Kestrel Family

The Kestrel family owns a large salt flat in Quetli. The salt and other minerals are shipped all over Atamara and the profits have brought the family into nobility. The family also has a large camel stable and breeds their own pack camels for shipping goods.

Current troop leaders in the family are three sisters and their cousin.

Lady Kureshtin, Baroness of Quetli

Kureshtin is of average hight and build with a warrior's quick reflexes. She relies on her speed and sharp mind in a fight. She enjoys traveling (in warm weather), trying new foods, seeing new sights, and fighting new battles. She detests court functions, paperwork, and horses. She has a quiet personality and can easily blend into the background of any crowd if she wishes. She has a strong temper, but is good at holding her tongue until she has had a chance to calm down. She wears her long black hair in a single braid that hangs down her back in peace and winds around her head under her helmet in battle. She mostly wears cream or light orange colored clothing, but occasionally wears bright red when she wants to be noticed.

The oldest sister, she is to take over the family business when her parents pass on. In the meantime she has joined the Chocxal army, both to protect her country and to bring fame to the family.

Kureshtin received her first camel when she was 7, named it Maude, and had called all of her camels Maude ever since. She often talks to Maude as though it had been the very same camel all these years.

For a while Telerium was involved in a war to the north, and Kureshtin does not like fighting in such cold climates. She packed a good many camel hair blankets, but is still cold all the time, except while in combat with the vikings. The campaign also give her a chance to make business contacts in Eston and she has developed a taste for a local pie that can only be found in that area.

A battle in Brackhead was a dark day for Kureshtin. She received a blow to the head and was dragged to safety by one of her warriors. When she woke up she found that the rest of her troop had been killed in the battle. Maude was missing, and she had to steal a horse to ride back home to the desert. Also lost was her compact war bow that she received as gift from a desert nomad. Upon returning to Brackhead for a second time. Maude was found, still with the bow attached to the saddle. She was glad to find it again. Although she does not know how to shoot it, the bow has a lot of meaning for her.

A battle in Amdor gave her a serious wound. Her right leg is now a bit stiff in the morning, but she still rides a camel into battle as well as ever.

She is the Baroness of Quetli, an appointment that brings much honor and pride. She is well known by the locals, who welcome her leadership.

She was named the Marshal of the army of Chocxal. She could not say no when she was offered the job by Lady Katheryn, a woman that Kureshtin both trusts and admires greatly. Since coming into the post Kure has received a lot of help and advice from realmmates and is glad for their assistance. She has learned a lot about battle and is honored to be a part of the war college.

Kureshtin has joined The Order of the Citadel, and hopes to learn much from them.

With the change in army structure, Kureshtin is now Marshal of The Chocxal Guard, an army sponsored by Sir Sanchez, Duke of Chocxal. The army is new and still working out its kinks.

Kureshtin built a special forces center in Quetli. The Desert Catapults are the first ranged SF available in Talerium.

Troops:
Kure's Flock: A well-knit group of desert infantry. Last member was let go in Brackhead.
Kure's Flight: Highly skilled warriors from Ptaphoc. Fought to the last man in Elost.
Kure's Tale: More of Ptaphoc's finest. Died in Swanfolk.
Kure's Command: Finest from Ptaphoc. Died in Suville.
Kure's Battle Guard: Current.

Lady Kureshtev, Baroness of Mines of Isadril

Kureshtev is quite tall, with a presence about her that makes people take notice when she enters a room. She speaks little, but when she does it is with such passion and conviction that people stop to listen. She is much better at speeches than chit chat. She keeps her black hair cut short. She wears a lot of red and gold.

Always interested in stories of far away lands, as a child she would grab any books or news scrolls she could find, then hide in the family stables to read them. Her favorite was scroll that had arrived from Ubent, detailing their revolution. As soon as she was old enough to travel, she set sail for the East Continent, eager to fight alongside her childhood heroes.

Upon her arrival Kureshtev eagerly joined the army but soon learned war is not all honor and glory. After seeing her troops slaughtered time and time again, she for a time sought her own death in battle. She still carries the scroll, covered with old camel spit and fresh blood.

A poorly executed move into enemy territory landed Kureshtev into an Ibladesh prison cell, while her troops were slaughtered once again. This gave her some time to consider her situation. She managed to break out from her cell and rejoin the army, but the experience left her a bit more jaded.

Just when she was considering giving up, a letter from the Senate changed everything. They wished to appoint her Baroness of the Mines of Isadril. She had never considered such a post, but it dramatically changed her life. The responsiblity placed upon her gave her new energy. Over time working with the locals gave her a better understanding of war, and what it does to civilians as well as armies.

Ubent signed an agreement with Ibladesh to exchange the Mines for peace between the two realms. At first Kureshtev was outraged, but after talking with the locals in the Mines, she saw the value in the agreement. The people had been badly mistreated by the war, and switching to an enemy realm so that they would no longer be abused by either side was the best for the civilians. Then she realised she need not abandon her people, she could go with them.

When the documents were sealed and the mines had changed hands, Kureshtev became a member of Ibladesh as well. She was concerned she would not be welcomed, but she would endure what she must for her people. If it came to it, she had seen the inside of the Ibladesh prison before and gotten out, she could do so again. Fortunately her fears were unfounded. She was welcomed by Quake, Pontifex of Ibladesh, who gave her control of her region again. In a strange realm with a religion she does not fully understand, she has at least found one person she can trust. Her newfound faith has lead to her to believe that her choices were wise, and peace really has come to the Mines of Isadril.

Keeping control of the Mines was very difficult at first, but Kureshtev is determined to be sure the Mines remain part of the Church of Ibladesh, as per the Armistice. With the assistance of her new realmmates (Kure is particularly honored to have received much help from Lady Sorcha), the Mines are now in good condition. She has constructed an archery center and a special forces center there.

Kureshtev has constructed a small temple for the Church of Ibladesh in the Mines of Isadril.

Troops:
Kure's Pride: A rag-tag group of infantry that was turned into militia. A similar group of the same named died in a battle in Oligarch. A third unit died in a take-over attempt in Abadan. (Possibly more than 3, records are sketchy.)
Kure's Watch: Mixed Infantry. Left as militia in the mines.
Kure's Miners: Infantry left as militia in the mines, twice.
Kure's Mine Guards: Archery left as militia in the mines.
Kure's Chance: Infantry, Kure's first active unit in Ibladesh. Used briefly as TO unit then set as militia.
Kure's Luck: current.

Lady Kureshtal, Royal Treasurer of Wetham

Kureshtal is the prettiest of the sisters, and she knows it. She is short, slight of build, and does not resemble a warrior at all. She is quick to laugh, quick to anger, and quick to tears. She has a short attention span and fidgets often. She hates the desert and enjoys standing outside during thunderstorms. She often wears blue or green, but her favorite color is purple. She changes her hairstyle often.

She grew up in the desert of Atamara and would often disappear into the sands, seeking to be alone with her camel and her thoughts. When she grew older her family pressured her with responsibilities and duties, so she slipped away on ship to Colonies. She has joined the peaceful realm of Wetham, for she did not desire battle, only solitude.

She spent her early career doing civil work in Hulaferd and the contact with simple commoners has shaped her views on life. She pledged her service to the people there, but was unsure of her role. She has fought the undead, helped to put out a fire in a granary, and arrested several suspected rebels.

She had hoped the peaceful country life would last forever, but Hulaferd was surprise attacked by the Assassins. She was twice wounded defending the town and there was an assassination attempt on the count of Hulaferd. She swore revenge. Then the they killed off the last of her original troop, a brave warrior who had come with her from the desert. As she was burying him, she was stabbed twice by an assassin. She was left alive, not as a kindness, but as a message of hate. The wounds healed, but not the anger. It has moved beyond simple revenge, she will not rest until the assassins are defeated.

Due to her faithful service to the region, she was named Countess of Hulaferd. This strengthened her resolve to protect the people who live there. The assassin threat must be ended before the town will be safe. She will see to it.

Kureshtal was greatly impressed by Hadubrand, who revolted with his region from the Assassins to Wetham. She feels he placed great trust in them in doing so, and they let him down when the region was taken back during a badly timed rebellion. He was captured while defending Hulaferd and deported to the Far East. He had a mission he was set on, and she has taken it up in his stead. She hopes to see him again.

Hulaferd was briefly taken over by the Assassins. During the take over she was captured by the enemy. Their Judge let her sit in a cell for a few days before taking her money and setting her free. He gave her a personal invitation, so she challenged him to a duel, which he refused. She is holding on to the invitation to use at another point in time. After a second trip to the assassin dungeon and many letters, Kureshtal considers Innocent a friend, if a slightly insane one. This unlikely event, however, has not changed her hatred of the realm.

Kureshtal has been appointed Royal Treasurer of Wetham. She is not one to sit around counting coins or food storage, but the job needed to be filled. She has set servants to fill most of the daily tasks so she can remain with the army.

A church has been founded in Wetham and Kureshtal is an avid member. She does not really have a relgious nature, but hopes (and prays) the church will help with the war effort and keep regions in better shape.

Kureshtal has stepped down as Countess of Hulaferd so she can focus her energy on banking. She also hopes to use the extra time to track down a secret cookie stash left by one of Wetham's former kings.

Troops:
Kure's Surprise: Dedicated set of infantry more used to police work than battle. Killed by the Assassins.
Kure's Vengeance: Infantry chosen for their abilities and their desire to kill Assassins. Died defending Hulaferd.
Kure's Anger: Cheap infantry bought with family money. Left as militia in Hulaferd.
Kure's Wrath: Decent infantry paid from the royal treasury. Current.

Lady Kurewylle, Knight of Agyr

After hearing the glory of her cousins, she took 15 desert warriors and set sail for the south-west, hoping to make her own name there. The ship crashed on the shore of Segglin, and the small band found themselves in the midst of a brutal takeover by Ikalak. They tried to avoid combat, but the enemy had seen the ship crash, and easily slaughtered the dazed travelers. Kurewylle escaped into the trees with the ships captain. He had taken an arrow to the leg and could not travel, so she was forced to leave him behind. He gave her three items to take with her: a letter to send home to his family in Quetli, the papers for the ruined ship, and a brass horn with mysterious carvings on it.

Kurewylle received a very warm welcome from her new realmmates in Taselak and was optimistic about her new home. However, it became clear very quickly the realm is nearing the ends of it days. Her optimism was shattered when a region lord she looked up to defected to another realm.

She was briefly named Baroness of the Cave of Guilt, but captured on her way back to Taselak, so she lost the title. She was only at the cave a short while, and wished to go back to explore its depths in a time of peace.

With so many troop leaders leaving the realm, Kurewylle was named first Marshal then Minister of Defense. She was not qualified for either of these jobs, but tried her best to defend the remains of Taselak.

The city fell quite easily and the Cave was all that remained of Taselak for some time. With no troops and nothing to do but wait for the end, Kure had had some time to explore the caves. Finally she found what she was looking for, a small hiding place to store her treasured possessions. Worried she would be robbed or killed on the way out, she hid her things there before leaving.

The Cave of Guilt was left alone for quite some time, but eventually was brutally taken over. The four remaining troop leaders of Taselak we all stabbed, even though they presented no threat to their enemies. The Guilt will haunt them.

Although she was caught in her attempt to leave the South West Island, Kurewylle was allowed to board a ship to Melhed], Beluaterra. Upon arriving, she joined the order of The Old Gods. Kure is still learning about the strange place she has joined and their views. She hopes to put her failure in Taselak behind her.

After much time in Melhed, Kurewylle has decided to try the path of an infiltrator, mostly out of boredom. She is in training now, and hopes to find some excitement once she has some skills.

Troops:
Kure's Hope: 10 desert men that died upon arrival to the South-West in Segglin.
Kure's Wish: Infantry trolls hired from Umkinnu. Died in Lesthern.
Kure's Stand: Desperate men hired for a lost cause. Died in Taselak.
Kure's New Hope: Archers from Melhed. Disbanded.

Blades:
Kure's Point: A shiny new dagger she bought for herself to remember her switch to the infiltrator class.

The Family

The Kestrel Family adores Lady Kureshtin and everything she does. They so very proud to have one of their own as their baroness. They are a bit concerned about her being so visible in the army, for they do not wish any harm to come to her. They would prefer she took up the path of trade, but are glad for all the honor she has earned in battle.

The Family was sorry to see Lady Kureshtev leave home for the East. They had wanted her to join the army in Talerium, for she always had much promise as troop leader. They were scandalized to hear she switched to an enemy realm, no matter what her reasons were. They are disappointed that more of the profits from the Mines of Isadril do not find their way back to the family coffers.

The Family barely noticed when Lady Kureshtal left home, they always knew she would. They were happy with her choice to live in the peaceful realm of Wetham, for it seemed a fitting choice for her. However, since the recent war has turned her so blood thirsty, they are worried about her sanity and think she would be better off back home.

The Family sent off Lady Kurewylle with their blessing. At the time of her departure, her cousins had all firmly established themselves as troop leaders, so the family was less nervous about letting one of their own go. They had grand hopes that she would win them fame in the South West. They are very disappointed in her failure as a general, but the vasts amounts of Melhed money that has been sent home has redeemed her in their eyes.

Family History

Several generations ago, a traveling merchant set off across the desert between Choxcal and Ptaphoc. Besides his usual guards and staff, for this trip he had brought along his daughter, Kure, his only child. She had come of age and he hoped to find a husband for her.

The caravan was caught in a sandstorm and the only survivor was Kure, who loaded what she could on the remaining camels and headed for the city. Many of the goods were stolen since she could not defend them well enough alone, but she managed to get a reasonable amount of gold for them. She used the gold to buy a useless patch of desert in central Quetli. The land was too far from any sources of water to be of value.

Kure loaded up her camels with water and returned to her new bit of sand. Some weeks later she returned. The camels were laden with salt and guarded by some desert native warriors. The rest, as it is said, is history.

Talika

Talika was found as a young child lost in the desert and taken in at the Kestrel family manor. She is well liked by the family, but not really a part of them. She is now seeking her own path as an adventurer in Riombara.

The Player

Kure works in retail in suburbia and doesn't know anything at all about desert life, sword fighting, the middle ages, or how to type. Please forgive her characters if these faults come through.