recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Blessed Isle

"*It was a ruin now, the very stone blackened and burned by the largest deployment of goblinfire in Praesi history.*"
―Catherine Foundling
the Blessed Isle is an island contained within the Wasaliti, and stands as a connection between the Dread Empire of Praes and Kingdom of Callow, sharing bridges with both sides of the river.

the Blessed Isle has a long history of being a focal point between praes and callow, being a staging grounds into both sides of the river and a favored target whenever the two nations clash, before the Conquest the isle was under the stewardship of the Order of the White Hand, an order of paladins who guarded the border against praes and used it as a fortress-temple.

during the opening stages of the conquest, the Isle was besieged and the fortress monastery was destroyed in a night raid with what had been the largest deployment of goblinfire in praesi history, this event, called the Fall of the Blessed Isle, wiped out the order of the white hand, including a Named Paladin, and served as the opening move of the war.

since the fall of the isle, the fortress was left as a blackened and burned ruin, and was left alone without rebuilding by the Dread Empire.

a notable feature of the Isle was it's heritage from the Miezan days, two massive stone bridges connect the Isle to both sides of the Wasaliti river, still standing from the days of the Miezan empire as a testament for their craftsmanship and engineering.

in the Miezan time, the isle served as the furthest inland stronghold of the Miezan empire, meant to bring a furter invasion into the land now held by callow, before the Licerian Wars between mieza and Baalite Hegemony caused an end to any further westward expansion in Calernia.

1. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2017/04/26/heroic-interlude-appellant/
2. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/chapter-14-villain/
Intercessor

## Intercessor (cognomen)

"*You idiot,” the Intercessor screamed. “You fucking idiots.*"
―The Intercessor
The Intercessor, also known as the Wandering Bard is an Immortal entity of possibly human origin. Her original name is unknown and it is not clear if Intercessor or Wandering Bard are Names. She seems to work for the Gods Above but her current goals are unknown. She is known to die and return in another body under a different name. She was first known as Almorava of Smyrna but died after the callowan rebellion failed. Her next form was known as Aoede of Nicae. At the end of the Epilogue of Book IV, she appeared in front of Amadeus in a new form, claiming she was now called Marguerite of Baillons.

She seems impervious to attacks but has to flee them at some point, most likely after the third attack on her, as she fled from Amadeus at that point. When she flees she enters Nowhere and may need to stay there for some time.

Neshamah was able to physically hurt her and dissected her body. He found her body completely normal but speculated it to be a perfect construct.

She already existed when Neshamah started his plan to become the Dead King.

## Abilities

### Aspects

**Wander**

This aspect allows the Bard to disappear and reappear somewhere else instantaneously. She can use this to appear when she needs to talk to someone, or to escape an attack that would kill her. According to Kairos, she flees from three things: True love, her own death, and her heart's desire.

**Narrate**

This aspect allows the Bard to see the stories of heroes and villains, allowing her to predict their actions. She also uses this ability to halt the stories of Below, allowing villains to freely take actions that would normally lead to their inevitable defeat.

**Guide**

This aspect allows the Bard to manipulate angels, and possibly other divine beings. She is seen using this ability to prevent Mercy from smiting a hero in a flashback, and she later uses it to allow Judgement to bring the Hierarch back to life. It's also suggested that she could use this ability on the ealamal, expanding its area of effect to wipe out most of Calernia.
Dread Emperor Inimical

"*Admittedly, it was my fault for not specifying the flying fortress had to be able to fly in directions other than up. Oh, it can fly down as well? Splendid. Guards, drag the Lord Warlock beneath my fortress. It’d be a shame not to use it at least once.*"
―Dread Emperor Inimical, the Miser

## General information

### Faction

Praes,
Villains

### Status

Deceased

**Inimical**, also known as the Miser, was a former Dread Emperor of Praes.

## Epigraphs

*“Admittedly, it was my fault for not specifying the flying fortress had to be able to fly in directions other than up. Oh, it can fly down as well? Splendid. Guards, drag the Lord Warlock beneath my fortress. It’d be a shame not to use it at least once.”*

– Dread Emperor Inimical, the Miser

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2020/05/22/chapter-30-quarters/
Conjurer

The Conjurer was a Named that the spell caster the Bumbling Conjurer transitioned to after he gained more experience.

## Role

The role of the conjurer is to intentional execute skillful magical acts. Unlike the bumbler which seemed to accidental cause mass chaos on a battlefield the conjurer is able to execute precise magical actions through years of practice as well as much wider vast of knowledge.

## Abilities

The Name greatly augments the users capacity for magic as well as the mages capacity for spells. Whereas the bumbler was limited by knowledge and thus would accidental use spells that it had no knowledge of causing them to sometimes backfire. The Conjurer has a wide breath of both knowledge and skill in which to use the spells.

The Conjurer seems to rival the abilities of the Warlock name. It is able to accomplish feats akin to the Warlocks destruction allowing the named to cause the mountains to fall.

## Known Holders

**Simeon**: While not officially the Conjurer, while trapped by Akua, Catherine Foundling lived a potential life that saw Simeon transition from Bumbling Conjurer to Conjurer.
Dread Emperor Malevolent III

"*Where have all the good men gone? Graveyards, mostly.*"
―Dread Emperor Malevolent III, the Pithy

## *Unknown*

**Malevolent the Third**, also known as the Pithy, was a former Dread Emperor of Praes. He reigned for ten years during which he put down a goblin rebellion (number unknown) and tried to make the Empire into a naval power. In response, Ashur sailed into Thalassina, burned his fleet and the survivors defected into piracy, hiding in the Tideless Isles. This is still a problem for the Empire’s merchant shipping.

## Epigraphs

*“Where have all the good men gone? Graveyards, mostly.”*

– Dread Emperor Malevolent III, the Pithy

*“The best revenge isn’t living well, it’s living to crucify all your enemies.”*

– Dread Emperor Malevolent III, the Pithy

*“Invading Callow is much like drunkenly playing dice: the odds are never as good as you believe, and you know you’ve reached bottom when snake eyes are involved.”*

– Dread Emperor Malevolent III, the Pithy

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2015/04/30/chapter-5-role/
2. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2017/01/04/epilogue-2/
3. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2016/04/20/chapter-21-marchford/
4. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2018/06/15/chapter-21-tug-of-war/
Juniper of the Red Shields

## Juniper

### Background

Juniper comes from what amounts as orc royalty. Her mother, Istrid of the Red Shields, was one of the few orcish generals that supported the Black Knights revolt against the Tower, consolidating her as a name meant for respect. Her father Oguz Sharphand, although overshadowed by her mother, is no less respected, being the one who gave Grem One-Eye his name. Still Juniper does not like to hold onto to the coattails of her mother, instead choosing to make her own name. In the early parts of Book 1 she is referred to as being a part of the Red Moon Clan, not the Red Shield Clan.

### Personality

Cold, calculating and ambitious, she is driven to eclipse her mother in greatness. Although she is seen as a strict officer, who abides by legion regulations, at times in the heat of battle or the rare moment when she becomes drunk, she can be seen with the swearing or drooling from her mouth watching her legion slaughter the enemy. She is proud that she is able to participate in the ensuing battles, she welcomes the wars to come.

### Appearance

A tall orcish woman who is muscular, similar to her mother. She is at least two feet taller than Catherine by Book 3 and one of the tallest orcs Cat has meet.

### Powers

Although Juniper is particularly large and foreboding stature, it is her tactical mind that makes her most dangerous. An excellent tactician, she like Catherine, is also connected to high ranking generals in the Praes army, General Istrid being her mother and has known general Sakker since childhood, calling her "granny Sak". Still despite these connection she is well known for her ability to govern her troops, using tactics of old and new. Her study of military formation has allowed her to take the best military tactics of the old conquest, Callowan Calvary, as well as new strategies that she devises with Named in mind.

### Epigraphs

#### Callow’s Plan

*“What Foundling does isn’t thinking outside the box so much as stealing the box and hitting her opponents with it until they stop moving.”*

– Extract from “A Commentary on the Uncivil Wars”,  by Juniper of the Red Moon Clan

#### Interlude: Commanders

*“When historians try to pin down Foundling’s methods they point to the Battle of the Camps or the Princes’ Graveyard, but those came later. After she’d learned her trade.  If you want to understand how she operated, look to the Battle of Four Armies and One – from the beginning to the end, she was playing an entirely different game from every other commander on the field.”*

– Extract from “A Commentary on the Uncivil Wars”, by Juniper of the Red Shields

### Gallery

Juniper and Aisha by GwennafranFifteenth Army - Book 2 - by GwennafranFifteenth Legion - Book 3 - by Gwennafran
### References

1. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2018/01/31/interlude-liesse-i/
2. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2015/09/30/chapter-27-callows-plan/
3. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2017/08/30/interlude-commanders/
Hasan Qara

Hasan Qara, aka Ratface, was the supply tribune of the Fifteenth Legion. He became Lord Treasurer of Callow under Catherine later.

### Backstory

Before joining the War College, Hasan was the bastard son of a minor nobleman. To cover his indiscretions, his father tried to have him assassinated, but he managed to escape with his life and enough stolen money to pay for his first year of tuition. How he was able to pay for the rest of it is unknown.

He had been told on multiple occasions that he looked very much like his father, so when he was given the chance to change his name at the War College, he chose "Ratface" to insult his father.

He was head of Rat Company, and in his time in charge he drove their score in the rankings even further into the negatives than they had been before. He was about to lose his twelfth consecutive game and forfeit his position as captain when Catherine joined and managed to turn what would have been an easy defeat into a victory against Juniper's First Company. Because of the small part he had played in the victory, he stepped down and appointed Catherine as captain of Rat Company.

### Personality

Hasan is a generally nice person towards those who don't give him any reason not to be. While he does have a certain degree of pride, he is willing to admit when he is not the best person for a job and let someone more qualified take over.

While he is a mediocre tactician, he has an almost uncanny gift for working with and working around imperial bureaucracy to get supplies. This made him invaluable in his role as supply tribune, especially when people interfered with the Fifteenth Legion's supplies for political reasons.

### Relationships

Before meeting Catherine, Hasan and Aisha Bishara had a romantic relationship. Though they are still generally able to work together, Ratface seems never to have completely gotten over his romantic feelings for Aisha.

Like most of the officers who knew her from the War College, he also has a profound respect for Catherine Foundling, both as a person and as a leader of troops.

### Appearance

Hasan is described as being extremely handsome. He has a slender build, soft features and the medium-dark skin common to Taghreb.

### Death

Hasan was assassinated at the order of Dread Empress Malicia after the negotiations with the Dead King to destabilize the Callowan government.

### Gallery

Rat Company Book 1 - by GwennafranRat Company Book 1 - Alternate version - by GwennafranFifteenth Army - Book 2 - by GwennafranFifteenth Legion - Book 3 - by Gwennafran
Gods Above

The Gods Above, along with the Gods Below, created Creation. They Gods Above being associated with Good  and giving powers to the Heroes of Calernia .

For its soldiers, the Gods Above has a limited amount of Angels to combat the Gods Below's infinite amount Devils. An individual angel vastly outpower an individual devil and cannot truly die.

### Worship

Unlike the much more personal worship of the Gods Below, the Gods Above have the House of Light. A human institution which spans most of Calernia and is devoted to the Gods Above. It should be noted that there are several different factions in Calernia and that these factions often disagree on matters regarding the Gods. This is reflected in the fact that most nations that worship the Gods Above usually have no problem in taking part in the same squabbles as Evil  factions do even though they are all supposed to be united in theory.

### Reward

Unlike the Gods Below who generally don't grant prayers or powers cheaply, then the Gods Above are much more generous. Priest of the House of Light are able to wield Light even if some individuals or groups are more proficient in the skill than others and are seemingly granted more power than others.
Hune Egelsdottir

Ogre who holds the rank of a General in the Fifteenth Legion.

### Background

Hune was in the War College at the same time as Catherine Foundling being Captain of the Tiger Company. She was not seen in Book 1.

Hune came highly recommended to me by both Juniper and Hakram, and was brought into the newly formed Fifteenth Legion as Legate.

#### Fifteenth Legion

Book 2-3 info here. Goes from Commander to Legate and later General.

#### Army of Callow

Hune is commanding the 2nd Army of Callow as General from Book 5.

She is killed by the revenant Varlet in the later part of Book 6.

### Appearance

As an ogre, Hune is normally most commented on her her size. Said to be at least 12 foot tall in Book 6. Often she has to hunch over to be inside tents for meetings, and similarly her buckler-sized hands are commented upon every so often.

Hune has the cast of a brutish face, but with dark, intelligent and patient eyes. Cat at some point explaining that Ogre features are wider than human facial features would be.

### Trivia

Hune's name is referred to both as Hune Egeldotir (Book 2-4) and later as Hune Egelsdottir from Book 5.

### Gallery

Fifteenth Army - Book 2 - by GwennafranBook 6: Chapter 68 - Slight Issue - by GwennafranFifteenth Legion - Book 3 - by Gwennafran
### References

1. ↑ Book 2 - Chapter 1: Supply
*Hune Egeldotir had been the captain of Tiger Company, back in the College, and she’d come highly recommended to me by both Juniper and Hakram.*
2. ↑ Book 6 - Chapter 69: Book Draw
3. ↑ Book 6 - Chapter 69: Book Draw
4. ↑ Book 3 - Chapter 51: Overlooked*I turned to her and studied her face. There was something brutish about the ogres looked, the way their features were slightly broader than a human’s would be if they were the same size. It made them look a little slow, but there was nothing dim about those deep and dark-set eyes meeting mine.*
Alamans

*"One hand, well, Alamans. They’d try to seduce the Choir of Contrition, if the angels showed enough leg."*

-Catherine Foundling, the Black Queen

Alamans are one of the three ethnicities living in the Principate of Procer. They form the border with the Kingdom of Callow, the Golden Bloom and the Kingdom of the Dead.

## Principalities

Brus: Alamans principality that borders the Lycaonese principalities. Ruled by Prince Amaury Goethal (Before Book 1) and Prince Frederic Goethal, the Kingfisher Prince (Book 1 - present)

Lyonis: Principality on the edge of Lake Pavin. Ruled by Prince Fabian Louvroy (Before Book 1) and Princess Sophie Louvroy (Book 1 - 5)

Cleves: A very fortified principality on the edge of the Tomb. It, Hainaut and Hannoven border the Kingdom of the Dead. Ruled by Prince Gaspard Langevin (Book 1 - present). Currently one of the fronts in the war against the Dead King.

Hainaut: A principality with a long, craggy coast on the edge of the Tomb. Ruled by Princess Julienne Volignac (Book 1 - 5) and Princess
Beatrice Volignac (Book 5 - present). Currently one of the fronts in the war against the Dead King.

Brabant: Northern Alamans principality bordering Cleves and Hainaut. Ruled by Prince Etienne (Book 1 - present)

Lange: A principality that borders Salia and is dependent on it
for trade. Ruled by Prince Dagobert Griffeu (Before Book 1), Dagobert's
nephew (Before Book 5) and Princess Bertille Griffeu (Book 5)

Aisne: A principality south of Brabant and east of Salia. Ruled by Princess Constance (Before Book 1), Princess Clotilde (Book 1 - present)

Arans: One of the three easternmost principalities. First Prince
Cordelia Hasenbach ordered the creation of a pass, known as the
Stairway, between it and northern Callow in Book Four. Ruled by Prince Ariel (Book 1 - present)

Salia: Capital of the Principate of Procer, seat of the First Prince and location of the Highest Assembly. Ruled by First Prince
Cordelia Hasenbach (Book 1 - present)

Bayeux: One of the three easternmost principalities. Connected to
 Callow by the Red Flower Vales. Ruled by Prince Arsene (Book 1 - present)

Cantal: Southernmost Alamans principality. Known to have close ties with the principality of Iserre. Ruled by Prince Arnaud Brogloise (Book 1 - 5)

## History and Culture

The ancient Alamans tribes elected their chieftains, whose authority was shared with the tribe's high priest or priestess of the Hallowed.

They speak Chantant.
Bricktonium

Bricktonium is a very radioactive element, that should never touch bare skin. Bricktonium is a very rare element, and only three labs hold it.

## History

While in a nuclear power plant on September 18, 2056, something strange was noticed on a testing area. An Area of glowing red light was noticed in a area of radioactive mater. A scientist, Mason Brick, began to investigate. He tried to find out what element it was, but he realized it was never before seen, and named it Bricktonium. He started a lab to study it The Bricktonium Study Facility. Studies are still being carried out today. Scientists hope Bricktonium can replace electricity within 50 years.

## Effects

If Bricktonium is touched by bare skin, it will be fried off. This was discovered when a drop fell on a testing animal and it got a Third-Degree Burn. It is also very radioactive. Being around it without proper gear will result in extreme radiation and possible mutation. Besides this, if in its gaseous form, it will garuntee a lethal cancer. Bricktonium is extremely dangerous and should never be used outside of labs. Currently, some countries are attempting to make Bricktonium bombs, but none have been successful.

## Uses

Bricktonium has high amounts of power and can power all of New York city for 50 Years. Bricktonium is currently providing power too hundreds of millions around the woe and may replace electricity as more of it is being found. However, it is said Bricktonium will only last about 200 Years, unless more can be made. Bricktonium can be made, but scientists are still finding out how. Bricktonium has been detected near earths core, however people cannot reach this yet.
Barrow Lord

"*Above would always win so long as Below wasn’t willing to spring for some proper Names.* Barrow Lord*, I scathingly thought. They might as well have just named the poor bastard ‘Grave Noble’, it was about as clever in the greater scheme of things.*"
―Catherine Foundling
A Name held by undead.

## Abilities

The Barrow Lord is capable of raising armies of the dead.

## Known Holders

**Unnamed** A Barrow Lord threatened to take the northern half of Levant for the better part of a summer some time during the more than forty years the Grey Pilgrim was active. The War fought against them was called the Sepulcher War and the Barrow Lord was slain by the Grey Pilgrim.

**Unnamed** A Barrow Lord, once of the Tanja bloodline, declared themselves the lord of the dead, raised an army of the dead, and planned on claim rule of Malaga. It was killed by a band sent by the Grand Alliance.

## References

1. ↑ Book 6 - Chapter 35: Portents
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Book 6 - Chapter 35: Portents
3. ↑ Extra Chapters - Peers
4. ↑ Book 5 - Interlude: Beheld II
Dread Emperor Vindictive II

"*Fool me once and it’d best be fatal, for my reply certainly will be.*"
―Dread Emperor Vindictive II

## *Unknown*

**Vindictive the Second** was a former Dread Emperor of Praes.

## Epigraphs

*“Biting the hand that feeds you is another way to feed.”*

– Dread Emperor Vindictive II

*“Fool me once and it’d best be fatal, for my reply certainly will be.”*

– Dread Emperor Vindictive II

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2019/01/30/chapter-7-fellowship/
2. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2020/03/10/chapter-16-divine/
Dread Emperor Baleful

"*This is an order Black Knight,” the man barked. “As Dread Emperor Baleful the First, I command your obedience.”
“I serve the Dread Empress Malicia, First of Her Name, Tyrant of Dominions High and Low, Holder of the Nine Gates and Sovereign of all She Beholds,” he said. “You have no right to command me, Chancellor. Or to sit on this throne.”*"
―Chapter 45, Corpses

## General information

### Name

Dread Emperor (Claimant),
Chancellor

### Faction

Praes,
Villains

### Status

Deceased

**Baleful** was a former emperor-regnant of Praes. Before he became a Claimant for the Name of Dread Emperor he was a Chancellor who ruled in truth during the decade when Dread Emperor Nefarious was nominally in power. He was eventually overthrown by empress-claimant Alaya of Satus who became Dread Empress Malicia.

## Reign

By the time Nefarious was poisoned by the then Imperial concubine Alaya the Chancellor already laid down the groundwork for his reign. He had the backing of the High Lords, the Legions were in his pocket and he controlled Ater. Ascensions to the throne had been built on a third of that kind of support. He also had the support of the Warlock of the time as well as the High Lady of Wolof, Tasia Sahelian - Akua's mother.

The Black Knight, along with his band of five, declared for Malicia and emerged victorious in the ensuing imperial civil war. He named the band of five villains the Calamities. He was killed by getting drawn and quartered after his brief reign was toppled.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2016/11/23/chapter-45-corpses/
2. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2017/02/08/reign/
3. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2017/09/18/chapter-32-close/
Doddering Sage

"*“Perceive,” the Doddering Sage said, and Creation shivered.*"
―Chapter 16: Divine
The Doddering Sage has not openly declared itself a Hero or a Villain, although this indecision is due to his bouts of lucidity that are rare than because of any reluctance to pick a side.

## Role

The Doddering Sage provides incredibly useful advice, although these moments of clarity are rare.

## Abilities

The Doddering Sage loops around during his conversations but is considered sharp when his mental state is around. Reckoned to be quite something back in his prime.

The Doddering Sage has revealed an Aspect: **Perceive**. On its use, the Doddering Sage's eyes turn pure white, appearing as if he was blind. Through **Perceive**, the Doddering Sage is able to peer into another being's soul, feeling out the person's Role, Name, and memories.

## Known Holders

**Unnamed man**: A member of the Grand Alliance and signatory of the Truce and Terms. Described as looking haggard, wearing rumpled grey robes and ratty cloth shies, but somehow there was a sense of power to it. Has a mane of shoulder-length grey hair mixed with would have been a long and luxurious beard, were it not unkempt and amber brown eyes. The Doddering Sage also smokes wakeleaf, and is skilled at playing around with the smoke he breathes out.

Is close to a Constance, and worries about her safety. Also knows a Robert, of whom Catherine Foundling reminds him of.

Doesn't have an accent and is able to speak four langauges.

## References

1. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2020/03/06/chapter-15-machinations/
2. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2020/03/10/chapter-16-divine/
Creation

Creation is the name given to the world where the story takes place.

### Early History

Creation was brought into existence by the Gods, to alleviate their boredom after spending a vast span of time floating in Void that existed before. However, they disagreed as to what to do with the newly created mortals that populated Creation. Some believed that mortals should be guided to greater things, while others believed that the Gods should rule over them. The two factions became Good and Evil, though it is somewhat ambiguous which became which.

After ages spent arguing, the Gods decided on a wager to prove which view was better. They would let the mortals themselves decide, since they knew that Creation would be destroyed if the Gods went to war. This wager led to the creation of Fate, which allowed patterns and stories to form that would repeat themselves more often than not. The Good and Evil Gods began teaching their ideals to their followers, and sending them out to war with each other.

Because of the design of Fate, the most powerful patterns were ones involving Roles. The Gods gave Roles Names, and the attending power that Named use.
Frederic Goethal

## Aspects

Aid

Prince Frederic is a Named with the Name, Kingfisher Prince. He is Prince of Brus.

### Appearance

He has blue eyes, blond hair and fair skin. He is always clad ostentatiously

### Background

He is the nephew of the previous Prince of Brus, Amaury Goethal. He was adopted by him as his heir as Amaury's two sons were considered unsuitable. Amaury was killed in battle and Nathanael, Amaury's son seized power. He was deposed by Cordelia Hasenbach who instated Frederic to power. He gained his Name while fighting the forces of the Dead King at Morgentor. He started a suicide charge along with his men to buy time for the rest of the forces to escape. However he was able to survive and gained his Name, Kingfisher Prince.

### Miscellaneous

He is politically aligned with Cordelia Hasenbach. He once slept with Catherine Foundling. He is as good as her with the sword. He is good friends with Prince Otto 'Redcrown' Reitzenberg who he fought alongside in Twilight's Pass.

1. ↑ Book 6 - Extra: Kingfisher I
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Book 6 - Extra: Kingfisher II
3. ↑ Book 6 - Chapter 31: Pursuits
4. ↑ Book 6 - Chapter 28: Contend
Constanza

Constanza - more commonly known as the Concocter - as a Named raised in Refuge that joined the Grand Alliance under Catherine Foundling.

## Background

Constanza grew up in Refuge as one of the core students there. Her broken relationship with the rest very apparent in none of them knowing her actual name, before she revealed it to Indrani and Alexis during the battle against Ranger in Ater.

After Ranger left with Amadeus after the Salian peace talks - essentially ending Refuge as a concept - Concocter joined the Grand Alliance. While claiming no sides, Indrani confirms her a villain to Cat.

## Appearance

Concocter's skin is a southern tan, that can be from anywhere south of the Waning Woods. Indrani describes Constanza as having a general dourness.

Learning early to change a person's hair colour with potions, Constanza routinely change both her eye color, lip color, hair color and hair texture. If a period of time has passed, chances are she will have changed this about herself when she next shows up, although at the beginning of the Arsenal arc she had had black hair for a few years.

**General looks seen from Constanza:**

**Arsenal:** Black hair, purple eyes and matching purple lips.

**Meeting of villains on the road to Hainaut:** Silver hair with one silver eye and one blue eye.

**Lysander wake:** Coal black hair and very dark eyes.

**Wolof:** Aquamarine blue hair in a bun, matching blue lips and golden-yellow eyes.

## Relationships

Growing up as the group of main Named students in Refuge, Constanza essentially sees Hye Su and the other core students Indrani, John, Lysander and Alexis as her family. An extremely dysfunctional family, fundamentally broken from the start by Ranger deliberately teaching the children to never rely on each other or work together.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Book 6 - Interlude: Archer
2. ↑ Book 6 - Interlude: Reprobates
3. ↑ Book 6 - Chapter 62: Adjournment
4. ↑ Book 7 - Chapter 4: Stock
Gnomes

> *"In the grander scheme of things, Catherine, I’m the petty warlord of a backwater kingdom [...] When one of the real world powers tells the Empire to do something, we do it. I will not face destruction in the name of pride."*
>
>

> -Amadeus of the Green Stretch, describing his and Praes's position relative to the gnomes
>
>

The Gnomes are a race that lives somewhere other than Calernia. Little is known of the gnomes and Catherine implies that some believe them to only be a legend. They are known to possess "huge metal armours" and fleets of "flying machines that scream" large enough to darken the sky. Praes's only known contact with then has been in the form of Red Letters, which are warnings sent in a red leather sheath for significant technological advancement. Praes has received two Red Letters in the last century, the first for a farming machine constructed during the reign of Dread Emperor Nefarious, the second for the Hearthmaker goblin tribe's experimentation with powders. The only records of gnomish military strength referenced are Yen Tei records of the destruction of the island nation of Kerguel, in which the island was sunk into the sea following the nation's disregard for their third Red Letter.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2015/07/08/chapter-15-company/
Dread Emperor Malevolent I

"*When the abyss stares back, wave. Offer refreshments. Being impolite to the abyss is never a good idea.*"
―Dread Emperor Malevolent I, the Unhallowed

## General information

### Faction

Praes,
Villains

### Status

Deceased

**Malevolent the First**, also known as the Unhallowed, was a former Dread Emperor of Praes.

## Epigraphs

*“With great madness comes great possibility.”*

– Dread Emperor Malevolent I, the Unhallowed

*“If you want something done right, steal it from someone who did.”*

– Dread Emperor Malevolent I, the Unhallowed

*“When the abyss stares back, wave. Offer refreshments. Being impolite to the abyss is never a good idea.””*

– Dread Emperor Malevolent I, the Unhallowed

*“My dear Chancellor, I am most disappointed in you. If she escapes the crocodiles before the rope snaps, then of course she will go free. What does it matter, that she will oppose us again? Only the fearful insist on winning every game of shatranj they play.”*

– Dread Emperor Malevolent I, the Unhallowed

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2018/05/21/chapter-16-pirouette/
2. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2018/10/24/chapter-67-breakthrough/
3. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2020/06/12/chapter-34-quickening/
4. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2020/11/24/chapter-75-desolation/
Dread Emperor Venal

"*Don’t think of it so much as a fall, but rather as an opportunity to learn how to fly.*"
―Dread Emperor Venal, in the act of succeeding his predecessor

## General information

### Faction

Praes,
Villains

### Status

Deceased

**Venal** was a former Dread Emperor of Praes. He killed his predecessor.

## Epigraphs

*“Don’t think of it so much as a fall, but rather as an opportunity to learn how to fly.”*

– Dread Emperor Venal, in the act of succeeding his predecessor

*“Power is as wealth; that which is yours has always been snatched from another.”*

– Dread Emperor Venal

*“I’ve found that nothing quite sets the tone for council like strangling a courtier with my bare hands just before we begin.”*

– Dread Emperor Venal

*“It is the nature of gambling that the scope of one’s victory is proportionate to the scope of all others’ defeat. So is it with empire, and near as subordinate to chance.”*

– Dread Emperor Venal

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2016/07/13/chapter-30-deliver/
2. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2019/07/29/chapter-62-pledged/
3. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2018/07/27/chapter-36-enchere/
4. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2019/05/17/chapter-41-ante/
Arlesites

"*Arlesites are passionate and romantic people, fond of poetry and duels.*"
―‘Peoples of East and West’, Douglas Robinson
Arlesites are one of the three ethincities of the Principate of Procer, located in southern Procer. There are nine Arlesite principalities. They border the Dominion of Levant, the Titanomachy, the Kingdom of Callow and the League of Free Cities. They also border the Waning Woods and the Brocelian.

## Principalities

The Arlesite principalities are:

Segovia: Northernmost Arlesite principality on Calernia's west coast. One of Procer's largest seaports. Ruled by Princess Luisa (Before Book 1) and Prince Alejandro (Book 4 - present)

Creusens: One of the Northern Arlesite principalities. It, Segovia and Iserre are known to have close ties with the Alamans principalities, such that their rulers were mentioned to have been 'raised Alamans'. Ruled by Prince Louis Rohanon (Book 1 - 5)

Orne: One of the three easternmost principalities. Connected to Callow by the Red Flower Vales. Ruled by Unnamed Princess (Before Book 1), Princess Adeline's brother (Book 1 - 3) and Princess Adeline (Book 4 - present)

Iserre: One of the wealthiest and most populated Arlesite principalities. It, Orne, Salamans and Tenerife border the Waning Woods. Ruled by Prince Amadis Milenan (Book 1 - 5)

Orense: Principality that borders the Dominion of Levant. Ruled by Prince Rodrigo Trastanes (Book 1 - 5)

Aequitan: One of the principalities, alongside Salamans, Iserre, Cantal, Salia, Lange and Creusens on the shore of Lake Artoise. Ruled by Princess Aenor Malanza (Before Book 1) and Princess Rozala Malanza (Book 1 - present)

Valencis: Second southernmost principality. Borders the Titanmachy. Ruled by Princess Leonor (Book 1 - 5)

Salamans: One of the southernmost principalities. Has close ties
with the principality of Tenerife. Ruled by Prince Alvaro (Book 1 - 5) and Prince Renato (Book 5 - present)

Tenerife: Southernmost principality of Procer. Borders Helike and
 the Samite Gulf. Ruled by Princess Francesca (Book 1 - present)

## History and Culture

They used to be slaves to the Gigantes, until they formed the Arlesen Confederacy, which rebelled against Gigantes slavers.

They primarily speak Tolesian.

Even before the founding of the Principate, the greatest of the fortress holding *reales* had extracted oaths of fealty from the lesser *reales*. This brought princely rule into Procer when it was formed.

An old Arlesite punishment from the time of the *reales* was the liar's leash, for those who speak calumny of a *real*. A hook tied to a long line of twine is put through the tongue of the liar and tied to the tail of a horse, which the *real* then rides for a mile. If the liar survives the mile without the hook ripping through their tongue, the Gods Above have judged their lie to have been accidental. Otherwise, what is left of their tongue is to be carved out and buried beneath the gate of the *real*’s fortress.
Hierophant

"*No no no. Not that. Not anymore. Hierophant. Usher of mysteries. Vivisector of miracles.*"
―Masego
Described as an "Usher of mysteries. Vivisector of miracles", the Hierophant is a mage Name currently held by the former Apprentice, Masego. The Name is unprecedented, before Masego's tranistion.

## Role

Hierophants are a type of priest. Specifically, "interpreter[s] of sacred mysteries and arcane principles"

The Hierophant is also the fifth 'Major Arcana' or trump card in traditional tarot decks. The connection with the Major Arcana of Calernia is obvious, and implicates the Name's affinity for magic.

## Abilities

Mechanically, the Hierophant seem to gain greater magical abilities -shown by Masego's increased magical might and skill- as well as confer augmented mystical insight or vision. Masego was directly complimented on this trait by The Prince of Nightfall after his transition, “You have good eyes, for one of your kind,”

Masego as Hierophant held the aspects of **Wrest**, **Witness** and **Ruin**

## Known Holders

**Masego**: Masego transitioned from the Apprentice to the Hierophant after witness the miracle that was the Arcadian sun being called down by the Princess of High Noon.

## References

1. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2017/09/13/chapter-31-high-noon/
First Prince

[WIP: needed to publish it to add references]

The post of First Prince is the office of the nominal leader of the Principiate of Procer. The person holding the office, is a prince or a princess elevated to the position by a simple majority vote in the Highest Assembly, the congregation of all princes of Procer.
Depending on the earlier title of the elected person, the title can be styled as First Prince or First Princess. (Usually based on gender, but the Lycaonese do not have the title of Princess, so any female Lycaonese Prince elected will be First Prince).

There have been 33 First Princes in the history of the Principiate.

## List of known First Princes/Princesses

* Rozala Malanza, thirty-fourth First Princess of Procer.
* Cordelia Hasenbach, thirty-third First Prince of Procer. Also, the first Lycaonese First Prince.
* Clothor Merovins, the first First Prince and founder of the Principate of Procer.
* Clément Merovins, fourth First Prince of Procer.
* Louis Merovins, seventh First Prince of Procer. Dismantled the wizard guilds of Procer after they tried to oppose and depose him.
* Louis of Brabant, eighth First Prince of Procer.
* Clodomir Merovins, ninth First Prince of Procer.
* Julienne Merovins, tenth First Princess of Procer.
* Ghislaine of Creusens, twelfth First Princess of Procer.
* Beatriz of Salamans, thirteenth First Princess of Procer. Turned her trial for high treason by the highest Assembly into election to the office of First Prince.
* Antoine Merovins, twenty-second First Prince of Procer.
* Armande Rohanon, thirty-first First Princess of Procer.
* Luc Monseiller, thirty-second First Prince of Procer, whose assassination led to the Great War.
* Frederonne Merovins, First Princess of Procer. Married the Prince of Hannoven to seal the conquest of the Lycaonese Principalities.
* Éloïse Guillermont, First Princess of Procer. Ended Proceran occupation of Callow.
* Anaïs of Cantal, First Princess of Procer. Taxed a belltower in Salia, which began the First Liturgical War.
* Eugénie of Lange, First Princess of Procer.
* Bastien of Arans, First Prince of Procer. Authored the book, *On Rule*.
Ashen Priestess

"*Heal*"
―the Ashen Priestess
The Ashen Priestess is a name given to Heroes who serve the gods, allowing them to be used as vessels to create miracles.

## Role

The role of the priestess is to care for those in need. They are drawn to help other and to serve the will to their gods.

## Abilities

The Ashen Priestess is one of the more combative healing Names.

The priestess' power works differently than mages, as remarked before by Zachariah. They do not rely on their own reserves of magic to cast spells but rather they are given power by the grace of gods to cast miracles. Priests mainly employ this power to heal the injured Ashen Priestess.

The Ashen Priestess uses ash, shaping defensive barriers or as a spear to attack large objects. She can also sense enemy movement from surrounding ash. The Name also bolsters her healing abilities to the utmost efficiency. The priestess was able to heal the Champion's mangled body multiple times though indicating she might be able to ignore this rule.

As a healer, this Name can be used to prolong battles indefinitely through casting miracles on soldiers, healing all non-mortal wounds. It has can also be concentrated on one individual ally to create instantaneous regeneration.

## Known Holders

**Irene**: A member of Hanno's Band of Five, Hanno noted that Irene lacked the warm bedside manner common to priest.

Irene is tall and slender, while also being aggressively serene. Alkmene, the Hedge Wizard, is her sister.

As the Ashen Priestess, Irene's Aspects were: **Ignite**, **Heal** and **Begone**.

Killed by a redirected curse originally aimed for Sabah.

## References

1. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2017/04/26/heroic-interlude-appellant/
2. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2017/03/08/heroic-interlude-arraignment/
Fourth Steward Greens

Fourth Steward Greens was the one to formally surrender the city of Marchford to Catherine, by virtue of being the highest ranked person not evacuated from the city.

As fourth steward, he was in charge of the latrines of Marchford Manor. He was temporarily acting as governor because everyone else of any import, even as low as the first three ranks of steward, had already evacuated the city after the Battle of Three Hills in order to escape the Fifteenth Legion when they took Marchford.
Beastmaster

## Role

The Beastmaster's role is to care for animals. While he may seem like he is withdrawn to humans he has a deep connection to the wild. He is unkept and stoic reacting on instinct rather than emotion to deal with problems. He has joined the crusade not to protect humans but the lands themselves from the undead scourge.

## Abilities

His special abilities allow him to see through the eyes of animals as well as an unnatural control over living beast as well as animalistic aura that can even be felt by the undead unicorn Zombie. It is unknown if this connection means he experiences the same pain as his beast or the exact amount of control he would have over intelligent creatures such as magical creatures Zombie III or cursed creatures, Sabah.

## Known Holders

**Lysander**: Lysander was one of the core five students in Refuge who had left his home to seek out the Ranger.
Dread Empress Sinistra I

"*And so Sinistra said: ‘What we cannot grow we will take by dread, and damnation on all who deny this.'*"
―Extract from the Scroll of Misfortunes, thirteenth of the Secret Histories of Praes

## General information

### Faction

Praes,
Villains

### Status

Deceased

**Sinistra the First** was a former Dread Empress most well known for failing to steal Callow’s weather, thereby causing the Wasteland. She likely reigned around 120 AD (after declaration). She's regarded as one of the worst Tyrants to claim the Tower.

## Reign

Back when Praes was occupied by the Miezan Empire, they were used as a source of grain to fuel the Licerian Wars. The relatively remote location of Praes in relation to the main participants of the war - Mieza and the Baalite Hegemony - meant the crops were safe and Miezan governors used Petronian field rituals to increase crop yield far beyond what the land could provide. This was done for years, potentially even many decades, to the point where after Miezans were repelled, the land began to rot from the inside.

While Sinistra correctly identified the problem, her solution was the Empire’s *“first great national act of lunacy”*. Her ritual was *“sound in principle, though wildly ambitious and with laughably little margin for error”*. It was interrupted by unnamed Heroes and the backlash resulted in the Wasteland, a non-arable stretch of land in northern and central region of Praes.

It’s unknown if she perished during the ritual.

## Epigraphs

*“And so Sinistra said: ‘What we cannot grow we will take by dread, and damnation on all who deny this.'”*

– Extract from the Scroll of Misfortunes, thirteenth of the Secret Histories of Praes

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2018/10/29/interlude-dreadful/
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2019/07/01/seed-i/
Lady of Cracking Ice

The Lady of Cracking Ice is a Fae noble of the Winter Court. She was part of the group that encountered Catherine Foundling and the future Woe on the road to Skade.

She is phenomenally powerful for her title; despite being a mere Lady, Masego judged her the strongest in her party by an order of magnitude (despite one of her companions being the Duke of Sudden Rime), and she was able to disintegrate an annoying Sword of Waning Day without even gesturing. She was also described as "the darling of the Court" by the Marchioness of the Northern Wind, and her higher-ranked companions unhesitatingly backed her suggestion of who should get the dubious honor of introducing the Woe to court.

It's likely that her Role in the Fae Court's stories is "young prodigy" or "lost royalty", or perhaps the archrival to one of these. Such a main-character-like Role could potentially give her the power level of a strong Duchess or even a Princess, with her lowly title being essentially cosmetic to represent a humble origin.
Hedge Wizard

"*Wizard. It’s a genderless noun.*"
―Alkmene
The Hedge Wizard is a magic centered name that excels in versatility.

## Role

The Hedge Wizard's Role is centered on having the right trick to escape or overcome their current situation similar to the Bumbling Conjurer. The two roles differ in that one is centered on comedy while the other is centered on the skill. Warlock comments on how the mage is purposely made "brittle" in order to trigger events where she must Macgyver her way to freedom. The more danger the Hedge Wizards experiences the greater power she can exert. This allows for her to always be an underdog in stories which for heroes is a form of invulnerability.

## Abilities

The wizard's abilities are highly adaptable. While not particularly skilled in the use of destructive or defensive magic, the wizards wide range of skills as well as unique use of them in combinations make them an imposing force. These skills range from transformation, infiltration, enchanted items, as well as destruction magic.

## Known Users

**Alkmene**: A member of Hanno's Band of Five. As the Hedge Wizard, her Aspects were: **Learn**, **Repurpose** and **Reiterate**.

Killed by the Warlock.
Dread Empress Sanguinia II

"*Ah, mortal wounds. My only weakness.*"
―Dread Empress Sanguinia II

## *Unknown*

**Sanguinia the Second** was a former Dread Empress of Praes. She’s best known for outlawing cats and being taller than her.

## Epigraphs

*“Ah, mortal wounds. My only weakness.”*

– Dread Empress Sanguinia II

*“I’ll be honest, Chancellor – revenge is the motivation for over half the decrees I’ve made.”*

– Dread Empress Sanguinia II, best known for outlawing cats and being taller than her

*“This eye for an eye business is horridly proportional. I assure you, if I’m losing an eye then so is everyone else.”*

– Dread Empress Sanguinia II

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2017/09/06/chapter-29-scale/
2. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2015/07/22/chapter-17-set/
3. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2016/11/02/red-skies/