Vidril of Truths
The Vidril of Truths is the arm of Vrent’s government charged with law & order. As its namesake suggests, the highest priority of the Vidril of Truths is seeking out the truth of criminal situations, and doling out punishments based on the circumstances.
Hierarchy
Just as any organization, the Vidril of Truths has its own hierarchy, each tier handling different responsibilities. The higher the tier, the more responsibility and known accomplishments are required of an individual.
Unlike the Speakers of each Vidril however, familial influence and combat proficiency are not the main determining factors in advancing in the Vidril of Truths. Rather, individuals may be promoted based on their ability to root out criminal activity, as well as their thoroughness in bringing the truth to light. If nominated by another instead of submitting themselves, individuals may reject the nomination if they so desire.
Shown below is the hierarchy of the Vidril, starting from top to bottom.
Speaker
At the top of the totem pole is the Speaker of the Vidril, charged with overseeing all current servants of the Vidril of Truths. The Speaker has the authority to overrule the decision of any Tribunal, although this power has rarely ever been put into practice. Additionally, the Speaker may serve on a Tribunal if he or she so chooses. This typically occurs in accusations involving high-profile figures or high-ranking government or religious officials.
Whenever the title of Speaker must be passed onto another, they must be nominated by a fellow Triune and have their qualifications, history, and accomplishments listed out. Once a list of potential candidates has been finalized, every Triune casts their vote to elect a new Speaker. The candidate with the majority vote must then be approved or rejected by the current
Listener. A candidate has only been rejected once in the history of Vrent.
Whenever the title of Speaker must be passed onto another, they must be nominated by a fellow Triune and have their qualifications, history, and accomplishments listed out. Once a list of potential candidates has been finalized, every Triune casts their vote to elect a new Speaker. The candidate with the majority vote must then be approved or rejected by the current
Listener. A candidate has only been rejected once in the history of Vrent.
Triune
The Triune act as judges in Vrent’s courts of truth. Their name is derived from the fact that each case is handled by a board of three Triune, called a Tribunal. After hearing from the Inquisitor of the Accused and the Offended, the Tribunal convene to first discuss if the Accused is indeed guilty of the proposed crime or not. If at least two of the three Triune find the Accused guilty, they then discuss an appropriate punishment for the Accused.
When not serving on a Tribunal, the Triune mainly handle administration in the Vidril, handling and assigning the multitude of charges that pass through the Vidril.
An Inquisitor may become a Triune in one of the following ways: applying for advancement to Triune, recommendation by at least three of their peers, or recommendation by at least one Triune. The promotion of a Triune is handled similarly to a court case: one Inquisitor represents the candidate by proving why they are qualified to be a Triune, while another Inquisitor seeks out reasons to hold them back. Finally, a Tribunal deliberates on whether to accept the new Triune or not.
When not serving on a Tribunal, the Triune mainly handle administration in the Vidril, handling and assigning the multitude of charges that pass through the Vidril.
An Inquisitor may become a Triune in one of the following ways: applying for advancement to Triune, recommendation by at least three of their peers, or recommendation by at least one Triune. The promotion of a Triune is handled similarly to a court case: one Inquisitor represents the candidate by proving why they are qualified to be a Triune, while another Inquisitor seeks out reasons to hold them back. Finally, a Tribunal deliberates on whether to accept the new Triune or not.
Inquisitor
Inquisitors are the primary individuals charged with gathering evidence and piecing together the truth of each situation. Inquisitors are assigned cases by Triune, regardless of their prior experience. Inquisitors do not specialize in any particular field of crime, as all Inquisitors are equally as likely to be assigned various cases. Due to this, Inquisitors are expected to have a sufficient amount of knowledge of the entirety of Vrent’s Truths, their system of laws.
Inquisitors technically have the authority to arrest and accuse individuals of breaking a Truth, as well as many of the other responsibilities and powers of the Bulwarks and Sabers. However, between constant study of the Truths and serving in court, Inquisitors rarely exert this authority.
Bulwarks may only become Inquisitors by applying for the position. Once they have submitted themselves for consideration, Bulwarks are assigned an Inquisitor to see if they have accomplished enough to prove their dedication to Truth. After receiving approval by said Inquisitor, Bulwarks must then take and pass a lengthy exam designed to test their knowledge of Vrent’s Truths.
The reason that only Bulwarks are allowed to submit themselves for consideration as an Inquisitor is because of the drastic change in responsibilities, moving from the streets of Vrent to its courts. If a Bulwark desires to stay amongst its citizens and Sabres, they may do so.
Inquisitors technically have the authority to arrest and accuse individuals of breaking a Truth, as well as many of the other responsibilities and powers of the Bulwarks and Sabers. However, between constant study of the Truths and serving in court, Inquisitors rarely exert this authority.
Bulwarks may only become Inquisitors by applying for the position. Once they have submitted themselves for consideration, Bulwarks are assigned an Inquisitor to see if they have accomplished enough to prove their dedication to Truth. After receiving approval by said Inquisitor, Bulwarks must then take and pass a lengthy exam designed to test their knowledge of Vrent’s Truths.
The reason that only Bulwarks are allowed to submit themselves for consideration as an Inquisitor is because of the drastic change in responsibilities, moving from the streets of Vrent to its courts. If a Bulwark desires to stay amongst its citizens and Sabres, they may do so.
Bulwark
Whereas Sabers are the reactionary force of Vrent’s Truths, Bulwarks are the proactive force.
Bulwarks act as detectives and captains among the Sabers, each managing a small group of Sabers (5-10 Sabers) and their activities. Bulwarks are responsible for the activities of their Sabers, but mainly concern themselves with rooting out established criminals and criminal organizations, based on the evidence and information gathered by the Sabers. Bulwarks also approve the arrest of citizens if they deem a sufficient amount of evidence as being present.
Similar to Inquisitors, Sabers may advance to Bulwark either by submitting themselves for consideration, nomination by their peers, or nomination by a Bulwark. Once put into consideration for the position, the candidate is represented by a Bulwark of their choosing who writes a lengthy letter of recommendation and conducts an interview with an Inquisitor on behalf of the candidate. The Inquisitor then decides if the candidate is Bulwark material or not.
Bulwarks act as detectives and captains among the Sabers, each managing a small group of Sabers (5-10 Sabers) and their activities. Bulwarks are responsible for the activities of their Sabers, but mainly concern themselves with rooting out established criminals and criminal organizations, based on the evidence and information gathered by the Sabers. Bulwarks also approve the arrest of citizens if they deem a sufficient amount of evidence as being present.
Similar to Inquisitors, Sabers may advance to Bulwark either by submitting themselves for consideration, nomination by their peers, or nomination by a Bulwark. Once put into consideration for the position, the candidate is represented by a Bulwark of their choosing who writes a lengthy letter of recommendation and conducts an interview with an Inquisitor on behalf of the candidate. The Inquisitor then decides if the candidate is Bulwark material or not.
Saber
The bulk of the Vidril of Truths. Sabers perform most of the legwork for the Vidril, gathering evidence and information as instructed. Their main responsibility is to patrol the Ard and Ishil roads, and the narrow streets and alleys around each Citadel. If a Saber suspects criminal activity but cannot prove it based on current evidence, they submit their concern to their Bulwark to investigate further.
Almost anyone is allowed to become a Saber. Upon their application being accepted, Sabers are placed under a Bulwark for a three-month probationary period. There are no initial requirements simply to apply, but if, during this probationary period, a Saber doesn’t demonstrate enough knowledge of the Truths to know what they are and aren’t allowed to do, or if they are so physically unfit that it impedes their ability to perform their duties, they will be rejected from serving further as a Saber.
If rejected, one may only reapply after one year from the day they were rejected.
Almost anyone is allowed to become a Saber. Upon their application being accepted, Sabers are placed under a Bulwark for a three-month probationary period. There are no initial requirements simply to apply, but if, during this probationary period, a Saber doesn’t demonstrate enough knowledge of the Truths to know what they are and aren’t allowed to do, or if they are so physically unfit that it impedes their ability to perform their duties, they will be rejected from serving further as a Saber.
If rejected, one may only reapply after one year from the day they were rejected.
Courts of Truth
Ethics & Truth
Within the Courts of Truth, actual evidence and testimonies presented to the Tribunal will present the heaviest influence in determining an Accused as being Innocent or Guilty. However, the Courts of Truth do allow Inquisitors to include arguments based in the philosophy of ethics. The Vidril of Truths believes that the motivations behind a crime are just as important as the actual breaking of the Truth.
As such, Tribunals take this into consideration when deliberating on an appropriate punishment for the Accused.
As such, Tribunals take this into consideration when deliberating on an appropriate punishment for the Accused.
Roles of Participants
In Vrent’s many Courts of Truth, only six individuals participate: the Accused, the Inquisitor of the Accused, the Inquisitor of the Offended, and the three Triune serving on the Tribunal. The only exception to this is when the Accused is a group of people accused of breaking the same Truth.
The Accused is the person or the people charged with committing a crime, known as breaking a Truth. At the beginning of the court proceedings, the Accused may either plead themselves as being Innocent, Innocent-by-Circumstance (explained below), or Guilty.
The Inquisitor of the Accused is the Inquisitor charged with protecting the Accused. They accomplish either by proving they are Innocent, or Innocent-by-Circumstance.
The Inquisitor of the Offended is the Inquisitor charged with proving the Accused as being guilty of breaking the Truths. If a the Accused pleads guilty, they question the Accused to reveal their intentions and reasons for breaking the truth. This Inquisitor either represents the individual/group that the Accused offended, or the Truths of Vrent.
The Triune listen to the evidence and arguments provided by both Inquisitors to deem whether the Accused is indeed Innocent or Guilty, or, if they plead so, Innocent-by-Circumstance. If they consider the Accused as Guilty, they also decide on an appropriate punishment for the Accused.
The Accused is the person or the people charged with committing a crime, known as breaking a Truth. At the beginning of the court proceedings, the Accused may either plead themselves as being Innocent, Innocent-by-Circumstance (explained below), or Guilty.
The Inquisitor of the Accused is the Inquisitor charged with protecting the Accused. They accomplish either by proving they are Innocent, or Innocent-by-Circumstance.
The Inquisitor of the Offended is the Inquisitor charged with proving the Accused as being guilty of breaking the Truths. If a the Accused pleads guilty, they question the Accused to reveal their intentions and reasons for breaking the truth. This Inquisitor either represents the individual/group that the Accused offended, or the Truths of Vrent.
The Triune listen to the evidence and arguments provided by both Inquisitors to deem whether the Accused is indeed Innocent or Guilty, or, if they plead so, Innocent-by-Circumstance. If they consider the Accused as Guilty, they also decide on an appropriate punishment for the Accused.
Pleading Guilty or Innocent-by-Circumstance
Technically, both of these are the Accused pleading as guilty of committing the crime. However, if the Accused pleads to be Innocent-by-Circumstance, this means that the Accused acknowledges that they broke a Truth, but they did so with sufficient enough moral and/or circumstantial reason. The Inquisitor of the Accused then presents their evidence and arguments for why the circumstances of the situation allow them to break the Truth. The Inquisitor of the Offended, on the other hand, attempts to reveal that the Accused did not have enough reason to break said Truth.
The main difference between these two pleas is that a person, if proven to be Innocent-by-Circumstance, is absolved of any and all punishments, where one pleading Guilty accepts whatever punishment the Tribunal impresses upon them.
Most pleas of Innocent-by-Circumstance occur in relation to business-related Truths, but they also happen frequently in cases of theft and murder.
The main difference between these two pleas is that a person, if proven to be Innocent-by-Circumstance, is absolved of any and all punishments, where one pleading Guilty accepts whatever punishment the Tribunal impresses upon them.
Most pleas of Innocent-by-Circumstance occur in relation to business-related Truths, but they also happen frequently in cases of theft and murder.
Fox O’Donovan
Race & Gender: Human Male
Age: 39
Appearance:
Approximately 5’6”, with a stocky build. Due to the nature of his work, Donovan exercises regularly and keeps up strength training, making him fairly muscular for his stature.
Donovan has a jagged, rough face with tanned, pink skin. He looks permanently sunburnt, but it’s simply a combination of his natural complexion mixed with the sea air and sun of Throngale (Throngale info below.) He has a large, square jaw that juts out at the chin.
He has eyes the color of murky ocean water, hidden under the shadow of a protruding, straight brow ridge. His eyebrows are thick and bushy, always filled with flecks of white. This is easily confused for dandruff, but it’s salt from his proximity to the ocean.
Donovan has light, greasy black hair. On his head, he keeps it somewhat short, slicking it back on all sides, the ends trailing into a curl at the back of his neck. In order to conceal his appearance, he has recently grown thick mutton chops that connect into a mustache. He keeps his beard and goatee neatly combed, matching the appearance of his hair.
Despite life as a bounty hunter, Donovan has an approachable face. He isn’t constantly smiling, but he gives off an easy-going air, his eyes bright and alert as if he knows something you don’t. The bridge of his nose curves inward, ending with nostrils and a nose pointed slightly upward.
Donovan has a jagged, rough face with tanned, pink skin. He looks permanently sunburnt, but it’s simply a combination of his natural complexion mixed with the sea air and sun of Throngale (Throngale info below.) He has a large, square jaw that juts out at the chin.
He has eyes the color of murky ocean water, hidden under the shadow of a protruding, straight brow ridge. His eyebrows are thick and bushy, always filled with flecks of white. This is easily confused for dandruff, but it’s salt from his proximity to the ocean.
Donovan has light, greasy black hair. On his head, he keeps it somewhat short, slicking it back on all sides, the ends trailing into a curl at the back of his neck. In order to conceal his appearance, he has recently grown thick mutton chops that connect into a mustache. He keeps his beard and goatee neatly combed, matching the appearance of his hair.
Despite life as a bounty hunter, Donovan has an approachable face. He isn’t constantly smiling, but he gives off an easy-going air, his eyes bright and alert as if he knows something you don’t. The bridge of his nose curves inward, ending with nostrils and a nose pointed slightly upward.
Hardly anyone ever sees it, but he has a tattoo of the silhouette of a murkroot. The bulb and leaves start at his elbow, while the roots grow and spread out all along his arm, snaking their way up to his shoulder to a wild mass of tendrils.
Clothing / Armor:
Weapons & Equipment:
Other Equipment
-Iron dagger he keeps strapped to his left thigh (“Y’always need a back-up.”)
-Bag of ammunition for his flintlock weapons
-Kept in his coat pocket, a silver flask filled with…(“It’ll knock yeh on yer arse, s’all ye need t’know.)
-Leather satchel, strapped across his shoulder and hanging on his right side. Filled with necessary equipment, such as...
Wallet: “That’s none o’ yer damn business now, is it?”
(Donovan is by no means wealthy, but his savings from life as a Saber, and success as a bounty hunter has kept him living comfortably.)
Weapons & Equipment:
Cane Blade - “Th’ simplest approach is usually th’ best approach.”
A standard issue weapon of the Sabers, Donovan still holds onto his own cane blade.
The cane blade is a long, thin shortsword, approximately three to four feet in length, being tailor-made to its user. The blade is concealed within a simple black, wooden scabbard that doubles as a cane. At the end of the scabbard is a brass tip, while two brass rings circle around near the sheath. The handle of the blade is an ornate carving of a wolf’s paw, also made of brass. The toes of the paw curve slightly, allowing for an easier grip.
A standard issue weapon of the Sabers, Donovan still holds onto his own cane blade.
The cane blade is a long, thin shortsword, approximately three to four feet in length, being tailor-made to its user. The blade is concealed within a simple black, wooden scabbard that doubles as a cane. At the end of the scabbard is a brass tip, while two brass rings circle around near the sheath. The handle of the blade is an ornate carving of a wolf’s paw, also made of brass. The toes of the paw curve slightly, allowing for an easier grip.
Flintlock Pistols - “Reloading these things is a right pain in the arse, butcha only e’er need one shot.”
To complement his blade for close combat, Donovan carries with him two flintlock pistols.
The flintlock is the latest in modern warfare. Rare weapons only seen among the wealthy or among government officials, Donovan still carries his flintlock from his time as a Saber. His second flintlock was purchased from a black market merchant that harbored in Throngale for a night.
His main flintlock is kept in a leather holster on the left side of his hip. The secondary is kept on a chest holster, laying across his left breast.
Donovan’s preferred firearm, hiis Saber-issued flintlock is simple design, made primarily of wood. The structure indicates cheap production over fanciful decoration.
His secondary flintlock, purchased from an illegal vendor. The exquisite ornamentation and metals probably mean this was stolen from some noble. It also has the exotic quality of containing three separate barrels.
Donovan does not dual-wield both flint-locks like a fool. He keeps two on his person in case he needs a quick second shot.
To complement his blade for close combat, Donovan carries with him two flintlock pistols.
The flintlock is the latest in modern warfare. Rare weapons only seen among the wealthy or among government officials, Donovan still carries his flintlock from his time as a Saber. His second flintlock was purchased from a black market merchant that harbored in Throngale for a night.
His main flintlock is kept in a leather holster on the left side of his hip. The secondary is kept on a chest holster, laying across his left breast.
Donovan’s preferred firearm, hiis Saber-issued flintlock is simple design, made primarily of wood. The structure indicates cheap production over fanciful decoration.
His secondary flintlock, purchased from an illegal vendor. The exquisite ornamentation and metals probably mean this was stolen from some noble. It also has the exotic quality of containing three separate barrels.
Donovan does not dual-wield both flint-locks like a fool. He keeps two on his person in case he needs a quick second shot.
Flintlock Rifle - “I prefer my work done up close, but sometimes, you don’t get to choose yer circumstances.”
A specialty weapon, Donovan has had experience using these before while on the Sabers. However, these were not standard-issue due to their expensive costs to produce, only being requisitioned for specific operations. Donovan has purchased this one legally from a weapons store in Throngale.
Donovan rarely ever brings, let alone uses, this rifle, but he is still a skilled enough marksman to land a shot from a distance. He has tied a strap to the barrel and stock, allowing him to carry it on his back.
A specialty weapon, Donovan has had experience using these before while on the Sabers. However, these were not standard-issue due to their expensive costs to produce, only being requisitioned for specific operations. Donovan has purchased this one legally from a weapons store in Throngale.
Donovan rarely ever brings, let alone uses, this rifle, but he is still a skilled enough marksman to land a shot from a distance. He has tied a strap to the barrel and stock, allowing him to carry it on his back.
Derringer - “Don’t let people know yer the most dangerous man in th’ room.”
Another exotic weapon purchased off a seedy merchant through illegal means, this is a miniaturized version of the common flintlock pistol, it only measures three inches from barrel to butt. Donovan keeps this hidden up his right sleeve, attached to a spring-loaded mechanism. By pressing down on a switch near his right elbow, Donovan can release the spring, extending the Derringer directly into his hand from the sleeve.
The spring was custom-made and set Donovan back a Lily and a Blood, and he has only actually used it once, but the one occasion saved him in a barfight turned fatal. Donovan would argue that his life is definitely worth more than that.
Another exotic weapon purchased off a seedy merchant through illegal means, this is a miniaturized version of the common flintlock pistol, it only measures three inches from barrel to butt. Donovan keeps this hidden up his right sleeve, attached to a spring-loaded mechanism. By pressing down on a switch near his right elbow, Donovan can release the spring, extending the Derringer directly into his hand from the sleeve.
The spring was custom-made and set Donovan back a Lily and a Blood, and he has only actually used it once, but the one occasion saved him in a barfight turned fatal. Donovan would argue that his life is definitely worth more than that.
Buckler - “This thing has saved me life more’n once...it always leaves me with a sore wrist, though.”
A simple iron buckler Donovan wears on his left forearm, attached by two leather straps. The buckler is thin and light enough to wield with some agility in combat, while large enough to cover Donovan’s face and neck. However, its thin design means it’s not going to block any heavy weapons such as axes or longswords, as they’ll simply break through the metal.
It is strong enough to block distant shots from flintlocks as well as the common shortsword, including the cane blade.
In combat, Donovan typically uses his buckler to deflect or glance blows, rather than outright taking the hit. Additionally, he can use the buckler to unleash a backhand swipe powerful enough to knock out most people.
A simple iron buckler Donovan wears on his left forearm, attached by two leather straps. The buckler is thin and light enough to wield with some agility in combat, while large enough to cover Donovan’s face and neck. However, its thin design means it’s not going to block any heavy weapons such as axes or longswords, as they’ll simply break through the metal.
It is strong enough to block distant shots from flintlocks as well as the common shortsword, including the cane blade.
In combat, Donovan typically uses his buckler to deflect or glance blows, rather than outright taking the hit. Additionally, he can use the buckler to unleash a backhand swipe powerful enough to knock out most people.
Other Equipment
-Iron dagger he keeps strapped to his left thigh (“Y’always need a back-up.”)
-Bag of ammunition for his flintlock weapons
-Kept in his coat pocket, a silver flask filled with…(“It’ll knock yeh on yer arse, s’all ye need t’know.)
-Leather satchel, strapped across his shoulder and hanging on his right side. Filled with necessary equipment, such as...
-Parchment and charcoal sticks for writing/drawing
-Set of simple lockpicking tools, nothing fancy. (“Fer when a swift kick o’ th’boot is too loud.”)
-Counterfeit ℘ragon's Heads (“Hopefully I never meet ‘em again.”)
-Cloths and rags
-Whetstone
-Bandage wraps, healing ointments, and herbal medicines for minor injuries
-Canteen of water
-Drawings of his family, kept safe in clasp of boiled leather
-A loaf bread
-Various cheeses
-Salted meats
-Set of simple lockpicking tools, nothing fancy. (“Fer when a swift kick o’ th’boot is too loud.”)
-Counterfeit ℘ragon's Heads (“Hopefully I never meet ‘em again.”)
-Cloths and rags
-Whetstone
-Bandage wraps, healing ointments, and herbal medicines for minor injuries
-Canteen of water
-Drawings of his family, kept safe in clasp of boiled leather
-A loaf bread
-Various cheeses
-Salted meats
Wallet: “That’s none o’ yer damn business now, is it?”
(Donovan is by no means wealthy, but his savings from life as a Saber, and success as a bounty hunter has kept him living comfortably.)
Skills:
Personality:
History:
Donovan grew up happily in a farming community. He wanted to be a hero like the ones from stories he heard every night. Him and his family saved up to send him off to Vrent.
On his first day, Donovan was mugged by two guys, then saved by Bulwark Finnigan (a Bulwark is a cop basically.) Donovan immediately idolized Finnigan, and wanted to become a Saber (Saber is a normal cop, Bulwark is a captain/detective.) Finnigan adopted Donovan and became like a father.
Finnigan payed for Donovan to go to private school, studying to become a Saber. Donovan graduated, applied to become a Saber, and was accepted. Finnigan had Donovan transferred to his unit, and they served together for years.
Eventually, Donovan was nominated to move up and be promoted to Bulwark. Finnigan represented Donovan, explaining to the higher-ups why Donovan should be a Bulwark. Donovan was accepted, becoming a full-fledged Bulwark.
Early on in his career as a Bulwark, Donovan picked up on a conspiracy, finding evidence that Finnigan, his adopted father, was helping criminals get out of punishment. Donovan brought this to the court with a mountain of evidence, but Finnigan got off free, probably pulling some strings.
Finnigan threatened Donovan’s life, so Donovan fled to a far away city, where he lived as a bounty hunter for years.
On his first day, Donovan was mugged by two guys, then saved by Bulwark Finnigan (a Bulwark is a cop basically.) Donovan immediately idolized Finnigan, and wanted to become a Saber (Saber is a normal cop, Bulwark is a captain/detective.) Finnigan adopted Donovan and became like a father.
Finnigan payed for Donovan to go to private school, studying to become a Saber. Donovan graduated, applied to become a Saber, and was accepted. Finnigan had Donovan transferred to his unit, and they served together for years.
Eventually, Donovan was nominated to move up and be promoted to Bulwark. Finnigan represented Donovan, explaining to the higher-ups why Donovan should be a Bulwark. Donovan was accepted, becoming a full-fledged Bulwark.
Early on in his career as a Bulwark, Donovan picked up on a conspiracy, finding evidence that Finnigan, his adopted father, was helping criminals get out of punishment. Donovan brought this to the court with a mountain of evidence, but Finnigan got off free, probably pulling some strings.
Finnigan threatened Donovan’s life, so Donovan fled to a far away city, where he lived as a bounty hunter for years.
Fox O’Donovan was born in and grew up in one of the many farming communities that made up Isthia, fifth out of seven children. Both of his parents worked as workers tending to the fields of murkroot, who have literally spent more than half of their lives toiling in the water and muck. The O’Donovans never struggled to survive, but every member, including the children, had to put in more than their share of hard work to put food on the table. Donovan remembers working ever since he was able to walk.
As a child, Donovan’s parents would read stories to him and his children every night. Being farmers, they couldn’t afford many luxuries without risking food being absent for a few days. Thankfully, a passing merchant traded a musty storybook for a few of their murkroots. And so, the O’Donovan family would hear about the many adventures and triumphs of fictional heroes, the Vindicators of Truth, battling against the malevolent spawn of darkness.
The young Donovan grew up happy and content in his childhood. His family loved him, there was usually food to eat, and he made friends with the other farmers’ children. He wanted more out of his uneventful life though; he wanted to fight evil just like the heroes from the stories he heard every day. Donovan would run around the marshes and rivers of his village, slashing at invisible monsters with a stick.
With the help of some of his older siblings, Donovan eventually saved up enough to travel to the Citadel, the best place to pursue his dream of fighting evil. Donovan gave a bittersweet farewell to his family, and left for Vrent’s Citadel.
Donovan arrived at the gates of Vrent, young, idealistic, and wide-eyed. He had never seen anything as big as the towering stone, never seen so many people crowded in one place, never experienced anything like the cultural melting pot that was Vrent. Neither had he experienced the cruel side of humanity. The naive young man approached some gentleman with the appearance of having lived in Vrent for some time, asking them for advice for a new resident. These two gentlemen eagerly agreed to show him around, and promptly escorted him to a nearby alley where they proceeded to beat him and take his belongings. Just as the muggers were taking the last of Donovan’s belongings, a couple of Sabers happened upon them, chasing off the muggers.
Enter Bulwark Finnigan, the man that fended off Donovan’s attackers. At that moment, Finnigan had engraved himself in Donovan’s mind as the ideal everyman’s hero. As Finnigan turned to pursue the muggers, Donovan stopped him, begging Finnigan to take him on as an apprentice. Finnigan was visibly confused, so Donovan explained to him his dreams and his situation. Finnigan took him in, unofficially becoming his new guardian.
Finnigan became like a father to Donovan, teaching him to adjust to life in the city. He also helped Donovan understand the darker side of man, due to his lack of real social experiences. Eventually, Finnigan used his own ℘ragon Heads to put Donovan into the Academy of Truth, a highly prestigious school for training those interested in joining the Vidril of Truths.
Donovan passed through the Academy with flying colors, eager to achieve his dream of fighting criminals and protecting the innocent. He applied to join the Sabers immediately upon finishing his schooling, and was promptly accepted, getting through the probationary period without any trouble. Donovan was officially a Saber of the Vidril of Truths. Proud of his adopted son, Finnigan requested to have Donovan transferred to his unit, continuing to mentor the young Saber.
Donovan excelled as a Saber, defending the Truths of Vrent and its citizens from crime, big and small. However, as he served through the years, he noticed every now and then that the Tribunal would let go criminals he had caught, despite having overwhelming evidence and eyewitnesses pointing towards them obviously breaking a Truth. Donovan simply dismissed it as the Tribunals being careful to not condemn an innocent man.
Due to his success and zeal in the line of work, Donovan was an obvious candidate to move up to Bulwark. Initially, Donovan suspected that Finnigan had been the one to nominate him, but he later found out that it was actually his fellow Sabers. This was especially surprising, considering that Donovan was both the youngest member of their group, as well as the one on the force for the shortest amount of time. Finnigan may not have been the one who recommended Donovan, but he was the one who represented Donovan. Finnigan never revealed what he wrote in the letter of recommendation, nor what he said in the interview. Regardless, Donovan was approved, advancing further in his dream career...Bulwark O’Donovan.
Unfortunately, Donovan’s career would be cut short as a result of him doing what he loved: his job. He was unrelentless is hunting down the most secretive of criminals. The years as a Saber had transformed Donovan into an efficient, well-oiled machine, a bloodhound that always sniffed out its prey. One of Donovan’s hunts had him catching the scent of a criminal on the inside of the Vidril of Truths. Everything started coming together for Donovan, why suspected criminals had gotten off without a conviction, why evidence seemed to go missing or go completely disregarded, everything.
Every crook he interrogated, every document he screened, every undocumented financial transaction he caught pointed to one logical conclusion, with one man at the center of it all: Bulwark Finnigan, likely with the help of others in the Vidril of Truth, would help criminals that paid him off get released without a conviction. Donovan didn’t want to believe it, but he did have to fulfill his duty. He gathered together all of the evidence he had and pushed the case forward to the Courts of Truth.
Donovan was given special permission to witness the Inquisition of Finnigan. The Inquisitor of the Offended let loose an unending torrent of proof, presenting every shred of proof without any possibility of refuting its validity. The Accused’s arguments were pitiful, only stating that this was possibly an elaborate conspiracy to frame Finnigan. The long-time Bulwark and father figure to Donovan was obviously guilty, and yet...the Tribunal declared Finnigan as innocent.
Dumbfounded, Donovan wandered into the hall outside the Court, staring at the wall. How could he have missed it, Finnigan would have needed accomplices working as Triunes to get criminals off scot-free. Now, he was using those same connections to get himself out of trouble. While Donovan continued to stare at the wall, Finnigan strode over to him and whispered,”I will kill you if I see you again.”
Those were the last words Donovan ever heard from Finnigan. Wasting no time, Donovan gathered all of his belongings and money, fleeing to Throngale, a backwater port town. For the past few years, he has lived there amongst the pirates and outlaws making a living as a bounty hunter, still pursuing his one-man war against crime. One day, he was contacted by an unnamed individual, recruiting him for a lucrative job. The catch?
It was back in Vrent.
A hardy, leafy bulb that only grows in shallow marshes. The bulb is similar in taste and nutrition to the common potato, with large, oar-shaped leaves growing off the top of it that are also edible. The bulb floats on the surface of the water, with thick tendrils of roots reaching down through the water, planting itself in place.
As a child, Donovan’s parents would read stories to him and his children every night. Being farmers, they couldn’t afford many luxuries without risking food being absent for a few days. Thankfully, a passing merchant traded a musty storybook for a few of their murkroots. And so, the O’Donovan family would hear about the many adventures and triumphs of fictional heroes, the Vindicators of Truth, battling against the malevolent spawn of darkness.
The young Donovan grew up happy and content in his childhood. His family loved him, there was usually food to eat, and he made friends with the other farmers’ children. He wanted more out of his uneventful life though; he wanted to fight evil just like the heroes from the stories he heard every day. Donovan would run around the marshes and rivers of his village, slashing at invisible monsters with a stick.
With the help of some of his older siblings, Donovan eventually saved up enough to travel to the Citadel, the best place to pursue his dream of fighting evil. Donovan gave a bittersweet farewell to his family, and left for Vrent’s Citadel.
Donovan arrived at the gates of Vrent, young, idealistic, and wide-eyed. He had never seen anything as big as the towering stone, never seen so many people crowded in one place, never experienced anything like the cultural melting pot that was Vrent. Neither had he experienced the cruel side of humanity. The naive young man approached some gentleman with the appearance of having lived in Vrent for some time, asking them for advice for a new resident. These two gentlemen eagerly agreed to show him around, and promptly escorted him to a nearby alley where they proceeded to beat him and take his belongings. Just as the muggers were taking the last of Donovan’s belongings, a couple of Sabers happened upon them, chasing off the muggers.
Enter Bulwark Finnigan, the man that fended off Donovan’s attackers. At that moment, Finnigan had engraved himself in Donovan’s mind as the ideal everyman’s hero. As Finnigan turned to pursue the muggers, Donovan stopped him, begging Finnigan to take him on as an apprentice. Finnigan was visibly confused, so Donovan explained to him his dreams and his situation. Finnigan took him in, unofficially becoming his new guardian.
Finnigan became like a father to Donovan, teaching him to adjust to life in the city. He also helped Donovan understand the darker side of man, due to his lack of real social experiences. Eventually, Finnigan used his own ℘ragon Heads to put Donovan into the Academy of Truth, a highly prestigious school for training those interested in joining the Vidril of Truths.
Donovan passed through the Academy with flying colors, eager to achieve his dream of fighting criminals and protecting the innocent. He applied to join the Sabers immediately upon finishing his schooling, and was promptly accepted, getting through the probationary period without any trouble. Donovan was officially a Saber of the Vidril of Truths. Proud of his adopted son, Finnigan requested to have Donovan transferred to his unit, continuing to mentor the young Saber.
Donovan excelled as a Saber, defending the Truths of Vrent and its citizens from crime, big and small. However, as he served through the years, he noticed every now and then that the Tribunal would let go criminals he had caught, despite having overwhelming evidence and eyewitnesses pointing towards them obviously breaking a Truth. Donovan simply dismissed it as the Tribunals being careful to not condemn an innocent man.
Due to his success and zeal in the line of work, Donovan was an obvious candidate to move up to Bulwark. Initially, Donovan suspected that Finnigan had been the one to nominate him, but he later found out that it was actually his fellow Sabers. This was especially surprising, considering that Donovan was both the youngest member of their group, as well as the one on the force for the shortest amount of time. Finnigan may not have been the one who recommended Donovan, but he was the one who represented Donovan. Finnigan never revealed what he wrote in the letter of recommendation, nor what he said in the interview. Regardless, Donovan was approved, advancing further in his dream career...Bulwark O’Donovan.
Unfortunately, Donovan’s career would be cut short as a result of him doing what he loved: his job. He was unrelentless is hunting down the most secretive of criminals. The years as a Saber had transformed Donovan into an efficient, well-oiled machine, a bloodhound that always sniffed out its prey. One of Donovan’s hunts had him catching the scent of a criminal on the inside of the Vidril of Truths. Everything started coming together for Donovan, why suspected criminals had gotten off without a conviction, why evidence seemed to go missing or go completely disregarded, everything.
Every crook he interrogated, every document he screened, every undocumented financial transaction he caught pointed to one logical conclusion, with one man at the center of it all: Bulwark Finnigan, likely with the help of others in the Vidril of Truth, would help criminals that paid him off get released without a conviction. Donovan didn’t want to believe it, but he did have to fulfill his duty. He gathered together all of the evidence he had and pushed the case forward to the Courts of Truth.
Donovan was given special permission to witness the Inquisition of Finnigan. The Inquisitor of the Offended let loose an unending torrent of proof, presenting every shred of proof without any possibility of refuting its validity. The Accused’s arguments were pitiful, only stating that this was possibly an elaborate conspiracy to frame Finnigan. The long-time Bulwark and father figure to Donovan was obviously guilty, and yet...the Tribunal declared Finnigan as innocent.
Dumbfounded, Donovan wandered into the hall outside the Court, staring at the wall. How could he have missed it, Finnigan would have needed accomplices working as Triunes to get criminals off scot-free. Now, he was using those same connections to get himself out of trouble. While Donovan continued to stare at the wall, Finnigan strode over to him and whispered,”I will kill you if I see you again.”
Those were the last words Donovan ever heard from Finnigan. Wasting no time, Donovan gathered all of his belongings and money, fleeing to Throngale, a backwater port town. For the past few years, he has lived there amongst the pirates and outlaws making a living as a bounty hunter, still pursuing his one-man war against crime. One day, he was contacted by an unnamed individual, recruiting him for a lucrative job. The catch?
It was back in Vrent.
Throngale is a backwater port town, neighboring the far more successful, and far more orderly, Sfel. Throngale primarily deals with smaller ships and barges that are simply passing through, rarely handling any serious imports or exports aside from food and supplies for the town. Throngale is littered with taverns, brothels, casinos, theaters, and all other manner of ways for a sailor to let loose from days at sea.
Just as any port or harbor city, Throngale is a hodgepodge of the many different cultures that pass through. Aside from shady “entertainment,” Throngale is actually well-known for its food and music. Chefs, cooks, and musicians from all around have settled in Throngale, enjoying the debauchery readily available, and set up their own restaurants and clubs. While not a large city like the Citadels near the mountains, Throngale has a thriving night life.
While there are set Truths that citizens and visitors are expected to follow, Throngale does not have any Sabers that regularly patrol. Instead, citizens are expected to police themselves, punishing criminals not with jail, but with fist, gun, or blade. The closest thing Throngale has to an organized police force is a rag-tag band of militiamen and bounty hunters that look to punish known criminals.
Just as any port or harbor city, Throngale is a hodgepodge of the many different cultures that pass through. Aside from shady “entertainment,” Throngale is actually well-known for its food and music. Chefs, cooks, and musicians from all around have settled in Throngale, enjoying the debauchery readily available, and set up their own restaurants and clubs. While not a large city like the Citadels near the mountains, Throngale has a thriving night life.
While there are set Truths that citizens and visitors are expected to follow, Throngale does not have any Sabers that regularly patrol. Instead, citizens are expected to police themselves, punishing criminals not with jail, but with fist, gun, or blade. The closest thing Throngale has to an organized police force is a rag-tag band of militiamen and bounty hunters that look to punish known criminals.
Age 16
Sets off for and arrives at Vrent
Gets mugged
Gets saved and adopted by Finnigan
Finnigan puts Donovan through school
Age 18
Donovan applies for the Sabers and is accepted
Age 25
Nominated for and becomes a Bulwark
Age 27
Begins to suspect a conspiracy involving Finnigan
Age 29
Pushes the case against Finnigan to the Courts of Truth
Finnigan is declared Innocent, then threatens Donovan’s life
Donovan flees the Vrent Citadel
Age 30
Donovan settles in Throngale, initially doing odd-jobs
Age 31
Donovan begins his career of bounty hunting.
Age 39
Donovan is contacted by an anonymous figure, promising an exceptionally well-paying job.
Sets off for and arrives at Vrent
Gets mugged
Gets saved and adopted by Finnigan
Finnigan puts Donovan through school
Age 18
Donovan applies for the Sabers and is accepted
Age 25
Nominated for and becomes a Bulwark
Age 27
Begins to suspect a conspiracy involving Finnigan
Age 29
Pushes the case against Finnigan to the Courts of Truth
Finnigan is declared Innocent, then threatens Donovan’s life
Donovan flees the Vrent Citadel
Age 30
Donovan settles in Throngale, initially doing odd-jobs
Age 31
Donovan begins his career of bounty hunting.
Age 39
Donovan is contacted by an anonymous figure, promising an exceptionally well-paying job.
Other: Amongst the farming communities of Isthia, each village has their own slang, common phrases, and tweaks in the accent. Overall though, Isthians have what we would consider an “Irish” accent.
Finnigan is 10 years older than Donovan. Finnigan had been helping out criminals since before he met Donovan, and was hoping to have Donovan “join the family business.”