Tesserach

Recollections: Primal Sinister

Agent Jackson

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Raven's Rest, the Front of Bill's Tattoo Shop
_{Interactions: Varnan @Blizz, Bryn [@Fernfur], Wild Bill/Elara/Luca/Doran/Ryan//Ethan @NoriWasHere}

---

Agent Jackson saw none of this but he'd seen similar scenes in briefings enough times he could picture it in his mind's eye as the powerful static burst transmission delivered the message he'd been waiting for for some time now. "MOUNTAIN HAWK to CENTRAL. Eyes on. Confirm, nine subjects in vicinity. Data recording... now. Full optics."

"Confirmed HAWK. Maintain station. CENTRAL to TWO, status?"

"Mobile Two here." Jackson broadcast. "No eyes on a number nine. Seven flashers. My pack's done but, confirm we're currently Code Zero on Aural Event. Flashers appear neutral. You still want me to displace?"

There was a burst of empty static in Jackson's ears before the words. "CODE ZERO on Aural Event... confirmed. On your discretion, TWO. Be advised local emergency services are active in the vicinity. All highway egresses are currently blocked. Data quarantine protocols in effect. QRF Cleanup is mobile and approaching scene. Link up with QRF for cleanup and egress. CENTRAL out."

---

Jackson secured the camera and looked to the sky. He couldn't make out the helicopter, it could be miles away. He could hear the seven figures outside the store discussing what to do with the... thing. Seemed like most of them knew each other. In the distance the wail of emergency sirens could be heard. He decided that was as good a time as any to make his presence known.

"Friendly. Coming out!" He peaked his head out from around the corner, his pistol held loosely above his head his finger away from the trigger. "You guys all right? Anyone need medical attention?" Glancing at the monster on the ground. "That thing still alive?"

Smoke and Steel

Red Team, represent

Smoke and Steel

Dame Ashryn Fenvyre

Species/Race: Elgafolk
Sex: Female
Age: 315
Court Alignment: Western Imperial Court
Role: THE GOVERNESS

---

Appearance:

appearance

---

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths and Weaknesses

Skills:
Imperial Tutor - Ashryn is governess noted for her poise and way with young children, in addition to being a learned and capable tutor; regarded as one of the most sought-after governesses in the Haltian Empire, though for her career as such she's been exclusively in the employ of the Haltian Royal Family.

A Very Particular Set of Skills - Dame Ashryn is regarded by virtually the entire court as something of a harmless old biddy whose talent with children have somehow landed her in far greater esteem among the imperial family than her talents warrant. And while the conventional wisdom is that her bark is much worse than her bite, though she herself much prefers her role educating imperial family members in the finer arts, even while ostensibly retired Dame Ashryn is a high matriarch of the Order of the Shrouded Blade.

Weaknesses:
Controlling - Dame Ashryn has had a privileged position within the Corfina household for generations now, having been close to both the former emperor as well as being the governess for then Prince Orrian. She can be both unapproachable and inflexibly arrogant even among those ostensibly her betters.

Perfectionist - Ashryn is a consummate perfectionist with exceedingly high standards and has been known to induce considerable anxiety not only in her charges, but those around her generally. She has also been accused of being abrasive in her own congenial fashion.

---

Background:

Background

Backstory:
Ashryn and her husband were close confidantes of Emperor Volon I before and during the Imperial conquest of Inburia, and while her husband was generally credited with being one of the Emperor's most trusted blades - and secretly a founding member of the Order of the Shrouded Blade - it was in truth something of a family affair, with Ashryn's role remaining largely uncredited. Some time after the death of her husband, Ashryn apparently entered a state of at least semi-retirement and was appointed governess (and presumably secret bodyguard) overseeing the education of Prince Orrian. As Orrian grew older her presence among the Western Court was increasingly less tolerated, and Orrian himself had grown to resent Ashryn's occasionally overbearing presence.

Since then she's been employed primarily by Orrian raising his own children, and reputed to be an extremely capable governess. She's spent the last decade or so fostering one of Orrian's youngest daughters, Princess Ilyana. One of Ashryn's final duties in this role is accompanying, and protecting, the now of age princess to a marriage ceremony with an influential duke of the Eastern Empire whom Orrian is looking to lure to the Eastern cause.

Smoke and Steel

Folwin of House Virlaeth, Duke of Planina

Imperial Emmisary and Special Advisor to the Council of Foreign Affairs

Species/Race: Elgafolk
Sex: Male
Age: 473
Court Alignment: Eastern Imperial Court
Role: Noble Diplomat - Financier

---

Appearance:

appearance

---

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths and Weaknesses

Skills:
Internationally Connected - The Duke of Planina is a longstanding fixture of the Haltian Imperial Court, having served (and been dismissed) from several prominent roles over the years including having served lengthy stints as Chancellor, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Secretary of the Exchequer. He has extensive contacts with courts and families all over the Circle Sea.
Diverse Holdings - The Duke of Planina was an early adopter of mercantile principles and rumoured to be the wealthiest family in the Haltian Empire. Financially adroit, and possessing assets and engaging in matters of private finance all over the Circle Sea.

Weaknesses:
On the Outs - Duke Virlaeth has experienced so many 'falls from grace' at this point that it would be extreme to say he's truly fallen. However Virlaeth resigned from his senior post as minister of finance after reforms aimed at easing tensions between the Eastern nobility and the client human population failed. Another point of contention with the former emperor and court was the accusation that he'd been evading taxes by moving assets offshore through his private finance interests.
Conflict Avoidant - Duke Virlaeth is no longer a particularly young man, preferring to leave conflicts, and roughing it in the field to younger men. Moreover at this point in his career, he studiously avoids giving offence on any front and has the money and resources to take the long view on all manner of things, something he is frequently criticized for among other members of the court.

---

Background:

Background

Backstory:
Folwin of Clan Virlaeth was once something of a renegade chief in his younger days, whose family had grown fat with foreign trade rather than raiding. Nonetheless when Inburian weakness was revealed by a series of successful and lucrative raids, he became one of the first voices lobbying for a unified invasion. Being familiar with the political and cultural situation inside Inburia he rose to prominence as one of the architects of the Imperial system as practiced.

Despite his ups and downs and occasional clashes with Volon I, Virlaeth had enjoyed the confidence of the former emperor, frequently filling senior roles, including several stints as chancellor, minister of finance and minister of foreign affairs. He was closely tied with the former emperor's policy of centralization over the past century or so, which combined with his promotion of humans to significant offices within the administration, and his house's status as one of - if not the wealthiest - in the empire(and perhaps on earth) he's something of an unpopular figure among the other high houses of the Haltian Empire.

In spite of this there are some who see him as a stabilizing figure and moderating influence within the Haltian Empire. His frequent clashes with both claimants, who see his influence as overbearing, was another reason for him being forced to resign from his cabinet position.

At this point he serves as a special advisor within the foreign ministry, largely seeing to his own affairs while avoiding significant contact with the Imperial Court. With the empire in crisis, and badly in need of funds, few expect him to remain in the doldrums for long.

Smoke and Steel

Awesome!

Smoke and Steel

Character Description

Name: Captain Aghilas Jêle Doeli
Species: Addonian
Sex: M
Age: 35
Allegiance: Black Wyvern / Himself
Appearance: Tall, imposing, with sea green eyes framed by dark hair and a large bushy beard. Standing 6'5", 235lbs, he's broad shouldered and usually wears a finely tailored, short cut, black satin-silk robe with silver trim. He wears a deep violet head-wrap, made of the same satin-silk, with a tight matching waist-wrap/shoulder sash, which carries a decoratively hilted nimcha, along with 4 flintlocks.

---

Strengths and Weaknesses

Skills: Seamanship, Swashbuckling, Strength, Great Bravery
Weaknesses: Excessive Bravery, Spendthrift, Vainglorious, Excessive Swashbuckling

---

Background:

Backstory: Aghilas 'the Doel' was born son of a Doel slave-servant and an Addonian father he never met who promised to buy his mother's price, but never returned. As a young boy he was taken to sea as ship boy before his 10th year, growing up at sea aboard corsairs. Despite being a slave, Aghilas grew into a large, powerful young man respected among the crew, and a favourite of the corsair captain. It was during this time Aghilas was groomed as a lieutenant, and, in a turn of affairs neither he nor the crew talk about much, elected Captain after the position was abruptly 'vacated'.

Captain Aghilas, or 'the Doel' as he is sometimes called (despite looking quite Addonian), quickly became one of the best known Addonian Corsairs. Rumours abound however that he has recently had a falling out with several local Addonian princes not offering him and his crew their 'due' - with the result that the al-Marid sailed into Mina-Sakh with several suspiciously Addonian looking prizes, laden with slaves, booty. He and his crew have spent their time in port spending freely as the al-Marid is being refitted, and developed a sudden keen interest in his Doel heritage and sailing to the Calarian Main.

A larger than life figure in the piracy world there are some who've described him, at times, as 'a bit much.' Last anyone had heard he'd left the Circle Sea to terrorize the Calarian Main. His sudden appearance in Inburian waters under the banner of the Black Wyvern is an unwelcome sight for many merchants and naval men of the Circle Sea.

---

Name of Ship: Hamsat al-Marid
Type of Ship: Xebec
Rigging: Three masted xebec rigged, unusually for the time, with large bermuda rigged sails and copious jibs and other sails mounted for maximum sail area as well as trimming against the wind.
Crew Compliment: ~100
Cannon: 17
- 14 12pdrs on a small gundeck
- 3 4pndr swivel mounts, 2 fore, 1 aft.
Description: Hamsat al-Marid, often simply called Hamsat or al-Marid is around 35m in length, a beam just over 8m, and a draft that ranges between 3.5. Displacing just under 200 tons, she has a sleek, streamlined hull. Less obvious to the eye is an expensively retrofitted and as yet uncommon copper sheathed hull, along with a wider, longer keel than typical for xebecs for better stability with her large sails and in heavy seas. In light to moderate seas under full sail she's fast enough to give even fast frigates a run for their money with the wind and when in doubt, she excels in crosswinds and sailing close to the wind for an escape. Struggles a little in heavy seas when stability demands cut into her speed.

Smoke and Steel

Character Description

Name: Dame Ashryn Fenvyre
Species/Race: Elgafolk
Sex: Female
Age: 315
Court Alignment: Western Imperial Court
Role: THE GOVERNESS
Appearance:

appearance

https://sora.com/g/gen_01jhvv6nmfff1bfsg09tgfph1r

---

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths and Weaknesses

Skills:
Imperial Tutor - Ashryn is governess noted for her poise and way with young children, in addition to being a learned and capable tutor; regarded as one of the most sought-after governesses in the Haltian Empire, though for her career as such she's been exclusively in the employ of the Haltian Royal Family.

A Very Particular Set of Skills - Dame Ashryn is regarded by virtually the entire court as something of a harmless old biddy whose talent with children have somehow landed her in far greater esteem among the imperial family than her talents warrant. And while the conventional wisdom is that her bark is much worse than her bite, though she herself much prefers her role educating imperial family members in the finer arts, even while ostensibly retired Dame Ashryn is a high matriarch of the Order of the Shrouded Blade.

Weaknesses:
Controlling - Dame Ashryn has had a privileged position within the Corfina household for generations now, having been close to both the former emperor as well as being the governess for then Prince Orrian. She can be both unapproachable and inflexibly arrogant even among those ostensibly her betters.

Perfectionist - Ashryn is a consummate perfectionist with exceedingly high standards and has been known to induce considerable anxiety not only in her charges, but those around her generally. She has also been accused of being abrasive in her own congenial fashion.

---

Background:

Background

Backstory:
Ashryn and her husband were close confidantes of Emperor Volon I before and during the Imperial conquest of Inburia, and while her husband was generally credited with being one of the Emperor's most trusted blades - and secretly a founding member of the Order of the Shrouded Blade - it was in truth something of a family affair, with Ashryn's role remaining largely uncredited. Some time after the death of her husband, Ashryn apparently entered a state of at least semi-retirement and was appointed governess (and presumably secret bodyguard) overseeing the education of Prince Orrian. As Orrian grew older her presence among the Western Court was increasingly less tolerated, and Orrian himself had grown to resent Ashryn's occasionally overbearing presence.

Since then she's been employed primarily by Orrian raising his own children, and reputed to be an extremely capable governess. She's spent the last decade or so fostering one of Orrian's youngest daughters, Princess Ilyana. One of Ashryn's final duties in this role is accompanying, and protecting, the now of age princess to a marriage ceremony with an influential duke of the Eastern Empire whom Orrian is looking to lure to the Eastern cause.

Smoke and Steel

Character Description

Name: Folwin of House Virlaeth, Duke of Planina, Special Advisor on the Council of Foreign Affairs
Species/Race: Elgafolk
Sex: Male
Age: 473
Court Alignment: Eastern Imperial Court
Role: Noble Diplomat - Financier
Appearance:

appearance

https://sora.com/g/gen_01jhkhtdc7edjs64esnjfkd396

---

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths and Weaknesses

Skills:
Internationally Connected - The Duke of Planina is a longstanding fixture of the Haltian Imperial Court, having served (and been dismissed) from several prominent roles over the years including having served lengthy stints as Chancellor, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Secretary of the Exchequer. He has extensive contacts with courts and families all over the Circle Sea.
Diverse Holdings - The Duke of Planina was an early adopter of mercantile principles and rumoured to be the wealthiest family in the Haltian Empire. Financially adroit, and possessing assets and engaging in matters of private finance all over the Circle Sea.

Weaknesses:
On the Outs - Duke Virlaeth has experienced so many 'falls from grace' at this point that it would be extreme to say he's truly fallen. However Virlaeth resigned from his senior post as minister of finance after reforms aimed at easing tensions between the Eastern nobility and the client human population failed. Another point of contention with the former emperor and court was the accusation that he'd been evading taxes by moving assets offshore through his private finance interests.
Conflict Avoidant - Duke Virlaeth is no longer a particularly young man, preferring to leave conflicts, and roughing it in the field to younger men. Moreover at this point in his career, he studiously avoids giving offence on any front and has the money and resources to take the long view on all manner of things, something he is frequently criticized for among other members of the court.

---

Background:

Background

Backstory:
Folwin of Clan Virlaeth was once something of a renegade chief in his younger days, whose family had grown fat with foreign trade rather than raiding. Nonetheless when Inburian weakness was revealed by a series of successful and lucrative raids, he became one of the first voices lobbying for a unified invasion. Being familiar with the political and cultural situation inside Inburia he rose to prominence as one of the architects of the Imperial system as practiced.

Despite his ups and downs and occasional clashes with Volon I, Virlaeth had enjoyed the confidence of the former emperor, frequently filling senior roles, including several stints as chancellor, minister of finance and minister of foreign affairs. He was closely tied with the former emperor's policy of centralization over the past century or so, which combined with his promotion of humans to significant offices within the administration, and his house's status as one of - if not the wealthiest - in the empire(and perhaps on earth) he's something of an unpopular figure among the other high houses of the Haltian Empire.

In spite of this there are some who see him as a stabilizing figure and moderating influence within the Haltian Empire. His frequent clashes with both claimants, who see his influence as overbearing, was another reason for him being forced to resign from his cabinet position.

At this point he serves as a special advisor within the foreign ministry, largely seeing to his own affairs while avoiding significant contact with the Imperial Court. With the empire in crisis, and badly in need of funds, few expect him to remain in the doldrums for long.

Wild Beasts of the Earth (Gothic Horror)

Rudy Rudeanu

Rudy nodded in affectation of sympathy at the gravedigger's plight. "Those are being retrieved now, don't worry yourself on that account sir. But I think I'd like to see the area all the same. You see, it occurs to me that to have killed so many right in this same, patch of cemetery. Not two hundred meters that way in the back alleys but right here. Right in your back yard so to speak. And you haven't noticed or seen anyone unusual wandering the grounds?" Rudy nodded again. "I think you'll admit, whoever is responsible, he's got to have some sort of system. Otherwise he'd have been noticed or caught already. And if I can just figure out his trick, well, then we figure out our killer now don't we? That's my thinking anyway."

Smoke and Steel

Character Description

Name: Captain Aghilas Jêle Doeli
Species: Addonian
Sex: M
Age: 35
Allegiance: Black Wyvern / Himself
Appearance: Tall, imposing, with sea green eyes framed by dark hair and a large bushy beard. Standing 6'5", 235lbs, he's broad shouldered and usually wears a finely tailored, short cut, black satin-silk robe with silver trim. He wears a deep violet head-wrap, made of the same satin-silk, with a tight matching waist-wrap/shoulder sash, which carries a decoratively hilted nimcha, along with 4 flintlocks.

---

Strengths and Weaknesses

Skills: Seamanship, Swashbuckling, Strength, Great Bravery
Weaknesses: Excessive Bravery, Spendthrift, Vainglorious, Excessive Swashbuckling

---

Background:

Backstory: Aghilas 'the Doel' was born son of a Doel slave-servant and an Addonian father he never met who promised to buy his mother's price, but never returned. As a young boy he was taken to sea as ship boy before his 10th year, growing up at sea aboard corsairs. Despite being a slave, Aghilas grew into a large, powerful young man respected among the crew, and a favourite of the corsair captain. It was during this time Aghilas was groomed as a lieutenant, and, in a turn of affairs neither he nor the crew talk about much, elected Captain after the position was abruptly 'vacated'.

Captain Aghilas, or 'the Doel' as he is sometimes called (despite looking quite Addonian), quickly became one of the best known Addonian Corsairs. Rumours abound however that he has recently had a falling out with several local Addonian princes not offering him and his crew their 'due' - with the result that the al-Marid sailed into Mina-Sakh with several suspiciously Addonian looking prizes, laden with slaves, booty. He and his crew have spent their time in port spending freely as the al-Marid is being refitted, and developed a sudden keen interest in his Doel heritage and sailing to the Calarian Main.

A larger than life figure in the piracy world there are some who've described him, at times, as 'a bit much.' Last anyone had heard he'd left the Circle Sea to terrorize the Calarian Main. His sudden appearance in Inburian waters under the banner of the Black Wyvern is an unwelcome sight for many merchants and naval men of the Circle Sea.

---

Name of Ship: Hamsat al-Marid
Type of Ship: Xebec
Rigging: Three masted xebec rigged, unusually for the time, with large bermuda rigged sails and copious jibs and other sails mounted for maximum sail area as well as trimming against the wind.
Crew Compliment: ~100
Cannon: 17
- 14 12pdrs on a small gundeck
- 3 4pndr swivel mounts, 2 fore, 1 aft.
Description: Hamsat al-Marid, often simply called Hamsat or al-Marid is around 35m in length, a beam just over 8m, and a draft that ranges between 3.5. Displacing just under 200 tons, she has a sleek, streamlined hull. Less obvious to the eye is an expensively retrofitted and as yet uncommon copper sheathed hull, along with a wider, longer keel than typical for xebecs for better stability with her large sails and in heavy seas. In light to moderate seas under full sail she's fast enough to give even fast frigates a run for their money with the wind and when in doubt, she excels in crosswinds and sailing close to the wind for an escape. Struggles a little in heavy seas when stability demands cut into her speed.