A group of 3 young lunar men from the heartland come to Balazar for two seasons exotic hunting, wanting to ‘bag a thunder lizard’. They believe they are out of the danger of the dart completions in Balazar and are somewhat carefree in their attitude.  They also have not realised that their rank will hold little sway and offer little protection outside the court of Elkio.

Thy are currently guests of Glyptus the Good, who they view as a country bumpkin, but who offers better hospitality than the local inn.

Currently there is an ongoing plot against the nobles, one bodyguard was subtlety murdered in Mrins Cross has been murdered and one bodyguard has been turned. the stay in Balazar will be eventful.

Plot Uses

These fellows can be used as employers, adversaries, victims or agent provocateurs. They have little reason to pick a fight with PC’s but may create conflict due to high handiness, thoughtlessness or general stupidity. This could be aimed at the PC’s or friends and associates.

If the PC’s assault kill or kidnap these individuals the Lunar authorities will be forced to throw serious manpower into recovery or revenge missions.

Aetius could be the central piece of a nice of fake ‘my death plot’  with pc’s hired to fake his death, and then put all of the investigating/retributing authorities of his path.

The PC’s could also be hired by Petronius to track down any potential assassins as he becomes more concerned about the life of his charges. Or the pc’s could just be present when an attack is made on the Nobles, and maybe even thought to be involved in it.

Aetius Agga Rufelza,

Lunar Noble, Initiate of Seven Mothers
Runes: Moon, Mastery, Movement
Threat Level ***
Traits: Extrovert, Physical, Charismatic, Energetic, Selfish

A good looking and athletic young man in his early 20’s. Cousin to Queen Jocetis, the eldest son and due to inherit considerable power and influence, he is destined to be part of the Lunar Administration but is at best an average student of the arts pertaining to government.

Has enjoyed being outdoors and is enjoying a ‘life of adventure’.Likes the company of warriors and hunters, Feels more at home here and does not want to return to the heartlands.He is an excellent horseman, and good with both scimitar and bow.

Woefully unaware of the needs of others, he is not intentionally cruel but can be very selfish. Marusa has identified him as a possible future husband as he would be a positive move up the ladder for her, however he has no more than a casual interest in her which could prove fatal.

Marcus Agga Rufelza,

Lunar Noble, Initiate of Seven Mothers
Runes: Fire, Law, Harmony
Threat Level **
Traits: Cautious, Thoughtful, Follower, Nervous

Younger brother of Aetius and looks up to him. Marcus is the diligent hardworking and academic of the bothers.  He is at home in the Lunar heartlands and finds Balazar very uncomfortable, though he would not want his brother to know this fact.

He is also in love with a girl back home, and resisting the temptations of local women (with all that hair!) despite the ridicule of his compatriots.

It is very possible that Marcus may over compensate for his perceived failings, and do something rash, brave or stupid that will put him and the others in danger.

Though young he has a head for money and finance and probably has the best knowledge of monetary policy of anyone in Balazar at this moment.

Nerva Ven Varse,

Lunar Noble,  Initiate of Seven Mothers
Rune: Moon, Disorder , Mastery
Threat Level ***
Traits: Aggressive, Physical, Suspicious, Greedy

A close friend of Aetius from a more modest house, Nerva is your archetypal bully. Of good physique and with some martial training, Nerva has been used to being able intimidate his fellow students and compatriots.

He continues to use his connection with Aetius, his status as the Kings guest and his Lunar citizenship to bully and intimidate some of the locals.

Nerva is a habitual and talented gambler but also a skilled cheat, he has weighted dice and marked cards that he will use whenever he sees a likely dupe. Nerva has no need for the money, but sees cheating as a way of proving to himself that he is smarter than his opponent.

Disliked by all the group apart from Aetius

Petronius,

Lunar Bodyguard, YanafalTarnis – Initiate
Runes:  Moon, Death, Truth
Threat Level ****
Traits: Proud, Cautious, Honourable, Brave

A highly skilled, dependable warrior who has served the family for 15 years after 7 years in the heartland Corps , however Is unsure of his surroundings beyond civilization, and finds Balazar unfamiliar and troubling.

He is concerned the young lords will create too much trouble in the area, is constantly alert for potential trouble. He unsure what happened to the other Guard who disappeared  in Mrins cross so is being more vigilant than usual.

Though respectful to the Lords he is not employed by them, and is loyal to Aetius’s father, and if he feels it is needed for their safety and security can order the young nobles about.

Scaevola is a long term friend who he trusts and does not suspect. He often drinks too much, but only when off duty. He is very proud of his Iron Scimitar

Scaevola

Lunar Bodyguard  YanafalTarnis – Initiate

Threat Level ***
Traits: Brave, Reliable, Physical, Calm

An older man in his mid 30’s, he is a loyal guard who has served the family for 12 years, However he has been blackmailed to make an attempt of Aetius life, as a rival lunar family have his young daughter held captive.

He disposed of one of the other guards on the journey down and he was supposed to hire an associate in Mrins cross, but Petronius chose Calia as a replacement as she has no close contact with anyone from the heartlands.

Currently Scaevola is pensive and snappy, Petronius has put this down to the surroundings and doesn’t understand what he his friend is going through.

Calia

Lunar Bodyguard, – Seven Mother Initiate
Runes: Moon, Movement, Beast
Threat Level ***
Traits: Clever, Dependable, Cautious, Innovative, Nervous

Originally from a hill tribe in western Holay and has served for 5 years in a mercenary regiment, she usually works as a caravan guard, but has developed a good reputation as a reliable solid employee.

She was picked up by Petronius after one the original bodyguards disappeared on the journey down. Since joining the group she has quickly developed a particular dislike of Nerva, and tries ties keep ‘the creep’ at arm’s length.  Petronius doesn’t think she is as respectful as she should be to her employers, but is impressed with her quiet efficiency.

She is Skilled with 2-handed spear , and competent in the wilds. She has picked up a fondness for the dogs which are ubiquitous in Balazar

Wuylar Distantheart,

Elkoi Hunter,  Found Child Initiate
Runes:  Fire, Death, Harmony
Threat Level ***
Traits: Cautious, Introvert, Patient, Stoic

A hired local guide and older Hunter From the Red Sable Clan of Elkoi, he has hunted the lands round Elkoi for the past 20 years. As a traditional hunter he has taken offence at his employers for disrespecting the peaceful cut and local hunting traditions

He is amazed at how bad the nobles are at hunting and will happily sell them out to anyone who may want to attack them, as long as Nasir and himself are long gone and not implicated in any way.

Nasir Longknife ,

Eloi Hunter – Foundchild Initiate
Runes:  Water, Death, Harmony
Threat Level **
Traits: Energetic, Brave, Dishonest, Clever

The nephew of Wuylar and a young brave From the Red Sable Clan, like his mentor he has also taken great offence at the nobles for disrespecting the peaceful cut and hunting traditions

However he has developed a crush on Calia and would be sad to leave, however he has been gently pilfering from his employers and this has not been noticed yet.

Mercenary Scum from the Lunar Provinces

Baron’s Blackshields call themselves a mercenary band but a really an adventuring group. They are a disparate group of Individuals but can be identified easily each carries a matt black shield.

They are currently employed on a long term contract by Halycon Von Enkorth in the service of Lunar Empire. They are used for roles which he needs a degree of loyalty for but does not want to go through the standard military authorities.

The group is initially from Holay and Tarsh but can’t return home with ease  due to past crimes. They are cunning and vicious, but ill-disciplined and arrogant. They do not think there is anyone in Balazar they should be scared of, but have been lucky enough  not encounter any more powerful groups of the elder races so far.

Usually when on job which takes them out of Elkoi they hire associates to bulk out numbers, and to do much of the dying. These could be Elkoi Hunters, Holayan mercenaries, Imther Barbarians or Tusk Riders.

Being in the service of Halycon Von Enkorth they are immune to punishment for any crimes which are not to Lunar Citizens or property.

Plot uses: These are Halycons stooges, recurring crafty sneaky mean, bad guys. They will be thoroughly wasted if used in one random direct combat encounter only to die early.

If players cross the Lunar Empire these are the guys who will be sent deep into Balazar after them. They will usually do so with extra mercenaries as backup.

If encountered more randomly they could be;

• Causing minor trouble around any of the citadels.
• Found bullying Small Balazarings groups out in the wilds usually after their women.
• Escorting someone back to Elkoi for a ‘discussion’ with Halcyon von Enkorth
• Tracking and hunting for anyone Haylcon Von Enkorth decides is a threat to the empire
• Engage in long range scouting for the Empire

If the players are Lunar these guys make good rivals as they would not be adverse to some foul play to ensure they continue to get the good jobs. Weaker parties could suffer this gang as very poor employers.

Later in the campaign they will turn on Halcyon because he is not able to pay them for work done, and they will be outlawed from Elkoi also and have to flee deeper into Balazar.

Baron Tyler

Initiate of Seven Mothers
Runes: Moon, Death, Movement
Threat Level ****
Traits : Aggressive, Patient, Calm, Leader, Cunning, Violent, Greedy

The leader of the group, he is a man in his Early 40’s,  greying long hair with shaved sides and long beard but Lithe and light of frame with active and alert eyes.

His title is a work of fiction, he is a Former Street urchin from Mrins cross in Holay who Spent 21 years with the silver shields, ended as sergeant. Has spent 6 years with his own band since, he functions as the leader of the group.

He is a skilled warrior with Scimitar and Javelin and wields and iron scimitar. He has the cunning of an old warrior and if ever possible will make sure the odds are stacked in his favour before fighting. He is loyal to no one and if he feels his life is one the line he will leave his mission or any of the his compatriots without a second thought.

He has a deep love of gold and wears a few interesting pieces of gold jewellery. He has an light infantryman’s dislike of horsemen and cavalry, and will prefer to walk in most instances.

Trishana Salma

Initiate of Seven Mothers
Runes: Moon, Death, Mastery
Threat Level: ****
Traits: Extrovert, Calm, Brave, Humorous

Trishana  was born a Petty Noble from the Filichet area. In his Late 20’s, with a shaved head, strong duelling scar across left cheek

Being an excellent swordsman’s, he was a former duellist, and unfortunately killed a local magistrate’s younger cousin in a duel. Since that point he has been lying low with Baron Tyler for 4 years.

Highly Skilled with Scimitar, rapier and round shield he is very confident in his abilities and likes to challenge a single opponent to a duel.

He is a likeable and charismatic character and will usually be the one to hire and command mercenaries’ for the group. He is the closest thing has to Tylers second in command.

Trishana is most educated of the group likes to read and has a fondness for Carmarthen poetry.

Big Howarth

Initiate of Seven Mothers
Runes: Moon, Disorder, Stasis
Threat level: ***
Thraits: Impulsive, Greedy, Lazy, Brave

Early 20’s, very fat as well as being very large being over 6’ 7” in height and 350lbs in weight. He is incredibly strong but slow of speed and wit.

He grew up as a son of herder from near Eneal and quickly learned to use his size to exhort a living. Having never being a trained warrior he was recruited due to his size and strength, receiving a level of training from the Baron, he isn’t a skilled warrior but is deadly due to his strength. He been with the gang for 2 years

He uses a uses a Pole Axe in battle and is used particularly to attack larger foes, and is often protected by a Tolar

He loves food and continues to be a glutton

Tolar Blackheart

Apostate of Yelmalio
Runes: Sky, Stasis, Death
Threat level: ****
Traits: Dour, Dishonest, Lethargic, Slightly bitter but loyal Individual

A burly, bearded, deep voiced individual in his lates 20’s, who is a solid warrior in Templar mode.

However he was broken out as a Sun Dome Templar, when he ran from a troll in battle. He has been with the gang for 4 years.

He is slow to change has not found a new path he wishes to embrace yet, he is considering the Lunar way but has not yet decided to commit to it.

He is a keen proponent of the game shield push and is trying to teach the lunar garrison at Elkoi the game. He will also bet on any game of shield push he encounters.

He usually fights with hoplite shield and long spear but when fighting larger foes acts as shield man for Howarth . He has taken to drinking, but is a functioning alcoholic who has a deep rooted hatred of trolls, and wants the chance to prove himself against his butter foe.

Telina

Tracker – Initiate of  Foundchild
Threat Level: **
Runes: Earth, Death, Harmony
Traits: Impulsive. Optimistic, Ambitious, Emotional

In her Early 20’s,an Elkoi Balazaring Hunter from the Great Bear Clan who wants to be a rich famous and great warrior, now in her 2^nd season with the gang.She is a competent tracker and useful with a bow, and probably the best woodsmen in the group.

Currently she is the partner of Baron Tyler, but the relationship is borne of convenience and there is a lack of depth and commitment from both sides. She much more idealistic and less world-weary than the rest of the gang so she does wonder who and what she has got herself involved with. She wants to travel widely and may ditch the group for a better offer.

She travels with two hunter dogs called tesh and tash who she is more than fond of.  She maintains close contact with a number of childhood friends from her old clan, but ensures they do not get involved with the blackshields.

Kalis

Shaman from Imther – Jakaleel Tradition
Runes:  Dying Moon, Spirit, Life
Threat Level: ***
Traits: Cautious, Patient, Greedy,  Clever

A shaman in his Mid 30’s, from one of the hill tribes of Imther who was exiled out of his clan for stealing. It is his third year with the gang and he is trusted by Tyler.  Responsible for magic and healing in the group, and is also the magical law master of the group.

A slight man of medium height, he is bald and has tattooes down the right side of his face and body

Kalis has deep interest in legends and myth and how they relate to the spirit plane.  He has a broad range of knowledge of Imther, balazaring and lunar spirit traditions.

However his exile happened before he had completed his training, so he is not as knowledgeable as Tyler believes him to be, but Marusa is developing his training and has brought him into the lunar traditions.

Initiate of YanafalTarnis
Runes: Moon, Death, Fate
Threat Level ***
Traits: Introvert, Physical, Brave, Dependable. Honest, Conflicted

Aged 35 Darin is a Tarshite ex solder, Yanafal Tarnis Initiate, Former bodyguard of Eleanor and now her lover.

He was raised in Tarsh as a miller’s son and served for 7 years in the lunar army before finding work as a professional bodyguard in the service of powerful lunar families. Loyal discrete and professional he had gained a good reputation, and was well recommended to employers.

This changed when he was employed as a bodyguard to Eleanor, they quickly became lovers, and after an attempt on her life have eloped together. He is completely enamoured with Eleanor and does not feel he can help himself. He knows this is not going to end well for him, but cannot get out or does not want to stop the relationship.

In more melancholic moments he feels he has broken his moral code and last lost himself for this girl, but still says he would not change anything.

He is time serving in Balazar led him to try to lie low here. He knows if Eleanor is found by the wrong people they both will die, by any Lunar authority he will die. He is blissfully unaware that her passion for him is not as strong as his for her.

He knows that she probably is a one of the Red Emperors illegitimate daughters, but has kept the secret from her that long he doesn’t know how to tell her about the rumours now.

Plot Uses:he is a roleplaying opportunity who can be used to start to explore themes such as loss of honour and redemption, also the balance of priorities between people and principles

Young Lunar noble on the run
Runes: Moon, Harmony, Illusion
Threat Level **
Traits: Optimistic, Emotional, Energetic, Humorous, Adaptive

Currently going by the moniker Ellie, Eleanor is a stunning young woman of 19 who has eloped from a prominent Lunar noble house with her former bodyguard and lover.She is fair haired, slight and small build and bright eyed, with a sharp wit and engaging laugh.

She is an illegitimate daughter of a powerful Lunar Lady of the House Saren in Glamour. She was born rune touched to the Moon rune, and subtle rumours recently circulated in certain circles in  Glamour that she may be a daughter of the Red Emperor.  She is unaware of this rumour.

Due to this rumour she became of significance and a target in dart competitions of the Lunar nobility. After an attempt on her life, she and Darin her bodyguard lover fled Glamour and the Lunar Heartlands and came to lie low in Balazar where he had previously served in the Lunar army.

After quickly passing through Elkoi, she is now lying low in Trilus with her lover. After staying at the Stuck Pig for a week or so, they have become house guests of Quintas Ven Olartas. She is attempting to be in the background and play the role of soldiers girl, but is unable to do that convincingly due to her character and nature.

She has transitioned to a less than noble life well and is enjoying the freedom she now has, she has a passion for both clothing and dogs the first is somewhat frustrated in Balazar.

She has no real combat skills, but has a few interesting magical spells that should enable her to escape many situations.   She is also touched by the moon Rune.

She has a deep affection for Darin who is her lover and a father figure in her life, but she is not as madly in love with him as he is with her. She has not realised this fact, what she has done to him or that this relationship will eventually cost him his life.

Though well behaved Eleanor has caught the attention of most men in Trilus and thus has earned the enmity of Pay Surney who has used a few choice words to describe her.

Halycon von Enkorth is aware she is not all she claimed to be, and has started to make low level enquiries back in the empire, they have yet come to nothing but may bring him very useful information to him in time.

Plot Uses: Can start to open up internal Lunar intrigue to the players, also an excuse to bring very powerful Lunar figures into the campaign if you desire.Also she becomes a possible kidnap victim for unscrupulous Orlanthi characters.

Lunar Acolyte of Irippi Ontor
Runes:Moon, Truth, Man
Threat Level: ***
Traits: Pessimistic, Dependable, Sour, Calm

He is Quintas secretary, steward and close friend.  Originally a farmer’s son from the from Mrins Cross area. Tinirin is middle aged, a serious scholar and a master of geography in his own right. He is a little more practical than Quintas and gets bothered by day to day matters.

Has enjoyed working for Quintas over the years and  has made choices where he has valued  their friendship over his career on numerous situations. He is also illuminated and shares many interests with the older sage. However Tinirin does not share his masters positive and friendly personality, he does not have his masters warmth or generous disposition even in the best of circumstances. His is distant and often sour, he is also every aware of his status and is quick to use it to keep lesser in their place.

He does not enjoy being in Balazar and is not comfortable in Trilus. He has been known to take this frustration out on some of the servant girls and has badly beaten a couple of them.

Quintas knows and doesn’t approve but so far has turned a blind eye to his friend’sbehaviour. If it becomes an issue he will publically back his friend, but privately chastise him.

Tinirin wears is an ostentatious dresser and usually can be seen  well-made lunar clothes adorned with showy jewellery.

Plot uses: Tinirin has beaten a servant girl who is in Quintas employ badly; dependent the players loyalty’s he can be involved in the following ways;

• Go fetch Tinirin and bring him to the girls clan
• Get Tinirin out of town for a while before he is arrested
• Negotiate with the beaten girls Clan to bring this incident to an amicable solution.
• Servant girls approaches players to get her out of town and back to her clan
• Servant girls clan members corner Tinirin in front of the players

Lunar Priest of Irippi Ontor
Runes: Moon, Truth, Harmony
Traits: Passive, Humorous, Mental, Generous.
Threat Level *****

An old but hale scholar, who seems independently wealthy who has set up home in Trilus, in the old Lunar establishment which used to be called the Red Bear lodge.

He appears to all a nice guy (and is), he has a fatherly demeanour and has a generous spirit to most if not all. He is illuminated which he sees as just a philosophical position, but he is sensible enough to be quiet about this in these lands.

At a surface level he seems a very mundane scholar interested in very mundane things, but those who spend time talking to him will occasionally see evidence of more esoteric law, knowledge of deeper magic’s and an interesting history.

He works independent of the lunar government, and has little interest in politics or political conflict. However he is starting to acknowledge that Balazar is becoming more dangerous and political than he realised.

He is in Trilus researching Balazaring and hunter culture and religion, only because he wants to and thinks it is an enthralling subject and a much understudied region.

He is spending good money round Trilus on his research project and has good reputation because of it.  He has hired a few guards and servants, and will often run short expeditions to the local clans for research purposes.

He is currently housed in what used to be the Red Bear Lodge, which is far to large for his parties needs, he often ends up hosting visiting lunars when he is convinced they wont bring dishonour or discord to his house.

Gets on very well with Dushi Sone, and wants to meet Bluebird (who isn’t keen). Torath Manover has even been heard to say that he ‘Is a decent chap for a Lunar’.

Plot Uses: He is a classic lunar illuminates can be nice guy character. He can be a source if employment, interesting information, and maybe the odd interesting item if the character are so inclined.

Hopefully ads complexity to the way Lunars are viewed by some characters, this guy is genuine and people have little reason to dislike him.