Acies "Slip" Portainanis

## House Portainanis

If you don't know how to get there you're not looking the right places.

House Portainanis is a member of the Low Council of Absalom. They have gained a title of nobility due to generous donations of magical artifacts and items found within ruins along the island Absalom lays upon. Masters of spatial magic the family has become known as master treasure hunters, their family spreading throughout the entire inner sea region in their search of rare and powerful magic. Their motto is "If it casts a shadow, the void can find it." They also have a business within the security business for absalom. Their spatial magic making it quite easy to create teleport traps, dimensional wards, as well as transport valuable items in complete secrecy. Chances are that if someone is looking for a teleportation spell, House Portainanis has their hands in it.

The current head of the house is a stern middle aged man known as Sterro Portainanis. The epitome of a stern leader he is known for his unchanging expression and mastery of conjuration. During the invasion of the chelish he made great contributions by transporting large numbers of extra planar beings into the melee via ritual and teleporting the citizens back from the front lines. His wife is known as Stelvis Portainanis, a kind and gentle mother who specializes in conjuring elemental power from the planes. The children of the two are Rana Portainanis (The Eldest daughter), Acies Portainanis (The Middle son), Pisces Portainanis (The Youngest daughter), and Lapis Portainanis (The Youngest son)

The family's patron deity is that of Alseta. The elven goddess of doorways, thresholds, and the transition from year to year. As such they offer honor to the goddess by their grand gate into their mansion. Known as the Stars Gate, this large black iron door nearly 16 feet tall is the only entrance to the building. It leads into the grand hall and none but the strongest are able to open this large door. Known as an unofficial test, this door require great strength or magic to bypass. The head servant of the family is chosen to be the door bearer as well. Every year a competition is held to find the most resourceful, strong, and respectful servant in their employment to become the door bearer. They have a strong connection to the church of desna. Finding camaraderie with their love of the stars and void of space as well as their fight against the horrors within. This also leads to them respecting black butterfly followers as well.

## Acies "Slip" Portainanis

Acies, also known as slip or ace, is the oldest of the Portainanis House's sons. While the son has a knack for tricks and mischief, they are a very responsible and reliable member of the household. They listen properly to their father when asked and uphold their responsibilities to the best of their abilities. Training in the ways of the Ruin Delver Acies has been learning many secrets of the ancient lairs hidden across the lands. They have the ability to warp space and run through it, climbing walls as if the surface was the ground, leaping through tears to another place entirely, and wielding a blade of gravitational energy. They take great pride in their heritage. This does not lead to a noble complex however as they enjoy spending time with commoners. Often going out and speaking to people, aiding them with their problems if he can. As the oldest son he is next in line to be the head of the house should his father perish. This has led to him holding a great responsibility on his shoulders. While he jokes most of the time at the core of him is a resolute conviction to carry his family's name high and perhaps even eventually take a seat on the high council.

## Void Taint

A common problem of the Portainanis household is that of the taint of the void. Abberations and monstrosities lay in the space between the stars and they are ever reaching and corrupting with their influence. In order for the household to continue their spatial powers a ritual is performed on their fifth birthday. Surrounding them in a tear of space with a protective barrier. A layer of magic the only thing between them and the dark places of space. Often times abberations appear in the ritual circle and attempt to attack the child, held back only by the protective magic. If the child manages to make it through without losing consciousness they will gain even greater spatial power. Though, this often comes with a side effect. A dark scar above their heart like a black spiral of writhing tentacles. This has been discovered to be an influence of the outer god. Yog-Sothoth. While they dismiss this as a theft of his power some of the family in past have worried of this influence of evil origin. Despite its lack of effects save a fear of the dark.