Striga Isle

Stephanie Peebles was born in the apartment above the Mermaid Tavern, and that's where she's lived her entire life. She's too tough to be pushed around by the local thugs, and she's become sort of a mascot to the rough and ready characters who patronize her tavern. In her heart of hearts, Stephanie has something of a soft spot for the petty thugs who run the docks in Port Noble; after all, they make life interesting. But she draws the line when it comes to the Council. Stephanie's alarmed by the speed with which the Council's troops have overrun her home, and she'd do anything to root them out.

Long Jack has worked the docks in Port Noble since he was a petty officer in the Second World War. He was training himself up to be a natural hero, but that wasn't in the cards. He lost his health—not to an accident or a disease, but to an unethical army doctor who used Jack's body for experimentation at the behest of the Council villain, Maestro. Jack's sad history may be the reason the Council seems to leave him alone these days. Unfortunately for the Council, Jack has no intention of returning the favor.

The young woman known as Aurelie Damiens used to be a humble French art student, visiting Paragon City as part of an international exchange program. She was bright and enthusiastic, but, in her eyes at least, nothing special. That all changed one day at the Paragon Museum of Art, when she felt the presence of a dying Kheldian touch her mind. Aurelie had a choice: she could allow the energy being to fade away entirely; or she could take it upon herself, merging with it, becoming far more than the sum of her parts. To this day, Aurelie has no regrets about her choice. As a member of the Peacebringer Army, she watches over Striga Isle and the dark forces that shadow it.

Tobias Hansen has been around Striga Island for quite some time, but you wouldn't know it to look at him. According to local legend, 'Old Toby' was already the vicar when the Family started setting up shop here in the 1920's. No one can explain the strange youth of Tobias and his twin brother, Lars, although many suspect it has something to do with the Council's genetic experimentation. One thing is certain: Tobias makes no bones about his desire to shut the Council down, once and for all. So far the Council hasn't struck back at Tobias, but it may only be a matter of time.

Lars Hansen has been the light keeper on Striga Isle for longer than most of his neighbors have been alive. He remembers what the island used to be like before the Council moved in: a little seedy, perhaps, but lively and full of hope. Nowadays, no one ventures near the lighthouse that is Lars' home, and he gets a little lonely from time to time. To stave away his sorrows, Lars bides his time by keeping a watch on Council activities. No one on Striga Isle knows more about their activities.

Ernesto Hess is a Adjutant in the ranks of the Vortex, one of the Council's Outer Bands. Luckily for Paragon City, he's decided that the Council is far too megalomaniacal for him. As a high-ranking officer, Ernesto is able to get his hands on the very best information, and so far he seems willing to pass it along to the heroes he meets. If his treachery was discovered by the Council, it would certainly cost him his life.