Name: Sir Aldrich Martin

Age: 26

Rank: Noble, Legitimized Bastard (Sort of)

Title: Knight

Features: Aldrich Martin is a tall, well-built man with dark brown hair and olive skin. His facial features are sharp, reminiscent of a hawk’s almost, and his eyes are a deep green. He stands roughly 6’4” tall, and can usually be seen wearing some form of armor. Typically he wears a few pieces of light plate over chainmail or leather, but he also has a set of ceremonial arms bearing the royal crest that he dons for occasions of particular pomp and circumstance.

Strengths:
-Martial Prowess: Aldrich is one of the finest swordsmen in the Crownlands and hones his skill regularly. Direct conflict with him or his charge is therefor incredibly risky.

-Military Experience: Aldrich served for several years in the Viexmeurian Military before his appointment, and during that time he gained an in-depth knowledge of military tactics as well as several friends in various positions he can call upon.

-Crown Confidant: Few, if any, are as familiar with Queen Gisela as Aldrich is. His presence in her youth, as well as their similar circumstances of birth, grant him an uncommonly close relation with the young monarch. Though he may not have bountiful lands, money, or soldiers, what Aldrich does have is the queen’s ear and confidence.

Weaknesses:
-Black Sheep: Aldrich is the outcast of his family, and as such cannot depend on them for support except in very specific circumstances, and even then it’s unlikely.

-A Fish out of Water: Aldrich has not set foot in a court of governance since his adolescence, and while he knows enough decorum to not make a fool of himself courtly proceedings make him visibly uncomfortable.

-(Pending): Salt is still coming up with one to fill this slot.

Bio: Aldrich is the eldest son of the Torverra House of the Crownlands. A highborn family steeped in military tradition, the Torverras are widely regarded as prestigious fighters and leaders, with several of Viexmeur’s finest generals coming from their lineage. However, Aldrich is not the heir to such a legacy. He is a bastard; his father, the Torverra Patriarch, drank a little too much on the march home to his newly betrothed bride and bedded the daughter of the holdfast lord which had taken him as a guest. Several months later, she died in childbirth and Aldrich was brought to Torverra Keep as a babe. His father, a compassionate man who truly regretted the woman’s fate, vowed to raise the child as his own and acted at once. This did not sit well with his lady wife, who in truth was a conniving woman out to see her own bloodline flourish at any expense, and she began trying to conceive ways the little one might be done away with lest his existence inhibit her own offspring. However, the slaughtering of a child proved too vile a thought for even her to stomach, and she allowed his existence to continue for a few short years, at which point the birth of her own son Davin occupied her attention.

Davin and Aldrich grew together, albeit in starkly different standards and preferences, until the day Aldrich turned 13- the age a Torverra customarily began their time of military service. Not wanting to disappoint, he agreed to serve his time, and departed for the barracks. However, he enlisted under the name of Martin, the holdfast to which his mother had belonged, at Lady Torverra’s insistence. As he learned and grew in the military, Aldrich developed strong bonds with his fellow servicemen, perhaps made possible by his lack of apparent connection to the House, and swiftly grew to become one of the finest soldiers in his battalion.

Then the letters came. There were two; the first was from Lady Torverra, giving him news that Lord Torverra had passed away, and that under her orders he was to cease association with the House as anything more than a governing family over him, and that he would be imprisoned for slander should he ever take the name for himself. It was near banishment, as far as sentences go. The second, however, was a nearly burned paper that had all the writing of a will and testament- his father’s, saved from fire by a servant who had seen it delivered. In it, though scarcely legible, was a simple script from the bottom- officially legitimizing Aldrich as his son, and conferring upon him all titles he was owed. It was clear that it would hold no value in any court, but to Aldrich it was a dear sentiment, even if he would never see it come to light.

Years continued to pass as Aldrich made a home for himself in the military, until one day his Captain called him to the command tent for a special discharge of duty to give him a new assignment. It seemed the King himself was in need of a strong and noble knight to personally safeguard a young girl but it did not say why she merited it. Still, it had called for the best man he had, the Captain had told him, and that meant Aldrich was the only choice.

He has stayed by Gisela’s side ever since.

Quote: “I take such threats neither kindly nor lightly. If you continue with these actions, I will draw my sword. And I guarantee that you will find what comes after… quite unpleasant.”

Name

Samael

Age

26

Rank

Cleric/Knight

Titles

Paladin of the Order of the Holy Sword

Spoken Address

Most Virtuous, Your beatitude

Features

Owners of a 'baby face' unable to grow facial hair are generally ridiculed, but in the case of Samael it gives him the look of a cherub, something about purity and in general gentle features that make one presume of his good nature. The good gifts of nature do not stop there as he also has wavy hairs and a mouth full of pearly white teeth despite being in constant campaign. Physically he is pale and as for other body properties one would struggle to see any as decency forbids a paladin to expose too much flesh. Indeed as he is part of an ultra orthodox branch of the church, he will not remove his clothes even to bath or under any other circumstances. He will thus often be seen wearing either his armor or a modest white linen set of clothing.

Strengths

-Paragon of the Church: Samael oozes goodness and is pointed at as a role model by the High Priest himself. By that logic, he can theoretically do no wrong by virtue of being the most virtuous and being able to recite the holy texts by heart. Needless to say, this carries some weight.

-Expert Fighter: The man is a killing machine raised from birth for warfare and veteran of many battle from a young age, it would be hard to find more apt fighter.

-Charismatic: He just looks good and trustable, even without his office, he speaks with such absolute conviction, with such fire and brimstone when he preaches, that the masses just flock to him.

Weaknesses

-No Ruler: Lets face it, Samael is just some guy. Oh he's a good fighter and people flock to him and his charisma but... he has no expertise whatsoever in rulership, not even in leadership as he doesn't lead men in battle but rather serves as a champion, a standard bearer and a living banner for people to regroup around. He may give speeches about why we must fight, but not how.

-Tunnel Vision: Everyone knows it and he'll say it to anyone who asks, his only aim in the council is to get the Queen's support to make war against the heretics and the heathens. Taxes and politics are absolutely none of his concern and as far as he thinks, people should actually be happy to pay for the cause of the church.

-Personal Standards: His position is dependent on his obedience of the creed of the church. This is complicated because the church has a lot of rule. Lets just hope there isn't an important meeting during the 'Week of silence' or other custom he must take part of.

Bio:

Samael was born Albrech Sylvester, first son of a high profile noble in Vrenal. He had thus been expected to have a career in military matter from a young age and actually found himself shunning other classes in favor of martial training (his teachers called him an imbecile, too stupid to learn mathematics and other matters of rulership.) His father supported him somewhat but found it obvious that like his teachers said, Albrech would ruin his estate the moment he'd inherit. Another, more balanced, son should really inherit. Lucky for Albrech's dad, his son found interest in theology.

It was a revelation, an intense interest, he said Naram-Sadai inspired him in his sleep! When he asked to join the Order of the Holy Sword, his father gladly accepted, happy to encourage his son in his passion and get him out of the way for inheritance. Indeed, a member of the order is expected to give up everything. Titles, names... He was thus renamed Samael and made a squire. Quickly he was noticed for his bravery, or indeed, his suicidal lack of fear. When in combat, he was in a trance, screaming the holy gospel as he slew anyone who crossed his path. Too bad the kid was a little... simple maybe.

This placed him at the rank of Paladin. Above a knight, an example for all knights, a beacon of what people should strive to be and also, a dead end position with no promotion path. Still, he was adored by everyone who saw him and thus proved useful. It is why he was chosen rather than anyone else, the clergy knows the queen is naive and so hope this inspiring man will inspire her to be more religious as a leader, adopt his values and if possible, make her into a zealot like he is.

Name

Samael

Age

26

Rank

Cleric/Knight

Titles

Paladin of the Order of the Holy Sword

Spoken Address

Most Virtuous, Your beatitude

Features

Owners of a 'baby face' unable to grow facial hair are generally ridiculed, but in the case of Samael it gives him the look of a cherub, something about purity and in general gentle features that make one presume of his good nature. The good gifts of nature do not stop there as he also has wavy hairs and a mouth full of pearly white teeth despite being in constant campaign. Physically he is pale and as for other body properties one would struggle to see any as decency forbids a paladin to expose too much flesh. Indeed as he is part of an ultra orthodox branch of the church, he will not remove his clothes even to bath or under any other circumstances. He will thus often be seen wearing either his armor or a modest white linen set of clothing.

Strengths

-Paragon of the Church: Samael oozes goodness and is pointed at as a role model by the High Priest himself. By that logic, he can theoretically do no wrong by virtue of being the most virtuous and being able to recite the holy texts by heart. Needless to say, this carries some weight.

-Expert Fighter: The man is a killing machine raised from birth for warfare and veteran of many battle from a young age, it would be hard to find more apt fighter.

-Charismatic: He just looks good and trustable, even without his office, he speaks with such absolute conviction, with such fire and brimstone when he preaches, that the masses just flock to him.

-Spellshield: The holy soldiers of Naram-Sadai are tasked with converting at the point of a sword many user of foul magic and as such, Samael has been extensively trained in resisting the supernatural. Ironically a mage would call that 'Counterspelling and defensive magic'. Samael calls it faith.

Weaknesses

-No Ruler: Lets face it, Samael is just some guy. Oh he's a good fighter and people flock to him and his charisma but... he has no expertise whatsoever in rulership, not even in leadership as he doesn't lead men in battle but rather serves as a champion, a standard bearer and a living banner for people to regroup around. He may give speeches about why we must fight, but not how.

-Tunnel Vision: Everyone knows it and he'll say it to anyone who asks, his only aim in the council is to get the Queen's support to make war against the heretics and the heathens. Taxes and politics are absolutely none of his concern and as far as he thinks, people should actually be happy to pay for the cause of the church.

-Personal Standards: His position is dependent on his obedience of the creed of the church. This is complicated because the church has a lot of rule. Lets just hope there isn't an important meeting during the 'Week of silence' or other custom he must take part of.

-Invisible friend: Naram-Sadai speaks to him. Literally, he sometimes places his hand on his shoulder! Samael learned long ago not to speak of this private relationship with god but still... when he is alone, or thinks he is alone, he speaks to this invisible being next to him, asking him what he must do and confiding his fears, etc.

Bio:

Samael was born Albrech Sylvester, first son of a high profile noble in Vrenal. He had thus been expected to have a career in military matter from a young age and actually found himself shunning other classes in favor of martial training (his teachers called him an imbecile, too stupid to learn mathematics and other matters of rulership.) His father supported him somewhat but found it obvious that like his teachers said, Albrech would ruin his estate the moment he'd inherit. Another, more balanced, son should really inherit. Lucky for Albrech's dad, his son found interest in theology.

It was a revelation, an intense interest, he said Naram-Sadai inspired him in his sleep! When he asked to join the Order of the Holy Sword, his father gladly accepted, happy to encourage his son in his passion and get him out of the way for inheritance. Indeed, a member of the order is expected to give up everything. Titles, names... He was thus renamed Samael and made a squire. Quickly he was noticed for his bravery, or indeed, his suicidal lack of fear. When in combat, he was in a trance, screaming the holy gospel as he slew anyone who crossed his path. Too bad the kid was a little... simple maybe.

This placed him at the rank of Paladin. Above a knight, an example for all knights, a beacon of what people should strive to be and also, a dead end position with no promotion path. Still, he was adored by everyone who saw him and thus proved useful. It is why he was chosen rather than anyone else, the clergy knows the queen is naive and so hope this inspiring man will inspire her to be more religious as a leader, adopt his values and if possible, make her into a zealot like he is.

Province Name: The Order of the Holy Sword of Naram-Sadai

Province Ruler: Grand-Master Zamiel

Position: Replacing Montisle I believe.

Notable Attributes: Harsh winters and harsher rulership makes for servile peasants who know better than to raise their voice less they be found guilty of an heresy or another. Still, for travelers one may enter in these lands and know themselves in perfect safety and know that any thief among them will be caught and have his hand cut off. The Order employs only professional knights and no petty levies to fight its war on the heretics and so there is a perpetual sense of, well, order in this place. Though the castles and fortifications guarding against Foronia are quite oppressive.

Description:
This province was previously known as the province of Prisia and was the northern march to enter Foronia. Its inhabitant however found the reformationist faith to be quite to their liking. At the time this blight of a religion was becoming popular and so the High Priest decided to create an order specifically to deal with heretics rather than pagan. Pagans could be converted, but people who had looked at the true faith and turned their eyes from it were beyond salvation and so when the order assembled its zealots, the crackdown was brutal and epic, rivers of blood flowing as having one person being a heretic often warranted an entire family being killed to the last.

The order settled down in Prisia before the king even awarded them the land they had just purged, there were some other nobles who held these lands, but at this point the church had become too militarily powerful for the king to actually throw out these maniacs so he had to let it go. Since then, the Order has been mainly focusing north and been fighting wars in Foronia, becoming just another player in that mess of a 'nation' as they try to reach Aldburg and kill everyone inside. They laid siege to it a couple of times but never managed to take it.