The Ophal family is one of the High Houses of Amn and a dominant force in both politics and commerce. With holdings in Athkatla, Trademeet, and Crimmor, the Ophals have built a vast mercantile empire focused on the spice and food trade. Their wealth buys them power, and their power buys them silence—even among rivals who whisper the name of their matriarch, Zharnn Ophal, with caution. Known as “The Dragon Lady,” Zharnn is as ruthless in council chambers as she is in private negotiations, earning the family both respect and fear.
In Crimmor, the Ophals are one of the three Grand Families who shape the city’s fate. They are fierce rivals of the Crytrappers and leverage their considerable wealth and Council connections to challenge Shadow Thief influence where it benefits them.
Zharnn Ophal runs the family with iron discipline and calculating brilliance. Her twin sister, Daerea Ethgil, is a powerful religious figure known as the Fury of Goldspires, and her extended family includes both public merchants and covert agents. Notably, Ressic Ophal, a key spice trader, is rumored to be a member of the Shadow Thieves, serving as a bridge between factions.
While most of the family resides in Athkatla, the Crimmor-based branch lives in Durndraaven Manor, a lavish estate that doubles as a symbol of status and a secure hub for regional operations.
The Ophal family’s trade network spans major cities and trade routes, dealing in exotic goods like Zakharan spice, dried fruits, pickled delicacies, and prepared exports that fetch high prices in distant ports. Their reach extends not just through shipping lines but also through political corridors—especially their seat on the Council of Five, which gives them enormous sway over Amnian law and economics.
Primary Trade Goods: Zakharan spices, preserved fruits, dried meats, medicinal herbs, rare grains
Key Trade Routes: Murann → Trademeet → Crimmor → Athkatla
Alliances: Bladesmile and Coprith families, select merchant consortiums in Athkatla and Trademeet
The Ophals are not known for brute force—they win through wealth, reputation, and strategic manipulation. When pressure must be applied, it comes in the form of lost contracts, political delays, or sudden inspections—not blades in alleyways. Still, whispers persist that Zharnn maintains a cadre of enforcers skilled in less visible tactics. Her influence over bureaucrats and city governors often ensures that any problems simply… disappear.
Crimmor residents both revere and fear the family, particularly Zharnn herself. The title “Dragon Lady” is not a jest—it’s a warning.
The Ophal family seeks long-term dominance over trade and politics in Amn, with a particular eye on undermining the Crytrappers and seizing full control over Crimmor’s infrastructure. Their ambitions are measured in decades, not seasons.
Primary Goal: Secure complete control over southern Amnian spice trade and expand influence in Crimmor
Secondary Goal: Rebalance alliances on the Council of Five by ousting Crytrapper-aligned factions
Long-term Ambition: Restructure Amnian politics to create a more centralized merchant elite—with the Ophals at the top
Crytrapper Family: Bitter rivals, engaged in a long-standing feud dating back to spice rights in the Zakharan trade
Shadow Thieves: Complex; they tolerate the guild’s presence but may be positioning themselves as a counterweight
Council of Five: Sit as one of the High Houses with full voting rights; Zharnn often blocks Crytrapper proposals out of principle
Friendly Families: Maintain long-standing alliances with the Bladesmile and Coprith houses, bolstering their social and financial strength