Ashura Tendi is the defacto leader of the refugees in the tent city along Cololly’s eastern wall.
He's a tabaxi fighter who’s gruff but fair. He always tries to see all perspectives before giving direction, and he will listen to advice from those closest to him.
Current advisors:
Yohan Miki - Dwarf bard who advises on issues relating to camp morale.
Evie Tutton - Human cleric who advises on issues relating to health and safety. She also is in charge of the watch rotations.
Josef Lazio - Half-elf rogue who advises on issues relating to supplies and acquisitions. Currently being courted by the Conclave to be their informant. So far he's turned them down, but he's certainly entertained the idea.
Bartimus Barley is the human Headmaster of Cololly University and has a passion for education. He strives to run an equitable institution for all income levels and has stated he will even save room for students who can pay nothing, as long as they have a passion for learning.
He’s currently working to get Cololly University up and running, and he hopes to contribute to the world by making sure everyone has access to courses that encourage innovation and inquiry.
While his mustache is always perfectly groomed, he doesn’t seem to show the same care to his clothes or workspaces. He often appears disheveled and has an unfocused look to his eyes, as though he’s searching the cosmos for an answer to his latest question.
His quest to educate all tends to leave him a bit vulnerable to those will ill intent, and he’s been caught up in the schemes of others a time or two because of this.
Bonnie the blacksmith is the dragonborn owner and operator of Bent to Your Will, which is the most prominent smith shop in Cololly.
Her craftsmanship is on par with the greats of the world, but her warmth and kindness reach far beyond her forge. She’s known around town as an eager helper for anyone who calls and has even made tools and equipment for the refugees at no cost.
Bonnie loves to talk about mining and smithing, and she’s been rumored to nearly glow while working on her latest masterpiece.
Brundt is the owner and operator of Serious Ceramics, and he takes his pottery very seriously.
While Brundt may seem gruff to those who don’t know him well, his regulars know it’s just his way when he’s focused on his work. There have been reports of people trying for nearly an hour to get his attention, but once he sits down to create, the world seems to fade from his awareness until all that’s left is his clay.
Although he’s often quiet, his eyes light up when haggling over his wares or discussing a new project.
Brunt is well-loved by the townsfolk and other crafters, though tourists and visitors have often wrongly described him as “unfriendly” and “dismissive.”
Beetle the haberdasher is a lively, eccentric little gnome. His shop, The Dashing Dandy, is full to bursting with hats of all shapes, sizes, and colors.
He loves vibrant hues in both his clothes and beard, and his customers would swear his eyes shine brightest when he’s happily stitching away at his latest project.
He’s often described as jolly and fun, though his mood sours when he crosses paths with Zelar, the barber next door.
He has a running feud with Zelar because the only customers the barber recommends are the ones who need to hide his shoddy work.
The following character images were created in Openart.ai. They will be replaced with original artwork as it becomes available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Bud is the halfling proprietor of Bud’s Suds, the foremost brewery in all of Gusken. His brews have a dedicated customer base that trusts his ability enough to happily buy old favorites or new concoctions. He is a good businessman and brewer, but he gets nervous when trapped in long conversations with customers. He’s a bit paranoid about someone stealing his recipes and techniques and will walk away from any conversation asking too many questions about his methods.
Celia Brinks is the halfling priestess of Salaris the Dreamer’s Cololly Temple. She is devoted to her deity, Salaris the Dreamer, and specializes in interpreting dreams and offering guidance to her parishioners. She is always dressed in all the colors of creation to honor how Salaris is most often depicted. Even her hair is dyed to look like a rainbow. She has brown eyes and freckles, and she always wears an aloof smile with a somewhat detached, dreamy expression.
Elouise Breaker is the dwarf proprietor of Rover’s Respite Inn & Tavern and always has a bright smile for her patrons. She never forgets a name and runs a tight ship, but patrons know they can expect good service and safe sleeping accommodations in her establishment. She has red hair and green eyes, and patrons say she seems to dance effortlessly through the busiest nights with a joyous smile and a ready laugh.
Gralia is the birdfolk owner of Wooden Wonders and she’s known as a bit of a prankster. She loves a good joke but does get serious when it’s time to work. She has red and grey feathers and is usually seen either laughing or hard at work, with little in between. If she sees people coming in with kids, she’ll pull out her candy jar to “share the treasure.” She always treats the exchange as a playful secret, but as far as anyone can tell, no kid that’s come in has spilled the beans in two years.
Holt is the charismatic elven leader of Thespian’s Respite. He produces stage plays and street performances, and he always emphasizes enjoyment over perfection. He’s often adorned in motley, patchwork, colorful clothes and always has a lyre close at hand. According to reports, he’s never been seen without a smile unless a role required it.
Jaquelyn is the quiet gnomish caretaker of of the Cololly University Library. She has a genuine love for the written word and takes meticulous care of the university’s books, scrolls, and manuscripts. She’s rarely even seen outside of the library building, and rumors say she may have even moved in. She has grey eyes behind thick glasses and pale grey hair. She’s in her later years, though students say she looks much younger while buried in a new piece of literature.
Jeenie is the beloved, matronly dwarven owner of Lock ‘n’ Stock Dry-Goods & Supply, and she is always seen scuttling about the shop taking care of this or that. She has a reputation for no-nonsense haggling, but she always keeps some spare supplies for those in tight spots. She will never turn away a person in need and because of this, “If you get on Jenny’s bad side, all of Cololly stands against you.”
Jeremiah is the human barbarian leader of the Cololly branch of The Adventurer’s Guild. He often seems cold and distant to new recruits, but those who know him understand how deeply he feels each casualty his guild endures. He will often stand in the way of new recruits accepting quests above their ability for this reason. He always looks like he’s ready to jump into a battle, but prefers evenings with good food, drink, and company.
Jovin is the teifling owner of Rise with the Dawn, and her treats are highly sought after in town. She’s an accomplished baker and has orders for regulars ready as soon as they walk in the door. She always has some new delight for her patrons to enjoy, and reportedly makes the best coffee and tea in town. She has red skin, pale pink horns, red eyes, and long red hair in thick ringlets.
Julie is the human owner of Glistening Gaeties and is a gifted jeweler and enchanter. Her work is respected although customers find her personality… disagreeable. She’s known to be impatient with those who don’t understand her work or what to ask for when making an order. Veteran patrons recommend writing down exactly what you’re looking for before walking into her shop. She has short grey hair and hazel eyes with an almost feral look to them.
Kanfore is the orc proprietor of Health for the Whole and a skilled apothecary. He has an inquisitive personality but moves in a quiet and calm manner. Despite his huge stature, he’s usually able to quickly put patients and clients at ease with an easy smile and friendly conversation. He’s always dressed well, but not opulently, preferring clothes he can work in comfortably rather than chasing the latest fashion. He has mid-length dark hair, golden eyes, and is rarely seen without a smile.
Kojak is the bugbear priest of Everin the Mother’s Cololly Temple. He spends his days preaching the Mother’s kindness and mercy, and he plays a vital role in the annual Harvest Festival’s Celebration of Change. While his expression rarely changes, he’s always kind and patient. He has mostly brown fur with a white tuft on his chin and always exudes an air of calm and poise.
Maple Oakstead is the dwarven owner, and master goldsmith, of Spectacular Sparkles. She seems very friendly, but some claim her smile never quite reaches her eyes. She is always aware of everything that happens in her shop and never lets anyone into the backroom. No one seems to know why. She has light auburn hair that is always immaculately kept, pale blue eyes, and is always wearing fine garments adorned with her latest creations.
Matilda is the no-nonsense human owner of Stone Giant. She’s an accomplished stonemason and knows her worth. She does not haggle over prices and is happy to refuse service to anyone who wants to argue. She’s very muscular but petite with honey-colored eyes and brown hair that is always put up or braided to keep it out of her way. She’s usually seen scowling by customers, but occasionally someone will catch her working, and they say her smile is truly captivating.
Mavoney is the dwarven owner of Finance a Fantasy. He’s an established moneylender and knows where to invest. He rarely takes chances on what he thinks is a lost cause, but he will consider taking a risk for those who are backed by respected members of the community. He has dark hair with signs of grey creeping in. His glasses are simple but stylish and his clothes are very well-made. He is never disheveled and has a very serious demeanor. He often struggles with humor because of this.
Maximus is the birdfolk owner of Till ‘n’ Treat Farmer’s Market. He’s taller than most with brilliant yellow feathers and golden eyes, and he’s usually wearing overalls and a farmer’s hat. He’s reported to be the leading authority on all things farming, from crop cultivation to animal husbandry. He has an easy-going personality and is never seen as frantic or hurried.
Mortimer Firebrand is the elven owner of the Cololly Gentleman’s Club. He’s known to turn away anyone who looks like they can’t afford to be there and speaks to nearly everyone down his nose. He’s charming when among those he deems to be on his level, but hasn’t a shred of kindness or understanding for those he sees as beneath him. His establishment is a favorite among the elite of Cololly, though you would be hard-pressed to find a patron who genuinely enjoys Mortimer’s company. He has dark blonde hair and deep blue eyes with angular features, and he’s always dressed in the latest fashions.
Nevia is the human priestess of Byelyn the Twilight’s Cololly Temple. Though her following is small, her temple is known as a haven for those needing to… disappear for a while. She will deny this unless you are a runaway or fugitive she’s decided to allow entry. She has a reputation for protecting her charges from brigands and officials alike, and she often finds herself on thin ice with that latter because of this. She knows the temple is a sanctuary and will defend it until her last breath. She has long raven hair, pale skin, and grey-blue eyes. She is usually adorned in black robes befitting her role and deity.
Paige is the halfling owner of the Clever Wanderer Tavern. She’s friendly but sharp. She loves a good party but will throw you out, unceremoniously, if you cause trouble whether you're a noble or destitute. She will feed anyone who is hungry whether they can pay or not, but she can always tell when someone who CAN pay is just trying to get a free meal (she charges those people double on principle). She keeps her bright red hair in sensible braids and her emerald green eyes sparkle merrily when engaging with patrons.
Peety is the arrogant elven owner of Artistic Threads. He is quite judgemental about the attire of his patrons, and he will not waste time on those who need to ask what his wares cost. His work is top-of-the-line, though his salesmanship and personality often turn people away. He has light brown hair and vibrant green-blue eyes. He is always dressed in his latest creations and is seen by many townsfolk as an indicator of the current state of fashion among the nobility.
Reverence is the teifling priest of Dutrisk the Crone’s Cololly Temple. He is tall with long, curling, lavender horns. His skin is a pale purple, in contrast to the deep purple of his long hair. He is usually seen with a serious expression, given that most of his parishioners are in the winter of their years, but has a handsome warm smile for the young students of the healing arts. His priest robes are purple and white and made of fine materials.
Rolly is the fun-loving elven leader of The Mage’s Guild. She loves to play harmless tricks on recruits, but she equally loves teaching them the ropes and helping them master their abilities. She rarely takes anything too seriously, though she knows when to buckle down. She has long blond hair and hazel eyes that always seem to be hiding some mischief. She wears well-made but humble adventuring gear in a mix of greens and browns, but she always adds her style with brightly colored buttons and trim.
Rudeus Bastion is the human alchemist in charge of the Potions & Alchemy Lab at Cololly University. He is a master potion maker but often has trouble engaging students due to his unfocused and erratic teaching style. He’s kind but absentminded in his older years, and he’s been known to cause an accidental explosion, or two. He is rarely seen out of his labcoat and his hair is clearly thinning and turning grey. He has heterochromia causing his right eye to be a vivid blue while his left is a pale green.
Rupert is the dwarven owner of the Desperate Dalliance Inn and caters to the more rough and tumble members of society. He has scars and tattoos over most of his body, and his blue eyes have the haunted look of someone who’s seen too much of the world. His inn functions but is clearly in need of upkeep and repair.
Sheila is the gnomish owner of Twice Charmed and boasts the only resell/2nd hand shop in Cololly. She’s a dealmaker and loves a sucker, but is happy to negotiate to something between fleecing and fair. She’s a born salesman who delights in telling you about her latest treasures that you simply must have. She has short brown hair that’s usually bordering on wild with light brown eyes that dance when she’s haggling with a customer. Her clothing is simple but sturdy and she rarely bothers with makeup or jewelry.
Sissy is the human owner of the Thoughtless Damsel Tavern with a bright smile and friendly demeanor. Her strawberry-blonde hair is well-kept and usually covers the right side of her face. She has a scar that goes from her collarbone, up her neck, and through her ear, ending at a missing chunk at the top, and she’s self-conscious about it. Her regulars love her and will throw out anyone who gives her the slightest hint of trouble.
Vince is the elven owner of the Twilight Tryst Inn in the upper-class district of Cololly. Though he serves a mostly wealthy clientele, he has a kind and gentle manner. He treats all who walk through his doors with respect, regardless of appearance. He’s been known to throw out wealthy patrons who are poor in manners. He has long brown hair that falls in effortless curls, and his eyes are hazel and always seem full of compassion and understanding.
Zelar is the elven owner of Clip ‘n’ Snip and he’s sure he knows what you need better than you do. While he has many loyal customers, newcomers are often disappointed when he reveals his creation, rather than the haircut that was asked for. He has a running feud with Beetle the haberdasher, but he doesn’t take it seriously. He finds it amusing to see the little gnome's frustration, but he does have a soft spot for Beetle. He has short, slicked-back hair and an easy smile. He has an almost aloof expression most of the time, but his grey-green eyes are always as sharp as his scissors.
The Orcapellas of N.E.W.S.
Urzul, Borug, and Lug are siblings who spend their days ensuring the people of Cololly are properly informed about current events. Lug writes all of their songs based on the most recent headlines and keeps time, while Urzul's angelic soprano blends beautifully with Borug's deep baritone. Their shows are often quite crowded, but complaints are few once they begin to sing. Their audiences are rarely less than captivated by their talents, and they've received acclaim and praise from the Conclave for their continued service to the city as N.E.W.S's top performers.
The Healers of H.A.L.O.
These diligent healers spend their time healing the sick and injured, regardless of the patient's means. Though the Conclave funds H.A.L.O., the clerics and druids handle most operations without the Conclave's input. They are currently asking for volunteers to join them in light of the refugee crisis growing along Cololly's eastern wall and often have a new petition that “Must have your signature!”