Camellia & verticillaster

Fellow Terrans:

Rastaban Aranoxlan-Arael Bright Acacia High Executor of the Hatchery during Camellia's birth and reign. Metallah Bejrmud-Berriel Petres High Executor of Internal Affairs during Camellia's reign. Misan Amaran-Amriel Emrys Camellia's childhood mentor in the caste of Human Relations. Vertel's mentor Verticillaster's childhood mentor in the caste of External Affairs, and the previous High Executor of External Affairs before Verticillaster. Vertel's mentees A handful of youths from the External Affairs caste who Verticillaster mentored during his time as High Executor.

Verticillaster's Associates:

Cornucopia Collaborators Friends of Verticillaster in his youth who helped him fine-tune his object-generating invention, the Cornucopia. Most all secretly exploited the Cornucopia for their own ends and backstabbed Verticillaster when allegations of its misuse came out. Chamber Peers Fellow representatives of the nations of the Union, who regularly attend and speak in its parliament to manage treaties and ratify legislature. Galactic Judiciaries Judges of the Union's high court who enforce law upon its higher-ranked members. Verticillaster is familiar with them, and has been the target of their scrutiny more than once.

Kinesis Employees:

Jennis A brusque but good-hearted Ortan with a remarkably fine sense of cognizance. Instated specifically by Verticillaster as Camellia's administrative superior on Kinesis; Camellia's wrangler. Camellia's Therapist A kind and gentle Quee'lee'lo stuck with the thankless job of keeping Camellia stable and trying to change his perspective towards others. Supportive, but unsuccessful. Karthal Nierthiweek One of Camellia's engineering wing subordinates. A family man whose rather short lifespan is being eaten by his 10-year tenure, he has grown vaguely curious about Camellia, as he's the most interesting thing present.

Arsene

Glennites:

Bartholomew An inhabitant of Camellia's Glen who sought independence from Camellia's coddling. Travelled with Arsene outside the Glen and became enamoured with others' autonomy. Inherited governorship over the Glen after defeating Camellia in a bout, as well as fantastic powers. Was killed by Arsene's poisoning of the well of life but returned as a spirit to banish Arsene to Nix. Took survivors from the Glen eastward and founded the nation of Palida. Still hangs around Nix and still hates Arsene.

Aurholm Notables:

Gregory A Kitt survivor of the spring of life's poisoning, who accidentally invoked Camellia to purify the water in the region. Later discovered how to consistently invoke Camellia and founded the nation of Kitiven, leaving his teachings for his followers to learn. Kittja & Kitthaya Progenitors of the Kitt race and the first humans created in Aurholm.

Renard

Family:

Renard's Biological Father A young Tekse barbarian who was tempted into a forbidden one-night-stand with Renard's mother while serving her entertainments. Years after the fact, still hopes the incident will never come back to impact him, and is relieved that so far, it hasn't. Renard's Biological Mother A young firecracker of a Lacrenese noblewoman who seduced a Tekse barbarian after they had kidnapped her for a week of entertainments. Was furiously bereaved by the loss of Renard and never truly recovered from it. Renard's Biological Grandfather Renard's maternal grandfather, a distinguished nobleman who sought to hide that his daughter had become pregnant to a Tekse. Ripped Renard away from her the second he was born and sent him to be raised as an orphan in a peasant family, where nobody would find him. Renard's Adoptive Father A stern and serious peasant man who works as his village's main trapper. Took good care of Renard and wished to raise him well, but never truly liked Renard's frivolous personality. Renard's Adoptive Mother A gentle peasant woman suffering from a degenerative disease that keeps her mostly housebound. Doting towards Renard, and grateful to have him, but hesitant to keep him too near her for fear of hampering his development. Never told Renard he was adopted, though he had suspicions. Isen The biological son of Renard's adoptive parents; Renard's older brother. Blessed with an incredibly good personality and talented at most things he tries, he caught the local Lord's attention and, despite his lowborn heritage, was formally trained as a page and squire. Supportive of Renard, but is also the target of his jealousy and a deep inferiority complex. Isobel A prostitute Renard became infatuated with during his time as a ghoul slayer. Desperate for the comforts she offered in spite of his weakness, he stole her from her workplace by offering she become his devoted sugar baby instead. Aware of how good of an offer this was, and pitying of Renard, she remained basically loyal. Colette Cayns du Fayette A noblewoman Renard married to secure a dowry with which to fund Isobel's lifestyle. This plan backfired almost immediately and he wound up entering a serious relationship with Colette. Renard's Son Renard's son with his wife. Inherited Renard's blade Kingslayer after he died and devoted himself to continuing the family's military legacy. Did not know his father, but idolised him massively.

Nobles & Kingdoms:

The Iron King A stillborn Lacrenese prince who can uniquely maintain his humanity despite being a ghoul. Renard greatly idolised him and served him devotedly during his reign. The Queen The Queen who inherited the throne of Lacren after the deposition of the Iron King. The Iron King's younger sister. Though she is grateful to Renard and favours him immensely, he cannot find it in his heart to serve her as passionately as he did the Iron King. Sir Galfrey A principled Knight who saw great nobility and goodness in the Iron King, released him from imprisonment, and assisted his takeover of Lacren. Was shocked and abandoned the Iron King when he confessed he was too weak to stay principled himself. The Twelve Knights A group of Lacrenese Knights, headed by Sir Galfrey, who believed in the Iron King's goodness and devotion to Lacren. All progressively abandoned him as it became clear that defending the Iron King's character from unfair criticism meant compromising their honour as knights. Orpheus Penn The younger brother of Liadus Penn, one of the Twelve Knights who Renard killed on the Iron King's command. Seeks revenge against Renard, but not to the abandonment of propriety or sense. Secured the retrieval of a magical rock from Nix that could conjure fresh water, giving the West an assured water source. Herjas An opportunistic Lacrenese noble who briefly stole Lacren's throne while the Iron King was indisposed. Was slaughtered by the Iron King come his return, even though he could have been a great ally. The Pilamines Citizens of a small but powerful mercantile city-state that neighbours Lacren. Were horribly slaughtered on the Iron King's orders, traumatising Renard. The Pilamine Knight A principled knight of Pilamine who sought to avenge the twelve knights, but was defeated by Renard. His honourable ethic and respectful actions deeply impressed Renard to the reality of goodness and chivalry, but the Iron King slaughtered him after Renard spared him. Lord Verdan The ruler of Verdanheim, the only nation to border and investigate Nix. Practical and somewhat devious, but good allies with Lacren after Renard unwittingly introduced the countries to each other. Pleione Gayle A Palidan shaman aiding water relief in the region in while attempting to study esoteric elements and spread her beliefs as a missionary. Greatly aided Renard in overthrowing the Iron King and opened him towards new modes of thinking. His best friend. Fidel Asphodel The son of a noble family who lost their holdings and prestige after his parents severely mismanaged their investments. Renard sympathised with him and took him as a squire, softening by his company as a dear protege. He united the Kingdoms of the West after Renard's passing and became the first king of Asphodel.

Misc:

Kingslayer Renard's sword, with which he slayed the Iron King and broke into the deepest reaches of Nix. Enchanted with properties that reverse, negate, and otherwise frustrate magic, it remains invaluable to those who would oppose witches or ghouls. Thunderclops Renard's lovely and dependable horse.

Mephi

Family:

Mephi's Mother An anxious, meek, and weak-willed woman terrified of Mephi's judgement ever since he was a toddler. Avoided him outside of using him as her vent box and life advice dispensary, though she did provide for him materially. Mephi's Father The head agricultural finance minister for Kitiven's more rural regions. Kept busy by work and so often absent, but greatly doting towards Mephi and idolised by him. Died when Mephi was 8 to a congenital heart ailment.

Others:

Tjan Veydikasyi A childhood friend of Mephi who was shunned by other kids for her cleft lip, and so found herself in his company. Found a loving husband, good friends, and a fulfilling job for herself as an adult, and sought to support Mephi too, but only earned his resentment. Sharvani Veydikasyi Tjan's firstborn child, born horribly mutated. Tjan named her after Mephi's surname after he agreed to care for her while Tjan smoothed things over with her husband, which infuriated Mephi so much that he murdered the child and Tjan. Tjan's Husband Tjan's husband, who grew suspicious and angry with Tjan after seeing the deformed state of their child. Soft Nails A witch Mephi associated with during his university years. Had a crush on Mephi and wanted him to become a witch too, but Mephi despised her and ultimately rejected her. Mephi's Dormmate A university student who lived in the same dorm-facility as Mephi. Was murdered by Nails and enslaved as her familiar as her revenge for Mephi rejecting her. Swore vengeance upon Mephi after he realised Mephi had known about Nails' presence for years without reporting her, but failed to actualise it.

Phoenix & Aquila

Family:

Gallus Fidelis Peredur Asphodel Aquila and Phoenix's father. A bright, rambunctous, and fun-loving man who adored his wife and family, but could not stop himself from resenting Phoenix for his wife's death. Hates Phoenix to the end of the earth and prefers not to acknowledge his existence. Aquila takes after him, is close with Aquila. Rhea Asphodel Aquila and Phoenix's mother. An intelligent, gentle, and kind woman whose soul was sheared to pieces upon the birth of Phoenix, and who fell into a permanent coma as a result. Phoenix and Columba take after her. Was close with Aquila. Columba Asphodel Aquila and Phoenix's middle sister. Gentle and empathetic, but spiteful towards the monarchy due to its underhanded politics and resentful of her planned marriage to Mason Whitewood. Killed herself with intention for Phoenix to raise her so she could escape her life, and when he actually did, encouraged him to destroy the country.

Others:

Faron Whitewood A street urchin pickpocket who befriended Gallus in his youth. Extremely loyal to Gallus and exposed him to the criminal underbelly of Asphodel, then conspired with him to wrangle this underbelly into the Crown's pocket. Succeeded, gained a noble title for his efforts. Gallus' best friend and confidant, Aquila's godfather, saved Aquila's life. Mason Whitewood The younger of Faron Whitewood's twin sons. Alongside Morgan, was the heir to Asphodel's underworld and intelligence networks. A thug and a punk, but extremely loyal to the Crown. Aquila's playmate and best friend in childhood; got up to many delinquent hijinks with him. Jealous of Phoenix for stealing Aquila's attention and bullied him when Aquila wasn't watching. Tried to sell Phoenix to Ordish slavers; was exiled to Ordanz when Aquila discovered this. Morgan Whitewood The elder of Faron Whitewood's twin sons. Alongside Mason, was the heir to Asphodel's underworld and intelligence networks. A wily and professional scoundrel, but extremely loyal to the Crown. Aquila's playmate and best friend in childhood; got up to many delinquent hijinks with him. Died in a bungled drug deal and was resurrected by Phoenix at Aquila's request, which accidentally twisted him into a better person. Quit the family and dropped off the radar to pursue a humbler life. Toreas of Lacren The son of a knightly noble family who befriended Gallus in his youth. Disgusted by Gallus for rewarding Faron's criminality and weaving it into the Crown's practices. Cut ties with Asphodel to become a mercenary in Ordanz instead. Later returned to conduct an attempted assassination on Aquila, and then a coup against Asphodel's throne. Succeeded, but defected to serve Phoenix, only to be enslaved and used as Phoenix's primary pawn in subjugating the citizenry. A descendant of Renard; wielded Kingslayer. Todd A young squire proficient in swords that Aquila assigned as Phoenix's chaperone to go to a piano concert. Was kidnapped alongside Phoenix and died while seeking help; to save himself, Phoenix bound Todd's soul to a vulture and sent him to find rescuers. Was successful, but kickstarted Phoenix's growing exploitation of soulsmithing and soon let himself die, as he didn't want to live as a familiar.

Raum & Reyl

Family:

Desiree Blackthorne Raum and Reyl's mother. A prostitute who slept, bargained, blackmailed, and murdered her way into the boardroom of Seacrest Enterprises, then secured free reign over the vault of East Welding in exchange for high-quality drugs and slaves for Seacrest. Expanded her enterprises and built East Welding into a metropolis. Extremely cruel and devious. Runs the gang Black Thorns, her workers and enforcers in the city. Reyl's abuser, Raum's rapist. Mason Whitewood Raum and Reyl's father. An Asphodelean exile in Ordanz enslaved for committing theft. Owners planned to kill him, but he interested Desiree on account of being exotic and foreign. Was squirrelled into East Welding and taken as her concubine. Secured freedom from her after helping her expand Black Thorns, but remained stuck in Welding. Deadbeat towards the kids, though not actively cruel. Encouraged Raum to embrace his Asphodelean heritage. Helped Aquila's schemes.

Others:

Vincent Whitewood A distant cousin of Raum and Reyl's who owns a principality in Asphodel. Hit it off with Raum when the siblings visited Asphodel for their grandfather's funeral, but ditched him after Reyl attacked him for investigating the disappearance of a trinket he had shown Raum. Was assassinated at the funeral alongside the other Whitewoods, sans Raum and Reyl, who escaped the venue. The Majordomo The ruler-in-absentia of the city Indris after Vincent's passing. A loyalist to the Whitewoods who wanted Raum to take command of the family's consolidated assets. Died when a weapon meant to kill Raum misfired on him. The Dame A swordswoman veteran of the Tyrant's Reign who serves as the Majordomo's head of security. Distrustful of Raum and Reyl for being Ordish, especially after catching them fleeing after the Majordomo's death. Caught Raum and delivered him to a neighbouring Lord for punishment. The Lord of Joliet The Lord of an Asphodelean principality saddled with handling Raum. Ruled to execute him on suspicion of connection to terrorist cults; was interrupted when terrorists pursuing Raum bombed the city. Raum saved the Lord's family in the ensuing chaos, but the Lord still handed him over to the terrorists. Morgan Whitewood Raum and Reyl's long-lost uncle. Raum encountered him on death row while imprisoned in Joliet. Told Raum of his family's history with Aquila, and that Aquila was behaving oddly, probably as part of some plan, but was personally unconcerned as to what that plan was. Toreas of Lacren Phoenix's second-in-command during Tyrant's Reign; a swordsman with a massive grudge against the Asphodels. Nonetheless helped Aquila destroy Phoenix's cultists following the Tyrant's Reign. Realised too late that Aquila was tricking him; told Raum of these dealings and that Phoenix geased Aquila. Died to Aquila and was framed for the Whitewoods' assassination. The Baron of Pikiny A tricksy Baron who won the right to hang out with Raum on his first day at court. Told Raum that Asphodelean nobles had been nervous for decades that Aquila would never name an heir; confirmed that Raum likely would be the heir. Ecqoi Agent A former member of Asphodel's disbanded assassin's guild who remains loyal to the Whitewoods. Helped Mason infiltrate Aquila's castle and arrange for him to assassinate Aquila; failed, hit Raum instead.

Trivia & Swift

Family:

Dahlia Venn Trivia's mother. An international cultural liaison who escorted clients across borders to conduct their business safely. Attracted the interest of two brothers; upon discovering she was pregnant, the one she rejected cursed her unborn child. Died when Trivia was born. Trivia's Father One of Dahlia's clients. Was romantically interested in Dahlia; secured her reciprocation. Was murdered by his envious brother on the day he meant to move out to live with her. Trivia's Uncle One of Dahlia's clients. Was romantically interested in Dahlia; did not secure her reciprocation. Murdered his brother to become a witch and cursed Dahlia's unborn child upon discovering her pregnant. Intended to torment Dahlia further and steal Trivia, but fled to Palida to avoid reprisal from Mephi, and was sealed there. Swift's Father A high-ranking member of the Shevra Baht. Something of a patriarch within its ranks, not that the Shevra Baht cares about that too much. Swift's Mother A high-ranking member of the Shevra Baht. Unsentimental, even for Shevra Baht. Swift's Sister Swift's younger sister. A typical member of the Shevra Baht: cold, serious, and more bonded to her duty than to Swift.

Others:

Nashira Rakel A shaman Trivia and Swift consulted to try and remove Trivia's hex. Bears heavy influence from invoking Mephi in her youth; left her emotionally blunted, hateful towards witchcraft, and gave her the ability to shapeshift into any human form.

Camille

Randoms:

Siyas A young Kitt who bears heavy influence from accidentally invoking Phoenix in his youth. Desperate to know why an Archon marked him and if there is any good that can be made of his powers. Hair bleached white; blood heals diseases. Former Priest A former clergyman who was kicked out after trying to invoke Archons. Looks to build a cult around Siyas and secure control over such powerful individuals, if not legitimise and tap into those powers himself. Faith-torn Priest A clergyman promoting the cult around Siyas, because his powers are working to quell the horrible plague around the city. Conflicted on whether his actions are right or if he is compromising his faith. City Bishop The ruling Bishop of the City where Camille awkens. Is informed to Camille's identity by Raum and begs him to save the City, succcessfully. Phoenix Cultists Cultist sect that burns children alive for immortality. Interested in Siyas. The Pontifex Camille you little punk

Lisbet

Family:

Lish Lisbet's mother. A Thrax Queen terrified of High Terrans after Verticillaster's destruction of Cautenlla. Created Lisbet from a sample of Low Terran DNA explicitly to be a host to a Thrax, hoping the soul merge would confer her with Terran reality warping, and trigger High Terran adoration of her, while keeping her subservient to the hivemind of the Thrax. From there, would defang High Terrans and pursue world peace. Plan failed; Verticillaster found out and reamed her through court; Lish extremely bitter and broken. Lisbet sought her out to try and soothe her agony. Irida The Thrax that would have claimed Lisbet's soul had their soul merge not been interrupted. Was rendered inert by Camellia, but awoke when Lisbet delved Nix. Friendly towards Lisbet; uncomfortable with Aurholm.

Palidans:

Nebuzan A Piscean invoker who seeks to bring the sign into legitimacy. Was infected by a demon in his youth when he entered Tianuku Gol; brought about the soul rain on the instruction of this demon. Ram-Abbas Son-of-the-Mountain-that-Rages Chief of the Plains-O'er-Fen tribe. Allows Lisbet to shelter with the tribe through the soul rain; later banishes her to Nix. Man-Dehir Whose-Father-Spoke-as-Birds Spiritual consultant of the Plains-O'er-Fen tribe. Arranges that Lisbet be purified; grows suspicious of her as a spiritually-inclined pisces, and doubly suspicious when she ruins the tribe's suicide attempt.

Nix Dwellers:

Tisiphone Demon queen looking to spread her influence and turn the world to hell. Infected Nebuzan, pushed him to start the soul rain, hates Lisbet for meddling with her plans. Fails at subverting Lisbet, is instead subjugated by her. Asphodelean Delvers A team of Asphodelean researchers Lisbet encounters in Nix. Help her initially, but ditch her after determining that Nix has influenced her too much. Glennite Family A family of Glennites that Lisbet encounters in Nix. Inform Lisbet how to reach Arsene.

Aster

Family:

Aster's Mother An Ordish warren-rat living in a tunnel commune. Got by as a ragpicker, but sold Aster to slavers when the food and money started becoming very tight. Was not hugely torn about the loss; too dumb to conceive what would happen to her. Aster's Father A commune member Aster's Mother fornicated with on a whim. As this was not an uncommon occurrence in the commune, nobody knows who he actually is, though many claimed to be him, as it was common for men of the commune to boast that they had the most, or best, children.

Others:

Kristem van Barovstek Aster's buyer. An emotionally stunted pedophile intimidated by adult women who conceived to make Aster his wife; would constantly flip between worshipping her, beating her, and crying out all his troubles to her. Formerly a top-dweller but sold his estate to afford Aster. Tried very hard to keep her young; murdered her when she had her first period. Aster suffers from severe stockholm syndrome and guilt in regards to him, aside from general trauma. (I know I know, just trust me here).

Poppy

Family:

Poppy's Mother A c-list celebrity singer who never broke into serious fame. Tricked Quillian Seacrest into a one-night-stand with a broken condom. Possessive of Poppy to maintain child support money from Seacrest but also resentful of her for 'controlling' so much of her life. Immature and attention-seeking. Quillian Seacrest Poppy's dad. Current CEO of Seacrest Enterprises; despite that, a rather weak-willed and meek individual. Relies on others to manage the company while he tries not to cause problems. Left Poppy with her mother, too intimidated by her to fight a custody battle, told himself things were ok. Rarely visited or saw Poppy growing up. Feels guilty in retrospect. Poppy's Stepmother Quillian's wife. A serious, stern, no-nonsense woman who stops Quillian from always ruining his life or investments. Advised him not to bother with Poppy's Mother. Hates Poppy's mother but doesn't care enough to make her stupidity her business. Poppy's Elder Stepsister Quillian and his wife's firstborn; Poppy's elder sister. Lives with Quillian's side of the family, has not had much contact with Poppy. Poppy's Younger Stepsister Quillian and his wife's secondborn; Poppy's younger sister. Lives with Quillian's side of the family, has not had much contact with Poppy. Poppy suspects Quillian and her stepmother had her to affirm their relationship's steadiness and deprioritize Poppy, which is correct.

Others:

Poppy's Boyfriend The son of a successful but sociopathic corporate manager for Seacrest Enterprises. Family are lower Ordish who live belowground. Got into Poppy's school on a scholarship; wicked smart, but a total degenerate. Like, a total degenerate.

Zachary

Family:

Zachary's Father The chief of an extremely old, respected, and powerful Palidan tribe. Zachary's birth under Ophiuchus has disgraced both the chief and the tribe utterly, ruining them. Feels he has been cursed and is ashamed of having spawned Zachary. Has resigned he will likely never find Zachary. Zachary's Mother A bold, determined, and ferocious woman who chose to save Zachary despite his birth under Ophiuchus. Does not care about the so-called 'curses' upon her, simply wants a good life for Zachary. Was unfortunately separated from him and unable to protect him completely. Never reunited.

Others:

Nine Columbines Staff General staff and nurses in Nine Columbines tasked with handling Zachary. Gave him a lot of special attention and privileges, saw him as something of a celebrity. Uniformly liked him despite difficulties. The Pastor Nine Columbines' Pastor. Fatherlike figure who adopted Zachary into his house to teach him rules, discipline, and order. Very firm but nice man. First one to suspect Zachary had talent at invoking Camellia. The Bishops Bishops from Amsherrat who grew interested in Zachary after learning of him as an invoker. His spiritual tutors in the ways of the Church and its institutions. Extremely polarised on the political implications of Zachary, due mostly to his extensive disabilities and Palidan ethnicity. The Pontifex Camille you little punk