![[DuvessaShanePathfinder-v1.png]] # Duvessa Shane _Human Speaker | [[Bryn Shander]]_ ## Summary The elected Speaker of [[Bryn Shander]], seat of authority for the largest of the Ten-Towns. With Storvald's Winter Empire column bearing down on the walls, she has convened a war council to organize the city's defense — and seated [[Vareth Justicar]] at the table beside the heroes. %% ## Now Running the Bryn Shander war council as [[Storvald]]'s forces approach. Weighing every offer of help, including the Cinderborn's, and has accepted [[Vareth Justicar]] as a defender without knowing what [[Lynne]] knows about him. ## Appearance Composed, plainly dressed for a woman of her office, more administrator than warrior. Speaks like someone used to being obeyed without raising her voice. ## Personality Pragmatic and decisive under pressure — she'll take capable hands wherever they come from and sort out loyalties later. Guards Bryn Shander's independence and dislikes outsiders dictating terms. Reads a room before she commits, and expects those at her table to earn their seat. ## Connections **[[Markham Southwell]]** — her sheriff; enforces the peace she governs. **[[Vareth Justicar]]** — seated at her war council as a defender of the city. **[[Lynne]]** — admitted to the council; an unproven asset she's assessing. ## Background **Speaker of Bryn Shander:** Holds the elected leadership of the walled hub of Ten-Towns, the region's largest market and its de facto capital in a crisis. **The council:** Called the defense meeting as the Winter Empire threat materialized, gathering the town's armed strength and any capable outsiders willing to stand the wall.