NPCs

[allthekeys]

The Baker:

A weathered man of somewhat indeterminate age, the baker is plainly dressed and rarely seen without a work apron; there is nearly always a fine layer of flour dusted across him, to the point that it seems to have almost seeped into his skin. He is soft-spoken and often busy enough to be slightly tired and worn, but is nonetheless quietly good-humored, patient, and charitable. He's clearly highly skilled at his trade, but rarely makes anything elaborate that would show much of it.


The Cook:

A twisted, somewhat bitter person of indeterminable gender this creature rarely leaves the kitchen. Though they can be convinced to give some instruction to the lost and floundering 'guests', one cannot expect that they will receive much help.

Often, the cook can be found sleeping in a corner of the kitchen, arms crossed over their chest. The keyring that holds the keys for the pantry and the wine cellar, as well as one assume other secrets of the house, hangs prominently on a leather belt around their waist. It would be a rather difficult to steal this prize away, though, as the cook is a light sleeper.


Gray Maids:

Little can told about these women at a glance. They wear identical grey uniforms comprised of neatly pressed skirts and drab, colorlessly blouses. They are hooded with their faces completely covered by thick veils, seemingly intended to obscure any identifying feature from view. They move silently and respectfully among the house guests, cleaning messes and bringing fresh linens to the bedrooms and bathrooms. They can often be caught cleaning rooms, though they will not disturb any possessions left within the rooms. They seem harmless. They do not speak to anyone, even if addressed, though they will follow some simple commands. They may also point out safe rooms to house guests and indicate items of interest, though they are very quiet and easy to miss if someone is not paying attention.

Occasionally, those walking in on them performing a task may hear the soft sound of weeping, but the noise fades the moment they are observed.


The Guards:

These metal soldiers are scattered throughout the house, standing in every hall. They will block the paths to unopened areas, and attempt to prevent anyone not in uniform from going into restricted (or any) areas of the house. They are rather relentless when they begin a hunt, and if death does not result they will imprison the interloper, or deliver a disobedient servant to the Steward. Should one attempt to remove the helmets they will find that there is nothing inside. Though the suits of armor move under their own power and seem to see the house guests they're chasing. Perhaps the only boon offered is that they are rather slow, and do have trouble getting up if knocked down, otherwise these creatures are lethal and capable of taking down even house guests with powers.

They will attempt to protect the “servants” from outside threats, including the hellhounds and other monsters and are quite fierce in their defense of the castle and the town. A few can occasionally be found in the outside areas, and one seems particularly fond a fat grey cat that makes its home in the kitchen.

There are a few identifying marks between them, enough that they can be distinguished from each other. One has a feathered plume on his helm and seems to command the respect of the others. Another carries a heavy ring of keys on his belt and almost seems like he could be reasoned with. He will tilt his head as though listening to anyone who attempts to speak to him, and often pauses on his patrols at windows, gazing down at the town below.


The Heir:

A young girl in her early teens who seems to barely be coming into her own in the shadow of her parents. She has long blonde hair and ash grey eyes, with finely boned features and a delicate sort of shyness to her manner.

She does have the distinction of being able to turn into a phoenix, and seems largely sympathetic to the guests. She has offered her name as “Tanny” to those who have had a chance to meet her.


The Jester:

This jester is wrapped in all the trappings of his trade, with brightly covered scarves trailing from his arms and a five pointed hat bedecked with bells adorning his head. His face is a mask of white paint, his mouth a brightly painted red gash upon his face, and he seems inordinately fond of noise making instruments aside from his own body.

Though brightly attired and garishly painted, there is something off about this man's eyes. They peer too keenly at those who linger close, though he never speaks. He seems entirely aware and capable of nodding or shaking his has, should such a question be posed to him. Though bedazzled with bells, he can often appear without warning or sound, with little more than a smile of pleasure when he realizes he has caught someone off guard as an apology for the crime.

He seems to know when the guards are agitated or restless, and should a guest win his loyalty, is an able distraction from their ire and a rather capable assistant.


K'ylara:

A spy for forces that stand against Lord Leitner. She is a young Amiran woman in her early twenties or late teens, and moves nearly silently. She is proficient with a bow and with knives.


The Lady:

A vain creature, she seems to avoid her husband and daughter, preferring her own company and that of her Veiled Ladies. She is none the less very beautiful, though that beauty has been tarnished. Her face seems to be made of mirrored glass, with none of the living warmth left to soften her features. Fair haired like her husband and daughter, that hair has been strung with so many jewels that it seems to be woven from very fine strands of metal.


Lady Night:

A woman dressed in a garish feather cloak with all of her features concealed. She seems capable of magic and is an excellent fighter. She tends to Tanny when not otherwise engaged by her Lord. Little else is known about her.


The Lord:

A distant and capricious figure, known for excesses more than his charities. He is a cruel man, prone to taking what he wishes of those who have it with no consideration for the harm that might be done. Though for those who are willing to bargain with him, it seems that he could offer them much.

He is a tall man with a thick waist, though no so much that one might call him fat, with little care for hygiene. Fair haired like his daughter, he is never seen without his retinue of Eyeless Lads.


The Ready Wailers:

A string band that occasionally makes their way into the night market. All five members are clearly Goblins, with teeth too large for their mouths and small, reedy limbs. They wear leather clothing that seems to be of good quality and their instruments seem well tended to, which seems unexpected for Goblins. They carry no more than eating knives, and seem more inclined to play for their money than steal it. They seem surprisingly well liked by those who travel in the Caravan and occasional remarks are made by their fellows that they eat much less than the last minstrels who attached themselves to the band.

This seems to be something of a private joke, for no one will explain it, and the leader of the band, distinct with his bright orange Mohawk, will only laugh if asked.


"Sil":

A dark-haired Mediterranean-looking man of average height, currently prone to ratty old peasant's clothes and a hooded cloak that hides his features. He's usually found either in the Rose Cottage or the back areas of the gardens, and avoids any areas frequented by the guards or gargoyles. While wary, pessimistic, and occasionally caustic, he is no friend of the Lord and is sympathetic to the plight of those trapped in the castle.


The Stable Boy:

A young man of some kind of feline descent who spends most of his time in the hayloft and the stables, tending to the animals and appearing to prefer his own company above most others'. His fur is brown with dark stripes, with the occasional white spot, and he dresses in simple work clothes and frequently has a cap pulled down over his pointed ears.

Though not eager to approach anyone, he's not unfriendly, but wants to keep conversation short. Anyone who catches him working will find that he has a much gentler hand and a lot more patience for animals than people.


The Writers:

Two ghosts who haunt the notebooks, often leaving cryptic notes for those who use it. Whoever they are, they seem to have some idea what is going on and how the books work. Little is known about them, save that they exist and possess one of the notebooks. One tends to be poetic and encouraging, while the other is more cynical and evasive.


Zephram:

A captive of Lord Leitner from an early age. Zeph's face and hands show signs of some sort of deformity; they are scaly and hard, and his eyes no longer match as a result of whatever creeping sickness steals over him.

He has dark hair and pale skin, with a scar over his throat.


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