Gno Gnub Gregnoble (Zunder, various)
Business was very good for the gnomish entrepreneur as Iott's reign began. The pirates were weak and Iott only brought increased order and structure. Gno became wealthly and more important. Port Talp grew in its influence as well. Arsenal's ascension to the Counsil had increased the quality of his fleet. By 795, he was on top of the world.
In 796, he was approached by Gneon, the Revolutionary and the truth of Iott was revealed to him. Gno was torn. Business was so good and what Iott was doing seemed reasonable and fair. No pirates, no seas wars. Only those that stubbornly refused had problems. But Gneon was persuasive, and Gno feared slippery slope of control that might come. Things that seemed to good to be true always were.
So Gno agree to help, passively. Covertly moving pieces around the world on his ships to help Gneon. He never asked what exactly the plan was, not knowing offered a form of safety. Gno always made sure nothing vile or traditionally illegal was being moved, but other that that he turned a blind eye. Without the help of his fleet, it is unlikely the plans of the Day Magic Broke would have succeeded. Twenty ports at least owe their ability to disrupt the Iottians that day to Gno's ships.
After that day, Gno was surprised that life continued as if had for him, except even more profitably. Magic travel was heavily curtailed. Riches that he would not have dreamed came his way. His fleet doubled in size over the next five years. His company reached a height few others had. He had even been allowed to add two airships to his fleet. The world was his.
The rise of Kallark was an event that Gno did not think would have much an impact. Travel for most of the world was not returned to the magical ease it had before. But something did change. Iott went back on the offensive, and in a way it had not before. For ten years, their efforts was mostly diplomatic arm wrenching with the occasional demonstration of overwhelming force. Now, all those that had acted to break magic and disrupt their rule became a target. With magic back, but not open to everyone as it had been before, Iott charged forward.
For a few more years, Gno did very well. Then warning signs began to appear. To his dismay, on a windy spring day, he received a message, "You are on the list". Over the course of the next few months, his ships burned. Nothing he did stopped the destruction. Asking to negotiation, threating retribution, pleading with others for help. Even within Port Talp, he was not safe. Several of his most valuable staff were beaten into quitting the company. His stock rooms were robbed, his employees framed.
The ultimate insult came during an unusual dry month in the city. Calls of fire rang out and Gno feared the worst. He gathered his gear and ran out, to be confronted by a horrible sight. His warehouses and socks were ablaze. Creatures of fire danced around them gleefully. He heard a voice, "Write a note to your family. Write a note to the city. Explain your mistakes. Receive a quick end. The alternative is a fiery death for all you love and a slow burning death for you."
Fighter 8 / Strategist 5