Lore
A City of Shadows
Ashwick
Created by Seraphina Pembrook
Ashwick as a location has no real world counterpart being a mix of 20th century London, Chicago, and New York. It is a city of gilded promises, flashy facades, and lavish crime. Those that call this place their home turn a blind eye to the unsavory dealings of their beloved metropolis in hopes of becoming a fixture on the West Side. Its docks are stacked with imports from far off lands and exotic trinkets. All of which are displayed proudly among the blinding streets paving them in gold from the signage of regal clubs, opulent eateries, and bustling businesses. People move to and fro carefree ghosting past missing posters in search of the next thrilling experience.
The mafiosos that rule these streets spirit themselves among its populace acting as benevolent clandestine rulers. No one dare question the strange disappearances and the ravings of seemingly sane mad men silenced by their hand. Everything here is swept under the rug in favor of a counterfeit prestige.
The Uninhibited Artiste
Anyssa Aimes
Nyssa, a performing gem under the blinding lights and glitzy streets of Ashwick’s upper East side, is a close friend to Theo and Eve. Her talents are sought far and wide among some of the most prestigious clientele. There is only one stage that her presence has yet to grace, Noctis. Outwardly she may seem as a privileged entertainer, dotted on hand and foot by admirers and fans of her angelic voice, however, when her enjoyment of the party ends the femme fatale takes the stage in her stead. A woman who is no nonsense coming from the cut throat world of flashy contracts.
The Frontman
Theodore Linwood
The face and front of Linwood & Co Detective Agency, this mild mannered and soft spoken young man has been Eve’s best friend since they were children. In an effort to help in her goal to become a sought after PI he runs the Agency in a society that does not value a feminine input and expertise. While he does the job out of reverence his anxiety bubbles below the surface as does some of his other secrets constantly shackled to unhealthy smoke laden coping habits. Despite this he plays his role well, able to act his way through fragile social situations.
The Tenacious Investigator
Evelyn Rodgers
The natural beauty of Ashwick City, Eve has lived her entire life in the pursuit of the truth. She is determined to uncover the tragedy of her past from a horrific night 15 years ago. Residing in a city overrun with mysterious occurrences and disappearances this socially coy yet tenacious young detective will do anything to measure up to the dangerous and seedy heads of the netherworld. Despite this Eve remains a stalwart soul. With a head swimming in a sea of loose threads and treasured islands of information she pushes her own path forward to becoming a respected private investigator and detective.
A team of Sleuths
Linwood & Co
The taste of the sea lingers on the tongue mixed with the patina of flickering gas lights. Situated on the outskirts of one of the lower districts of the West side, Linwood & Co. fights to make a reputation as a reputable detective agency. Among these forgotten streets clientele sneak within the shadows for its aid. Those that can get help nowhere else, this is their last resort much to the owners dismay. Petty theft, salacious spouses, and missing items are the most common cases that slip across the desk of the agency's investigator.
The Family Business
Club Noctis
Among the dazzling paved city streets of West Ashwick City resides the entertainment venues of its wealthy denizens. One of the most prestigious of these establishments is a club fashioned from an abandoned industrial warehouse from the early 19th century repurposed into one of the premiere nightly destinations. As its name implies this nightlife club is one of the most exclusive in the city. While its doors are open to all and its clientele ranges there is no mistake that those with finer tastes frequent its halls.
Seemingly immune to the recent laws operating as a bar those that have been inside dreamily weave tales of black marble columns, golden fixtures, and luxurious emerald ambience. It’s performers entrancing all that come for a nightly reprieve. On the surface that is. Below the seductiveness of its lair a shadowy group does its dealings. What those might be… no soul dare investigate. Except… one.
The Enigmatic Owner
Carthus Keswick
The stern, prideful, and clandestine owner and proprietor of Noctis. Usually seen in his private booth overlording over this lavish den of entertainment. While not one to get his hands dirty in the affairs of his business dealings that does not not exclude his proclivity to clean up loose ends. Known to be rather direct and somewhat charming do not be fooled by his silver tongue. Like a viper hiding in the darkness he too can lay in wait at a moment's notice ready to strike the finishing blow.
The Spirited Barkeep
Costello Keswick
Flashy, inviting, and the king of his personal mirror backed spotlight, the evening crowd is no stranger to the golden haired bartender. He is outgoing, flirty, and shares his passion for his work by listening to his admirers closely. In a dance of tantalizing flavors and amorous presence the catered booze of Noctis is an exploration of the human soul in the form of a splash of luxurious flavor and a colorful array of garnishes.
While outwardly as charismatic as they come his chipped mask reveals the turmoil within. It is difficult to determine who he really is. Is he the showman? The romantic seducer? Or the detached observer?
The Beastly Bruiser
Valentine Keswick
Sporting a signature golden plated feline fang and a series of battle scars, Val’s position at Noctis leads him to being the muscle of the group. While he keeps others at arms length due to suffering from betrayal he engages with the patrons frequently. That is despite his frisky behavior there is more to this wildcat than first meets the eye. He has a thrill for the fight and a good spar gets his blood boiling in the heat of the moment. While an intimidating character having a true connection with this beastly bruiser makes him softer then one would assume.
Precarious Politics
The Warner Transoceanic Syndicate
The leading shipping and export company in the world, Warner was founded by Quinton Warner nearly a decade prior. It climbed its way seemingly overnight to an esteemed position transforming the city into a bustling port. While its operations range from mundane cargo to captured antiquity its reputation permeates the gossip among this city’s social elite. Everyone who is someone knows the company and actively seeks to be within its inner circle be it through business acquisition, venture, or politics.
The Candidate
Quinn Warner
Philanthropist, charitable donor, and altruistic community aid, Warner uses his exorbitant influence to better the lives of all the city's residents. At least that is what the paid off tabloids and paper boys will toss into the streets. Quinton Warner runs one of the leading import and export companies globally which amasses him everything from wealth to power and to influence.
While no one has dug up dirt on this seemingly pristine new mayoral candidate there is something off about his charismatic gentle touch when it comes to the cut throat business world. He is unconventional in his approaches and with little effort he is able to obtain every venture he sets his sights on. The ladies gossip on his bachelor status, every lady wants to be the favored of Quinn H. Warner.
The Right Hand
Alba Terrafore
Seen at the behest of the Warner company, Alba acts as Quinn’s assistant and manager. Though the company operates under a board of directors her place is special and rather unusual for a woman to hold. Those that come in contact with her find her cold and aloof with a singular focus on the task at hand. She is well aware of her fellow male colleagues tending to reciprocate an air of pragmatism.
Her social circles are small, however, she takes lunch and tea times at Nyssa’s occasionally. More than acquaintances the extroverted performer balances out her stoicism. Business and pleasure do not mix for this dedicated business woman.
The Shady Informant
Caleb Schmitt
A master of his trade, Caleb Schmitt, has his talents in the world of information. That is when he is not making a name for himself as a thief. Some turn to a life of crime while others are born into it. No one knows which one Schmitty is considering he changes the origin story when interrogated. Some say he was a wealthy business man that lost everything and was desperate for work. Others say that his mother was of ill repute and his father a deadbeat. Whatever the case it does not seem to get him down as he happily improves his craft with each job.
While the netherworld tends to look down on him it is undeniable that he is a thieving virtuoso that is rarely ever caught. He has a reputation among his clients and law enforcement that he will work any job if it suits him. Most thieves need the cash but Schmitty works for the love of the craft.
