Catalysts

These four remarkable individuals are responsible for a large part of the changes and growth in the central-western part of Noefra since 205 AC. They were instrumental in the overthrow of the Dark Lady, the defeat and healing of the Twisted Lands (now the Blood-thirst Wildlands), and the establishment of the Federated Nations Council and the Adventurer’s Guild.

Kalesin

As one of the Catalysts, she helped found the Federated Nations. She is also a hero of Wyrmhold for her efforts in the Winter War of 205 AC; as a result of the forces she led the Wall was completed, greatly lessening the threat of the Frost. In the final battle of that campaign she led a strike force against one of the frost giant leaders; his death was a turning point that led to the rout of the forces of Frost. Cheerful and calm, she is loved by the common people.

From then until 211 AC, she primarily spent her time founding the Quietus monastic school, training commoners and nobles alike in the way of meditation and unarmed martial arts. By 250 AC, she has retired as the active head of the school but remains the guiding master. She is not directly involved in politics, but is an honorary member of Clan Anu. She is still unmarried, despite significant courting from various noble families. She also serves as the local head of the Adventurer’s Guild.

Demographic Information

Kalesin is a silver dragonborn female in her late 60s. She wears simple clothing and goes nowhere without her famous staff, Noggin-flogger. She also wields a returning lightning javelin. Mechanically, she is a level 10 Monk of the Open Hand and prefers to hit things with her staff.

Personality Trait

I have a strong sense of fair play and always try to find the most equitable solution to arguments.

Ideal

Respect. People deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

Bond

Those who fight beside me are those worth dying for.

Flaw

If there's a plan, I'll forget it. If I don't forget it, I'll ignore it.

Alignment

Lawful Good

Vassarian Kabir

Since helping to found the Federated Nations as one of the Catalysts, he has been attempting to discover secrets of the Dark Beyond in the research of the ancient empires. When he is not off on one of his many excursions to ancient ruins, he also the final arbiter of who will be allowed to become part of the Adventurer’s Guild in cases of uncertainty due to morality. He is known to be ruthless when it comes to eliminating candidates who do not showcase the requisite moral fiber and attitudes. Tentacles are a significant theme. He heads the Order of the Seeking Tentacle, an organization devoted to uncovering secrets and defending the world from aberrations and those from Beyond.

After the Crystal Spire War in 217 and the attendant attack on Hound's Rest, Vassarian decided to take a more direct hand in the politics of the Federated Nations by taking personal and direct control over the Adventurer's Guild. Over the next decade, and as a result of the Caldera Conflict of 220 AC, he turned its efforts more toward policing and maintaining order between the FNC members and less toward generalized adventuring. He has transformed it into an elite cadre of enforcers and agents riding herd over the Registered Companies.

Demographic Information

Vassarian is a handsome half-elf of indeterminate age with long dark curly hair and a matching beard. He wears a black cloak made of a dead Cloaker which engulfs most of him. He also carries the Rod of Cancellation, a simple silver metal rod about two feet long. His constant companion is a small floating golem, known as Crit Bot, a small ball of metal with a glowing blue eye. Mechanically he is a level 10 Great Old One Warlock (Pact of the Tome). He favors telekinesis as his answer to most issues.

Personality Trait

Flippant and lippy.

Ideal

Strength should only be acquired to defend those who cannot defend themselves.

Bond

Crit-bot, the Federated Nations, returning to the Dark Beyond.

Flaw

Uniformly disrespectful of those in power who do not serve the best interests of everyone.

Alignment

NG

Safrir Tree-Friend

The least politically involved of the Catalysts, Safrir co-founded the Lady’s Grove, the newest druidic circle (in the Ladyforest near Crisial of the Four Towers) with the ancient oak nymph Sara. Together they watch over the area, training new druids and woodsmen and educating the locals on the proper care of the land. The Lady’s Grove specializes in weather magic and other plant-oriented spells. Rumors that he and Sara are involved are rampant.

While he still corresponds and assists the Adventurer’s Guild and the other Catalysts as needed, he mostly stays at home and trains his neophytes. His grove accepts all who wish to learn the ways of the spirits.

Personally, he’s kind and generous. He’ll help out with anything he sees as needs doing--he’s gotten his hands dirty with the harvest for peasants, participated in search parties for lost children and goats, and is generally loved by the people of the Crisial Kingdom.

Demographic Information: a slow-aging (due to druidic power and Sara's influence) human male, he has dark brown hair, now shot with grey. His green eyes still twinkle, especially when around children. Mechanically, he's a 10th level Circle of the Forest Druid.

Personality Trait

I can find common ground between the fiercest enemies, empathizing with them and always working toward peace.

Ideal

Generosity. My talents were given to me so that I could use them to benefit the world.

Bond

I will do anything to protect the Lady’s Grove and my students.

Flaw

I’m naive and trusting, willing to always believe the best of everyone, even if they’ve showed otherwise.

Alignment

Neutral Good

Paresten sur Tai Nwyedd

Paresten is the most politically active of the Catalysts. He is deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of the Federated Nations as the Counselor who oversees the Adventurer’s Guild, as well as the council’s Treasurer. He makes no bones about his desire to increase his own wealth and prestige; he just does this by making his operations successful. After the attack on Hound's Rest, he stayed in the newly-formed Holy Kaelthian Republic, where he has significant political influence. He travels through the portal network on a constant basis raising funds and handling issues with suppliers for the Guild.

He also founded House Tai Nwyedd (which translates to “New Blood”). The least conventional House, it is a matter of some contention among the other gwerin. It draws from the young, the disaffected, and the passed-over. It grants rank based on merit alone, not bloodlines. But it considers more than just arcane power. Unlike other houses that arrange mating contracts, Tai Nwyedd allows the members to act freely. Tai Nwyedd is also heavily involved in international trade; rumors paint them as also being tied to the Mockers.

Personally, he’s arrogant and contemptuous of his lessers. He treats the rest of the Catalysts as his servants in public; they mostly just roll their eyes and play along. Earlier he fought duels frequently (due to offending lots of people), but the trail of bleeding courtiers he left behind put an end to that.

Demographic Information: A middle-aged (mid 70s) gwerin with golden-blond hair and fair features. He still wears armor (which scandalizes many matrons of high society). Unmarried (despite many attempts), he’s popular with the ladies. He dual-wields rapiers (one of which is blessed by holy fire; the other is enchanted against giants) and is a lethal swordsman as well as a mage. He doesn’t fight fair, though. Mechanically he’s a 10th level Arcane Trickster rogue.

Personality Trait

Arrogant, elitist.

Ideal

Greed. I'm only in it for the money.

Bond

The Federated Nations Council is my work and I will protect it at any cost.

Flaw

I'm too greedy for my own good. I can't resist taking a risk if there's money involved.

Alignment

Chaotic Neutral