NPC's from Illiria
Aurelious Dotrus, the Frost Noble
“The Age of Yesterday was a time when Illiria shone as a prosperous land, brimming with magic and wonders. Hundreds of advanced civilizations thrived and reached their full potential, harnessing the incredible power of magic.”
“Magic was abundant, providing the means to ease life’s burdens, from creating sustenance and healing ailments to securing victories for the sake of prosperity. For those who were fortunate enough to live during this era, they inhabited a true utopia. Resources were plentiful, and jobs were a means to bring glory to one’s family name, rather than a necessity for survival.”
“Now, Illiria is a mere shadow of its former self, and the dream of returning to that wondrous time is but a bittersweet memory, a reminder of what once was and what may never be again.”
Backstory
Aurelious Dotrus was an aristocrat of one of the many nations during the Age of Yesterday. He served as a diplomat during the Great Magic Wars, navigating the treacherous waters of political intrigue and conflict. Yet, as the years wore on, the endless strife and bloodshed wore him down. Tired and old, he sought refuge in the Wellspring of Demeter, a paradise of warmth and beauty.
But the Dark Honeymoon struck with a cruel swiftness. In a single day, the paradise was transformed into a barren, frozen wasteland. The lush landscape became a skeletal husk, encased in unyielding ice. Aurelious, like the others residing in the Wellspring, was caught in the sudden frost. When the Honeymoon was over, Aurelious emerged forever changed.
He had become one of Demeter’s Frozen Ones, his body a living monument of ice. The Frozen Ones are deeply connected with Demeter. They share her feelings, her pain, and her joy. This bond has instilled in them a seething hatred towards Lord Hades, whom they blame for the events of the Dark Honeymoon. Blessed with near immortality yet bound to the goddess’s will, he wandered the world.
Now, Aurelious is the oldest Human to have ever lived, a living relic of a bygone era. He is one of the few remaining sources of knowledge about the Age of Yesterday, though his tales often bear the mark of embellishment. To hear him speak of those days is to listen to a saga of wonder and majesty, a time when magic reigned and Illiria was a land of endless possibility. His stories, though tinged with nostalgia and exaggeration, are a window into a world that has long since faded into myth.
How to Use in Your Games
The Lore Keeper
Aurelious can serve as a living repository of knowledge. When the PCs need information about ancient artifacts, forgotten spells, or historical events, Aurelious can provide invaluable insights.
The Mystical Mentor
When PCs need to learn a powerful but forgotten spell, Aurelious can guide them. He might test their resolve by asking them to perform a task or solve a riddle, rewarding them with the spell’s knowledge.
The Embellished Storyteller
Aurelious’ tendency to embellish his tales can be used to inject some humor or uncertainty into the campaign. PCs may need to sift through his stories to discern truth from fiction.
Iphigenia Sanctus, the Dragon Hunter of Yesterday
“Oh, how I long for the days of old, when the gods graced our lands with their presence. In those days, one could meet a deity face to face! Oh, their power, their majesty, truly divine.”
“But now, the gods reside in their home at Olympus, far from mortal reach. Only the most deserving may catch but a fleeting glimpse of the divine.”
“The gods departed to test our independence, to see if we could maintain the world without their intervention. Alas, we proved unworthy of their trust. Despite all their gifts, we failed them, and now suffer the dire consequences of our inadequacy.”
Backstory
Iphigenia Sanctus is an ancient Elf who devoted her life to the Olympian Gods, particularly Zeus. She was a stalwart member of the Dragon Hunters, an order born to hunt and slay dragons but evolved to become the mediators between these majestic beasts and the gods, striving for peace and balance.
Her wisdom and tenacity helped mortals survived those dark days, and even now, she is celebrated as one of the saviors of her kind. After Persephone’s return, Iphigenia played a crucial role in rebuilding the order of the Dragon Hunters, restoring balance and peace. Now the oldest and most revered member of the order, she has retired from battle, dedicating her life to guiding and aiding new adventurers.
How to use her in your Games
Quest Giver and Mentor
Iphigenia can be a wise and respected mentor who provides quests and guidance to the PCs. Given her vast experience and connections, she can send the party on missions that align with the larger narrative involving dragons and the balance of power.
Historical and Lore Expert
Use Iphigenia to deepen the campaign’s lore. She can recount ancient battles, share forgotten knowledge about dragons, and reveal secrets about the gods’ departure from the mortal realm.
Catalyst for Major Plot Events
Iphigenia can be the catalyst for significant plot developments. Whether she is captured by enemies, falls ill, or reveals a prophecy, her involvement can propel the story forward and motivate the PCs to act.
Sir Basil Karras, the Exiled
“Persephone, the Goddess of Birth and Renewal, disappeared without a trace. Without her presence there were no births nor deaths, just decay and rot. The souls of the dead were unable to move on, leaving the world barren and lifeless. As if that wasn’t enough, Demeter, the great Goddess of Harvest, plunged into a deep depression, unleashing a brutal winter upon us.”
“We eventually learned that Persephone had gone to Tartarus to marry Lord Hades, abandoning all her duties. Can you believe that?! We here, rebuilding this broken world, while they were fucking in their honeymoon. Unbelievable!”
“To this day, Persephone still spends half of the year in Tartarus, which is why winter still haunts us. It’s sickening to think that the gods treat the end of the world as a mere family drama. We are nothing but mere pawns in their sick game! Tell me, do you still believe in the gods?”
Backstory
Once a minor dwarf Lord, Basil Karras devoted his early life to restoring a shattered world. Born in the bleak aftermath of the Dark Honeymoon, a time when Persephone had forsaken the earth to remain in Tartarus, Basil’s purpose was to rebuild from the ruin left behind.
For years, he believed in his work, hoping the gods would restore balance. But when he learned Persephone had willingly abandoned mortals, his spirit fractured. Disillusioned and filled with bitterness, Basil rejected Olympus and turned to Tiamat, the dragon queen, whose promise of vengeance called to his hollowed soul.
Under Tiamat’s dark banner, Basil became a fervent recruiter, spreading his venomous message to the broken and lost. Once a builder of hope, he now sought only ruin, channeling his rage into tearing down what he once sought to rebuild. His name came to embody both wrath and defiance—a reminder of what happens when the gods abandon their own.
How to use Basil in your Games?
Antagonist and Long-Term Nemesis
Sir Basil Karras, the Exiled, can serve as a relentless antagonist in your campaign, appearing periodically to challenge the party’s beliefs and undermine their efforts. His encounters with the party are marked by both physical confrontations and ideological battles, as he attempts to sway them—or destroy them—depending on how they respond to his dark vision of the future.
Party Antihero
If the party uncovers evidence that challenges Basil’s beliefs about the Dark Honeymoon, they might gradually sway him from his path of vengeance. Basil, though deeply scarred, could transition from a foe to a reluctant ally, fighting alongside the party as an antihero.
Moral Catalyst and Reflection
Sir Basil can serve as a moral catalyst in the campaign, forcing the party to confront the ethical ambiguities of their world. Whether they see him as an enemy, a potential ally, or a tragic figure shaped by divine neglect, their interactions with Basil challenge them to question their own loyalties, the justice of the gods, and the true cost of vengeance.
Ostrum Hatzi, Chief of the Wolf Guild
“Alright, let me tell you straight up, we’re living in a total shithole. You gotta be tough as nails if you wanna survive around here. Thinking about going hunting? Better watch your back for all the monsters out there. Want a peaceful life? Good luck with that, ’cause there are bandits, ratoids, and all sorts of other crap waiting to mess with you.”
“Running away might seem like a good idea, but where are you gonna go? Head south and you’ll end up in a burning fucking desert. North or East? That’s where the Dark Lands are, where vampires will turn you into cattle. Head west and you will be frozen by Demeter. And unless you have a ship, forget about heading west-south.”
“My advice? Stay strong, and keep your weapon close. If you see something weird, don’t hesitate to attack. Weird stuff around here is usually dangerous, and hesitation can be the difference between life and death.”
Backstory
Ostrum Hatzi’s is a Feline Folk born in the outskirts of Kartelles and became the leader of the Wolf Guild with a blend of ferocity and pragmatism. He wasn’t just a hunter; he was a realist, someone who understood that sometimes, you had to make hard decisions to keep going.
He didn’t hunt monsters out of a sense of justice or duty, but because he understood that in a world like this, you had to kill or be killed. The Wolf Guild, known for its fierce monster hunters, became his home, a place where he could channel his skills into something that made sense in a senseless world. Under his leadership, the guild evolved into a dominant force, feared by monsters and respected by those they protected, though Ostrum never lost sight of the fact that protection often came at a price.
How to use Ostrum in your Games?
Quest Giver and Survival Mentor
Ostrum can serve as a tough mentor who provides the PCs with challenging quests. His assignments often involve hunting dangerous monsters or protecting settlements from threats, reflecting the harsh realities of the world they live in.
Catalyst for Moral Dilemmas and Tough Choices
Ostrum’s pragmatic approach to survival can push the PCs into difficult moral decisions. He doesn’t shy away from making hard choices, and he may expect the same from those who wish to earn his respect or follow his lead.
Expensive Ally
Ostrum can act as an ally, assisting the PCs when absolutely necessary. His help often comes at a price, whether it’s resources or a favor…
Faction Leader and Political Player
Ostrum’s leadership of the Wolf Guild makes him a significant figure in the region. He can be involved in political intrigue, power struggles, and conflicts with other factions, drawing the PCs into these larger schemes.
Diandra Moralis, the Lantern of the Torch Guild
“Power belongs to those with the courage to seize it and the wisdom to wield it. Knowledge is not some quaint relic to be tucked away in dusty libraries—it’s a force, raw and pure, waiting to be commanded. The fools who cling to their fragile morals are shackled by ignorance, unable to grasp what’s truly within their reach. But those who understand that knowledge is the ultimate weapon… they’re the ones who reshape the world.”
Backstory
Diandra Moralis, known as “The Lantern,” is the enigmatic and charismatic leader of the Torch Guild. She is a figure shrouded in mystery and legend, driven by a deep-seated desire to uncover the lost secrets of the world and to wield the knowledge of the past to shape the future.
Diandra’s past is as elusive as the treasures she seeks. Some say she was born in an ancient city, while others whisper that she hails from a line of powerful sorcerers. What is known is that Diandra has always been driven by an insatiable curiosity and a relentless pursuit of knowledge.
Diandra’s rise within the Torch Guild was swift. Her leadership, strategic mind, and ability to uncover secrets others had long forgotten made her the natural choice for leadership. She became known as “The Lantern,” not just for the artifact she carries, but for her role in guiding the guild—and the world—through the darkness of ignorance.
Diandra sees the guild as the best hope for reclaiming and preserving the knowledge and power that was lost, even if it means engaging in ambiguous activities, like illegally selling artifacts in the black market for example…
How to Use Diandra in Your Games?
Quest Giver and Guide to Lost Knowledge
Diandra can serve as a knowledgeable and resourceful quest giver, providing the PCs with missions that involve uncovering ancient artifacts, exploring dangerous ruins, or retrieving forgotten lore.
Knowledge Broker
Diandra can act as a reluctant ally, offering her assistance in exchange for rare information, artifacts, or favors. Her help often comes with strings attached, and she may withhold crucial information until the PCs have proven their worth.
Faction Leader and Political Schemer
As the leader of the Torch Guild, Diandra is deeply involved in the politics of knowledge and exploration. She can draw the PCs into conflicts between guilds, navigate power struggles, or use them to further her own agenda.
Circe, the Mystic's Archmage
“Magic is not meant to be caged or restrained by the fears of lesser minds. It is a river, wild and untamed, and only those willing to embrace its depths can truly understand its power. Knowledge should not be hoarded by the fearful, it must flow freely, even if that means delving into the forbidden. Balance is found not in blind obedience to the old ways but in exploring every path, including the dark and hidden ones.”
Backstory
Circe is the leader of the Mystics, an organization of renegade mages and scholars dedicated to the preservation and expansion of arcane knowledge. She is a master of both traditional and forbidden magic, with a understanding of the arcane arts that few can match. She is fiercely protective of the guild’s independence and is committed to advancing magical knowledge, even if it means defying the established order.
It is said that Circe is a demi-god, born from the goddess of magic herself, Hecate. From a young age, she displayed an extraordinary aptitude for magic, quickly surpassing her peers in both knowledge and skill. She soon joined the Emperor’s Wand, but grew disillusioned with the rigid structure and conservative teachings, which she believed stifled creativity and progress.
Frustrated by the limitations placed on her, Circe left the Wands and sought out like-minded mages who were willing to push the boundaries of magic. She eventually created the Guild of Mystics, where she found the freedom to explore the full potential of her abilities. However, her pursuit of knowledge has also earned her many enemies, both within and outside the magical community.
How to Use Circe in Your Games?
Catalyst for Magic
Circe’s willingness to explore forbidden magic can lead to situations where the PCs must confront the consequences of wielding such power. She might ask them to perform tasks that challenge their moral beliefs, forcing them to consider the balance between the pursuit of knowledge and the potential harm it can cause.
Ally and Arcane Protector
Circe can act as a powerful ally, but her aid often comes with conditions. She might assist the PCs in their quests, but only if they agree to further the goals of the Mystics or share the knowledge they gain with her. Her assistance is invaluable, but her demands may put the PCs in difficult positions.
Faction Leader and Political Power Player
Circe is deeply involved in the politics of the magical world. She can draw the PCs into conflicts with other guilds, magical orders, or the Empire itself. Her involvement in these power struggles can lead to complex political intrigue and force the PCs to navigate the treacherous waters of magical politics.
Protector of Forbidden Knowledge
Circe’s role as a guardian of forbidden knowledge makes her a key figure in protecting or revealing dangerous secrets. She might task the PCs with protecting a dangerous artifact from falling into the wrong hands, or she might require their help in concealing or destroying knowledge that could threaten the world.
Lord Agni, the Burning Dunite
“The world fears the flame because it destroys, yet only through fire can we be reborn. I do not fear the pain; I welcome it, for it is the only path to becoming something more. Those who shy away from suffering will never understand the depths of strength, nor will they ever reach beyond their mortal boundaries. The fire consumes, yes—but it also reveals.”
Backstory
Even among the devout, whispers of trepidation coil around the name of Lord Agni, a figure said to be perpetually wreathed in flames, his flesh scorched by the relentless waters of the Phlegethon—a river that burns without ever consuming itself. This searing baptism has left him marked and unyielding, a legend in the Burning Sand Sea whose presence commands both reverence and dread. Some say he communes directly with the spirits of Phlegethon’s flames, drawing from their eternal fire a knowledge beyond mortal reach. Others whisper that his ambitions are far greater, ambitions that could reshape the sands themselves.
Agni’s journey began humbly among the endless steppes, a herdsman’s son whose life was once filled with the simple cadence of pastoral tasks. But destiny, it seems, had woven a different path for him. During the great Flood of Spirits, when the Styx and Phlegethon rivers defied their bounds, he was torn from his family, stumbling alone into a hidden cavern shrouded in flame. Entranced, he passed through the burning veil, expecting death—and instead found transformation. The flames consumed him but did not release him; his flesh became a living testament to eternal suffering.
Years later, Agni joined the Attendants of the Sand, rising swiftly as his command over the fiery arts grew to legendary heights. His deeds were spoken of in awe: how he could quiet the Phlegethon with a gesture or summon walls of fire to protect the cities from specters of the desert. Yet, the same flames that granted him power also set him apart. Ageless and relentless, he became a figure of isolation, a guardian whose intentions were as enigmatic as the fires that bound him.
How to use Agni in your Games?
Mysterious Mentor and Trial Overseer
Lord Agni can be a daunting mentor figure, guiding the PCs through trials that test not just their physical abilities but their mental and emotional resilience. His methods are harsh, and his lessons often come with the risk of real danger.