Alexis Sapientia

[Alexis Sapientia]

He is just what a young man ought to be, sensible, good-humoured, lively; and I never saw such happy manners!-so much ease, with such perfect good breeding! He is also handsome, which a young man ought likewise to be, if he possibly can. His character is thereby complete.

--Elizabeth and Jane Bennet, Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen.

Profile

Appelation

Master Alexis Arthur Andrew Laurentius Christopher Philip Harold Pierre Reginald Alessio Gian Paolo Giorgio Giulio Adalbert Irenaeus James Leopold Spiridon Ishmael Pio Vincenzo Francesco Marco Iñigo Gustavus Athanasius Constantine Stephanopoulous Reza Carlos Jaakov Franz Frederick Ferdinand Wilhelm Jacques Augusto Antonio Horatio Ernst Laszlo Amadeus von Habichtsbergen van der Osteyricjh Andrássy Sapientia, Hospodar and Metropolitan of Krytzillikinarnessus.

Pseudonyms

Alexis Sapieha
Lászlo Andrássy
Laurentius
Andrew Harald MacAlois

Race:

Human (Pure Vagaran on father’s side, Baijani-Medonian on mother’s side)

Age:

17 Patterns (24 Junctior as pattern birth-brightening)

Personality:

Born heir to a minor aristocratic house, he has known luxury and comfort all his life. The tone of command to instruct servants is but second nature, and the relaxed, smooth, and lilting diction so enamored of the ruling class comes easy to him. He is very observant of one’s bearing, and can be a handful to deal with at times. His consecration as concurrent Metropolitan of his fief has knocked some compassion and humility into him, but periodic internal clashes between the authority he bears by his ring of office, responsibility borne from his consecration, being a scion of an aristocratic House, and his own personal wants, tend to erupt from time to time and give him no peace of mind. He is well-read, that is to say, knows a little about a lot. His weakness (aside from girls who just stare admiringly at him for more than the normal time—which can literally paralyze Alexis) is that once he’s opened his mouth, it’s difficult for him to stop.

A handsome and polite young man in the prime of his youth with a spring in his step and overflowing confidence easily directed towards anything he puts his mind to, Alexis is the poster boy for the new and enlightened aristocracy. He can be imperious and childlike at times, overly curious to the point of imposing; sweet, charming, fun-loving, and energetic as a teenager flush with the joy of life, and as carefree, moody, shy, food-voracious, fastidiously self-conscious about his appearance, and magnetically attracted to the female form just like every other boy…err, young man his age.

Appearance:

Straight but flowing hair, impeccably combed, though always flying in all directions thanks to the wind, or because girls always like ruffling it to tease him. Sparkling blue eyes of an almost-innocent that can turn piercing and give one a fright once he’s turned imperious. Blemishless face with irresistably pinchable cheeks and handsome patrician features. Curious and expressive eyes. Pearly-white teeth. Smooth porcelain skin of an aristocrat, always clean. Nails well-manicured. Impeccable coat with tails, tunic, cravat, cape with chain and clasps, trousers, black boots from the knee downwards. Currently looks like the regular Jebediah Allerian, nothing special clothing-wise, though just a little neater then Jebediah Allerian. Simple ring with the words Hospodar * Krytzillikinarnessus * Alexis * Sapientia engraved therein, worn at right ring finger. A crafted metal pectoral emblem worn on a string around his neck with an ancient Allerian symbol that appears to be a fish. Somewhat tall for his age, and with the lithe body that all growing boys tend to have, thanks to a metabolism on overdrive.

Training

Basic Law, Taralon, Confederation of the Sherian. Public Defender Milo L’Evienne. [Peer-modded by Milo L’Evienne]. Imperos, Era X in the Age of the Darkening. Approved by GM Padawan.

Initiate Sorcery, Rosa Academia Arcanum, The Reg, Arconis, Enamoria. Master Nathan Crothney. [Peer-modded by Motito Gil’dae]. Junctior, Era X in the Age of the Darkening. In Progress.

Occupations Past and Present


Duncan Sythe's young lout.
Lady Mekare Taryn's favorite brat and knight in rusty tin armor.
Her Majesty Queen Igrainne's Ambassador of Far Away.
Jaali’s one and only black star.
Midshipman at The Sentinel, the Imperial Naval Academy at Port Constantine.
Guardian Brother Sapling of the Siblings of Spring and Summer
Student of the Arcanum at The Reg.
Clerk to the Public Defender of Taralon.

Animals

Rogue. A chestnut mare windstepper purchased from the smelly establishment of a particularly capricious nutcase in Medonia, this magnificent piece of horseflesh carries herself quite proudly.

Her head, expression, her eyes, all the more so as to betray a hint of intelligence. A gleaming brown coat and a well-kept mane aren’t the only things that make this creature stand out; her muscular body, springy gait, and tempestuous disposition make her seem all the more petulant as her namesake—Nikki Sea L’Evienne, also known as The Rogue.

Quicksilver. A silver-grey mare, truly an excellent piece of horseflesh. Well muscled and sleek, her coat is a soft dapple grey with deeper silver in it. Her long mane and tail are deeper silver-grey fading into a gentle sea-foam white. Her head is set atop a proudly arched neck with dark brown, intelligent eyes, dainty pointed ears pricking delicately forwards.

Highly intelligent, the animal had been a gift from a visiting nobleman to the Lady Aurelia Arkdün, who, in turn, was gracious enough to lend the use of the same 'for as long as [Alexis would] have need of her', with the reasoning that 'the exercise will be of great benefit as...her spirit longs for the freedom of the road'. As sufficient payment, Master Sapientia is commanded to pay the Lady Protector of Archadoon a visit at the Manor House, 'when his path finds himself back here.'

[Alexis Sapientia]

The Sapientias of House Osteyricjh, Habichtsbergen, Carmelyn.

Hjalmar Dag Agne, known as the Göethaies.
Recognized as the Founder of the House, family lore claims he was the original fellow who swore the feudal bloodpledge or received a charter. He settled somewhere in the border of Carmelyn and Arium, south of the Eunesias, giving rise to the Osteyricjh estate, future fief of the Sapientias. He had three legitimate heirs, as far as can be ascertained. Lucky for him, they were all sons. It is unknown whether he had brothers or sisters.

1. Haakon Guntram Edilbert Vediviche Gustaf, known as the Just. Father of Leopold and Maximillian. Known to be a jolly fellow who ruled wisely when Hjalmar passed, very little is known of this enigmatic individual. His legacy lies with the voluminous edicts and decisions promulgated during his reign, most of which still constitute the bedrock of Osteyricjh manorial law, custom, and practice. He died a little after Alexis was born. Buried in the family mausoleum, beside his loving wife, Amelie.

2. Sorensřn Charles Kristiaan Ravn. The more adventurous of the three, sturdy Kristiaan took to the sea for a time, signing up for the obligatory tot of rum, and later on, as a merchant-privateer. Rumors have it that he was the “Raven of the Seas,” a notorious pirate celebrated for his navigational skills. He later interested himself in the sport of shark-fishing. He perished with his brother Olaf while undertaking the same endeavor during the reign of Emperor Valerian Constantius. Though he never married, and left no legitimate heirs, he was a sailor, and a man with regular urges, so…

3. Olaf Peter Kierkegaard Alaric Seranon, known as Devisthenes. Known more as a scholar and a thinker, Olaf busied himself with books and philosophies. He tended to referee disputes between Haakon and Kristiaan, and fancied himself an explorer as well. He was working on a complete geography of the Osteyricjh region in relation to the Eunesias while sailing with his brother Kristiaan. A detailed graphical dissection of the Eunesian species of shark, written and illustrated entirely in his hand hangs in Habichtsbergen Palace. He perished before he could enter into formal vows with a librarian in Olympia, though at a time, was contemplating the priesthood. That doesn’t necessarily mean his chapter ends there.

4. Calliope Anna (Kali’anna) Oakwood Gotha Hindenbroff. Creative female in her own right, designed the first undergarment of Snooty’s Secret. It was called Dazzle them Girdle in Fairy Pink. Was slightly shunned at first by the family for indulging in such pedestrian matters as shopkeeping, and with such distasteful commodities, at that. Eventually lived her own life, settled somewhere in Silrosia or Enamoria, last anyone heard. Issue of Kali'anna can be further perused here.


Issue of Haakon


1A. Haakon Ernst Augustus Leopold Alois Vediviche Zechariah Dag Hjalmar. Son of Haakon, grandson of Hjalmar, Leopold took skill with the sword and bow before he was fifteen, bagging his first boar at the age of twelve-and-a-half. Known more as an accomplished hunter, during his reign, the Osteyricjh region became known for the Weserdammerung Vale Hunt, the premium social and sporting event of its day. He was a loyal husband to his wife, Caroline. At least that’s what he says.

Caroline Maria Wilhelmina Sapientia neé Andrássy, Chatelaine of Osteyricjh. Originally from the southern parts of Alleria, Caroline married Leopold, and later became known as the most gracious hostess this side of Eunesia. Polite and well-refined, Chatelaine Caroline was a perfect match for Leopold, and ably balanced the hunter’s rough edges with her impeccable sense of style, as well as her special feminine touch. It was her idea to grandly celebrate Primeheims Eve, and it is suggested that she brought Patriarch Methodius and his orthodox version of the Faith to Eunesia. She is likewise known to be a patron of literature, culture, and the arts.

1Aa. Alexis, Hospodar and Metropolitan of Krytzillikinarnessus and Heir to House Sapientia.

1Ab. Lady Caroline Alexandra Amelie of Habichtsbergen, the Chatelaine-Roseate. Daughter of Haakon and Caroline, younger sister of Alexis, Alexandra is the apple in her family’s eye, probably because she nearly died in childbirth. Strangely enough, there is no sibling rivalry between her and Alexis, and her elder brother absolutely fawns and dotes upon her. Ioannes help whomever she marries, because not only was she Haakon’s girl, she ably mastered the art of the genteel put-down and feminine guile from her mother, and is said to have inherited the skill in the bow and fast wit of her father. She was sent away for schooling somewhere, around a pattern or two ago.

2A. Hector Maximillian Friedrich Albertus, Steward of Osteyricjh, Margrave of Nijlgednyjek. Son of Haakon, younger brother to Leopold, Maximillian stands to inherit much upon the end of the senior line. It is said he was so enraged by the fact that he was born second to Leopold that everytime it was time for him to feed, he would always spit out sour milk. While civil, it is no secret that Maximillian covets total power and control over the House, and it is said that he nearly succeeded in causing Alexis’ death after a freak horse-riding accident, but it was never proven. He has thick ties with members of the Jorelite cults, thanks to hefty donations to poor but deserving servants of the wrong religious persuasion, using House money.

Eliza neé diTomasso, Chatelaine of Nijlgednyjek. A greedy gold-digger, daughter of a merchant that went bankrupt, Eliza’s ambition is to see her husband rich and powerful, and to likewise hold the purse-strings and the proxy reins. Her strong, forceful personality is muted only by her hideous face, one that only a mother could love. She uses her gender to control Maximillian and manipulate her son Rainier, and if only she were not so inept as to be hopelessly bound, one could swear she was a witch of Haya herself. Certainly she appears to be one to Maximillian, because thanks to her eternal vigilance, the Margrave has remained faithful to her all this time. To his perennial dismay.

2Aa. Johann Sebastian Maximillian Friedrich Rainier, Hospodar of Fhigjiopfusrauge. Son of Maximillian, grandson of Haakon, nephew to Leopold, and first cousin to Alexis and Alexandra, Rainier is the veritable family brat. Perhaps it was a trait acquired from his father, the sulky and brooding Margrave. He took his first life at fourteen, fathered an illegitimate child at the age of fifteen, and later had the mother, a scullery maid, sentenced to death in manorial court for adultery. He has a continuing interest in necromancy. As Hospodar of Fhigjiopfusrauge, his reign has been marked by his abject cruelty, and all female serfs are subject to his whims, and forcible invitations to his bed should he so see fit. Thanks to his father’s influence and Rakryan allies, he is untouchable so long as he stays within the House lands. He always carries a whip at his side, and is obscenity personified.

2Ab. Lady Eliza Marina of Nijlgednyjek. Perhaps the sole redeeming factor of the Nijlgednyjek branch of the Sapientias, Marina, thanks to her gender, was brought up solely by a housekeeper, which could explain why she escaped the black taint of her family. Despite her lineage, she is very humble and obedient, traits which she may have picked up from the kindly housekeeper, and which certainly cause her no limit of scorn from her brother and parents. She can be found most of the time in the kitchen, learning how to cook, or in the servant’s quarters, knitting or sewing. She has a doll and imaginary friend named Clara, an emotional security blanket, so it would seem.

The Andrássys of House Magdalen of Szechényi, Daltina, Enamoria.

Ladislav Andrássy, Voivode of Perczél.
Beatrix.

1. Isabella, known as Ilse. Married off.

The twins:

2Kaspar, Voivode of Perczél. Married to someone.
2a. Miklos, Grand Steward of Szechényi. 2b. Karolyi, and 2c. Bianca Eugenie.

3.Kasimir. Joined the Clergy.

4. Caroline Maria Wilhelmina Andrássy-Sapientia.

Curious matters abound in Daltina; on arriving, Alexis had been wandering the city, only to slip and fall, being picked up by a horse-rider, and forcibly taken to an undisclosed location. There, he is nearly-seduced by the grisly-looking Lady Dancour, a faded aristocrat who beds men for the titles and fortunes, and leaves them to die. The young noble is rescued from this fate by a ratlike child, a bastard of the Lady Dancour, who soon attempts to kill Alexis. Thankfully, young Sapientia is saved by a female thief, who gives him food and shelter in the interim...not to mention other things later on...such as presentation to an unknown relative.

Alexis was able to meet with his estranged cousin Bianca Eugenie Andrassy in Daltina; she who was daughter of Kaspar, Alexis' uncle, brother to his mother, Caroline. In the course of that meeting, he found out that the girl who had rescued him from a terrible fate was none other than Kael, a cousin-in-law, cousin to Bianca's husband Mahron. Alexis got the impression that seventeen pattern-old Bianca wasn't terribly happy with her marriage...and later on, he discovered that she married too young, perhaps.

Uncle Kaspar died three summers ago, and Bianca's mother lives somewhere in the Principality of Prime. Apparently, she, as well as her sons, do not approve of her marriage to Mahron, who is described as an 'organizer of several government buildings', and an orphan adopted by a wealthy merchant in Prime. Apparently, wealth (and political protection, thanks to Kael) was all he brought into the relationship, what with the House seemingly in decline.

Her younger brothers, Miklos and Karolyi, do not seem to approve. They keep in close contact via the occasional letter, but on the whole, seem surprisingly aloof, and with good reason.

There is a side story to this. Kael, the female human thief who'd saved Alexis, hadn't been telling him the whole truth. Kael's father had near-fallen to the same fate of the other suitors of the Lady Dancour, and saved, to his chagrin, by his very same daughter. He was dead now...but the curious fact was that the Lady Dancour was the very same aunt of her fathers. Say what one may about the gentility about nobles; it seems there are twisted secrets to these unspoken tales, as well. The ratlike child who'd rescued--and near-killed Alexis, was Kael's (half?) brother. Ungrateful man that he was, Kael's father threw her out into the streets, forcing her to become the thief that she was.

Tensions exist between Mahron and Kael. Whether this is due to their mutual professions or some other familial rivalry, one has to wait for the next chapter.

Kin and other relations

Caroline Alexandra Amelie Sapientia, Chatelaine-Roseate of Osteyricjh, younger sister. Deceased.
Saraid Seppanen Dkany-Sapientia, paternal second cousin, granddaughter of Nerys and grand-uncle Kristiaan.
Bianca Eugenie Andrassy, maternal first cousin, daughter of Kaspar, brother to Alexis’ mother.
Mahron, cousin-in-law, husband to Bianca.
Kael, second cousin-in-law, cousin to Mahron, husband of Bianca. Long dark hair framed a pale face, which held two piercing green eyes, hazel rings about the pupils. Her face was far from unpleasant.
Rhiannon and Tristram Rhodes, second cousins, grandchildren to Haakon. Regal bearing with a sublime beauty, and the other, a spirited young man with a sharp intellect, a lover of prose and admirer of beautiful girls.

[Alexis Sapientia]

The Privy Purse

Date	Origin/Recipient	Description	Revenue	Expenditure
	Leopold Sapientia	Allowance	500	-
	Office of the Public Defender of Taralon	Stipend - 50 crowns per cycle	250	-
	Rosa Academia Arcanum, Regio Eruditonum Arconis	Fees for Initiate Sorcery	-	500
	Name	Gratituity for a night of digging at the Arconis Cemetery	1000	-
	Bearer	Lodging Fees, The Reg	Revenue	150
Date	Various Merchants	Purchases for Aazill Moonsong	Revenue	42
Date	Vagrant	Incentive for directions	Revenue	5
Date	Bearer	Description	Revenue	Expenditure
Date	Missus Hyacinth	Rental of Rooms	Revenue	200
Date	Bearer	Description	Revenue	Expenditure
Date	Bearer	Description	Revenue	Expenditure
Date	Bearer	Description	Revenue	Expenditure
Date	Bearer	Description	Revenue	Expenditure
Date	Bearer	Description	Revenue	Expenditure
Date	Bearer	Description	Revenue	Expenditure
Date	Bearer	Description	Revenue	Expenditure
Date	Bearer	Description	Revenue	Expenditure
Date	Bearer	Description	Revenue	Expenditure
Date	Bearer	Description	Revenue	Expenditure
Date	Bearer	Description	Revenue	Expenditure
Date	Bearer	Description	Revenue	Expenditure
Date	Bearer	Description	Revenue	Expenditure
Date	Bearer	Description	Revenue	Expenditure
Date	Bearer	Description	Revenue	Expenditure
Date	Bearer	Description	Revenue	Expenditure
Date	Bearer	Description	Revenue	Expenditure

Revenues	Expenditures	Reason	Source(s)
500	0	Remainder of monies from Father	Links unavailable

Revenues	Expenditures	Reason	Source(s)
250	0	Stipend as clerk to the Public Defender of Taralon (50/cycle)	Links unavailable

Revenues	Expenditures	Reason	Source(s)
0	500	Fees for Initiate Sorcery, Rosa Academia Arcanum, The Reg, Arconis	Links unavailable

Revenues	Expenditures	Reason	Source(s)
1000	0	Gratituity for a night of digging at the Arconis Cemetery	Links unavailable

Revenues	Expenditures	Reason	Source(s)
0	150	Reg Dormitory Lodging Fees	Links unavailable

Revenues	Expenditures	Reason	Source(s)
0	42	Aazill Moonsong purchases, Daltina	Links unavailable

Revenues	Expenditures	Reason	Source(s)
0	5	Incentive for directions, given to peasant in Portshire	Links unavailable

Revenues	Expenditures	Reason	Source(s)
(100)	0	Deposited at First Bank of Arconis

Total: 100 Crowns

Revenues	Expenditures	Reason	Source(s)
0	200	Rental of Rooms, Hyacinth's Macellum

Revenues	Expenditures	Reason	Source(s)
0	1000	Gilded Slipper purchases, Daltina

Total: 300 Crowns

Heirlooms

Object name	Description object	Where object was acquired	Picture
Alexis' Journal	Bound in leather, with the grand achievement of his arms as Hospodar and Metropolitan of Krytzillikinarnessus, and Heir to the House of Sapientia and the Osteyricjh lands, lovingly crafted on some expensive metal at the front cover, this is his most prized possession. This journal is a discreet and sacrosanct keeper of his personal memories and contains a self-sketched portrait of his mother, and other private.	Purchased in Aelyria Prime after Muse left her temporary home settled on the edge of Candaceburg	Thumbnail not available

Object name	Description object	Where object was acquired	Picture
Aging and brittle thick cream parchments	Folded twice horizontally and twice vertically at the edges, and with an enormous red-wax seal that previously secured same. Inside is some spidery script in black ink, apparently written by a strong and learned hand, and verified with a large beribboned red wax seal with the image of the letter L surmounted by a double-headed eagle and a coronet.	Purchased in Aelyria Prime after Muse left her temporary home settled on the edge of Candaceburg	Thumbnail not available

Object name	Description object	Where object was acquired	Picture
Steal short swords	Two identical short swords, both of rather simple make, with hilts made of steel. A red tassle hangs loosely from the hilt of each sword, and they are set within black sheaths at her hips.	Purchased in Aelyria Prime after Muse left her temporary home settled on the edge of Candaceburg	Thumbnail not available

Chattels

Object name	Description object	Where object was acquired	Picture
Red and black outfit	Includes red torso garment that, like its separate sleeves, extends in long flowy trails that are excited easily by wind and movement. It generally reaches just above her ankles, and is belted at the waist by a black sash. This accompanies the color of the shorts that can be seen along either side through the openings in the outer garment. Her shoes are red and made for comfort with extended use in both performance and her form of combat, and are folded over at the ankles. Despite its nature the clothing is not intricately designed, and is therefore of a common quality that is worth little if sold back. (Note: Does not fully match the top CIR picture of Muse).	Tailored for Muse in one of the cities she passed through during her travels	Thumbnail not available
Common clothing	One set of plain clothing of brown and manilla colors, including a thick winter cloak, leggings, wool-lined boots and a long-sleeved tunic.	Taken with her after she left her temporary home in Candaceburg.	Thumbnail not available

Armaments

Object name	Description object	Where object was acquired	Picture
Jaedaxian necklace	Small Jaedaxian necklace set with a small red and black stone, fitting quite perfectly around Muse's slender neck, with a little room to spare. The gold is a little thick and the piece was quite expensive - yet it has been damaged a little over time and would be worth no monetary value now.	Given to Muse by Aldric Moreaux during her stay with him in Jaedaxia	Thumbnail not available

Domicilia

Object name	Description object	Where object was acquired	Picture
Imperial Visa	Commong form of identification and citizenship in Aelyria. Identifies Muse with the name "Muse Alberic," even though her birth name was Aslanica V'rahla.	Acquired by her adopted father of sorts, Garamond Alberic, after her escape/rescue from Har'oloth.	Thumbnail not available
Performing ribbons	Two very long, lightweight strips of material that are made to flow easily in every direction by even the simplest movements. They are red in color, but plain otherwise, and were created for effects in performance.	Had them made for her at the same time that her black and red outfit was tailored	Thumbnail not available

Domicilia

Object name	Description object	Where object was acquired	Picture
Small hovel	One room, simple hovel settled in a common area of Demios. Since it is in no extroardinary condition and was purchased for no large amount, it would most likely be very difficult to sell it back if Muse felt so inclined.	Demios	Thumbnail not available

[Alexis Sapientia]

Backgrounder

Prehistory

As approved by GD Kalinda and modified by GD Pim. (GMs see here).

Life in those brightenings was good, and Leopold, son of Haakon, had made sure that everything was done in the grand style as in the olden brightenings, where servants knew their place, children were quietly tended to, and where the garden parties or grandiose darkening pracendas held at Habichtsbergen Palace soon became the stuff of parlour-hall and drawing-room legend. House Sapientia was a respected member of the social order in the north, a pillar of society, as it were, though more discreet and not as publicly known as other Houses of its stature.

In those brightenings, standard amusements included the Weserdammerung Vale Hunt, a joyous month-long deed hosted in Habichtsbergen where visiting nobility and other skilled horsemen took part in chasing game through the fields and the forests, and one that involved nearly all the freeholder tenants, either as participants or spectators. Most came for the feasting on the palace grounds that would later follow. Another favored activity, perhaps the most famous one, was the Primehiems Eve Banquet, where everyone gathered together for a grand darkening of goodwill in celebration for the blessings received during the previous era, and exchanged presents, to the delight of all, particularly the children.

Paradise at the lands of the Sapientias in the Osteyricjh estate was shadowed by dark clouds, however, in the same way stormy weather seemed to be building over Alleria Prime and the rest of the Empire.

Maximillian, brother to Leopold, had long been brooding about the twist of fate that had denied him control over the House, and granted the younger Sapientia only scrapings from the rich Osteyricjh lands, such as the Margravate of Nijlgednyjek, and Fhigjiopfusrauge, granted to Maximillian’s son, Rainier, over which he reigned as Hospodar since his fifteenth-pattern birth-brightening. Certainly the poverty-ridden Fhigjiopfusrauge sub-estate was a far cry from bustling Krytzillikinarnessus, which Alexis held, and the manor at Nijlgednyjek was a pigsty compared to Habichtsbergen Palace, but since their uncles Olaf and Kristiaan still held some sway in the House Størthing, there was nothing Maximillian could do about it. It therefore seemed to be fortituous when Olaf and Kristiaan, close brothers even when the late Haakon was alive, perished while sailing in a force-ten gale. Drowned. Not even bestowal by his brother Leopold of the office of Steward of Osteyricjh, which controlled all revenue from House lands, could mollify his greed. He began plotting, aided by his son, and soon he had managed to swing the tide in his favor, alongside the coming into power of Julos in the Imperial Capital. Rainier, on the other hand, seemed to have possessed a natural talent for necromancy, to the delight of Maximillian’s new spellcaster friends in the Rakrya.

Leopold, sensing the way the winds blew, had secretly dispatched Alexis to Taralon far away to the southeast a little after the boy’s sixteenth birth-brightening, ostensibly to discipline the lad after being found kissing a young female, daughter of a tenant, in his apartments at the Palace. The closely-kept scandal was a convenient excuse to claim disfavor, and so the boy was dismissed from the precincts of Habichtsbergen, and his younger sister, Alexandra, was sent to school in a faraway province under an assumed name. In the meantime, all of Osteyricjh had fallen into Maximillian’s control and influence, thanks to the power of crowns, patronage, threats, or loose women. The only thing Maximillian had never been able to control was the local Church, and its Patriarch, Methodius. Methodius intended to preach a long and powerful Lesson on Primehiems Brightening, when everyone would be in a contemplative mood. It was said that at that same time, Methodius was to excommunicate the Margrave of Nijlgednyjek, and Hospodar of Fhigjiopfusrauge for spreading the Pox, falling far from the Faith and into the nefarious hands of Jorel-worshippers, and in so doing, remove them from any other lawful power, and deny them work from their churchgoing tenants.

Maximillian struck at the early candlemarks of Primehiems Brightening, the same time he knew when everyone would have been weary from subdued cheer the darkening before, thanks to the recent spread of the Pox. By sunsrise it was all over, and Maximillian waltzed into the Great Hall of Habichtsbergen, where held a feudal Manorial Court, and found Methodius guilty of apostasy, Leopold guilty of adultery, his wife Caroline guilty of witchcraft, and sentenced the rest of their loyal retainers to death for conspiracy and complicity in the same. All were locked in the Tower, but not before alleging, with the aid of manufactured evidence and the help of their servants, that Alexis and Alexandra had contracted the Pox long before, and would die anyway in great suffering. Eliza, Maximillian’s wife, prevailed upon her son and husband for a hint of detestable and misplaced mercy, and within a few cycles unwittingly watched two young corpses, that of previous victims (but not to Maximillian’s knowledge) devoured by flame.

The conquest of the Nijlgednyjek-Fhigjiopfusrauge branch over House Sapientia was complete.

Or so they thought.

Addendum

As approved by GD Apophis.

Now there came an interesting addition to this little tale, one that Master Alexis hadn’t been privy to. Alexis’ mummy, Caroline, a charming female, had in fact been the fourth child of a certain Ladislav Andrássy, head of the human House known as the Magdalen (pronounced ‘Maudlin’) in Daltina, whose four other children by his wife Beatrix were his sole treasures. The male twins, Kaspar and Kasimir, lorded it over the rest, except over Isabella or Ilse, the eldest daughter at the center of their fief, known as Bethen.

Bethen was the social, economic, and cultural center of the orszag, or fiefdom controlled by the Andrássy family, and House Magdalen performed its part of the Feudocratic Compact, maintaining sacred the bloodpledge it had fulfilled to the House of Maeve, which possessed carta imperia governing the area surrounding Daltina. While Ladislav had a suitable noble rank , he preferred to call himself the Voivode of Perczél, with the heir apparent retaining the style of Grand Steward of Szechényi, place-names, really, which previous Andrássys had bestowed in their Charismean dialect.

Ilse was later married off to a scion of another princely house, and Kaspar found himself a suitable wife, siring three children, Míklos, Karolyi, and Bianca Eugenie. Kasimir entered the clergy and was at peace with himself and with the Sacred Three. Caroline, as we know, married into the Sapientias of the North, within the Eunesias.

As far as one can tell, Ladislav’s grandchildren are still there, probably in their early adulthood by now. As to their state, with all the troubles taking place throughout Enamoria, it is impossible to tell without a firsthand glance whether they still live in the same stately manner as Caroline Sapientia nee Andrássy did when she was a child. Who knows? Perhaps some of Ladislav’s children survived battle, tenant insurrections, or the not-so-feeble Pox as well.

Grave Secrets (Not anymore!)

One thing though: Alexis doesn’t know that his despised uncle Maximillian has made things so (his tawdry apartment dwelling, send-off to Taralon and so forth) in order to depose his father, Leopold, from control of the House, effectively depriving Alexis of just about everything he holds dear, including his grand title of office (he’s also been defrocked as Metropolitan, and his cousin Rainier, Maximillian’s son, now controls all), inheritance, lands, and monies accruing to him by right, not to mention his father and mother, and separation from the sister he adores so much. If anyone ever told him that (and how would they know, anyway?), it would break his young idealistic heart and crush his gentle spirit so badly that he may never truly recover. At the moment, he thinks he’s been seconded as a page to the local lord—a normal procedure for noble families—to learn more about the art of ruling, when in fact he’s been sent there to get him out of his uncle’s way. Permanently, if Maximillian’s luck holds.

[Alexis Sapientia]

Imperos, Era X in the Age of the Darkening

Taralon, Confederation of the Sherian

A courtesy call at the Gov’s Palace – Alexis meets Milo and Nell for the first time.
The rain, it’s plain, falls mainly on the vain – Walking through the rain. Slipped.
Introductory Wine, Women, and Song – Milo’s step-by-step corruption of an impressionable young boy.
A Study in Scarlet – Law training thread. More Alexis silliness; insights on palace life. A heart-wrenching experience shocks our hero. Good read.

Junctior, Era X in the Age of the Darkening

A Portrait of the Gentleman as an Artist –A walk to remember...in the Palace gardens. Mushy stuff.
At the Doors of the Chamber of Debate -Our hero helps repay his landlord and landlady by manning the registration desk.
Provincial Discussion of the Sherian Inquisition - Alexis' first occassion of state, where he learns what true leadership means. See Nell shout down the entire province.
Playing at Soldier - A young nobleman puts fear into the heart of trees...and comes across Hannas Darkblade.

Daltina, Sovereignty of Enamoria

[Daltina Gates] Enter Alexis Sapientia –Drops Journal, meets Guard.
Slipping in the rain...what a glorious feeling, I'm clammy again - Telling it just as it is.
The Horror of Family Finding - continuation of previous thread.

Arconis, Sovereignty of Enamoria

[Arconis Gates] Enter a New student –A dwarf with dirty fingernails.
A Noble in the Commons -Freshie meets with the Arcanum Headmaster, old Gilded Gil'dae.
Feeling that burning power on one's fingertips * - Initiate sorcery thread. Longest post ever!
Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match... - See Jaali as a crossdresser. Shortest thread ever!
Hormonal Hooliganism -How not to romance a paramour.
Days go by... - Interviewing a (female) vampire. Mekare looks for Regent Alex and finds the noble brat Alexis instead.
[Autumnus Fest] Disturbing the Debris - Alexis does a bit of sightseeing...in the wee candlemarks of the darkening.

Diana, Sodality of Carmelyn

Angels in Alleria - Our hero meets an angel in his most vulnerable moment.

Kalendryas, Era X in the Age of the Darkening

Sing loud, dance proud!!! –Alleria, the musical. All-star cast.

Away from the road and over the mountain – Alexis goes sightseeing once more…in a cemetery.
Resolving the stalemate –Annoying Alexis and Gilded Gil’dae meet again!

Daltina, Sovereignty of Enamoria

Walking the Streets – A troubled young man meets with a troubled young elf.

Port Constantine, Principality of Prime

[The City Gates] Enter Alexis Sapientia
The Bank of Port Constantine

Immanis, Era X in the Age of the Darkening

Adventures in outfitting Adventurer's Outfitting
[The Sentinel Academy] In the Navy *

Ponutius, Era XI in the Age of the Darkening

Arconis, Sovereignty of Enamoria

Aedile
Hyacinth’s Macellum
[First Bank of Arconis] Cash is King!
The Return of the Spotted Pidgeon *

Medonia, Sovereignty of Enamoria

[City Gates]Enter Alexis Sapientia
The Liar, the Witch, and the Garderobe
Fireflies do dance~Siblings of Spring and Summer