Weylan ap Dougal of the Copper Arm, King of Albion -- Sidhe
Though less grand in his appearance and manner than many of his vassals, this legendary
blacksmith is acknowledged by all as the Seelie ruler of Albion.
Melantha Shir Ambrosine ap Ailil, Queen of Albion -- Sidhe
During the winter months, Albion's gracefully Unseelie queen rules the land. Technically she
is wed to King Weylan, but their marriage exists solely for monarchical purposes.
Grettir Auðunsson Aesna, King of Heather -- Sidhe
This heavy-handed and sternly Seelie sidhe holds the kingdom of Heather as a vassal state of
Albion from a glen in the County of the Wall.
Gislerð Auðunsson Aesna, King of Heather -- Sidhe
Brother to the Seelie King of Heather, Gislerð is even colder and harsher, as befits the
winter ruler of Albion's northernmost kingdom.
Tatha Sky-Eyed ap Scathach, Queen of Tears -- Sidhe
The Land of Tears plays home to many Scathach, and enjoys strong ties to Cymry, Caledonia, and
the kingdoms of Hibernia across the Irish Sea. Queen Tatha is a renowned seeress, more
talented in her field of specialty than even Queen Melessa of Mist.
Thuria Careen nic Daireann, Queen of Tears -- Sidhe
The Seelie/Unseelie cycle in the Land of Tears is less clear-cut than most, as Queen Thuria,
like her summer counterpart, walks close to the line between the two Courts.
Ferrima Allarn ap Fiona, Queen of Wool -- Sidhe
The pastoral heartland of Albion is the realm of this passionate and friendly Fiona queen.
She has been known to move her Seelie court about, but it most commonly occupies a glen in the
County of the Orchard.
Perceval Young ap Fiona, King of Wool -- Sidhe
Passions rule the days and nights of winter in the Kingdom of Wool. Ancient bans prevent
the Unseelie King Perceval from marrying Queen Ferrima, but those forces do not forbid the
love they share.
Belinus Grann ap Gwydion, King of Roses -- Sidhe
Grann rules the area of Albion most densely populated by mortals, but pays little attention to
them, making his home in the isolated County of the Circle.
Peronelle Doren ap Gwydion, Queen of Roses -- Sidhe
The Unseelie wife of Belinus Grann is not a particularly strong ruler, but she keeps order
within the Roselands during the winter months.
Melessa Arian ap Eiluned, Queen of Mist -- Sidhe
Without a doubt, Queen Melessa is the most talented sorceress in Albion, and could potentially
claim a much larger realm than the queendom of Mist. She seems content to remain in her
Glamour-rich home, however, with its secret grotto concealed inside Glastonbury Tor.
Lysimachus Ilar ap Leanhaun, King of Mist -- Sidhe
They say the only thing that can distract Queen Melessa from her studies of magic is the touch
of her Leanhaun lover, the Unseelie King of Mist. Given the ages which Lysimachus has devoted
to perfecting the amatory arts, this story is not hard to believe.
Cunobel Mar ap Dougal, King of the Hollow Shore -- Sidhe
Called "the Hammerhand," Cunobel is a close friend of King Weylan, and his vassal king of the
Hollow Shore, dwelling in the central County of Granite.
Ar Agor Cylla ap Balor, Queen of the Hollow Shore -- Sidhe
Hard and ugly as the rocks of Cornwall in winter, Queen Ar Agor is the bloodiest and harshest
monarch in all of Albion.
Elu Suleric ap Gwydion, King of the Chalk Coast -- Sidhe
The southernmost vassal kingdom of Albion is under the rule of Elu Suleric, an honest and
fair-minded Gwydion who lives in the County of the Garden.
Pia Sophronia ap Beaumayn, Queen of the Chalk Coast -- Sidhe
Queen Pia's authority in Albion is something of a sore point, as it reflects the shifting
conflicts between England and France, which echo over into Albion and Neustria. There is no
love lost between her and her Seelie counterpart, King Elu.
Vester Sorant ap Fiona, Earl of the Tower -- Sidhe
The freehold of the White Tower, established when the structure was built in 1078, is in the
keeping of this Fiona lord.
Amarante Laelia Rhi Junia ap Dougal, Lady of the Western Grove -- Sidhe
A fae alchemist of great repute, she seeks to free her work from the restrictions of mortal
thought.
Matilda Goodemeade -- Boggan
Round-cheeked and as friendly as they come, Matilda has mastered the trick of meeting mortals
face-to-face without them ever guessing her true nature, which allows her to run the Cauldron
of Plenty as an inn that receives both mortals (in the aboveground rooms) and fae (in the
basement freehold).
Thomas Merriman -- Kinain
One of the most talented alchemists in Albion or England. The son of a mortal father and a
fae mother, his Sight is powerful enough that it can see, albeit dimly, into a future
centuries distant, where he believes the Philospher's Stone may be created.
Edward d'Alencon -- Kinain
Keeper of the Library of Albion.
Anne Fisher -- Mortal
A young woman who once dreamed of slaying dragons with her stick-sword . . . and perhaps still
does.
Elizabeth la Cleve -- Mortal
A quiet, bookish young lady with a talent for healing.
Mary Smith -- Mortal
The abused wife of a blacksmith, with plans for dealing with her husband.
Robert Forester -- Mortal
A somewhat isolated, but intensely curious, young man from Derbyshire.
Roger Caultry, fourth Lord Mortimer -- Mortal
A mortal alchemist of great repute, he has met with great frustration in his search for the
Philosopher's Stone.
Billin Goodemeade -- Boggan Grump
Though the Cauldron of Plenty belongs to Billin, he rarely takes a place by its balefire,
instead offering shelter to the many fae still reeling from the upheavals of the Shattering.
He is the grandson of the first Goodemeades to take mortal flesh, and his own time will surely
end soon, due to his own generosity.
Mae Arden -- Boggan Wilder
The balefire of Rose House was lit by this young boggan.
Amadis Shirreen -- Ghille Dhu Wilder
Fairspring Glen, a tiny locus of Glamour in an untouched corner of the Borough of Graves, is
in the keeping of this beautiful and wise ghille dhu.
Daniel Saccas -- Nocker Wilder
No one has ever accused London of being a Glamourful city, but this nocker has dreams of
making it one: a web of freeholds and balefires, each supporting the other, that would
transform the city into a place hospitable to fae.
Edward Black -- Raven Pooka Wilder
The deal with the City's chimerical ravens may be credited in part to this raven pooka.
Bonecruncher -- Redcap Wilder
The balefire of Bridgeside was lit by this redcap.
Volva Kajsa Sunnive Aesna -- Sidhe
As one of House Aesin's seers, this volva journeyed a great distance following the Shattering
to reach the Chapter-House of the Order of Arcadians. Upon her arrival in the City, she
claimed the White Tower from the troll thane Rickard Seastone, who had kept it in trust
following his lord's departure for Arcadia. This move made her highly unpopular with the many
commoners left behind by their nobility.
Sir Lauchlan Senast ap Liam -- Sidhe
Stranded in the Autumn World by his determination to help commoners make their way to the
Arcadian gates, Sir Lauchlan now struggles to keep himself alive in the face of overwhelming
Banality. He will not accept mortal flesh, but his pride has unbent enough to accept a spot
at the Cauldron of Plenty when his need becomes dire.
Lady Muriel Neassa ap Beaumayn -- Sidhe
This scholarly lady made her home in Morbon until the Shattering, and missed her opportunity
to reach Arcadia due, they say, to the interesting book she was reading. When she heard that
the Library of Albion had been left without a keeper, she came to the City of the Tower, where
she took up responsibility for the collections. Not once has she set foot outside the
Library's premises; the Banality of the city would kill her in no time.
Suspiria -- Sluagh Wilder
Seeking to reopen a gate to Arcadia, this young woman Reaved a balefire, destroying it in the
process. For her crimes, she has been sentenced to derive no benefit from a freehold until
such time as she makes amends for what she has done, and understands its value.
Dællin Cynefrid -- Troll Wilder
The balefire of Dripping Hearth was lit by this troll.
Philip Tallaxe -- Troll Grump
The faith held by this steadfast troll puts other fae to shame. Firm in his belief that the
sidhe will soon return to help their people, Philip has poured every once of energy he
possesses into re-opening the trods. He leads the Order of Arcadians in Albion, from their
Dreaming-based chapter house in the Borough of Graves.
Rickard Seastone -- Troll Grump
A former thane in the service of the sidhe who held the White Tower freehold, Rickard now
serve the volva who claims that balefire for herself.
Father Thames -- Ondine
Though rarely seen by fae, this Inanima is one of the oldest and most respected in Albion.
Black Annis
The nature of this hag-like creature is unknown -- whether she is some form of chimera
dwelling in flesh, or a mortal witch with powerful abilities. She kills humans, particularly
children, and eats their flesh, leaving their skins hanging from the trees about her home.
She dwells in a cave, called Black Annis' Bower, in Leicestershire (called by fae the County
of the Cave).
William Merriman -- Kinain
To Will has fallen the first step in the long task of the Merrimans, assisting the changelings
in their duties to the sacred trees of Albion. As a talented alchemist, thoroughly versed in
fae lore, he is well-prepared for the challenge.
Geoffrey Chaucer -- Mortal
A court poet and minor government official, this older man has taken up residence in a house
on the grounds of Westminster Abbey, where he devotes his time to his poetry.
Agnes Goodemeade -- Boggan Wilder
Agnes came late into the life of her husband Tuck, but she's brought a much-needed helping
hand as he struggles with encroaching Banality.
Brock Silvermouth, Lord of Coins, Baron of the Tower -- Boggan Grump
Traditionally the White Tower freehold is the residence for the city's ruler, but Lord
Silvermouth's passionate engagement in the trade flowing through London has motivated him to
move the city's center of power to the Silver Door instead. His rule has brought prosperity
to the City of the Tower (and to his own pockets).
Maddy Copperbottom -- Boggan Wilder
Despite having to make do with fish, fish, and nothing but fish during those long stretches of
time when the Fearn cannot make a safe landing to resupply, Maddy reliably produces
tasty and nutritious meals from the ship's tiny galley.
Tuck Goodemeade -- Boggan Grump
Despite the protection afforded by the Cauldron of Plenty, Tuck is fighting against the
effects of increasing age. He could preserve himself by staying more within the freehold, but
there's always someone who could use a hand, drawing him away from the Cauldron's
balefire.
Gwerdni Crai, Oak King -- Ghille Dhu Grump
Gwerdni Oedran, Holly King -- Ghille Dhu Grump
These two brothers have ruled Albion for decades, preserving stability even as the mortal
kings of England squabble back and forth. Fae scholars attribute the endurance of their rule
to the wisdom of the tradition by which they exchange rule at Beltaine and Samhain. Their
seat of power lies in the County of the Green in the Woollen Fields, but in recent years their
influence in southern Albion has waned; the effect of trade and the rising peasant and
merchant classes has led some commoner fae to become disaffected with royalty. The loss of
their kubera queens has wearied the brothers, who once might have taken steps to counter the
fragmentation of their kingdom.
Leria of Syrinx -- Merfolk Nix
This beautiful leader of the merfolk was captured and poisoned by her murdhuacha enemies, but
rescued by the surface-dwelling fae of the Fearn.
Seilis of Melusine -- Merfolk Nix
Following her sister's capture by the murdhuacha, this scholarly mermaid briefly assumed
responsibility as the leader of her people, smoothing over the rift with Sir Ruadh in the
process.
Petyr Sopston, Lord of Roads -- Nocker Wilder
Kith nepotism may have led to Petyr acquiring the valuable freehold of the Traveler's Rest,
but he does his best to be worthy of it, and so the grumbles against him are limited in
scope.
Thom of the Tower, Lord Magistrate -- Nocker Wilder
The burgeoning trade of London brings many strangers from both countryside and foreign lands
through the City of the Tower, resulting in more than a few conflicts. Thom tries to
adjudicate these as fairly as he can, but his temper being rather on the short side, he does
not take kindly to anyone questioning his work.
Jenny Wren -- Wren Pooka Wilder
Johnny Rook's sister might actually be telling the truth when she speaks -- if anyone could
understand enough of her words to find out. A sailor on the Fearn, Jenny's primary
duty is as a lookout for the ship.
Midge -- Vulture Pooka Grump
As ship's doctor for the Fearn, Midge delights in telling everyone just how doomed they
are and which limbs will have to be amputated. Together with her shrimp companion Bruce, she
rules the medical chamber on board the ship.
Cosh the Brash, Lord of Fishes -- Redcap Wilder
Granting the freehold of Bridgeside to this redcap may not have been the wisest political move
ever, but no one can say that he is ineffective at collecting taxes from those who cross.
Tiburón -- Redcap Wilder
Some people are familiar with river hags, but Tiburón seems determined to become the
world's first marine redcap. He constitutes a one-man underwater assault force for the
Fearn.
Arkell Half-horn -- Satyr Wilder
Captain Arkell's ship is one of the most feared vessels plying European waters, thanks to her
uncannily accurate and long-ranged cannon and its recent innovation of gunports in the sides
of her hull.
Torthen Cachemayd, Baron of Stages -- Satyr Wilder
The increase of trade along the Thames has raised the importance of the Borough of Stages.
Newly appointed to his post, Lord Torthen is either exactly the sort of fresh and energetic
mind needed to handle the situation, or a symptom of the problem himself, depending on whether
one asks his forward-thinking or conservative subjects.
Aurelien Aristaeon ap Scathach -- Sidhe Wilder
Though young and relatively inexperienced in most matters, Aurelien is a highly reliable guide
through the Dreaming.
Lord Cedrych Wisperswerd ap Scathach, Baron of Graves -- Sidhe Wilder
Lord Cedrych acquired control of the Borough of Graves when the mortal civil war between the
Houses of Lancaster and York briefly spilled over into fae society in the region of the Tower.
For his service in helping to quell the unrest there, the ghille dhu kings of Albion granted
him the barony of Graves.
Quiana Eveleen Sylvrane ap Scathach -- Sidhe Wilder
Morbon has been Quiana's posting for many years. From the City of Doors, she coordinates a
great deal of Scathach effort throughout the Dreaming.
Sir Ruadh mac Rigdonn Noíchéile mac Daireann, Captain of the Fearn --
Sidhe
The legends of this sidhe do not recall why he remained in the Autumn World after the trods
closed during the Shattering -- whether he was somehow barred from fleeing to Arcadia, or
whether he chose to stay freely. Whatever the truth of his past, Sir Ruadh has dedicated
himself to the quest to rediscover a path to the fae homeland. Disdaining to take refuge in a
mortal body, he has protected himself from Banality by sailing the western seas, where the
boundary between the Autumn World and the Dreaming blurs and shifts, and some enchanted island
may hold the gate he seeks.
Chelle Au-Dessous, Lady of Friars -- Sluagh Childling
Under the patronage of Lady Vivata, Lady Chelle has recently assumed ownership of the freehold
of Dripping Hearth.
Vivata Arcanorum, Lady of Books -- Sluagh Wilder
Keeper of the Library of Albion and the freehold of Cinderwall, this young gentlewoman
maintains extensive contacts with the Library of Morbon via the trod that connects the
two.
Sir Filus the Gate-seeker -- Troll Grump
A stalwart troll clinging to his fae self against the ravages of time, Sir Filus leads the
Order of Arcadians in Albion. Though the Order has been in a long decline, he has sworn a vow
on the Dreaming to never abandon his search for the faerie homeland.
Richard Seastone, Lord of Moots -- Troll Wilder
For his faithful service at the White Tower in a previous life, Lord Richard has been granted
the freehold of Rose House.
Eyes of the Fearn -- Mannikin
Carved on the prow of the fae ship the Fearn is a figurehead of a slender and lovely
young woman. This same young woman may often be seen walking the decks of the ship as Sir
Ruadh's first mate and devoted lover. Eyes, as she is usually called, is responsible for most
of the lookout and navigational duties of the ship.
Father Thames -- Ondine
Though rarely seen by fae, this Inanima is one of the oldest and most respected in Albion.
Bruce -- Chimera
A chimerical shrimp, Bruce serves as Midge's main assistant in the Fearn's
infirmary.
Wybert -- Chimera
The master gunner of the Fearn appears to be a creature composed primarily of soot and
cinders. Formerly a crewmember of another ship, he persuaded Sir Ruadh of the merits of
possessing shipboard cannon, and now services the vessel's guns, obtaining new ones when he
can.
Anne Thatcher -- Kinain
Prior to her marriage to William Thatcher, the keeper of the Round, Anne's surname was
Merriman. Placed by her family to watch over Rowan's freehold, she has only recently revealed
her identity and purpose there.
Simon Merriman -- Kinain
The Dreaming must have had a good reason for choosing Simon as the member of the Merriman
family to accompany the fae on their voyage, for he does not love the sea. But he is a
well-educated and talented alchemist, and will not hesitate to do his duty -- even in the face
of seasickness.
Broderick Bobbin, Lord of Coins -- Boggan Wilder
A remarkably Unseelie boggan, this gentleman uses his shrewd trading instincts to ensure that
those he assists are irrevocably in his debt. Lord Bobbin's freehold is the Silver Door.
Gertrude Goodemeade -- Boggan Wilder
As the holder of the Cauldron of Plenty, Gertrude exercises a considerable amount of influence
on behalf of her sister Rosamund. Between the two of them, the young women keep a firm grip
on the Borough of Angels in the face of Invidiana's machinations.
Noelia Draper -- Boggan Grump
Mistress of the Royal Household, Noelia is very Seelie in temperament, but this expresses
itself through an obsessive and inflexible insistance on keeping everything in the Queen's
surroundings clean, perfect, and timely. She rules over an impressive army of chimera and
enchanted mortals who live in fear of her wrath.
Peg Popper -- Boggan Wilder
A cousin of the Goodemeades by marriage, Peg lives in the County of the Horse.
Rosamund Goodemeade, Baroness of Angels -- Boggan Wilder
Though she lives at the Cauldron of Plenty, Rosamund leaves the freehold in Gertrude's
keeping. Because of this, the Goodemeade sisters have a double voice in the politics of
Angels, which they use to good effect -- much to the surprise of those who think boggans can't
play at politics. The result is that Angels, unlike Graves and Stages, has maintained a fair
degree of autonomy from the City proper.
Éimhin mac Turlough ua Cleirigh, An Ridire na Craoibhe Rua -- Clurichaun
Grump
Of all the ambassadors at the Onyx Court, Sir Éimhin has the clearest purpose: to
persuade Invidiana to use her leverage on the English government to halt their ambitions in
Ireland, where Elizabeth is continuing her father's attempt to establish English control over
the Irish. So far he has yet to succeed, but rumblings from Hibernia indicate that the Irish
may take matters into their own hands soon, regardless of his embassy.
Don Nayyir ibn Suhail ibn Raqis Al-Nahyan, Conde del Semental Dorado -- Eshu
Grump
As the four kingdoms of Iberia are currently unified under a single ruler, there is only one
ambassador present at the Onyx Court. Don Nayyir's exotic nature is attractive to many in the
City of the Tower, though others mutter blackly about welcoming a foreigner from a
not-terribly-friendly nation into their halls. After four years in his position, however,
Don Nayyir is well-prepared to cope with such troubles.
Amadea Shirell, Lady of Greens -- Ghille Dhu Grump
Mistress of an area of Graves that has so far escaped the expansion of the City, Lady Amadea
is well-respected for her wisdom. She generally stays aloof of the politics which her baron,
Lord Aspell, so loves to engage in, but freely advises anyone who has need of her deep
knowledge of fae magic and lore.
Lewan Erle, Baron of Stages -- Ghille Dhu Wilder
Many of the ladies of the City sigh over Lord Erle's flowing locks and broad shoulders. This
ghille dhu baron takes such admiration as his due, but rarely shares his favors; the general
consensus is that this is because he is occasionally granted access to Invidiana's bed, and he
does not wish to excite her jealousy.
Arglwydd Rhosier Fychan -- Nocker Wilder
This Welsh lord is one of a rotating series of diplomats from the courts of Cymru, the king
there deeming it better not to leave anyone under Invidiana's influence for too long.
Arglwydd Rhosier (or Lord Rhosier, as most people find it easier to say) seems to have been
sent to the City of the Tower as a sort of rite of passage into politics, and is fascinated by
the machinations of the Onyx Court.
Dame Madlyn Digleish, Lady of Friars -- Nocker Childling
As vicious and backstabbing as they come, Dame Digleish approaches life with the attitude of a
child wondering what happens if you hit someone here. She's been known to purchase
corpses for dissection, and there are unpleasant rumours -- but (hopefully) unfounded -- that
she has practiced vivisection as well. Dame Digleish's freehold is Dripping Hearth.
Lord Petter Sinclair, Seneschal of the Tower -- Nocker Grump
Overworked and undervalued, Lord Sinclair does most of the work involved in keeping the City
of the Tower running. Count Hengsin was on the verge of replacing him (retiring Lord Sinclair
with the parting gift of an axe through the head), but Invidiana stepped in, claiming the
nocker was too valuable to waste in such a fashion.
Winnie Lalage -- Piskey Wilder
This hyperkinetic piskey lives for parties in the Bacchanal Fields, though her periodic spats
with her lover Seumas occasionally cause her to boycott it in a huff. She never stays away
for long, though.
Arachne -- Spider Pooka Wilder
According to rumour, this secretive woman holds a great deal of information about a great many
people in the City of the Tower. Acquiring that information, however, requires that one first
find her; then meet her price; then sort through the impenetrably dream-like nature of her
speech to ferret out the material within.
Dedrick "Dead Rick" Greig -- Dog Pooka Childling
No doubt life in the Onyx Court will finish warping this boy's personality before long, but at
present, he still provides entertainment refreshingly clear of the malice that pervades those
around him. Invidiana's people found Dead Rick on the streets of London, and brought him down
into the Borough of Shadows to be her royal jester.
Raasi, Lady of Roads -- Cat Pooka Wilder
Lady Carline's main rival in the sexual politics of the Tower, this elegant pooka lady is
rumoured to be attempting to orchestrate her satyr opponent's downfall. At present, though
she does not enjoy Invidiana's personal favor to the same extent as Lady Carline, Raasi's
position in Roads is an enviable one. Lady Raasi's freehold is the Traveler's Rest.
Valentin Aspell, Baron of Graves -- Snake Pooka Wilder
Since Graves serves, in its mortal guise as Westminster, as the center of much of England's
mortal politics, Lord Aspell is a critical player in the Queen's machinations.
Unsurprisingly, she keeps him on a correspondingly short leash. Just how much free will Lord
Aspell truly has is a matter of hushed debate.
Harrow Bonecruncher, Lord of Fishes -- Redcap Wilder
More than one fae has had his face broken for snickering over the title "Lord of Fishes."
Bonecruncher works as a torturer at the nearby Tower, and has been maneuvering for some time
to achieve a place in the Count's court there, but so far his efforts have been unsuccessful.
Lord Bonecruncher's freehold is Bridgeside.
Kashtag -- Redcap Childling
This foul and violent child serves as Invidiana's tax collector. Surprisingly, the belief is
that he's scrupulously honest in his work. Apparently Invidiana has offered him something
very desirable in exchange for his reliable service. Just what that something is, though, no
one knows . . . and few people want to.
Wroth -- Redcap Wilder
For having murdered the Earl of Lichfield, a key pawn in one of Invidiana's political schemes,
Wroth has been placed under a magical Ban that traps him in one corner of the Onyx Hall, under
pain of death if he leaves it.
Lady Carline -- Satyr Wilder
A lush and sensuous woman even by satyr standards, Lady Carline is Invidiana's closest friend
and confidante. She has bedded half the Onyx Court (male and female alike), but as it's a
more pleasant form of manipulation than most of the others Invidiana employs, few people
complain.
Madame Mari le Sainfoin de Veilée, Marquise de Saphir -- Satyr Wilder
The Caledonian ambassador to Albion withdrew following the execution of Mary Stuart two years
ago, accusing Invidiana of having planted evidence that implicated the otherwise innocent
Queen of Scots in the plot to assassinate Elizabeth. Madame le Sainfoin has stayed on as the
Neustrian ambassador, but relations with the fae government of France are strained.
Seumas the Star -- Satyr Wilder
Undisputed social king of the Bacchanal Fields and notorious rake. Seumas is a good friend of
Sir Tormi, but has often been heard to criticize Lady Carline for spending so much of her time
down in Shadows, instead of dancing beneath the moon. He has an on-again, off-again
relationship with Winnie Lalage; currently, it's off.
Sir Tormi Cadogant, Lord of Moots -- Satyr Grump
Despite being Unseelie (as most of Invidiana's Court are), Sir Tormi is patient and
approachable in his duties as the Lord of Moots. His appointment to the position was a shrewd
political choice, since he serves as an effective buffer between the backstabbing intrigues of
the Onyx Court and the common fae who wish to live calmer, saner lives. Sir Tormi's freehold
is Rose House.
Jaime Ellair -- Scathach Sidhe Wilder
Keeper of the Library of Albion, Jaime seems more concerned with the pursuit of knowledge than
the politics of the Tower. He does not allow everyone access to certain of the Library's
collections, but just what criteria he uses to determine who he will let in is unclear to
everyone but Jaime himself.
Mikkel Ennis, Lord Magistrate of the Tower -- Scathach Sidhe Grump
No one has ever accused the Lord Magistrate of having a sense of humour, but he is dedicated
to his duty, and startlingly fair for a member of the Onyx Court. The events that cause
someone to be sent to his justice may be unjust in the extreme, but once an individual is in
his keeping, Sir Mikkel can be relied upon not to extract false confessions, nor to abuse a
prisoner more than necessary.
Ifarren Vidar, Lord of Books -- Sluagh Wilder
Popular opinion holds that Lord Vidar is Invidiana's spymaster, though there are two counter-
arguments to that (one being that he's too obvious a candidate to be suitable, the other being
that Invidiana oversees all the spying herself). Certainly he has his long fingers in many
pies, whether he's working on the Queen's behalf or not. Lord Vidar's freehold is
Cinderwall.
Invidiana, Queen of Albion -- Sluagh
No ruler of Albion has ever been so politically adept as Invidiana. From obscure beginnings
in the sewers and catacombs of London, she rose to power first over the City of the Tower,
then the Roselands, then all of Albion itself, and there she has stayed for decades, defeating
all attempts to undermine or overthrow her. Her Court is an Unseelie one, disdaining chaos
but embracing manipulation and Renaissance intrigue. Invidiana is a talented sorceress, but
her true power arises from her ability to play mortal and fae politics off one another. She
often enchants mortal nobles or puts them under the influence of cantrips, and fae who oppose
her may find themselves the victims of Autumn World consequences. Invidiana's freehold is the
Onyx Hall, where she dwells with her court favorites, kinain pets, and enchanted mortal
servants.
Dame Halgresta Nellt -- Troll Wilder
Eldest of the three Nellt siblings, Dame Halgresta achieved her position as Captain of the
Royal Guard by defeating her brothers in pitched combat before Invidiana's throne. She serves
her Queen unquestioningly, and has been responsible for defeating more than half a dozen
assassination attempts since she assumed the Captaincy.
Sir Kentigern Nellt -- Troll Wilder
Though he took his defeat at his sister Halgresta's hands poorly, Sir Kentigern nevertheless
serves as the second-in-command of the Royal Guard.
Sir Prigurd Nellt -- Troll Wilder
Youngest and slowest of the three Nellt siblings, Sir Prigurd has been known to admit
privately that he's just as glad the other two have the important jobs. He is mostly
responsible for training the chimera and enchanted mortals who make up the remainder of the
Royal Guard.
Lord Utz Hengsin, Count of the Tower -- Troll Grump
A towering and Unseelie troll, Count Hengsin has only one loyalty: to Invidiana. As her Count
of the Tower (the third to have served her since her reign began, and the most dedicated), he
often does the hatchet work on her behalf, hunting down and punishing any offenders against
her rule. An unpleasant rumour circulates that he might be an ogre, not a troll -- but those
who say it above a very guarded whisper soon vanish afterwards. Count Hengsin's freehold is
the White Tower.
Achilles -- Kinain
Invidiana keeps a number of kinain pets in the Onyx Hall, of which Achilles is one of the most
prominent. He possesses the ability to go into a tremendous battle fury, during which he has
defeated even skilled fae opponents. Defeated, and killed; Achilles seems incapable of
stopping short of death, and so Invidiana uses him as a device for trial by combat, or
gladiatorial entertainment when she becomes bored. Older fae in the Onyx Court say this is
not the first Achilles the Queen has had; his predecessor died in combat, and she scoured
Albion looking for another kinain with the same talent to replace him.
Eurydice -- Kinain
Newest of Invidiana's kinain pets, Eurydice finds herself in a dangerous position. Her
predecessor was suspected of conspiring with one of Invidiana's political enemies to murder
the Queen; dark rumour says that woman is in the White Tower still, and will not be permitted
to die any time soon. As her name suggests (for Invidiana enjoys naming her pets from
classical mythology), Eurydice possesses the rare kinain gift for interacting with the dead.
This makes her a useful servant to Invidiana, in dealing with the Queen's wraith servants, but
her mistress keeps a suspicious eye on her.
Orpheus -- Kinain
Though most of Invidiana's pets are not well-liked in the Onyx Court, Orpheus enjoys more
popularity than most. Like the mythical poet whose name he bears, he can compel his audiences
with his songs, moving them to great extremes of emotion. It is a favored form of
entertainment, but it can also be used as a weapon, and most of the fae dealing with Orpheus
take care never to forget this fact. More than any other pet with the possible exception of
Tiresias, Orpheus appears very dedicated to Invidiana.
Tiresias -- Kinain
This slender young man has been one of Invidiana's pets for longer than any fae can remember.
According to the stories, she discovered his prophetic gift decades ago and enchanted him;
since then, he has not left the confines of the Onyx Hall. Long-term enchantment is dangerous
to a mortal's mind, of course, and Tiresias has become Dream-struck more than once. Each
time, Invidiana has restored him by Ravaging, though in the last several years she has begun
to pass this task on to others. Recently, fearing that another Ravaging would be the end of
him, Tiresias brought about his own death by betraying Invidiana: he spoke to Rowan, warning
her about the Queen, and revealing his own identity as Francis Merriman. His ghost was later
destroyed by specters.
Eleanor Merriman -- Kinain
Invidiana's slaughter of Francis Merriman's family in order to ensure that he had no one in
the world but her caused a terrible break in the Merriman legacy. Eleanor, the daughter of a
distant branch of the family, has been given the duty of carrying on what information remains,
so that the Merriman line will continue.
Father Thames -- Ondine
Though rarely seen by fae, this Inanima is one of the oldest and most respected in Albion.
Elizabeth Tudor, Queen of England -- Mortal
Just what relationship, if any, exists between Queen Elizabeth and Queen Invidiana, no one has
been able to uncover. Rumours that they are the same woman are easily disproven, but whether
Elizabeth is a Dreamer of Invidiana's, a cantrip-controlled puppet, or something else entirely
is unknown.
John Dee -- Mortal
Formerly Queen Elizabeth's astrologer, Dee has only recently returned to England from a six-
year stay on the Continent. He no longer enjoys the Queen's favor as he once did, but his
occult knowledge has won him respect in many circles, and he possesses many powers beyond
the average mortal's ken.
Sir Francis Walsingham -- Mortal
"Video et taceo." This line, spoken by Queen Elizabeth's spymaster, means "I see and keep
silent." Now in his late fifties, Sir Francis has long since become too Banal to serve as
anyone's Dreamer, but for a time he was a great sluagh favorite, and he is still a source of
valuable information for the city's information-mongers.
Dickon Goodemeade -- Boggan Wilder
Owner and proprieter of the Cauldron of Plenty. The gossips of the City speak sympathetically
of Dickon, who is madly in love with his beautiful satyr wife Cara, and appears blind to the
fact that she is not half so faithful to him as he is to her.
Millie Goodemeade -- Boggan Childling
One of the newest fae in the City, this little girl only recently Chrysalized in the daughter
of Robin Goodemeade.
Peggy Popper -- Boggan Grump
Formerly the holder of Rose House, Peggy recently retired to a new home in the Woollen Fields,
passing on her freehold to Lady Seline Petalskin.
Robin Goodemeade, Seneschal of the Tower -- Boggan Grump
The former holder of the Cauldron of Plenty, Robin ceded the hearthstone over to Dickon when
he became Lady Jenelle's seneschal. A widower, he cares for his daughter Millie himself.
Fernán Alatriste de Ayala -- Eshu Wilder
A flamboyant Spanish gypsy who has worked as a mercenary all over Europe, he came to Albion in
the company of Scarlet, in search of adventure (and ladies).
Glenna Fyllis, Princess of Roses -- Ghille Dhu Wilder
Reputed to be the most beautiful fae in all of Albion, this young woman rules the Roselands
from a freehold in the County of the Circle, far to the west.
Lady Seline Petalskin -- Ghille Dhu Wilder
After the boggan Peggy Popper retired from public life for the quiet of the Woollen Fields,
this beautiful ghille dhu, a protege of the Princess of Roses, inherited the freehold of Rose
House. She was only recently confirmed in her rank by Lady Jenelle.
Bridie Lindserney -- Nocker Grump
Called "the Ink-Stained" for a good reason, this nocker administers the Library of Albion in
the District of Books with an iron pen (seriously, she has a pen she's stabbed people with).
Her latest project has been to send Roxie to the Crossroads Inn to collect stories from the
eshu who pass through there.
Clang-Tom Wodgerman -- Nocker Wilder
Technically Clang-Tom holds knightly rank, as the hearthstone owner for the freehold of
Dripping Hearth. In practice, he'll laugh himself sick if you call him "Sir Clang-Tom" -- and
that's nothing next to his reaction if you call him "Lord Clang-Tom."
Fimmy Fluck -- Nocker Childling
No one has been able to definitively figure out what sex Fimmy is underneath his (her?) rags
and filth. A notorious street rat, pick-pocket, and general troublemaker, she (he?) leads a
gang of equally obnoxious mortal chldren.
Wilhelm Clockmaker -- Nocker Grump
A German fae by birth, Wilhelm came to Albion in 1648, following his exile from Port of Tulips
(Amsterdam) for mistakes unspecified. He has an overwhelming passion for time-related magic,
and has been attempting to make connections with other fae with similar interests.
Roxie -- Piskey Childling
Bridie Lindserney's assistant since the nocker first caught her trying to nick a book from the
Library, Roxie's current mission is to collect stories in the Crossroads Inn for Bridie's
collection. She hasn't exactly given up stealing things, but she's learned to think of
stories as things also worth taking, and Bridie has made it clear she'd better not get thrown
out of the inn for picking patrons' pockets.
Charcoal Eddie -- Raven Pooka Wilder
This hotheaded young fae oscillates as a pawn between Derwood Corr and Hawthorne
Whisper's-son, causing trouble wherever they point him.
Magrat the Sly -- Rat Pooka Wilder
Only just out of childling-hood, Magrat has already made a name for herself as a spy, earning
her living primarily through selling information on Royalist sympathizers to Cromwell's
supporters. She has sold out Ben Hipley no less than four times, but each time he's managed
to escape.
Quentin Synasston, Lord of Graves -- Snake Pooka Wilder
Few of the fae under his rule trust Lord Quentin any further than they could throw him (a
distrust that has little to do with his pooka nature), but somehow this young man has risen to
a position of some importance, ruling the Borough of Graves, the seat of mortal governance and
a close cousin of the City of the Tower.
Virgil Dale, Lord of Stages -- Stag Pooka Grump
This impressive and dignified (for a pooka) stag-man rules the Borough of Stages as one of the
subject domains of the Tower. Like the Lord of Graves, his position so close to the City
means that his domain is often treated as part of Lady Jenelle's possessions.
Granny Gullet -- Redcap Grump
Rumour has it that a run-in with Tatha Sky-Eyed prematurely aged Granny Gullet, but she keeps
from Forgetting herself through a truly awe-inspiring mastery of the art of Ravaging. Making
her home along the River Fleet, she has been known to refer to the prisons there as her
banquet tables.
Dame Sigrún Ros Ríona -- Redcap Wilder
Holder of the White Tower, Ros Ríona (as she prefers to be called, disdaining her title)
serves as the Lady Magistrate of the City, imprisoning and/or punishing those criminals and
political opponents sent to her by Lady Jenelle, Princess Glenna, or even King Dallin
himself.
Wroth -- Redcap Childling
A newly-Chrysalized fae in a village in the County of the Knot.
Benjamin Hipley -- Satyr Wilder
Variously called Ben the Bold, Ben the Belligerent, and Ben the Bloody Bastard, depending on
who's speaking of him. He's an unabashed Royalist, but many suspect that it's just because
Cromwell's currently winning; those who remember Ben from previous lives say he stirred up
anti-Royalist sentiment when Charles I was on the throne. There are countless scurrilous
rumours about his activities -- even a few extending to his relationship with his sister,
Cara.
Cara Hipley-Goodemeade -- Satyr Wilder
Wife of Dickon Goodemeade, she lives at the Cauldron of Plenty, but often is away from home,
in the company of her rabble-rousing brother Ben. She has a certain fondness for Dickon,
considering him a good sort, if a bit dim.
Dame Olympia Mor -- Satyr Grump
Age has slowed this lively satyr down, but she still runs a pleasant freehold at the
Traveller's Rest, in the company of her frequently-enchanted mortal husband.
Derwood Corr ap Scathach -- Sidhe Wilder
A ranking officer in Cromwell's "New Model Army," Corr is outspoken in favor of the Lord
Protector's military tactics and organization. He also makes no attempt to hide the fact that
he thinks the time for royal rule has ended in fae and mortal society alike -- perhaps that it
ended when the other sidhe fled at the Shattering. This attitude has, unsurprisingly, earned
him the enmity of Dallin's Court.
Dame Tatha Sky-Eyed ap Scathach -- Sidhe Grump
An influential Scathach who often wanders the Roselands, returning to the City just frequently
enough to keep Derwood Corr in line.
Hawthorne Whisper's-son -- Sluagh Wilder
The most highly-placed fae among Cromwell's supporters. This Unseelie sluagh is rumoured to
be the author of many of Cromwell's policies of fear and control, and often purchases
information from Magrat.
Lady Vivienne Melita -- Sluagh Childling
Youth notwithstanding, this slender girl remembers enough of her past that she has proved an
able overseer for the District of Books and the freehold of Cinderwall.
Dallin Cynefrid, King of Albion -- Troll Grump
Though not the most politically sophisticated ruler Albion has ever seen, Dallin has proven
his effectiveness through an attention to detail and a respect for the traditions of the land.
The vassal princes who rule the various regions for him have considerable leeway to administer
their own domains as they see fit, so that few of them find their oaths of fealty confining.
Dallin lives in the District of Elms to the west of the city.
Sir Edmund Wheels -- Troll Wilder
Possessing no more sense of humour than one might expect from a block of granite, this troll
faithfully, if unexcitingly, governs the District of Fishes as the hearthstone owner for
Bridgeside Freehold.
Jenelle Eydissdottir, Lady of the Tower -- Troll Wilder
This sturdy young woman has loved Dallin since her Chrysalis, but mortal circumstances married
her to another man, and she refuses to dishonor her vows. When Cara Hipley-Goodemeade
attempted to help matters along with Aphrodesia, only the intervention of Robin Goodemeade
kept Lady Jenelle from exiling the satyr from the City.
Father Thames -- Ondine
Though rarely seen by fae, this Inanima is one of the oldest and most respected in Albion.
Blackwaters -- Ondine
This spirit of the River Fleet has been thoroughly twisted by the mistreatment of its Anchor.
Like Father Thames, Blackwaters is rarely seen. Unlike Father Thames, everyone is glad to see
it stay that way.
Stephen Merriman -- Kinain
Second son of the current Merriman family, he has come to London in search of the fae while
his father and elder brother fight in support of the Royalist cause. His younger brother, who
did not inherit their legacy of faerie blood, has turned to the Puritan side.
William Hewson -- Mortal
A Puritan born of good family, and the betrothed of Grace Roland.
Gertie Goodemeade -- Boggan Grump
This aged boggan lady spends most of her time knitting by the balefire at the Cauldron of
Plenty, with the result that she's in a permanent state of mild, inoffensive Bedlam. Her sons
take good care of her, making sure her delusions don't result in anything worse than her
putting salt in her tea, thinking it's sugar.
Billy Goodemeade -- Boggan Wilder
One of Gertie Goodemeade's four strapping (if short) young sons. He lives upstairs at the
Cauldron of Plenty and, along with his brothers, takes care of the pub and his mother.
Jocko Goodemeade -- Boggan Wilder
Holder of the hearthstone of the Cauldron of Plenty, this friendly, talkative boggan takes
good care of his mother Gertie, with the help of his brothers Robbet, Billy, and Tuck. He
also serves as the boggan representative on the Seelie Council that assists Clang-Tom
Wodgerman.
Robbet Goodemeade -- Boggan Wilder
One of Gertie Goodemeade's four strapping (if short) young sons. He lives upstairs at the
Cauldron of Plenty and, along with his brothers, takes care of the pub and his mother.
Tuck Goodemeade -- Boggan Wilder
One of Gertie Goodemeade's four strapping (if short) young sons. He lives upstairs at the
Cauldron of Plenty and, along with his brothers, takes care of the pub and his mother.
Clang-Tom Wodgerman, Master of the City -- Nocker Grump
For six years now, this nocker has served as the Seelie ruler of the City of the Tower,
wielding power from Beltaine to Samhain. Clang-Tom's greatest desire is to bring orderliness
to the City, for the good of its residents.
Nick o' th' Tick -- Nocker Wilder
Though rather young, and short even by his kith's standards, this nocker has risen to
leadership at the Albion Temporal Experimentation Society by virtue of two things. First, he
knows more about time magic than most of the Society's other members put together, and second,
he can shout loudly enough to be heard over the frequent and energetic arguments at their
weekly meetings. He does not get along with Clang-Tom, seeing the Master of the City as far
too Seelie for his own good.
Lady Lina Lightfeathers -- Lark Pooka Wilder
Though a marriage arranged by her mortal noble family chained her to the well-meaning but
clueless troll Sir Aedelstan Stoutarm, this lady keeps herself entertained by hosting a
monthly salon at her house in the District of Gardens.
Rrrah -- Cat Pooka Wilder
Slender, elegant, and eminently seductive, this lady operates as a courtesan out of a lovely
house in the District of Hunts, Borough of Graves. Just how many tidbits of information she's
picked up in bed is a secret she keeps for those who have something to offer her in
return.
Blacktooth Meg -- Redcap (River Hag) Wilder
Deep in the foul, murky waters of the River Fleet, there dwells a hideous river hag -- or so
people think. No one wants to look closely enough to find out.
Harrow Bonecruncher, Master of the Tower -- Redcap Wilder
This redcap has held the position of the City's Unseelie ruler for three years. He controls
the freehold of the White Tower, where in lifetimes past he worked as a torturer. His
favorite method was to shatter the bones of his prisoners, from whence came his name. Under
his rule, the period from Samhain to Beltaine is a dark and Unseelie time indeed.
Wroth -- Redcap Wilder
Though rarely in the City, Wroth is perhaps the only close friend and confidante of the
ship-owner (and slave-trader) Wess Hammercrank, handling her business interests abroad.
(Apparently he's in "acquisitions.")
Halle Stein -- Satyr Grump
The Cauldron of Plenty is the best place to go for mead, but for any other drink, Halle Stein
is your satyr.
Maena of Ephesus -- Satyr Wilder
Not everyone attends the revels at the Bacchanal Fields every month, but you can always rely
on Maena to be there. The abandon of dancing beneath the full moon is the heart of her dream,
and Maena is convinced that many people (including fae) would lead happier lives if they let
go of tension more often.
Sir Cedric ap Scathach, the Whispering Blade -- Sidhe Wilder
The fact that this handsome knight is unaware of and unconcerned with the crowd of admiring
fae ladies that swoon over him is the only thing that keeps his beauty from being
insufferable. He serves as the sidhe representative on the Seelie Council that advises
Clang-Tom Wodgerman.
Sir Jaiden Tirnach ap Scathach -- Sidhe Wilder
This respected Scathach knight is only occasionally in the City of the Tower; he spends most
of his time wandering the southern parts of Albion.
Belladonna -- Sluagh Grump
Among the fae in the city, this influential sluagh is one of the most vocal -- albeit in
whispers -- speaking in support of Harrow Bonecruncher keeping the power he holds, instead of
ceding it over to Master Clang-Tom at Beltaine.
Emmanuel Renaud Thieroux -- Sluagh Wilder
Claiming to have left France due to unluckiness in love, this sluagh now lives in the City of
the Tower and tries to keep out of Belladonna's way.
Sir Aedelstan Stoutarm -- Troll Grump
A marriage arranged by his mortal family, ignorant of his fae life, tied Sir Aedelstan to the
lark pooka Lady Lina Lightfeathers. It might have been a good idea from the standpoint of a
mortal family of minor nobility, but the result is that Sir Aedelstan spends much of his time
across the Thames in the District of Herons, where he teaches young men the arts of shooting
and cavalry warfare -- and as far away as propriety will allow him to get from his wife.
Prentice Dell -- Troll Wilder
The friendship of this younger, likeable troll helps keep Sir Aedelstan sane in the face of
oncoming Banality and his marriage.
Father Thames -- Ondine
No one has spoken to Father Thames since his work in blocking the Great Fire in 1666, but few
believe he is truly dead.
The Great Fire -- Solimond
Imprisoned in 1666, exiled on a comet in 1682, this powerful Inanima has returned to pick up
where he left off in burning London to the ground.
Philip Merriman -- Kinain
When he passed knowledge of the famiy legacy on to his son Jacob, the Sight left him, and
Philip assumed that was the end of his own service. He is a gentleman in his 40s, with a bad
leg and a sense of duty that overwhelms any humour he might have.
Jacob Merriman -- Kinain
By unfortunate chance, Jacob was on the Continent, fighting in the war, when his time to serve
the fae came around. He has since deserted the army, and is trying to make his way home.
Molly Goodemeade -- Boggan Grump
Some fae believe that Molly "Manychildren" is the the dream of the old woman who lived in a
shoe, who had so many children she didn't know what to do. Molly is quick to point out that
the Cauldron of Plenty is not a shoe, thank you very much, and she knows exactly what
to do with her nine children. Certainly she keeps them busy and out of trouble, whether
they've Chrysalized or not, and she's taught them to be self-sufficient; Molly always keeps
the second spot at the Cauldron open for a traveler who might need hospitality for a
night.
Nellie Williamson -- Boggan Wilder
No great friend of Molly Goodemeade, Nellie is the City of the Tower's greatest busybody,
convinced that she can run everyone else's life for them, much better than they can
themselves. Her boggan helpfulness thus takes on something of an obnoxious cast from time to
time.
Lucky Fluck -- Nocker Childling
A pint-sized terror of indeterminite sex, Lucky Fluck is the most influential street rat in a
city teeming with unsupervised and often criminal children. It (everyone's given up on "he"
or "she") answers only to Granny Gullet.
Dr. Mungo Grumbungle -- Nocker Grump
A good-naturedly irascible physician and pharmacist working in cooperating with Dr. Oliver
Burlington III. His experimental medications are not the most reliable in the world, but Dr.
Grumbungle has made many advances in his field, and his heart's in the right place; he often
donates his time, money, and energy to helping the destitute of the City.
Artisan Pip Pop Pesterton -- Nocker Wilder
The Master Temporist of the Albion Temporal Experimentation Society.
Linette Lightfeathers -- Lark Pooka Childling
The Romantics could not hope for a more breathlessly ardent fan than Linette, who despite her
youth has gone to great lengths to sneak readings of the more salacious Romantics,
particularly Lord Byron.
Mags the Rat -- Rat Pooka Wilder
Against the innocent curiousity of Linette may be compared the hard-bitten and caustic
experience of Mags, who buys and sells information on the streets of the City, about mortals
and fae alike.
Martin Sedde -- Snake Pooka Wilder
One of the best salesmen the slavers in the Goblin Market have.
Granny Gullet -- Redcap Grump
A horrifying specter of a redcap, this crazed woman makes her home in the so-called "District
of Stinks," the Whitechapel area of the East End, where the pickings for Ravaging are
plentiful. Many of the street rats in that half of the city answer to her, mostly out of
fear.
Ros Ríona -- Redcap Wilder
The northwestern slums of the city are under the domination of this redcap. Compared to
Granny Gullet, she is frightening but relatively fair in her terrorization of those around
her.
Bailey the Quick -- Satyr Wilder
Unsurprisingly, this satyr has fallen on the Romantic side of the current divide, lauding the
passionate excesses of the poets and artists, and decrying the rigid inflexibility of
industrialism.
Tormas Cather -- Satyr Childling
Perhaps one of the most good-natured fae in the City. Tormas is friends with many people from
diverse walks of life; he may not approach Granny Gullet without a good reason, but at least
she tolerates his presence, which is more than most fae can say.
Cedrich of the Whispering Blade -- Scathach Sidhe Wilder
With the current divisions in the City, Cedrich is one of the few seriously attempting to
broker peace between the two primary factions.
Derwood Corr -- Scathach Sidhe Wilder
An ardent proponent of the Captains of Industry, Corr has been accused of subversive actions
to undermine the Romantic movement supported by the Poetic Hearts. There is no evidence
agaisnt him; however, that may not protect him for much longer.
Ivy Blackthorne -- Sluagh Grump
Just as the matrons of Victorian society hide poisonous gossip behind courteous manners, so
does Mistress Blackthrone, an ugly but effective matron of sluagh society.
Selwyn Reyes -- Sluagh Wilder
If you go to the slave quarter of the Goblin Market, this darkly elegant sluagh will be more
than happy to show you around.
Julia Eydis -- Troll Grump
The restrictions of Victorian life press less hard on this troll than they do on other fae,
perhaps because of her innate dedication to good manners and proper behavior.
Kenton Hardfist -- Troll Wilder
Politics matter very little to Kenton, a young and rather angry troll; he just welcomes the
chance they give him to pick fights (and usually win them).
Christopher Merriman -- Kinain
This gentleman inherited the Merriman duties when his father chose to pass them on to him
rather than to his older brother, Henry. He keeps a bookshop in Westminster, selling the
poetry of the Romantics, and has a faint touch of the Second Sight.
Oliver Burlington III -- Mortal
The husband of Wessamina Hammercrank (aka Willamina Burlington). He keeps a medical practice
in Marylebone, in partnership with the nocker Mungo Grumbungle; they also
perform a certain
amount of charity work for the destitute of London.
Lord and Lady Chatterton -- Mortals
These minor nobility keep an estate in Highgate, where they host weekend parties at which the
poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a frequent guest.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge -- Mortal
A famed Romantic poet and literary scholar, this pillar of English letters now suffers from
ill health and an opium habit. He lives with his physician, Dr. James Gillman, in the village
of Highgate, north of London.
The Willow
Along a creek outside of the Somerset village of Nether Stowey, there stands an ancient willow
tree. Local legend has it that any man who kisses it will become inspired. This rumour stems
from the fae soul of a sidhe who dwells within it, Rhapsodizing those to whom she gives
inspiration.
Dickon Goodemeade -- Boggan Wilder
This good-natured young man shares ownership and residence in the Cauldron of Plenty with his
sister Rosalie. While she handles customer service in the basement pub that caters to fae, he
takes care of the upstairs mortal pub, and keeps the business on its feet.
Rosalie Goodemeade -- Boggan Wilder
A startlingly pretty young woman, Rosalie Goodemeade mans the downstairs fae half of the
Cauldron of Plenty and handles all of the cooking. She is beloved throughout the city for her
flirtatious manner, and many a male fae will leap to defend her against any of the naughty
rumours about just how friendly she is.
Sarah-Sue Sin -- Boggan Wilder
If the naughty rumours about Rosalie Goodemeade are not true, those about Sarah-Sue Sin most
certainly are. Owner and proprieter of the High Kick in Ditches, she knows every trick of
prostitution and has invented a few of her own.
Bridget Linderwall -- Nocker Childling
The insatiable curiosity of this young nocker has led her into more than a bit of trouble, but
she usually manages to get out of it. Her difficulties have, however, led to a reprimand from
Bes Din authorities once or twice, telling her to be "more farg-liggin' discreet." So far,
they've had no effect.
Artisan Manny Geartwist -- Nocker Wilder
The Master Temporist of the Albion Temporal Experimentation Society.
Artisan Patterby Schoggerhagen -- Nocker Grump
The foremost nocker in the City, Artisan Schoggerhagen serves the Lord of the Tower and his
aldermen.
Maggie Ratface -- Rat Pooka Childling
Along with Cash-finger, Maggie dominates the street rat population of the East End.
Tomcat -- Alleycat Pooka Wilder
Family troubles saw Tomcat tossed out on his ear; now he keeps himself fed by looking pitiful
at nice, impressionable women.
Cash-finger -- Redcap Childling
Though his talents as a pickpocket mean he rarely gets caught, this boy hardly fears it
anyway; he so terrifies those of his victims who notice him at work that they are glad to let
him take their wallets and run.
Ripper -- Redcap Wilder
Also known as Wroth (and a variety of other names), this redcap is a known troublemaker . .
. and an old friend of Mina Hammercrank.
Olivia Morton -- Satyr Wilder
In the dark times of the Great War, Olivia takes it as her personal mission to give the fae of
the city opportunities to forget their cares for a time. Though not wealthy, she devotes what
money she has to being an excellent hostess and friend.
Simon Starheels -- Satyr Wilder
If the entertainments Olivia Morton offers are generally of the civilized sort, Simon's are
not. Most fae would agree, though, that a bit of wild revelry is a welcome distraction in
these difficult times.
Aris Addison -- Scathach Sidhe Wilder
With the likely passing of Michael Ellis in the near future, Aris is set to inherit a greater
responsibility in the City of the Tower.
Michael Ellis -- Scathach Sidhe Grump
One of the only fae to enlist in the war, Ellis did not suffer as badly as the late Lord
Highpeak, but it certainly left its mark on him. The general opinion is that his fae soul
will not last another year, though some individuals are doing what they can to help him.
Vera Melita -- Sluagh Grump
As the mistress of the City's sluagh society, Vera has more information at her fingertips
than she truly has use for.
Edgar Whitestone, Lord of the Tower -- Troll Wilder This young troll was chosen as the heir to Lord Highpeak when the previous ruler of the City went to war. His position is tenuous, thanks to his youth and his controversial decree that none of his fae subjects should join the army lest they be lost to Banality, but he has the support of enough of the city's aldermen to maintain his control -- for now.
Kent Morrick -- Troll Wilder
A surly and uncooperative young man, Kent has not taken well to Lord Whitestone's efforts to
make him respectible, and has even talked of running away to join the war.
Master Black
Few people know of the existence of the City's chief of intelligence, and even fewer know who
he truly is. He always appears under the illusion of a mortal man in his thirties; what kith
he is, whether he's male or female, and who he is when the illusion is off, are all
unknown. He serves Lord Whitestone, and is dedicated to keeping him in his position, as per
Lord Highpeak's wishes.
Archibald Merriman -- Kinain
This latest scion of the Merriman family is struggling to keep his family afloat after the
death of his father in the war.
Gus -- Mortal
The young leader of a small, petty gang in Lewisham.
Jack Bailey -- Mortal, deceased
A former patient of Adora Belle Dearheart. He lost his arm in the war and was sent to the
sanatorium to recover following his release from the hospital, but an experimental treatment
for his psychological trauma killed him. He continued for a short time as a wraith, before
being sent on by Bethany.
Constance Reed -- Mortal, deceased
This young woman lingers on at the sanatorium as a wraith. She was committed there following
her dishonor at the hands of Russell Hampstead; when he refused to see her again, she drowned
herself in the pool at the base of the garden. Now she collects the shredded remnants of
innocence removed from the patients brought to the sanatorium.
Vivian Reed -- Mortal
Mother of Constance Reed, living in Chelsea.
Russell Hampstead -- Mortal
A well-bred young man who served as a low-ranking officer in the Territorial Army until his
death at the Battle of Verdun. He seduced Constance Reed, then refused to see her again after
the scandal became known.
Edgar Whitestone, Count of the Tower -- Troll Grump
Lord Whitestone has ruled the City of the Tower for decades, thanks to the benefits of
faerie eternity. Prior to the Resurgence, he also held sway over the Roselands of southern
Albion; he was given the county and the hand of Princess Shiel Fairhands ap Gwydion as a
compromise. While not beloved by his commoner subjects, he is generally respected for
fairness and dedication. He struggles to maintain order among his barons, though, as the
County of the Tower is divided into no less than thirty-three baronies, corresponding to the
boroughs of London. He is assisted in this unenviable task by Count Vester Sorant ap Fiona,
who administers the baronies of Outer London on his behalf.
Count Vester Sorant ap Fiona, Lord Chancellor of the Tower -- Sidhe Wilder
Though Lord Sorant's official responsibility is the adminstration of the boroughs of Outer
London, in practice he also serves an indispensible role as the mediator between the blunt,
practical Lord Whitestone and the prickly sidhe he rules over. With so many barons to keep in
line, no one is surprised it takes two counts to do the job.
"Justicar" Swana Winnowheart ap Dougal -- Sidhe Grump
Despite having no official title higher than Lady, this sidhe noblewoman is widely regarded as
the most knowledgeable fae in the City when it comes to law, both mortal and fae. She acts as
a judge and advisor to the Count, and as one of the most highly regarded lawyers in London,
protects changeling (especially noble) interests in the courts. Called "Justicar" only
partially in jest, she is mostly fair and impartial when dealing with the commoners, and has
earned respect in that regard.
Some maintain that she has been granted no higher title due to her Dougal disability -- she is mute, and has two mechanical songbirds enchanted to speak for her (though, since they are nocker designed, they come with the irritating flaw that they may speak only in rhyme). Others say, perhaps more accurately, that her low rank has far more to do with the fact that, when Lady Swana speaks, uncomfortable and uncanny truths come spilling out.
Sir Francis Windswept ap Liam -- Sidhe Wilder
A not-particularly-distinguished member of the Seelie Court, Sir Francis makes his mark
primarily by mentoring commoners in Court affairs.
Dame Luna Acacia ap Balor -- Sidhe Wilder
Nowhere in the City of the Tower will you find a more brutal or mistrusted knight than Dame
Luna. As mercurial and prickly as her name suggests, this sadistic warrior is a welcome sight
nowhere but that battlefield. A ward of the Baroness of Ravens, she serves her ruthlessly,
rather like a rabid pit bull that attacks anything you point it at. She was "adopted" by the
baroness as part of a treaty established when a Balor lord decided to rebel. He was soundly
defeated, but Luna, his daughter, was kept as insurance that they will have no more problems
from him. If not for the fact that she is bound by heavy oaths and geases, most doubt that
she would ever be allowed out in public.
Sir Slade Eonisius ap Leanhaun -- Sidhe Wilder
This seductive knight is well known for his lusts, and there isn't an attractive lady in the
City who is safe from his attentions. He chooses a target and dotes on her until she gives in,
and then loses interest and moves onto the next. Despite this reputation, he tends to have a
gaggle of swooning ladies following him around, as he is a renowned hunter, and one of the
handsomest youths at court.
Darker rumors, never mentioned with any chance of being overheard, of course, name him as a secret operative of the Shadow Court. Whether these are true or not, he certainly doesn't seem to mind the whispers -- they only seem to increase his bad boy appeal.
Lady Elonwae d'Aubigne ap Eiluned, Sidhe Childling
Once upon a time, Lady Elonwae was the best friend and playmate of Bethy Batfriend, and the
two childlings were fast friends, never seen apart. It was Elonwae that convinced her parents
to watch Bethy dance, and her parents that got her a position in the Court. The one became
synonymous with the other, and a day didn't go by where they weren't getting into some kind
of innocent trouble.
And then something awful happened.
Bethy grew up.
Elonwae's parents, terrified at losing their child, sequestered her away in their freehold. She has not set foot in the mortal world in four years, and some whisper that there is there isn't something quite right about her . . . . Still, she is a perfect little lady in court, and absolutely adorable. Surely, all those rumors must be false . . . musn't they?
Amelia Lace -- Boggan Wilder
One of the chief gossip-mongers and pastry-bakers of the Borough of Buns.
Jocko Goodemeade -- Boggan Grump
The friendly and garrulous owner of the Cauldron of Plenty in the Borough of Angels is one
of the few commoner freehold owners to keep his property without having to take a title and
swear fealty. His establishment is a popular hangout for fae of all kinds, and a wonderful
place to pick up gossip (or spread some).
Great-Auntie Rosalie Goodemeade -- Boggan Childling
This six-year-old childling lives at the Cauldron of Plenty with Jocko. If you can keep
her attention for long enough, she can tell you quite a bit about the pub, the borough, and
indeed the entire City; she may be young, but she has a prodigious remembrance of her past
lives.
Broddy Bobbin -- Boggan Grump
Owner and operator of Bobbin's Dross Exchange, one of the few fae establishments in Coins.
Unseelie to the core (some people say he's a boggart), he'll help you -- for a price.
Kidd -- Eshu Wilder
Kidd is known to be the one member of Fire in the Sky who is not originally from London. He
often travels a great deal delivering many of Wessamina Hammercrank's goods to lands she is no
longer welcome in. His sharp wit and keen eye have kept him out of trouble more often than
not. Born of the dream of the frontier, he is constantly re-envisioning himself, his look, and
where he needs to be. Currently feeling out the London underground rave scene, he has made a
name for himself as DJ KIDD.
Arim Hazashidad -- Eshu Grump
Once upon a time, he was a famed underground racing expert, risking life and limb to speed
through the streets of Munich, London, Paris, and anywhere else the police were too slow to
catch his Audi. Now, the only thing he races is his rusty old tour bus, much to the horror of
the tourists riding it. If you want to know the location of something in the city, Arim can
get you there . . . for a price. Least of which will be the new pair of pants you'll need
after taking a ride with him.
Willie Clockmender -- Nocker Grump
The only remaining active member of the once-thriving Albion Temporal Experimentation Society.
He lives on the Society premises and maintains the museum, and enjoys a perpetual state of
inoffensive Bedlam.
Dr. M. Grumbungle -- Nocker Grump
The City of the Tower's premiere physician, able to cure whatever ails you -- if you don't
mind trying this perfectly harmless new medication, anyway. How do you feel? Grumpy unless
he's operating, Dr. Grumbungle can work miracles, but his services aren't cheap. For the
less brave, there is always the dross option, but his steep fees force many to dubiously
accept the position of "temporary test subject". Thankfully, he's brilliant, and there is
rarely any lasting damage. Recently, he has made an exciting breakthrough in what he calls
"biochimeraionics" -- chimerical cybernetics.
Charcoal Eddie -- Raven Pooka Wilder
A hellion of the City, who runs with an Uneelie motley called the Gutter Shits. His pranks
are often of the nastier sort.
Tom -- Alleycat Pooka Wilder
Tom moves around so much, even he has begun believing the tales he spins about being a
really hairy Eshu. Tom seeks adventure, life, love, but most of all freedom. Constantly
looking to get into mischief seems to be his hobby, although no place ever seems to keep him
long. His youthful spirit keeps many of the pranks and plans of Fire in the Sky a little more
innocent than they had been in previous years.
Ranae -- Cat Pooka Wilder
Ranae is the bartender and owner of Dragonfly, London's hottest dance club. An outspoken
opponent to the sidhe rule in the city, she has connections with the ravers, the druggies, the
punks and the rockers. She delights in countering noble influence in the mortal world with her
own special brand of social weight.
Jenny Wren -- Wren Pooka Wilder
Jenny Wren haunts the docks and shipyards of the city, claiming to be London's premiere (and
only) buccaneer. . . just without the ship, crew, eyepatch, parrot or big hat. What she does
have is loot, and a lot of it. Jenny likes shiny. A lot. Not so much a pirate as a
loud-mouthed nuisance, she'll show up once in a while to 'plunder' something, like an old
woman's purse, and then disappear chirping into the fog. A Tower girl born and bred, most know
her by her real name: Hephestia Yorke, sister to poor Hallistair.
Recently she's disappeared, and though no one will readily admit it, her pirate talk and fake peg leg have been missed.
Blacktooth Meg -- Redcap (River Hag) Wilder
An infamous resident of the eastern Thames. Currently under investigation for charges of
Reaping mortals in both Ravens and Clocks.
Wroth -- Redcap Grump
Leader of the Unseelie motley Fire in the Sky, Wroth is often seen as the rebel who has yet to
find his true cause. He spends most of his time at a seedy bar known as the Boar's Head, one
of the bloodiest and most violent bars in all of London.
Madam Curvy -- Satyr Wilder
Current mistress of The High Kick in Ditches. A lush-bodied woman who turns even the
simplest act into a sexually suggestive performance, she has probably slept with a significant
fraction of the City's fae inhabitants (and quite a lot of the mortal ones).
Torren Camering -- Satyr Wilder
A satyr living in the Borough of Buns.
Begonia -- Sluagh Grump
A matron of high sluagh society and dedicated spinster. Wilhemina Nestor operates a decaying
antique shop in the mortal world; in fae society, Begonia is one of the most fearsome
manipulators of the sluagh information webs to have ever lived. An ex-school marm, she is a
severe and daunting woman, a fact only enhanced by her fae mien height of a good 7 feet of
skin and bones. With eyes that burn red like old coals and patchy white hair pulled back into
a tight and masochistic bun, it's little wonder that she was one of London's premiere
child-frighteners in her time. Now, she contents herself with acting as the hub in the city's
underground information network. Like a bony spider, she sits in the center of her web, just
waiting for a juicy piece of gossip to fly by.
How she ended up with someone like Beth as a protege remains a hot (and bewildered) debate. However their strange relationship might work, it manages to get along just fine. Begonia is very protective of her cheery ward, even to the detriment of her own standing in sluagh society.
Ifan Tiede -- Sluagh Wilder
A member of the thoroughly Unseelie Gutter Shits, living in the Borough of Ravens.
Sir Richard Wheels ap Dougal -- Troll Grump
Also known as the Clockwork Troll or That Relentless Bastard. One of the city's duellists, he
is known, and feared, for his unstoppable, uncaring onslaught and unnerving precision. He
rarely talks and never laughs, nor betrays any sign that he is, in fact, alive. Flesh and
blood and capable of being defeated, still the rumours abound that his is the dream of
relentless time itself, and to struggle against him is like struggling against the grave.
Sir Julien Stoutarm -- Troll Wilder
Julien, kindhearted and easygoing as he is, is not the brightest egg in the crayon box. The
nephew of a respected troll guardsman, he was awkwardly offered a low-risk position in the
Court where he spends most of his time trying to look stern and imposing, and failing
miserably. He likes to hit things, though not too hard or he might hurt them, and isn't bad
looking -- if you like the big blue sheepdog look. Mostly, though, he's there to give a
friendly greeting to visitors, stay out of the way, and wear a big silly fur hat.
Nanny Lisp -- Chimera
Bane of any decent Sluagh in the city, Nanny Lisp is a horrific chimera that constantly
hungers for the flesh of young children. She appears at first to be a kindly old nanny,
appearing to desperate parents and offering to care for their sweet children at such a low
cost, the parents can't help but hire her. Children can see her what she really is -- a
bloated, toad like body with translucent skin, horrid bulging eyes, and an enourmous mouth
full of needle-like teeth -- but can do nothing, as the lullabies she croones paralyzes them.
She is currently on the loose, hiding somewhere in the sewers.
Nicholas Merriman -- Kinain
A bookish young man, working as an assistant lecturer in history at
the University of a London, whose specialty is the history of alchemical
science. He is the grandson of Archibald Merriman, a fellow who seems to
have had dealings with fae in the past.
Neil Pemfold -- Kinain
Not particularly gifted with wits, looks, or physical talent, Pemfold was
granted to Hallistair Yorke to serve as his retainer. This awkward
teenager takes care of the day-to-day mundanities of Yorke's life.
Beatrix Anne Cudney -- Mortal
Bethany Batfriend's mortal half, and a talented dancer.
Paul Reeds -- Mortal
The mortal host of Hallistair Yorke (whom he considers to be "a complete wanker").
Roseanna Pike -- Mortal
The Scathatch tendencies of Rowan Sommers ended this young woman's ambitions to be a police
officer, but she's found other outlets for her desire for justice.
Willa Grace Hardwicke -- Mortal
An abused young woman rescued from her family by the Chrysalis of Wessamina Hammercrank.