The Brass Coast groups

Overview

There are many Freeborn families and other groups in the Brass Coast, but only a comparative handful are involved in the affairs of the Empire (that is, attend the seasonal summits at Anvil). The influence of a family can wax and wane, and involvement in Imperial affairs is not always a reflection of their influence within the nation itself.

This list was compiled by the hakima Bakar i Erigo, shortly before the Summer Solstice 381YE.

House Kalamar

Location: Siroc

House Kalamar was founded by two orphans, looking to make a name for themselves with displays of skill and a thirst for profit. They are always seeking new information or opportunities to show themselves off or make a prosperous deal, with magic, art, dancing, good coffee or trade.

House Kalamar is the home of the Thrifty Squid, Anvil’s only daily price newsletter. Freshly scrivened every morning the Squid summarises prices gathered by the Houses' traders, reflecting the transactions they have witnessed. Its accompanying journal, the Inky Depths, covers matter political, economic and magical as well as containing a summary of historical prices.

House Kalamar is the home of Constanza y Kalamar y Guerra, Mistress of the Glass Parador, first artist for the new Renaissance and judge of the Pride of Holberg. A priest of Pride, Constanza is a famous force within and without her nation, and is keen to see her House prosper.

The House is a powerful Autumn coven which specialises in the Lure of Distant Shores to empower personal fleets for trade. Nearly every member can perform the Winged Messenger and all their rituals are accompanied by music, dancing, or songs specially written for that ritual.

Would you like to buy a copy of the Thrifty Squid?

Any member of the Kalamar family.

House Taziel

Location: Oran

House Taziel is a family of corsairs from Oran in Feroz with a sizeable fleet, looking for fun, profit, and military standing in the Empire. They recently joined with the family Ruiloba when the two dhomiro married. They are famous for hosting lavish parties, singing, music and dancing, as well as writing and performing plays. They also field a number of ferocious fighters to fight for their nation, under the banner of the Promiscuous Dodos. Recent famous family members include Admiral Edgardo i Ruiloba i Guerra of the Freeborn Storm, the first Admiral in many years, and Ana i Taziel i Riqueza, sutannir and hostess.

New Promise Cartel

Location: Oran and Joharra

The New Promise Cartel was founded in 342YE by two families with a long running trading relationship, the Zaydans and the Sharthas. The Zaydan i Riqueza family is a corsair family who operate out of Oran, transporting goods across the Bay of Catazar. The Shartha i Riqueza family is based in Joharra, and trade goods within the Empire and to its foreign neighbours. The Cartel has now grown with other members joining from outside the two core families, though they still make up the majority of Cartel members.

The Cartel is still based predominantly out of Oran, but they operate throughout Feroz trading by both land and sea. They maintain a strong corsair fleet which has won the Broken Shore Bounty a number of times in recent years. In Anvil they operate the New Promise Teahouse.

The Cartel’s organisation means its members are independent to follow their own Prosperity wherever it should (legally) take them, but with the support of the Cartel who are eager to invest in new ventures.

The Ambition of the Cartel remains to grow its name and reputation, build on the Prosperity of Oran, Feroz, and the Empire.  

Prominent Families and Groups in Play

This list is by no means exhaustive; efforts are made to keep it up to date but due to the sheer amount of work involved the onus lies with the Brass Coast players to ensure the information is correct and current.

The majority of families and groups listed here represent player-character groups. It should go without saying that you should not create a character who is part of one of these groups, or has personal history with one of these groups, without first clearing it with the appropriate players. You should also check before including other players' groups in your background. The background team are unlikely to approve a background that significantly impacts or involves another player character group without their permission.

Included above are a handful of prominent NPC families and groups - you may be able to create a character associated with one of these groups but the situation will depend very much on your background and the group in question. It is unlikely that a player character will receive additional benefits for belonging to an NPC group, and may find their game limited - the leaders of these group are likely to remain NPCs for example, and are unlikely to give player characters much attention.