The large Traxa family, once prominent nobles of Shuttered, eke out rustic lives in Traxa Wood (36.11). Some time ago, a Traxa became a werewolf during a crack-finding expedition in the Undercity. Werewolves suffer from the worst type of lychanthropy. While other were-creatures maintain some control of their actions when they change forms, werewolves become berserk monsters during full moons. They kept their secret for several generations, keeping afflicted family members in soundproof dungeons during their transformations. But rivals became intrigued as to why so many Traxas were never seen during full moons, and their secret was revealed.
Every Traxa, afflicted or not, was exiled from Shuttered under orders of the Doge. They survive by hunting, raising pigs and raiding cattle. The peasants are quick to blame them for any misfortune. Mobs armed with pitchforks and torches often march through the forest, searching for the Traxa who killed a cow or seduced someone’s daughter.
While most Traxas are resigned to their fate, the elders who remember Shuttered are collaborating with cattle rustlers and rogue necromancers to plot a vengeful homecoming. They want to return to their ancestral towers and put those who conspired to exile them to justice. But they also demand the return of the Crescendo, an electrum fiddle that has been in the Traxa family for ages. A skilled player can use Crescendo to animate and control objects great and small.
Connections:
- The nine sisters hanging beneath the shadow of the Kingswood (34.10) are Traxas accused of seducing farm boys. The surviving brother plans to use the tragedy to become a suitor to the Duke of Thring’s daughter.
Hooks:
- Do more werewolves dwell in the Undercity?
- Why were all Traxas banished regardless of whether or not they were werewolves?
- Tell me more about Traxa’s rivals.
- With whom are the elder Traxas collaborating?
- Who owns the Crescendo?