Kingdom of Dirkshire

Sarah Steel grew up in the shadow of the Steamworks, the sprawling industrial heart of Dirkshire, owned by her father, Mr. Samuel Irons. From a young age, Sarah was exposed to the harsh realities of factory life, witnessing firsthand the exploitation and suffering of the workers. Despite her privileged upbringing, she developed a profound empathy for the plight of the working class. Educated at the Royal Academy, Sarah excelled in business and engineering, but found herself increasingly at odds with her father's cruel management practices.

Born into poverty in the Lower City of Dirkshire, Tom quickly learned that survival meant relying on his wits and agility. The streets became both his home and his school, teaching him the arts of stealth, lockpicking, and evasion. Despite his circumstances, Tom never lost his sense of right and wrong, often sharing his ill-gotten gains with those even less fortunate than himself. His fascination with the marvels of the Clockwork Tower led him to cross paths with Miss Abigail Sparks, forming an unlikely alliance based on mutual respect and shared curiosity. Tom dreams of one day leaving his life of petty theft behind, inspired by the stories of adventure and heroism that float down from the Upper City.

Born to a family of navigators and explorers who perished in a mysterious airship accident, Victoria Wind was raised by the crew of a merchant vessel. Her early exposure to the skies instilled in her a profound love for airship travel and navigation. Her talents caught the eye of Captain Nathaniel Silverton during a chance encounter when she skillfully navigated through a perilous storm. Impressed, Silverton offered her a place among the Airship Pirates. Under his mentorship, she quickly rose through the ranks to become his trusted first mate and navigator. Unknown to her crew, her need for survival and autonomy led her to accept a clandestine role as a spy for Lord Edmund Blackwell, providing him with intelligence on the pirates' movements and plans. This secret double life has placed her in a precarious position, torn between her loyalty to Silverton and the allure of power and protection offered by Blackwell.

Nathaniel Silverton was born to a family of modest means on the outskirts of Dirkshire. From a young age, Nathaniel was captivated by the stories of adventurers and rebels who fought against tyranny and injustice. His life took a dramatic turn when, upon exploring the Cogdeep ruins, he uncovered secrets that revealed the dark side of the kingdom's rapid technological expansion. Disillusioned with the king's disregard for the common folk, Nathaniel vowed to use the very technology the monarchy prized to level the playing field. He quickly rose through the ranks of the Airship Pirates, a band of rebels who shared his vision. Under his leadership, the pirates became a symbol of resistance against the kingdom's elite. Nathaniel's sister, Miss Sarah Steel, secretly supports his cause, creating a complex web of familial loyalty and political intrigue. His relationship with Lady Cassandra Silverton adds layers to his enigmatic persona, as love and duty often collide in their shared pursuits.

Born into poverty in the heart of The Gutters, The Raven's early life was a struggle for survival. Their natural cunning and agility made them a skilled pickpocket and thief, but it was their sharp intellect and charismatic leadership that elevated them within the ranks of the Rooks. The Raven's true identity is a carefully guarded secret, known to none outside the inner circle of the guild. Under their leadership, the Rooks have flourished, becoming a formidable force in the underworld of Dirkshire. The Raven sees the guild not just as a means to wealth, but as a family and a protector of the downtrodden. Despite their criminal endeavors, The Raven has earned a grudging respect from the inhabitants of The Gutters for their code of honor and occasional acts of unexpected kindness. Their ultimate goal, however, remains a mystery, fueling rumors and speculation among friends and foes alike.

Gimble grew up in a small gnomish community on the outskirts of the Kingdom of Dirkshire, surrounded by ancient tales of the Cogdeep and its lost technologies. From a young age, he was fascinated by machines and the arcane, spending hours tinkering with anything he could get his hands on. His insatiable curiosity led him to sneak into the Cogdeep ruins, where he hopes to unlock the secrets of his ancestors and restore some of their lost glory. Unbeknownst to him, his actions have attracted the attention of both the Dirkshire explorers and the creatures that now inhabit the ruins. Despite his lack of awareness of the dangers, Gimble's heart is in the right place, and he dreams of using the technology to improve the lives of his people. He has unknowingly made friends with a small automaton he repaired, which follows him around, assisting in his projects.

Lila was born into a life of obscurity in the bustling streets of Dirkshire's capital, but she quickly grew bored of the mundane existence that seemed destined for her. Seeking excitement and purpose, she found herself drawn to the shadowy world of espionage. Her natural agility, sharp mind, and charming personality caught the attention of King Dirk IV's spymaster, who recruited her for her most daring mission yet: to infiltrate the recently discovered Cogdeep ruins and uncover its secrets before they could fall into the wrong hands. Lila has since dedicated herself to this task, navigating the perilous depths of the Cogdeep with a blend of grace and guile. Her adventures have led her to cross paths with various inhabitants and explorers, including the enigmatic Professor Flint, whose obsession with the Ancient Boiler Room both frustrates and fascinates her. She maintains a friendly rivalry with Gimble, admiring the gnome's ingenuity while often leveraging his discoveries.

Lord Blackthorn was once a respected noble in the court of Dirkshire, admired for his intelligence and charm. However, beneath this facade, he harbored a deep envy and ambition. Discontent with his station and convinced of his right to rule, he began to plot against King Dirk IV. Seeing the discovery of the Cogdeep ruins as the perfect opportunity, he has now embarked on a secretive mission to seize its ancient technologies and artifacts, believing that they hold the key to unparalleled power. To this end, he has assembled a diverse and deadly group of mercenaries, thieves, and assassins, swearing them to secrecy and loyalty. His charm and strategic mind have won him many allies, but his ruthless nature has also made him enemies, including those who have begun to suspect his true motives. Despite the dangers of the Cogdeep, Blackthorn is prepared, his every step meticulously planned.

Jacob Coal was born and raised in the soot-covered alleys of the Lower City of Dirkshire. From a young age, he was exposed to the harsh realities of life in the industrial sprawl, watching his parents toil away for meager wages at the Steamworks. Vowing to make a difference, Jacob quickly rose through the ranks due to his hard work, sharp mind, and natural leadership skills. He became the foreman of the Steamworks, not just overseeing the operations but also taking a stand for the rights of his fellow workers. Behind his tough exterior lies a man who has seen the worst of industrial exploitation and has dedicated his life to fighting against it. Jacob is the secret heart of the workers' union, organizing strikes and negotiating for better conditions, all the while evading the ever-watchful eyes of Mr. Samuel Irons and his enforcers. His commitment to the cause has made him a beloved figure among the workers, but also a target for those who wish to maintain the status quo.

Mr. Samuel Irons was born into a family of modest means in the Lower City of Dirkshire. From a young age, he was determined to escape the squalor of his upbringing. With a natural acumen for business and a relentless drive, Irons quickly ascended the ranks of the industrial sector. His breakthrough came when he acquired a failing steam engine factory and transformed it into the Steamworks, the powerhouse of Dirkshire's industrial might. Irons's success, however, was built on the exploitation of his workers, the manipulation of political ties, and ruthless business tactics. He is a man who believes in control and power above all, viewing people as tools to be used for his ends. Despite his wealth and influence, Irons is constantly seeking more, driven by a deep-seated fear of returning to his humble origins. His relationships are transactional, including a strained alliance with Lord Edmund Blackwell, whom he views as a necessary evil in his quest for dominance.

Lady Cassandra Silverton, the embodiment of grace and cunning, serves as the personal assistant to King Reginald IV and the secretary of the Royal Academy. Beneath her loyal facade, Cassandra harbors deep secrets and ambitions. Unbeknownst to many, she is the sister of Captain Nathaniel Silverton, the infamous leader of the Airship Pirates, and a spy for a rival kingdom. Her life is a delicate balance of courtly duties and espionage, driven by a desire to gain power and influence. Cassandra's expertise in manipulation and intelligence has made her an invaluable asset to her kingdom, yet her true allegiance lies with her brother and their shared vision of freedom and justice. Her relationship with the king is complex; she serves him faithfully while secretly undermining his rule for her brother's cause. Her heart, however, remains guarded, as trust is a luxury she cannot afford.

Lord Edmund Blackwell rose from a noble family with deep ties to Dirkshire's ancient magocratic traditions. A prodigy in the arcane arts, his fascination with the Cogdeep ruins' secrets early on set him apart from his peers. His unmatched intellect and magical prowess quickly caught the king's attention, earning him the position of chief advisor and head of the Royal Academy. Behind his loyal facade, Blackwell harbors dark ambitions. He has discovered, within the depths of the Cogdeep, ancient and forbidden knowledge that he believes will grant him the power to overthrow the king and claim the throne for himself. In secret, he leads a cult that worships the dark powers residing within the ruins, using their forbidden magic to further his plans. Unbeknownst to many, his affair with Queen Isabella is not just a scandalous romance but a calculated move to weaken the king's influence.

King Reginald IV ascended to the throne at a young age after the untimely death of his father. Since then, he has been a progressive ruler, pushing Dirkshire into a new era by embracing the technology uncovered in the Cogdeep ruins. His reign has seen the transformation of Dirkshire from a traditional medieval kingdom into a burgeoning steampunk metropolis. However, his progressive policies and fascination with ancient technology have also stirred dissent among traditionalists and caused unrest in darker corners of the realm.

Born into a middle-class family in the bustling heart of Dirkshire, Evelyn Train was captivated by the iron horses that crisscrossed the kingdom from a young age. Her fascination with trains and the railways led her to seek employment under Mr. Henry Rail, the most influential figure in the railway industry. Under his tutelage, she quickly proved her worth, demonstrating a keen intellect and a natural talent for logistics and operations. However, Evelyn's ambitions stretched beyond merely managing railroads. Drawn into the undercurrents of Dirkshire's political and industrial espionage, she became a spy and double agent, playing the Airship Pirates and the Workers' Union against each other to secure her position and future. Despite her charming exterior, Evelyn harbors a ruthless streak, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals.

Henry Rail grew up fascinated by the tales of explorers and inventors, dreaming of contributing to the advancement of Dirkshire. His family, wealthy merchants with a keen interest in transportation, funded his education in engineering and logistics. Proving to be a prodigy in his field, Henry quickly ascended to prominence by revolutionizing the way goods and people moved across the kingdom. His work led to the creation of the Grand Station, a marvel of engineering and a testament to his vision. Despite his success, Henry remains grounded, driven by a desire to see Dirkshire flourish. He has a complex relationship with the Airship Pirates, viewing them as a necessary evil that challenges him to improve security and efficiency. Secretly, he admires their spirit of adventure and occasionally funds expeditions that tread the fine line between legality and piracy.

Abigail grew up in the Middle City of Dirkshire, the daughter of a clockmaker who instilled in her a love for tinkering and invention. Her talent for machinery and inventiveness caught the eye of Professor Archibald Gearhart during a public demonstration of her father's work. Recognizing her potential, Gearhart took her under his wing as his assistant and apprentice. Abigail quickly became an indispensable part of the Clockwork Tower, aiding Gearhart in his experiments and inventions, while also conducting her own projects in secret. Her adventurous spirit has led her into the depths of the Cogdeep on multiple occasions, uncovering lost gnomish technology and narrowly escaping its many dangers. Despite her youthful exuberance, she carries the burden of a tragic accident in the Cogdeep that cost the life of a close friend, an event that has driven her to master the technologies that she once nearly fell victim to.

Born to a family of modest means in the outskirts of Dirkshire, Archibald Gearhart was always fascinated by the mechanisms and machinations of the world. A self-taught genius, he quickly outpaced his peers in understanding the intricacies of both magic and machinery. His early experiments with steam and clockwork drew the attention of the kingdom's elite, earning him a place among the pioneers allowed to delve into the Cogdeep ruins. It was there he made his most profound discoveries, unearthing ancient gnomish technologies that he would later adapt and improve. His crowning achievement, the Clockwork Tower, stands as a testament to his genius, a place where magic and machinery coexist in harmony. Despite his successes, Gearhart remains haunted by a few failed experiments that resulted in loss and tragedy, driving him to ensure that his inventions serve for the betterment of mankind.

Oliver Cloud was born into a family of modest means in the Middle City of Dirkshire. From a young age, he was fascinated by the sky and the machines that could traverse it. As a boy, he would often sneak away to the outskirts to watch the airships take off and land, dreaming of one day building his own. His passion for flight led him to study engineering and mechanics, where he excelled. After several years of hard work and innovation, Oliver managed to construct his first airship, marking the beginning of the Dirkshire Airship Company. Oliver's business acumen and engineering expertise quickly propelled him to success, allowing him to establish the Airship Dock on the outskirts of Dirkshire. His reputation as a fair and generous businessman spread, attracting talent and investors alike. Despite his wealth and influence, Oliver has remained grounded, often personally assisting with the maintenance and operation of the airships.

Born into poverty in the depths of The Gutters, Sam quickly learned that survival meant relying on wit and willpower. His fascination with the Steamworks' intricate machinery led him to become an adept mechanic and tinkerer, skills that would shape his destiny. After witnessing the oppressive regime of Lord Ironheart firsthand, Sam's sense of justice was ignited. He found the Steamfists, a group of rebels with the shared goal of undermining Ironheart's tyranny. Under Sam's leadership, the Steamfists grew bolder, using the Steamworks as their base to launch attacks against the city's infrastructure. Sam's steam-powered fist, a result of a Steamworks accident, became a symbol of resistance and innovation. Despite his rebellion, Sam is known for his fairness and a strict code that avoids civilian casualties. He's respected not just by his allies but also grudgingly by some of his foes. His rivalry with Ironheart is personal, fueled by a past encounter that left both with lasting scars.

Pip was found as a toddler wandering the dangerous alleys of The Gutters, his parents victims to the merciless cogrot. Rescued by Madam Gearhart, he grew up in the Clockwork Orphanage, a place that became both his home and his playground. Surrounded by the remnants of gnomish technology and Madam Gearhart's tutelage, Pip developed an uncanny knack for mechanics and invention, often scavenging the Scrapyard for parts to tinker with. Despite the harshness of his environment, Pip's spirit remained unbroken, his heart filled with dreams of venturing into the Cogdeep to uncover its secrets and find a cure for cogrot, proving to himself and the world that even the smallest cog can change the future. His relationships in The Gutters are varied; he is known and loved by many for his helpful nature and mechanical ingenuity but is also naively unaware of the darker intentions of some of the Gutters' inhabitants.

Madam Gearhart was once a renowned engineer within the Steamworks, known for her innovative designs and contributions to the city's steam and cog technologies. However, after witnessing the devastating effects of cogrot on the community and losing close colleagues to the disease, she left her position. Searching for a way to make a meaningful difference, she founded the Clockwork Orphanage. Here, she not only offers a home to children orphaned by the disease but also teaches them the art of gnomish engineering, hoping to inspire the next generation of inventors and tinkerers. Despite her noble intentions, rumors swirl about the true nature of the orphanage's secret workshop and Madam Gearhart's experiments, leading many to wonder about her past and her connections to the mysterious depths of the Cogdeep.

Cogfather was once a renowned gnome artificer, known throughout Dirkshire for his ingenious inventions. However, his life took a drastic turn after a venture into the Cogdeep led to his affliction with cogrot. Unlike many who saw this disease as a curse, Cogfather viewed it as an opportunity to transcend his physical limitations and connect more deeply with the machinery he loved. With his body and mind gradually transforming, he became a pariah among his own kind but found new purpose among the outcasts of the Gutters. Embracing his new identity, Cogfather founded the Cogborn, a faction of explorers and sufferers of cogrot who refuse to see their condition as a disease. Instead, they believe it to be the next step in their evolution, merging flesh with the ancient gnomish technology they so admire. However, his radical views and experiments have also attracted enemies, including those who see the Cogborn as abominations or threats to the natural order.

Scrapmaster Kragg was born into the harshness of The Gutters, the illegitimate son of an orc mercenary and a human scavenger. From a young age, Kragg learned to survive in the unforgiving environment of the slums, scavenging for scraps and fighting off rivals. His mixed heritage made him an outcast among both humans and orcs, forcing him to rely on his wits and strength to carve out a place for himself. His natural leadership qualities and martial prowess quickly attracted a following among the disenfranchised of The Gutters, leading him to establish the most formidable gang in the Scrapyard.

Captain Rolf was born into a military family and has served the Kingdom of Dirkshire with distinction for many years. His loyalty and leadership skills quickly rose him through the ranks, leading to his current assignment at the Cogdeep. Rolf has faced numerous challenges and dangers in his career, but nothing as mysterious or daunting as the Cogdeep. His experience has taught him to be cautious and to expect the unexpected. He knows the value of discipline and the importance of being prepared for whatever lies in the depths of the ruins. His commitment to his duty is unwavering, and he believes firmly in protecting the interests of the Kingdom of Dirkshire, even if it means risking his own life. His relationship with his soldiers is built on mutual respect and trust; they would follow him into the darkest depths of the Cogdeep without hesitation.

Professor Flint was once a renowned engineer in Dirkshire, celebrated for his brilliant innovations and contributions to the kingdom's steampunk revolution. However, his relentless pursuit of progress led to a tragic accident that cost many lives, tarnishing his reputation and resulting in his exile from the academic community. Seeking redemption and a chance to prove his worth, Flint discovered the Cogdeep ruins and became fascinated by the ancient gnomish technology hidden within. He has since devoted himself to unlocking the secrets of the Ancient Boiler Room, convinced that his work will restore his status and change the world. Unbeknownst to Flint, his actions have caught the attention of both King Dirk IV and Lord Blackthorn, each with their own plans for the engineer's discoveries. Flint remains oblivious to the political machinations surrounding him, focused solely on his experiments.