[M] War and Peace ~ Breggo & Hannelorian [OOC]

[Breggo13]

WAR AND PEACE

The Treaty of Argent was created over twenty five years ago, binding two seemingly different countries in an arrangement of unity, mutual prosperity and peace. However, not every prophecy is as simple to achieve as it is foretold and with the king of Lys on his death bed, it is the age of the young to challenge the world around them and bend it to their will. Will there be peace or war? And will anything remain after the fires die down and the ice thaws or are the kingdoms finally looking into the abyss of their own doom?

KEY POINTS OF INTEREST

Argent - Capital of Lys

Spoiler: Valadis - Capital of Asterious 

Myralis - Old capital of the Kingdom of Asterious

Spoiler: Aegis of the Sea - Seat of power for Earls of Cliffhaven 

The family home is called Aegis of the Sea, often using Cliffhaven as its name.
The butler of the earl's seat is Freed.

[Breggo13]

Spoiler: Prince Regent of Lys 

CRYSOS ...... PRINCE REGENT OF LYS

Crysos Castravet was always raised to be the heir of the throne - a throne that would be given away before he could truly inherit it and he would be left with a dukedom under the rule of the Asterious Empire. Since he was young, Crysos refused to accept the fate he was raised for, spending all his spare time researching for some way to break out of the treaty that weighed him down like a chain.

Although he is almost 29, Crysos sometimes grasps onto ideas so slim, others would disregard them as fantasies. He is strong headed and decisive, sometimes acting to protect his ego. He loves his family and kingdom, ready to do whatever it takes to keep them safe - even if it means waging war against his neighbors. Finally the regent and able to make his own decisions, he struggles to separate himself from the state and follow the advise of those around him. He has a kind heart and is more a politician and scholar than a warrior.

Spoiler: Emperor of Asterious 

ALISTAIR DE VALLOIS, EMPEROR OF ASTERIOUS

Alistair was never destined to be Emperor - he was always the spare, the second son, the extra. He knew this from a very young age when his parents actively preferred to dote on his older brother Sebastien, leaving the second boy to his own devices. Three years younger, Alistair went out of his way to wreck chaos and get even a sliver of attention, even if it involved discipline and a constant look of frustration on his father's face. After a particularly bad stunt that accidentally affected his older brother, Alistair was sent to be a page in one of the Duke's castle, serving under the lord of the Flight.

Initially intended as a punishment, no one in the Imperial household assumed that the boy would be signaled out and invited to train with the Flight. Although no one in the royal household had worked with dragons in generations due to the high risk involved in the initial training and bonding, Alistair was allowed to continue as it meant less chances of his recklessness influencing the future Emperor. Time went and Alistair continued to train, becoming a knight and a leader, going through the Bonding and eventually earning his spot as a leader on one of the Flights, leading his men and dragons into battles with various factions trying to weaken the Empire.

Never close to his family, he wasn't distraught to learn of his father's passing though he attended the funeral to keep image. His brother was crowned shortly thereafter, preparing simultaneously for his arranged marriage. During this short time, it was the first time Alistair saw the Princess of Lys and, although never introduced and never even near her, he did end up falling in love....or lust. As he went about his days in the coming months, he couldn't get the young woman out of his head, wishing for the first time in his life that he was the heir.

Within days, he received news of his brother's death - no one knew what happened but the emperor was found stone cold in his bed in the morning. Without even knowing how, Alistair received everything he didn't want - the throne, the power and the politics - along side the one thing he ever desired to take from his brother. Unfortunately, with both original treaty signers gone along with Sebastien, it may be the one thing he will not be able to have. And Alistair is not one to take no for an answer.

His Imperial Highness, Emperor of Asterious and the Western Isles, Sunrise of the North, Alistair Vallois

Spoiler: Captain of the Guard of Lys 

THEOBALD WARD, CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD OF LYS

Theobald, at a solid 35, was adopted by the king of Lys before the young king decided to marry his second wife, the first dying due to a severe illness that even the mages couldn't cure. Shortly after his second marriage, the royal family welcomed two children and Theobald became their big brother. From the beginning, he has always been loyal and protective of Crysos and Saskia. Early on, he surprised all his teachers with his sharp mind and natural athletic ability that was formed to make him a formidable fighter. Once he reached 16, Theobald started his military career with the royal guards as a squire before earning his knighthood at 18 and starting with the lower ranks.

During his first few years, he was rarely in Argent, his duty and career taking him to the borderlands to keep the peace. His diligence and innate ability to command soon earned him a promotion and, by the time he turned 32, Theobald was promoted to the Head of the Guard of Lys. On the quiet and serious side, he takes his career and duty very seriously, leading primarily by example. He has earned the respect of his men by never acting superior to them even though he was raised among the royal family. He can appear stiff and arrogant to those that do not know him and he rarely relaxes. He only becomes animated around his family though recently, he did start noticing Saskia's affection towards him begin to change, causing internal conflict and turmoil.

[Hannelorian]

Spoiler: Princess of Lys 

Born: Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal Saskia Miranda Elizabetha Victoria, Princess of Lys of the House Castravet

Her Imperial Majesty Saskia of the House of de Vallois, Empress of Asterious

Born as the second child, of the second wife of the King of Lys, Saskia is deeply beloved by her family and her nation. The Princess' fate weighs heavily on her mind, as it was promised before she was ever born. According to the Treaty of Argent, signed in the capitol of Lys - the King's first born daughter would wed the Emperor of Asterious' eldest son and heir. In so doing - a temporary and uneasy peace was forged between the two nations.

Her birth was heralded as the fulfillment of a promise, and ensured peace would stand. At the same time, her birth heralded the demise of Lys, as upon her marriage to Sebastien, the Prince Imperial her beloved country and homeland would be assumed by the Empire as nothing but another vassal state.

Saskia is warm, affectionate and known for her intellect. Ever the student, Saskia has been educated in state craft, and is perhaps more knowledgable on the subject than her elder brother, Crysos. Saskia, however, has been something of a disappointment to her father. Women in the royal line was been gifted with the power of ice magic, Saskia at the tender age of 23, has yet to show any signs of the gift.

Though Saskia is beyond the age of marriage, recent chaos has thrown her fate into doubt. Her father, the King of Lys has been ailing for some years and is now believed to be on his death bed. Her betrothed, Sebastien, a man Saskia adored and perhaps even loved, has died after shortly assuming the Imperial throne. Arrangements were swiftly made for her to be engaged to his younger brother, Alistair, the new Emperor. While Saskia has not met Alistair, or at least not that she can recall, the rumours of his unyielding cruelty have reached Lys, making her less than pleased about the fulfillment of her duty.

Asterious, showing no signs of slowing down, is posturing for war, growing ever more impatient with the delays of the Imperial wedding, and assumption of control over the ancient Kingdom of Lys. Growing up, Saskia was always close with her eldest brother, the adopted son of the King, Theobald. It does appear however, that her affections have grown significantly toward him, to the point where he has become a distraction from her engagement. Though he is more than ten years her senior, she has always revered him.

Many in the capitol of Argent feel that crisis, even a war is coming.

[Hannelorian]

Spoiler: The Witch of Prophecy 

Johanna de Havn, The Roar of Dawn

Beneath the crimson moon's embrace,
A witch of power, born with grace.
On solstice night, her fate decreed,
To face the dragon riders' greed.

Her magic strong, a fiery art,
To save or doom, a world apart.
With courage firm and heart aglow,
The kingdom's future, she shall sow.

As dragon riders seek control,
Her choice to mend or take its toll.
To stand against their empire's might,
Or let the realm succumb to blight.

Her path unfolds, an ancient rhyme,
A prophecy forged in threads of time.
The kingdom's destiny she'll claim,
In her hands, its hope and name.

Through trials deep, she'll rise above,
With power fierce, she'll reign and love.
A witch of greatness, truth be told,
The kingdom's tale shall then unfold.

Johanna was the only child recorded as being born in Lys beneath the crimson moon on the solstice night, twenty-five years ago, the same night the Treaty of Argent was signed into law by King Poloneous IV. The crimson, or blood moon, is a once in a century occurrence and typically heralds times of great chaos coming. As far as anyone knows, Johanna's mother was a peasant and died shortly after her birth, the father is unknown.

Due to the unusual circumstances of her birth, Johanna was ferried across the Kingdom, met with a general unwillingness of the public to take her in, she ultimately found home with the Lysian Order of the Devout, a group of religious Elves known across the lands for their kindness and charity. Much of her life has been in spent in the village of Enlief, deep in the heart of the Kingdom's southern most province.

As Johanna, named by the devout sisters was named, began to age, one thing became astonishingly clear, by the time she was a teenager, she bore a striking resemblance to Saskia, the beloved Princess Royal. Unlike Saskia, however, Johanna is typically reserved, often holding her thoughts inside rather than expressing herself. It did not take long for Johanna, however to begin to manifest abilities that typically were not seen outside of the Royal family, though it has occurred in women across the realm for generations. Magic, as it was later identified was a talent given to her upon birth, and she has the gift of the flame and the wind.

Johanna has honed her talents, though they are generally hidden from those around her. She works tirelessly to assist the Devout Sisters who gave her shelter, and is a fierce defender of the town of Enlief.

Is this modest creature the same witch that was prophesied by the Prince Regent?

[Breggo13]

RULING VALOIS FAMILY

Spoiler: Emperor Sebastian Valois - Deceased 

Spoiler: Dowager Empress Carina Valois - Alive 

Spoiler: Emperor Henri Valois - Deceased 

[Breggo13]

ALISTAIR'S FLIGHT

Spoiler: Westley Falconer - Honours of St. Catherine 

Of all the men of the so-called Imperial flight, Westley is the only one who comes from humble origins. He grew up in a small town where his parents were hard workers, trying their hardest to help their two children get ahead in life. Westley was a natural warrior and his parents through all their effort in securing him one of the coveted page spots with the Flight - unlike most high military orders, the Dragon Knights came from all origins, justifying it with the amount of people who don't survive the bonding. By age 16, Westley was in Drakarfell and at 18, undergoing the bonding.

He is a Casanova, a charmer and is often easy-go-lucky kind of man. At 28, he is one of the youngest in the Flight and the most unaccustomed to the new role life has found him in. He gets unsettled by being cooped up too long although he is extremely loyal to Saskia and Alistair both. He butts heads regularly with Marcus due to their most distinct personalities.

He is bonded to a red male dragon named Ancalagon.

Bestowed with the Honours of Saint Catherine in Cliffhaven by Saskia, following the coronation.

Spoiler: Marcus Vale 

Marcus Vale has been groomed to be a Dragon Knight since he opened his eyes. The eldest son of a long line of Dragon Knights, he was trained to excel at an early age, his skills being noted especially for filling the rogue-like position within the fligt. Seeing this, his father spared no expense to make the young man proficient in stealth, poison and subterfuge. Marcus was late to his bonding, deciding to wait for Darius to be ready before joining Alistair's flight as the key strategist. After Alistair's corrination, he assumed the post of Minister of Internal Defense, effectively ruling the country in the Emperor's absence.

At 32, Marcus is silent, cold and dangerous. He knows how to find the morally grey and persuade them to work for him. He has a ruthlessness in all that he does that makes Alistair look noble by comparisson and barely trusts anyone. He has been in love with Quinn Falconer for years though his current position has made it much more complicated for them to be together.

He has a delicate female dragon named Sylphira. She has opal scales and purple eyes.

His key informers and "pets" are lycans name Ulric (alpha), Turner, Shae (beta, old woman) and Vixen (fox lycan)

Spoiler: Radisson Greville 

Radisson is the younger twin to Maurice, the pair born to Lord Alan Greville, Duke of Greville. As the second son, Radi knew from a young age that he had to make his own way in the world. He never begrudged Maurice and his father's unwavering support and pride made it easy for him. At 34, he is the oldest man in the Flight. A brilliant strategist, he is usually quietly supporting his friends.

He has a deep blue female dragon named Zalyria.

Spoiler: Emeric Thornwood 

His dragon is a pale green female named Aeliora (Xioni)

Spoiler: Darius Vale 

Younger brother to Marcus Vale, Darius is the youngest member of the flight and the youngest to successfully bond with a dragon. Reserved, he hates being in the public eye though he has a good voice. He is artistically talented but can get restless, he is great with dragons and the one to handle his friends' beasts whenever needed. He always feels like he still needs to prove himself to the rest of the men.

His dragon is a dappled moss-colored male, larger than most, called Eclipsion.

Spoiler: Liam Rhydderch - Duke of Cliffhaven, Interim First Minister 

Liam was the heir to the Earl seat of Cliffhaven on the Western coast. His parents had a union build on true love, finding each other on his mother's first appearance at court. Their love had led to three more girls being born after Liam himself - Aiofie (28), Rois (26) and Eleanor (24). Although Liam was to inherit the Earldom, he decided to pursue a military career, showing a natural talent. Wanting to be the best in everything he undertook, Liam decided to attempt the bonding and, upon succeeding, joined Alistair's flight.

He was the first of the Flight to fall in love with young Anne Goldman, the daughter of a Viscount. He met the young woman while stationed in the North under Sir Keith's command and was preparing to propose before spending time away for a few weeks. When he came back, he was greeted by Countess Anne of Quake, living in the Northern Mountains with her husband who preffered to never leave his hoard. That caused Liam to swear off romance and, for a time embrasse alcohol before pulling himself back together.

At 33, he had inherited the Earldom a year ago and is now responsible for his youngest sister Nora (24) and his mother who has been wreaked by the death of her husband. If Marcus in an ideal spymaster, Liam is the perfect general of the empire and has, already, earned Lieutenant General ranking, Alistair ranking higher only due to his position as head of state.

He has a silver dragon named Barra.

After the events of the coronation, was retroactively given the title "Duke" that was bestowed upon his late father and Interim First Minister position by Saskia. His mother, Lady Margot, is now to be known as the Dowager Duchess.

Spoiler: Julius Corleone - Earl of Carnby 

. Unlike Westley, Corleone came from the Western Isles, a small earldome on the rocks. His parents had passed away soon after the birth of their last child, little Julietta, leaving Julius’ eldest brother Francesco to take up the reins with his uncle Baron Alfonso acting as chaperone and regent. Alfonso, having no children of his own, loved his nephews and niece but he didn’t have a great knack for finances or governing. By the time Francesco gained full control, the small dukedom was broke which led Julius to join the dragon knights and make his own way in life.

Was given the title of Earl of Carnby by Empress Saskia at Cliffhaven following the events of the coronation.

Has a blue-gold dragon named Keiko.

Spoiler: Aellorex 

[Hannelorian]

Other Characters of Interest

Spoiler: Sarah Easton 

Late Twenties, serves as a maid to the Princess Royal. Former mistress of Emperor Sebastien, mother of Alexander, Sebastien's bastard child.

Spoiler: Alexander Easton 

Six years old, only son of Sarah and Emperor Sebastien. The Dowager is working to imply that he is indeed the son of Alistair, rather than his elder brother.

Spoiler: Mrs. Penelope James 

Early forties, chief House Keeper of the Asterious Imperial Palace.

Spoiler: Mr. Barnaby 

Mid forties to early fifties, chief Butler of the Asterious Imperial Palace.

Spoiler: Alma 

Fifties to Sixties, serves a sort of Den mother for Alistair's flight. Closest maternal figure for Alistair.

Spoiler: Quinn Falconer - DECEASED 

Westley's younger sister, early twenties, recently promoted to Chief Maid in service to Saskia

Spoiler: Felix Throckmorton, Duke of Malm 

Lord Throckmorton, 56 carries a youthful appearance that hints at rather sinister routines. He is currently the 14th Duke of Malm and has long served the Imperial family in varying capacity though most recently he has served Minister of Finances. He is the epitome of a bureaucrat, and has more regard for numbers than people. He is known for his cruelty and undying allegiance to Emperors Henri, and Sebastien.

Throughout his life he has carried a soft spot for the Dowager Empress, though she never returned his affections choosing to keep company with Pombal and the likes. He has a jealous eye and penchant for getting his way. Felix lacks empathy and a sense of mercy. He is a firm believer in the old ways and resents change and or modernization. Felix could be viewed as the leader of the opposition against Alistair and alongside Carina is seeking to rally his fortunes to restore Asterious to a feared state of glory.

[Hannelorian]

Gods and Assorted Deities

Spoiler: Galadh, Bringing of Light 

Galadh serves as the principal God to those living within Lys where his religion is the only one in existence. Tracing it's roots back to the founding of Lys itself, Galadh is a serene figure of peace and harmony. There is a vast emphasis on being one with nature, and a culture of wide acceptance of all races beliefs. Galadh is perceived as strong and giving endlessly of himself.

Spoiler: Celebrimbor, Lord of Fire 

Celebrimbor serves as the principal God to those living within the Empire of Asterious. There is historical evidence to suggest that this figure is far older than that of Galadh. Celebrimbor is a fierce deity promoting conquest, superiority. There is far less tolerance for difference than in the Lysian faith. Celebrimbor is a cruel and vengeful god.

[Hannelorian]

Ladies-in-Waiting to Princess/Empress Saskia

Spoiler: Charlotte de Bernadotte, Viscountess of Helver 

Charlotte is 24 years old and the eldest daughter of the Count of Grimwood known by her title the Viscountess of Helver. She is quick witted, intelligent and regarded as one of the great beauties of the realm. Many men have vied for her hand in marriage, but she has yet to meet one most satisfactory. In rather unusual fashion, her father seems keen to allow his daughter to settle for love as his sons will be responsible for the bloodline.

Further Charlotte is a firm believer in the details and unlike many is rather supportive of the Princess Royal, going so far as to eventually becoming friends. Charlotte holds a distinct fondness for the men of the Flight who on more than one occasion have taken her breath away.

Spoiler: Beatrix Althan, Dowager Duchess of Eaves 

Beatrix, 26 is the Dowager Duchess of Eaves, a province of the Empire bordering Lys. Her husband the late Duke of Eaves was more than double her age. The union was arranged by the Dowager Empress and proved to be rather unhappy though thankfully short. She has a son by marriage on whose behalf she and other nobles of the province rule. Beatrix is clever and often the first to make a joke, no matter how inappropriate. Her kindness can often be mistaken for weakness, though she had fought for her own position of authority.

Beatrix seeks opportunities for her own future and thus desire to become a lady-in-waiting to Saskia her future Empress. Such a position would potentially afford her the possibility of a second marriage securing her own place outside of her young son. As a Duchess, Beatrix has spent years migrating the intense social circles of the old Asterian nobility. She as an expert when it comes to court drama, and her list of secrets is as long as her petticoats.

Spoiler: Georgiana, Princess Syrenia 

Georgiana, 26 was born as a Princess of the Kingdom of Syrenia, at it's height the Kingdom was one of the smallest in the known world and fell quickly to the Empire over twenty years ago, sometime just prior to the campaign against Lys. Unlike the treaty arranged with Lys, Syrenia resisted to the last breath and was wiped off the map by the Imperial Flight, it sits nothing more than a ruin. Georgiana's parents and siblings were executed by the late Emperor Henri in the Imperial Capitol. Georgiana was spared and allowed to retain her title as a courtesy. She has been raised by a handful of noble families through the upper echelons.

Naturally, Georgiana is the most suspicious minded of all Saskia's ladies. She is generally distrustful and rather constantly questioning everything around her. While grateful for being spared, she was often jealous of Lys, a Kingdom though far larger than her own, but one that was able to negotiate for their own continued existence. Georgiana, often called 'George' by others around her, is beautiful and well meaning. Her own acts of kindness and charity are often understated.

[Breggo13]

Spoiler: Duke Alan Greville 

Spoiler: Maurice Greville 

---

Spoiler: Religion in Asterious 

The head priest for Celembribor, the lord of Fire, is called a Flammor, the highest rank that can be achieved. The youngest rank, those that are just starting to serve the god are called Tinders. The Flammer's chosen protegees are called High Ignitors and wear orange robes that are trimmed with red.