Note: This page contains brief character sketches of all notable persons who have appeared or been mentioned in the Counter-Harn Chronicles to the current turn. It is divided into (Active) Player Characters, Influential Personages, and the The People of Caer Nurel. Sketches of characters who merit full write-ups contain links to the write up in question.
Maddox, Baron Reinhardt (692- ). The Baron of Nurelia whose seat is at Caer Nurel, Sir Reinhardt is one of Countess Curo’s most trusted retainers. The bastard son of Lady Candace Ethasial and Sir Barnabas Maddox of Whyaryn, Reinhardt was recognized by Sir Barnabas, but sent to study for holy orders at Abriel Abbey when he reached adolescence. Lady Candace, with the aid of Dame Sophia, arranged for him to be squired at Gardiren. Upon being knighted he was placed in charge of then Lady Elsbeth Curo’s personal armsmen. Though he is often called “The Black Son” and “Bastard Knight” behind his back, Sir Reinhardt is a highly chivalrous man. His recent appointment as Baron of Nurelia has stunned many, and added the appellation “Paper Baron,” to his list of unwanted titles.
Bardo the Moneylender (671-). Bardo is a master in the Mercantyler’s Guild, and is the most prominent moneylender in northern Kaldor. Many of the nobles in northern Kaldor, and some from other parts of the kingdom, are in debt to him. He is also heavily involved in the caravan trade and maintains three multi-story buildings in Gardiren to house his business. A rail-thin man, his wife’s immense girth is known throughout the Realm. His business is part owned by House Curo, who provided his start-up capitol twenty-five years ago, and remain his very silent partners.
Bernan, Sir Daynes (683-). Sir Daynes is the Bailiff of Kyg, which he oversees for Earl Troda Dariune, and is the older brother of Sir Pallon Bernan. Sir Daynes is known to be an irreligious man, and shocking rumors surrounding the wild parties he throws at his townhouse in Tashal are common among the nobility, as well as impolitic to discuss.
Bernan, Pallon (690-). Countess Curo’s husband, Pallon was made Lord of Solinda and Nausch when the couple wed. He is the younger brother of Sir Danyes Bernan, the Constable of Kyg. Sir Pallon is the Realm’s leading jousting champion and has won the Grand Melee at Olokand three years running. He and Sir Reinhardt Maddox, the Baron of Nurelia, are known to be rivals.
Bvarlan (? - ). A mysterious, one-eyed, scarred warrior of middle years, Bvarlan has been one of House Curo’s most effective and closely-held operatives for many years. He has no official position, but enjoys unprecendented access to the Countess and is invariably involved in the Clan’s most sensitive – as well as unpleasant – affairs. Few know of his connection to House Curo. He is commonly believed to be a Knight from the South, perhaps Melderyn.
Caldeth, Earl Declaen (677- ). The Earl of Vemion whose seat is at Minarsas, Earl Declaen is defended from the Jarin rulers of the former Kingdom of Pagostra. A brilliant manager of assets, he has turned his clan into one of the wealthiest in Kaldor. He is known to be a voracious reader, but is stubbornly parochial as well. His wife, ten years his senior, was rendered blind and speechless by a terrible palsy, but he remains a famously loyal husband and harpers compose songs dedicated to his loving, husbandly devotion. His daughter, Thilisa, is the wife of the Earl Sedris Meleken of Qualdris.
Curo, Countess Elsbeth (693- ). The Countess of Neph and Sheriff of Osselshire, Countess Curo is the daughter of Earl Hemisen Curo (d. 717) and Princess Vanua Eldensa (d. 693). She is one of the realms wealthiest and most influential magnates, and is known to be a favorite of her uncle the King. She is descended from House Tane, the first kings of Kaldor, on her father’s side.
Curo, Sir Hardeth (677-). Countess Curo’s uncle, Sir Hardeth backed his half-brother’s brother’s decision to appoint Elsbeth as Clanhead and Heir. Sir Hardeth is a member of Elsbeth’s inner-circle and has been appointed to serve as her Constable in Hutop. At forty, Sir Hardeth is a vigorous and virtuous knight. It is understood Sir Hardeth’s oldest son, Byrn, soon to be knighted, will be Elsbeth’s heir if she has no children of her own. He is married to Meliara Kynn, the sister of the Archbishop of Caleme, the leader of the Kadoric Church.
Curo, Earl Hemisen (662-717). Countess Curo’s father and predecessor as Earl of Neph, Hemisen Curo was a leonine man of immense girth who’s passions led him to father numerous bastards (almost all girls), and to ultimately dig his grave with his teeth in 717. A competent intriguer and man of business, he married Princess Vanua Eldensa in 693, placing his line in the race for the throne.
Curo, Dame Sophia (679- ). Countess Curo’s paternal aunt, Dame Sophia is an ordained priestess in the Order of the Shattered Spear and the Knight Commander of the Order of St. Claudia, Our Lady of Paladins. She is known to be at odds with several of Kaldor’s Bishops – not the least of which is the Bishop of Nurez, Ilor Hadan, but maintains a cordial relationship with the Order of the Balm of Joy, and her sister in law, Meliara Kynn, the sister of the Sarakela of Kaldor. Her personal Chapter House, one of the few of comprised entirely of female knights, is near Yeged.
Dubone, Sir Trent (690- ). A foreign-born knight from Shorkyne on the mainland, Sir Trent is an exemplary warrior and competent tactician who has participated in battles and sieges on a much larger scale than are normally seen on Harn. He is known to be somewhat effete and wooden in social situations, but keeps House Curo’s forces – in terms of quality – on par with the King’s High Guard.
Elendsa, Princess Vanua (671-693). Countess Curo's mother, Princess Vanua Elendsa married Earl Hemisen Curo in 690. The youngest sister of King Mingath, she died in childbirth in 693.
Ethasial, Lady Candace (672- ). The older sister of Baron Wevran Ethasial of Setrew and mother of Baron Reinhardt Maddox, whom she bore after an adulterous affair with Sir Barnabas Maddox of X in 693. Shortly after Reinhardt’s birth she entered the a small cloister of the Order of the Balm of Joy near Yeged as a lay member in minor orders. A confident of Dame Sophia and the Mother Superior of her order, she was instrumental in seeing her son squired with House Curo. In late 719 Lady Candace left her cloister to run her son, Baron Reinhardt Maddox’s, household at Caer Nurel.
Ethasial, Sir Romlach (696- ). Sir Romlach is the son of Baron Wevran Ethasial of Setrew, who has left Setrew’s military and criminal affairs in his hands. A temper-bound warrior who has killed several men in duels, he is currently involved in more than one potentially lethal feud. Under his administration, the conditions of Setrew’s serfs are some of the worse in the kingdom. He is Baron Reinhardt Maddox of Nurelia’s cousin.
Ethasial, Baron Wevran (674- ). Baron Wevran Ethasial of Setrew is a vassal of Countess Curo and one of Kaldor’s largest landholding nobles. A vain, greedy man, he is not highly trusted by his liege, and has been upbraided both by Countess Curo, and her father before her, for sidestepping his responsibilities on more than one occasion. It is said any cleverly worded appeal will have an audience at his table. He is also known to frequent Sir Daynes Bernan’s parties in Tashal. Setrew is an ill-omened place and has been the source of many dark rumors over the years. Baron Wevran typically leaves military matters and affairs of justice to his son, Sir Romlach. He is Baron Reinhardt Maddox of Nurelia’s uncle.
Faranir Of Tonot (690- ). One of Baron Reinhardt’s most trusted retainers, Faranir is a Master in the Weaponsmith's Guild who was cheated out of his father’s business by his older brother. After a brief and difficult period in Gardiren, he found himself conscripted during the Kaldor-Tharda conflict in the Chelen gap in 714, after which, needing work, he became one of Countess Curo’s personal armsman. A brilliant man and visionary beyond his time, he has a talent for almost any craft he puts his hands to, and has made plans for numerous revolutionary inventions. He is a particular friend of Garoth of Olokand. He has left military service to open a forge at Caer Nurel, where he is again working as a (bonded) master smith.
Garoth of Olokand (692- ). One of Baron Reinhardt Maddox’s most trusted retainers, Garoth was a huntsman in the Royal Castle at Olokand before rumors of an affair with the wife of one of the principle knights in the High Guard led the Royal Huntsman to arrange for him to take service in Gardiren, where he served as one of Countess Curo’s personal armsmen, and as the pack master for her Great Harbalese hunting dogs. An expert hunter and woodsman, Garoth has won several archery contests at tournaments and fairs. He now serves as the Baron Maddox’s Chief Huntsman in Nurelia.
Indama, Sir Harapa (688 - ). The son of Baron Chemin Indama of Getha, Sir Harapa is the Sheriff of Nephshire and holds Bidow from the Crown. A fashionable man, Sir Harapa holds his post both because of blood relations to Clan Elendsa and the fact that, like his father, he is a staunch King’s man.
Indama, Sir Chemin (667 - ). The Baron of Getha who holds his seat from the Crown, Sir Chemin was once a great jousting champion, but left the tourney’s due to the loss of an eye. Though he remains a formidable warrior, Sir Chemin now prefers to watch his sons compete. Sir Chemin is also the Ranger of the Kanir and Krista forests, a position given to him by his son, Sir Harapa, as a sinecure. He is known to be a staunch King's man.
Inthin, Kamran (695- ). The second son of Sir Verdis Inthin, Kamran realized early on that his family could not afford to squire two sons, and volunteered for the Army of the Chelmarch as soon as he was of age, seeing a great deal of action. He left the army to apprentice to the Master Harper Ryhnn of Thay and achieved the rank of Journeyman in the Harpers guild, but soon tired of the Harpers life and returned to military service, this time in the Army of the Osselmarch. Kamran has entered the service of Countess Curo in the hopes of one day being knighted, and has been placed with her vassal Baron Reinhardt of Nurelia.
Inthin, Sir Verdis (666- ). One of Countess Curo’s vassals, Sir Verdis is the Lord of Vispoten. His firstborn son, Sir Wels, will one day inherit from him. His second son, Kamran, serves Baron Maddox of Nurelia.
Jaunvar, Sir Eldan (649- ). Countess Curo’s ancient Chamberlain, Sir Eldan is a survivor of numerous bloody campaigns in his youth, and a shrewd judge of character. He is entrusted with running Gardiren when the Countess is absent, and is known throughout Kaldor as a fiercely loyal retainer of House Curo, as well as being one of the most brutally frank and impolitic men in all of Kaldor. His grandnephew, Sir Vanderis, is the lord of Amewold.
Kural of Yeged (797- ). Countess Curo’s unrecognized, illegitimate half-brother, Kural was raised in the home of his mother’s husband, no assistance from his father, Earl Hemisen Curo. Following in his mother’s husbands footsteps he became a master in the lexicographers guild, but was appointed Bailiff of Caer Nurel by his half-sister out of respect for the deathbed wish of their father in 717. During his tenure he has avoided his feudal obligations, run the fief into the ground, abused the peasants, logged the kings forests, and conspired to commit treason against his liege.
Maddox, Sir Barnabas (670- ). A vassal of Baron Uthris Pierstel of Tonot, Sir Barnabas is the father of Baron Reinhardt Maddox and the Lord of Whyaryn. An otherwise decent man, his household and the fief’s economic business are run by his wife, who seems to have him utterly cowed. He leaves the military affairs of the fief in the hands of his son, Gadod, and is found staying in the manors of friends and relatives more than his own home. He is known to be an excellent judge of land and horseflesh.
Maddox, Lady Dura (674-). The wife of Sir Barnabas Maddox, the Lady Dura is a punctilious, unforgiving, mean-spirited, self-righteous, abrasive pinch-penny who’s only redeeming quality seems to be that she is a competent administrator and a zealot when it comes to her children’s interests.
Maddox, Sir Gadod (691- ). The eldest son and heir of Sir Barnabas Maddox, Gadod is martially inclined and has assumed the responsibility for military affairs at Whyaryn Manor in his father’s stead. He is well liked by the peasants, having taken his father’s highly traditional and easy going approach in terms of jurisprudence, despite his mother’s success in raising him to be an irredeemable pinch-penny. Gadod is a frequent participant in the summer campaigns against the barbarian tribes and a staunch advocate of the Order of St. Claudia’s crusade against the Paegelin tribes south of Ossel Bridge.
Maleken, Earl Sedris (689- ). The Earl of Ossel whose seat is in Qualdris, Earl Sedris is known to be a highly valorous and “King’s man” through and through. He is well loved by his vassals and respected by the nobility. He left Qualdris in the winter of 717 to pursue a murderer and has not returned. Many assume he had met an untimely end, and speculation of who will ascend to his post swirls throughout the halls of power.
Maleken, Countess Thilisa (693- ). The wife of Earl Sedris Meleken of Ossel and eldest daughter of Earl Declaen Caldeth, Thilisa has administered her husband's lands, and fulfilled his duties as Earl, since he departed in the winter of 717. Due to the length of his absence many believe Earl Meleken will not return, which has led many a knight to consider Thilisa as a potential match for themselves or their sons. She has rebuffed all such advances to date.
Pierstel, Uthris (683- ). The Baron of Tonot, Uthris Pierstel is a vassal of Earl Troda Dariune. Well liked by his people, Baron Uthris is nontheless known to be a temperamental, very class conscious man. The lord of a border region, he has seen much fighting, most of it against barbarians, and has the scars to prove it.
Pierstel, Lady Velna (704-).The daughter of Baron Uthris Pierstel of Tonot, and one of Countess Curo’s Lady’s in Waiting.
Rivers, Sir Miles (677- ). Knight-Sergeant of one of Gardiren’s companies of heavy horse, Sir Miles has served House Curo for twenty years and is well respected by his fellow knights, as well as the common born soldiers. New recruits, common or gentle, live in fear of him, but most recognize the lessons he imparts may one day prove to be the difference between life and death. Slowed by age and injury, Sir Miles remains a formidable warrior with many tricks up his sleeve.
Sir Vaern (670-717). Sir Vaern was the Bailiff of Caer Nurel for Earl Hemisen Curo. Responsible for founding the settlement and the construction of the river keep, Sir Vaern was Bailiff in Nurelia from its inception in 700 untill his death from bronchial pneumonia in 717. An energetic and fair-minded lord, he was well respected by the peasants, who felt for their lord's sadness. Though he died relatively young, Sir Vaern outlived his wife and four children.
Vemin, Lady Urda (658- ). Countess Curo’s former governess, Lady Urda is both the head of her the Countess’s Lady’s Maids and House Curo’s exchequer. A sour, hawk-faced old spinster with a shrewd, abacus-like mind, Lady Urda managers Gardiren’s domestic affairs, as well as the Countess’s extensive personal accounts with demanding perfectionism and remarkable efficiency.
Caddat, Rhyll (702- ). The only son of Irall Caddat, a widowed cottar who makes his living as the village thatcher and tinker, Rhyll is a spry youth and good with his hands, but does not want to be a peasant, and due to his father's poverty, no prospects of an apprenticeship or good marriage. He has been volunteered by the village officers to become one of Baron Maddox's new Yeomen.
Callene, Ardan (681- ). A short, squat, powerfully built man, Ardan is Caer Nurel's Beadle. A no nonsense sort of man, and an ingrained pessimist, Ardan is very good at his job, and has a very good sense of the people and pulse of Caer Nurel. He has a reputation for being formidable with both fist and cudgel.
Baffel, Oran and Dolan (692- ). Inseperable and identical stork-like twins, the “Brother's Baffel” are incurable poachers who have served for many years as Caer Nurel's game wardens in exchange for a set amount of game in order to avoid hanging them. Both are dead-eye archers, and Baron Maddox has continued this agreement, but turned them into yeomen instead of having them continue as ordinary peasants.
Dannor, Erran (701- ). The youngest member of Clan Dannor, Erran has no love of farming. The tallest man in the village save Faranir, broad in the shoulder's, and quick to boot, he has been recruited as a potential man-at-arms to serve in Baron Maddox's company of heavy horse.
Dannor, “Red” Will (679- ). Red Will is the most prosperous of Caer Nurel's villeins, as well as the one with the most acres. A big man, and among the toughes, Red Will is an arrogant, brash, spiteful man, as well as a bully and rank opportunist. Anyone who angers him goes on his “list,” he does not forget. His six brothers work his fields for him, and receive little beyond room and board in return. He took Ian Fahy's job as Reeve when Kural offered it, which led the villagers to despise him.
Donnal of Gardiren, Master (697- ). The younger brother of Master Jarred, the inkeeper of the Peaceful Boar in Caer Nurel, Donnal has worked for his brother since their father went bankrupt five years ago. As tall and lanky as his brother, Master Donnal is, well and truly, a gentle soul.
Dooley of Bendeth (690-). A small, wiry man, Dooley of Bendeth arrived in Caer Nurel with a sack on his shoulder six years ago. A man with a rare gift for animal husbandry, he quickly earned his position as the village's chief herdsman. A bachelor, Dooley is looking for a wife.
Dugal (670- ). Dugal is one of the village herdsmen, and a fine hand with a pair of sheers. He is also a talented animal doctor and is frequently called upon to treat sick animals. He and his fellow herdsman, Uther, are nigh inseperable.
Ethne of Tonot (695- ). The widow of Master Roderick, Ethne is a kind hearted and peaceful woman. Her father is a Bonded Master Clothier in the service of House Perstiel in Tonot. She is an expert weaver herself, and makes candles to sell as well. Her cousin, Mareth of Tonot, also lives in Caer Nurel. She has two small girls, Gretchen and Marta.
Erin (699- ). The young wife of Caer Nurel's Miller, Master Harrold, Erin is reputed to be the village slut and has given her husband horns many times over. Only his drunkeness and reclusiveness kept her from being caught long ago. When Barron Maddox informed her husband of her infidelities Master Harrold demanded a divorce. The matter is still pending.
Fahy, Emily (703- ). The daughter of Ian Fahy, the Reeve, Emily was gang-raped by Kural's men when her father objected to the Bailiff's disasterous policies. She has been kept prisoner in Caer Nurel ever since.
Fahy, Ian (684- ). Ian Fahy is Caer Nurel's Reeve, and has been since his father, the Reeve before him, died in 715. A widower with one child, he is a true genius when it comes to crops and managing the fief's resources. He is also respected for his military service with Sir Vaern in the Chelen Gap against Tharda in 714, during which he is said to have performed valorously. He was temporarily removed from his position by Kural when he objected to Kural's disasterous policies, after his legs had been broken and his daughter had been gang-raped in front of him by Kural's men. He was restored as Reeve when Baron Maddox liberated the village. He must now use crutches to stand or walk.
Hevel of Wayryn, Master (695- ). Master Hevel is Caer Nurel's Salter. He also produces smoked meats and spiced sausages that are sold throughout northern Kaldor, bringing in a tidy sum for himself and the village. The son of the Salter in Wayryn, he grew up in the same village as Barron Maddox, though the Baron was sent to Abriel when Hevel was twelve. He worships his wife Saliah.
Jarred of Gardiren, Master (691- ). Master Jarred of Gardiren is the master of Caer Gardiren's Inn, the Peaceful Boar. A tall, narrow, philosophic man, it was he from amongst the Mangai who volunteered to go and seek an audience with Countess Curo about the state of affairs at Caer Nurel after Mother Sarah, and Masters Olin and Roderick, were killed by Kural's men. During that trip he was almost killed by the notorious assassin “The Wolf,” who was sent to silence him. He now walks with a cane and a stick, and is something of a village celebrity.
Merriel (691- ). The older wife of Anon Shaddog, Merriel is the village midwife and healer-woman. A dashing woman and highly intelligent, many wonder why she ever married Anon, though the couple is said to be very happy. They have two children. A boy and a girl.
Mareth of Tonot (693- ). The widow of Master Olin, Mareth is a brave woman who had earned her new liege's respect. Her father is a Freemaster in the Clothier's Guild in Tonot. Her cousin, Ethne of Tonot, also lives in Caer Nurel. Mareth is a competent actress and cook, and an expert weaver and seamstress. She has two young boys, Arnal and Brynn.
Old Ben (641- ). One of the village “oldsters,” Old Ben has a “sixth sense” about everthing from the weather to the quality of tidings, and a heavy dose of common sense on top of it. Blind from thick cataracts, he is the village couselor and seer, albiet an accentric one with a knack for social barbs. He is known to throw rocks with suprising accuracy at children who taunt him.
Olin of Tonot, Master(681-719). Master Olin of Tonot was Caer Nurel's blacksmith and the president of the village Mangai. He was murdered by Kural's brigands when he tried to come to the village priestess' aid.
Roderick, Master (691-719). Master Roderick was Caer Nurel's cooper. He was killed helping his wife escape Kural's brigands when they came to rape her.
Saliah (698- ). The wife of Master Hevel of Wayryn, Saliah is the daughter of a Lexigrapher. A sharp woman with a good nose for profit, she runs the money end of her husbands business with great aplomb. She does no housework, preferring to leave that to domestics. A very petite woman, she and her husband have two daughters, with another child on the way.
Shaddog, Anon (699- ). Strong, short-tempered, and remarkably stupid, Anon would be the butt of many village jokes were he not so dangerous. A cottar with minimal work obligations, he frequently takes work with the timberwrights in order to put food on the table for his wife, Merriel. It is said Anon is terrified of her, though she dotes upon him. They have two toddlers. Both boys.
Thondl, Master (668- ). Master Thondl is the village woodcrafter. A man with a reputation for shrewdness and generally disliked by his peers, he is nonetheless a true master of his craft, and is capable of making anything he is given drawings for, no matter how complex. Unknown to most, he does small jobs for the poorer villagers for free. His true passion, and his finest work, is making furniture, which he has taken to an artform. He is known to own a broadsword, and is said to know how to use it.
Uther (671- ). Short, plump, and balding, Uther is one of the village herdsmen, and a breeder of show pigs, he is also a champion pig caller who has won many market day competitions - to the pride of the whole village.
Valor of Nausch (700- ). A hard worker, but indifferent farmer, Valor of Nausch came to Gardiren four years ago. He is strong and quick, and likes to use his body. He has been conscripted as a potential candidate as a man-at-arms in Baron Maddox's company of Heavy Horse.
— David Queenann 2006/02/15 14:58