Gentlemen, Ladies, Adventurers, Sportsmen, Missionaries, and Other Less Savory Folk

The variety of folk who have come to seek their fortune, fame, or finale on the Red Frontier is staggering. All that humanity has to offer on Earth, and more, may be found on the Red Sands. On the whole, such a multitude is far too great to cover in a simple survey, so we shall, explore individuals and "types" as time and opportunity (and game scenarios and miniature availability) permit.

It is a time when one man (or woman) can have an extraordinary effect on events. Below we offer tidbits of some of the notable players on the stage of history.

Captain Jack Cole

A decorated aeroscaph captain in service to the British Empire who found himself continually out of favor with his superiors despite his fine records of achievements in the sky. He left the service and now finds himself in great demand by those who need a good air captain. His lifestyle, needless to say, is much improved.

Dr. Henry Jeckyl

A mild mannered physician devoted to the downtrodden and needy. Curiously, nearly everywhere he travels, there are outbreaks of brutal violence among those same unfortunates. Whisperers say that he is haunted by a vengeful felon going by the name of Edward Hyde. Why or how Jeckyl would have engendered such enmity is unknown.

Captain Jan Renard

This dashing Belgian serves his master King Leopold II as a captain in the forces of the Martian Free State. His success in - shall we say, dubious - missions is little publicized but well known in certain circles. His success with the ladies (of Earth and of Mars) is far better publicized. He is often accompanied by Sergeant Degreef, reportedly the most brutal man in MFS forces.

Wilhemina Murray

This young woman has a storied past - something involving a certain eastern european nobleman or possibly something to do with the infamous "Bluford Lady". Whatever the truth behind the scandal, it ended her marriage and resulted in her exile from polite society. Now, it is said, she travels extensively and is in league with certain gentlemen of extraordinary but ill-repute.

Alain Quartermain

This world-renowned adventurer is an old Africa hand and the elder statesmen of great white hunters everywhere. His adventures on the Dark Continent are legendary, as is his skill in the bush and with a rifle. Sadly, he is said to have fallen into dissolute ways of late. His current whereabouts are unknown.

Miss Rebecca Myst

This rather unconventional lady is reputedly an agent of the British Empire. She certainly travels widely, often in the company of her brother Phineas. On certain of her adventures she has been known to eschew ordinary dress in favor of an outrageous outfit that offers concealment for the throwing knives and outlandish contraptions that she favors.

The Red Eagle

A mysterious indivdual who gained fame as an independent aeroscaph captain. His sudden strikes against Cephalid forces brought him to worldwide attention on Earth since his Scarlet Raptor is credited with downing at least three Cephalid flying machines in one-on-one actions, an unparalleled achievement. Rumors of connections with the L.A.S.T. remain unproved.

Colonel Roundbothom

The colonel is a well known figure around Parroom Station and a regular at the Red Sands Club. He is an excellent raconteur and, by his own accounts, has served almost everywhere that the British army has seen action. He is as renowned for his military exploits (some call them blunders) as for his prodigious capacity for alcohol and fine food.

Count von Schickle and Baron von Gruber
These "gentlemen" are both Prussian aristocrats and close associates who, in certain quarters, are said to be behind any number of nefarious schemes unfolding on Mars. Schickle is a renowned swordsman and marksman, the victor of numerous duels. Gruber is less proficient in the arts of personal combat, but is said to be twice the strategist.

The Captain from Virginia

This American expatriate has "gone native" and lives among red-skinned City Dwellers of the clan Heyleyum. He is reputedly a veteran of the Confederate cause in the War Between the States, though that seems unlikely as those who have met him say that he is far too young to have served as an officer in that conflict. He is also reputedly a deadly swordsman, a reputation concerning which there is little doubt.

Colonel Teddy

Though only a colonel by courtesy, Col. Teddy is no rank amateur at military matters, He as lead his "Rough Riders," a regiment of volunteers drawn from among the toughest customers west of the Mississppi as well as anywhere sturdy and adventuresome fellows can be found, up the slopes of San Juan hill as well as those of Mons Olympus. He may speak softly, but he carries a big stick.

Aerther'sisk also called "The White Giant"

This misogynistic Englishman is notable for his height, an unusual feature that seems to make him popular to the point of worship with the City Dwellers, even those that normally scorn Earthmen. Perhaps that is why he has virtually abandoned the trappings of civilization and given himself over to the native garb, customs, and moral degeneration.

The so-called "Smiling Anarchist"

The Anarchist's name is unknown as is his goals, but his ruthlessness is legendary. Though bombs are his primary means of instilling terror, he will use any and all tools that come under his hands. How he got from Earth to Mars is a mystery, especially since he was surely killed in that terrible explosion on guy Faekwes Day in 1896.