new bloods LEader

WARLAN hartwill

(Rafael Zubizarreta)

From: Ansalon, Gaudrina

Warlan is the identical twin brother of Garris Hartwill. Often called the dark horse of the family, Warlan fled to the desert country of Naj several years ago after refusing to be associated with his brother’s plan of forming a new kingdom with men who Warlan believed to be using Garris for their own greedy gains to prominence.

A constant resentment hangs over Warlan’s head, particularly towards his deceased father for destroying the family name, and leading to his mothers death, to whom Warlan was very close to. Warlan strongly believes Garris to be foolish for attempting to push the disgraced Hartwill back out into the realm. Believing it to be dangerous for the two remaining brothers.

We see Warlan quietly residing in Naj leading a squad of nomadic warriors and has chosen a life away from the big city castles and politics. Now however, a new challenge has been brought before him and he must quickly decide what to do about it.

NEw bloods crew

Balos Vangaard

(Time Winters)

Origin: Ansalon, Gaudrina

Balos Vangaard is the lifelong friend of Garris and Warlan’s father, Weylan Hartwill. Balos was once a prominent general in the east for the army of Ansalon, and was once a well respected among his peers. After Weylan was revealed to be a spy for King Dalesdane in the west, Balos knew Weylan’s twin sons would be at great risk among the kingdom, as the Hartwill estate and assets were immediately seized. In an instant, Balos made a life changing decision to leave everything behind and smuggle Weylan’s boys out of the country as quickly as possible to head north to the country of Nalvia, where Balos had close connections.

Balos most recently has served as Garris’ advisor and mentor as Garris attempts to rule over the newly established kingdom of Griffinhart which was created by Garris and Balos on the remote Western Isles. Will Balos’ plan of a new stand alone kingdom come to fruition in the grand scheme of things? Or is he setting Garris up for certain doom?

Nira BAshi

(Caty Bastareaud)

Origin: Zahara, Naj

Nira is the daughter of a slain war chief of the Zahara clan in western Naj. The Zahara and the Bandu clan were bitter rivals for years. After a massive attack from the Bandu on Nira’s village with help from hired Najian mercenaries, the Zahara were outmatched and decimated. Nearly all of the men from her village were killed including Nira’s father and older brother. Nira, along with most women and children were taken as slaves to the Bandu camp.

One celebratory night at this camp, a drunken warrior entered the slave tents and dragged Nira out into the alleyway in an attempt to have his way with her. Warlan and Malik happened to be on the outskirts of the camp plotting to steal some supplies from the Bandu at the time. Warlan heard Nira’s cries and rushed to investigate. Just as the warrior was about to overpower Nira, Warlan slit his throat. Warlan and Malik led Nira to a nearby retreat where many of Warlan’s nomad pals were lounging. Warlan offered a hefty reward if the men assisted in freeing the slaves at the camp. All agreed. The squad took the drunken camp by storm as they cut down the men while their women fled into the desert night. The Bandu chief was left begging for his life. Warlan handed Nira a dagger. Without hesitation Nira approached the pleading chief and plunged the dagger into his heart as she looked him in the eyes. The slaves were freed. Instead of returning to her village with her remaining family, Nira joined Warlan and Malik on their travels. Perhaps Nira feels she owes Warlan for saving her life. Only she knows.

Malik Ugorla

(Lonnie Cruel)

Origin: Gabbia, Naj

Malik is Warlan’s right hand in the brutal Najian desert. He comes from the town of Gabbia where strict traditions are expected to be followed among its inhabitants. You are born, you train to fight and defend your home, you spend your days in the town protecting it and raising a family until you grow old. Malik however, always wanted more for himself. Against the opinions of his elders, Malik left his home several years ago as he was curious to see where his free will took him. He traveled the harsh desert landscapes in search of something that would fill that void he carried within himself.

On an evening of chance, Malik stopped at a retreat to rest for the night. It was at this retreat where a weary Warlan Hartwill was also resting by himself. Five drunken nomads decided to pick a fight with Warlan. As Warlan spoke, Malik could instantly tell this man wasn’t from Naj. For reasons only known to Malik, he stepped in and pummeled one of the nomads as the others scurried off without further incident. Shortly after, Warlan and Malik would sit together and become fast friends.

Hassan ayaani

(Dylan Matthews)

From: Khador, Naj

Hassan comes from the northeastern town of Khador in the Najian Desert. Khador is well known for its rough reputation and abundance of brothels. Hassan’s mother was a whore and his father is unknown to him.

Hassan has had a difficult life to say the least. Always forced to look after himself, he has dabbled in a wide variety of things in his life which includes grave robbing, smuggling, weapons dealing, raids, as well as stealing from caravans and street markets. He often runs with different groups for short periods of time until something new appeals to him.

Hassan joined Warlan’s crew several years back while drinking alone at an uncharted retreat in Naj. Warlan was impressed with Hassan’s knife wielding skills and fiery charisma. Essentially Warlan felt that Hassan could bring some attitude to the squad, and felt as though Hassan could truly handle himself. At the time of joining Warlan, Hassan was at a low point in his life. He had been running with another group of nomads which he left after an intense disagreement. Warlan offered him a chance to profit off some real coin in their adventures. It’s uncertain just how long Hassan will remain with Warlan’s squad. It’s also even more uncertain to know exactly where his true allegiance lies.

Nasir rajal

(A.J. Castro)

Origin: Halgar, Naj

Nasir comes from the small village of Halgar in the southeastern region of Naj. Most of his village fell victim to a violent raid attack by desert raiders who took everything they could from the village while leaving many dead in their wake. Two of those killed just happened to be Nasir’s mother and father. Nasir, although devastated, escaped the attack and fled into the dark unknown deserts of Naj.

A distraught Nasir roamed for days before coming to rest at an oasis. As chance would have it, Warlan and his crew were resting at this same location. At this point Nasir knew he needed serious help. He needed to join a group of some sort or he would surely die out there on his own. Nasir approached Warlan’s squad and calmly told his story. Initially Hassan wanted to just beat and rob the shaken Nasir. Warlan however, ordered Hassan to stand down and decided to take Nasir in with them to prove himself. Only Warlan knows the reason for taking a chance on such an inexperienced man in his crew. Will it pay off?

Griffinhart

Garris Hartwill

(Rafael Zubizarreta)

Origin: Ansalon, Gaudrina

The son of a disgraced eastern general, Garris is desperately trying to restore his tarnished family name left behind by his father. We see Garris and his court claim what he believes to be an abandoned castle in the remote Western Isles deep within the western region of the realm. Garris truly believes he can bring the Hartwill name back to prominence with his new kingdom. The cost will be great.

BLAYN STAHLWYN

(EVan randall scott)

Origin: Ansalon, Gaudrina

Blayn Stahlwyn is a close friend and lead bodyguard to Lord Garris Hartwill in the kingdom of Griffinhart. Blayn and Garris have a long history together which stems back to when they were teenagers in their home country of Gaudrina. After Garris and his brother Warlan were forced to abruptly leave Gaudrina once their father was found guilty of treason and executed, Blayn would soon leave the country a short time later as well to seek adventure with hopes of one day finding Garris once again.

Blayn finally caught back up with Garris years later in the northern country of Nalvia while Garris was living in exile with Warlan and their father’s most trusted general and closest friend, Balos Vangaard. A short time after reuniting with the brothers however, Warlan would leave Nalvia for Naj after disagreements with Garris about Blayn and Balos’ motives with Garris’ future plans.

Blayn would go on many expeditions and adventures with Garris and Balos over the next several years, as they built up funding to one day found a new kingdom together. In any event, Blayn swore to serve and protect Garris now and in years to come, as Blayn showed particular interest in Garris' plans to build his new kingdom. Blayn knows many family secrets and personal details about the Hartwills, which may come in handy for his own personal gain. Blayn has even been personally sent on more than one occasion to Naj to seek out and deliver messages to Warlan about Garris’ future plans. These rare meetings between Blayn and Warlan in the Najian desert would often lead to further disagreements, putting even more strain on their already shaky affiliation. These surprise trips to Naj from Blayn has certainly made him familiar with many of the rugged landscapes and hidden roads of Naj. Blayn’s loyalty will surely be tested in the journey ahead.

HARTWILL SCRIBE

(Eric Newnham)

Origin: Redwick, Gaudrina

A trusted friend and fellow countryman of Lord Garris Hartwill who was recruited to Griffinhart after Garris befriended him on his travels years ago in the northern region of the realm in Nalvia. At the time, the scribe had no means of returning back to his home country of Gaudrina. The scribe decided to join Garris on his travels and since he was well educated, was officially appointed Garris’ scribe. The scribe has earned Lord Garris’ trust over the years and has become a key confidant to the new ruler within his new kingdom.

kingdom of fang

emissary eldon ackridge

(Max Bogner)

Origin: Fang, Brauhn

One of the key emissaries for King Dalesdane from the capital city of Fang in the west. We see Emissary Ackridge arrive in Griffinhart to deliver a message to Lord Garris. Ackridge, well known for his cunning mind and quick tongue, is always a step ahead of the opposition.

FANG GUARD CAPTAIN

(Jesse St. Louis)

Origin: Unknown

The Fang Guard is an elite group of mercenary soldiers who are exclusive only to the kingdom of Fang. They are highly trained killers who carry out various tasks all around the world. Everything from escorting important political figures, to protecting precious cargo, to tracking down and eliminating a specific target or targets. These faceless soldiers do it all. They answer only to their Lord Commander Axias who trains each soldier personally. These men are a loyal brotherhood who won’t hesitate to give their lives for each other or for the task(s) they are assigned to.

ARASAHK ALLIES

Gavin Hurne

(Jake Carpenter)

Origin: Holmshaw, Gaudrina

Gavin was once an extremely well known smuggler from Warlan's home country of Gaudrina who has since taken refuge in the small settlement of Arasahk in the baron Najian Desert near the Khan River in recent years after things became too dangerous for him back home. He met Warlan and Garris years ago in Gaudrina when the brothers were quite young. The fact that Gavin and Warlan now live in Naj at the same time trying to keep low profiles appears to be fate.

Gavin is well aware of Warlan's family history and seems to sympathize with him a great deal. He helps Warlan however he can when Warlan comes to visit Arasahk. Warlan, never taking Gavin's services for granted, always pays his old pal quite handsomely for anything that Gavin can assist with. This is the only man Warlan appears to trust outside of his own crew.

Zamira furaha

(Wida Karim)

Origin: Tujii, Naj

Zamira is an enigmatic soothsayer from the northern town of Tujii in Naj. Not much is known about her past other than she comes from a long line of women in her village who have the mysterious powers of foreseeing certain future events from an unknown source. Her mother, 2 sisters, as well as her grandmother and great grandmother all possess these powers to some degree.

As a young woman, Zamira and her brother were sent to the settlement of Arasahk to purchase supplies for their father. During this visit, she would meet and purchase from Gavin Hurne. She captivated Gavin with her beauty and natural charm. She too seemed to be drawn into his rugged foreign appeal. Zamira would return to Arasahk often just to see Gavin and it wasn't long until the two would develop a relationship that has since lasted years.

Zamira now lives with Gavin in Arasahk as his other half. She knows Warlan well from his occasional visits to see Gavin at the settlement. It will be interesting to hear what her inner feelings tell her about Warlan's future now that new threats are lurking.

merchant

(Pete Freeland)

Origin: Unknown

The peculiar merchant we see roaming aimlessly through the desert after a game changing event is an uneasy one for Warlan and his crew to witness. They try to make sense of it all upon encountering the merchant, but things quickly go south. 

Creatures

Claw Phantom

(JAcob Lister)

Origin: Unknown

Few creatures are as violent and unpredictable as the treacherous Claw Phantoms. They seem to thrive in a variety of different terrains, but are mostly found in the forgotten desert regions of Vanderia. They are almost always active at night, and don't seem to be too keen on sunlight, although they may still lurk in rocky shadows if they’re pursuing someone during the daylight hours. Little is known about their lifestyle or how they communicate with one another. They never communicate or seem to have a desire to communicate with anyone other than their own kind. Their motives for attacking travelers appear to have no real reason other than to inflict damage. Many times they will attack, overtake their prey, and simply leave without taking anything other than rags or torn clothing to place on their bodies to help shield them from the sun. For that reason they are sometimes referred to as "demons of the desert". It is believed that they date back many thousands of years where they once lived in great numbers. Perhaps for the sake of those who currently exist in Vanderia however, it's a good thing that their numbers have since dwindled into rare sightings.

sERPENT hALFLINGS

(jOSH amORA & rAFAEL zUBIZARRETA)

Origin: Unknown

Halflings are a unique race of people known by most throughout the realm. They can be found in virtually every corner of the world although they are much more abundant in some places than in others. They are incredibly unique in that they share physical characteristics as well as certain skill sets of both animal and human. They’ve also been known to be referred to as beast people or mutants although haflings is the most common term for them in the realm. They come in an extremely wide range of different animal types as well. Everything from cats and reptiles to insects and birds.

The halfling origins are shrouded in mystery. It is believed by some that the halfing race was created by a powerful sorcerer named Denzos over 5,000 years ago. Denzos was considered by some to be a demigod of sorts because of his elite skills as a magic user. The myth goes that is was always Denzos’ vision to create the ultimate race of beings that could combine the intelligence of humans while possessing the physical skills of a wide variety of animals. Still others believe that halfings existed long before humans and were the first race of people to roam the landscapes of Vanderia. What ever your belief, there’s no denying that they are very much real in this realm and can never be ignored.

unnamed retreat

Jasaad Sahli

(Keoki Trask)

Origin: Tujii, Naj

Jasaad is a veteran thief, smuggler, cutthroat, and skilled weapons dealer. He’s a survivor, who will align himself with which ever group he feels will benefit him the most in his travels. He has been known to run with fellow smuggler and weapons dealer, Sanje Khan, in the deserts of Naj on multiple occasions for the past several years.

Jasaad was once a passionate soldier for a notorious group of mercenaries called “The Brothers of the Sun”, led by the cunning leader, Haydar Faraj, deep in the Najian desert. After becoming disillusioned with Haydar, Jasaad branched out on his own. Keeping a low profile, making a living where he could throughout the brutal desert.

A chance encounter with Warlan at this retreat has led him into our current storyline. What comes next for Jasaad is anyone’s guess.

Sanje khan

(D’Monroe)

Origin: Naj (unknown location)

Sanje is a well traveled mercenary and smuggler. He is a man who knows how to play the game by any means necessary to get what he wants. He is known to be conniving and intelligent. Always a skilled conversationalist, Sanje has a wide range of connections around the realm who feed him information in exchange for gold, goods, or favors. He is also an extremely skilled fighter/martial artist, and can cripple someone with his hands with ease.

Sanje is introduced to Warlan at this remote retreat, and is slightly curious to find out more about Warlan, and his journey. What’s Sanje’s intentions? Rarely does anyone truly know for certain.

Gongol

(Bertrand Wang)

Origin: Fujin (outskirts), Kenji

Gongol is a Zunami monk from the country of Kenji. This small order of monks are well known for their calm demeanors, healing abilities, and unique bond and manipulation of rocks high up in the Kenjian Mountains. Gongol is an experienced traveler of the world, who often joins random traveling parties wherever he goes in an attempt to learn from those he travels with. A genuine lover of people, with a very positive outlook and a highly curious spirit, Gongol is always eager to assist anyone who may be in need.

Gongol crosses paths with Warlan at the retreat, and could play a key role in Warlan’s journey going forward.

Tamur

(Pete freeland)

Origin: Unknown

Tamur is a notorious tiger halfling often found lurking in the small desert retreats and remote settlements in the country of Naj. His origins are unknown, but he is known by many to be a dangerous and seedy character to encounter. Tamur commonly attempts to take whatever he wants, often using intimidating or violent tactics. He just happens to be roaming about this unnamed retreat, where he very briefly encounters Warlan, before swiftly moving on.

Retreat Merchants/nomads

(Various places)

These resilient people are commonly traveling merchants from all different places, who work together to set up these small retreats to assist travelers who may be in need while trekking through the open desert. They sell everything from food and weapons, to specialized items and clothing. They prefer to keep these types of small retreats unnamed and uncharted on local maps to avoid bandits and raiders who may be on the prowl. Once these people catch wind that their retreat may be in danger, they quickly pack up and move on. Often traveling for miles until they find a new remote spot near the shoreline to buy and sell to weary travelers. These people are the ones who help keep Naj going, and they are your best chance of surviving here, should you find yourself alone or in trouble.