The ancient name of Asher has its origins in the earliest peoples to settle on Ranu. This small tribe of shapeshifters has been a subtle presence since First Shem. As such, it was no surprise that they were amongst those that th first Maraddonians enlisted in their covert shapeshifter corps. For generations, the Ashers served the Empire as spies, assassins, secret police, & special agents, until such time as Kavian Stormbringer began infiltrating the Empire.

Then, there was a split in the family, a bloody, secret war of their own that ended when both sides were nearly wiped out, save for a few small families. Enter John & Ferra, whose only goal in life was for their son to be free to choose his fate. They raised their child, Roan, to believe he could do anything, despite the fact that from the age of four, he was trained to be a member of the secret police.

By the time he was nine, he had snuck away. Slipping onto a ship, he was taken on as a cabin boy. Not long after, he met a big, boisterous Innesian named Uly Bloom, & they were not long in hatching a plan for a new life for the each of them.

Roan's shapeshifting skill made him a valuable asset in tricking potential sponsors, allies, enemies, & others in their quest for the airship. His quiet nature & fairness of mind made him a natural for the part of quartermaster, second in command of the ship. While Uly is far from stupid, it is often the less impulsive Roan who keeps him on the sensible path.