Proto-Republican Venice

A cunning and ambitious merchant-prince, Alvise Querini seeks to elevate his status and influence within the Great Council while advocating for the rights of guilds and traders. His charm and persuasive rhetoric often hide his true intentions of power accumulation.

A flamboyant admiral of House Contarini, known for his daring naval conquests and obsession with expansion. He is a charismatic leader who enjoys celebrating victories with grand feasts.

A cunning and pragmatic leader of House Gradenigo, known for his mastery in manipulation and diplomacy. He navigates the political landscape of Venice with a focus on maintaining conservative order through strategic alliances, particularly with the Ziani.

A charismatic leader of House Tiepolo, Lorenzo is a bold reformist aiming to transform Venice into a merchant-driven republic. He is known for his charm and strategic mind, often courting guilds and foreign traders to challenge the established patrician oligarchy.

A shrewd and pious diplomat from Venice, Niccolò Ziani is the head of House Ziani, known for his defense of traditional values and strong ties to Byzantium. He is a cautious strategist who opposes imperialist expansion.

Giovanni Dandolo is the head of House Dandolo, a calculating admiral with a fierce ambition to expand Venetian trade routes and secure naval dominance. His ruthless nature makes him a formidable figure in both politics and warfare.

A young intellectual from Venice, Pietro Ziani serves as a legal advisor in the Great Council, dedicated to preserving the city's conservative traditions. He is known for his sharp mind and commitment to his family's legacy.

A charismatic and ambitious Genoese banker who funds privateering efforts and trade ventures, seeking to destabilize Venice's hold on Mediterranean commerce.

A cunning diplomat from Genoa, Giovanni Doria is stationed in Venice where he pretends to befriend the locals while secretly gathering intelligence on their political and naval strategies.

A cunning Genoese merchant known for her sharp wit and fierce competition against Venetian rivals. She is willing to use bribery and sabotage to achieve her goals.

A charming perfumer from Damascus, Aisha al-Dimashqi sells rare oils and fragrances in the Rialto Market. She is rumored to use her persuasive skills for espionage, making her a figure of intrigue.

An Arab ship captain from Alexandria, skilled in navigation and smuggling. He operates in the Mediterranean, balancing his life between legitimate trade and the underworld of contraband.

A wealthy Arab spice merchant from Cairo, known for his extravagant caravans and shrewd business acumen. He maintains fair yet profitable dealings with Venetians, showcasing his keen negotiation skills.

A former Seljuk soldier turned guide for Venetian traders, known for his gruff demeanor and reliability. He is dedicated to ensuring safe passage through the treacherous terrains of Anatolia.

A skilled Anatolian weaver known for her intricate carpets, Fatima is quiet and precise in her work. She is cautious around outsiders but values fair trade, making her a respected figure among local merchants.

A pragmatic Turkish caravan master from the Sultanate of Rum, skilled in negotiating safe trade routes through Anatolia. He is wary of Venetian expansion and is known for his shrewdness in trade.

A Byzantine mosaicist dedicated to creating religious icons for Venetian churches, Theophilos is deeply pious and grapples with the emotional turmoil of losing his homeland, Constantinople.

A grizzled Byzantine naval officer turned advisor in Venice, Alexios is resentful yet pragmatic, sharing his extensive knowledge of Genoese tactics with those around him.

A cunning and resourceful Byzantine noblewoman in exile, Eudokia uses her beauty and intelligence to forge alliances in Venice, aiming to restore her family's lost influence.

A cunning Byzantine merchant with a vendetta against Venetian dominance, Niketas imports silk and spices from Constantinople to Venice while secretly plotting to undermine the city.

A quiet and observant human artist from Siena, Isabella is known for her exquisite religious artwork commissioned by Venetian nobles. Her keen ability to overhear secrets while working in private estates adds an intriguing layer to her character.

A cunning Tuscan trader with a sharp mind for business and a knack for navigating political landscapes. He specializes in luxury goods, particularly silk and wine, and is known for his willingness to exploit tensions for profit.

A curious and idealistic Tuscan poet and scholar visiting Venice to study its libraries. She becomes unwittingly entangled in noble intrigues while seeking inspiration for her works.

A charming and diplomatic Florentine banker stationed in Venice, skilled in managing complex loans for noble families and adept at navigating rival factions.

A young and ambitious knight from Milan, driven by a desire for glory and wealth. His reckless nature often leads him into trouble, especially in the politically charged environment of Venetian service.

A Milanese engineer specializing in advanced siege engines and fortifications. He is cunning and resourceful, often playing both sides in the political landscape of Venice and Milan.

A cunning Milanese widow who runs a successful trading company specializing in silk and textiles. She is known for her intelligence and ruthless business tactics, often undercutting her competitors to gain dominance in the Venetian markets.

A proud Milanese blacksmith known for crafting high-quality weapons for mercenaries and nobles. He harbors a deep resentment towards Venetian traders, fueling his competitive spirit.

A grizzled Austrian soldier-for-hire serving in the Venetian navy, known for his exceptional skill with a crossbow. He is fiercely independent and harbors a deep distrust of noble officers.

A Tyrolean arms dealer who supplies weapons to both Venice and its rivals. He is blunt and cynical, caring little for politics as long as the coin flows.

A noble merchant with a keen eye for opportunity, Ulrich von Lenzburg controls the Alpine trade routes and specializes in timber and ore exports. His stoic and pragmatic nature drives him to exploit Venice's growing need for raw materials.

A wandering bard from the Croatian countryside, known for his songs of rebellion and freedom. He inspires the downtrodden in the Commoners’ Quarter, igniting a spirit of unrest among the workers.

A pragmatic Croat mercenary fiercely loyal to his Venetian employers while secretly supporting Croat independence. He is a skilled fighter with a strong sense of duty and a hidden desire for freedom.

A charismatic trader from Dubrovnik, Luka specializes in Balkan goods and uses his charm to navigate the competitive world of Venetian merchants.

A Croatian healer from the hinterlands who sells herbal remedies in Venice. She is distrustful of city life but fiercely protective of her clients, who range from commoners to nobles.

A fisherman turned sailor in the Venetian navy, Ivan is loyal to his Dalmatian roots but struggles with his dependence on Venetian commanders for survival. He is a rugged individual with a strong sense of duty and a deep connection to the sea.

A Dalmatian ship captain who ferries timber from Split to Venice. He is fiercely independent and begrudges Venetian taxes but relies on their markets for his livelihood.

A skilled moneylender from the Venetian Jewish Ghetto, known for his generosity and secretive support of guild rebellions against oppressive laws. He navigates the challenges of heavy taxation while striving for a better future for his community.

A wandering Sephardic merchant known for dealing in rare manuscripts and religious relics. He serves as a mediator between Christian and Muslim traders, leveraging his strong connections in North Africa and the Levant.

A Jewish midwife and herbalist known for her exceptional remedies, sought after by both nobles and commoners. Fiercely protective of her community, she harbors many secrets about her clients.

Marco Falier is the Captain of the Guard, a loyal and hard-edged soldier who is always on the lookout for spies and assassins. His dedication to protecting the Doge and his suspicion of noble factions and foreign agents define his character.

A charismatic human noble and guild leader who advocates for the inclusion of merchants in political decisions. Known for his populist reforms, he often finds himself at odds with the conservative nobility.

Lucia Zeno is the youngest child of the Doge, known for her charm and intelligence. She serves as an informal diplomat, entertaining dignitaries while secretly resenting her limited role due to her gender.

A cautious and calculating politician from Venice, Pietro Zeno serves as an advisor in the Great Council. He is known for his isolationist views and opposition to aggressive expansion, often clashing with his brother, the Doge.

A devout and dignified woman, she is the wife of the Doge and plays a crucial role in managing noble alliances and advising her husband on family politics.

A cunning and pragmatic Doge of Venice, Reniero Zeno is adept at navigating the complex political landscape of his city-state. He is respected for his leadership and diplomatic skills, balancing the interests of noble families and merchants while facing external threats.

Elena Tiepolo is a cunning and ambitious human noblewoman, deeply rooted in the world of commerce and politics. She seeks to elevate her family's status and influence through strategic alliances and shrewd negotiations.

A disgraced former merchant turned covert trader, Riccardo is Alvise's brother who fled Venice after a failed smuggling operation. He now navigates the treacherous waters of Dalmatia, seeking redemption and a chance to rebuild his life.

Beatrice Querini is a bright and idealistic young woman who secretly funds guild rebellions and advocates for political reform. Her passion for justice drives her to take risks in a world filled with corruption.

Giorgio Querini is a calculating and quiet human noble, dedicated to expanding his family's influence in Venice's shipyards. He prefers to work behind the scenes, using his intelligence and charm to manipulate situations to his advantage.

A cunning and resourceful half-elf diplomat, Francesca skillfully navigates the political landscape to support her husband's populist agenda. With a background as a merchant's daughter, she excels in building alliances and influencing key figures.

A charming and duplicitous young man from Venice, serving as a go-between for foreign merchant powers like Genoa and Byzantium. He is known for his quick wit and ability to navigate complex political landscapes.

A determined young woman from a noble family, Caterina strives to prove herself in a male-dominated naval world. Her sharp tongue and fierce competitiveness make her a formidable presence among her brothers.

A pragmatic and bookish human woman, Vittoria serves as the family archivist and legal scholar, dedicated to preserving her family's history and knowledge.

A calculating merchant and elder brother of Tommaso Gradenigo, Sebastiano manages the family's trade networks in the Eastern Mediterranean with a keen mind for business and strategy.

A widowed courtesan and sister to Lorenzo, she skillfully navigates the world of nobility to gather intelligence for her family, using her charm and connections to her advantage.

Maria Ziani is a cunning and resourceful woman who navigates the treacherous waters of noble politics with grace. Despite her marriage into the militaristic Contarini family, she harbors a deep disdain for their values and seeks to undermine their influence from within.

A devout and charitable woman dedicated to helping the less fortunate, Giulia Ziani is known for her philanthropic efforts in funding hospitals and orphanages, embodying the pious values of her Venetian heritage.

Alessandra Dandolo is an ambitious socialite and the daughter of Giovanni, known for her lavish feasts and cunning ability to extract secrets from her guests. Often underestimated by her rivals, she uses her charm and intelligence to navigate the treacherous waters of high society.

A hot-tempered and reckless naval officer eager to prove himself in the world of maritime warfare. As Giovanni's eldest son, he is determined to lead successful raids against Genoese trade ships.

A cunning and resourceful woman from the wealthy Mocenigo family, Lucia is known for her sharp wit and ability to navigate the treacherous waters of political alliances. She uses her intelligence and charm to spy on rival families and secure advantageous arrangements for her own.

An ambitious diplomat from Venice, Francesco Dandolo is determined to secure a trade monopoly over Eastern goods while navigating the complex political landscape of Byzantium. He is Giovanni Dandolo's younger brother, driven by a desire for power and influence.

A daring Genoese privateer known for his audacious raids on Venetian trade ships. He is brash and fearless, driven by a fierce loyalty to Genoa's ambitions.

A cautious and respected Jewish moneylender in the Venetian Ghetto, Baruch navigates the complexities of anti-Semitism while providing loans to nobles. His keen intellect and shrewd business sense make him a valuable ally and a formidable opponent.

A Jewish glassblower from Venice, skilled in the art of creating exquisite glassware. Despite facing societal restrictions due to his ethnicity, he remains dedicated to his craft and seeks to prove his worth through his artistry.

A reserved Austrian trader with a keen sense for business and diplomacy. He controls key goods from the Alpine regions, particularly timber and ore, and navigates the complexities of trade with Venice skillfully.

A soft-spoken Byzantine icon painter from Constantinople, Manuel is deeply devout and mourns the loss of his homeland after its sack. He is known for his exquisite religious mosaics commissioned by Venetian nobles.

A rugged Tirolean guide who navigates the treacherous alpine passes with ease. He is loyal to his clients but remains cautious of the political intrigues of the cities.

A stoic Milanese blacksmith known for crafting exceptional weapons for mercenaries and knights. He is fiercely independent and competitive, often clashing with Venetian artisans.

A cunning and stealthy Venetian assassin known for his expertise in politically motivated murders. He operates in the shadows of the canals, driven by a ruthless loyalty to coin.

A Persian scholar from Tabriz, Omar is known for his vast knowledge of manuscripts, mathematics, and astrology. He is a respected figure in Venetian courts, yet his mysterious aura keeps others intrigued.

A bold and resourceful Hungarian cavalry captain serving as a mercenary in Venice. He is skilled in rapid strikes and maneuvering, often torn between the allure of Venetian gold and his deep-rooted Hungarian nationalism.

A Dalmatian sailor known for his exceptional navigation skills and unwavering loyalty to his captains. He hails from the Dalmatian Coast and has spent years braving the treacherous seas.

A charming Venetian courtesan skilled in espionage and political intrigue. She uses her wit and allure to influence the elite and navigate complex social dynamics.

A rugged Sicilian mercenary of mixed Norman-Arab heritage, known for his pragmatic approach and fierce loyalty to those who pay well. He navigates the treacherous world of mercenary work with a keen sense of survival and strategy.

A cunning Florentine banker with a sharp mind, Lorenzo navigates the treacherous waters of Venice's financial world while plotting to undermine their dominance in Mediterranean trade.

A pragmatic Arab spice trader from Damascus, skilled in negotiation and trade. He navigates the complexities of Venetian markets while managing underlying religious tensions with grace.

A shrewd Seljuk merchant from the Sultanate of Rum, Ertuğrul navigates the complexities of trade while keeping a wary eye on Venetian expansion. He is known for his keen negotiation skills and a deep understanding of the market.

A cunning Venetian smuggler known for his expertise in navigating the underbelly of the Grand Canal. He is discreet, highly connected, and always one step ahead of the law.

A cunning and secretive Genoese spy dedicated to undermining Venetian trade and creating chaos among noble families. His loyalty lies solely with the ambitions of Genoa.

A cunning Byzantine diplomat stationed in Venice, Alexios is tasked with protecting Byzantine interests amid the resentment for Venice’s role in the Fourth Crusade. His bitterness towards the Venetians shapes his interactions and strategies.

A cunning and strategic leader of House Gradenigo, known for his subtlety and mastery of manipulation. He navigates the political landscape of Venice with a focus on quiet diplomacy and secretive alliances, particularly with the Ziani faction.