Ludovicus Memorandus: The Herald of the New Age
The decorated genius of Ludovicus Memorandus is unprecedented in Traconia. The man came from a land unknown and has set a name for himself unlike any other. His time in the Academy of Traconia proved to be the most fruitful development of the decade. He studied how magic can be applied to new technology and for years researched how these two concepts could fit together.
Five years after his studies began, his research paid off. He developed punched card data processing. Using magical enchantments of earth and applying this newly-discovered method of computation, Memorandus created the first artificial golem. This golem was devoid of thought, and followed the commands of its master without delay. So long as the golem was powered, it could fulfil any manual obligation. Memorandus quickly sought to make use of his invention widespread.
And that he did. Traconian industry saw widespread use of these “automatons” before long. The things proved immensely useful as they would not tire and ran on steam. Memorandus did not stop there. He used innovational applications of his inventions to revolutionize many industrial methods, increasing industrial efficiency. For his contribution, he was given a title: Herald of the New Age, given to him by the Emperor himself.
Halto Sherna: The Silent Step
Halto Sherna is an infamous figure in the Traconian underground. He is known for being nigh-impossible to detect when he doesn’t want to be. Furthermore, nobody knows a thing about what he actually looks like or where he resides. If someone wishes to contact him, they must go through a network of individuals. Officially, he is wanted for a host of crimes. However, there are rumours that the state has hired him - on several occasions.
Zug: The Slaughter
Zug is a legendary giant from the Frontier - near the orclands. He is colossal, even for one of his kind - but not very smart. Despite this, he is responsible for the deaths of dozens of Traconian soldiers in the past few months - his kill total numbers over a thousand. In addition, it is said he has slain many large and impressive creatures. There are rumours that he has pulled the spine out of a dragon from its tail. The price on Zug’s head would make a very rich man out of the poorest of souls.
Zug faced off against the famed Orc Battlemaster Kris and his party to a stalemate. During the battle, Zug received a scar to his chest and the club he had since his exile from his clan was shattered. The Orc Battlemaster parted with his adversary as his men were fatigued and demoralized. It is said that after the battle, Zug uprooted a giant tree and now wields it as a weapon in place of his club. He continues to terrorize the frontier at apparently random locations and times. Zug has something of a following: a sizeable number of orcs and some humans worship Zug as some sort of God. The cult has been made illegal in Traconia.
Stefan Sayer: The Lich Bane
Stefan Sayer surprised many with his current reputation, not least of all the Lordship of the empire. Raised as a bastard, he now holds a title that makes the wretched twitch in fear. He started out with professional swordsmanship training that was honed in his time in the Traconian Central Military Academy, and once graduated saw fit to create his own style utilizing a longsword in one hand and a pistol in the other. His style has proven itself time and time again on the battlefield. Eventually, he had his personal gear enchanted - imbuing it with null-magical auras. Using his enchanted arms and unique fighting style, he has brought in the heads of many liches, were-beasts, and other creatures of black magic. So far he has claimed the rank of Optio under his brother Centurion Thomas Ewart.
Hua Ming: The Enlightened
Hua Ming came from a distant land unknown to Traconia, her odd facial features are evidence of this. More exceptional than this is her exceptional knowledge of the elemental magics. She has mastered each one, wielding them with great skill and discipline. It is said that her sorcery borderlines being outright miracles.
She detests the imperialistic policies of Traconia as well as the impending modernization. She also advocates peace and equality. She has been met with mixed responses across Traconia and indeed the world. Notably, some Dwarves have gained some hope in light of this soul who actually believes in them and sees them as people, while others are as crestfallen as ever. Even some humans, although poor ones, have decided to follow in Hua Ming’s footsteps.
Centurion Connie Marshall
Marshall is a true daughter of Traconia, having been raised for the sole purpose of serving the Empire. She has ascended the ranks fairly quickly, having a sizeable number of men under her command. Even though she is a commander, she does not hesitate to join the battle. This is how certain she is of her battles. She chooses her battles to win. Furthermore, it is difficult to find someone who can match her in an open battlefield where she can unleash her staple techniques that make her infamous on the fields of war. She uses flame magic to coat her sword and in effect extend it to cut down enemies in charred droves. In addition to this deadly - albeit dangerous- sword style, she can cast other impressive displays of flame magic.
Captain Roberts
The seas of known Vestra has a very little history of piracy. The large and powerful Traconian and Canesfallen navies have proven to be instrumental in instilling safe trade for many years. However, things change. The ports of these two countries remain mostly safe, but the ports of the other independent human cities can be rife with the scum of humanity. From these ports hale the now-feared pirate, Captain Roberts. Captain Roberts’ origins are an enigma, not that it matters to those he pillages.
Roberts is said to be in command of the largest private fleet in the known world, and reports show that this appears to be true. The captain is personally responsible for the destruction of dozens of trade ships and their escorts, while his fleet makes him indirectly responsible for hundreds.
Decanus Kris
The most famous and decorated orc in recent history, Kris joined the army at a young age and has since grown into an officer of the Traconian Military. He commands a party of misfits within the military and has seen great accomplishments. His team is solely responsible for winning countless skirmishes with Canesfel and has gone on tour in the Frontier on multiple occasions, even surviving against the terrible Giant responsible for wiping out over a thousand Traconian soldiers. The orc is well-versed in the combat arts of near any weapon produced on this side of the planet and excels in tactical command. He has been recognized by many Lords as a golden standard for a Traconian officer.
Marceline
From deep in the Kriknaw Marshes, it is said the Marékaj are born from an unknown species of plant. The creatures that emerge from these plants are surprisingly human-like, but they give no indication of caring about their origins… Usually. There are always outliers in this world, however. Marceline came about as all Marékaj do, but she discovered her talents were unlike other Marékaj, who tend to flourish in the trades. Marceline discovered her proficiency and luxury in exploration. She alone has explored various ancient sites and abandoned castles, many of which are draped in traps.
She is renowned for her archaeological discoveries and makes a living off of selling the things she finds to the highest bidder. Yet she still has an impressive collection of artifacts. It is rumoured she has a reason beyond keeping them as mementos and decoration, but nothing is certain.
Yang Kang
Wanted across the empire, Yang Kang is widely known for stealing from upper-class citizens and giving the wealth to the lower class. This oddball has a unique fighting style, incorporating flame magic with swordsmanship as well as fighting with his environment. As cunning as he is elusive, he has racked up a sizeable bounty whether brought in dead or alive. Unfortunately, he has won the favor of many in the lower class for his actions and controversely has been responsible for capturing and bringing in some of the toughest criminals around the country.
Gethaint Fulger
In the industrious City of Rodrik is one of the best armorsmiths in Traconia. His name is Gethaint Fulger. However, while he is well-known for his smithing and enchanting, many stories revolving around the man are about other things entirely. Initially, it was regarded as a normal hobby. Gethaint would go out on hikes far from the city. Indeed, at first glance this is no big deal. However, it has come to light that Gethaint spends a lot of time around the mysterious Golem creatures. They don’t usually appreciate human contact, so that the man created some sort of friendly relation between them was indeed peculiar. Nobody really knows why he spends time with the creatures, as all previous attempts to domesticate them have failed horribly. The peculiarities of these actions only serve to spread word about Gethaint, incidentally bringing him more business, but many doubt that that is his purpose.
Albinka Malczewska
Maiden Malczewska is one most well known for the eight behind the blows of her warhammer. A heavy-handed knight from one of the independent kingdoms, she makes a living out of destroying those that she believes insults her God - or Goddess, if the stories are true. The vagabond has been reported throughout Traconia as a noble spirit - and for this she has gained something of a following. It is said she doesn’t speak much, but she completes - or at least attempts - any task given to her with vigor. More often than not, though, the task involves purging the area of dark creatures and malicious souls. This has made her somewhat of a competitor to the esteemed Lich Bane, whose fame is built upon hunting such creatures and men.
City Rodrik
Great Season of Sun, 1349
Economy Booming
With the popular use of automatons has come economic prosperity throughout the Traconian Empire, specifically in industrial and mining sectors. The City of Rodrik is quickly becoming the second largest city in the Empire in light of this. Other cities are following suit, with increased industrial production being reported in most districts.
Colonial Port Raids Continue
The colonies have been getting hit hard with pirate raids that make the already-difficult colonial life even more difficult, with food shortages leading to ration practices throughout the colonies. Some begin to question whether Traconia can do its job of defending these colonies with its unmodernised and frankly small fleet.
Zug Cultists Put to the Sword
Across Traconia, Zug Cultists have been reported and publicly executed in a variety of ways. These cultists worship the monster Zug and have been reported to make ritual sacrifices to the creature. While Zug worship was made illegal almost two years ago, the cults still manage to survive regular purgings.
Wars break out among Independents
A series of wars have been fought in the past five years amongst the independent countries north of Traconia. Their reasons are wide and many and they don’t seem to be ending soon. Traconia and Canesfel have declared independence, though Traconia has stated that it will intervene if one of the few neutral kingdoms are dragged into needless conflict. In the meantime, arms dealers across the country have been seeing a spike in revenue. Followers of Hua Ming have sent missionaries to help the poor and displaced and have simultaneously offered refuge to those who want to get away from the conflict. Traconian officials doubt that the small but well-known group can realistically house the estimated refugees that would come out of the wars, but have said nothing about disallowing refugees into the borders.
Disappearances in the North-West Regions
Unexplainable disappearances have been reported in small villages in the north-west reaches of the Empire. Some say it is the work of necromancers, while others believe a neighboring independent kingdom has been abducting people to forcibly recruit them into their armies.
Stats to be posted by Saturday.
