### Marchioness Mary Stockwell
#### General description
Marchioness Mary Stockwell is a prominent political figure of the Alfan Confederation, representing the Party of the Rose. Residing in the town of
Bretford, Mary rules the March of Pickerden. At 44, despite her attractiveness and fame, Mary is not yet married, preferring to dedicate herself completely to politics and her personal passions.
#### Personal characteristics
**Passions and Politics**: Mary is known for her emotional involvement in political discussions. Her passion drives her in all of her actions, making her a charismatic and engaging figure during Council sessions.
**Artistic Talent**: From a young age, Mary showed exceptional talent for music and poetry, becoming a Bard with a beautiful voice. She often performs the anthem of the Confederation at official events.
**Dedication to the Government**: Her dedication to the government of the Pickerden area is total, often to the detriment of her health and her personal affections.
#### Personal History
** Family Tragedy **: Mary's entire family, including her younger sister, perished in a devastating fire that destroyed the family mansion. This tragedy profoundly affected Mary, leading her to move into the old family fortress, now renovated and embellished.
**Fire Phobia**: The tragic experience left Mary with a strong phobia of fire. The fortress lacks fireplaces and stoves, instead using magical means of heating.
#### Locations and Resources
**Fortress Stockwell**: Mary's current residence, located in Bretford. The fort has recently been renovated to reflect the importance of the Stockwell family. At the center of the fortress is a statue in memory of the lost family, around which rumors circulate that Mary often recites poetry or speaks to the statue, particularly the one representing her sister.
**Public Library**: Mary has a vast collection of books on poetry and chivalric deeds, open to the public. The library is a place of great interest for scholars and literature enthusiasts.
#### Events and Activities
**Annual Poetry and Music Contest**: Every year, Mary holds a contest with a magic lyre up for grabs for the winner, while ten other participants receive prizes in gold coins. This event attracts poets and musicians from across the Confederation, helping to keep the region's literary and musical culture alive.
#### Personal Relationships
**Crush for Charles**: Recently, Mary is said to have developed a soft spot for one of her stableman, a young half-elf named Charles. This relationship is the subject of murmurs among the servants and could have interesting implications for the future.
#### Folklore and Details
**History of the Statue**: The statue at the center of the fortress, representing Mary's lost family, is surrounded by legends. The statue is said to have magical powers and will protect the fortress from any future disasters.
**Flames of the Past**: There are many stories about the tragic fire that destroyed the family mansion, some of which insinuate that the fire may have been arson, fueling an aura of mystery around the tragedy.
**Magical Heating**: The choice to use magical heating means is often the subject of discussion among visitors to the fortress, who find the total absence of fire in Mary's home fascinating and disturbing at the same time.
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