Views From Above ---Many Islands ---Floor Plan Details ---East Wing ---West Wing ---Back Yard Keep Staff |
. | Hearthold Keep Staff
Kular the Steward is an original Taur, blending aspects of all three of the individual races into one body -- a large humanoid with a flowing mane and tail reminiscent of a Centaur, a broad face and upper body built much like a Minotaur, and the solid structuring of sinewy and powerful, tawny-furred lower body of the cat-pawed Wemic. This Taur is almost as tall as Flat-top, a centaur and one of the tallest Chosen. Kular has a black mane, tawny hide and piercing green eyes. The steward has told the Chosen, "I am a combination of the three races present as one people before the Heart was Sundered." This is the same form that Domi himself took when he first brought the Chosen to Hearthold Keep. Kular oversees the running of Hearthold, but he is not a butler. He benevolently orders the everyday running of the Keep. The steward speaks with an unusual, very civilized sounding accent. Kular's origination is unknown to the Chosen, but certainly Domi himself selected him. On the other hand, the rest of the staff felt themselves drawn from their homes to the magical bridges. Crossing over, they made new lives on Bridge Island. And one never knows who will feel moved to walk over next. Neima is the matronly but firm wemic chatelaine who aids Kular. She has hazel eyes and an ample bosom. She is respected by all the staff, and four housekeepers report directly to her. Borus is a minotaur paladin who captains the Heartguard, the interior security force of Hearthold and guardians of the Heart Chamber. His mate, Arnora, is a one of the Keep's gardeners. Ten soldiers report to Borus, a sergeant and nine warriors. At any given time, three warriors are on duty guarding the Keep itself. Whenever the visitor/alarm gong sounds, all go on alert. Meralda is the centaur hunter who organizes the patrols that keep Bridge Island secure. Her troop also provides the meat that usually goes on the table. Four fast soldiers report to Meralda. They join her in scouting and patrolling Bridge Island, and in hunting as needed. B'minny is a crusty old minotaur who makes the lightest, flakiest biscuits ever to grace a table--just don't mess about in HIS kitchen, or you'll find yourself on the wrong end of his meat cleaver! Three sous-chefs labor under his watchful eyes. Palamedes is a bright-eyed, energetic centaur scholar with a flair for children. He is the Keep's teacher and is usually found with a kid or two trailing after him. He has been known to play a decent harp and is good with riddles. Others live and work in the Keep: two smiths, a mason, a carpenter who also works with leather and rope, a couple gardeners. There are three married couples among the entire staff; they have, collectively, five youngsters, one just a toddler. |