Player:   David Ternes

The troupe of Austin Trelain has been a central feature of the Mystic Halls campaign almost since the campaign began. Austin and/or a member of his troupe have been involved in the vast majority of the adventures which have occurred in the campaign. Over the years, Austin's troupe has, despite losses, grown to become the largest single group at the Covenant of the Mystic Halls.

Austin's original troupe consisted primarily of fighters, intended to help him get through the dangers of adventuring and general survival outside of his covenant. His first two followers, in 1217, were Alynn the Welshman and Smith of Welbydale. They were childhood acquaintances from his father's estate, who joined Austin rather than remain as simple local men-at-arms. At the covenant, Marcus Quartz of House Jerbiton, when asked for advice, suggested that Ralph of Hender, a guard, would make an excellent leader for the troupe. Ralph brought another guard, Ivanspade, into the troupe. During this time Austin also met Sigmund Olfmundson, his companion, a large Viking style warrior. Sigmund was later to introduce his friend Harold the Jute to the troupe. The initial group was completed by three servants. Roderick of Manchester, a former servant to the Baron of Manchester (a fact not revealed until after his death), became Austin's chamberlain. A covenant servant, Preston, was sent to Austin by the covenant council to act as a personal servant. And, lastly, "Little" Skip, the son of covenant servants, became Austin's page.

Over time, Roderick and Preston, already older when they entered Austin's service, passed away. Harold the Jute, after beginning to feel the effects of age sooner than many, was given a small farm on the covenant's lands and retired from troupe service.

In the course of the campaign, three new characters have come into Austin's troupe. Simon of Hendon came from the Covenant of Edenholm (Austin's master's covenant), to act as a copyist and laboratory assistant. In 1231, while in Scotland, Austin discovered a young Scottish lad named Shawn who had the Gift. As an orphan, no one noticed or cared when Austin took the boy as an apprentice. Finally, totally unexpectedly in late 1240, Austin acquired Alicia of Manchester, the daughter of the Baron of Manchester, as a second apprentice.

Troupe Members

Name	Type	Status
Austin Trelain	Magus	Active
Sigmund Olfmundson	Companion	Active
Simon of Hendon	Companion	Active
Ralph of Hender	Grog	Active
Smith of Welbydale	Grog	Active
Alynn the Welshman	Grog	Active
Ivanspade	Grog	Active
Harold the Jute	Grog	Retired
Roderick	Grog	Deceased
Preston	Grog	Deceased
"Little" Skip	Grog	Active
Shawn	Apprentice	Active
Alicia of Manchester	Apprentice	Active

Austin is one of the better protected magi at the covenant. His troupe currently includes five highly experienced and capable fighters. Led by his grog sergeant, Ralph of Hender, his four grogs form a deadly group, able to engage opponents skillfully at range with bows or close up with swords and shields. Although aging (all are in their forties), they more than make up in skill what they lack in youth. All have already faced dangers which would cower most men. Working with them is Austin's companion and friend Sigmund. With the look and abilities of a classic Viking, "Sigi" is not someone anyone would want to see before them in battle. On more than one occasion his great battle axe has actually cut someone in half.

Over the years, the individuals in the troupe have formed themselves into a tight knit group of friends and companions. They are solidly loyal to Austin and to each other. Further, Sigmund and the grogs seem to take the part of overly protective uncles to the two apprentices (often to the frustration of Austin, their master). This is particularly true of the younger apprentice, the lovely Alicia.

Austin Trelain has begun to prepare an autobiography. Although incomplete, it contains useful information about his early years.

There is also a list of the notable items owned by Austin Trelain and his troupe.