Yaaaay, more people!<br/><br/>Friday's fine.<br/><br/>As for character concepts...there's a lot that would work, actually.  Just because the default is something like the stereotypical urban noble of high fantasy doesn't mean that's the only type around.  The Countess does tend to invite people who<em>interest</em>her...that little actor, for example.  Winston might be of noble blood, at most--persons of high station do not take to the stage  ;)  University students are often but not always rich.  Merchants, from both sides of the law.  Minor nobles.  Exotic persons from foreign parts (Senor Montezu, for example).  And we've a distinct shortage of magi, at the moment.