You are Hanataz

The Blue Veil is the name of one of a number of Hanataz caravans that ride the roads of the continent of Verdestia – which is considered the most northwestern of the civilized continents of the world of Zyathé. Like all Hanataz troupes, the Blue Veil are a close-knit group with much strong kinship. For the most part, they traverse the lands of the Republic of Zyranthea and the Sovereignty of Andvalla, which are the most western and the most southern civilizations of the continent. Because of the Blood-Touch that most troupe members carry, the Hanataz are outcasts from the civilized world. As such... they are a traveling people with their only homes being the wagons in which they ride.

You are a member of the Blue Veil troupe. And because you are a younger person, you are referred to as “Frenta”... which is roughly translated as “youth” in the common tongue that is spoken in the civilized lands. As a Frenta, you are in training to work the shows, to contest against those who would wager their coin, to help aid and defend the troupe, and, ultimately, to take over leadership when the current Bonduran are too old to carry on with their duties. The term “Bonduran” means “Protectors” when translated into the common speech. Most troupes have eight to twelve Bonduran who serve on the troupe council. Typically, however, there are one or two individuals that serve as “Prema Bonduran” and these are the primary leaders of the troupe.

The Prema Bonduran of your troupe are named Borag and Calnassé. Borag is “The Strong Man” of the Blue Veil and is a massive and incredibly strong Humanoid, owing to the Ogre blood in his veins. Nearly seven-foot tall with broad shoulders and a thick frame, he can wrestle five (or more) strapping farmers at once and win... consistently. But physical strength is not his greatest asset... for he is a good and honorable man; true to the members of the troupe and carrying a fatherly love that lies deep in his heart. Each of you have felt his encouragement and his admonishment... seen his tireless efforts to keep the troupe healthy and safe... and watched his patient and kindly ways – even with the littlest members of the Blue Veil. For you have also seen him wrestle a horde of these Yunstas... the Hanataz word for children... with a broad smile on his face as those same little ones pin him to the ground – laughing with glee as they bounce atop his enormous frame.

Calnassé is a Half-Orc and is nearly as strong as Borag, allowing 
her to take on four or more farmers herself. But, because she is 
smaller than the Ogre-Man – and her frame more lithe – she is 
typically able to win more coin. Most believe her to be the far easier opponent – a mistake that has led to many painful sprains, and many more empty purses. Calnassé is also cunningly smart and has helped the troupe avoid many problems with her quick thinking and extensive knowledge. But, like Borag, these are not her greatest qualities... for Calnassé is so much more than a strong and capable leader. In truth, she is as much a mother to you as any – with a will for your safety that is unmatched. Many times you have felt her embrace when the world brought you pain. And more times than perhaps you would like, you have felt the sting of her hand on your backside when you broke your honor.

As Prema Bonduran, these two are named as the Bravda and Vrenda of the troupe (which loosely means “All-Father” and “All-Mother” in common speech). It is a duty they never shirk. Borag and Calnassé have been married for many years and have three children. But the Hanataz way is not to dictate through rulership... nor does position pass by blood. Though Borag and Calnassé are the leaders of the troupe – both in name and by position – they serve under the guidance of the Bonduran Council and are appointed by them. But all troupe members – no matter their position – give deference and honor to Mother Salvensa, the wise and powerful Seeress of the Blue Veil.

Mother Salvensa is the matriarch of your troupe and a Diviner of no small ability. The people of the villages come to hear their fortunes from her – ill or fair – and to drop their coin into her old, worn, strongbox. Though quite advanced in age, her magic is still potent, and she can both heal and harm if the troupe is in need. She is a kindly woman with white hair and a wrinkled face that is often broken with a toothless smile. Her wisdom has served the troupe well since she became Seeress many decades ago. She is also as kind and loving as any grandmother could be... and often as mischievous as an imp.

Together, these three lead the troupe with strength, integrity, and wisdom; following the ancient code of the Traveling Folk. And, should the caravan be assailed, all three will make much trouble for those who would seek to bring violence upon their people.

But they would not be alone should a group of bandits or a roaming Orc war-party attack the Blue Veil. For within the troupe are a number of dangerous and capable foes... ready and able to defend the wagons, the elder-folk, and the children of the Hanataz should the need arise. Your thoughts run immediately to Vestia, the Mistress of Secrets, who is also a member of the Bonduran Council. She is a Human female with short, red hair and a freckled face. She has silvery eyes that evidence the Blood-Touch of the Fey – but, unlike many, the Touch is subtle. As such, she is often able to enter towns surreptitiously... to purchase important items for the troupe, make contact with an agent or ally, or gain information about a town’s intent toward the troupe. She is also a Sorceress of no small skill. There is also her partner, Skizzig – whose face and body are scarred from terrible burns in his youth. He is a 
Wizard of considerable ability.

Together, the two have used their magicks on more than one occasion to destroy those who would harm your kin – including the time you witnessed them burn alive an entire war party of Goblins that sought to slay your folk and loot your wagons. But Vestia and Skizzig’s magic is not just used for the defense of the Blue Veil. For when the people of the villages and towns come to the shows that your troupe puts on – which are called Carnivalles – the pair bring forth ancient magicks of the Hanataz. These illusions and phantasms were spell-crafted long ago by the first mage of the Traveling Folk, and are unknown to magic-users outside the troupes. Some say they date back to even before the Woe of Ruin... to the time of the Ethernic Civilization. The spells are sacred and secret, passed 
down from generation to generation.

They create booming bursts of dancing fire in the sky... conjure 
colorful phantoms that fly and dance like great wispy ghosts... and summon strange and wonderful creatures of sparkling light that awe and amaze those who attend their performances.

There is also Kray the Blade, whose skill with throw-knives, sword, and bow has rarely failed the troupe – even when contested against Elf-folk and Verdestian Rangers. His abilities have won much coin to fill the troupe strongbox in Borag and Calnassé’s wagon. Kray is a quiet man... measured... with a strong face and an intense gaze that seems to see to your very soul. He has a greenish tinge to his skin, though none know his heritage.

Many of you have been trained by him as there are few in the camp who possess his talents. Kray is also a member of the Council, though he rarely speaks in meetings.

Another member of the Bonduran is Brayan who is known as the 
Blind Wind. He is an older, Wood Elf male with long ears, gray hair, and bluish skin – owing to the Blood-Touch of Elemental Air. He was once an honored Monk in Kizmya’s Order of the Four Fates, but was banished from that same Order many years ago for some serious transgression. In spite of his banishment, Brayan is no less skilled and his blindness doesn’t appear to hinder him at all... whether he is contesting with his bo-staff, or counting the coin in the winner’s purse from that same battle. Brayan is a wise and soft-spoken person who has taught you many lessons through the years.

There are others as well that would aid the troupe in times of attack, should one occur. But aggression against the Hanataz caravans tends to happen infrequently as the fighting prowess of the Traveling Folk is well known across the continent.

Not all in the troupe are Fighters and Wizards, however. Yet all contribute in one way or another. This is the way of the Hanataz.

Mavea, along with her two older sisters, Elnass and Saevra, are all Spelldancers. These three have mastered many of the famed, magical Hanataz dances... including the Fire Dance, the Dance of the Phantoms, and the Six Movements of the Alsa’frese. These magical performances – like the Hanataz magicks practiced by Vestia and Skizzig – have been passed down since the early days of the troupes and are a secret well-kept by the Spelldancers. Their performances are crowd favorites, and many come to the Carnivalles for the sole reason of watching the women dance. As such, much coin comes to the Blue Veil due to the considerable expertise of the women. The three sisters are also exotically beautiful due to the Blood-Touch of the Noble Fay’aree. Elnass and Saevra are in their mid-thirties and have children who are rather near Mavea’s age. While Spelldancing is primarily an entertainment magic, some of the movements may be used for defense and/or aggression should the need arise.

The Spelldancers are not the only entertainers in the troupe. There are also Greyson and Grelda – a Human and a Half-Elf – married for some years now. Both Bards of excellent skill... with crisp clean voices of song... and quick, cutting wit. Their shows are popular with the crowds and are always well-attended. Grelda, in particular, can bring strong men to tears with her singing. Some say that the pair ran afoul of the Selen’hadrine and are in hiding with your troupe. None believe that Greyson and Grelda are their real names.

  
Beyond these, the troupe is also favored to have Selvra the Beastmaster, whose show with her tamed Owlbear and Manticore is perhaps the greatest attraction that your troupe offers. The beasts obey her completely and do her bidding without hesitation. How she is able to command and control these monsters you will never know. 

But the show is amazing and never fails to impress an audience. 
Selvra is a Druidess and bears the rather obvious Blood-Touch of 
Elemental Water (and an Abyssal Blood-Touch as well).

Then, there are the Jesters... Columbina and Zani. These brightly 
dressed clowns run slap-stick shows that delight audiences across the sovereignties. They are energetic, enthusiastic, and experts at making folk laugh. They are also quite annoying as they rarely step out of character even when there is no show going on.

Entertainment is not the only offering that the crowds come for at the Hanataz Carnivalles. Gambling is also one of the main attractions. In this, the Blue Veil are blessed of the gods to have Tevren Ziss, Freasha Firehair, and The Great Clasby. These three are gamblers with great skill in both knowing the odds, and in reading the faces of those they play against. They run games of Fool’s Down, Nubs & Lords, Blackdie, Kizmya’s Wheel, and many others to gain coin for the troupe. They win far more than they lose. Tevren is a mix of Orc and Elf blood and is quite handsome. Freasha is a Sundestian who bears a nearly unnoticeable Draconic Blood-Touch. Clasby is a Human that is Blood-Touched by the Abyssal as evidenced by the small red horns protruding from his forehead.

You are blessed of others, as well. There are Stoof and Leena, a 
Dwarven couple who are both afflicted with Twisted-Bones disease. They work the crowds and cover the bets for the troupe in contests of strength, agility, and skill. They are also excellent distillers and craft the clear, spicy spirits and the brown, sweet liquors that are mixed into drinks and sold to the crowds.

There are Sunessy and Frenne, the old spinsters, who both cook for the troupe and also make the richly-spiced and delectable dishes that are sold to the visitors at the Carnivalles. Since the Traveling Folk have to often make do with lesser cuts of meat and game, their skills both help put coin in your strongbox, and tasty morsels in your bellies.

And there are still others... Dren and Calva Steele who blacksmith for the troupe and keep the wagons rolling; Old Strem – the grandfather of the troupe – whose stories enrapt the Tent-Fires; Anton, the jovial priest who seems to always run afoul of the troupe’s Jesters; Hantz and Fendi, two little old Gnomes who are the troupe’s carpenters; Chelsea who is Half-Sarth, and both deaf and mute; and many more who make up the Blue Veil.

They are all your friends and companions... and the only family 
you know. As a Frenta, you are in training to become a part of the show in the years to come. Depending on your bent, you are being taught to perform, to fight, to gamble, to bring more attractions to the troupe – and yes, to perhaps pick a pocket, or run a little con, or seduce a lonely “Townie” for his or her last coin.

Even the very young are being groomed to serve. One of the jobs of the Frenta is caring for the little ones so the adults can manage the affairs of the troupe. It is impossible not to love them.

There is sweet Creeda, who at the age of four already has a voice that would charm even the stones... young Strend, who at seven is already showing talents with knives and bows... and tiny Jovessa, transfigured by the Skivers, but showing great skill in magic.

There is Kleista with her shiny eyes and tiny horns... Vezzy, mischievous and wild... she is gifted with The Sight, and will likely be “Mother Vezzy” in the years to come... Trom and Trem, eight-yearold twin boys who already can move through a crowd and clip a purse without being noticed... and Jannig, who is Borag and Calnassé’s burly, 11-year-old son.

Altogether, these many wonderful folk make up your kin, and you are thankful for each one of them. When you ponder what might have been your fate had you not ended up with the Hanataz – your thoughts go cold. The world is not kind to those of impure blood. Indeed, in some places you would not have been allowed to live. As you think on this, a smile comes to your face. Though you are not rich in material wealth; though others shun you for reasons you cannot understand... and though the road is the only home you know... it is good to be one of the Blue Veil troupe.