The Parliament of Owls

The Parliament of Owls will tell you that they are “an informal group of sages, wizards, and other intellectuals seeking fraternity in the pursuit of knowledge.” In reality it is a group of about five friends who correspond and occasionally meet regarding their various studies and interests. The group was originally just Bertram and Eramus, but has grown over the past two decades to include Oscarius, Grovath, and Telmon. All of its members are from and reside in the Kingdom of the Seven Vales.

Bertram is a dwarven sage who lives in Northcross. He focuses on studying Tainted Ones, specifically Steel-Toes and Redcaps. Bertram is not a caster of any sort; indeed he seems terrified of the idea of using magic himself. He is content to read, share, and discuss his studies without actual application. He is an older dwarf whose hair is white. Instead of a traditional beard he has grown out his muttonchops and bound them with silver bands, leaving his chin and mouth clean shaven. He dresses in robes that were once very fine but are now grungy due to neglect.

Eramus is a halfling wizard who lives in Lakeview. He focuses on studying Awakened of the Seven Vales. Eramus is a whimsical prankster who seems to take life as it is. He is overly fond of sweets, not fond of travel, and is rarely completely sober. He is tall for a halfling and decidedly pear-shaped. He is in his late middle years and his hair is mostly white, with only a fringe of brown around the edges. None the less his face maintains a youthful quality and he seems impossibly energetic for someone of his age and weight. He is often dressed in simple trousers and a shirt covered by an ornately decorated waistcoat with color coordinated ascot.

Oscarius is a human wizard who lives in Dol Bradur. His particular area of study is the Dragon Wastes and the dragonkin found there. Oscarius has a sour disposition and tends to be seen as crabby and crotchety. In spite of his frequent comments suggesting that participation in the Owls is just a waste of his time he has never missed a meeting and responds promptly to all correspondence. He is short with a stocky build that does not suggest fat or muscle, merely solid. He is actually the second youngest Owl (after Telmon), not quite into his fifties, but carries on as if he was far older than his peers. His dark brown hair and beard are both cut to the same length (and streaked with grey), about 3 inches, giving him an almost furry appearance. He wears always a simple coarse hooded brown robe of the type favored by traveling friars.

Grovath is a small gnomish wizard who lives in Secondy. He studies the Chronosi and druidism, and has recently broadened his interest to include the clerical magic of the Omnian faith. He is far less talkative than his fellow Owls but is constantly attentive with a focus that can be a little unnerving. When he does speak it is usually direct and to the point. He dresses in plain trousers and a tunic, with a hooded cloak that he rarely takes off. He is old, and small even for a gnome. He wears a monocle on a chain and has a broad square beard and long white hair. An old injury causes him to walk with a cane.

Telmon is a human bard from Caer Lewynn.  The third son of an Ashvalian noble Telmon studies the history of the Seven Vales as well as local folklore. He is the youngest Owl by far, being about 35. He is goodnatured and easy going, happy to placate Oscarius or jest with Eramus as needed. He is clean shaven with close cropped hair, and wears good quality but not flashy clothes. He is the only Owl who is regularly armed, carrying a short sword as a matter of habit. Occasionally he can also be seen with a small steel shield. Telmon plays several musical instruments but most often travels with a small mandolin.