Syl'Vaein Freya

Syl’Vaein is certainly a very well groomed, preened and pampered Lady. Her attire drips with jewels. To look at she appears the epitome of wealth. She reeks of a high class prosperity that we lowly reporters can merely dream of. In fact even I might give my right eye for just one of the myriad of gems set into her overly-long ears.  Her manner is less sparkling.  We are informed to call her Lady Freya, or as she pompously chirps, ‘if you must use shortened informalities, then simply call me Vay.’

‘Vay?’ We guess she dislikes being called Syl, even if it is the more logical shortening. At this venture we become uncertain about our questioning. Thankfully she openly tells us that she is 59 years old. We guessed 44 by her countenance. However age isn’t really one of Syl’Vaein’s concerns, nor is her height. She stands at 6ft 1in, perhaps quite tall for a lady but very average for her race. Still no-one dare mention the word ‘average.’

She tells us that her current position is as an ambassadress for her kin. Back in her younger years she used to run the entire Freyan estate, a job she describes as terribly dull. Her duties involved a very tight schedule that comprised of consorting with aristocracy in fusty meeting halls, passing and upholding laws whilst also trying to keep the wayward youngsters, staff and finances in line. ‘Obviously,’ she reiterates, ‘terribly dull.’

Having served her time as head she now freely manages personnel and public relations, she also oversees the household expenditures. This basically translates to a life of shopping sprees followed by tea with other stuffed-up nobles in various locations across the globe. She often travels alongside Emmus Arius as their duties fall parallel. The two have a long history. Whilst well aware of Emmus’ affection for her she seems impervious to his charms.

No-one in the office is jealous at all. Nope not a single one here would like to take on her terribly dull lifestyle, nor catch Emmus’ eye, at all, ever, honest, we swear it.

Tallis Mann

Tallis is aged 54 and although he only stands a meagre 5ft 2in tall he is forcefully broad and well-built for a man of his years. His body appears to comprise of bulky sinews, muscles, and those gorged type of pulsating veins that pop out of one’s neck. His eyes are dark and hold a cinematic flicker of events that cannot be unseen.   

His expression seems to be fixed in a serious glare of ire and impatience. Perhaps the wind changed, or more likely he has harnessed the essence of grumpy old man and has been injecting it ever since. He dislikes everything and everyone. He is clearly weathered by both time and experience and we get the impression he quietly enjoys being a grumpy old bull.

In his younger years he was a great warrior, a powerful and feared General. Outside the field he was astute, a capable constructor of complex strategies. Yet in the midst of battle Tallis was renowned for having a temperament of fire, a man who would scarce think before barging into the opposition. His fellow soldiers will tell you he was a stubborn bull, not to be enraged lest the ‘red mist’ cloud over and his ferocity should be unleashed. When enraged back then, we are told he was capable of terrible violence.

Now he is retired. 

Lukas granted him charge of one stronghold which must be a major fall from General to a job that equates as a glorified butler. Working as a servant does not suit him well, however being in charge of the upkeep of Draygun manor is important to him. Acquiring this stronghold was his primary achievement in days past thus it is fitting he is now master of the house. He is instructed by Lukas to accommodate certain important guests, at present the most frequent visitors are Dirzryn and Ungus.  Considering his proud and prolific past we imagine it must peeve Tallis a great deal to be ordered around by the likes of Ungus. 

These days he rarely leaves the mansion. That said his judgement is still not to be questioned. When he asks us for water we skittle like our lives depend on it. Who better to remind the elitist how pathetic they are?

Tallis deserves every iota of respect he gets and he has certainly earned it from us.

Emmus Arius

Emmus Arius is 35years old and  5ft 7in tall. He is a well-mannered, calm, cool and collected vampire. He never tries to be a smooth talker yet words trip off his tongue like butter. He has entrancing saffron eyes and is able to encapsulate a sense of tranquillity in his audience.  His presence is soothing without being nullifying, like good aloe, he puts us at ease even if some of his personal ethics are hard to swallow. 

He is not a direct brother of Eyzith, or Kale but is a descendant of the first Arius. His maker was partner to Eyzith’s creator, both of whom were well respected individuals.

Despite his wealth Emmus is not the egotistical sort, he seems content to discuss any topic from the price of bread to that state of world economy. He is also not without a sense of humour. Pleasant and plain enough for us to fantasise about, Emmus succeeds in charming; if we were to coin a sexy silver fox it probably would be him.

It’s almost needless to say that the epitome of an old fashioned gentleman is a persona that makes us lovers of men weak at the knees, -as long as we refrain from thinking how he might use this aspect to groom us for supper.

Kha'Riieko

The first thing that strikes us about Kha’Rii is the smell.

In fact the stench of rotten fish and brine arrives shortly before he does.

Resembling recently beached debris he saunters into the room without a care in the world. It is clear he pays little attention to his outward appearance and doesn’t preen as often as most Felidae, if at all. His knee length slacks are falling apart and his fur is heavily encrusted with salt. At 27 years of age and standing 5ft 9in tall he comes across as a laid back and self-assured. In person Kha’Rii is a genial type of fellow, easy to talk to and always eager to lend a helping hand. He explains that he works as a boatswain despite the fact that he doesn’t care much for sailing.

His dancing eyes brim with bright enthusiasm as he details how his fondness of water spurred him to take the first available seafaring job. The legitimacy of the vessel and crew were apparently unimportant factors. He currently swabs boards on a ramshackle haulier named Dolores: his meal ticket to always be within splashing distance of the soothing salt water he craves. Kha’Rii relates that whilst The Dolores may be a dump of a ship he is loyal to its crew and wouldn’t hesitate to protect them with his life.

Having sodden fur it seems is in part a hobby, one that ties in well with the pleasure of fishing. We assume the reason that his tongue is perma-stuck outside his mouth is because he likes the briny taste of sea air as much as the salt crystals he constantly licks from his snout. When not swimming, fishing or otherwise skiving off from boatswain duties he likes to whittle driftwood.

All told; Kha’Rii’s frivolous nature, loyalty and love of water cause us to conclude that this kitty probably should have been born a dog.

Eyzith Arius

A stern yet tolerant woman, Eyzith Arius carries a personality that demands respect.

From the moment she enters the room she establishes an air of one who is highly organised, disciplined and focused. Standing an average 5ft 9in tall her presence is impressively domineering and intimidating. She doesn’t disclose her age but externally appears to be around 29 years old.

As leader of her people she relates the strict yet accommodating regime of her government. She exudes power and her well-measured manner of speech is grounded in an unwavering self-confidence. Eyzith is direct, straight talking and decisive. She is efficient to a fault, and unsurprisingly often viewed as a harsh authority figure. It seems to amuse her that some subjects believe she is callous. Eyzith explains that she takes a no-nonsense business approach to governing, she believes in the adage of rules are rules. Her diligence and patience shine through as she takes time to detail the consequences of certain choices within their society. A worldly and knowledgeable woman she values honesty above all else.

Whilst never condescending or overly sharp, Eyzith’s softer and pleasant side is overshadowed by an austere nature that makes everyone sit upright and act on their best behaviour. Of the few jokes we dare crack none manage to raise more than a polite smile. As she exits we can’t help but shudder and draw comparison to that iron-fisted tutor who first instilled fear in our tiny childish hearts.

Jacob Chmiel

At the tender age of 17yrs old Jacob Chmiel seems to have cultivated a personality befitting that of a sleazy old man. Creepy is an understatement. His greyish green eyes often slide over the features of his audience; he purveys the curves of his given subject as though licking their skin from the toes upward. We assume this stance is meant to be seductive as opposed to leachy and disturbing.

Standing 5ft 11in tall, he’s unerring quiet throughout most of our interview. What little Jacob does have to say usually relates back to his mentor Na’Ru. He has a passion for the dark arts and a rather unhealthy obsession with twisting reality. A cowardly little pervert, he is securely netted under Na’Ru’s thumb and speaks with great admiration of her Necromancy skills. It is clear he likes to watch. At best we could describe him as a voyeuristic necrophile who takes great pleasure in seeing others suffer.

In truth, we consider his reality too far twisted to bend it any further. Detached, disassociated and slightly delusion we are relived when the interview ends. Witnessing Jacob sulk back into the shadows we sincerely hope we don’t see his face pressed against a dark window any time soon.

Ezra Canzerth

On first glance, Ezra appears quite the normal, studious looking lord, at 38 years of age and 6ft 1in tall you could be mistaken for thinking he is part of some pompous aristocracy. Yet the guise of a rich and etiquette-refined man is not one that lasts long. Dressed like a crazed wayward alchemist and far too buoyant for his years, as soon as Ezra moves or speaks his eccentricities ignite in a catalytic cascade.

He is however skilled in the art of alchemy and wealthy to boot. Being a noble son of the late Chauntz Canzerth he inherited half of the family fortune after a mysterious blaze at their holiday villa. Ezra’s boisterous composure sinks a little at the mention of his father.  

He bravely explains how the incident had its blessings, after their demise Ezra was able to associate with the Hale household and reacquaint with his younger half-brother Alyx. Estranged for most of their lives the two now work alongside one another. Ezra leaves Alyx to maintain the business whilst he liaises with affluent merchants and choice mercenaries who outsource rare ingredients.

He speaks passionately of Arian and her incurable sickness. With heart as large as his flamboyant personality he reveals the depth of his dedication and somehow makes finding a cure sound secondary to being by the woman’s side. It is clear he dearly loves his half-sister however his passion for her is borderline obsessive and breeches our comfort zone. We try not to ask further questions on the subject.

It is no surprise to learn that Ezra has never married; he reveals that his main focus has always been the magical arts. Ezra tells us he enjoys contriving new ways to combine weaponry, magic and alchemy. He invests a great deal of time into research and inventing new curiosities to sell on Alyx’s store. 

 Ezra certainly does like his technological toys, having global connections means he is always in possession of the latest inventions. He shows us an incomplete and rather pointless looking device; the only impressive part of which is Ezra’s enthusiasm for it.