The House of the Navy and Trade.
Twenty years ago this ancient House was on the verge of collapse. Crushed by scandals and looming debts, many members considered exile before Didem the Elder convinced them to try one last desperate gamble. With the help of Xu Quon, he discovered the northern passages had been opened by Wryllen's Fourth Blooming, and established a thriving trade through the now open waters. Together, they built Ohma's first sailing fleet, restoring the wealth of House Doriavo, but not its honor. A bloody Purge was conducted to regain the trust of their fellow citizens, reducing the family to only its untarnished members. For this (and bringing great spoils to the city), Didem was awarded the titles of Consul and then Dictator, and used them to defend the scattered descentants of the Ohmani in other lands. These actions brought the Grasvaran into the fold and many others before his untimely death in battle. Today his son Marko Doriavo is Consul, Grandmaster of the Navy, and Master of the House.
Consul of his people, Grandmaster of their Navy, and the Master of His House. The son of a fisherman, Marko was never seriously considered for leadership until his father, Didem the Elder, revitalized the family business and survived the purge as a compromise candidate. When he died in battle and Marko's twin brother Didem the Younger became the final victim of the purge, he simultaneously became the least likely master of the high houses and the most eligible bachelor. To this day he is unmarried, but beloved by residents and citizens alike.
The heir of House Doriavo, son of Didem the Younger, and nephew of Marko. A former Master of Arms, he's currently held hostage in the Castle of the Riverfolk while he recovers from a paralyzing poison. He exacted his revenge by naming Džej as his one kill. Many consider him to be a worthy successor to Marko, if not as noble, and well groomed to meet the new challenges of the House.
The Matron of House Doriavo and aunt to Marko. Divya survived the purge by way of her relative obscurity. With no named kill, no surviving children, and no high title her name is not often spoken outside of a few circles of gossiping friends. She runs the house orphanage and mentors Lazhkùrva along with the other midwives.
A Senator, Patron, and uncle. Istvan is seen as the last suviving connection to the old ways of House Doriavo, and no one can agree whether that's a good or bad thing. With more experience and training than any of its other citizens, he's often looked to in times of crisis for advice and stern counsel. He killed his cousin in the purge, and survived only by abdicating any claim to the high titles of the house.
The Master Builder and Master of Residents for House Doriavo. Originally from the Draqin Empire, Xu Quon entered a partnership with Didem the Elder to build a fleet of ships to trade in the Wryllenic lands. As time went on, other entanglements forced Xu from his native homeland and to reside in Ohma. Now he's considered by many to be the wealthiest resident in the city, and each time a chance at citizenship is offered, he respectfully declines.
The industrious son of Xu Quon. Lo spends most of his time in the house workshop tweaking new inventions or pitching designs to Marko. With neither the ambition nor business savy of his father, Lo's future doesn't look as bright, unless his engineering skills pull through or he finds a path to citizenship.
The Princess of the Riverfolk. Gwyllion's technically a hostage of House Doriavo, but essentially she's an ambassador of her people sent to learn more about Ohmani culture. So far she's expressed the most interest in Wryllen and her teachings, and she can often be seen visiting the Wryllenic Shrine in House Vushorjo with her personal bodyguard Robert.
The retiring resident medium of House Doriavo. An eccentric socialite, she spends her time training Illha, teaching with Divya in the orphanage, and developing remedies for the midwives. Also considered one of the most experienced alchemists of the house, Papin is sometimes spoken of as a successor to Xu for Master of Residents.
A resident medium in training for House Doriavo. Illha shows promising arcane potential in a house where such skills are exceptionally uncommon. Some say she walked into the wastelands as a child and survived with the help of her ethereal friends.
The resident blacksmith for House Doriavo. Sandharo was trained before the cataclysm in a time when technological sophistication was at its height. He knows far more about complex devices than his age would indicate, but constantly complains about the quality of tools and materials available to him.
A resident midwife for House Doriavo, and Divya's personal assistant. Lazhkùrva's beauty contrasts with her detached and cold demeanour. She's originally from the Wryllenic lands.
King of the Riverfolk. Owain seems to be both a shrewd and stubborn leader.
Queen of the Riverfolk. Catrin is experienced in matters of courtly intrigue, and tends to lead her people from there, leaving the true battles to her husband.
The fallen Prince of the Riverfolk. With his death, Gwyllion is the presumptive heir.
Captain of the Royal Guard of the Riverfolk. "Bob" was sent as Gwyllion's personal guard to Ohma.
Marko's old first mate, and the former Captain of the Immanence. He was destroyed by Džej.
A Ward of House Doriavo. During the Wryllenic Wars, House Bashaldo went so far as to block the entry of the navy escorts for the Grasvaran refugees. This led to a few skirmishes and eventually a settlement whereby May, Lavuto's niece, was surrendered to House Doriavo. They raised her as best they can, but she maintains the outspoken and daring streak that marks her familial line.
The last Dictator of Ohma, Didem led his people through the turmoil surrounding Wryllen's 4th Blooming. Partnering with Xu Quon, they discovered the newly opened northern passages, initiated trade with other new arrivals to the Wryllenic lands, and later fought wars to protect their people and holdings. Though he died in battle, his legacy lives on through his son Marko.
Marko's twin brother and Didem's first born son. He was expected to lead his family until his unexpected death at the end of the purge. Edyto, his son, is the presumptive heir. Like his father, Didem chose not to be reanimated as a denizen.