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[image id: A promotional video screencap picturing a blindfolded Thjazi Fang and the text "Critical Role Campaign IV" /end image id]

A Beginner’s Guide

by sapphireswimming

WARNING: this contains major spoilers from episode 1-4 (aka “The Overture”)

Official character art by Loren Hontanilla and Hannah Friederichs

[image id: A promotional photo of the 13 cast members of Critical Role Campaign 4. A promotional video screencap of the Critical Role logo /end image id]

Critical Role

~ Where a bunch of nerdy-ass voice actors sit around and play Dungeons & Dragons ~

Critical Role is a fictional, fantasy, actual-play podcast and web-series that airs on Thursday nights

Always free across multiple platforms such as Twitch and Youtube, or wherever you listen to podcasts. A subscription to their streaming service Beacon includes immediate access to new episodes and exclusive content such as the cast’s post-episode discussions Cooldown

Campaign 4 is a stand-alone story unconnected to campaign 1-3. No knowledge of Critical Role or Table Top Role Playing Games such as Dungeons & Dragons is required to enjoy!

[image id: Three promotional photos of Brennan Lee Mulligan: one holding a handful of dice with a serious expression, one DM'ing at the table while acting in character, one making a silly excited face/end image id]

The Game Master

Campaign 4 is DM’d by Dungeon Master Brennan Lee Mulligan, who created the world of Aramán. He guides the story, gameplay mechanics, and plays all characters not played by one of the other cast members of Critical Role 

You may know him from Worlds Beyond Number, Dropout, Dimension 20, College Humor, Strong Female Protagonist, and more

Other series he’s done at Critical Role include: The Exandria Unlimited trilogy (Calamity, Downfall, Divergence), Candela Obscura: the Circle of Needle and Thread, Wildmount Wildings

[image id: A screencap from a promotional video showing the three player tables. Icons of each player character are arranged around the emblem representative of their initial player table. The seeker emblem is a stylized green and gold compass, the soldier emblem is a blue and gold shield with four crossed swords, the schemer emblem is a red and gold design with four birds facing the center surrounded by a circle of stars /end image id]

The Player Tables

Campaign 4 uses a west-marches playstyle – after the overture, episodes follow smaller, distinct, rotating tables of players pursuing different threads of the plot, similar to the splitting of The Fellowship in the Lord of the Rings. The initial tables are:

Seekers: “very classical fantasy” exploring the lore, cosmology, and big questions about the nature of this fantasy world

Soldiers: focused on combat and conflict — “where the non-violent answers were few and far between”

Schemers: the cloak-and-dagger adventuring of “intrigue, espionage, skullduggery, and relationships with [...] institutions and the machinations of power” 

[image id: A closeup of the DM screen, which artfully combines the emblems of the three players tables in one leather-worked panel /end image id]

The World 

Welcome to Aramán, a fantasy world home to humans, beastfolk, elves, orcs, dwarves, halflings, and gnomes, as well as the pixies, celestials, demons, and other creatures that live in planes beyond

Seventy years ago, the seven peoples of the world killed their respective gods in The Shaper’s War 

Since then, magic has become wild and risky, religions have remade themselves as divine powers and the road to the afterlife were severed, and political power vacuums have been filled and unfilled as even more wars have been waged...

[image id: An edit of the thirteen characters' art in one image with rough estimates of their heights relative to each other /end image id]

The Story

Twelve years ago, war hero Thjazi Fang led The Torn Banner to fight against the rising tyranny within the city of Dol-Makjar during The Falconer’s Rebellion

The rebellion failed, but when Thjazi was granted clemency, he continued opposing the rapidly growing tyrannical influence of The Sundered Houses 

Now that The Sundered Houses finally have enough authority to openly arrest him for treason, Thjazi’s friends, family, and old comrades try to save him from execution

But in the days that follow, our players begin to see more and more clearly that The Fall of Thjazi Fang isn’t the only thing amiss in this city...

[image id: An official cast photo of Alexander Ward. The official character art of Occtis Tachonis and Pincushion. The band is green with a seeker table emblem. There is a gold comic sans "I tried to save thjazi" star /end image id]

Occtis Tachonis (he/him) played by Alexander Ward

Human Hollow One Wizard | Seeker Table

[20yo]  Associations: The Sundered Houses (Tachonis), The Penteveral

Knows: Thaisha Lloy, Thimble, Azune Nayar, Murray Mag’Nesson

Relationship to Thjazi Fang: “he... once helped me as a child”

• Created undead critter Pincusion from pieces of dead foxes
• 5’11” but anxious in presence
• Family pariah, magnetic collector of adoptive parental figures
• Is absolutely going to experiment on himself later
• Informed Tyranny she was unwelcome at Thjazi’s Farramh and experienced Immediate Regret
• Last words he ever heard were “there’s always been something wrong with you”
• Occtis’s character was always envisioned as a Hollow One killed by his own family

[image id: An official cast photo of Ashley Johnson. The official character art of Vaelus. The band is green with a seeker table emblem /end image id]

Vaelus (she/her) played by Ashley Johnson

Elf Paladin | Seeker Table

[800+yo] Associations: The Sisters of Sylandri

Knows: Bolaire Lathalia, Thimble

Relationship to Thjazi Fang: pursuing him to recover the stolen Stone of Nightsong

• The dice literally cannot decide how much of a badass she is
• Nun Assassin (to be clear: A Nun Who Is An Assassin)
• Dressed in perpetual mourning
• “I don’t care about any of these people so I’m just... going to keep killing”
• Fascinated by Occtis’ necromantic capabilities
• Crashes through windows to join bar fights
• Let into the city by Bolaire, for reasons unknown as of the Overture

[image id: An official cast photo of Aabria Ayengar. The official character art of Thaisha Lloy. The band is green with a seeker table emblem. There is a gold comic sans "I tried to save thjazi" star /end image id]

Thaisha Lloy (she/her) played by Aabria Ayengar

Orc Druid | Seeker Table

[45+yo] Associations: The Old Path, The Lloy Family

Knows: Halandil Fang, Occtis Tachonis, Azune Nayar, Thimble, Julien Davinos, Bolaire

Relationship to Thjazi Fang: sister-in-law in all but law

• Druidic companion Hala is a deer
• “Maternal, proud... and cunty”
• Hey. Hey who let this literal demon into my house I just wanna know
• Loooooves to hate Sir Julien Davinos
• May or may not have learned the consequences of Touching Stuff
• Torn between her family and the call to heal the world damaged by the death of the Shapers
• Fell in love with Hal at 19 and they have two children – Alogar (27) and Shadia (25)

[image id: An official cast photo of Matthew Mercer. The official character art of Sir Julien Davinos. The band is green with a seeker table emblem /end image id]

Sir Julien Davinos (he/him) played by Matthew Mercer

Human Fighter | Seeker Table

[~30yo] Associations: The Sundered Houses (Royce), House Davinos, The Golden Orchard

Knows: Halandil Fang, Thaisha Lloy, Thimble

Relationship to Thjazi Fang: “the only shame is I couldn’t watch you die twice” *spits on his corpse*

• Loyal only to Thjazi’s widow Lady Aranessa Royce
• Oversized Final Fantasy style armor
• Oh where to even begin talking about his daddy issues
• Bacchanalian Bisexual
• Picked up a cursed second shadow during Thjazi’s Farramh
• Arrested Thjazi during the Falconer’s Rebellion against his father’s direct orders
• Mentored Hal and Thaisha’s son Alogar as part of the Barrowguard

[image id: An official cast photo of Laura Bailey. The official character art of Thimble. The band is blue with a soldier table emblem. There is a gold comic sans "I tried to save thjazi" star /end image id]

Thimble (she/her) played by Laura Bailey

Pixie Rogue | Soldier Table

[“18”yo] Associations: The Torn Banner, The Golden Orchard, The Sundered Houses (Royce)

Knows: Occtis Tachonis, Azune Nayar, Thaisha Lloy, Halandil Fang, Teor Pridesire, Kattigan Vale, Julien Davinos

Relationship to Thjazi Fang: best friend and lifelong partner in crime

• One (1) apple tall with a strength score of three (3)
• Not a fairy!!!
• Can braid hair and also help you with any mice problems
• Will chop off the balls of her enemies
• Presented in a prickly-poppy flower, smells like honeysuckle
• Started aging ever since the doors to Faerie closed around 10 years ago
• Gifted to Thjazi Fang by Aranessa Royce on the occasion of their wedding

[image id: An official cast photo of Travis Willingham. The official character art of Teor Pridesire. The band is blue with a soldier table emblem /end image id]

Teor Pridesire (he/him) played by Travis Willingham

Nama Paladin | Soldier Table

[age unconfirmed] Associations: The Torn Banner

Knows: Thimble, Azune Nayar, Kattigan Vale

Relationship to Thjazi Fang: old comrade in arms

• Sexy Russian lion man
• He’s been out of town can someone please explain what’s going on?!
• The new holder of the torn banner
• He did NOT drink any sherry
• What happens to a shield when there’s no one left to protect?
• Reveal your secrets to meeeee oh mysterious symbol of healing and glowy-ness
• The older brother of Talcydimir, the carriage driver in Thjazi’s escape plot

[image id: An official cast photo of Sam Riegel. The official character art of Wicander Halovar. The band is blue with a soldier table emblem. There is a gold comic sans "I tried to save thjazi" star /end image id]

Wicander “Wick” Halovar (he/him) played by Sam Riegel

Aasimar Sorcerer | Soldier Table

[28-30yo] Associations: The Sundered Houses (Halovar), The Candescent Creed

Knows: Tyranny, Halandil Fang, Bolaire Lathalia

Relationship to Thjazi Fang: knows him as Hal’s brother, a man deserving of mercy

• Scion of the Candescent Creed
• Just a little fancy lad with glowing tattoos
• A True Believer who thinks that even demons can be redeemed
• He only learned that his family is EVIL evil like… yesterday
• Has never seen a dead body before, can someone get him a pink lemonade?
• Oh you thought he was a human cleric? Yeah, yeah he did too
• Wick has been taking elocution and acting lessons from Halandil Fang

[image id: An official cast photo of Whitney Moore. The official character art of Tyranny. The band is blue with a soldier table emblem /end image id]

Tyranny (she/her) played by Whitney Moore

Demon Warlock | Soldier Table

[“6mo”] Associations: The Sundered Houses (Halovar), The Candescent Creed

Knows: Wicander Halovar, Bolaire Lathalia

Relationship to Thjazi Fang: saw his dead body and asked if she could eat it (“just some demon humor”)

• A party girl demon just trying her best
• “Horny and sad… full stop.”
• Has the softest goat ears imaginable
• Archetype of an ancient demonic energy, uh oh, surely this will be fine
• Smells like chocolate chip cookies laced with sulfur
• Has been out of The Pit and in the world for six (6) whole months
• Aspirant of The C.C. hired by House Halovar to make Wick look good

[image id: An official cast photo of Robbie Daymond. The official character art of Kattigan Vale. The band is blue with a soldier table emblem /end image id]

Kattigan Vale (he/him) played by Robbie Daymond

Human Ranger | Soldier Table

[Mid-40s] Associations: The Torn Banner

Knows: Thimble, Azune Nayar, Teor Pridesire, Kattigan Vale

Relationship to Thjazi Fang: old comrades in arms

• Animal Companion is Wulferic the wolf (he’s not good at naming things)
• Musk ™
• All about survival and companionship
• A Man Of The Woods, he can totally definitely tell if it’s sunup or sundown
• Wields a home-brewed atlatl
• Unnerving in his unpredictability
• Kattigan “ditched” The Torn Banner after a battle, but we don’t have any more details as of the Overture

[image id: An official cast photo of Liam O'Brien. The official character art of Halandil Fang. The band is red with a schemer table emblem. There is a gold comic sans "I tried to save thjazi" star /end image id]

Halandil Fang (he/him) played by Liam O’Brien

Orc Bard | Schemer Table

[46-7yo] Associations: The Hallowed Round Theatre

Knows: Thaisha Lloy, Bolaire Lathalia, Azune Nayar, Thimble, Wicander Halovar, Julien Davinos

Relationship to Thjazi Fang: Thjazi is his younger brother and someone he loves very much

• His art makes people fall in love with the world
• The Halandil Fang Fanclub is apparently populated by half of Dol-Makjar
• Has smile lines from a life well lived
• Dream theatre gifted with so many strings attached you can call it a marionette
• Thaisha’s his best friend
• These cranberry rolls aren’t optional but if you hurt my family I’ll hurt you
• Children: Alogar (27) and Shadia (25) with Thaisha, Hero (18) with Elodie

[image id: An official cast photo of Taliesin Jaffe. The official character art of Bolaire Lathalia. The band is red with a schemer table emblem /end image id]

Bolaire Lathalia (he/him) played by Taliesin Jaffe

Construct Warlock | Schemer Table

[~70yo] Associations: The Archenade Museum

Knows: Halandil Fang, Thaisha Lloy, Thimble, Vaelus, Wicander Halovar, Tyranny, Murray Mag’Nesson

Relationship to Thjazi Fang: secretly blackmailed into doing “dirty work” for him

• Sapient theatre mask created to kill a god
• Hal is so important. His children are so. important.
• Having a body is awful, having to procure a new one is worse
• “That was supposed to be a gift shop!!!!!”
• Of course he tasted the paint
• Whyyyy would anyone who knows him still touch random mysterious magical artifacts??
• Bolaire let Hal’s troupe perform at the museum after they outgrew their theatre

[image id: An official cast photo of Marisha Ray. The official character art of Murray Mag'Nesson. The band is red with a schemer table emblem /end image id]

Murray Mag’Nesson (she/her) played by Marisha Ray

Dwarf Wizard | Schemer Table

[age unconfirmed, <70yo] Associations: The Penteveral

Knows: Azune Nayar, Halandil Fang, Thaisha Lloy, Occtis Tachonis, Bolaire Lathalia

Relationship to Thjazi Fang: good friends, mutually good contacts for some of their... less legal work

• Rusty ol’ pickup truck of a divination wizard
• “We’re going hunting and it’s ~ ☆~ bastard season ~ ☆~"
• Bastion of freedom of speech and knowledge
• Surreptitiously casts spells via multi-colored gemstone teeth
• Loves a good party, loves a good funeral
• Literally said FU to Primus Tachonis’ face and somehow lived to tell the tale
• Thjazi’s last request was for Hal to “help Murray”

[image id: An official cast photo of Luis Carazo. The official character art of Azune Nayar. The band is red with a schemer table emblem. There is a gold comic sans "I tried to save thjazi" star /end image id]

Azune Nayar (he/him) played by Luis Carazo

Human Paladin/Sorcerer | Schemer Table

[27-8yo] Associations: The Torn Banner, The Revolutionary Council

Knows: Occtis Tachonis, Thaisha Lloy, Thimble, Hal Fang, Teor Pridesire, Kattigan Vale, Julien Davinos, Murray M.

Relationship to Thjazi Fang: old comrades in arms, looked up to him as a sort of father figure

• Arcane Marshall of The Revolutionary Guard
• Sold to mercenaries by age 15
• Tattoo down his arm reads “have mercy upon those I send you”
• Will never not be useful to those around him. Never
• He can’t tell the difference between forgetting and letting go
• You’re... going to have to explain the frogs and the pot and the boiling water
• Azune was designed as A Soldier forced to be at the Schemer table

[image id: official artwork of Thjazi Fang very faded behind the text /end image id]

Significant NPCs (1/7)

Thjazi Fang 

Associations: The Torn Banner, The Sundered Houses (Royce), The Crow Keepers

Halandil Fang’s younger half brother, he grew up in his mother’s home for part of their childhoods

Thjazi emerged a hero in the War of Axe and Vine, where he served with the members of the Torn Banner and became friends with General Raimond Davinos after saving one of Sir Julien Davinos’ cousins. His weapon, the Liar’s Blade, is a recognizable scimitar (currently magically attuned to Halandil Fang)

He married Lady Aranessa Royce and became best friends with the warrior pixie Thimble, gifted as a wedding present

Two years later, he fought the Falconer’s Rebellion against the tyrannic Sundered Houses. Aranessa’s grandfather, then Head of House Royce, sided against him with the other Sundered Houses. Counter to General Raimond’s direct orders, Julien Davinos pursued Thjazi and “unhorsed him, bringing him to justice” at the Battle of Maharlian Falls. This ended the rebellion. Thjazi was granted clemency, and asked Aranessa to run away with him, but she refused

For the next twelve years, Thjazi continued his rebellious (and other illegal) activities with Thimble, plus Murray Mag’Nesson, Thaisha Lloy, and a blackmailed Bolaire Lathalia, though he continued protecting Halandil Fang from the more dangerous elements of his life. His last job was stealing the Stone of Nightsong from the Sisters of Sylandri

The Sundered Houses finally called for Thjazi’s execution on multiple charges including treason. At least three separate groups tried to save him from the hangman’s noose (Hal and Lady Aranessa Royce; Hal and Wicander Halovar; Thimble, Thaisha Lloy, Occtis Tachonis, Azune Nayar, Talcydimir Pridesire, and Casimir Gavendale)

Azune Nayar’s hidden messaging spell allowed Thjazi to give Halandil Fang his last words and wishes. Just before he was executed, Thjazi saw a falcon in the sky and he died afraid. Azune Nayar escorted his body to Halandil Fang’s home for his Farramh. Thaisha Lloy oversaw funereal rights according to the practices of The Old Path

[image id: a screencap from campaign 4's first opening credit sequence, of a theatre mask /end image id]

Significant NPCs (2/7)

Familiars

Wulferic (he/him) – Kattigan Vale’s wolf companion. Kattigan created a magical prosthetic after he lost one of his front paws. He wears armor and weaponry. He likes Pincushion but does not care to converse with others even when Speak with Animals is cast

Pincushion “Pin” (he/him) – Occtis Tachonis’ undead familiar, crafted from pieces of multiple foxes and purple button eyes. His name is an homage to Thimble. He can sometimes appear without being summoned. He is friends with Wulferic and beloved by Vaelus

Hala (she/her) – Thaisha Lloy’s druidic deer familiar

[image id: a screencap from campaign 4's first opening credit sequence, of a dancer /end image id]

Significant NPCs (3/7)

The Halandil Fang & Thaisha Lloy Extended Family

Alogar “Al” (orc, he/him) – 27 year old son of Halandil Fang and Thaisha Lloy. Trained under Sir Julien Davinos as part of the Barrowguard. He did not attend Thjazi’s Farramh

Shadia (orc, she/her) – 25 year old daughter of Halandil Fang and Thaisha Lloy. She’s part of Hal’s theatre troupe and is conflicted about Thaisha’s adventuring. Occtis is not her type

Elodie (human, she/her) – ~40 year old wealthy merchant, ex-partner of Halandil Fang, mother of Hero, on good terms with the Fang Family. She and Hero attended Thjazi’s Farramh

Hero (half human/orc, she/her) – 18 year old daughter of Halandil Fang and Elodie. She lives with her mother in a very nice part of the city. She plays Broken Wing on the lyre with Hal

Olgud Akarat (older orc, he/him) – Hal’s business partner at the theatre, “Uncle Olgud” to Hal’s kids. Helps host Thjazi’s Farramh, and teaches Tyranny how mortal funerals work

[image id: a screencap from campaign 4's first opening credit sequence, of a masked figure with a sword and shield /end image id]

Significant NPCs (4/7)

The Torn Banner

Loza Blade (orc, she/her) – very old former commander of The Torn Banner, finally retiring from mercenary work. She attended Thjazi’s Farramh with Teor Pridesire

Casimir Gavendale (human, he/him) – part of The Torn Banner, smuggler for the Crow Keepers. Provided the carriage for Thjazi Fang’s escape plan. Last seen heading north to Gormalay

Talcydimir “Cyd” Pridesire (nama, he/him) – younger brother of Teor Pridesire. The carriage driver in Thjazi Fang’s escape plan. Last seen heading north to Gormalay

[image id: a screencap from campaign 4's first opening credit sequence, of a masked dancer /end image id]

Significant NPCs (5/7)

House Royce & House Davinos

Lady Aranessa Royce (human, she/her) – Head of House Royce. Estranged widow of Thjazi Fang. Per family custom, she gifted Thimble to him as a wedding present. She attended Thjazi’s Farramh accompanied by childhood friend Sir Julien Davinos. A fierce combatant, attempting to use her House’s waning political power for good

General Raimond Davinos (human, he/him) – Head of Vassal House Davinos. Father of Sir Julien Davinos and other (currently unconfirmed) children. Friend of Thjazi Fang after Thjazi saved a family member during the War of Axe and Vine. Raimond specifically ordered Julien not to capture Thjazi and their relationship became extremely strained when he did so anyway to end the Falconer’s Rebellion

[image id: a screencap from campaign 4's first opening credit sequence, of a model ship on a fabric ocean /end image id]

Significant NPCs (6/7)

House Halovar 

Yanessa Halovar (human, she/her) – Head of House Halovar, founder and Photarch of the Candescent Creed. Grandmother of Wicander Halovar, who she decides to bring “into the fold” of the Candescent Creed’s secrets. She uses different accents when speaking in public and private. Nice to Tyranny, hostile to Teor Pridesire 

Godard Halovar (aasimar, he/him) – Son of Yanessa Halovar, husband to Iris, father to Zebani, Wicander, and a (currently unnamed) younger son. Perpetually hides wings and glowing eyes to appear human 

The Aspirants (demons, she/her) – Agony, Cruelty, Emnity, and Tyranny are demonic sisters and Aspirants of the Candescent Creed, each contracted to serve a different member of House Halovar. Tyranny is personally contracted to Wick

Calastro and Rulius Mercanaud (fiends, he/him) – brothers and proprietors of The Mercanaud Couturier, a fashionable clothing shop in Dol-Makjar (frequented by Bolaire Lathalia) that fronts for the House Halovar clearing house

[image id: a screencap from campaign 4's first opening credit sequence, of a skull /end image id]

Significant NPCs (7/7)

House Tachonis

Primus Tachonis (human, he/him) – Head of House Tachonis. Estranged father of Occtis Tachonis. A powerful commander of undead forces. Hostile to Murray Mag’Nesson, House Royce and House Davinos, and Thaisha Lloy’s “path” (ie The Old Path). Is searching for for Occtis Tachonis

Ethrand Tachonis (human, he/him) – Elder brother of Occtis Tachonis. Unquestioningly carries out his father’s commands – leading ghouls during undead assaults and ritually vivisecting members of his own family

[image id: a screencap from campaign 4's first opening credit sequence, of a figure donning a hat /end image id]

Significant Terms (1/12)

The Land

Dol-Makjar – the city in which our story begins, located in the land of Kahad. Founded by orcs, and now populated by many kinds of people

Dol-Makjar is where the Shaper’s War began when the orcs rose against the oppression of their Shaper, Azgra the Conqueror. It is therefore known as the “seat of the revolution” and their governmental bodies reference this “revolution”

Kahad – a country on the western side of the continent Pasitar. North of the land of Timmony

The Obridimian Empire – an ancient and mighty empire to the east of Kahad that fell into ruin when the sun god Tansul was destroyed and the land was literally sundered and thrown into darkness at the end of the Shaper’s War. The most powerful surviving noble houses fled to Dol-Makjar where they become known as The Sundered Houses. The lands are now home to several barrowdells, explored and guarded by the Barrowguard

[image id: a screencap from campaign 4's first opening credit sequence, of a figure parting a stage curtain /end image id]

Significant Terms (2/12)

The Government

The Revolutionary Council – the main ruling governmental body of Dol-Makjar since the Shaper’s War. It is advised by The Chamber of the Lords-Advisory (ie the Sundered Houses) and oversees the city’s militia, The Revolutionary Guard, which is made of several groups such as the Arcane Marshals, like Azune Nayar

The Falconer’s Rebellion was started against The Sundered Houses by those who realized the celestial tyranny they’d deposed mere generations before during the Shaper’s War had been replaced with mortal tyranny “of their own devising.” It was assumed The Revolutionary Council would join the Rebellion to fight against The Sundered Houses’ encroachment of their power, but when they didn’t, it became clear that the rebellion was too late and doomed to failure

The Revolutionary Council has ceded more authority to the Sundered Houses in the decade since the Falconer’s Rebellion. House Royce is the only Sundered House to protest, resulting in their waning political power, and a crackdown on the populace’s legal abilities to practice arcane magic. Thjazi Fang’s execution is the first under the authority of The Chamber of the Lords-Advisory instead of The Revolutionary Council

[image id: a screencap from campaign 4's first opening credit sequence, of dancers twirling /end image id]

Significant Terms (3/12)

The Sundered Houses, part 1

The Sundered Houses – five powerful magic families originally from the Obridimian Empire that survived the sundering of their lands when the sun god Tansul was killed during the Shaper’s War. They form The Chamber of the Lords-Advisory which advises The Revolutionary Council. At least several of the Sundered Houses have Vassal Houses beneath them which act like martial and/or magical knights

The five Sundered Houses are Royce, Tachonis, Halovar, Einfasen, and Cormoray

House Einfasen - Martial focus, no confirmed Vassal Houses. Sir Harondus Einfasen wants to privatize the Revolutionary Guard and personally oversee the city’s security

House Cormoray – Martial sorcerers, no confirmed Vassal Houses. Lady Amariya Dacen Cormoray has asked Bolaire Lathalia about the Pariah Blades housed at The Archanade

[image id: a screencap from campaign 4's first opening credit sequence, of an aerial dancer hanging upside-down /end image id]

Significant Terms (4/12)

The Sundered Houses, part 2

House Royce – the most middle of the Sundered Houses, their magical power has waned since the doors to Faerie closed around ten years ago and their political power has waned as house head Lady Aranessa Royce continues opposing the growth of the Sundered Houses. The only Sundered House trying to save Thjazi Fang. They have a hidden second estate in The Golden Orchard (between Faerie and Aramán)

Vassal House Davinos – headed by General Raimond Davinos and his son Sir Julien Davinos, their Palazzo by the river has a garden filled with plants from Faerie

[image id: a screencap from campaign 4's first opening credit sequence, of a figure drawing a sword /end image id]

Significant Terms (5/12)

The Sundered Houses, part 3

House Tachonis – the most powerful of the Sundered Houses, and gaining even more necromantic power since the normal paths to the afterlife were lost with the death of the gods in the Shaper’s War. They’re expanding territories into neighboring counties. Publicly, they are allies with the other Houses, but they do not seem to like anyone else and are outright hostile to House Royce. They have a hidden second estate “in Death” and are served by Vassal House Seremai. Occtis Tachonis is the eighth but outcast son, seemingly as he does not possess any of the family’s inherent sorcerous abilities

House Halovar – originally the most powerful House under the Obridimian Empire, they were priests of the sun god Tansul until he was killed in the Shaper’s War and House Head Yanessa Halovar founded the new religion of the Candescent Creed. They’re expanding territories into neighboring countries. Publicly, they are allies with the other Houses, but don’t trust Tachonis, and refused to see Lady Aranessa Royce before Thjazi Fang’s execution. They live in the Villa Aurora and are currently the only Sundered House confirmed to have multiple Vassal Houses (Egerion and Malterres). Wicander Halovar is the eldest son of House Halovar, and Tyranny is an Aspirant of the Candescent Creed contracted to his service. They gifted the Hallowed Round theatre to Halandil Fang 

[image id: a screencap from campaign 4's first opening credit sequence, of a dancer in a mask with curling horns /end image id]

Significant Terms (6/12)

Other Planes

The Tenebral Reaches – also known as Obsidia / The Underworld / the realm of the dead / the veil between life and death, it is the plane where the people of Aramán go when they die. Until the Shaper’s War, the gods’ psychopomps would guide souls from the Tenebral Reaches to their respective afterlives. Now, the souls of the dead have no way to move on, with the possible exception of the elves, who can be ferried to the afterlife via the Stone of Nightsong, and those souls who are guided to reincarnation via the druidic Old Path

Faerie / Tír Cruthú – the realm of the fey, of light, magic, and endless life. It is a separate plane so nurturing its inhabitants don’t age even while in Aramán. Ten years ago, the overflow of undead souls in the Tenebral Reaches finally threatened to destroy Faerie and forced them to close their doors for good. All fey creatures still in Aramán have been aging ever since. House Royce has close ties to Faerie and a castle in the fey-touched Golden Orchard

[image id: a screencap from campaign 4's first opening credit sequence, of an orc holding a sword in a defencive stance /end image id]

Significant Terms (7/12)

Religion

The Candescent Creed – the religion created by Photarch Yanessa Halovar to replace the worship of the sun god Tansul after he was killed in the Shaper’s War, whom they now say was a false god. It is run by, but separate from, House Halovar and has spread to other lands. The religion purports to worship the impersonal force of light in the universe, which they condense into glowing filament. They teach that after death, souls return to the Light of the universe, making it a little brighter. Tyranny is one of the demonic Aspirants to the Candescent Creed contracted to serve members of House Halovar. Wicander Halovar is the Scion of the Candescent Creed and was raised as a true believer, ignorant that the religion was false or of its darker secrets until being “brought into the fold”

The Old Path – the ancient druidic practice of reincarnation named for the metaphysical forest path along the edge of the Tenebral Reaches. It was nearly eradicated by The Shapers and is in danger from House Tachonis. Thaisha Lloy is a follower of The Old Path

[image id: a screencap from campaign 4's first opening credit sequence, of a swirling umbrella /end image id]

Significant Terms (8/12)

Cultural Institutions of Dol-Makjar

The Penteveral – a wizard college of humble origins, serving the general public of Dol-Makjar. The government (in reality, the Sundered Houses) are cracking down on their ability to effectively teach, forcing Ellipides Tallbarrel to resign and installing Kora Klepenvaisreck as the fifth Dean. Murray Mag’Nesson is the Bursar, Occtis Tachonis is a student

The Archenade – a museum. Bolaire Lathalia is a curator of magical artifacts in the Lloy Wing of the museum, and let Halandil Fang’s theatrical troupe perform there once they outgrew their old theatre. Lady Amariya Dacen of House Cormoray has come calling, asking after the Pariah Blades that killed Azgra the Conqueror during the Shaper’s War

The Hallowed Round – an outdoor theatre recently given to Halandil Fang by House Halovar (under a number of legal provisions). Formerly known as the Dithyramb of Azgra, it was a site of religious significance pre-Shaper’s War. Worth noting that both Thaisha Lloy and Bolaire Lathalia have felt odd there (due to particularly strong personal feelings or…?)

[image id: a screencap from campaign 4's first opening credit sequence, of two masked figures reacting to one of them being stabbing /end image id]

Significant Terms (9/12)

Armed Groups

The Crow Keepers – the oldest thieves’ guild in Dol-Makjar

The Torn Banner – a mercenary band formed after the War of Axe and Vine. Led by Loza Blade until they were forced to disband due to their part in the Falconer’s Rebellion. She gave the physical banner to Teor Pridesire at Thjazi Fang’s Farramh. Their anthem is Broken Wing

The Barrowguard – a force which explores and protects the various barrowdells, shifting wastelands that appeared after the Shaper’s War. Sir Julien Davinos used to train them. Halandil Fang and Thaisha Lloy’s eldest son Alogar is a member of the Barrowguard

[image id: a screencap from campaign 4's first opening credit sequence, of many dancers dancing /end image id]

Significant Terms (10/12)

The Orcs

Farramh – an Orcish custom in Kahad, essentially a wake, where a person is laid out for viewing so loved ones can pay their respects, leave trinkets around the body, and begin to grieve. Thjazi’s Farramh heavily featured cranberry rolls and Yargraz. When Sir Julien Davinos spit on Thjazi’s corpse, it disrupted the humble, protective magics of the mourners’ offerings and he left the Farramh followed by a small shadow noticed only by Bolaire Lathalia 

The Lloy Family – a revered Orcish family of smiths and warriors who forged the Pariah Blades. They have an estate just outside the city of Dol-Makjar, have sponsored The Lloy Wing in The Archanade museum, and are associated with The Circle of Ancients

The Pariah Blades – extra-mundane weapons which slayed Azgra the Conqueror during the Shaper’s War. Forged by the Lloy Family and now kept under the care of Bolaire Lathalia in the Lloy Wing of The Archanade. House Cormoray has expressed their interest in the Blades

[image id: a screencap from campaign 4's first opening credit sequence, of a figure lacing up the back of their bodice /end image id]

Significant Terms (11/12)

The Elves

The Sisters of Sylandri – Elves from the Mournvale, from whom Thjazi Fang and Thimble stole the Stone of Nightsong. Vaelus is part of the Sisters of Sylandri

The Stone of Nightsong – a relic of the Shaper’s War. A rock carved with nightingale's wings, it can ferry elven souls directly to afterlife, bypassing any time spent in the Tenebral Reaches. Thjazi Fang and Thimble stole it from the Sisters of Sylandri, but it was stolen from their hideout before Vaelus could recover it

[image id: a screencap from campaign 4's first opening credit sequence, of an orc soldier /end image id]

Significant Terms (12/12)

The Wars of Aramán

[-11.] The Retribution – no info as of the Overture

[0.] The Shaper’s War – the orcs first rose against the tyranny of their evil god of war and suffering, Azgra the Conqueror. When other gods came to Azgra’s defence, the peoples of Aramán saw that they seemed to care more about being worshiped than the peoples they created and many joined with the orcs to wage war against all of the gods, although some people also fought on the sides of the gods. Sylandri the Green Mother was the last god to fall

[Somewhere between 11-31.] The Ghost Wars – no info as of the Overture

[45.] The War of Axe and Vine – “an aggregate term for multiple conflicts taking place all over Aramán.” When Thjazi Fang became a war hero and friend of General Raimond Davinos after saving one of Sir Julien Davinos’ cousins

[59.] The Falconer’s Rebellion – fought to prevent the growing political tyranny of The Sundered Houses in Dol-Makjar. When The Revolutionary Council sided with the Sundered Houses the rebellion was trying to protect them from, it was clear the rebellion was too late. Sir Julien Davinos arrested Thjazi Fang at the battle of Maharlian Falls to end it

[image id: a three-column table for the characters, their age, and notes /end image id]

Player Character Ages

(My best guesses from what we know as of the Overture, in rough order)

[image id: a five-column table for The Shapers - their name, shaped race, domain, method of death, and notes /end image id]

[image id: a two-column table listing a year and corresponding event /end image id]

The Shapers

Timeline of Events in Aramán

(Years are numbered beginning with the death of the Shapers in the Shaper’s War)

[image id: an attempt at a venn diagram depicting the Player Characters (color coded by initial player table) and Sundered Houses where they intersect with each other and the government and cultural institutions of Dol-Makjar. Player characters' connections are noted as job, family, school, etc. The individual Sundered Houses are noted where they are known to be making moves. While the Overture takes place within the city of Dol-Makjar, there are multiple known connections outside of the city /end image id]