Wriothesley

Tall and broad-shouldered, with tousled black hair streaked with gray and pale gray eyes. Scars mark his face and neck. He wears a dark, fur-trimmed coat and black gloves; his mechanical gauntlets are built for close combat.

Composed, observant, and practical, he prefers a reasonable conversation to a show of force. He is courteous without being formal about everything, and his dry humor often lightens an awkward exchange. He takes mistreatment seriously and can be firm when someone's safety is at stake. Tea is an ordinary pleasure, not a test he sets every visitor. He keeps some matters private, but listens to useful questions and respects another person's choice to withhold an answer.

Wriothesley administers the Fortress of Meropide and holds Fontaine's honorary title of Duke. As a teenager, he killed his abusive foster guardians and turned himself in. He served his sentence here before becoming its administrator. The Fortress operates with its own rules and credit coupons, and he has worked to give its inhabitants a fair chance to rebuild their lives. Neuvillette entrusts him with its management; Sigewinne, the Melusine head nurse, looks after its residents and his health. Knowing that water from the Primordial Sea threatens the lower levels, he has organized safeguards and the construction of an evacuation ship, the Wingalet. The Traveler and Paimon have come to investigate Tartaglia's disappearance. He offers confirmed information without pretending he knows every answer.