Borek
Description
A dwarf with a flamboyant, ostentatious style. Adorned with multiple rings, notably a heavy two-finger ring bearing the Dimmers emblem. Loud personality that makes him the center of attention at social gatherings.
Background
Borek is the Dimmers Leader of Ulmira's Step, operating in the shadows and tied to the underground dealings of the region. His welcoming demeanor allows him to facilitate deals effectively.
Role
- Dimmers leader in Ulmira's Step
- Broker of information and valuable goods
- Connection to Heyou through Dimmers network
Relationships
- Heyou - Fellow Dimmers member; possesses part of Heyou's essence
- Dimmers - Leader of local operations
Key Dealings
- Offered information about Heyou's missing limbs in exchange for Askavir eggs
- Hinted at possessing part of Heyou's essence
- Demanded Askavir ink in exchange for it
Key Events
- Welcomed Heyou with subtle signals of Dimmers recognition
- Proposed bargain involving Askavir eggs
- Entertained others publicly, providing opportunity for infiltration
- Party conducted stealthy infiltration into his quarters while he was distracted
GM Notes
Borek represents the criminal underworld's presence in Ulmira's Step. His possession of part of Heyou's essence creates leverage over the clank.
His interest in Askavir eggs and ink suggests knowledge of their valuable properties. The infiltration into his quarters may have consequences if discovered.
As Dimmers leader, he likely has extensive knowledge of regional secrets and could be a valuable—if dangerous—ally or adversary.
Kelun
Description
A stone figure distinct from previous stone wraiths, identified as a mouthpiece of the gods. Possesses the ability to shapeshift, notably into Mellon, a nearby ghost. Communicates telepathically with authority.
Background
Kelun serves the divine pantheon, primarily speaking for Caranthalis, the god associated with the Sacred Tree. He has also served Ossa Mollthain and Tlellic, indicating connection to a broader divine pantheon of eight gods, with Otheidas representing cycles of life and undeath.
Abilities
- Shapeshifting (took Mellon's form)
- Telepathic communication
- Authority over stone constructs
- Serves as formal diplomatic envoy
- Can sense connections to other beings (sensed bond with Heyou)
Role
Beyond mere confrontation, Kelun serves as a formal diplomatic envoy in supernatural dynamics. He often departs to announce arrivals, showcasing authority and adherence to divine protocols.
Relationships
- Caranthalis - Primary god he speaks for
- Ossa Mollthain - Has served
- Tlellic - Has served
- Heyou - Sensed a connection, expressed disappointment
- Ygva - Compelled party to seek her
Key Events
- Appeared on bridge after party destroyed Sacred Tree
- Blocked party's escape, demanding they face consequences
- Shapeshifted into Mellon, causing confusion
- Questioned party's failure to seek Ygva
- Stated: "My name is Kelun and you will follow me and we will decide what the consequences need to be"
- Revealed transactional perspective: party as "potentially useful components"
GM Notes
Kelun represents divine authority and judgment. His connection to Heyou suggests the clank may have deeper ties to the divine order than realized. He operates on protocols that the party doesn't fully understand.
His disappointment over the Sacred Tree's destruction was genuine—the tree was sacred to Caranthalis. The party remains in a precarious position with the divine powers.
Living Fortress
Description
A massive stone elemental approximately ten feet tall, composed of rock and earth with a rugged surface indicating natural origins. Resembles a giant stone construct adorned with intricate designs.
Background
Connected to ancient Stoneweaver magic, the Living Fortress is controlled remotely via a pendant. Originally summoned by Sylvie, control was later transferred to Heyou, who pilots it while remaining hidden from threats.
Abilities
- Form manipulation
- Resilience against attacks
- Can relocate obstacles and opponents
- Shields allies from threats
- Controlled remotely via Stoneweaver pendant
Control
The fortress's effectiveness is contingent upon the will of its controller. When the connection with Heyou was severed after he unleashed a powerful smite, it became temporarily inert.
Current Status
Under Heyou's control. He hides the Blessed Branch inside using Phasing Vambraces.
Key Events
- Summoned by Sylvie
- Control transferred to Heyou
- Relocated hooded figure blocking narrow bridge
- Absorbed attack from hooded figure
- Defended party from giant mantises and Astral Assassin
- Became inert when connection severed during battle
- Used for transportation and shelter in World Below
- Sylvie cast Wall of Flame to warm it during blizzard
GM Notes
The Living Fortress serves as mobile transport, combat asset, and hidden storage. Heyou's use of Phasing Vambraces to hide the Blessed Branch inside makes it a crucial mission asset.
The pendant control mechanism may have limitations or vulnerabilities not yet discovered.
Sarru
Description
A dwarven pyre-keeper with a strong, stocky build typical of her kind. Maintains an attentive and careful demeanor when sharing knowledge about dangerous matters.
Background
Sarru serves as pyre-keeper of the Sacred Pyre in Ulmira's Step, an essential role for keeping the town warm and free from miasma. She maintains a connection with Ygva, acting as a point of contact for those seeking guidance regarding the Blessed Branch.
Role
- Tends the Sacred Pyre of Ulmira's Step
- Guardian and member of The Enduring Lesser Lights
- Point of contact for those seeking Ygva
Abilities
- Knowledge of pyre maintenance and sacred rituals
- Combat capabilities as a Guardian
- Understanding of Umbra dangers
Relationships
- The Enduring Lesser Lights - Member
- Ygva - Maintains connection, provides directions to seekers
- Savel - Fellow party member
- Sylvie - Received protective wards from her
Key Events
- Provided directions to Ygva's ruined shrine
- Warned party about physical and spiritual dangers of the path
- Joined return party into caverns with Savel, Mellon, and Sylvie
- Received protective wards from Sylvie before descent
- Fought alongside party against hulking Umbra-corrupted brute
- Took damage from Guardian beast during battle
- Discovered Giant Collar with broken chain after battle
- Planned escort to Drosven's Gate with blessed branches
GM Notes
Sarru represents the practical knowledge of maintaining civilization's defenses against the Umbra. Her role as pyre-keeper gives her unique insight into the sacred rituals and dangers involved.
She is loyal to both Ulmira's Step and The Enduring Lesser Lights, potentially creating conflicts if their interests diverge.
Savel
Description
A giant sorcerer known for his imposing stature and mastery of the arcane arts. His gauntleted fists reflect a blend of physical strength and magical prowess.
Background
Savel is a member of The Enduring Lesser Lights, working alongside the party to navigate hazardous environments and confront lurking threats. He has shown a mechanical aspect to his character, serving as both spellcaster and support.
Abilities
- Arcane magic (strikes that can stagger large creatures)
- Protective magic for allies
- Physical combat with gauntleted fists
- Communication with spirits (Mellon's ghost)
Relationships
- The Enduring Lesser Lights - Member
- Sarru - Fellow party member
- Mellon - Communicated with his ghost
- Jamal, Draz - Traveled with them to Drosven's Gate
- Hinted ties to a witch (suggested by Jamal)
Key Events
- Fought hulking goblinoid corrupted by Umbra in caverns
- Delivered arcane strikes that staggered the brute
- Communicated with Mellon's ghost to learn his intent
- Facilitated movement of Explosive Barrels against Guardian beast
- Used Mellon's ghost as distraction during battle
- Cast protective magic for Jamal
- Planned escort to Drosven's Gate with blessed branches
GM Notes
Savel's connection to a witch (hinted by Jamal) suggests deeper ties to the supernatural forces at play. His ability to communicate with Mellon's ghost indicates familiarity with spirits.
As a giant, he may have knowledge of Ulmira's Step's history as a titan settlement originally founded by his kind.
Tamber
Description
A Celsian itinerant scholar with an academic demeanor. Currently serves as a tutor for children in Verrow's Span.
Background
Former initiate at the Celsian Athenaeum, Tamber possesses knowledge of ancient lore, especially the age of titans that predates civilization. She and Ygva learned from the same mentors but diverged in their practices—Ygva was expelled for using depletion (essence-draining), which contradicts Celsian ethics.
When Ygva returned, Tamber referred to her as "sister," while Ygva called her "apostate."
Abilities & Knowledge
- Ancient history and titan age lore
- Runes and mystical texts
- Knowledge of the Rune of the Moon (false hope, paralysis of thought, Kreth)
- Understanding of Old Gods and their potential return
- Insight into magical artifacts and their origins
Role
Tamber serves as a source of scholarly knowledge for the party, particularly regarding Ygva's background and the nature of magical artifacts.
Relationships
- Ygva - Former peer; complex relationship ("sister"/"apostate")
- Sylvie - Examined her necklace and artifacts
- Heyou - Invited him to study
- Draz - Explained his amulet's origins and limitations
Key Insights Provided
- Draz's amulet was commissioned by God-King Otheidas to protect lesser mages from divine threats
- The amulet will NOT protect against Ygva's Umbra magic
- Ygva was expelled from Athenaeum for practicing depletion
- Mountain glyphs are remnants from the titan age
- The Askavir is potentially tied to Tlellic
Key Events
- Examined Sylvie's artifacts but didn't recognize their make
- Revealed critical information about Ygva's history
- Rebuffed Draz's proposal to support return of Old Gods
- Adjusted teachings to caution against destabilizing ideas
- Expressed private concerns about Draz's ambitions
GM Notes
Tamber represents orthodox scholarly tradition versus Ygva's heretical practices. She may possess hidden knowledge useful to the party but prioritizes social stability over grand changes.
Her warning about the Old Gods' return suggests deeper knowledge of the dangers involved in Ygva's plan.
Valghast
Description
A large winged lion with a savage appearance and large, powerful wings allowing flight. His presence is bone-shaking, capable of instilling fear with his roar.
Background
Valghast serves as mount and companion to Ygva. He is linked to the deity Mollthain, known as The Rampart, indicating divine origins. He assists in travel between the upper world and the World Below.
Abilities
- Flight with powerful wings
- Travel between realms (upper world and World Below)
- Communication (interpreted by Draz using Nature's Tongue)
- Fearsome roar
- May have connection to dream communication
Role
Crucial link between the party and Ygva, providing transportation and assistance. Remains at sites to retrieve the party if necessary.
Relationships
Key Events
- Landed at Moon Rune Carving with bone-shaking roar
- Agreed to take party to meet Ygva
- Transported party on Ygva's orders:
- Through "hole in the sky" to cavern ledge
- Near waterfall to aid exit from tunnels
- Remained at site to assist party with travel needs
GM Notes
Valghast's connection to Mollthain suggests he may have abilities or knowledge beyond simple transportation. His loyalty to Ygva appears absolute.
As a divine creature, he may be able to sense things others cannot or have restrictions on his actions based on divine mandates.
Ygva
Description
A 7.5-foot witch of formidable presence and supernatural abilities. She wields a staff that enables manipulation of celestial forces, creating cloud alignments and knotwork. Known for her overwhelming force and tactical awareness.
Background
Ygva was once a student at the Celsian Athenaeum but was expelled for practicing essence-draining magic (depletion) that conflicted with the tenets of the archivists. This established a rift with Tamber, her former peer, who calls her "apostate" while Ygva calls Tamber "sister."
She now resides near a mountainside shrine near Ulmira's Step, drawing her power from the Umbra. Locals avoid her due to her strange habits and the dangers inherent in seeking her out.
Abilities
- Teleportation (can bring others with her)
- Summoning misty/umbral entities
- Moonbeam attacks
- Hovering over water
- Staff-based celestial manipulation
- Dream communication with Sylvie
- Travel through rock, creating direct paths
Goals
- Gather remnants and totems of the gods
- Light a colossal pyre to summon the gods
- Bind the gods in the World Below
- Restore the world through the return of the gods
Relationships
- Sylvie - Tore out her heart; now considers her a "sister" in Umbra magic
- Tamber - Former peer from the Athenaeum; calls her "apostate"
- Valghast - Her winged lion mount
- Kelun - Stone figure who compels others to seek her
Key Events
- Teleported into confrontation with party, attacking with moonbeam
- Struck Sylvie in the heart, teleported away with her unconscious body
- Revealed cosmic truths to Sylvie about reality being an "egg" for cosmic entities
- Tore out Sylvie's heart when Draz attacked during negotiations
- Later allied with party, accepting seed trade for Blessed Branch
- Taught Sylvie the Summon Horror discipline
- Transported party on Valghast to aid their mission
GM Notes
Ygva's plan to bind the gods represents a potentially world-changing event. Her relationship with the party has shifted from antagonist to uneasy ally. She possesses Sylvie's heart, which may be among offerings for the gods.
Her loneliness and ambition drive her—she claims her vision is not shared by many. The party's cooperation may be genuine or purely transactional.
Mellon
Description
A dead ranger who persists as a ghost. Accompanied by a cat companion named Yuki.
Background
Mellon was a ranger in life. The circumstances of his death are unclear, but his spirit lingers, encountered by the party on a bridge.
Relationships
- Yuki - His cat companion, still present with him
- Kelun - The stone being shapeshifted into Mellon's form at one point, causing confusion
GM Notes
Mellon's ghost represents the dangers of death in this world -- the risk of soul blight and undeath. His continued presence with Yuki adds a melancholy human element. Kelun using his form suggests the divine powers are aware of and can mimic the dead.