Grandparents:
Zafira Briarhelm (F, 220 years old) A sharp-witted and diplomatic gnome, Zafira was the one who elevated the Briarhelm family to nobility through clever trade agreements and political alliances. She became known for her negotiation skills and maintained strong relationships with influential guilds. Now retired, Zafira still offers advice to her descendants but is deeply affected by the family tragedy. She harbors guilt for not protecting her granddaughter and often retreats into her library to distract herself from the pain.
Thalin Briarhelm (M, 230 years old) A former adventurer, Thalin left behind a life of danger when Zafira convinced him to help build their family’s fortune. Known for his physical strength and strategic mind, Thalin established several lucrative businesses in Stormhaven. Although aging, Thalin remains a figure of strength and wisdom in the family, quietly overseeing the Briarhelm estates. He’s haunted by the fire that nearly claimed his granddaughter and often seeks ways to make the family more secure.
Parents:
Ylris Briarhelm (M, 140 years old) The current head of the Briarhelm family, Ylris is a savvy business magnate who has taken over much of the family’s wealth management and trade operations. He is a practical man, known for being stoic and deeply protective of his family. Ylris is still reeling from the fire that scarred his daughter, often pouring himself into work to cope with the pain. He quietly investigates the origins of the fire, determined to uncover the truth.
Fira Briarhelm (F, 135 years old) A skilled healer and herbalist, Fira has dedicated much of her life to caring for her daughter after the tragic fire. Her once lively and outgoing personality has dulled over time, as the trauma weighs heavily on her. She spends her days working with rare plants and alchemical remedies in hopes of easing her daughter’s suffering. Though tender with her family, Fira has grown cold and suspicious of outsiders, believing the fire was an intentional attack
Xarxes Briarhelm – Head of the family and leader of the Nightshade Assassins’ Guild, Xarxes is a strategic and cold figure who is often involved in both legal and illicit operations. He maintains strong ties with various factions within Stormhaven and has a reputation for his ruthlessness. His leadership has expanded the family’s influence, both in the city and beyond.
Vylena Briarhelm – Xarxes’ partner, a highly skilled enchanter with a specialty in illusion magic. Vylena is an integral part of the family’s efforts to maintain their secretive nature. She crafts wards, traps, and enchanted objects that help protect the Briarhelm estate from prying eyes.
Xyria Briarhelm – The daughter of Xarxes and Vylena, Xyria is the next heir to the family’s operations. Severely injured in the fire that consumed the family’s vacation home, she bears physical scars and walks with a limp. Despite this, she’s a cunning and fierce young woman determined to prove herself worthy of the Briarhelm legacy. While she hasn’t fully embraced the darker side of the family business, she’s training to eventually take over from her father and become a skilled manipulator in both politics and trade.