Meet the Travelers of Aethera: The First 14

1 - Human Fighter - Aldren Stone

Aldren Stone is a 32-year-old human Fighter and frontier knight from Kirwich Rise, a mountain city in the Misty Heights of Ardenfell. Compassionate, determined, and practical, he is a disciplined and honorable knight who takes his responsibilities seriously and can always be counted on when others need him. Aldren is a careful planner who prefers a flexible itinerary, though his tendency to take on too much sometimes leaves him carrying responsibilities that were never his to begin with. Away from his duties, he enjoys hiking, gardening, watching sunsets, and searching for hidden gems wherever his travels take him. He dreams of seeing the Northern Lights, exploring all fifty states, and witnessing the sunrise over the Grand Canyon.

Canyon is a senior male mountain lion with an independent personality and a lifetime of experience exploring the wilds of Aethera. He enjoys climbing rocky terrain and has a particular fondness for elk, though he is perfectly content to wander off and explore on his own when the mood strikes him. His simple leather collar is a familiar sight beside Aldren, who has learned that Canyon is a companion—not a pet who takes orders.

2 - Human Wizard - Ikalis Windpike

Ikalis Windpike is a 28-year-old human Wizard and botanical researcher from Valebrook, a foothill city in the kingdom of Ardenfell. Honest, humble, and practical, he studies the plants and herbs of Aethera with a methodical approach and a deep compassion for the natural world. Although he carefully plans his research, Ikalis prefers a relaxed journey with room for unexpected discoveries, and his overprotective nature often has him worrying about everyone around him. He enjoys woodworking, solving puzzles, and traveling through small towns and state parks, especially when he can stop for a good cup of coffee and watch the sunset. His greatest goal is to travel across every continent while documenting the remarkable plant life he encounters along the way.

Harvey is a watchful adult raccoon who accompanies Ikalis wherever his research takes him. He loves eggs and spends much of his time exploring anything that looks remotely interesting, often turning up in places Ikalis would rather he hadn’t investigated. His blue bandana makes him easy to spot, although Harvey’s habit of disappearing into the undergrowth suggests he doesn’t always appreciate being easy to spot.

3 - Human Rogue - Harris Burnham

Harris Burnham is a 39-year-old human Rogue and crime scene investigator from Crownhaven, the capital of Eldoria. Independent, compassionate, and practical, he approaches every investigation with patience and a sharp eye for details others might overlook. Although he is daring and resourceful by nature, Harris rarely asks for help, preferring to solve problems on his own even when the task would be easier with another set of hands. An extroverted night owl, he enjoys chess, learning languages, and traveling to bustling cities, though his flexible travel style means he is just as comfortable sleeping under the stars when the journey calls for it. Harris hopes to eventually travel internationally, visit all fifty states, and see every Smithsonian museum along the way.

Echo is a gentle adult crow who accompanies Harris on his travels. She loves peanuts and

spends much of her time collecting shiny objects that catch her attention. Her purple jeweled necklace is her favorite treasure, though Harris suspects she considers every glittering object she finds to be equally valuable.

4 - Human Cleric - Nunek Fuuzrehd

Nunek Fuuzrehd is a 42-year-old human Cleric and traveling healer from Graceberg in the northern kingdom of Caelmont. Witty, independent, and honest, he travels wherever his healing skills are needed, caring for people regardless of their station or where their journey has taken them. His courage and selflessness have carried him into dangerous places, though his perfectionist nature means he is rarely satisfied until he knows he has done everything possible for his patients. Nunek enjoys camping, exploring national parks, and traveling beneath the open sky, where he often relies on his knowledge of the stars to guide him. His loyal companion, Brownie, is a formidable adult mountain lion who follows him faithfully wherever he goes.

Brownie is a loyal mountain lion who has traveled beside Nunek for years. She enjoys climbing

rocky terrain and has a particular fondness for elk. Her silver-studded collar makes her easy to recognize, though most people wisely keep their distance until Nunek introduces them.

5 - Human Ranger - Alester Warden

Alester Warden is a 27-year-old human Ranger and navigation instructor from Graceberg, a snowy northern city in the kingdom of Caelmont. Independent, observant, and patient, he teaches travelers how to read maps, navigate unfamiliar terrain, and survive when the safest path isn’t always the easiest one. Alester prefers fast-paced journeys and spontaneous adventures, but his compassion often leads him to slow down when someone else needs help. Though he considers himself a pessimist, his adventurous nature has taken him across some of Aethera’s most challenging landscapes, and he dreams of exploring every national park and wilderness he can find. When he’s not traveling, Alester enjoys gardening, classical music, and stopping at the roadside attractions everyone else is too busy to notice.

6 - Human Bard - Nathaniel Jacobson

Nathaniel Jacobson is a 24-year-old Oranni human Bard and children’s storyteller who makes his home in Alderwick, though he is rarely there for long. Protective, compassionate, and independent, he travels from town to town sharing stories with children and families while carrying the Oranni tradition of storytelling beyond the Transient Fields. Nathaniel is an optimistic and charismatic storyteller who can make even the most ordinary journey feel like the beginning of an adventure, though his tendency to take on too much often leaves him exhausted. He loves writing, state parks, small-town inns, and collecting souvenirs wherever his travels take him. His greatest joy is knowing that a story he tells might stay with a child long after he has moved on to his next destination.

Tamara is a brave young-adult crow who accompanies Nathaniel on his travels. She has a particular fondness for peanuts and spends much of her time searching for shiny objects to add to her collection. Her pink studded collar makes her easy to recognize, although Nathaniel suspects the things she steals are often more noticeable than she is.

7 - Human Paladin - Taylor Sutton

Taylor Sutton is a 51-year-old human Paladin and Royal Envoy from Crownhaven, the capital of Eldoria. Protective, brave, and disciplined, he has spent years representing the crown throughout Aethera and building relationships with the people and rulers he encounters. Taylor is known for being dependable and loyal, though his curiosity and spontaneous nature occasionally pull him away from even the most carefully considered itinerary. Away from diplomatic duties, he enjoys cooking, sewing, traveling by road, and collecting Christmas ornaments from the places he visits. His companion, Maverick, is a stubborn young wolf who accompanies Taylor on his journeys and seems far more interested in exploring forests than attending diplomatic meetings.

Maverick is a young adult black wolf with a stubborn streak and an adventurous spirit. He wears a chain collar with a compass-shaped tag and has a particular fondness for venison. Maverick’s favorite pastime is exploring forests, and Taylor has learned that trying to convince him to leave an interesting trail is usually a losing battle.

8 - Human Fighter - Winifred Jacobs

Winifred “Winnie” Jacobs is a 36-year-old human Fighter and underground boxer from Redmarch, a military city in the kingdom of Eldoria. Sarcastic, clever, and constantly cracking jokes, Winnie rarely takes anything seriously until a real problem lands in front of her, at which point she can lock in and solve it with surprising precision. She prefers spontaneous adventures, late nights, strong tea, and the occasional wager, and she has never met a situation she couldn’t turn into a story. Despite her rough-and-tumble profession, Winnie enjoys pottery, traveling for relaxation, and collecting snow globes from the places she visits. Her seven-year-old bearded dragon, Tad, accompanies her on her travels and is far more interested in sunbathing and mealworms than anything resembling adventure.

Tad is a remarkably lazy bearded dragon who prefers warm places, quiet naps, and the occasional mealworm. He wears a braided leather collar and spends most of his traveling time finding the sunniest spot available. Winnie insists that Tad is her toughest traveling companion, although Tad has yet to demonstrate any interest in proving her right.

9 - Human Wizard - Mae Sabin

Mae Sabin is a 36-year-old human Wizard and monster researcher from Kirwich Rise, a mining and metalworking city in the Misty Heights of Ardenfell. Disciplined, protective, and endlessly curious, she studies the creatures of Aethera in hopes of understanding them rather than simply fearing them. Mae is a careful planner in her research but surprisingly spontaneous when traveling, especially when a scenic detour or an unfamiliar creature catches her attention. Though naturally pessimistic and more comfortable with books than crowds, her wisdom and open-mindedness have made her a respected researcher. She travels with little more than her field notes, a deck of cards, and an ever-growing collection of observations about the world’s creatures.

10 - Human Rogue - Emily Piper

Emily Piper is a 28-year-old human Rogue and military spy from Westguard, a fortified city on the western frontier of Eldoria. Loyal, compassionate, and thoughtful, she approaches her work with careful attention to detail and a strong commitment to the people she serves. Emily’s honesty is both her greatest strength and an occasional complication in a profession built around secrets, while her tendency to work herself to exhaustion often leaves little time for anything else. When she isn’t on assignment, she enjoys photography, wildlife watching, and exploring the wilderness, always keeping an eye out for a landscape worth capturing. Her watchful rabbit, Bogart, is her constant companion and seems to take his responsibility as her tiny lookout very seriously.

Bogart is an adult rabbit with a watchful personality and a talent for digging impressive burrows. He loves carrots and wears a moss-green bandana that matches Emily’s favorite color. Despite his small size, Bogart seems convinced that keeping watch over Emily is his most important duty.

11 - Human Cleric - Amzi Oatsong

Amzi Oatsong is a 51-year-old human Cleric and disaster relief volunteer from Alderwick in the kingdom of Caelmont. Honest, optimistic, and remarkably calm under pressure, she has spent years traveling wherever people need help after disasters and difficult times. Her work has taken her far from home, where her patience, empathy, and practical nature have made her a welcome presence in struggling communities. Amzi loves small towns, quiet cabins, fishing, and learning the stories behind the places she visits, though her competitive streak occasionally gets the better of her. She hopes to one day travel across the world while continuing to help people wherever her journey takes her.

12 - Human Ranger - Nelie Cavin

Nelie Cavin is a 30-year-old Arakai human Ranger and wildlife rehabilitator from Saravai, the great trading settlement of the Transient Fields. Curious, practical, and determined, she grew up among the Arakai horse traders and developed a deep respect for animals of all kinds. Although she is happiest in the wilderness and prefers following the path ahead rather than planning every detail, her work often takes her far beyond the lands traveled by her people. Nelie dreams of exploring the mountains and studying wildlife across every continent, even if crowded cities and long lines are best avoided. Her young ferret, Filbert, is rarely far from her side and has a particular talent for stealing her socks.

Filbert is a young, affectionate ferret who loves following Nelie wherever she goes. He has a particular fondness for chicken and considers stealing socks one of his most important responsibilities. His ash-gray collar is his only accessory, though Nelie suspects he would happily accessorize himself if given the opportunity.

13 - Human Bard - Nahrian Iceoak

Nahrian Iceoak is a 26-year-old Oranni human Bard and theater performer from Saravai, the great trading settlement of the Transient Fields. Resourceful, determined, and observant, she grew up among the Oranni storytellers and developed a passion for bringing stories to life on the stage. Her talent for languages and her love of hidden places have taken her far beyond the traveling routes of her people, though her blunt honesty can sometimes get her into trouble. Nahrian prefers traveling light and fast, often choosing a backcountry campsite over a comfortable room and always keeping her flashlight close. Her loyal senior rabbit, Cadbury, accompanies her on her journeys, proudly sporting a tiny navy-blue bowtie wherever they go.

Cadbury is a loyal senior rabbit who spends his days alternating between digging burrows and

sleeping wherever he finds a comfortable spot. He considers carrots the finest reward a traveling rabbit could ask for.

14 - Human Paladin - Braya Emberbrook

Braya Emberbrook is a 42-year-old human Paladin and Cultural Ambassador from Crownhaven, the capital of Eldoria. Kind, witty, and fiercely loyal, she travels Aethera, representing her kingdom while learning about the traditions, customs, and people of other cultures. Though she is an excellent planner and a natural diplomat, Braya tends to overthink every possibility before making a decision. She prefers cool winter journeys and luxurious accommodations, but her curiosity often leads her far beyond the comforts of home. When she isn’t traveling, Braya enjoys writing, watching wildlife, and dreaming of the many places she has yet to see.

Safe travels!