House of the 5th Meridian
Powerful alchemist house with control of rare reagents and ghoulification
Founder Anton Dolfen was a mysterious human (though some suspect him of being a tiefling) in the Army of the 13, able to wield great magics but cagey about his own background and history. After binding, the aged human drew up a number of seemingly innocuous long-term contracts with the other houses that granted a near monopoly on important alchemical reagents which in time became incredibly valuable coupled with control of the ghoulification process, 5th House’s rise has been meteoric.
5TH HOUSE MANOR-TOWER DISTRICT
A wonder of design (much of which was said to be drafted by Anton Dolfen), the Manor-Tower incorporates iconography and shapes from Anton’s southern homeland with architectural possibilities that only came about when building from Tarrasque-derived material. Multiple alchemical labs and offices are woven into the structure which include the so called Ghoul’s Bank (the office in charge of creating and collecting terms of ghoul contracts) sitting alongside luxury quarters for aristocrats and visiting nobles. Rumors hold that a secret workforce of ghouls has dug deep below to create dungeons, hidden labs where horrid research happens with access to the rest of the city via the Cap-Caps.
NOTABLE MEMBERS OF 5TH HOUSE
Current Binder-Lord: Kuolemita Dolfen is a tall middle aged human usually dressed in incredible finery. She is viewed as being extremely shrewd, unfailingly polite, and fair enough (albeit with the edge of ruthlessness to be expected as one of Salt in Wound’s oligarchs).
Founding Binder-Lord (Deceased): Anton Dolfen is legendary even amongst the thirteen, his legacy being the stuff of epics and what most Binder-Lords hope to match.
First Consort: Merrin Chyn is the non-aristocratic human spouse of Kuolemita. He is of middling height with gray hair and tan skin, usually found in soiled, ill-fitting clothing wherever drink is served. Unlike his wife, Merrin is viewed by the town as a drunken fool, infamous for his philandering ways.
Head Alchemist: Fidreo Twice-Born is a scheming ghoul known for his intense loyalty to the house and a desire to bring to heel the alchemists of Salt in Wounds.