Anna Vanzek

A mousy, dishwater blonde bob, cut in a severe angle, slices its way against the blade sharp jaw of this lean and compact woman. Though she is short in stature, it is obvious she is capable, with wiry limbs and a presence that demands attention. Her hazel eyes are always on high alert and her lips appears as though they have not cracked a smile in a decade. Yet despite the strength of her appearance, it is obvious some luxuries make their way to this woman. Her skin is buttery smooth and free of the small lines that assault others of an age similar to hers and her lashes are oft stained dark with some cosmetic.

The younger sister of King Victor Vanzek, Anna took a different path, with far more interest in military matters than her brother. The Vanzeks do not have any vast army, but it is enough to garrison Pulaw and safeguard the Prosna Valley, with some to spare for foreign excursions, assuming there is no impending threat from the Red Waste.

Anna has spent years leading soldiers. She started with oversight over local militias on Vanzek estates through the Prosna Valley, where she learned a great deal about training and leading haphazardly drilled if enthusiastic irregulars - her ultimate conclusion is that she would really much prefer not to have to employ militia at all, and she has been rigorous in seeking ways to deter raiders that involve only professionals. She has seen her share of fighting, both against raiders from the waste and on expeditions elsewhere in the Commonwealth. She is well known by the Fletzas in particular, the house of her mother, and has spent time on board ships in the Wailing Sea.

Anna presents herself in two rather different ways. There is the Anna who deals with military affairs, who is firm, no-nonsense, and tolerates no argument. The other Anna is the one who enjoys good company and the luxury afforded by cities; although she was born in the rather rural Prosna Valley, she has no great love of the countryside or wilderness, and visits Sanctuary often enough. She rarely involves herself in political matters, far preferring to deflect from them and to direct people to another Vanzek to deal with. About the only issue which she is interested in is when people seek military aid, though she thinks of her part in that as simple obligation to the common good rather than any sort of politics.

Anna is an able commander, particularly of the infantry of House Vanzek, and agreeable company in social settings.