Around 800 YK, Molou Lassite was one of the greatest smugglers of Stormreach. He was also a master brewer, and the Lassites were beloved by the buccaneers and scoundrels of the region. Molou Lassite contributed little military force to the Storm Lords, but he gained the invaluable good will of the common people, and many say that he bought the peace with kuryeva.
The Lassites had an easy transition to honest living. The pirates used their considerable wealth to expand their brewing operations. Today Molou’s Distillery is one of the largest employers in Stormreach, and its kuryeva is popular across the Five Nations. The Lassite family was set in charge of the Marketplace, and the Lassites work to settle disputes between merchants and to smooth the wheels of commerce. Traditionally, the Lassites are the diplomats of Stormreach. When foreign dignitaries need to be entertained or the interests of Stormreach need to be taken abroad, the Lassites are brought into play.
The family’s current head is Varen Lassite, a handsome man just reaching his middle years. Of all the Storm Lords, Lord Varen is the only one who is beloved by his subjects. He has a reputation for generosity, and though he cannot always supply justice, he will buy a drink for anyone who suffers misfortune in the Marketplace. He is the epitome of the dashing swashbuckler—romantic, witty, with a fine eye for beauty and an appreciation for skilled swordplay. Beyond this, he is a clever and careful negotiator, capable of manipulating stronger enemies into battling one another.
Volen Lassite (LN male human expert 5) is Lord Varen’s uncle, the former lord of the Marketplace, and the current manager of Molou’s Distillery. This position is a family tradition; when age starts to catch up with the Lassite Storm Lord, he or she passes the title to a younger family member, chosen for wit and charisma. Volen continues to advise his nephew, and he remains a tremendously popular man. He holds monthly parties at the Lassite manor in Stormhaven and always invites a few lucky people chosen by whim; if a party of adventurers catches his eye, his invitation offers a chance to mingle with the city’s wealthy and powerful.
Lord Varen’s oldest daughter, Naleen (N female human bard 2/expert 2), is being groomed to take the position of Storm Lord. She is a year younger than her brother Vasken, but Naleen has proven to be far more adept at the game of politics. As heir apparent, she engages in a fair amount of diplomacy and is brought in when a situation calls for mediation.
The Lassites have few enemies, having chosen to avoid direct conflict with the other lords; given this neutrality, they serve as mediators in times of crisis. They also have a number of powerful allies. Over the years they have established a solid bond with House Tharashk, helping to meet the house’s needs in Cross. The Lassites also have a strong relationship with House Ghallanda. Although the halflings maintain a minimal presence in Stormreach, the kuryeva trade forms a connection between the two that extends across the Thunder Sea. Finally, while the Lassites are on good terms with all the Storm Lords, Lord Varen has established a close friendship with Lady Kirris Sel Shadra, and the two act to support each other.