The merchants, talent agents, race organizers, and other business figures who control the economic and entertainment landscape of the campaign world.
Sandra Talks - Elite Talent Agent#
First Appearance: Session 1 - “Dinner and Nightcap” Race: Human Profession: Talent Agent, Entertainment Industry Executive, High-Profile Event Coordinator Affiliations: Entertainment Industry networks, Major venue connections, Celebrity management
Physical Description: Sharply dressed businesswoman with impeccable sense for talent and market trends. Operates at highest levels of entertainment industry with connections across multiple cities and venues.
Business Background: Elite talent agent who scouts underground venues for exceptional performers, specializing in identifying artists with potential for mainstream breakthrough. Her involvement with acts typically represents transition from local to regional or national recognition.
Session Appearances:
- Session 1: First encounter scouting Helisanna at The Little Hovel underground metal venue
- Session 5: Negotiates and delivers major 10,000 gold contract for Forge Heart concert
- Multiple references: Maintains ongoing business relationship with Doomfall band management
Business Operations and Industry Connections:
- Talent Scouting: Frequents underground venues to discover exceptional performers before competition
- Contract Negotiation: Specializes in high-value performance deals with major venues
- Industry Networking: Maintains relationships with venue owners, promoters, and entertainment executives
- Market Analysis: Expert understanding of audience trends and performer marketability
- Event Coordination: Manages logistics for large-scale entertainment events
Relationships with Player Characters:
- Helisanna : Primary client with exclusive representation for major performance opportunities
- Silas : Conducts all business negotiations and contract management through him as band manager
- The Party (Collective): Views them as Helisanna ’s support team and security for high-profile events
- Bru : Appreciates his technical pyrotechnic contributions to performances
Major Contract Details: The 10,000 gold Forge Heart contract represented significant industry breakthrough:
- 1,000 gold advance: Provided upfront for preparation and equipment
- 6,000 gold on arrival: Performance guarantee paid before show
- 3,000 gold completion bonus: Final payment after successful performance
- Venue Prestige: Forge Heart represents major venue with significant industry recognition
- Career Impact: Contract established Doomfall as serious professional act
Industry Standards and Expectations:
- Professional Security: Expected party to provide venue security during high-profile events
- Performance Quality: Demands exceptional shows worthy of major venue reputation
- Reliability: Requires artists who can deliver consistently under pressure
- Market Appeal: Focuses on acts with broad audience appeal and growth potential
- Risk Management: Carefully evaluates performers for professional reliability
Services Provided:
- Venue Access: Connections to major entertainment facilities across multiple cities
- Contract Negotiation: Expert handling of performance agreements and payment terms
- Industry Promotion: Marketing and publicity for represented artists
- Career Development: Long-term planning for artist growth and market expansion
- Event Management: Coordination of large-scale performances and tours
Business Network and Connections:
- Venue Owners: Direct relationships with major entertainment facility management
- Promoters: Connections with event organizers and marketing specialists
- Other Agents: Professional relationships within talent representation industry
- Media Contacts: Access to publicity and review networks
- Financial Backers: Connections to investors interested in entertainment ventures
Current Status: Continues managing Helisanna ’s entertainment career with access to increasingly prestigious venues and performance opportunities, represents pathway to major entertainment industry success.
The Warden - Criminal Entertainment Mogul#
First Appearance: Session 5 - “A Pretty Good Concert” Race: Human Profession: Underground Race Organizer, Radio DJ, Criminal Contract Coordinator Affiliations: Underground Racing Circuit, Criminal contract networks, Entertainment broadcasting
Physical Description: Operates from mobile RV equipped with advanced radio broadcasting equipment and race coordination technology. Maintains professional appearance despite involvement in deadly entertainment and criminal activities.
Business Background: Multi-faceted criminal entrepreneur who combines legitimate entertainment (radio broadcasting) with extremely dangerous underground racing and extensive criminal contract coordination. Represents intersection of entertainment industry with organized crime.
Session Appearances:
- Session 5: First mentioned organizing underground race with high casualty rates
- Session 23: Coordinates mountain race with deadly creature encounters
- Session 24: Criminal organization exposed when party steals extensive contract documentation
Underground Racing Empire:
- Deadly Competitions: Organizes races with significant fatality rates among participants
- Equipment Supply: Provides vehicle modifications and racing gear to competitors
- Prize Distribution: Awards magical items and circuit membership to successful racers
- Venue Coordination: Manages access to dangerous racing locations including monster-infested areas
- Safety Negligence: Prioritizes excitement and gambling over participant survival
Radio Broadcasting Operations:
- Mobile Station: Operates professional radio show from RV-based equipment
- Music Programming: Plays eclectic mix including “Dixie Chicks,” Maroon 5, and Doomfall
- Commercial Broadcasts: Includes advertising and promotional content during shows
- Entertainment Value: Combines legitimate broadcasting with underground race promotion
- Communication Network: Uses radio equipment for criminal coordination and information sharing
Criminal Contract Coordination:
- Extensive Documentation: Maintained organized files of criminal contracts across multiple categories
- Alphabetical Organization: Professional filing system for tracking numerous criminal operations
- Racing Contracts: Thickest binder suggesting racing is primary but not exclusive business
- Killer Contracts: Assassination and violence-related agreements
- Network Connections: Links to larger criminal organizations and underground activities
Relationships with Player Characters:
- Elspeth : Provided access to underground racing circuit and vehicle upgrade services
- Silas and Bru : Successfully infiltrated his RV and stole criminal contract documentation
- The Party (Collective): Awarded Elspeth magical rewards for racing victory while being robbed simultaneously
Equipment and Resources:
- Mobile Command Center: RV serves as broadcasting station, race coordination center, and criminal headquarters
- Racing Equipment: Stocks vehicle modifications, magical enhancements, and performance upgrades
- Communication Technology: Advanced radio and coordination equipment for multi-faceted operations
- Magical Items: Maintains inventory of prizes for successful racers including signet rings and circuit membership
- Criminal Documentation: Extensive files revealing broader criminal network operations
The Mountain Race Organization:
- Deadly Format: Required drivers to personally retrieve “crest” from monster-infested summit
- High Mortality: Most participants expected to die from creature encounters
- Magical Enforcement: Supernatural entities punished rule violations
- Environmental Hazards: Utilized dangerous terrain and hostile creatures as obstacles
- Victory Rewards: Provided The Warden’s Signet (magical ring for vehicle operations) to successful racer
Business Security Failures:
- Poor Operational Security: Left sensitive criminal documents accessible in mobile headquarters
- Predictable Patterns: Maintained consistent operational schedule allowing infiltration planning
- Trust Issues: Failed to properly secure criminal evidence from theft
- Network Exposure: Document theft revealed broader criminal connections and operations
Criminal Network Implications: Stolen contracts revealed connections to:
- Assassination Networks: Professional killer coordination and contract management
- Racing Syndicates: Multi-location underground racing operations
- Equipment Smuggling: Vehicle modification and magical item distribution
- Information Trading: Intelligence gathering and sharing operations
- Territorial Control: Regional criminal influence and coordination
Current Status: Criminal contracts stolen by party, potentially disrupting larger criminal network operations. Continues organizing deadly underground races while dealing with security breach and network exposure.
Tien - Tiefling Trading Dynasty#
First Appearance: Session 8 - “Caravan Nights” Race: Tiefling Profession: Merchant Prince, Steven Guild Representative, Interdimensional Trader Affiliations: Steven Guild, Trading networks, Caravan operations, Avernus refugee community
Physical Description: Distinguished tiefling merchant whose entire extended family represents first canonical introduction of tieflings to the campaign world. Family’s appearance demonstrates their infernal heritage while maintaining civilized business demeanor.
Family Background and Refugee Origins: Tien’s family are refugees from Avernus who escaped through dimensional rift in the mountains, representing first tieflings to establish permanent residence in the region. Their successful integration demonstrates both business acumen and cultural adaptation.
Avernus Escape and Settlement:
- Dimensional Rift: Family escaped through mountain rift connecting to the Nine Hells
- Wealth Transfer: Brought significant resources and skills from infernal realm
- Cultural Integration: Successfully established business operations in mortal realm
- Community Foundation: Created first tiefling settlement and business network
- Social Acceptance: Earned respected position through merchant guild membership
Session Appearances:
- Session 8: First meeting during caravan travel, reveals family history and establishes business relationship
- Session 13: Negotiated 200 gold payment for caravan delay during party’s pilgrimage detour
- Multiple references: Maintains ongoing caravan contract and business relationship with party
Steven Guild Operations:
- Caravan Management: Coordinates large-scale trading expeditions across multiple regions
- Guard Contracts: Hires mercenaries and adventurers for caravan protection services
- Route Planning: Manages complex trading routes between cities and settlements
- Merchant Networks: Maintains relationships with traders, suppliers, and customers
- Guild Representation: Serves as official representative for Steven Guild interests
Business Relationships with Player Characters:
- The Party (Collective): Contracted them for 500 gold caravan guard duty
- Professional Service: 200 gold delay fee for party’s religious pilgrimage detour
- Ongoing Partnership: Continues employing party for protection and special services
- Cultural Bridge: Helps party understand tiefling community and infernal connections
Trading Specializations and Resources:
- Exotic Goods: Access to rare items from infernal realm and interdimensional sources
- Custom Orders: Ability to procure specific items through extensive trading networks
- Route Intelligence: Knowledge of safe passages, dangerous areas, and trading opportunities
- Cultural Expertise: Understanding of both infernal and mortal realm business practices
- Financial Resources: Significant wealth enabling large-scale trading operations
Caravan Operations and Security:
- Protection Services: Regularly hires guards for dangerous trading routes
- Risk Assessment: Evaluates threats including bandits, monsters, and political instability
- Emergency Protocols: Prepared for various crisis scenarios during trading expeditions
- Schedule Management: Balances trading deadlines with security requirements
- Client Relations: Maintains customer satisfaction while managing operational challenges
Interdimensional Trading Advantages:
- Unique Inventory: Access to goods unavailable through normal mortal trading networks
- Market Knowledge: Understanding of value differences between realms
- Cultural Connections: Relationships with both infernal and mortal business communities
- Risk Tolerance: Experience dealing with supernatural and dangerous trading conditions
- Adaptation Skills: Successfully integrated infernal business practices with mortal commerce
Services Provided:
- Caravan Transportation: Safe passage for goods and passengers across dangerous territories
- Rare Item Procurement: Access to exotic goods through interdimensional connections
- Trade Route Information: Intelligence about market conditions and opportunities
- Cultural Consultation: Expertise on tiefling community needs and infernal connections
- Employment Opportunities: Regular guard work and special contracts for qualified adventurers
Current Status: Operates successful trading empire while waiting in Milstrom during party’s pilgrimage (paid 200 gold delay fee), represents stable business relationship and ongoing employment opportunities.
Bo Dega - The Compromised Merchant#
First Appearance: Session 2 - “A Rock Show And A Briefcase” Race: Halfling Profession: Shop Owner, Unwilling Drug Smuggler, Community Merchant Affiliations: Local community, Criminal networks (coerced), Supply chains
Physical Description: Halfling shop owner who appeared to run legitimate neighborhood business while being coerced into illegal operations. Maintains friendly demeanor despite criminal complications.
Business Background: Operated neighborhood bodega providing essential goods and services to local community. His legitimate business was compromised by criminal organizations who used his delivery networks for drug smuggling operations.
Session Appearances:
- Session 2: First mentioned as source of information about local criminal activities
- Session 7: Evacuates with party during dragon attack, demonstrates community ties
- Session 8: Establishes new shop location in Milstrom after evacuation
- Session 13: Warned by Olivia about consequences of continued criminal involvement
Criminal Network Involvement:
- Drug Smuggling: Used produce deliveries as cover for transporting dangerous eye-drop drug “V”
- Coerced Participation: Likely forced into criminal activities rather than voluntary involvement
- Supply Chain Integration: Criminals utilized his legitimate delivery routes for contraband
- Information Source: Knowledge of criminal activities made him valuable intelligence source
- Community Cover: Legitimate business provided perfect front for illegal operations
Relationships with Player Characters:
- Olivia : Devastating revelation of criminal activity in someone she trusted as neighborhood merchant
- The Party (Collective): Assisted during dragon attack evacuation, provided information and supplies
- Community Impact: Represents betrayal of trust and corruption of local business networks
Legitimate Business Operations:
- Neighborhood Services: Provided essential goods including food, supplies, and daily necessities
- Community Hub: Served as local gathering place and information center
- Customer Relations: Maintained friendly relationships with regular customers
- Supply Networks: Legitimate delivery and procurement operations
- Local Economics: Important part of neighborhood commercial ecosystem
The Drug Operation Discovery:
- “V” Substance: Dangerous eye-drop drug with mind-altering properties
- Produce Cover: Used fruit and vegetable deliveries to hide drug transportation
- Network Exposure: Party’s investigation revealed broader criminal supply chain
- Evidence Destruction: Forced to dump criminal cargo during evacuation
- Criminal Consequences: Faces potential retaliation from drug network for lost contraband
Evacuation and Relocation:
- Dragon Attack Response: Joined party’s evacuation convoy during High Forge destruction
- New Business Location: Established shop in Milstrom with party’s assistance
- Fresh Start Opportunity: Relocation provides chance to escape criminal entanglements
- Community Integration: Successfully rebuilt business relationships in new location
Olivia ’s Moral Intervention:
- Trust Betrayal: Her discovery of his criminal involvement deeply affected her detective instincts
- Stern Warning: Made clear that continued criminal activity would not be tolerated
- Moral Guidance: Provided opportunity for legitimate business without criminal interference
- Community Protection: Ensured his new business operates without criminal connections
Current Business Status:
- Legitimate Operations: Maintains shop in Milstrom focused on lawful commerce
- Criminal Separation: Has distanced himself from drug smuggling networks
- Community Respect: Rebuilt reputation through honest business practices
- Ongoing Vigilance: Under informal monitoring to ensure continued legal compliance
- Economic Success: Demonstrates ability to succeed through legitimate means
Character Development and Red emption:
- Forced Criminality: Represents merchants coerced into illegal activities
- Second Chances: Shows possibility of legitimate business success after criminal entanglement
- Community Impact: His redemption demonstrates importance of supporting reformed individuals
- Trust Rebuilding: Working to restore community confidence through consistent legitimate operation
Current Status: Successfully operates legitimate business in Milstrom under Olivia ’s moral guidance, represents reformed merchant maintaining legal operations while avoiding criminal networks.
Marvin Jr. Jr. Jr. - Casino Operations Manager#
First Appearance: Interlude VII - “The Lotus Hotel Hangover” Race: Unknown (possibly human or humanoid) Profession: Casino Manager, Hospitality Coordinator, Failed Potion Experimenter Affiliations: Lotus Hotel and Casino, Family business legacy, Magical hospitality industry
Physical Description: Nerdy appearance as great-grandson of casino founder, maintains family business with less competence than predecessors. Friendly demeanor masks incompetence with magical experimentation.
Family Business Legacy: Inherited Lotus Hotel and Casino from successful family line, though he lacks the magical and business competence of previous generations. Represents decline of family business standards while maintaining hospitality traditions.
Session Appearances:
- Interlude VII: Primary host during party’s casino vacation, accidentally drugs them with failed experimental potion
Casino Operations and Management:
- Guest Services: Provides comprehensive hospitality including gambling, spa treatments, and entertainment
- Gold Card System: Issues spending cards loaded with credits for gaming and amenities
- Entertainment Coordination: Manages diverse attractions including magic shows, concerts, and recreational activities
- Portal Scheduling: Coordinates 24-hour portal access for guest arrivals and departures
- Accommodation Management: Oversees luxury suites and guest room services
The Accidental Drugging Incident:
- Experimental Potion: Created failed magical drink intended to help guests “fully recuperate”
- Family Incompetence: Admits potion-making failures run in family line
- Guest Compensation: Provided additional free night at casino as apology for accidental drugging
- Safety Concerns: Demonstrates need for better quality control in magical hospitality services
- Professional Liability: Incident highlights dangers of inexperienced magical experimentation
Hospitality Services Provided:
- Gambling Facilities: Full casino with various games and betting opportunities
- Spa Services: Complete relaxation treatments including massages, mud baths, and hot tubs
- Shopping Access: High-end retail including Paraseldora fashion boutique
- Entertainment Venues: Roller rink, bowling alley, bars with open mic nights
- Dining Services: Restaurant facilities and room service options
Business Relationships:
- The Party (Collective): Guests who received VIP treatment despite accidental poisoning incident
- Staff Management: Oversees diverse workforce including Naomi (spa worker) and entertainment personnel
- Entertainment Contractors: Coordinates with performers like FooFoo Cuddly Poop and Mad Goon concerts
- Vendor Relations: Manages relationships with suppliers and service providers
Magical Hospitality Industry:
- Portal Networks: Utilizes interdimensional travel for guest access
- Magical Entertainment: Coordinates supernatural performers and attractions
- Enhanced Services: Provides experiences impossible in mundane hospitality settings
- Risk Management: Handles dangers associated with magical amenities and supernatural guests
- Quality Control: Struggles with maintaining safety standards for magical services
Compensation and Customer Service:
- Service Recovery: Quick to offer compensation for service failures
- Guest Satisfaction: Prioritizes customer experience despite operational incompetence
- Liability Management: Handles consequences of magical accidents and mishaps
- Reputation Protection: Works to maintain family business reputation despite personal shortcomings
Current Status: Continues operating Lotus Hotel and Casino with mixed success, represents declining family business standards while maintaining basic hospitality services and portal access for interdimensional travelers.
Trevor - Mobile Parts Merchant#
First Appearance: Session 8 - “Caravan Nights” Race: Human Profession: Mechanic, Parts Supplier, Mobile Merchant Affiliations: Racing community, Vehicle modification networks, Traveling merchants
Physical Description: Professional mechanic who travels with caravan providing vehicle maintenance and parts supply services to racing community and transportation networks.
Session Appearances:
- Session 8: Provides Elspeth with 20 spare car parts and negotiates sponsorship deal
Business Operations:
- Mobile Service: Travels with caravans providing on-site vehicle maintenance and repair
- Parts Supply: Maintains inventory of vehicle components for racing and transportation needs
- Brand Promotion: Negotiates sponsorship deals for marketing and customer development
- Technical Support: Provides expertise for vehicle modifications and performance enhancement
Sponsorship Agreement with Party:
- Discounted Parts: Provides ongoing discounts on vehicle components and modifications
- Brand Promotion: Party agrees to promote Trevor’s brand through racing activities
- Marketing Partnership: Mutual benefit arrangement combining discount pricing with advertising
- Racing Support: Ongoing technical support for Elspeth ’s racing career
Services Provided:
- Emergency Repairs: On-road vehicle maintenance during caravan travel
- Performance Upgrades: Modifications for racing and high-performance applications
- Parts Inventory: Wide selection of components for various vehicle types
- Technical Consultation: Expert advice on vehicle modifications and maintenance
- Brand Development: Marketing support through sponsorship partnerships
Current Status: Continues mobile merchant operations with ongoing sponsorship relationship with party, provides discounted parts and technical support in exchange for brand promotion through racing activities.
Mike Bison - Wrestling Entertainment Mogul#
First Appearance: Interlude VII - “The Lotus Hotel Hangover” Race: Unknown (humanoid with distinctive dragon tattoo) Profession: Professional Wrestler, Entertainment Performer, Owlbear Manager Affiliations: Wrestling entertainment industry, FooFoo Cuddly Poop (owlbear), Casino entertainment
Physical Description: Legendary wrestler with moving dragon tattoo, demonstrates professional entertainment industry presence with personal brand and signature style.
Session Appearances:
- Interlude VII: Arrives with Warforged bodyguards demanding return of FooFoo for magic show
Entertainment Business Operations:
- Professional Wrestling: Maintains career as legendary performer with distinctive visual branding
- Magic Show Coordination: Manages owlbear performances for casino entertainment
- Personal Security: Employs Warforged bodyguards (Click and Clack) for protection and assistance
- Talent Management: Responsible for FooFoo’s performance schedule and care
- Brand Development: Distinctive moving dragon tattoo creates memorable personal brand
FooFoo Management Crisis:
- Stolen Performer: Owlbear essential for magic show disappeared into party’s hotel room
- Time Pressure: Wrestling match schedule created urgency for FooFoo’s return
- Professional Stakes: Magic show cancellation would damage business reputation
- Security Response: Deployed bodyguards to recover missing performer
- Successful Resolution: FooFoo returned safely for scheduled performance
Business Relationships:
- Casino Management: Provides entertainment services for Lotus Hotel venue
- Wrestling Circuit: Maintains position in professional wrestling entertainment
- Security Contractors: Employs Warforged as professional bodyguards and assistants
- Animal Performers: Manages relationship with magical creature for entertainment shows
Professional Standards:
- Schedule Reliability: Maintains strict performance schedules despite complications
- Talent Protection: Takes responsibility for performer safety and well-being
- Business Reputation: Prioritizes professional image and customer satisfaction
- Crisis Management: Effectively handles missing performer emergency
Current Status: Continues dual career in wrestling and magic show entertainment while managing FooFoo’s performance schedule and maintaining professional entertainment industry presence.
Casino and Entertainment Support Staff#
Naomi - Spa Services Manager#
First Appearance: Interlude VII - “The Lotus Hotel Hangover” Race: Half-Orc Profession: Spa Worker, Single Mother, Hospitality Specialist Affiliations: Lotus Hotel Casino, Single parent community
Professional Role: Manages spa operations including maintenance, cleaning, and customer service. Demonstrates strong work ethic while balancing single parenthood responsibilities.
Personal Achievement: Successfully maintains long-distance relationship with Silas despite demanding work schedule and childcare responsibilities.
Click and Clack - Professional Security#
First Appearance: Interlude VII - “The Lotus Hotel Hangover” Race: Warforged Profession: Security Specialists, Entertainment Industry Bodyguards Affiliations: Mike Bison, Wrestling entertainment security
Professional Services:
- VIP Protection: Provide personal security for high-profile entertainment figures
- Crisis Response: Handle emergencies and missing property situations
- Investigation Services: Conduct surveillance and evidence gathering
- Crowd Control: Manage audience and venue security during performances
Notable Achievement: Successfully tracked FooFoo’s theft to party’s hotel room using security footage and investigation techniques.
Merchant Networks and Trading Operations#
Steven Guild Trading Network#
Leadership: Tien (Primary Representative) Services: Large-scale caravan operations, guard contracts, interdimensional trading Specialization: High-value cargo protection and exotic goods transportation
Operations:
- Route Management: Coordinates trading expeditions across dangerous territories
- Security Contracting: Employs adventurers and mercenaries for caravan protection
- Market Analysis: Evaluates trading opportunities and risk assessment
- Customer Relations: Maintains relationships with merchants, suppliers, and clients
Underground Racing Economy#
Primary Organizer: The Warden Support Network: Trevor (parts), Trevor’s competitors, racing venue managers Services: Vehicle modifications, racing equipment, performance enhancement
Economic Impact:
- Equipment Supply: Significant market for vehicle modifications and racing gear
- Prize Economy: Magical items and currency rewards for successful racers
- Gambling Networks: Betting operations around racing events
- Sponsorship Opportunities: Brand promotion through racing partnerships
Entertainment Industry Networks#
Talent Representation: Sandra Talks (music), Mike Bison (wrestling/magic shows) Venue Management: Marvin Jr. Jr. Jr. (casino), various bar and club owners Services: Talent booking, event coordination, audience development
Industry Standards:
- Professional Contracts: High-value performance agreements
- Marketing Coordination: Brand development and audience building
- Quality Control: Maintaining entertainment standards and customer satisfaction
- Risk Management: Handling industry-specific challenges and liability issues
The business and entertainment landscape demonstrates sophisticated economic networks combining legitimate commerce with underground activities, magical services, and interdimensional trading opportunities.