Black Wolves (Meet the Crew)

The world is a perilous place. Ill preparedness can spell doom for anyone who traverses the wilds alone. But fortune favors you, as you will have steadfast companions which you can rely on. Battle-hardened and resolute, the Black Wolves will stand with you as you all navigate the many trials that await you. Together, forge a fellowship bound in blood, navigating the treacherous paths ahead with unwavering resolve. In the crucible of adversity, your unity becomes your greatest strength, a beacon of hope amidst the shadows that loom over the land.

Although you can go it alone (primarily playing as Eryk), there are many points within the story that your companions will be at your side. In terms of "gameplay", I wanted to reflect live combat while still allowing for diverse gameplay and staying true to the classic RPG turn base system in some way. The best example of what I want is found in the Final Fantasy VII Remake. There you can swap between party members in live combat. Each with their own playstyles and/or abilities. 

With that, meet the Black Wolves!

Eryk

Eryk always had a thirst for adventure. Coming from a small forest village, the daughter of a blacksmith, she yearned to see the world beyond. To experience all its glories and be more than she could ever be in her village. She needs only the opportunity to prove herself capable. After an unfortunate turn of events, she was rescued by Morgan. Thus, she became a Black Wolf. Under Morgan's tutelage, Eryk honed her skills. Arming herself with Skjol, being baptized in the fires of war, she molded into the warrior she was destined to become.

Morgan

Founding commander of the Black Wolves. Hailing from the Brennish Highlands, this inglorious bastard has led his warband to gold and glory countless times. Clad in iron breastplate and swathed in tartan clothe, his eyes ablaze with opportunistic fervor, Morgan commands the respect and loyalty of all who serve alongside him. Although details of his past are rather ambiguous, one thing remains clear. A skilled tactician and veteran, a man who's carved his legend through the crucible of combat. Fighting all across the continent, seeking fame and fortune, he and his pack of sellswords leave a trail written in blood-soaked coin wherever they tread. Within him rages the flame of ambition, and woe betide any who may obstruct his path.

Eli

Morgan's trusted confidant and right-hand man Eli, embodies the essence of roguish charm tempered by unwavering loyalty. Hailing from the western reaches of the continent near the free city of Glendour, he brings with him a swaggering demeanor and a sharp wit honed by the tumultuous streets of his homeland. Able with both spear and sword, Eli's martial prowess is matched only by his penchant for calculated risks. Rumors swirl about his and Morgan's fateful meeting. With whispers suggesting that he had lost a wager against Morgan, thus became the second Black Wolf, cementing their unbreakable bond, though the truth remains known only to the two. Since the inception of the Black Wolves, Eli has stood at Morgan's side, offering sage counsel and a shoulder to lean on in times of need. With the irreverent charm of a sarcastic uncle, Eli adds a touch of levity to the somber tones of their adventures, his presence a constant reminder that even amidst darkness, camaraderie and laughter endure.

Bjorn

A silent sentinel. A giant among men, Bjorn's unwavering strength is legendary. Standing a staggering seven and a half feet tall (230cm), and an intimidating presence, dawning a full chained helm (rarely revealing his face). Bjorn is a mild, tender-hearted soul whose dedication to those he loves is matched only by his raw power. Though a gentle giant he may be, his kindness is not to be mistaken for weakness. Capable of crushing a man's skull in his palm, and cleaving warrior in twain with his axe, Bjorn brings wrath to the fighting field. However, he is mute due to his throat having been slashed as a child while in captivity. As an escaped slave, he remains determined to fight for and defend his chosen family at all costs.

Sif

A diminutive yet fiercely agile member of the company, Sif possesses a pragmatic demeanor that often keeps others at arm's length. Having spent her formative years navigating the gritty streets of Drekograd, she honed her survival instincts and mastery of stealth. It was in those unforgiving alleys that she encountered Bjorn, a chance meeting that bound them together as kin. Since then, they have remained inseparable, their bond akin to that of siblings. Morgan, recognizing their potential, welcomed them into the ranks of the Black Wolves at a tender age. Armed with a single-edged short sword and dagger, Sif's combat style is as swift as it is lethal, overwhelming adversaries with a relentless barrage of flips and kicks. Her expertise lies in reconnaissance, where she excels in darting between shadows, scaling walls with feline grace, and deftly relieving pockets of their burdens. In darkness Sif thrives, a graceful assassin in the service of the Black Wolves' cause.

Grimbald

Grimbald, the quintessential dwarf of the group, epitomizes the storied archetype of a proud, bearded warrior with an insatiable love for ale and explosions. As the resident demolition and munitions expert, his passion for pyrotechnics knows no bounds. With a keen eye for destruction and a steady hand, Grimbald wields his expertise with blasting gel, oil, alcohol, and blasting powder to create awe-inspiring displays of fiery chaos. Whether tasked with breaching enemy fortifications or clearing obstacles from their path, Grimbald's mastery of explosive ordnance is unmatched. In combat, he eschews finesse for raw power, preferring to wield his trusty hammer with bone-shaking force. Yet, it is his fervent dedication to the art of destruction that truly sets him apart.

Hankel

Hankel, the meticulous treasurer of the Black Wolves, assumes a role far removed from the clamor of battle, yet integral to the survival and prosperity of the company. While his comrades charge headlong into the fray, Hankel remains steadfast in his duties, tirelessly managing the intricate web of finances that sustains their operations. Obsessively cataloging every coin earned and spent, he drives himself to the brink of madness in his pursuit of fiscal clarity. Though rarely seen on the front lines, his presence looms large in the background, where he lends his keen intellect and strategic acumen to the planning and execution of their endeavors. While others revel in the glory of combat, Hankel finds solace in the precision of numbers. In the tumultuous North, to his comrades, Hankel stands as a pillar of stability, his steadfast commitment ensuring that the coffers of the Black Wolves remain brimming with coin, ready to finance their next great venture.

Khuvai

Khuvai, a formidable Orayuk (Ork) warrior, he is a towering symbol of strength and resilience within the company's ranks. Born of a proud nomadic heritage, Khuvai embodies the stoic wisdom and unyielding honor of his people, his robust frame and weathered countenance a testament to a life lived amidst the harsh winds of the steppes. Stern yet understanding, he recognizes and respects others through deeds rather than words. Though bound by the code of his ancestors, Khuvai is not without warmth, his laughter echoing across the campfire during moments of respite. With his keen insight and unwavering resolve, Khuvai is a steadfast guardian of the company's ideals, his loyalty unwavering in the face of adversity. Whether leading the charge into battle or offering counsel by the firelight, his presence is felt by all who walk alongside him, a silent testament to the enduring spirit of the Orayuk people and the unbreakable bonds of brotherhood.