Artis Appleton

Artis Appleton is a giant of a man. He’s balding with florid cheeks and a handlebar mustache. He and his two eldest sons run the grocer. Artis not only stocks produce from the local farms, but also the occasional shipment from far-away places.

Artis has some questionable ties of his own, having spent his youth at sea. Old acquaintances stop by from time to time from all over the world. Occasionally, they provide Artis with more than tropical fruit to sell.

Artis is the proud father of six boys:

• Joshua (7)
• Bertie (9)
• Hughie (identical twin, 11)
• Arno (identical twin, 11)
• Mal (13)
• Artimus (14)

His wife, Winnie, was murdered in a mugging 2 years ago and his somewhat lackadaisical parenting style has led to a pack of undeniably good kids doing some rather questionable things. They call themselves the North Ward Irregulars and are eager for adventure: surveillance, a bit of larceny, carrying messages, etc