Fargrim will attack tactfully and works better under direct command from Malraamo or other commander.

Statblocks

• Fargrim Bronzehammer.jpg

  Fargrim Bronzehammer Statblock

• Fargrim Bronzehammer Dragon.jpg

  Dragon Form Statblock

Penn Kopro

Penn Kopro is the only “hire on” of the Gray Company. Penn has served as minstrel and bard for many city councils and royal courts for the surrounding powers.

History

Penn Kopro was hidden among The Wilds, learning various tunes and melodies from the different creatures and natives, applying them to his lute playing in human form. Penn would also protect small villages in exchange for the gold and silver mined or found within ancient temples or mines. It wasn’t until after the Time of Chaos that Penn was asked to join the company by Malraamo. After the Time of Chaos, Penn was a key persuader of decisions made within royal courts and council rooms to place just and fair officials into their places of power, which doubled as hearing information of political turmoil or plots they may hold.

Appearance and Race

Penn is a formerly dressed human that seems bulky for his profession. It has been a long time since he has had a tan, looking pale under his auburn beard. He is often seen in formal attire with a lute upon his back, staying far away from any type of encounter with blades or arrows. Penn is also seen smiling and making jokes…unless someone has made a joke about him.

Ideals, Bonds, and Flaws

Ideal: The world is a beautiful face. Without its beauty, its appearance and personality becomes a monotonous slumber.
Bond: I will do what I am payed for: to help the Gray Company at the price I am paid.
Flaw: A joke is only funny if it is directed at anyone else. A joke directed at me will meet the wrath of a bard.

Dragon Form

Penn's dragon form is an ancient copper dragon with tarnished wings. Penn is often found near Mithren, aiding the company with inspiring words and magic, but will attack with force if cornered.

Statblocks

• Penn Kopro.jpg

  Penn Kopro Statblock

• Penn Kopro Dragon.jpg

  Dragon Form Statblock

Sylven Nimalda

Sylven Nimalda is a holy warrior of Penur, serving as second in command to the company. Sylven served as a tactician to the armies of Kusha in driving off the cannibals and allowed for the settling of Kusha’s western and eastern shores.

History

Sylven Nimalda, like Adathar Mintone, trained under master swordsmen and mentors to perfect his combat prowess as a human. Sylven united the early settlers of Kusha to drive off the cannibals from the desert lands and into hiding of The Wilds. During the Time of Chaos, Sylven served alongside Fargrim, where he was converted to a paladin of Penur and aided in the smiting of Magnus’ undead forces. Sylven returned to the lands of Kusha after the Time of Chaos to expand Kusha’s empire into an age of trade and nationality, aiding in the first trade routes with Ethir and settling of the villages on the outskirts of Kusha’s borders.

Appearance and Race

Sylven is seen in blue-green full plate armor that covers his face and skin. Those who have seen his face have often mistaken him to appear drow-like in origin, with his incredibly pale skin and black eyes, although he is simply human. He is seen wielding his holy amulet and long sword, and is rarely seen in armor that is dirty or unpolished.

Ideals, Bonds, and Flaws

Ideal: Discovery of the world is the only way to expand the nations into prosperity.
Bond: I am loyal to Adathar Mintone and his decisions. He is in charge and I will not break his commands.
Flaw: I have a shameful history that I am not proud of. I only hope to make up for my past by devoting myself to Penur and his tenants.

Dragon Form

Sylven's dragon form is an ancient silver dragon with black eyes. Sylven will tactfully attack the enemy with swooping attacks, laying waste to large groups with his breath attack.

Statblocks

• Sylven Nimalda.jpg

  Sylven Nimalda Statblock

• Sylven Nimalda Dragon.jpg

  Dragon Form Statblock

Mercon Evendur

Mercon Evendur is the secondary caster for the company. Mercon has attended the magic college of Daerum and several fighting guilds in the area, hoping to find his true calling and the trace of his magic bloodline.

History

Mercon Evendur’s contribution to the company has been as a support role, with Malraamo holding the majority of magical influence. Mercon throughout the ages has studied under Mithren and Malraamo to find the sources of his natural magic ability, only to come up short. After the Time of Chaos, Mercon went in search of answers at the Daerum Wizard's College, only to find more questions than answers. Mercon was also tasked with investigating the college’s priorities, shifting their gaze from the Gray Company to other matters should the need arise. Since Malraamo’s disappearance, Mercon has been tasked with filling the role of primary caster of the company which can overwhelm him at times.

Appearance and Race

Mercon is exceptionally handsome, but tends to wear clothes that do not fit well. He has a small stature for a human and is often seen biting his fingernails when nervous or anxious. He also is clothed in leather pants or light common clothing, but rarely wears armor. He is friendly to others around him and is incredibly studious and knowledgeable, but lacks the dexterity or strength to fight with weapons.

Ideals, Bonds, and Flaws

Ideal: We are responsible for those who cannot help themselves and must give everything we can to help them.
Bond: I do not know where my magical influence comes from, but I will find the answers no matter what.
Flaw: I have no idea who I am or where I am from. My magic may be of dark or good origin, but I do not know.

Dragon Form

Mercon's dragon form is an ancient mercury dragon with scales that shimmer in the light. Mercon attacks from a distance, using his breath weapon and ranged weapons as much as possible.

Statblocks

• Mercon Evendur.jpg

  Mercon Evendur Statblock

• Mercon Evendur Dragon.jpg

  Dragon Form Statblock

Psylas

Psylas (also known as "Psylas with a P") is the thief of the company, working with Braxton for scouting and intelligence missions. Psylas has over toppled countless officials and politicians by stealing incriminating evidence from the most secure locations of the world.

History

The fast hands of the group, Psylas has been charged with the tedious task of espionage and thievery for the more clumsy companions of the Gray Company. According to the company, Psylas is accountable for the current king and queen’s status, thanks to him. Under Malraamo’s orders, Psylas has accompanied Braxton in scouting and surveying, stealing information when things seem uncertain or hidden. During the Time of Chaos, Psylas and Braxton were able to steal valuable items from Magnus’ forces and ancient dungeons, placing various artifacts such as the World Tree Compass, the Ashen Warriors’ Mace and Sword, and other powerful weapons and armor. Since then, Psylas continues his silent duty of accompanying Braxton on his scouting missions.

Appearance and Race

Psylas is short and bald, with a single ponytail. Psylas is a mute halfling, but taps his fingers whenever he tries to get people’s attention. He is usually in a dark cloak and pants, with two silver daggers in his waist belt. He is graceful when he walks or fights, but he is rather scrawny for his size.

Ideals, Bonds, and Flaws

Ideal: We are bound to the laws and codes of man, unless such laws and codes cause us ruin.
Bond: I have dedicated my life to learn how to speak, magically or otherwise.
Flaw: I am envious of Braxton and his charismatic personality. I blame him for my communication problems because he hasn’t helped me find a way to speak.

Dragon Form

Psylas’ dragon form is a magically enhanced pseudodragon. Malraamo casted powerful magic on the young Psylas to transform him into an ancient gargantuan dragon, but he never gained the ability to speak. In combat, Psylas uses surprise to attack his enemies with his thunderous breath, flanking enemies into terrible combat situations.

Statblocks

• Psylas.jpg

  Psylas Statblock

• Psylas Dragon.jpg

  Dragon Form Statblock

Malraamo Yaara

Malraamo Yaara is the primary caster and leader of the company. It is said that Malraamo is the oldest natural being in the Material Plane and is the mastermind to protecting the world during the Time of Chaos.

History

Malraamo Yaara’s contribution to history is almost as much as there is ink on a wizard’s scroll. Malraamo combined the forces of the chromatic dragons and form the Gray Company, an order to serve and protect the material plane from unnatural forces in order to keep the greater good, order, and freedom to the civilized people. During the Time of Chaos, Malraamo orchestrated a plot to defeat Magnus without history and the world finding their true identities by precisely timing it with the help of Ra-Orn’s blessing to the Ashen Warrior, being sure she found the information on her own and her hand was the one to defeat her and that she would survive long enough for word to spread to the world of her great deed. This would allow the Gray Company to keep its secrecy while the warrior would be written in stone as one of the greatest of all time. After the Time of Chaos, Malraamo sent the company back into the world to develop the nations and find the source of Magnus’ forces and evil, holding the belief he was not acting alone. Within the World Tree campaign, Malraamo left two years before the present day to follow a lead, only to be captured by an ancient white dragon named Fraenir, and imprisoned in the Khim Mountains.

Appearance and Race

Malraamo is elderly and frail, with large bushy eyebrows and a bald head. Malraamo is often pictured in simple robes with a metal staff, twirling his many rings when intrigued with a conversation. When talking with Malraamo, he is overly curious, but also extremely curious.

Ideals, Bonds, and Flaws

Ideal: A civilization only exist if the people within are kept safe. Good or bad, the people of this world must survive, lest we be sent into darkness once more.
Bond: I am the leader of the Gray Company, orchestrating their movements to allow for the survival of the known world.
Flaw: I know not who Magnus is or where he is from, but he will stop at nothing to rid me from this world.

Dragon Form

Malraamo's dragon form is an ancient gold dragon, with tattered wings and ringed talons. Malraamo attacks from a distance, attacking with his claws if the situation calls for it.

Statblocks

• Malraamo Yaara.jpg

  Malraamo Yaara Statblock

• Malraamo Yaara Dragon.jpg

  Dragon Form Statblock

Impact of World History

TO BE ADDED

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