Tess

Tess (1) (also “Tess the Hand” (3), “Tess Hocking” (4), “Tessie” (10), Red Tess (13)) A forger, living in Riverside. She is a red-haired woman of size, buxom, and interested in women. Her forgery work often involves low-level criminality, such as forged letters for reference for those seeking employment on the Hill. Also skilled at some sleight of hand. Used to serve beer at the Three Dogs. While all Riverside residents are effectively squatters, her living arrangements are particularly well put together and are a source of envy.

As Season 1 opens, she is living with Ben Hawke. When his body washes up on the banks of the river, Tess is in need of a new protector, one who has a strong sword arm and no expectations of her sexual favors.

Tess catches Kaab's eye from the moment Kaab sees her. While attracted to Kaab, Tess is also proud. She is not always inclined to take a foreigner's advice on how to conduct her business in her own neighborhood, and she has no intention of letting Kaab, or anyone else, take her for granted or condescend to her.

Tess seems to be both well known and liked in Riverside, although this may simply mean that she is wealthy by Riverside standards and generous with her money.

Named
Kaab

Madeline

Vincent Applethorpe

Named
Ben

Named
Diane

Reynald

Named
Alaric

Cassie

Clem

Crooked Nan

Jamie

Jenny

Joshua

Larry

Larry

Lolly

Micah Heslop

Pip

Rafe Fenton

Rosalie

Rupert Hawke

Thaddeus

Abney

Tiny Pete

Tommykins

Two-Ply Max

Unnamed
Ben's mother

Gatekeepers for the Balaam

Linkboy

Serving boy on the Hill

Washerwoman

Woman dressed in trousers