"There in Blackvine Manor,
Above the city aglow,
Awaits both stabbing thorn and hanging branch,
The likes of which many do know."
-Excerpt from 'There in Blackvine Manor' (Popular tavern ballad. Composer unknown)
______________________________
HOUSE BLACKVINE
.LORD ASTERLIND BLACKVINE.
The Master Vintner, Lord of the Vine
Eccentric and sly, the former Lord of the City of Blackvine was both shrewd and fair, with equal mind for matters of commerce and public opinion. During his carefully conducted reign, Blackvine blossomed into a political and economic powerhouse. The Blackvine family's vinyard produces some of the most highly prized wine in all the realm, and as a result, the family's coffers overflowed with lucre while under the disciplined control of the family's head. Though the sudden illness and death of the Patriarch of the Blackvine family seven years ago has left the future of the land uncertain and in the hands of two bickering twins. As the Brothers Blackvine plot and counterplot to foil the plans of their sibling, the city proper has descended into a murky stew of increasing violence and debauchery. The townspeople who remember life under the rule of the Master Vintner can hardly believe that they still live in the same place...
.YURAL BLACKVINE.
The Chessmaster, Old Stoneblood
Cold and calculating ever since boyhood, Yural Blackvine is a bitter and spiteful soul. Plagued with a sickly constitution ever since his youth, the often bed-ridden child spent years of his life reading whatever he could get his cold hands upon. As a result, there are few things in the realm of strategy and lore that he does not know. However, his lonely education assured that he would be less than adept when dealing with others. His callous demeanor and unfeeling affect earned him the nickname 'Old Stoneblood' when he was just 12 years old, and the name's stuck for good reason.
.TANNARD BLACKVINE.
The Absent Virtuoso, Liege of the People
Of the two Blackvine Brothers, Tannard is by far hailed and loved by the populace most. His carefree nature and free spirit lend him a far more socialized bent than his Brother. However, his tendency towards generosity and debauched celebration have quickly turned the family's once-formidable finances into shambles, and his flippant attitude towards fiscal responsibility assure the people of Blackvine an entertaining whirlwind-ride towards economic disaster. A talented musician and composer, Tannard Blackvine often stages elaborate (and free to attend) performances where he showcases his skill with the violin. He recently has gained even more popularity (and infamy) by becoming engaged to a peasant-girl more than half his age, adding to the frenzy of rumors that surround the remaining scions of the Blackvine family.
.LADY POLLINOR "POLLY" HUSTBARVER.
The Child-Bride, Lady of Grapes
Fresh faced, youthful and empty-headed, Lady Polly is a kind-hearted, but woefully naive girl of 16 years of age who has recently been vaunted into the spotlight after being formally engaged to Lord Tannard. Having been plucked from a peasant family, those of Noble-birth see her as a filthy, gaudy Commoner, but to the rank-and-file who dwell in the city of Blackvine, she has made Tannard Blackvine even more popular with the common man. Due to her rather buxom build, the less civilized among the townspeople have begun referring to her as 'The Lady of Grapes' for reasons that should be obvious. While this polarizing young girl has become the instant topic of discussion around the city, none can argue with her natural beauty and soft heart. Lady Polly is petrified of the dark and is fond of ducks.
.MISTER RUGVARD. (ROOG-Vard)
Head of the Blackvine City Watch, Faithful Roogy
Ever dependable and fanatically loyal to the Blackvine family, Mister Rugvard has served dutifully for countless decades. The Dwarf is stoic and watchful and even-tempered, and acts as Majordomo and personal Protector of the Blackvine Brothers, and often acts as peacekeeper between them when arguments erupt (which are increasing both in frequency and escalation). Rugvard also commands the town guard, but has been spending more and more time trying to maintain the peace between the Blackvine Twins instead of tending to matters of Citywide security. As such, the town guard have lapsed into laziness and corruption, just like the rest of the City. Rugvard is honest and faithful to his House, and seeks to restore Blackvine to its former glory, no matter how scant chances of that might seem.
THE USHERS OF THE COIL
.MRS. TETHERBANK.
Your Most-Proper Hostess, The Widow Tetherbank
When one thinks of a Lieutenant for a shadow-shrouded entity like The Visitor, very few would expect someone like the incomparable Mrs. Tetherbank. Ever pleasant and always armed with a smile, this unassuming creature is in charge of the Coil-Born's incursion into the vulnerable city of Blackvine. Her friendly disposition and meticulous politeness make Mrs. Tetherbank rather popular among her peers, and she is always on top of the latest gossip about town.
.VULGRID.
The Grey Butcher of Korble
Born into a life of harrowing violence and brutality, the Half-Orc known as Vulgrid took to a soldier's life from an early age. Her eagerness to fly into battle quickly earned her command of her own Mercenary unit that she fronted with great success until they were betrayed and sent on a suicide mission by a haughty Noble in the small town of Korble. As the last survivor of the mission, Vulgrid discovered her employer's betrayal and single-handedly slaughtered the Baron...alongside the other residents of Korble, earning her a reputation as a soldier that does not respond well to betrayal.
.PLUTOV DOURSTONE.
Old Man Dourstone, The Hermit of the Shattered Forest
A simple Dwarf looking to live a simple life, Plutov's plans were interrupted when a feral band of Elves descended on his small cabin and slaughtered his family when he was out hunting in the wilds. Since then, the savage Ranger has held a deep hatred of Woodland Elves and makes it his personal business to know everything he can about his most hunted enemy. It is said that strange whispers from another dimension told him, one by one, where he could find those that murdered his family, and after claiming his vengeance, he has pledged his services to The Visitor ever since.
.LONDIL.
Last Survivor of Fornhollow, Priestess of Putrescence
Small and almost doll-like, the Human Cleric known as Londil was but a child when the Blightmare Fever ravaged her home of Fornhollow, and as she lay there, writhing in her sickbed, the fever-stricken child saw an apparition of the Plague-God Incabulos offer her mercy in exchange for her young life in service to his puss-filled aims. She agreed and was spared from the fate that consumed her family and homeland, and ventured forth into the lands of Men to spread the infection of her deity's foul worship.
.FRITZEN.
Loyal Manservant of the Coil
Obsessively single-minded and desperately eager to serve, the addled Human named Fritzen has pledged his undying loyalty and feverishly thorough cleaning talents to the Ushers of the Coil, and handles all manner of mundane tasks for the Blackvine Cell. From sweeping and dusting to disposing of bodily remains, Fritzen is always excited to lend his efforts towards furthering the organizations ends.
THE UNAFFILIATED
.WARDEN ZILEECE.
The Netherwarden, The Devil of Gutley
Cruel and hell-bent on delighting in the misery of others, Warden Zileece has found herself the perfect occupation as Warden of Trenchmaw Dungeon in the small, forgettable town of Gutley. Within the stone walls and rusted iron bars of her kingdom, the Warden delights in setting her Prisoners in savage gladiatorial games for her own wretched amusement, where the winner might earn himself a second helping of dinner that evening. She revels in practicing her whip-stroke against the backs of the Prisoners she so readily abuses, and is never seen without her personal Executioner, a lumbering, pot-bellied and dim witted Human named Yurd.
.FETHIL DEEPNOSE.
Crazed Chronicler, The Laughing Gnome
Before his death, Lord Asterlind Blackvine suddenly had his House's personal Lore Keeper arrested and dragged off to a neighboring Jail. The outburst seemed to come out of nowhere, as the Gnome's loyalty had never been put into question before the incident, but a claim of theft was enough to see the deed done. Currently rotting away in a filthy Prison in the neighboring town of Gutley, Fethil rambles incoherently and anxiously awaits his execution.
.SCURROW SHATTERGRIP.
The Broken Thief
Unlucky and mild-natured, Scurrow and his older Brother Jallick were orphaned at an early age and did what they had to do to survive. Always smaller and weaker than his much larger, stronger Brother, Scurrow's talents were in his mastery of picking locks. His career was cut short when he was apprehended by the town guard trying to break into a horse stable, but his Brother managed to escape. Not long after arriving in Trenchmaw Dungeon, the vile Warden Zileece had the young Thief's fingers broken as punishment during one of her wild rampages, earning him the nickname "Shattergrip". Scurrow longs for freedom and languishes in prison, desperately awaiting the day when his protective older Brother might return to free him.
.JALLICK.
Of The Fae Blood Brothers
Strong, ill-tempered and hard-headed, Scurrow's older brother Jallick is the brawn to his younger Brother's brains. After reuniting after Scurrow's escape from Trenchmaw Prison, the two Brothers began a lucrative business dealing in highly addictive Fae Blood. Where they get their supply of the enchanted stuff, however, is a mystery that neither is eager to divulge...
.GROVODOR KEGPLUG.
Legendary Felon, Proprietor of the Flayed Fae Tavern
Famous for his lengthy rap sheet and mouth full of Mithril Teeth, Grovodor Kegplug retired from the criminal adventuring game years ago and put his healthy life savings into opening a popular Tavern in the middle of the Shattered Forest. The Flayed Fae acts as neutral ground and violence within its walls is strictly prohibited. Many nefarious local gangs talk business inside the hallowed walls of the famous Tavern, and it is a staple of the area. As you might expect, the cunning Dwarf owner of the place benefits handsomely from the tithes of local criminals and bandits in the area, who often give a share of their lucre out of pure respect to the legendary scoundrel.
.BIG BOSS SKIVEL.
Big Cheese of the Green Fiend Crew
The Shattered Forest is home to countless small and quarreling bands of nefarious highwaymen, but the Green Fiend Crew stand above the rest as a group of prominence in the area. Comprised solely of Goblins and Bugbears, the wild batch of chaotic bandits is led by Big Boss Skivel, who chain-smokes and chain-schemes with that very big brain of his.
.YADROS THE DIVINER.
Farseer of Blackvine, Owner of Past & Present Tense Magic Shop
Flamboyant and ever-dramatic, the Wizard named Yadros owns a Magic and fortune telling shop in the affluent Riverly Ward of Blackvine City, where he amasses a curious collection of strange trinkets and creatures to dazzle his Noble clientele. In his past, the colorful fortune teller was partners with Winstead Tetherbank, a Sorcerer who met a rather unfortunate end at the hands of the Wyld magic that he foolishly sought to control...
.SIR BOLTRADD LANDRICK.
Paladin of St. Cuthbert
The famed Adventurer and pious devotee named Sir Landrick is a veritable legend among the common people of the realm. Known for his stoic demeanor and zealous devotion to law and fairness, the bold Paladin seeks to eradicate injustice wherever it shows its depraved head. Recently, Sir Landrick and his young Squire have vowed to uproot the corruption and graft that has afflicted Blackvine City since the death of its former Regent. Sir Landrick intends on brokering peace and mediating disputes between the squabbling brothers Yural and Tannard Blackvine for the good of the people. Time will tell if this lofty ambition will come to fruition.
The Upstart Apprentice
Young, handsome and ever hungry for the spotlight, the talented Squire to Sir Landrick is eager to prove himself to his legendary Mentor. Taking up the sword after the untimely death of his innocent younger Sister, Seranae, Squire Vanderwall enthusiastically hopes to rise to the status of Paladin and exceed even the lofty reputation of Sir Landrick. Wielding a wickedly sharp great sword named Serenae's Song, Squire Vanderwall revels in the adulation of the people, much to the chagrin of his older, wiser Mentor.
.LORD NELVARD BALTHEER.
The Bachelor Baltheer
Despite his miniscule height, Lord Baltheer houses the largest coffers in all of Blackvine City, and his pull among the nobility is as vast as he is short. The finicky noble supports Yural Blackvine's bid to the throne and backs his claim with the massive wealth of his House. As Lord Baltheer goes, so do the other Noble houses of Blackvine. Something of a lady's man, Lord Baltheer's dalliances about town are often the subject of much gossip and rumormongering.
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