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 originally compiled by the hakima Bakar i Erigo, shortly before the Summer Solstice 381YE.
Celesti
Location: The mountains of the Gilded Peak
Tribe: Predominantly Guerra
The Celesti are an old order who follow the teachings of Ignatio y Guerra. They seek to preserve the knowledge and traditions of the Three Sisters and to master both body and mind. Hakima and kohan reside side by side in their observatory near the Gilded Peak, sharing responsibilities and teaching. They believe wealth should be used to better the Coast as a whole, whilst at the same time rewarding hard work. They have holdings in Kahraman and maintain a large fleet in Feroz. Their numbers were severely depleted when a large number died with Britta but have been working hard and have a number of achievements since that time: being instrumental in the election of one of the longest-serving senators, leading the first truly National ritual in recent memory, forming the hakima coven, and in Winter 380YE funding the Celesti Lighthouse in Oran.
Ignorance is the bane to civilisation. Knowledge is the beacon that guides us. We stand between these two forces. But we must not be content to simply huddle ourselves about that beacon. We must stoke its fires brighter and brighter still. It is we who shall bring its light to the peoples of this land
Ignatio y GuerraFires at Midnight
Location: Segura
Tribe: Erigo
The Fires at Midnight are a militant order of hakima believed to have been founded roughly a generation after the exodus of the sisters, in a response to banditry and other threats to the tribes’ new home. Throughout its long history in Segura, the coven has been primarily made up of battlemages who were well versed in Winter magic. The Fires accepted that the great power of the chill realm comes at a steep cost, which they have been prepared to pay for the Coast’s protection. The coven was massacred in battle alongside Empress Britta when the coven's leader, Anne i Erigo, sought to gain the Empress' attention in the interests of bringing Imperial armies to Segura. They were reduced to a handful of apprentices that had stayed behind, each of whom had differing views on how to best serve the Coast. They went their separate ways but were no less dedicated to the defence of the coast, its magical lore, and its stability. Now as 381YE is drawing to its end there are whispers that the Fires at Midnight may rekindle their bonds and come together once more.
Everything has a price.
A slightly altered Freeborn proverb, used by Anne i Erigo with regards to the Winter realmFlames of the Coast
Location: Scattered across the Brass Coast
Tribe: Mixed
Flames of the Coast were founded at Anvil for all kohan and hakima who wish to join it.
It was made to be a common banner to enable those Freeborn without family banners to take full advantage of group enchantments, and to offer support for the causes of its members. The main focus is on preserving the old ways and traditions of the hakima and kohan. Many, both within the Coast and among other nations, have seen those ways decline since the death of Britta when many who followed them perished. This banner is a symbol of that those ways aren’t lost and to show strength in whom they are.
The banner has little presence outside of Anvil. At the end of each seasonal summit, the kohan and hakima of the banner often go back to their own homes and lives. In 381YE the banner started talks about building a garrison and small fort in Kahraman as a common meeting place outside of Anvil where all kohan and hakima will be welcome.
Freeborn Flame Cartel
Location: Midport
Tribe: Predominantly Guerra
The Freeborn Flame Cartel is a group of families based out of Midport who spend their time relaxing, pursuing success, and promoting the victories and glory of the Brass Coast nation, as well as dedicating itself to the continuing strength of the Freeborn. Two of the predominant families in the group are the Mestiere i Guerra family, whose dhomiro is the long-serving general Estana i Mestiere i Guerra, and the Carno i Guerra family.
In battle, they fight as corsairs under the banner of the Flame of Anduz. Outside of battles, they operate a Spring coven, Sails of the First Flame, which specialises in enhancing the potency of their fleets.
They are also home to a number of active businesses, including the Salty Butcher Bar and Grill, V’s Casino, Amarie’s many flavours of mead, Darla's Diamonds, and Ciana’s Scrivening Service.
Handful of Dust
Location: Segura
Tribe: Erigo
This group is no longer active. An ancient line of hakima from Segura who were versed in the lore of Night, the Handful of Dust had long preserved Freeborn traditions. Many of their number fell with Britta, but the remnants were among the few hakima to make the journey to Anvil in the confusion that followed. They were resolute in defending the traditions of the Brass Coast and represented a significant proportion of the hakima at Anvil, up until their recent deaths. There are as many rumours about the circumstances of their deaths as there are grains of Dust in the wind, but any of the Freeborn present at their execution will tell you the honest truth of it... For a price, of course.
House Kalamar
Location: Siroc
Tribe: Guerra
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 Paloma
Location: Echasia, an island in Free Landing
Tribe: Guerra
Based out of the island of Echasia in Free Landing, Madruga, the Paloma i Guerra family are known for their successful shipwriting business. Once just specialising in repairs and the trade of supplies, the venture grew to be a full-fledged shipwrighting company, helped in part by the contributions of Emperor Barabbas. The business has since outgrown the docks of the family’s island home and work is carried out at the Atalaya Shipyards with an increasing frequency. The most notable work in recent years is the construction of an array of ships for the Brass Coast navy, the Freeborn Storm.
The family also operates an Autumn coven, House Paloma, which sees the boost of seafaring trade as its main focus.
The Paloma i Guerra family has links with the Krakenfire Armada and the Sol-Devorador i Erigo family through contract, membership, and a friendship that has lasted for many years.
House Souza
Location: Isle de Souza, near Shantarim
Tribe: Guerra
The Souza maintain a long history of maritime warfare and gain most of their resources via constant raids upon their most hated enemy, the barbarian Grendel. The House Souza saying; “No-one can bargain with the Sea” reflects the family's position on the noble corsair lifestyle versus one of trade.
The magical tradition of the Island is very narrow. The family hosts a small Spring coven nearly entirely dedicated to enchanting their fleets to better hunt their prey.
Every hero that makes it to Anvil from House Souza is a captain of at least one vessel. Though they are not all seaborne swashbucklers, every last one writes a mighty reputation upon the seas with their deeds.
House Taziel
Location: Oran
Tribe: Riqueza and Guerra
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
Tribe: Riqueza
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.
Scales of the Salt-Water
Location: Quzar
Tribe: Guerra
Nestled amongst the white spires of Quzar lies the dock-side temple of the Scales of the Salt-Water. A place of learning and magic, but without a hint of bookishness. The front of the house operates much like a paradour, with merchants and captains discussing business over fine foods. The rear of the house is reserved for the coven members. Specialising in Autumn rituals of Ephisis and Estavus, the many bejewelled chests and boxes are frequently changing contents.
For those who leave the temple to visit Anvil, both trade and warfare are a pressing concern. Healers both magical and medicinal join the field, protected by the temple's fearsome guardians.
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.