Rogues Gallery
Alfie
(9-ish) Street Urchin
Orphaned at a young age, Alfie was raised by a series of stray dogs and street smart toddlers. It’s a fascinating dynamic. Having grown up in the gutter, he is one resilient chap. But only in spirit, as his body is ravaged by rickets and malnourishment. It’s a miracle he can walk. But what this child lacks in physical strength he makes up for in enthusiasm and using his skinny arms to get into hard-to-reach places. Keen to make his own way, Alfie was thrilled to get a job with the sisters-even if they only pay him in buttons. While the sisters appreciate his work ethic, they find his pitiful nature too much at times and can forget to show their appreciation. Despite having the worst luck in life, Alfie always finds a way to stay chipper. His motto is “whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger-unless it’s polio.”
Eliza
(2 Years) Yorkshire Pig
Eliza is Cyril’s pet pig and the key to the sisters’ operation. The 50 stone sow is a workhorse, and is used to ferry dead bodies and tools from place to place. Without her, the sisters would be at a considerable disadvantage. But having Eliza on the payroll means they have to keep her constantly fed as she NEVER. STOPS. EATING. Other aspects of her care cause friction between the sisters too, like how Cyril is always pampering her, using baby talk or insisting name calling hurts her feelings, much to Prunella’s chagrin. The only thing that bothers Eliza is an empty stomach.
The Trollops
(Early 20s) Sex Workers
This tight-knit group represents the many women working the streets of East London during Victorian times. While Frenchy, Fanny O’Duff, and Lizzy are presumed to be in their early twenties, in mind, body and spirit they're hovering around 67. Life as a sex worker is hard, they’ve seen a lot. Kidnappings, beatings, robbery and stabbings. Some they’ve even seen others do! The “Trollops” as they’re known to the sisters, will sometimes act as allies. Tipping Cyril and Prunella off about their rivals Burke & Hare, other times acting as an obstacle, demanding hush money for witnessing the sisters in mid-body transport. Or cooking sherry. Hey, The Trollops are just looking out for number one. Somebody’s gotta watch their duffs besides the perverts who pay to do it!
Percival Fairweather
(Mid 40s) The Boss
Percy symbolises everything driving the sisters to abandon the daily grind. As owner and operator of the Oblong Cummerbund Factory, he worships at the altar of the almighty pound sterling and will stop at nothing to increase profit. “Health and Safety” doesn’t even register in the language centre of his pea-sized brain. His response to crushing injuries was to dispense stale coffee beans for workers to chew on so that they wouldn’t fall asleep at the machines. With almost an appalling amount of self confidence, Percy struts around the factory floor (when he bothers to show up) in perfectly tailored suits, and sees himself as an elite, when really he’s upper-middle class. As much as the sisters hate to admit it, he does have a great voice. Think the love child of Matt Berry and James Earl Jones. While he’s not out to get the sisters, he’s not going to go out of his way to help them either, and so the sisters are weary of attracting his attention.
Bill Borke & Willy Hurre
(Early 40s) Rival Grave Robbers
Burke & Hare are criminal soulmates. After meeting in prison, it was “love” at first fist fight when these crooked sailors were made to bare-knuckle box, which ended in a tie and a prison riot. Despite their very different backgrounds-Bill is Irish and Will is West Indian, they are as thick as thieves. The two delight in chaos and indulging in petty thievery, believing it’s the only way to get ahead. Since the boom in anatomy schools, they have specialised in grave robbing. However, they’ve noticed a cut in profits ever since the Sangre Sisters entered the scene. They see Cyril and Prunella as direct competition and will take every opportunity to sabotage them. While barely literate, both men are shrewd and sometimes get the upper hand. From stealing the sisters kit, to feeding Eliza laxatives to trapping them in the catacombs, the only thing they won’t do is report the sisters to the bobbies, as the only thing they hate more than losing money is the coppers!
The Orphans
(Ages 2-10) Feral Hoard
If survivor's accounts are to be believed, then The Orphans are one of East London's most dangerous elements, and bring new meaning to not liking children. Acting more like a single minded entity than a group of individuals, this sticky fingered, snot nosed writhing mass of youths pour through the darkest of alleyways and deepest of tunnels in search of a free handout. They leave nothing but haunted adults in their wake, stripped of all valuables and covered in tooth marks-you bet they’re biters! And those are the lucky ones. Some adults are never seen again. No one is sure what exactly this mewling hoard does with the bodies. Eat them? Make them read bedtime stories deep in their sewer layer? Either way, the sisters learn quickly to avoid The Orphans at all costs!
(Mid-Fifties) Professional Blueblood / Paranormal Terror
Lord Edmund Archer aka Spring-Heeled Jack
Lord Edmund Diggory Archer III of Thimbleshire is the very definition of English aristocracy. Tall and courtly, he cuts a dashing figure in his officious regalia. Born into a wealthy family, he received his education at Oxford before extensively travelling The Orient. Upon his return to London, he does-uh . . . whatever rich Lords do on a daily basis. Play croquet I guess? Definitely something horse related. When not participating in equine activities he can be found nibbling on tiny sandwiches, drinking tea with his pinky out, and making gentleman’s wagers at The Royal Explorer & Exceedingly Handsome Gentlemen’s Lodge. While it may appear as though the Patrician Lord Edmund is the consummate nobleman, rumors abound he dabbles in the esoteric, secreting away to the seedier parts of London to do God-knows-what . . . okay, I’m not God but I know what it is! Can you keep a secret? On late nights when he’s feeling particularly randy, Lord Edmund becomes Spring-Heeled Jack!
With long, sharp claws, the ability to leap great distances in a single bound and spout bright blue flames, Spring-Heeled Jack has captivated the British public with his terrifying presence. While there have been numerous sightings and a few up-close encounters, his identity remains a mystery and many doubt the spectre is human! Lord Edmund Archer has used his resources to fashion a cutting edge steam-punk suit to carry out his perverted fantasies of annoying women in a “cool” cape. Harassing vulnerable young women has always been a pastime for Lord Archer, and either due to a mid-life crisis, or the syphilis he contracted from years of debauchery finally reaching his brain, he’s kicked things up a notch. Either way, Lord Archer is a well connected individual that is just as dangerous as his alter-ego is violent. Anyone who crosses his path should take great caution, especially the sisters.
