James Tolliver, Lord Aries

James Tolliver, Lord Aries, First Among Twelve, born April 1st, 1858 AE, is a fire magician and governing member of the Zodiac Society. 5' 10" tall, with short, dark brown hair and blue eyes, James was born the son of a Londinium prostitute and one of her clients. Until the arrival of Sebastian, Lord Virgo, James was the youngest current member of the Zodiac Society.

James Tolliver grew up in the streets of Londinium, the capital city of Albion, the seat of the Pendragon Empire. As a child he worked as a chimney sweep until his power was discovered and his mother found a tutor among her clients. He eventually joined the Imperial Army and through it made his way East into the Orient. When he returned some five years later, James seeks out and wins an apprenticeship under the then Lord Aries, who was also his former commander. Rumours persist that James actually gained his position by paying off his predecessor's gambling bets.

As a fire magician, James wears red, as well as an ivory half-mask adorned with the curving horns of the ram. He has diamond cufflinks and a gold tie-pin in the "v" of the Aries zodiac symbol. His familiar is Noor, a djinniyeh, who has the ability to take human form and speak. James, with his counterparts, Lady Sagittarius and Lord Leo, regularly consults with the Ministry of Defence on matters affecting the Empire.

James is considered a charismatic man, able to talk his way in and out of many situations. He is also not above using his power in his favour. He is a good strategist, capable of letting others do the work for him, especially when it is not his area of expertise. He claims affinity with the situation of Leona Ruby. He learned of the Legend of the Five Cities in the Orient where he met and develops a rivalry with Sebastian. He has a crew, officially "assistants", who follow him around the world. They are believed to be pirates.