" The real hero is always a hero by mistake; he dreams of being an honest coward like everybody else." - Umberto Eco

Companions

Leonidas the Greek Merchant

Description

A handsome and cultured man, Leonidas is seldom seen in anything other than the latest and most expensive fashions imported from Greece and further East. He has strikingly blue eyes, dark curly hair cropped fairly short and the olive complexion common amongst his Greek kindred. His appearance is still youthful and vigorous, for his dissolute lifestyle has yet to affect his looks or energy. A charming and engaging speaker, he wins friends easily, and women find him particularly alluring. A former mercenary, he keeps himself in good trim, and he always carries a fine short sword wrapped in the folds of his cloak.

Leonidas is a firm believer that life is meant to be lived now, rather than in the future, and he acts accordingly. A former scenery captain in the pay of the Emperor, he fled Greece after an illicit affair with the wife of his army commander and set himself up as a merchant and fixer in the port of Varna. He has few fixed loyalties and seems content to make and abandon friendships in the pursuit of pleasure and excitement. A dissolute thrill seeker, he spends his nights gambling and carousing in the taverns of Varna. So far, his luck has held and he lives a life of comfort and excess.

Simeon the Blind Singer

Description

Simeon was born into a simple peasant family in the North East of Bulgaria. Blind from birth he did not take part in the games and activities that the other boys of the village did but spent much of his time with his Nana, learning the tales and some of the simple folk songs of the region. It was apparent from an early age that he had a remarkable gift for singing and when he was 10 years old he was apprenticed to a travelling folk singer who occasionally passed through the village. He quickly surpassed him in talent as it became clear that he had the gift of the greatest singers that allowed more than his mere performance to move the hearts of those that heard him. He struck out on his own just a few years later, travelling throughout Bulgaria and Poland before being drawn to the great city of Constantinople.

It was there, barely turned 18, that he found a simple, young boy begging in the streets and moved by kindness he took the child under his wing. It was a relationship that proved fruitful, for while the child was often a source of trouble he was able to act as the eyes and ears of Simeon. Since then Simeon has once more travelled widely, joining the loose band of fellow travellers who earn their board by entertaining the simple folk of the region and occasionally playing the houses of those who can pay in coin.

Captain Viorel

Description

Viorel is slightly taller than average height, with a stocky but athletic build. His hair is jet black, though greying at the temples, and is cut short, revealing a stern face, marred by a black leather patch worn where his left eye once sat. Always neatly dressed, Viorel usually wears a deep blue tunic and trews, with a finely crafted mace hanging from his belt. In times of battle, Viorel straps a buckler to his left arm and dons full metal scale armour, with a helm bearing a bronze double eagle crest.

A very proud and ambitious man, something of the gift of those he has served all his life has perhaps rubbed off on him for animals cannot abide his presence. Strongwilled and sharp-minded, Viorel also possesses a supernatural talent of his own, even if he rarely uses it and prefers to keep it quiet. With his remaining eye he can befuudle and entrance men's minds.

Originally from Varna, Viorel came to the covenant as maga Ioanna's shield grog. Once, while travelling between the covenant and Varna, they were ambushed by brigands and Ioanna was felled by an arrow. Viorel showed great courage and loyalty, almost certainly saving her life as he stood over her and fought like a man possessed. Although he was able to fight off their attackers, it came at great personal cost as he lost his left hand and eye. Nevertheless, his loyalty and martial prowess did not go unnoticed by Ioanna. Recognising his natural affinity with leadership, he was rapidly promoted to Captain, and although he serves the covenant, and does so with distinction, Viorel's primary loyalty still lies with Ioanna.

As Captain, he commands the covenant's champions and also deals with any concerns that the village chieftain may have. He is held in sufficient esteem to have a seat in council meetings, though he usually refrains from any comment on hermetic matters. Viorel ensures that the covenant runs smoothly and it is he that the magi have to go to should they wish to have any champions accompany them on forays beyond the covenant walls. In recognition of his worth he has recently been granted a longevity potion and recent battles with animated dead and the tribes have shown that the years have not yet diminished his fighting prowess.

Galvin Borev the Fae Woodsman

Description