NPC

NPC 1: Captain Velan

Location: The Abbey Ruins

Faction: The Crown’s Hand

Description:

A scarred veteran in blackened armor, sitting near the outer wall of the ruined abbey. His armor still carries the faint mark of the royal crest — a burning crown — though the gold is now dulled with ash. He sharpens his sword with slow, practiced movements, watching anyone who comes close.

To travelers, he looks like another tired soldier guarding the ruins. Few realize he’s the King’s man — and the one leading the search for the lost formula of the Golden Blood.

Personality:

Cynical, intelligent, tired of politics but bound by duty.

Talks like a man who has seen too many pointless wars.

He doesn’t bluff or beg — if you earn his trust, he’ll stand by you till death.

Motivation:

To secure what remains of the Golden Blood and finally buy his freedom from royal service.

GM Note:

Velan is visible from the start but stays neutral unless the player cooperates with the Crown during “The Golden Debt.”

If the player doesn’t, he simply warns them to stay away — “for their own good.”

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🔥 NPC 2: Father Lethar

Location: The Abbey Ruins

Faction: Church of the Flame

Description:

A tall priest wrapped in charred robes, his hands clasped tightly around a heavy iron torch that never goes out. His face is pale and lined, eyes shining with both fear and conviction.

He spends his days praying near the collapsed altar, surrounded by younger priests who burn incense and whisper hymns.

To passersby, he seems like a harmless cleric tending to holy ground.

In truth, he’s here to erase every trace of the abbey’s experiments.

Personality:

Fanatical, persuasive, and eerily calm.

He talks like every word is a sermon and every sentence a threat.

Motivation:

To burn away the “heresy of gold” that poisoned faith — and those who spread it.

GM Note:

Lethar appears from the start, but only engages if the player destroyed or opposed the Golden Blood in “The Golden Debt.”

Otherwise, he stays in the background, preaching to his followers and ignoring the player.

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🌿 NPC 3: Old Mira

Location: Stone Circle of Keldras

Faction: Locals’ Circle

Description:

An old, nearly blind woman wrapped in layers of cloth and herbs, sitting among the stones of the circle. Her voice is low, cracked, but certain. She’s always surrounded by the smell of sage and smoke.

To travelers, she looks like a wandering healer or herbalist.

She rarely speaks unless spoken to — and when she does, her words sound like half warning, half prophecy.

Personality:

Calm, earthy, mysterious in a practical way.

She never raises her voice, but somehow everyone listens.

Motivation:

To restore balance to the valley and prevent another disaster like the Abbey’s fall.

GM Note:

Mira is visible from the beginning but inactive.

She becomes relevant after “Ash Above, Ash Below” starts, or if the player avoids both major factio

ns.

Before that, she gives simple herbal advice or short local rumors.