Risenholm, Within and Without

The Reeves

The Reeves are Risenholm’s defenders and police force. Tarnished by the betrayal of their once founder and captain, they now fight to maintain their importance in Risenholm, despite having their influence torn away from them from all sides. Originally there was only one Reeve, Thommald Vollan, who was given his role by the Elder after he was the first person to venture into a scar and return safely. This was intended as a simple administrative and defensive role to ensure that the various materials coming into town did so safely, and ensure people were getting their fair share. As the population increased, Thommald recruited others to take up the Reeve role with him, mostly from the logging community who he had the closest ties with. As logging slowed, and the Millers took over custodianship of the harvest, the Reeves have since shifted into being almost exclusively protectors and law keepers.

Since Thommald’s exile, his son was appointed Captain by his mother, Elder Agnes Vollan. Once named after his father, he has rejected his birth name and currently is only referred to as ‘Captain Vollan’ (though many derisively still refer to him as ‘Junior’). While many (perhaps save Grillsson and his crew) are reluctant to openly speak about the sins of the father and the burden the son must carry, there is still a palpable sense of unease among the residents when the topic of the Captain’s bloodline comes up in conversation. He has since taken a less active role in the community, choosing instead to focus on his considerable abilities as an unmatched warrior and apply them towards frequent rangings into the wilderness. Some have speculated that he searches for his exiled Father, though it is debated whether he seeks to enact his own justice or to join his cause against Risenholm.

Presently, the Reeves’ day to day operations are coordinated by the Captain’s second in command, Quartermaster Olivia Hawke . A woman in her middle years, she is known for her icy demeanor and no nonsense approach to command, in direct contrast with the Captain’s relaxed and rankless style of leadership. With her superior frequently absent from town, Olivia has taken to instilling a more disciplined flock of Reeves, so that their dedication and loyalty will be beyond question. She has been outspoken in her drive to expand Risenholm’ influence to the surrounding area, and believes firmly in an ‘aggressive defensive doctrine’.

Reeves characters can expect to serve as the forefront of Risenholm’s martial defenders, law keepers and to be involved with pacifying areas ready for further expansion. While most Risen are expected to resolve matters among themselves, the Reeves serve as the authority that is needed when a matter needs an impartial party, whether diplomacy or force is required. Reeves begin and usually end their careers in the muster as a Sprout, a sometimes derogatory title used internally. The few who prove their mettle to Olivia or veteran Reeves may earn a unique nickname - this typically signifies the end of a Reeve’s time as a Sprout.

The Millers

The Millers are a guild of inventors, craftsmen, and magi who work at the behest of the founding and still current Architect Isabella Fordren and her husband. They own and operate the Fordren Mill, a marvel that has quickly evolved from a simple mill into an incredible foundry of technological and magical wonders that has emerged from years and years of research. In recent years they have begun focusing on research in the Scars and have begun recruiting all sorts to tend to their field work.

Even if their focus has changed, some craftsmen traditions have remained in the everyday life of the Millers. The veteran members of the Guild are fiercely protective of their secrets and newly joined "apprentices" are usually sent on mindless efforts of labor or unexplained research to amass ridiculous amounts of data to earn their keep. This has led some of their critics, especially those who have since left the organization since the re-prioritization to Scar research, to argue that the organization has become incredibly wasteful and absent of practical purpose in these trying times.

Miller characters can expect to be field agents for the organization, performing bizarre experiments with purposes that aren't fully explained or gathering esoteric knowledge and resources for the Mill itself. Those who manage to rise in the ranks will be granted mentoring, resources and agents to pursue their own projects.

The Dredgers

The Dredgers are a hardy band of fishermen, spelunkers, trawlers and other miscellany who inhabit the caves beneath Risenholm. While the group had no official leadership for a number of years, they eventually settled on Markus Grillsson, a polarizing figure who is as loved by some as he is hated by others. The ‘Big Fish’, as he is often called, is the most outspoken against Agnes Vollan for her role in her husband’s actions, and has been championing a change in leadership since his exile.

The organisation has attracted an informal band of unlikely allies who divide their time between Grillson’s cause, and the practical tasks of feeding the town. Never one to miss an opportunity however, the Big Fish has used the recent food shortages to lever more power for himself and his loyal thugs. When previously they were seen as little more than an unruly but necessary part of Risenholm’s community, they are increasingly growing into a power bloc capable of contending with the big two factions on the town’s surface.

Dredger characters can expect to be people in the Big Fish’s trust, performing underhanded deeds to further what they hope to be a noble cause. Those who prove themselves may rise in the Big Fish’s esteem, but the real prize to a Dredger is the chance to truly change Risenholm for the better.