A city dominated by noble houses and a tyrannical military regime bent on exploiting their citizens. Thick fog coats the streets as machines keep the city warm from the unrelenting cold. Whispers of men made of metal come from the Steel Front, slowly encroaching upon the city.

The Dissidents are the only force that stand up to those who would stamp on the weak.

Caiaphas Renault

High Commander of House Cainguard

House Cainguard is the primary military power in Kai Ard, controlling the city's formidable army, intelligence agencies, and security forces. They enforce the tyrannical regime through fear and intimidation. The head of House Cainguard holds the title of "High Commander" and is a ruthless strategist.

Lars Moneda

Master Merchant of House Lysandra

House Lysandra wields significant influence over the city's economy. They control trade routes, monopolies, and financial institutions. The head of House Lysandra, known as the "Master Merchant," uses economic leverage to maintain the house's dominance and ensure loyalty from other noble families.

Houndsman

Trainer of Hounds

Houndsman of House Cainguard, not much is known of this enigmatic figure. It is under his tutelage that the hounds learn how to kill.

Esmeralda

Cultural Arbiter of House Seraphina

House Seraphina holds sway over the cultural and artistic aspects of Kai Ard. They control entertainment, education, and cultural institutions. The head of House Seraphina, the "Cultural Arbiter," manipulates art, literature, and education to shape public opinion and maintain the regime's narrative.

Ystenel

Technocrat of House Ignatius

House Ignatius is at the forefront of technological advancements in Kai Ard. They control research and development, technological infrastructure, and innovations that serve the regime's interests. The head of House Ignatius, the "Technocrat," ensures that the city remains on the cutting edge of both magical and mechanical advancements.

Miriam Dunlow

High Hierarch of House Vortigern

House Vortigern governs the city's religious institutions and rituals. The head of House Vortigern, the "High Hierarch," is considered the spiritual leader of Kai Ard. They manipulate religious beliefs to justify the oppressive rule and demand unwavering obedience from the populace.

???

Shadowmaster of House Umbra

House Umbra specializes in intelligence gathering, espionage, and covert operations. The head of House Umbra, the "Shadowmaster," holds sway over a network of spies and informants. They play a crucial role in suppressing dissent and eliminating threats to the regime. Their current identity is unknown.

Hounders

Enforcers of the House's Will

Soldiers of the houses with their hounds provided by House Cainguard and their augmentations by House Ignatius. They keep in constant communication with each other and terrorize civilians using their hounds and battle tactics. Be wary of confrontations with them, as they will assuredly call for reinforcements.

Catechism Squad

Immortal Monsters

The most elite of the elite, Catechism squads are sent in by the houses when a threat is at it's greatest. These soldiers are monstrous in their durability. The Dissidents theorize they have been given some form of immortality but the source is yet to be known.

Carmen Cainguard

Dissident Informant

Sister to Dobbs, she feeds information to The Dissidents in any way she can while working alongside the House Cainguard's current Houndsman.

Haytham

Co-leader of the Dissidents

A seemingly blind man leading the Dissidents, he spends most of his time gathering information topside as the resistance primarily stays in the tunnels below.

Veytha

Co-leader of The Dissidents

A blacksmith co-leading The Dissidents, she organizes the people of the resistance to eventually rise up against the Houses. Through her magics, she has reached out across planes for help.