City Bones: Herozzal

[Lichen]

Name: T'auna Godeghym
Appearance: T'auna Godeghym, from appearance, seems to almost fit the stereotypical look of a Vysstichi. She stands barely below six feet and looks to be fairly thin, but not sickly. Her eyes are a brilliant shade of crimson red and her hair is a clean white. Is constantly rubbing her hands together in her typical gesture of nervousness. Doesn’t change her cloths terribly often, or let servants bathe and brush her hair and doesn’t really know how to do the later two, so looks disheveled and dirty most of the time.
Personality: T'auna is not, by nature, a born leader, but she has adapted to the role to uphold her powerful position. It is now commonly acknowledged that T'auna actually has some sort of mental disorder, more so than the typical mood-swinging female Vysstichi. She is incredibly paranoid, though tries to cover it by appearing spontaneously cruel, killing servants she dislikes or is wary of. T'auna bases little of her actions on logical reasoning and tends to block out other suggestions or opinions, not to show her power over others, but she fears they are trying to work themselves into her position. Despite her rumored mental condition, her sheer ability and training is used to keep T'auna the Matron. The reappearance of her second daughter, who now essentially runs the household under the watch of her mother, has stabilized T’auna somewhat but she is still violent and suspicious of the world.
History: T’auna was raised in Herozzal to become matron of House Godeghym. Her mother showed signs of a dehabilitating disease in her later years but T’auna killed her for the position of matron before it could become full fledged.
Other: Journeyman Necromancer.
Important Threads: The Birth of an Army

[Lichen]

Name: Firoatha Yelkith
Appearance: Vysstichi, 5’10” tall, thin but muscled. Long crimson nails that match her bright red eyes. Generally wears tight black or red velvet dresses or velvet tops with leather pants. Angular and cruel looking face, with large red lips and big eyes.
Personality: Manipulative, cruel, and greedy. Wants power and will do a lot to kill Ver’nya in order to take her place. Firoatha is a typical upper class vysstichi, in that she is spoiled and has a tendency to hurt others for no reason other than her own amusement. Is also a bit of a brat – a teenager in vysstichi years.
History: Firoatha is one of the now eldest daughters of house Yelkith. Her sister Ver’nya holds the favor and so she desperately wishes to kill her.
Other: Adept level experience in torture.
Important Threads: Welcome to Herozzal (Cor Tavoc), Yelkith Compound (Skorri)

[Lichen]

Name: Zytran'il Godeghym
Appearance: Contrary to most dark elven women, Zytran'il doesn't radiate the traditional beauty and elegance of most of her people. The Princess of the Seventh House of Herozzal, though not undesirable, is rather plain and ordinary as far as appearances go. Her common red eyes twinkle with a mild compassion rare in her kindred, though they can naturally take on more serious and cruel roles when necessary. Slender in frame and standing a mediocre 5'8, Zytran'il isn't a very intimidating sight. Her diminutive physique was not constructed for melee purposes, however, it instead radiates a sage-like aura born through ages of experience and hardship. The Princess of House Godeghym can typically be perceived in a streaming gown of purple silk that flows eloquently about her lithe body, demarcating her as a classy but sophisticated woman. Rarely is there a time when she is without a staff of arcana symbolic of her station as a priestess in training.
Personality: Quiet and placid, Zytran'il is not a woman of many words. Though fully capable of issuing her authority when a situation permits, she tends to allow her subordinates to enact her wishes for her. Albeit tender and far more compassionate than the mundane Vysstichi female, Zytran'il will not allow her differentiating demeanor to be a weakness. Her charm and feign of innocence is often enacted as a means of coercion and an effective method of persuasion. Even though her mother -the Matron of House Godeghym- has ridiculed her for her alleged impuissance of authority, Zytran'il has learned that her approach has often been far more effective than terror and wrath ever could.
History: As the second daughter of House Godeghym, Zytran'il has lived a rather sheltered life. Early in her childhood she was subject to the typical duties as the matron's possible heir, which included classes in the Temple of Jalat and common day duties for her mother. After her eldest sister was murdered, T'auna feared for her clan's existence. Sadly, another conspiracy to overthrow T'auna's household resulted in the abduction of Zytran'il by associates within the clan itself. Fortunately, a Vysstichi male named Faust D'Rinishad was able to rescue her from her imprisonment and restore her to the safety of her clan once more. Ever since Zytran'il has been working on the reconstruction of her clan in hopes of restoring it to a newfound glory.
Other: Initiate level mystic
Important Threads: Birth of an Army

[Lichen]

Name: Aadkur Tekin'afi
Appearance: A middle-aged vysstichi male, about 5’7” with long, wavy hair, bright red eyes and a once-handsome face with a deformed nose –reputedly a memento from a botched Haya’s kiss. He is itinerant, and frequents the temple district, usually holding forth near the entrances to the Temples of Haya and of Jorel, offering to share his seemingly endless supply of beetle brandy (distilled garben mead) with any who will listen with sympathy to his exhortations that the vysstichi of Herozzal not forget their god Meephos. Although seemingly a mendicant who asks passersby for donations to the cause of Meephos, Aadkur almost always appears well-groomed and well-fed. He frequently sings passionate songs, which have an uncanny ability to inspire strong emotions in their listeners.
Personality: Aadkur is volatile and prone to dangerous mood-swings, but is usually quite cheerful, and often drunk. His emotional state, whatever it happens to be, is preternaturally contagious. For some reason, his eccentric antics are tolerated, and he is even treated with some respect and deference by the females of Herozzal society. He is dedicated to his self-appointed role of prophet for Meephos, and in spite of a lack of a Temple or priesthood there, the matrons treat him tentatively as if he might be the real thing.
History: Aadkur is about 500 patterns old. He was once the lover of a prominent Hayan priestess. He fell passionately in love with her and longed to receive Haya’s kiss. When the priestess inexplicably botched her attempt to give him Haya’s kiss, leaving him alive but with a broken nose, the event was interpreted as a rebuke from the god Meephos against His wife Haya for letting the people of Herozzal forget about Him. Whether this interpretation was a true divine pronouncement or simply a face-saving rationalization for the priestess’ failure is a matter of speculation. He has been the self-appointed prophet and lone voice for Meephos in Herozzal for some time now. He enjoys the matronage and protection of Jhuliel Tekin’afi, and this has contributed to his enduring freedom of action, and to the unusual amount of respect he is given by vysstichi. He is one of very few males in Herozzal who is largely free to do as he wishes.
Other: Aadkur is a master at the art of musical performance, and especially singing, although he also plays some musical instruments, such as a fiddle and a haunting bone flute. He has a strange empathic ability similar to that of the udran beydir, and also has the ability to instill emotions in others through his songs. Those who listen to him sing are moved in turns to laughter, to tears, or to anger [he is, in fact, something unheard-of in vysstichi culture: an experienced Journeyman Bard]. Some of the matrons view him as a dangerous demagogue, but to date none have dared to touch him, at least partly out of a genuine fear of angering one of their gods. His popularity received something of a boost after Herozzal’s latest failed attempt to retake Sylannen, such crises always encouraging people to look to higher powers for explanations of what went wrong. Jhuliel’s unseemly affection towards her child is often attributed to Aadkur’s influence.
Important Threads:

[Lichen]

Name: Zy'noir X'ovvenal D’Rinishad D'Vhilraaen
Appearance: “Midnights phantom paragon unveiled in all her wicked splendor, dancing ebony nightmares that linger behind a shroud of ivory and silver tress, to which burning orbs of crimson contrast most furiously. They make-up the exotic allure of our dark elf.” Seems to prance around in lingerie?
Personality: Zynoir is a moody, domineering, Hayan-worshipping Matron of Herozzal. She has a lot of power, and enjoys exercising it. She has no pity for fools, and her favor is lost as easily as it is gained. Provided you obey her without question, you are allowed a few flippant words now and again. Zynoir enjoys the semblance of a challenge in her men. Has a tendency to fall into a lustful haze.
History: Once a daughter to the Matron Mistress of House Oru'kalla, Zynoir was exiled after she showed too much ambition. She moved to Herozzal, where she quickly formed her own house and became a power to reckon with. After the death of Matron Baenn, it became clear to Zynoir that she needed to gather more loyal forces around herself, and leave an heir to her works.
Other: Once had four children, all of whom are now disowned or dead. Worships Haya. Initiate in Shaasskah and Necromancy, low-level priest at the Temple of the Damned.
Important Threads:
House Vhilraaen Complex

[Lichen]

Name: Kazle d’Melervs
Appearance: Male vysstichi, shaved head. 5’10, more delicate looking than the average male vysstichi.
Personality: Kazle is quiet for the most part, preferring to bide his tongue and his time. He does not bear grudges, nor does he anger easily. He is efficient and, when the situation calls for it, domineering. He is one of the few male guards of House Melervs, and is regarded quite highly by all but Illha.
History:
Other: Is the bedmate of Lescri, and thus is foreswarn from others beds. Bears a great deal of respect and affection for Lescri. Is sage level in shortsword.
Important Threads:
Kitty Whipped

[Lichen]

Name: Lescri Melervs
Appearance: 240, vysstichi female, curly yellow-white hair that falls to her chin. Lescri looks a lot like her elder sister, Alaere, but her chin is less defined, and her cheeks are softer looking. Lescri has always been the ‘softer’ sister.
Personality: Lescri is not nearly as ambitious as Alaere, which is why Alaere has allowed her to live in her house. Lescri is efficient
History: She is Alaere’s top advisor, and frequently goes on scouting and raiding missions (Alaere’s half-hearted attempt to kill her). Their relationship is strange, with radical ups and downs that Lescri tolerates largely because she can predict what will cause Alaere to trust and appreciate her again. Loves Kazle, though she is trying quite hard to hide that by seeming detached. Lescri is an efficient killer and guard, and a surprisingly intelligent woman, able to anticipate and act accordingly to almost any situation.
Other: Is an apprentice elementist, having been trained far back in her youth when she was still in the running to become the heir. Is 3rd level in short sword.
Important Threads:
Kitty Whipped

[Desmodus]

Name: Uyn-tual Eowaeder

Appearance: 600 pattern-old vysstichi female, looks even older than she is. 6'3", thin, has wizened features, long, straggly silver hair, and cold yellow eyes. Speaks with a musical but mournful voice.

Personality: Uyn-tual comes across as otherworldly and dispassionate. She has little engagement in the mundane politics of Herozzal although she is as aware of its vicissitudes as any female from a politically prominent House. She is fair-minded and a good listener, though she feels little real compassion for others. She is quite strong-willed and hard-working. Though she has little in the way of political agenda, it is nonetheless rumored to be unwise to cross her. Most of all, Uyn-tual is independent-minded and even somewhat eccentric, though by all accounts quite sane.

History: Uyn-tual is a cousin of the matron of House Eowaeder, and as such, she has some access to the most powerful Matron in Herozzal. However, the priestess of Jalat is something of an outsider in her generally Hayan House, and shows little concern whether Eowaeder retains its leading position in the Council or not. As a young lady, she was sent to the Temple of the Damned to train as a Priestess of Haya, but in a fit of then-youthful rebellion turned aside and sneaked down into the Temple of Jalat instead. Her Matron, instead of being incensed, was amused by this caper, and saw the value in having a connection to the Priesthood of Jalat as well as Haya.

Other: She is said to give even her own house-sisters the creeps. The Matron herself is not sure how to act around her weird cousin when she makes one of her rare appearances at the House. Nonetheless, the Matron considers Uyn-tual a valuable, if odd, addition to the family, and the priestess may come and go as she pleases.

Skills: Combat: Intermediate Dagger and Zinn'ka (Laon). Though neither particularly strong nor highly-trained, Uyn-tual is more physically active than she looks (although that is not saying much in itself) and has surprisingly fast reflexes. She is an Adept at both Mysticism and Necromancy, opting perhaps unexpectedly for balance rather than specialization in her Arcana. Has ability to understand the voices of the dead. She also has a special ability to recognize, upon meeting somebody for the first time, the identity of the most recently departed loved one or relative in that person's life.

Important Threads: The Temple of Jalat

[Desmodus]

Name: Dilulkae

Appearance: 6'2". Sinewy build, a body covered with the muscles and scars one would expect on a female mercenary. Luxuriant white hair pulled back in a long pony-tail. Cruel red eyes and generally thin, harsh features, with the exception of an incongruosuly "cute" upturned nose which annoys Dilulkae greatly. She compensates for this by wearing an ivory bone nosering representing a skeletal dragon biting its tail.

In spite of being the Priestess of Jorel, there is nothing particularly sacerdotal about Dilulkae's habit. Instead, her outfit is martial and functional: a black silk gambeson with the inverted red-sword device of her temple on the front and back covers a functional, somewhat unflattering leather jerkin. The gambeson is gathered at the waist by a broad sword-belt, and beneath there hangs down to mid-thigh level, below which her legs are clad in black leather greaves and her feet shod in boots as well-worn as they are well-polished.

Dilulkae wears a shortsword (or is it a longknife?) at her side, and carries a poleaxe with a long black shaft and a head that glows as if it were red-hot.

History: Dilulkae was a daughter of a servant in one of the lower houses purged (ironically) by the "Orphans". During the attack, the Orphan sent to kill Dilulkae and her mother turned out to be her own pre-adolescent brother, to whom Dilulkae (also pre-adolescent) bore at the time a close resemblance. She managed to kill him first, after which she then killed her own mother and switched clothes with her dead brother, passing herself off as an Orphan long enough to escape alive.

Far from hating Jorelites as a result of this experience, Dilulkae came to "identify with the aggressor", pursuing the life of a mercenary and a Jorelite herself. She worked for a while in the service of House Hlaarn, acting as a sort of liaison between the house guard and the orphanage. Eventually, with some help from Hlaarn, Dilulkae became involved with the main Jorelite temple in Herozzal. She became High Priestess by assassinating her predecessor under the cover of the failed attack on Acumin.

Personality: Dilulkae is a ruthless survivor, as evinced by the fact that she is still alive. She cultivates the vysstichi equivalent of a working-class-anti-heroine persona, speaking in a tough Lower-Ward lingo regardless of who she is talking to. She is liable not only to spit, scratch her butt, and/or pick her nose even in polite company, but to make a point of doing so. The Matrons, with the exception of Hlaarn, all despise her, a feeling which is mutual. The Orphans and other Jorelites in Herozzal adore her.

Other: Skills include Advanced (a.k.a 'Elite' or Lvl 3) poleaxe and K'tesh, Intermediate (Veteran, lvl. 2) longknife, and Apprentice Sorcery. Dilulkae isn't really that big a fan of arcana, but decided a priestess needed to know some; thus, she picked Sorcery, being the most physical and concrete, as her favorite school. The enchantment on her poleax causes its head to spark dramatically when it strikes something with any force, with a high probability of causing one's opponent, and, with any luck, the rest of one's immediate surroundings, to catch fire. Jorel loves a good conflagration.

Important threads: Temple of Jorel

[Lichen]

Name: Elize Hun’viir
Appearance: Wears skirts made of katta fur and rarely wears a top (though her favorite is a katta fur top with human hair as a fringe). Has a necklace made of finger bones, taken from servants who’ve betrayed her. Has enormous yellow eyes and a small boned face that would be sweet and pretty looking if it didn’t belong to her. Is 6’0 tall, muscular despite a nice layer of fat. Her hair is long and dreadlocked, with teeth added as decoration. Has white, geometrically shaped tattoos that curl their way across her stomach, and one around her bicep.
Personality: Elize is vicious and cruel, quick to anger and has a terribly unconventional sense of humor. Is a cannibal for her own amusement. Punishes her servants by forcing them to eat their own flesh and puts the heads of her enemies on spikes in her greeting room. Only way she keeps power is though fear and extensive business contracts – there are very few families that owe her their allegiance. May or may not be entirely grounded in reality.
History: Elize is new power, little more than eras in charge. She took over from a previous matron by force; was previously the head guard. As such, she does not trust her own guards and is constantly replacing them. Elize is still settling into her new power, and thus indulges herself in every pleasure she can - orgies, fine foods, killing whomever and whenever she wants... and yet, in her short duration as Matron, she has managed to utterly terrify and intimidate every member of her house with her brutality and inventiveness concerning punishments. The only way Elize holds on to power is through Hun’viir’s incredibly extensive business and assassin network. She holds the gem, silver, and iron mines in Herozzal as well as several smaller buisnesses, and has extensive ties to Hon’elgg and Har’oloth.
Other: Expert in Zinn'ka, Master in Dual Daggers. Known to be affiliated with Jhansa Ilwaeden, an assassin.
Important Threads:
...and Darkness grew wings, then began to spread. - Aelyria
The Shadow Of Death
Whispers Of The Night.
The Sleeper

[Lichen]

Name: Rel’ari Ansaha
Appearance: 6’0 inches tall, 87 eras old, vysstichi. Her hair is long and tangled, her skin even darker than the average vysstichi’s due to her exposure to the sun. Her eyes are small and red-brown, her teeth crooked, and her jaw sharply pointed. She is frail looking, though more due to depression than actual malnutrition.
Personality: Was once prideful, the top among her peers. Now she is quieter, and while her intelligence is the same she uses it far less, having been here far too long to hope to escape.
History: Rel’ari was captured by the Saurid Ri’I Kess in X post Fractum. She has been his prisoner ever since, though she has no more information to give. She works with the Acuminites now, knowing she cannot return to Herozzal, and has developed respect if not fondness for her captor.
Other: Was once an expert in longsword with shield. She hasn’t used one for five eras now. Twins with Kin’do.
Important Threads:
http://www.aelyria.com/forums/herozz...t-licious.html

[Lichen]

Name: Kin’do Ansaha
Appearance: 6’0 inches tall, more lithe than bulky. Kin’do is 87 eras old, vysstichi, and designed for battle. Her hair is cropped exceptionally short, little more than an inch in length, the thin strands laying flat against her head. Her eyes are small and dark red-brown, and her teeth are crooked and chipped.
Personality: Kin’do is not friendly, nor approachable. She is tough, rough, and a bit of a bully at times. She says very little, communicating far more through body language than she does through words. Fiercely devoted to her sister. Has a bit of a temper problem, and tends to lay the blame on other peoples shoulders, regardless of whose fault it actually is.
History: Kin’do and Rel’ari were born in Herozzal to one of the lower houses. They made their profit by entering the Shadow’s Lair as apprentices in their youth, and have diverged greatly from there. Kin’do is more braw, and Rel’ari more brain, but their devotion to their art is equally as fierce. When Rel’ari disappeared, Kin’do nearly broke, and she became even more sullen than before.
Other: Expert in the use of dual shortswords, prefers Katanas. Twin sister with Rel’ari. Hates Faust D’Rinishad- blames him for the loss of her sister.
Important Threads:
http://www.aelyria.com/forums/herozz...t-licious.html

[Lichen]

Name: Alaret Yelkith
Appearance: 307 in Era XIV Post Fractum. Vysstichi, female, 6’1” tall, pudgy around the middle and her hips but sharp and angular in her face. Alaret has born many children, is not an intensely physically active woman, and as such tends to wear flowing dresses and not show the many stretch marks on her belly. Her hair is usually tied back in complicated hairdos that seem to pull the skin on her face tightly back. Her eyes are a very orangey, flame red. Prefers clothing that conceal her waist and arms, and reveal her ample cleavage, usually in somber colors and fabrics which are more comfortable than they are fashionable. Usually looks irritated, and has a certain vein in her forehead that seems to be reserved for when she is vexed with her children, standing out thick and purpled.
Personality: Alaret is quick to anger, and holds grudges with an ability others envy and fear. She is Hayan, yet rarely engages in the orgies she seems to prefer watching. Has many children and does not seem particularly attached to any of them, especially after Ver’nya’s failure to return. Believes in ruling by a combination of love and fear, rewarding those who perform well and whipping those who fail even in the slightest sense. Exists in a state of near constant irritation, giving herself frequent migraines.
History: Alaret gained power in her 207th year after her mother passed away. She was the sole heir, for though she does have an older brother she has no female siblings. She had given birth to Firoatha, Loethi and V’lara before she seized power, and Ver’nya was on the way and was born mere darkening after she seized control of the house. She has ruled ever since, and continues to cycle through males to father her many children. Alaret is blessed with not only fertility, but many daughters and only a few sons. Worships primarily Haya, but has been seen making forays into the recently built temple to Meephos.
Other: Master Necromancer, has recently struck a bargain with Sylviskia.
Important Threads:
Yelkith Compound (Private: Skorri) - Aelyria
http://www.aelyria.com/forums/herozz...en-please.html

[Lichen]

Name: Sylviskia
Other information, until certain plot points come to pass, is reserved for the City Secrets. I'm just posting this here to taunt you.