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Nestled in the mountains on a well-trafficked road, Keggekhar is home to dozens of exceptional figures both heroic and villainous. Many of these people have been attracted by the city's growing importance, both as a trade center and as a source of the portal-stone mineral ore. A few were born locally, having been pulled into important matters by accident or having insinuating themselves among other persons of power. Whatever the reason, these adventurers and politicians are on paths that will lead them to great fortune or treacherous ruin and have serious repercussions throughout Reldoa.
Braquas Icebale is the head of Keggekhar's local branch of the College of Wizards. Well-known within the organization, he transferred to the mountains to study the gate mineral, as well as to defend it from malign interests. Originally from across the western sea, Braquas has traveled much during his life. He has many friends, but he keeps most at a distance. Rational and slow to anger, he has developed a reputation as a tedious scholar. As he has ascended the ranks of the College, however, Braquas has found himself spending more time as an administrator than he would like; he is, however, good in the role. Almost all in the city view him with high regard, and more than a few have considered him for a seat on the City Council. Meklas Duranholm leads Keggekhar's protectors, the Red Axeguard. Serious, blunt, and stern, he is nonetheless fair and very honorable. The stout dwarf is also among the ruling council of the Duranholm clan, which has dwelled within the city for at least two thousand years. Meklas insisted upon working his own way through the ranks of the Axeguard, refusing any special treatment based on his lineage. His axe is among the most respected in many nearby lands, and his mere presence in Keggekhar has helped avert more than one war. Notably, Meklas also has strong views regarding dwarven representation in local government, feeling that though it is at present insufficient, violence is not the key to resolving the issue. He is at the forefront of those working to quell the attacks by radical dwarven youth. Yolenta is a cleric of the Temple of Four Shields. She has become involved in local politics, not as one aspiring to power but rather a vocal citizen. An expert healer, the halfing speaks out often against aggression, and has several times butted heads with Meklas Duranholm when the dwarf has suggested counterattacks against foes. While not the High Priestess of Keggekhar's Temple of Four Shields, Yolenta nevertheless acts as its public face, having earned the position from her natural tendency to argue for peace. She is known to have adventured in her younger days and seen the ugly face of war personally, but has settled in the city in middle age. Ebrekis the Stonefoot wanders the moutain lands surrounding Keggekhar. He makes occasional stops in the city, informing notable figures he has contact with of significant movings throughout the mountains. It is rumored that he has traveled with dozens of heroes throughout his life; even in his later years he does not stop moving, ever vigilant of potential threat to his charge. Few know why he chose to watch Keggekhar so, and they do not give up his secret. Quiet and aware, Ebrekis leaves many he meets with the impression that he has gleaned more about them in a few moments of conversation than most would learn in ten years. A wise human, he also conveys an aura of sadness, perhaps of some great loss. Vascrent Treldea frequents the many bars and pubs of Keggekhar. Well-known in the city, he is a colorful character loved by many and derided by many more. An expert storyteller and experienced drinker, the half-elf is at the center of the crowd most nights. Vascrent disappears occasionally for months at a time, returning with new tales of far-off lands and shiny trinkets he claims to have won fairly in other towns or found in a secret dungeon. Few have any illusions that he is charitable or innocent; however, as he is not known to have committed any crime within Keggekhar, the Axeguard tolerate him. They keep a wary eye cast in his direction, though, lest he view the City in the Foothills an easy target for personal gain. Brolg Ironhand operates a small armorsmithing guild in the center of town. Not the brightest of dwarves, he is nonetheless an excellent smith, known within Keggekhar for producing well-fitted platemail. His technique is also unusual, as he performs much of the fine work by hand, without gloves; even some Dwarven smiths from nearby lands know the name Ironhand. Brolg's thickly-calloused hands have also earned him renown in the city's taverns, as he is known to shatter mugs in a single hand while cheerfully inebriated. He can sometimes seem gruff, but those close to him know that he is ultimately kind. Those who call themselves his students have some trouble learning his methods, but those who manage to have great potential for success. |
