recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Seamus Walsh

Seamus Walsh was a werewolf and serial killer, and a member of the Walsh Gang - a roaming band of raiders and outlaws that are known to have been active in parts of Yarmouth. Seamus himself was a serial killer that regularly preyed on and ate his victims across the region, and who had an encounter with Nymue in Redbrook, before she joined the Taken Sisterhood. The Sisterhood were known to be in pursuit of Seamus, but he was never conclusively apprehended.

Several years after the incident, Seamus and a few members of the gang resurfaced in the duergar city-state of Durkheim. There, Seamus had begun yet another killing spree, stalking and killing at least nine prostitutes (some of them associated with the 40 Lashes, earning the ire of the assassin's guild as well). Because most of the murders had occurred along "Blind Alley," a street on the city's lesser policed Lower Level, the murderer earned the moniker of the "*Butcher of Blind Alley,*" or "*Blind Alley Butcher.*"

The party were encouraged to investigate the murders at the behest of Elata, the overseer of the city for the Taken Sisterhood, as well as the Lady of Blades of the 40 Lashes, who demanded revenge for the slaying of her own. The party eventually confirmed that Seamus was the Butcher, and made efforts to track him down by way of one of his associates, the tiefling thief Yuri. After laying an ambush for Seamus and his gang at a warehouse they were using as a meeting place before planning to leave the city, the party managed to apprehend him. Seamus spoke briefly of his brother, Josiah, and the remaining gang still active in the wasteland, warning that they'd find them in due time even if Seamus himself were imprisoned.

Seamus was taken to Commandant Zarkhov of the Orrukov Regime to be processed and investigated as the killer. When Zarkhov concluded Seamus's guilt, the party were rewarded a 5000 gold reward for his bounty. Seamus was then sent to Vurragol Prison on the mining level - however he was mysteriously found dead before he could begin his lifelong sentence in the prison's mines - having been discreetly assassinated by the 40 Lashes on the orders of a guilty Nymue.
Worstvold

Worstvold, "the Black," is the court mage of Tsar Ulrich Orrukov of Durkheim. A loyal servant of the Orrukov Regime for years, Worstvold has accrued a reputation as a magical practitioner of the darker arts - coming to be known as "*Worstvold the Black*" by both admirers and enemies. If there is any truth to these rumors is known only to those within the Tsar's innermost circle. Regardless, Worstvold is known throughout the west for his expertise as a mage, and is highly respected by those that study the arcane.
Dog

Dog is a full-blooded orc farmhand from Kaylen Farm. Some time ago, he was captured by a band of slavers at some point and tortured, having his tongue cut out by them, before being rescued by Kaylen. Kaylen nursed the orc back to health and gave him a job on the farm, where he developed a close friendship with Mirabelle. Having never been given a proper name, the orc chose the name Dog for himself because he admired the creatures' ferocity and loyalty, and aspired to serve Kaylen as loyally as a dog would. He has a loose grasp on the Common language, and primarily relies on Mirabelle to help translate for him.
War Rider Tribe

The War Riders are one of the four Northern Tribes of The Tribal North, concentrated in the eastern plains and mountain ranges of the region. They are descended mostly from the human inhabitants of Halestrom, but also count many orcs and half-orcs within their ranks as well. Their culture is based on the sacred bond that a Rider builds with his chosen mount - which vary from traditional horses to more exotic beasts such as worgs, big cats, and other animals. The tribe is led by a single Chieftain and his or her spouse. In the year 237 A.C. the War Riders are led by Rathos, and his wife Eris.
Sartorius

The Betrayed

Sartorius, known in legend as the Knight of Storms, was a powerful sea-elf warrior and a member of the Betrayed. He served on behalf of the tribal frontier nation of Halestrom.

### **The Rebellion & the War**

A gifted sailor in touch with the oceans, Sartorius had a close, unexpected friendship with the dwarf Osmand Stoneward during the Sol Rebellion. This led to the two establishing a firm alliance during the War of the Nine Knights after the Betrayed deposed the Mage-Emperor.

Unfortunately, during the midst of the two's conflict with Valtoria and the Knight of Shadows, Sartorius took a fleet of ships and fled west, stating to Osmand that he was leaving in search of something to help them in the War. After his departure, Sartorius disappeared from historical record, and was presumed to have met an ill fate at sea. In his absence, Halestrom fell into disarray and became a fractured state that regressed into a wasteland dominated by tribal identities and cultures.

### **The Invasion of Krakengärd**

In actuality, Sartorius retreated to his secret island of Krakengärd, where he had established several fortresses to conduct his arcane research and assemble and test his own Apotheon Artifact - the Tempest Armillery. Unfortunately, the Knight's fleet was beset by a Valtorian invasion led by the dragon Syn-Sogoth. Sartorius, his chief adviser Celtius, and a contingent of honor guards managed to make it to his tower fortress to the Armillary, but his Blood Rune had been lost during the attack. Against the advise of Celtius and despite efforts by the guard to restrain him, Sartorius managed to activate the Armillary. This caused unstable rifts to other planes to open around the island, eventually shifting it to its own pocket dimension where it currently remains - save for the few times it materializes on Noxerra.

### **After the War**

Sartorius himself was swallowed by one of these rifts and mutated into an aberration by forces from beyond - supposedly the Dark Tapestry - which also bound his body to the Armillary, his blood constantly fueling its power and maintaining the island's storms. For centuries he merged with many of the abominations he had intended to summon with the Armillary, losing much of his sanity and free will - becoming a puppet in constant pain and torment, retaining just enough consciousness to understand the grotesque nature of what he had become.

### **Final Defeat**

Finally, in 237 A.C. the Party managed to scale the tower after gaining access through the tunnels carved by Thaedraxus. After ascending throughout the tower's several floors, they finally faced the Knight of Storms himself in his transformed state and managed to defeat him, Nymue putting the once prestigious Knight out of his eternal misery. Sartorius's final words were a somber apology to his former friend, Osmand.
Rolph Timberton

Rolph Timberton was the Captain of the *Favored Lady*. A brave and well-respected sea captain in the harbor town of Shorestead, Timberton was hired by the party to lead an ambitious expedition to the west, in pursuit of the remaining Apotheon Artifacts (among other points of interest). Timberton died when the *Favored Lady* was caught in a storm outside the magical island of Krakengärd, and the ship was crushed by the island's kraken guardian. Despite the best efforts of the party to convince him to abandon the vessel, Timberton stood by the seaman's creed that a captain should sink with his ship.
Stranrir

Stranrir is the current Elder of the Havsbladen Tribe's Shipmaster Caste and a member of the tribe's Elder Council. He is notable for having approved Ragnar the Bold's expedition west thirteen years ago, which ended in a disaster that he has not lived down since. In his time as Elder, the Shipmasters' prestige within the Havsbladen has waned, and Stranrir's leadership has been questioned as a result.
Syrlua Cathyrion

Syrlua Cathyrion was the third ruler of the Cathyrion Empire, and it's first Empress, succeeding her brother Urias, whom she deposed during the "*Year of the Three Emperors*." Favored by her father, Galahad, and trained in military tactics, Urias suspected her of treason and in his paranoia had her exiled to suspend the line of succession. Syrlua retaliated by forming an army of supporters and going to war with her brother, eventually usurping the throne and executing Urias, crowning herself Empress. Syrlua's reign was short-lived however, as her younger brother Shaddar returned from his post in Sethulhmet to seek justice for his brother's death. Surprisingly, Shaddar's forces overwhelmed his sister's, and he had her executed for treason herself, leading to Shaddar himself becoming Emperor.
Sel-Duarmia

Sel-Duarmia, more commonly called the Stronghold, is the name given to the ruined castle and surrounding community on the island of Krakengärd. Originally a minor fortress used by Sartorius's armies during the War of the Nine Knights, the castle was left in ruins in the wake of the battle that opened the dimensional rifts surrounding the island. At some point after the War, the community was established by Celtiar, a former High Trident of the Drowned, who took many sea-elf and deep one followers with him to escape the cult's grasp. The name of the Stronghold is the closest common translation from the sea-elvish dialect of the castle's actual title. In the present, Sel-Duarmia has friendly if tense trade relations with the township of Nightport, as a result of a deal struck between Celtiar and the Havsbladen Shipmaster Hogarth.
Ysilda

Ysilda is the current Elder of the Havsbladen Tribe's Healer Caste, and a member of the tribe's Elder Council. She is one of the oldest known humans on Noxerra, her exact age being unknown but estimated to be in the hundreds. Ysilda is gifted with the power of "the Sight" - a magical ability of foresight common to seers and soothsayers. Her visions have guided the course of the Havsbladen for years, and she is directly responsible for sending Jorg-Hammer on his quest in pursuit of the legendary Blood Runes and Apotheon Artifacts.
Sister Eileen

Sister Eileen is the head of the local chapter of the Church of the Lost Dawn in Durkheim. She leads the local congregation from the main temple in the Elite Level, while the duties of the smaller ground level chapel fall to Reverend Terrence Barnes. Sister Eileen enjoys a greater number of the faith among aristocrats and more wealthy traders passing through the city than her counterpart on the ground level, and the temple she maintains is in much better condition and of greater design quality. However, the Church barely registers as an institution of interest for the Orrukov Regime itself, who mostly see the Church as a profitable organization to tax for operating within Durkheim. Sister Eileen does seem to wield a great deal of respect herself though, among those living on the Elite Level, and lives in relative comfort there herself.
Shaedasa Umbel

##### *"I know not your mission, but I can sense my Lady's eyes on you - as they are on us all. She is watching, as am I." -* Shaedasa, to Jorg-Hammer

Shaedasa Umbel is the current Pontifex (high priestess) of the Taken Sisterhood in the year 237 A.C. A suel woman, Shaedasa is a very practiced and studied mage gifted with the Sight, who makes it a point to collect and study a wide variety of magical tomes and artifacts for both the Sisterhood and her own personal collection. Little is known of her history or of how she came to ascend to the position of Pontifex, but within the Sisterhood she is regarded as an incredibly wise and devoted follower of Wee Jas, and is militant in the order's pursuit of lost artifacts and the eradication of threats to the order. She is a very private individual, and regularly spends time in her personal study consuming various tomes or communing with other powers using the Sight.

In the year 237 A.C. she sent Nymue on a mission across the sea in pursuit of the Forge and to uncover the mysterious magical source obscuring her visions in the ocean - that turned out to be the interdimensional storms over the island of Krakengärd caused by the Tempest Armillary. When Nymue momentarily cleared the storms, Shaedasa managed to appear to Jorg-Hammer in a vision, urging him to see to it that whatever bargain he made with Wee Jas was fulfilled.
Sythaneryx

Sythaneryx is a Drowning Devil bound to the *Blood Diamond*, the flagship of the Mariners. At some point, the devil was summoned to the island of Krakengärd. There, he entered into a bargain with the Mariners' captain, Z'yarthox; in exchange for binding Synatheryx to a model ship-in-a-bottle of the *Blood Diamond* and shielding the ship from the magical storms of the island, Z'yarthox owed the devil a great debt - and was additionally cursed into becoming a wereshark. This uneasy alliance has allowed the *Blood Diamond* to sail favorably around the island for years, and become one of the more fearsome factions to make their home there.

Sythaneryx was briefly and unwittingly released during the mutiny led by the hobgoblin Drith, attempting to avenge the death of the dragon Thaedraxus. However, Esther, Pezzack and Kzzartha - along with some of Z'yarthox's loyal mariners - managed to bind Sythaneryx back into his bottle - however Kzzartha inadverdently cast the command, making her his new master - though Z'yarthox assumed he had maintained control. Pezzack hid the bottle after the battle, sending Z'yarthox on a wild goose chase to find it in the sea while they discussed what to do - eventually convincing the remaining Mariners to turn on Z'yarthox - leaving Kzzartha as the devil's one and only master.

Sythaneryx would later be summoned once more by the tengu to battle against the ghosts of the *High Queen's Lament* - still proving to be a loyal, if devious, creature seemingly still held under his captain's sway.
Wilhelmina Seward

**Queen Wilhelmina Seward** was the first ruling Queen of Valtoria, and the seventh ruler overall. She succeeded her older brother, Parsifal II, after his assassination during a riot as a response to his mishandling of a plague crisis that was sweeping the kingdom. While she was equally unprepared for the weight of the crown, Wilhelmina quickly took charge of the crisis, and assembled an effective team of close advisers and governors to aid her in reasserting the people's faith in the throne. She proved to be a capable ruler early in her reign, eager to earn the people's trust and the nobility's respect after the less-than-stellar reigns of her father and brother - though she still admired them enough to name her son, Parsifal III, after them.

Unfortunately, Wilhelmina's trust in these advisers would lead to a military coup led by the High Chancellor Gilliad Mansford. Mansford sent Wilhelmina and her son into exile, and re-orchestrated Valtoria into a "Republic," which he still ruled effectively as a monarch, retaining the title of High Chancellor.

In exile, Wilhelmina and her son would plot their return to power, and eventually declare war upon Mansford's republic and achieve successful reclamation of the throne with the aid of outside factions, including the dwarf clans of the eastern mountains who had sheltered them for several years. Wilhelmina would step aside to let her son claim the throne upon their victory - with the young Parsifal III going down in history as one of Valtoria's - and indeed Solerra's - most famous heroes for his triumph over the usurpers, with Wilhelmina's ruthless support and own campaign of vengeance cementing her place in the annals of history as well.
Selvetarm

Thane of Lloth

The Spider Demon

The Mad Slave

Selvetarm is one the gods belonging to the Dark Seldarine, the pantheon of the drow people of Zventhos. A warrior god, Selvetarm is the patron deity of warriors and slaughter. In the drow's mythos, he is the enslaved grandson of Lloth by her son, Vhaeraun, and was the patron of the similarly enslaved male warrior castes of the three Queendoms. In legend he was a mad and insane god, with no true understand of good nor evil - merely desiring bloodshed and wanton slaughter. Despite his anger at his enslavement, he was a loyal lieutenant and among the only members of the pantheon not to contest Lloth's dominion. For this, he was an intense rival to his father, the independent and rebellious Vhaeraun. Eilistraee once attempted to turn him, but even she could not free Selvetarm from his insanity and slavish devotion to the Spider Queen.

Depicted as a horrific spider-like creature, a drider, or simply a strong, male drow - Selvetarm demands only blood and sacrifice through battle. Despite his nature as a savage war god, his servants respected the use of cunning and strategy on the battlefield as well, and many of Zventhos's top generals counted him as their god of choice.
Shaddar Cathyrion

Shaddar Cathyrion was the fourth ruler of the Cathyrion Empire - succeeding his sister, Syrlua. The youngest of Galahad's children, Shaddar was never expected to inherit the throne, and had been assigned an assignment as a regional governor or regent in one of the Empire's vassal states in the desert of Sethulhmet. There, Shaddar was taken with the culture of the desert-dwelling folk, affecting his fashion and lifestyle to their tastes.

When Syrlua usurped their brother Urias for the throne after being exiled by the Emperor, Shaddar and his forces sailed north to confront and depose Syrlua herself. While Shaddar believed the conflict would sort itself out and the siblings would come to an armistice - he was shocked that Syrlua truly did usurp their brother. He did not support her exile, but neither did he support her raising an army in the face of an imperial order and plunging their father's Empire into civil war. Shaddar saw it as his duty to restore order to the throne, and ensure that the line of succession was a respected institution - and not so easily ignored that anyone could war over it. Tragically, he was forced to execute his own sister, and take the throne himself. As the victor of the Year of Three Emperors, Shaddar earned the epithet of "*the Peacemaker.*"

Shaddar proved to be a more capable Emperor than anyone could have hoped, however, and was historically seen as one of the greatest rulers in Noxerra's history for his fair-minded sense of authority, and his multicultural outreach to the Empire's colonies. He was succeeded by his eldest daughter, Vysteria.
Wulfjorg

Wulfjorg is the svirfneblin manservant of the noble House Setrov of Durkheim, having served the duergar family for several generations. Enslaved early in life during the Orrukov Regime's consolidation of power over the city-state, Wulfjorg eventually earned his freedom but remained with the Setrovs out of a sense of personal duty and pride. Currently, he serves Captain Jurza Setrov of the Regime's military. He joined Jurza on the expedition she led into the underdark in pursuit of an apotheon artifact, as part of the same team which included the party.
Syn-Sogoth

Syn-Sogoth was a powerful, ancient white dragon that fought for the kingdom of Valtoria during the War of the Nine Knights. His exact origin is unknown, but he was known to be a trusted and faithful lieutenant to the Knight of Shadows and regularly led the vampire's armies into battle during the war.

Notably, Syn-Sogoth led the attack on Krakengard that ultimately removed Sartorius from the war, causing him to lose his Blood Rune and forcing the Knight into using his Apotheon Artifact.

It is not known whether or not Syn-Sogoth survived the War, but given he and other dragons seem to have largely vanished after the Collapse, most historians consider him to have died at some point.
Walden

Walden is a dwarf merchant and guide, working in the Commerce District of Dreadmont. A friendly and experienced traveler of the Eastern Wasteland, he was hired by Pandora and Pezzack to take them to the city of Kethis in pursuit of the *Necros Arcanos*. Along the way they were accosted by a pack of War Riders. In the ensuing conflict, the three met Jorg-Hammer and Merric. The four adventurers proceeded into the city, while Walden abandoned the camp after seeing the undead horde within the ruin begin to move outside of it. The party later encountered him at Kaylen Farm. After staying the night there, Walden accompanied the party back to Dreadmont proper, and left them to their devices after he'd been suitably paid.
Verilyn Kaleri

Verilyn Kaleri is the ambassador for Karstein, based in Durkheim's embassy for the city. Kaleri represents the affairs and interest of Baron Olaf Karstein, managing trade and diplomatic relations between the Baron and the Orrukov Regime. In a less official capacity, Kaleri represents the other cities of Yarmouth as well, given the loose governmental structure respected between the the Barons. A staunch professional, Kaleri was one of the last known clients of the Golden Cabaret prostitute Cecilia, a human woman and one of the victims of the Butcher of the Blind Alley. This fact led Pezzack and Esther to inquire after her - with the knowledge of her relationship to Cecilia being of great embarrassment to the ambassador. Unfortunately, Verilyn had little information to offer insofar as the woman's murder went.
Z'yarthox

Z'yarthox was the Captain of the Mariners in the year 237 A.C. A wereshark, Z'yarthox was the most recent descendant of the crew of the *Blood Diamond* to don the spiritual mantle of Captain, and ruthlessly led the Mariners for years, serving the brine dragon Thaedraxus. A cruel but efficient Captain, Z'yarthox was at some point a devoted follower of the dragon and worshiped him like many of the Mariners as a kind of demigod. However, a longing to escape Krakengärd and return the Mariners to their original roots as true pirates and explore the rest of Noxerra had driven Z'yarthox to become traitorous and he devised plans to usurp Thaedraxus. In addition to escaping the island, Z'yarthox aimed to free himself of his lycanthropy - gained from being cursed by the drowning devil Synthaneryx that he had bargained with.

He entered the Mariners into a temporary alliance with the party and their allies from Sel-Duarmia and Nightport to defeat Thaedraxus and the Drowned. This alliance became undone however, when the traitorous mariner Drith took control of the ship and released Sythaneryx - and the devil was bound instead to Kzzartha. The party managed to convince the remaining Mariners to back her as captain, and Esther executed Z'yarthox after a brief fight, with his body returning to it's human form before he was finally killed.
Zarrath Ozren

Lord Zarrath Ozren is the ruling governor of Dreadmont's Entertainment District, representing it on the Council of Dreadmont. He is the current head of the bronze dragonborn Ozren Family. Lord Zarrath's responsibilities in maintaining the Entertainment District include overseeing the various restaurants, theatres, and taverns that make up the district. Lord Zarrath himself is an accomplished playwright and director, with many of his productions having premiered at the prestigious Ozren Theatre in the District. While he is often dismissed in terms of importance compared to the other harsher personalities amidst the Council, it can be said that Lord Zarrath perhaps enjoys the most positive reputation among Dreadmont's citizens.
Tyrithia Halstein

Tyrithia Halstein is the Viceroy of the Council of Dreadmont, the current head of the half-elven Halstein Family, and ruling Governor of the Government District. She possesses the highest legal authority in the city of Dreadmont. While younger than her colleagues, she is an effective and driven ruler with a strong sense of justice and responsibility not only to the people of Dreadmont but to the wasteland at large.
Sigurd the Drakesbane

**Sigurd the Drakesbane** was a Havsbladen healer, and one of the leading heroes of the "*Dragon Purge*" - a brief war fought against the Drakemunde.

Sigurd emerged from a Drakemunde ambush as the only survivor as a member of a hunting party which also included his father and brother. While he had been trained as a member of the Healer caste, Sigurd went against tradition and took up a sword to avenge his family. Now a vengeful and hot-blooded young man, Sigurd led the Havsbladen as well as recruited allies from other tribes against the forces of the Drakemunde in a bid to break the dominant hold the tribe had on the Tribal North. While the Drakemunde would ultimately endure against Sigurd's alliance, all but two of their dragons were slain in the conflict - at least one by Sigurd's hand. For his notoriety during the war, he was given the Honorific of "the Drakesbane."

After the end of the Purge, Sigurd became somewhat ostracized within his own tribe, with many of the Havsbladen Elders viewing his brash, unauthorized warmongering as well as his renouncement of his vows as a Healer to go wildly against tradition. Still others looked up to him as a brave and daring hero who might have restored the Havsbladen to true glory were it not for the might of the Drakemunde. In his later years, Sigurd came to regret some of his more reckless actions and the many losses his tribe had sustained, though he still carried with him a proud and rebellious spirit that he passed onto his children.

Sigurd would go on to father Thor-Axe and Ragnar, and live to see the birth of his grandson, Jorg. He died peacefully at the age of 60, returning to his roots as one of the Havsbladen's more prolific healers and seers, having developed the gift of the Sight during his time in the Purge - which he used to guide the Havsbladen towards prosperity as best he could.
Rook

Rook was a goblin slaver and member of Trask's slaving band. His exact history before joining Trask is unknown, but he owes a "life debt" to the dragonborn, so it is assumed that Trask at some point saved the goblin's life. Rook was a somewhat talented tinkerer, collecting various random objects of incidental value. Like Trask, he took pleasure in tormenting the band's victims, often mocking and jeering at them. During their alliance with the Forgeborn, Rook and the slavers ventured to the Broken Isle to attempt to capture the party who were investigating the Iron Tomb. Rook remained behind when the other Slavers returned to Mordenheim, and was subsequently captured and interrogated by the party. Rook was killed en-route to Mordenheim when Merric - who he had previously helped enslave and torment - froze his head in the midst of the interrogation.
Na'ssaru

Minister Na'ssaru is a serpentfolk ambassador for the Zalharad family, positioned in Durkheim's embassy for Jadus. More or less a ceremonial ambassadorship, Na'ssaru represents the city-state's interests in their trade agreements with the Orrukov Regime, occasionally dealing in the matter of slave trade between the two states.

Na'ssaru made an enemy of Esther when the tiefling succeeded in freeing a captured tiefling slave (Karina) that was intended to be transported to Jadus, due to the slave having information regarding Captain Hedwin's (of the Hellfort Enlistment Office) possible involvement in the Blind Alley murders happening within Durkheim. Esther gravely wounded Na'ssaru in the successful rescue attempt, as well as killed two of the Minister's guards stationed at the embassy.
Uthogn'taa

Uthogn'taa is a Deep One scout for Sel-Duarmia on the island of Krakengärd. He was leading a party of other deep ones and sea elves from the Stronghold when he was attacked by a scouting party led by Virün. The other members of the party were slaughtered, but Uthogn'taa was captured and taken back to Nightport in secret and kept as a prisoner by Virün and the members of her conspiracy. Despite attempts to interrogate him, a language barrier prevented Uthogn'taa from communicating his loyalty and purpose. Virün was convinced - because Uthogn'taa was the first deep one she had seen - that the Stronghold were in league with the Drowned and converting the people of Nightport into similar creatures. When the party visited the Stronghold and met with Celtiar, he expressed concern for the whereabouts of Uthogn'taa, and directed the party to search for him if they could.

Uthogn'taa was later freed by Reverend Quint, after his guilt for his role in the plot seemed to catch up to him. This was not before Uthogn'taa was coerced into revealing Celtiar's past with the Drowned, after learning some common - essentially confirming Virun's suspicions. Uthogn'taa would relay his story to Celtiar, who would mount an attack on Nightport and Virun - until the conflict was diffused by the timely arrival of the party.
Solandra

Solandra is a member of the Taken Sisterhood, serving as an overseer for the region of Yarmouth. A half-elf, she is responsible for keeping watch over the region for supernatural threats and points of magical interest to Wee Jas. Notably, she was in the pursuit of the werewolf Seamus Walsh when she managed to track down Nymue within the Wyrdwood, who had received the Calling of her hag mother - instead encountering Solandra. Identifying Nymue as one of the few people to have seen Walsh in both his human and werewolf forms, Solandra questioned her, and would eventually indoctrinate her into the Taken Sisterhood itself, sponsoring her for membership before Pontifex Shaedasa Umbel.

Because of this early encounter and Solandra's watch over Nymue's home-region of Yarmouth, Solandra maintains a close, sisterly relationship with the changeling, taking an active interest in her forthcoming career and well-being.
Vaerald III Orrukov

Vaerald III was the third Tsar of the Orrukov Regime, succeeding his uncle, Vaslav I, after he died without issue. Vaerald's father - Vaerald II - died relatively young, forcing Vaerald to grow up quickly. He proved to be an effective ruler for several years, though the early death of his father and childless death of his uncle made Vaerald increasingly concerned for the Regime's future. Thus, he had four children, ensuring that the strength of the Orrukov family line would continue to prevail for more generations. He had a strong influence on his eldest son, Ulrich, who would inherit his father's pragmatic and shrewd political acumen. Vaerald is currently the longest ruling of the Regime's Tsars - ruling for a little over one hundred years - and is well-remembered in Durkheim for steering the city-state out of it's foundation period under Vaslav I and into an age of political dominance and true stability in an otherwise unsettled wasteland. Upon his death, He was succeeded by his son, Ulrich. His other children include Vaslav II, Zima, and Mavra, all of whom are still living.
Verod Nahar

Justiciar Verod Nahar, a human, is one of the members of the Tribunal of Kaath. While at some point a respected warrior in his youth - being the warlord of a powerful raider clan before settling in Kaath, Verod's rise to wealth and prominence as a Justiciar has made him grow fat and lazy in his old age, though his immense wealth still earns him the respect of his peers and underlings.
Thor-Axe

Thor-Axe *"the Impaler,"* is a Havsbladen warrior and is the current appointee to succeed Jotun-Blade as Elder of the Warrior Caste. He is the older brother of Ragnar the Bold - whose wife Frigga he married after his brother's presumed death - and the uncle and adoptive father of Jorg-Hammer. He's also responsible for personally mentoring Hel-Star in her induction into the Warrior Caste. Thor-Axe is renowned not only throughout the Havsbladen for his ferocity in battle, but throughout the other Northern Tribes as well. He earned his name and epithet by impaling a yeti with his favored axe.
Vaslav II Orrukov

Vaslav II Orrukov is the Grand General of Durkheim's Armies, and the younger brother of Tsar Ulrich Orrukov. He is named for his grandfather, Tsar Vaslav I. Vaslav is considered by many to actually be a superior warrior to Ulrich himself, and many suspect him as being a scheming betrayer waiting in the wings - plotting to take the throne for himself. By all appearances however, Vaslav is a loyal man, who spends most of his time abroad from Durkheim, being his brother's most prevalent representative to foreign powers - most often the slaver states of Sethulhmet, which Vaslav often visits with trading fleets. Vaslav himself has two children by his wife Sabina: Sigrav, and Ursola.
Shelyn

The Incorruptible

Lady of Chrysanthemums

Shelyn is a goddess of beauty, art, and love - once revered by humankind before the War, and now having faded into relative obscurity as the arts have become less and less of a concern for the people of the wasteland. Famous in mythology as the twin and polar opposite of her traitorous brother, the mad and depraved Zon-Kuthon, Shelyn is everything her brother is not - graceful, inspiring, and a patron to those who seek to create rather than destroy. Many of Noxerra's long-dead but famous writers and artists credit Shelyn as sort of divine muse, and as a love goddess she was often invoked in wedding rituals - though it is rare these days to find someone willing to sing her praises. Still, there are those few creative spirits that still persist in their adulation of the goddess.
Zehir

The Venomous One

The Coiled King

He Who Waits Beneath the Sands

Zehir is the patron deity of the serpentfolk of Sethulhmet and beyond. In ancient times he was a highly revered god, but as the serpentfolk were gradually superseded as the dominant force in the desert by elves and humans, temples to the Great Serpent fell into obscurity and shadow. Historically, Zehir was a powerful force during the Reckoning War long before the War of the Nine Knights, when a cult of serpentfolk and elves instigated an intercontinental conflict, plunging the known world into a massive war. In the present day, he is again a more shadowy god, a patron to assassins and alchemists that deal in poisons and other drugs. Within the context of Sethulhmet, Zehir was a great enemy of the otherwise more lawful pantheon that included types such as Abadar and Pelor.
Vel

Vel is a gnoll slaver and a member of Trask's slaving band, along with her brother Ven. Between the two of them, Vel is considered the smarter and more mentally inclined one. At some point, Vel was a member of the Red Claw before being exiled for some unknown reason, at which point she joined up with the slavers. Vel and Ven were an integral part of the Forgeborn's plans to gain access to the Iron Tomb, having been sent to Dreadmont to aid in infiltrating Wuulgruf's Vault where the key to the Iron Tomb was, as well as help smuggle in the Forgeborn automatons sent to assassinate the Council of Dreadmont. Vel and Ven escaped imprisonment in Dreadmont and rejoined the slavers in Mordenheim, where they alter escaped the battle aboard the *Dauntless*. Her current whereabouts are unknown.
Xaegaroth

>  *"I go now to the pits to march in Selvetarm's army so I may see the Abyss released on this world again, so I might give you the battle and death you deserve."*
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> - Xaegaorth, as he was dying
>
>

**Xaegaroth, *"the Merciless,"*** was a member of the Queensguard, the loyal order of drow who are most fanatically dedicated to Queen Zyara, the Knight of Pain. Perhaps the most level-headed of the group, Xaegaroth was a grand general of Zventhos's armies during the War, and had returned to the position - being a stern commander and military strategist, notorious for taking zero prisoners.

During the Queensguard's reoccupation of Zventhos, Xaegaroth set about conquering the ruin of Volazyrris - once the holding of the royal Volanys family, the remnants of which were led by Lord Azerys Volanys. Xaegaroth's occupation lasted several weeks, during which he killed Azerys's middle daughter Na'lynzari, as well as capturing his youngest, Syztra. Eventually, the Orrukov Expedition that included the party arrived in the ruins, allying with the Volanys remnants (which also included the Priestess - a former ally of the Queensguard). The expedition staged a rescue mission for Siztra while Azerys led a forward attack on the Volanys Keep where Xaegaroth had established his base camp. Unfortunately, Syztra had already been spirited away to Nzzerys to be experimented on by Klavus, though the party did manage to rescue and recruit Nastalia Einar - a member of the 40 Lashes also sent to rescue the Priestess.

After rescuing Nastalia, the expedition emerged in the courtyard of the keep to witness Xaegaroth parlaying with Azerys at the Keep gates, where he held Kazt'riah Volanys captive (who had scouted ahead of the party). Despite Azerys's attempts to make Xaegaroth relinquish his daughters, the Merciless merely pointed out that the old drow was honor-bound to fight him regardless of whether or not the girls lived or died - and prompty executed Kaz'triah before her father. Azerys led a charge towards the Keep in response - with the party aiding in the battle behind enemy lines. Over the course of the battle, Xaegaroth was finally defeated, ultimately slain by Nymue like Jaxza before him.

For all intents and purposes, the battle at the Keep was a pyrrhic victory for all involved, with Azerys and most of his forces having died in the battle along with those of Xaegaroth's, and Syztra still in the clutches of Klavus a city away. The Priestess quietly mourned Xaegaroth as the "best" of the Queensguard - remarking that before becoming Zyara'a general, he had been a gladiatorial slave - victimized himself and shaped by violence from a young age. She and Nymue gave him a burial alongside the bodies of his soldiers slain in the battle.
Vorgun

Admiral Vorgun is a high ranking member of the Orrukov Regime's naval forces, and the captain of the *Stalwart*. Vorgun is responsible for clearing ships for docking in the harbor outside of Durkheim proper, keeping a manifest of ships and passengers for the Regime's records. A strict professional, Vorgun is often the first line of defense and greeting for new arrivals by sea for traders and visitors to the duergar city-state.
Shattered Kingdoms Era

***The Shattered Kingdoms*** was one of the eras or ages of Noxerra's ancient history. It succeeded the Old Empire era and covers a nearly 50-year long period of war caused by the Cathyrion Empire's collapse and subsequent war for control of the Empire's various provinces and vassal states - hence the era's name. The war itself was commonly called the Shattered War. The end of the war saw the landscape of Solerra shift considerably - new borders drawn up, territories divided, and governments established under new rulers. This war largely led to the installment of the political dynasties that were still in power under the Sol Empire and during the War of the Nine Knights. Despite the relative shortness of this era, the Shattered Kingdoms is one of the longest-reaching and most impactful periods of Noxerra's history, with many of it's legendary figures still being known even after the apocalyptic collapse. The era was followed by the Great Romance - a time of relative peace, adventure, and grander tales of heroism and more idealistic wars, following the brutality of the Empire's collapse and war for it's remains.
Saadia Zalharad

Saadia Zalharad was one of the Triumvirate of the fifth Sovereignty of Jadus, alongside her siblings Nazira and Suada. Saadia was the product of incest between Suada and his mother, Zahara, making Saadia Suada's sister-daughter. She would later become one of Suada's wives as well, alongside her half-sister Nazira during their time as co-Sovereigns as the Triumvirate. The nature of Saadia's relationship with the much older Suada, who was both her brother *and* father to boot, is highly questionable - with many outside Jadus speculating as to the girl's mental state. Saadia was the least visual of the Triumvirate, often mute in public and widely regarded to be near-catatonic, no doubt a victim of the increasingly common Zalharad madness. Being much younger than her siblings though, Saadia was regarded as among the most beautiful of the women in the Zalharad line.

She sadly met a tragic end when she was murdered by Nazira in a fit of jealous rage over Suada's affections. Pregnant at the time, Saadia lost both the child and her life. Nazira was executed on Suada's orders not long after. Before her death, Saadia did have a child by Suada - a daughter, Shaatha, who would go on to marry her half-brother, Vhadem, and rule as co-sovereigns after Suada's death. The conflict between Nazira and Saadia still haunts Jadus, with many debating who had more of a claim to the throne and the Zalharad legacy between the two.
Westward Wolf

The *Westward Wolf* was the flagship of the Havsbladen fleet headed west. It was captained and commissioned by Ragnar the Bold, who led the expedition after receiving permission from Stranrir, the Shipmaster Elder. The *Westward Wolf*, as well as the other ships in the fleet, shipwrecked on the island of Krakengärd as a result of the island's magical storms. Ragnar himself drowned in the shipwreck, and the wreckage of the ship was converted into a memorial to the other Havsbladen lost in the storm when it proved impossible to salvage and repair the ship in its entirety. The names of those lost are now inscribed in the hull of the ship, along with a message reading:

*"This ship is a monument to our fallen brothers and sisters. May you have better fortune in your journey beyond than we had in our journey here."*

There is also a message carved into the hull pointing other castaways who might happen on the wreck to the township of Nightport to the south, where the Havsbladen survivors began building a new home.
Zebediah Carver

Zebediah Carver, often called "Old Zeb," is the patriarch of the Carver family and owner of Carver Farms. He is a powerful cattle baron and is well-respected across Yarmouth for providing the region with much of it's food supply in the form of meat, dairy, and various crops. Old Zeb has a reputation as a cold and hard man to work for, however, and is an incredibly private individual who forbids merchants and traders to directly enter the farms' territory - employing a small army of mercenaries as private security to patrol the farmland's borders. Zeb has occasionally made appearances in the courts of Yarmouth's Barons as a sign of good faith, but he rarely travels outside of his territory or directly engages with the merchants he trades with.
Takashi

Takashi is a member of the 40 Lashes, a religious order of assassins dedicated to Calistria. Little is known about him, though he apparently had been tracking the movements of the Party for some time during the Forgeborn Threat, and had taken an interest in Pezzack. In the aftermath of the Battle of Mordenheim, Takashi extended an offer to join the 40 Lashes to Pezzack on the condition that he travel to Durkheim and pursue the Priestess - who had gone missing - to earn his membership. He gifted Pezzack with the Priestess's own holy weapon, the whip known as the 13th Lash. After delivering this message, Takashi seemingly left Mordenheim and was not heard from again. His current whereabouts are unknown.
Vaerald II Orrukov

Prince Vaerald II was the second son of Tsar Vaerald I. Little is known of Vaerald himself as he died before his older brother, the Tsar. When Tsar Vaslav I died without issue, however, Vaerald II's children inherited the throne - with the title of Tsar passing to his eldest Vaerald III. Vaerald II had another son, Hakor I, whose descendants are also still alive.
Wolfsbane Lodge

Wolfsbane Lodge is a small community of hunters and trappers living in the forests of Golgotha. It is one of the few known communities of wastelanders that dare to make their home in the forest. A cross between a town and an actual hunting lodge, it is home to a great many hunters seeking to hunt more dangerous game - including supernatural creatures such as werewolves and savage druids that make their home in the surrounding woods.
Taken Sisterhood

Crest of the Taken Sisterhood

The Taken Sisterhood is a religious order dedicated to Wee Jas living in the forests of Golgotha, in the Jasper Garden in the ruins of the Jasidan Academy for Gifted Magi. Established at an unknown time after the War, the Sisterhood are dedicated to acquiring magical artifacts and information as well as dealing with "obscene" magical creatures and practitioners, such as necromancers, demons, and others. Highly devoted to the laws of their goddess, the Taken Sisterhood are one of the most secretive organizations in the wasteland, with few - even those dwelling in Golgotha - aware of their existence. The Sisterhood is led by a Pontifex (high priestess), with the current Pontifex being a Suel woman, Shaedasa Umbel.
Krampus

Krampus was a demon that summoned snow people to attack farms and travelers outside of Westruun. He was slain by Familia Exitibus during their first adventure together.

## Description

Krampus was a 6 foot tall monster covered in dark fur with cloven hooves, a tail, two large horns, pointed ears, and a long tongue.

## Biography

It is unknown when or how Krampus was created.

Krampus was the only creature to exit through the portal to the Abyss at Shatterstone Tower before Dhuvak Castbrand sealed it.

He spent his time on Exandria summoning an army of snow people to attack the farms and travelers outside of Westruun. ￼

An unsuccessful snow person attack on the founding members of Familia Exitibus and Luken Farrimond orchestrated by Krampus would lead to his demise.

After the attack failed, Familia Exitibus was hired by Jeremiah Sook, the head of Westruun's Farmer's Guild, to slay Krampus.

Familia Exitibus marched to Shatterstone Tower to slay Krampus, eventually fighting him and his minions outside of the ruined tower.

The party came out on top, executing Krampus, looting his tower, cooking and eating him, and using his fur and horns as crafting supplies.

## Equipment

* ~~Large Drum~~ (Looted by Artis Meretrix)

## Quotations

"I'm Krampus, bitch!" (Krampus' response to being asked who he is.)

## Trivia

* Krampus was based off of the the Central European folklore figure, as well as the figure's portrayal in the American animated sitcom American Dad.
* Before being given an accurate name, Krampus' drum was named the Drummy Drum.
* Krampus' meat tasted similar to chicken with a gamier flavor and a brimstone smell.
* Krampus' stat block was identical to the one present in a holiday adventure article on Tribality.com.
* A cloak made from Krampus' hide was originally sold to Gilmore by Morthos. Morthos promptly repurchased the cloak, and gave it to Azrael. It now rests in the trophy room of the Morningstar Manor.
* Jeremiah paid for one of Krampus' horns to be turned into a drinking horn for Sulva. This drinking horn now rests in the trophy room of the Morningstar Manor.
* Azrael had Kerrek coat one of Krampus' horns in iron, and forge it into a dagger. The dagger currently belongs to Thokk Fungusdent.
Vidal

Lieutenant Vidal is a Blood Hunter. His primary role is as the gatekeeper of the city of Dreadmont, responsible for ushering visitors, traders, and potential settlers into the city. More importantly, Lieutenant Vidal is responsible for checking for any arcane contraband that enters the city, and oversees it's transportation to the Witching District where it is legal.
Vhadem Zalharad

Vhadem Zalharad, with his sister-wife Shaatha, was the seventh Sovereign of Jadus. Vhadem succeeded his father, Suada Zalharad, the longest-serving Sovereign in the city's history. Vhadem was the son of Suada and his sister-wife Nazira. While Vhadem showed promise as an effective and wise ruler who was heavily mentored by his father to one day take his place - and who was widely respected and liked throughout his father's long rule - Vhadem's own reign was cut short when he was assassinated by a member of he and his sister's harem. The assassin was a bastard daughter of Saadia Zalharad, who wanted revenge for Saadia's death at the hands of Vhadem's mother, Nazira. The sibling rivalry between the sisters was a stain on Suada's reign that had bled into that of his children. A bright young man, Vhadem is viewed in much the same light as Jezebel and Tash - rulers whose short reigns were cut short by personal rivalries. While Vhadem had a long life in the public eye of Jadus's society as a member of the noble family, he served only eight years as Sovereign. Vhadem's legacy was continued by his sister-wife Shaatha, who ruled after his death for many years. The two had one son during their union, Hajara.