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.
