@Sentel No big deal. I'm not in a rush here.
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Court proceeded into the late afternoon in the Obsidian Tower of Gor Ithios. Arceus only called a couple breaks during the sessions, but lunch was served there in the court, a platter of fruit and chesse with salted pork and a glass of water was what he took and nibbled at as he went about the daily business. His brother Eamon's fury was still emanating from where he sat further down the line in the room, but he'd calmed down slightly.
Finally, after several more petty disputes and cases, that which Arceus knew was to come up, came up. A messenger bearing his house's colour presented himself before the court bearing a brightly coloured parrot and letter it carried with the seal of House Dionaea, the Royal House of Geriang.
Arceus gestured to his uncle Thamiel, who took the letter and opened it, reading its contents before Arceus and the court.
As the Arch-Magus predicted, the room exploded in activity, mostly outraged and nervous reactions by courtiers, petitioners and noble Magi alike. Calmly Arceus stood from his throne, and with one swift moment of focus, channeled his power into his staff, slamming the butt of it against the floor of the court, the resulting soundwave of released energy resounded like a great gong throughout the room and wider tower, and brought all commotion to a silence as the Arch-Magus spoke.
"Peace, everyone. Are we not Sorcerers, and the loyal servants of King Merin? It is the will of the King to accept the people of Geriang into this mixing of lands, and we must abide by it. I understand many of you have qualms about hosting those whom in many circles would call monsters. But we should not think of it as a slight to our honour, but rather a test. We are not merely representatives of our houses or our province here, but of all of Handon as well, and thus the responsibility of impressing a foreign power fell upon us. If we disgrace ourselves by being bad hosts to a foreign people, how would we look to the other houses, or the King himself?"
One particularly flustered Sorcerer called out from the crowd:
"Fuck the King and his thoughts on the matter! He's not here, you're merely playing his lackey and letting these beasts disgrace us!"
Arceus turned to face the offending Sorcerer, his eyes and staff flicking with red power.
"I pray that you merely made an error in judgement sir, for you or anyone else tries to speak such openly treasonous words or insults towards this whole affair, I can assure you I'll have no problems blaming the whole affair on you and your house before subsequently seizing all of your properties."
That shut the Sorcerer up quick, and made most of the rest of the audience who started to become more active again, subdued.
"This is my will on the matter. We shall prepare to host the Royal Family of Geriang's representatives immediately, and I shall want it done as well as if it were any House of Handon attending. My illustrious House shall oversee much of the preparations anyway, all I require from most of you are your shares of the supplies and upkeep for it, and more importantly, for you all to be on your best behaviour. I shall not tolerate being embarrassed by ANYONE within the bounds of Cathal who calls themselves a resident, and that's a promise. Besides that, cheer up everyone, its an excuse for a major festivity in honour of our King with a foreign who seek to do the same, if you cannot enjoy the company, than at least find some way to enjoy the event. Who knows? Perhaps they'll have more in common with us than most with Handon, given our own dispositions."
At this, Arceus returned to his throne, signalling the end of his proclamation, and runners began sprinting out of the throne room as soon as they wrote down Arceus' orders, or abbreviated forms of them to the various Houses of Cathal, to ready the way through the countryside to Gor Ithios ahead of House Dionaea's arrival and send out calls for general preparations to begin. Arceus sighed into his throne, reading over the letter again, the Royal House seemed to understand his position as much as he did. He harboured no disdain for the people of Geriang, his concern was power, and the means of obtaining it, and the Royal House, even that of a foreign nation like Geriang could always prove valuable towards such a goal that petty prejudice couldn't be allowed to stand in the way of such opportunity. And he'd be damned if he was going to look like the only fool in all of Handon who couldn't properly host a Mixing of Lands.
Finally, after several more petty disputes and cases, that which Arceus knew was to come up, came up. A messenger bearing his house's colour presented himself before the court bearing a brightly coloured parrot and letter it carried with the seal of House Dionaea, the Royal House of Geriang.
Arceus gestured to his uncle Thamiel, who took the letter and opened it, reading its contents before Arceus and the court.
As the Arch-Magus predicted, the room exploded in activity, mostly outraged and nervous reactions by courtiers, petitioners and noble Magi alike. Calmly Arceus stood from his throne, and with one swift moment of focus, channeled his power into his staff, slamming the butt of it against the floor of the court, the resulting soundwave of released energy resounded like a great gong throughout the room and wider tower, and brought all commotion to a silence as the Arch-Magus spoke.
"Peace, everyone. Are we not Sorcerers, and the loyal servants of King Merin? It is the will of the King to accept the people of Geriang into this mixing of lands, and we must abide by it. I understand many of you have qualms about hosting those whom in many circles would call monsters. But we should not think of it as a slight to our honour, but rather a test. We are not merely representatives of our houses or our province here, but of all of Handon as well, and thus the responsibility of impressing a foreign power fell upon us. If we disgrace ourselves by being bad hosts to a foreign people, how would we look to the other houses, or the King himself?"
One particularly flustered Sorcerer called out from the crowd:
"Fuck the King and his thoughts on the matter! He's not here, you're merely playing his lackey and letting these beasts disgrace us!"
Arceus turned to face the offending Sorcerer, his eyes and staff flicking with red power.
"I pray that you merely made an error in judgement sir, for you or anyone else tries to speak such openly treasonous words or insults towards this whole affair, I can assure you I'll have no problems blaming the whole affair on you and your house before subsequently seizing all of your properties."
That shut the Sorcerer up quick, and made most of the rest of the audience who started to become more active again, subdued.
"This is my will on the matter. We shall prepare to host the Royal Family of Geriang's representatives immediately, and I shall want it done as well as if it were any House of Handon attending. My illustrious House shall oversee much of the preparations anyway, all I require from most of you are your shares of the supplies and upkeep for it, and more importantly, for you all to be on your best behaviour. I shall not tolerate being embarrassed by ANYONE within the bounds of Cathal who calls themselves a resident, and that's a promise. Besides that, cheer up everyone, its an excuse for a major festivity in honour of our King with a foreign who seek to do the same, if you cannot enjoy the company, than at least find some way to enjoy the event. Who knows? Perhaps they'll have more in common with us than most with Handon, given our own dispositions."
At this, Arceus returned to his throne, signalling the end of his proclamation, and runners began sprinting out of the throne room as soon as they wrote down Arceus' orders, or abbreviated forms of them to the various Houses of Cathal, to ready the way through the countryside to Gor Ithios ahead of House Dionaea's arrival and send out calls for general preparations to begin. Arceus sighed into his throne, reading over the letter again, the Royal House seemed to understand his position as much as he did. He harboured no disdain for the people of Geriang, his concern was power, and the means of obtaining it, and the Royal House, even that of a foreign nation like Geriang could always prove valuable towards such a goal that petty prejudice couldn't be allowed to stand in the way of such opportunity. And he'd be damned if he was going to look like the only fool in all of Handon who couldn't properly host a Mixing of Lands.
In case anyone's curious, I'm personally waiting on Sentel (whom I assume is busy with University stuff still)
@Sentel NP I figured I'd basically stall it a bit while I waited for you.
"And thus, your Lordship, we ask that you find this student guilty of breaking the Fifth Law of Magic: Thou shalt not attempt to raise that which is dead."
Arceus was sitting in his Obsidian throne, perfectly straight, his staff in his right hand, and a small half-eaten plate of fruit and sweet-meats on a short table beside him with a silver goblet of wine. The court which had hours before been mostly vacant barring him, his brothers, and his uncle was now packed with courtiers, relatives, and guards all throughout. Kyros family members and retinue were wearing the house colours, while everyone else wore the colours of their respective houses if they belonged to any.
Petitioners had been seeking his audience all morning, mostly petty issues like property disputes or remuneration for damaged property in some magical or alchemical experiment gone awry, but now was a criminal case of high prominence. Civil matters were mostly handled by local magistrates, but a violation of any of the Laws of Magic was an offence to be ruled upon by the Arch-Magus himself. Violations being uncommon, they still bore heavy weight and could bear black marks on a Sorcerer's future if they were found guilty of them. They weren't cases for say a duel going wrong or a explosion in a potion mixer blowing out a building because of incorrect calculation, but for deliberate attempts at performing magical acts or studies that went against the very laws of nature, were just plain unethical, or could cause serious damage to reality and therefore the province and Kingdom at large if done incorrectly.
While the paperwork was long and convoluted on the subjects and why they are banned, they essentially banned the practices of: Necromancy, Chronomancy, Mental Slavery, the summoning of and/or collusion with particular magical entities, and Blood Magic involving an unwilling human sacrifice. The violation of any one of the laws of magic by a Cathal sorcerer branded one's name as anathema, and could bear heavy criminal punishment up to and including execution.
In this case, a student at one of the Academies had been caught attempting to practice Necromancy by the Magisters. Their case was quite compelling, though the student feigned ignorance of the laws and their specificity. To complicate matters, the student was a son of one of the higher noble families of Cathal, House Orpheus, and could see it as a slight against their house to have one of their pre-eminent sons locked up as a Warlock within the Brass Citadel or executed.
In any case, Arceus had reached his decision after short internal deliberation, with the court's eyes all upon him for his verdict and sentence.
"Upon hearing all sides of this case, I am ready to pronounce my verdict. Unless there are further witnesses to come forward on either side, please speak now . . . ? No? Then I find Percius Thaddeus Orpheus guilty of practicing Necromancy. I find his claim of ignorance of a law that should be known and clear to all Sorcerers from before they even begin their academic studies lacking, and find no issues with the Academic Magisters' case. In regards to sentence, while it is a serious offence, I am not blind to the ignorant wiles of young Sorcerers slowly finding their powers and thus will not impose supreme penalties, but I will impress upon the young man and his House, the seriousness of the crime he has committed. I therefore remand the Acolyte Percius into the custody of the Magisters until such time as they have decided upon a suitable Shadow for the young man, as I proclaim the sentence to be that of the Doom of Salteroth, and any noble House in attendance that is not directly tied to this case may have one of its members apply for the position if they so wish. Thus is my ruling as Arch-Magus of Cathal."
The Court had erupted into excited murmuring the moment Arceus had pronounced the verdict, and had only intensified after the sentence. Arceus had essentially granted mercy upon the young Sorcerer-to-be, with strict provisions. The Doom of Salteroth was named after one of Arceus' ancestors, Salteroth Grimaldus Kyros, 4th Arch-Magus of Cathal whom had created the sentence as a means of showing mercy upon a House that had committed a violation against the Laws of Magic but not of a severity that deigned immediate action. It essentially put the accused under probation, they would be monitored by a Sorcerer of another House of good standing for any violations of behaviour from the Laws of Magic. After a set period of time, the doom would be lifted, and the earlier crime would be forgiven. But any infraction, even the slightest, and the monitoring Sorcerer would have the authority to execute the accused immediately. It was the perfect sentence for not only showing mercy upon potential sympathy cases, but also a way of diverting the onus of potentially executing a noble family's son onto another noble family who would also be desperate to be seen as prime examples of upholders of justice among the wider Cathal nobility. In short, the perfect situation for House Kyros.
Arceus tapped his staff loudly on the floor of the court, marking his words as final. The Magisters escorting Acolyte Percius bowed before him, and even the young Acolyte bowed his head, tears in his eyes but thankfulness written on his face before he was escorted out of the court.
The day was hardly over though, and the anticipated messenger from the King or Gerlang had yet to arrive to herald what would likely overshadow even this story as the news of the day, House Kyros hosting a House of Gerlang. Arceus wasn't looking forward to giving that speech, but until it arrived, he'd focus on the now.
The latest petitioner ushered into the room was introduced to the court as a servant of Llewelyn of House Ap'Arthmael, High Lord of the Shattered Mountains, and peer of Arceus' in terms of political power, albeit a recently ascended one like himself though his appearance wouldn't show it, if his uncle's information on the man and his family's condition was correct. The foreign Lord's servant spoke, his accent clear for all to hear.
"Noble Arch-Magus of Cathal, my Lord presents to you a gift upon you and your house, with the hopes of fostering goodwill and diplomacy between his House and yours. I come bearing his own words in writing, as his Lordship is away courting, but you are welcome to receive his gift."
Arceus gestured to Gerion, whom left his spot near the Obsidian throne and took the sealed letter from the servant, reading it aloud to Arceus and the court from his older brother's side. Arceus kept his composure hidden beneath his hood, though he stood up afterwards, placing his staff to the side by his throne as he stepped toward the servant personally. The box which held the finely carved new staff which was presented to him as a gift by the Lord of the Shattered Mountains lay neatly packaged within. With one hand, Arceus levitated the staff out of the box and into his grasp where he admired the ornate runes and fine craftsmanship. He turned to the servant.
"Tell your Lord, his people, and the respected Mages of Korianthe's Tower I am pleased with the gift, and that I would happily accept his offer of diplomacy and goodwill, as well as see it reciprocated in my own way. Herne Alchemical Refinery shall set to producing a case of elixers for the Lord and his family's usage. Ones that should help calm his nerves and ease his racing mind, that he may be spared at least a few more years with us, so long as he uses them in moderation. They shall be accompanied by my brother, Eamon Servius Kyros, the only sorcerer who is second to none in all of Cathal besides myself in ability and knowledge. May he be my diplomat to the Shattered Mountains."
At this, Arceus turned back to his throne, fresh staff in hand before giving it carefully to Gerion to put aside while he took up his own again. His smile hidden behind his hood, but his brother Eamon's incredulity plastered on his face looking at his brother on the throne from his place alongside it. The day was still long, and potentially bad news incoming, but Lord Ap'Arthmael had just provided him with the perfect opportunity to remove him of his annoying brother for a while for a task he'd be loathe to refuse.
Arceus was sitting in his Obsidian throne, perfectly straight, his staff in his right hand, and a small half-eaten plate of fruit and sweet-meats on a short table beside him with a silver goblet of wine. The court which had hours before been mostly vacant barring him, his brothers, and his uncle was now packed with courtiers, relatives, and guards all throughout. Kyros family members and retinue were wearing the house colours, while everyone else wore the colours of their respective houses if they belonged to any.
Petitioners had been seeking his audience all morning, mostly petty issues like property disputes or remuneration for damaged property in some magical or alchemical experiment gone awry, but now was a criminal case of high prominence. Civil matters were mostly handled by local magistrates, but a violation of any of the Laws of Magic was an offence to be ruled upon by the Arch-Magus himself. Violations being uncommon, they still bore heavy weight and could bear black marks on a Sorcerer's future if they were found guilty of them. They weren't cases for say a duel going wrong or a explosion in a potion mixer blowing out a building because of incorrect calculation, but for deliberate attempts at performing magical acts or studies that went against the very laws of nature, were just plain unethical, or could cause serious damage to reality and therefore the province and Kingdom at large if done incorrectly.
While the paperwork was long and convoluted on the subjects and why they are banned, they essentially banned the practices of: Necromancy, Chronomancy, Mental Slavery, the summoning of and/or collusion with particular magical entities, and Blood Magic involving an unwilling human sacrifice. The violation of any one of the laws of magic by a Cathal sorcerer branded one's name as anathema, and could bear heavy criminal punishment up to and including execution.
In this case, a student at one of the Academies had been caught attempting to practice Necromancy by the Magisters. Their case was quite compelling, though the student feigned ignorance of the laws and their specificity. To complicate matters, the student was a son of one of the higher noble families of Cathal, House Orpheus, and could see it as a slight against their house to have one of their pre-eminent sons locked up as a Warlock within the Brass Citadel or executed.
In any case, Arceus had reached his decision after short internal deliberation, with the court's eyes all upon him for his verdict and sentence.
"Upon hearing all sides of this case, I am ready to pronounce my verdict. Unless there are further witnesses to come forward on either side, please speak now . . . ? No? Then I find Percius Thaddeus Orpheus guilty of practicing Necromancy. I find his claim of ignorance of a law that should be known and clear to all Sorcerers from before they even begin their academic studies lacking, and find no issues with the Academic Magisters' case. In regards to sentence, while it is a serious offence, I am not blind to the ignorant wiles of young Sorcerers slowly finding their powers and thus will not impose supreme penalties, but I will impress upon the young man and his House, the seriousness of the crime he has committed. I therefore remand the Acolyte Percius into the custody of the Magisters until such time as they have decided upon a suitable Shadow for the young man, as I proclaim the sentence to be that of the Doom of Salteroth, and any noble House in attendance that is not directly tied to this case may have one of its members apply for the position if they so wish. Thus is my ruling as Arch-Magus of Cathal."
The Court had erupted into excited murmuring the moment Arceus had pronounced the verdict, and had only intensified after the sentence. Arceus had essentially granted mercy upon the young Sorcerer-to-be, with strict provisions. The Doom of Salteroth was named after one of Arceus' ancestors, Salteroth Grimaldus Kyros, 4th Arch-Magus of Cathal whom had created the sentence as a means of showing mercy upon a House that had committed a violation against the Laws of Magic but not of a severity that deigned immediate action. It essentially put the accused under probation, they would be monitored by a Sorcerer of another House of good standing for any violations of behaviour from the Laws of Magic. After a set period of time, the doom would be lifted, and the earlier crime would be forgiven. But any infraction, even the slightest, and the monitoring Sorcerer would have the authority to execute the accused immediately. It was the perfect sentence for not only showing mercy upon potential sympathy cases, but also a way of diverting the onus of potentially executing a noble family's son onto another noble family who would also be desperate to be seen as prime examples of upholders of justice among the wider Cathal nobility. In short, the perfect situation for House Kyros.
Arceus tapped his staff loudly on the floor of the court, marking his words as final. The Magisters escorting Acolyte Percius bowed before him, and even the young Acolyte bowed his head, tears in his eyes but thankfulness written on his face before he was escorted out of the court.
The day was hardly over though, and the anticipated messenger from the King or Gerlang had yet to arrive to herald what would likely overshadow even this story as the news of the day, House Kyros hosting a House of Gerlang. Arceus wasn't looking forward to giving that speech, but until it arrived, he'd focus on the now.
The latest petitioner ushered into the room was introduced to the court as a servant of Llewelyn of House Ap'Arthmael, High Lord of the Shattered Mountains, and peer of Arceus' in terms of political power, albeit a recently ascended one like himself though his appearance wouldn't show it, if his uncle's information on the man and his family's condition was correct. The foreign Lord's servant spoke, his accent clear for all to hear.
"Noble Arch-Magus of Cathal, my Lord presents to you a gift upon you and your house, with the hopes of fostering goodwill and diplomacy between his House and yours. I come bearing his own words in writing, as his Lordship is away courting, but you are welcome to receive his gift."
Arceus gestured to Gerion, whom left his spot near the Obsidian throne and took the sealed letter from the servant, reading it aloud to Arceus and the court from his older brother's side. Arceus kept his composure hidden beneath his hood, though he stood up afterwards, placing his staff to the side by his throne as he stepped toward the servant personally. The box which held the finely carved new staff which was presented to him as a gift by the Lord of the Shattered Mountains lay neatly packaged within. With one hand, Arceus levitated the staff out of the box and into his grasp where he admired the ornate runes and fine craftsmanship. He turned to the servant.
"Tell your Lord, his people, and the respected Mages of Korianthe's Tower I am pleased with the gift, and that I would happily accept his offer of diplomacy and goodwill, as well as see it reciprocated in my own way. Herne Alchemical Refinery shall set to producing a case of elixers for the Lord and his family's usage. Ones that should help calm his nerves and ease his racing mind, that he may be spared at least a few more years with us, so long as he uses them in moderation. They shall be accompanied by my brother, Eamon Servius Kyros, the only sorcerer who is second to none in all of Cathal besides myself in ability and knowledge. May he be my diplomat to the Shattered Mountains."
At this, Arceus turned back to his throne, fresh staff in hand before giving it carefully to Gerion to put aside while he took up his own again. His smile hidden behind his hood, but his brother Eamon's incredulity plastered on his face looking at his brother on the throne from his place alongside it. The day was still long, and potentially bad news incoming, but Lord Ap'Arthmael had just provided him with the perfect opportunity to remove him of his annoying brother for a while for a task he'd be loathe to refuse.
Arceus Kallidus Kyros slowly roused himself from sleep within his bedchambers, very dimly lit by small crystal lights to ensure limited visibility in the pitch darkness of the room at night, glossy lights flickering around them on the black Obsidian walls of the room. The Obsidian Tower was Arceus' home, and he had grown to like the dark and warm nature the volcanic glass of the precisely shaped halls lent to the place, even warmer to those of the sorcerous talent who could sense the power which these old and precisely carved halls had observed and drank in over the centuries.
Imported mahogany, dark or clear glassware, silverware, black leather, and furs were the main sources of other texture in the rooms and halls, along with the deep black and red embroidered curtains and drapes that fit over the windows of the tower, the primary colours of Arceus' House. A pair of which adorned his room, snuffing out the outside light of moon or sun. With a flick of his finger from his bed, Arceus parted the curtains neatly, their ropes snaking around the heavy fabric to find purchase on hooks behind them, letting in a flood of sunlight into the room with the dawn, the rays of light flowing across the room in front of Arceus' bed.
Casually getting up, he walked over to a nearby wardrobe, where he began getting dressed. Most houses in Handon would utilize servants for such work as properly dressing a Lord or Lady, and ensuring they were presentable, but with in House Kyros, they were expected to make themselves presentable, what with their magical talents making such a need for servants redundant for such trivial functions. Within minutes he had his clothes sorted, golden pentacle straightened around his neck, his hood upon his robes lowered as he set about checking his face. The scars may be long-since healed, but they hardly did anything to make Arceus smile as he looked more like a victim of a wolf or bear attack than a powerful Lord and Arch-Magus. Utilizing a prepared basin beside him, Arceus washed his face and hair before straightening it out with a small comb.
Raising his hand, his staff, a magnificently carven runed black stave of mahogany with a great red ruby fixed within its top flew to his palm from beside the bed. This staff had been won by him after he'd defeated his brothers for his throne, and it obeyed his will by sacred rite, as it had his father, the blood of Kyros said to have been poured into the very core of its making. Whether myth or truth wasn't entirely known to the modern generation of Kyros descendants, though it had an uncanny affinity to the ruler of the House and was a mighty tool nonetheless.
His morning ritual done, Arceus stepped over to his windows to look out upon Cathal, his province. Gor Ithios stretched out before him below, but far further away were the rolling hills and farmlands, scattered woodlands, rivers, and distant mountains of his middling domain. Middling in everything but its penchant for producing some of the finest Sorcerers, magic items and services in all the world. The day looked to be another beautiful one, with everyone just waking up to start their business.
A knock came to the door of his room. Breaking Arceus' fixation on the world below.
"Brother Arceus, are you decent?"
The young voice that echoed lightly and dimmed through the door was recognized immediately by Arceus as his younger brother Gerion. 14 years old, yet the youngest son of their father had been bold enough to stake his claim to the title of Arch-Magus. Naturally, his inexperience failed him where is passion drove him, but Arceus admired his tenacity enough to make his younger brother his page until the young man went off to the Academy for his formal education, which was admittedly approaching soon. Arceus replied to Gerion as he turned and walked towards the door, his leather boots tapping the stone floor lightly in between the rugs he had covering it as he walked.
"Yes, Brother Gerion."
Gerion opened the door. He looked like a far more younger and far less sacred Arceus, though his fair was less stylized and still very boyishly cut. He wore simple Black and red embroidered robes with no hood, a symbol of his rank within the House compared to the more individualized hooded robes of the established Sorcerers.
"Gerion, you know the customs, we may be brothers, but I am Arch-Magus. I forgive your lapse since we're in private, by I won't tolerate such formality in public or among other family at court."
Gerion swallowed a bit and blushed nervously, his pride had taken a beating during the duel and took much of the bravado he had out of him, leaving mostly just a desire to serve, though he always felt bad when he made a mistake.
"Apologies, Arch-Magus. Shall we?"
"Lets."
The two departed Arceus' room, their footsteps echoing softly through the darkly surfaced but well-lit halls of the Obsidian Tower, with candles having been lit during the day and sunlight following it through various windows, the place was hardly shadowy at all, revealing the sharp edges of the eerily silent carved halls of volcanic glass. They walked in silence, Gerion ahead while Arceus trailed behind, the Arch-Magus putting his hood up as they approached the throne room.
The throne room was a vast circular room of inlaid runes on the floor and carven throne of Obsidian, carved for a person to sit within it without immediate discomfort, but also hosting no cushions or pillows. To the immediate left sat a similar throne, and above it all were the Kyros colours and banner with rays of light being reflected in from massive shafts above.
The room itself was mostly devoid of people save for two at the moment, Arceus' uncle Thamiel, and his brother Eamon both in their own robes, with their own staffs slung over their backs. Two of his Courtiers of prominence, the for his wisdom, the other out of necessity and respect for his ability. They bowed slightly to the Arch-Magus as he and Gerion entered. Thamiel began.
"Arch-Magus, your brother Eamon and I come before you prior to court's beginning with news you must be made aware of prior to its commencement."
Arceus raised an eyebrow beneath his hood, the young man leaning slightly on his staff as he stood beside the twin thrones talking to his relatives and courtiers both.
"What news begets such action?"
Thamiel began, the older man carefully choosing his words.
"We have received word that a mixing of Lands is taking place to herald King Merin's 99th birthday which is in two months, in which the Houses have been drawn by lot to host, or attend another for the purposes of -"
Eamon interjected abruptly. His face having become harder as their uncle carried on without getting to the point fast enough.
"Our House has been chosen to have the illustrious privilege of hosting the beast-people of Gerlang!"
Arceus turned sharply to regard his elder brother, Gerion gasped beside him, and Thamiel looking over at him with a slight frown, but not really seeming to be pleased with delivering the news either. Arceus thought carefully before replying.
"Do we know of which House is coming? The royal family?"
Thamiel calmly responded while Eamon's face only seemed to grow harder.
"We don't know, my Lord. What we have seems to imply you'd be informed today in person by a messenger of theirs, or the King's, maybe even both."
"You cannot seriously be thinking of taking this post, brother?! Our House is an proud and mighty lineage, and yet King Merin sees fit to have us choose our potential brides out of monsters?"
Arceus' gaze was icy at Eamon. It wasn't long ago he had fought him for the title of Arch-Magus.
"Remember yourself, brother, and let me handle whatever comes out of Gerlang. I know not what the King's play is, if this was even his own will, but I will be damned if I sully our House's honour in his eyes by poorly hosting the representatives of a noble family, foreign though they may be."
He took a step forward and leaning towards his brother, power seeping into his voice as the ruby on his staff glowed and his eyes lit with flicks of ruby-red light.
"Nor shall I tolerate being embarrassed by relatives who refuse to obey their Lord's will and seek to sully the name of our house out of personal pride."
Eamon backed off, but the rebellion was not totally quelled in his eyes. Thamiel only looked on speechless as his nephews continued their little feud. Arceus looked away, toning back his power as the sorcerous light left his eyes and his staff. He turned regarding Gerion who was nervously looking on as Arceus himself went to seat himself in his throne, calmly putting a cap on the private discussion.
"If there's nothing else you two wished to inform me off, call the court into attendance. Gerion, see if the kitchens have made breakfast if you please, I'm starving and think I'll need a clear head at today's court."
Imported mahogany, dark or clear glassware, silverware, black leather, and furs were the main sources of other texture in the rooms and halls, along with the deep black and red embroidered curtains and drapes that fit over the windows of the tower, the primary colours of Arceus' House. A pair of which adorned his room, snuffing out the outside light of moon or sun. With a flick of his finger from his bed, Arceus parted the curtains neatly, their ropes snaking around the heavy fabric to find purchase on hooks behind them, letting in a flood of sunlight into the room with the dawn, the rays of light flowing across the room in front of Arceus' bed.
Casually getting up, he walked over to a nearby wardrobe, where he began getting dressed. Most houses in Handon would utilize servants for such work as properly dressing a Lord or Lady, and ensuring they were presentable, but with in House Kyros, they were expected to make themselves presentable, what with their magical talents making such a need for servants redundant for such trivial functions. Within minutes he had his clothes sorted, golden pentacle straightened around his neck, his hood upon his robes lowered as he set about checking his face. The scars may be long-since healed, but they hardly did anything to make Arceus smile as he looked more like a victim of a wolf or bear attack than a powerful Lord and Arch-Magus. Utilizing a prepared basin beside him, Arceus washed his face and hair before straightening it out with a small comb.
Raising his hand, his staff, a magnificently carven runed black stave of mahogany with a great red ruby fixed within its top flew to his palm from beside the bed. This staff had been won by him after he'd defeated his brothers for his throne, and it obeyed his will by sacred rite, as it had his father, the blood of Kyros said to have been poured into the very core of its making. Whether myth or truth wasn't entirely known to the modern generation of Kyros descendants, though it had an uncanny affinity to the ruler of the House and was a mighty tool nonetheless.
His morning ritual done, Arceus stepped over to his windows to look out upon Cathal, his province. Gor Ithios stretched out before him below, but far further away were the rolling hills and farmlands, scattered woodlands, rivers, and distant mountains of his middling domain. Middling in everything but its penchant for producing some of the finest Sorcerers, magic items and services in all the world. The day looked to be another beautiful one, with everyone just waking up to start their business.
A knock came to the door of his room. Breaking Arceus' fixation on the world below.
"Brother Arceus, are you decent?"
The young voice that echoed lightly and dimmed through the door was recognized immediately by Arceus as his younger brother Gerion. 14 years old, yet the youngest son of their father had been bold enough to stake his claim to the title of Arch-Magus. Naturally, his inexperience failed him where is passion drove him, but Arceus admired his tenacity enough to make his younger brother his page until the young man went off to the Academy for his formal education, which was admittedly approaching soon. Arceus replied to Gerion as he turned and walked towards the door, his leather boots tapping the stone floor lightly in between the rugs he had covering it as he walked.
"Yes, Brother Gerion."
Gerion opened the door. He looked like a far more younger and far less sacred Arceus, though his fair was less stylized and still very boyishly cut. He wore simple Black and red embroidered robes with no hood, a symbol of his rank within the House compared to the more individualized hooded robes of the established Sorcerers.
"Gerion, you know the customs, we may be brothers, but I am Arch-Magus. I forgive your lapse since we're in private, by I won't tolerate such formality in public or among other family at court."
Gerion swallowed a bit and blushed nervously, his pride had taken a beating during the duel and took much of the bravado he had out of him, leaving mostly just a desire to serve, though he always felt bad when he made a mistake.
"Apologies, Arch-Magus. Shall we?"
"Lets."
The two departed Arceus' room, their footsteps echoing softly through the darkly surfaced but well-lit halls of the Obsidian Tower, with candles having been lit during the day and sunlight following it through various windows, the place was hardly shadowy at all, revealing the sharp edges of the eerily silent carved halls of volcanic glass. They walked in silence, Gerion ahead while Arceus trailed behind, the Arch-Magus putting his hood up as they approached the throne room.
The throne room was a vast circular room of inlaid runes on the floor and carven throne of Obsidian, carved for a person to sit within it without immediate discomfort, but also hosting no cushions or pillows. To the immediate left sat a similar throne, and above it all were the Kyros colours and banner with rays of light being reflected in from massive shafts above.
The room itself was mostly devoid of people save for two at the moment, Arceus' uncle Thamiel, and his brother Eamon both in their own robes, with their own staffs slung over their backs. Two of his Courtiers of prominence, the for his wisdom, the other out of necessity and respect for his ability. They bowed slightly to the Arch-Magus as he and Gerion entered. Thamiel began.
"Arch-Magus, your brother Eamon and I come before you prior to court's beginning with news you must be made aware of prior to its commencement."
Arceus raised an eyebrow beneath his hood, the young man leaning slightly on his staff as he stood beside the twin thrones talking to his relatives and courtiers both.
"What news begets such action?"
Thamiel began, the older man carefully choosing his words.
"We have received word that a mixing of Lands is taking place to herald King Merin's 99th birthday which is in two months, in which the Houses have been drawn by lot to host, or attend another for the purposes of -"
Eamon interjected abruptly. His face having become harder as their uncle carried on without getting to the point fast enough.
"Our House has been chosen to have the illustrious privilege of hosting the beast-people of Gerlang!"
Arceus turned sharply to regard his elder brother, Gerion gasped beside him, and Thamiel looking over at him with a slight frown, but not really seeming to be pleased with delivering the news either. Arceus thought carefully before replying.
"Do we know of which House is coming? The royal family?"
Thamiel calmly responded while Eamon's face only seemed to grow harder.
"We don't know, my Lord. What we have seems to imply you'd be informed today in person by a messenger of theirs, or the King's, maybe even both."
"You cannot seriously be thinking of taking this post, brother?! Our House is an proud and mighty lineage, and yet King Merin sees fit to have us choose our potential brides out of monsters?"
Arceus' gaze was icy at Eamon. It wasn't long ago he had fought him for the title of Arch-Magus.
"Remember yourself, brother, and let me handle whatever comes out of Gerlang. I know not what the King's play is, if this was even his own will, but I will be damned if I sully our House's honour in his eyes by poorly hosting the representatives of a noble family, foreign though they may be."
He took a step forward and leaning towards his brother, power seeping into his voice as the ruby on his staff glowed and his eyes lit with flicks of ruby-red light.
"Nor shall I tolerate being embarrassed by relatives who refuse to obey their Lord's will and seek to sully the name of our house out of personal pride."
Eamon backed off, but the rebellion was not totally quelled in his eyes. Thamiel only looked on speechless as his nephews continued their little feud. Arceus looked away, toning back his power as the sorcerous light left his eyes and his staff. He turned regarding Gerion who was nervously looking on as Arceus himself went to seat himself in his throne, calmly putting a cap on the private discussion.
"If there's nothing else you two wished to inform me off, call the court into attendance. Gerion, see if the kitchens have made breakfast if you please, I'm starving and think I'll need a clear head at today's court."
Registration of Current Nobles
The Name of the Noble: Arceus Kallidus Kyros, Arch-Magus of Cathal and Lord of the city of Gor Ithios
The House of which said noble belongs: House Kyros
Current Age of said Noble: 24
House History: House Kyros rose up four centuries ago to power with the province of Cathal, managing to break the constant dead-lock with power struggles between the Mage families and becoming nobles in their own right. They achieved this through a combination of pure sorcerous skill, careful bargains between those families that would submit, and even more careful marriage alliances. Ending a reign of Paper Kings and feuding Sorcerous Families.
Ever since, House Kyros has dominated Cathal with an iron grip befitting a House whose position is surrounded by roughly equivalently powerful opponents. But they pay the King's Tithes, respect his authority, and lend their domain's forces to his in exchange that they be left alone to govern the province as they see fit and deal with their own affairs. Which is mostly benevolent, if a bit tyrannical in regards to maintaining their control amongst the local nobility. The other families are kept on a short leash when it comes to trying to extend their own power to match that of House Kyros', but are allowed to govern their fiefs and properties as they wish just like their overlords.
The internal family succession can be particularly rough. For like any great House, Kyros has many children, and being of proud Mage-blood stock throughout their lineage, every last one of them has substantial magic potential. The family patriarch's position is decided by the merit of the sons, usually the eldest mature sons, by way of Sorcerer's Duels. Only the most powerful mage among them may ascend to the title of Arch-Magus of Cathal, and thus distribute the other Kyros-owned titles, properties, and lands among his siblings; as well as oversee disputes between and among the other Mage Families of the province who then swear fealty to their new Arch-Magus. The remaining sons are usually assigned to strategically marry the best Sorceresses to perpetuate better and better Mages within the Kyros Family, or to solidify alliances between them and houses outside the province.
This practice of succession, while seen as barbaric among some nobility of other provinces, is seen as necessary by House Kyros, and is a normal rite among the other Mage-nobility of Cathal. A Sorcerer's life is competition and power, and it is one which only the strong survive. It is only right that in a political setting where they dominate, that the Houses would only want the very best at their heads, and that the most powerful of all of them would be their Lord. Plus, with sorcery being such a dangerous occupation even at the best of times for those skilled in combat magic, it naturally leans towards weeding out the weak and incapable from the mighty and skilled, and all of the Houses of Cathal can attest to that whether they're Kyros or not.
The daughters on the other hand are prime prizes that any Mage Family that isn't of Kyros desires to have wed to one of their sons, and House Kyros knows this. To this end, the family has traditionally indulged their daughters to be as picky and particular as they desire with their potential husbands. Being highly capable Sorceresses themselves, they often don't care for potential husbands who cannot even best them in challenges or meet their demands. Duels are seen as socially unacceptable in Cathal for Ladies to participate in against suitors, but it is highly fashionable for them to set such tasks to suitors against other Sorcerers to prove to them how far they're willing to go for their love, and for the Lady to judge her suitors' performance. Cathal is joked of as being full of Sorceresses who cannot live up to a Daughter of Kyros' expectations. Such a system is ripe for underwritten manipulation as the women essentially use their positions to make families enter feuds over marriage proposals, all the while the potential orchestrator patriarchs all act innocuous of their relatives' actions.
In terms of recent history, House Kyros has begrudgingly offered more social mobility and freedom among the nobles within the province on the orders of King Merin whom showed his disproval with the House's stiff control over the province. The family viewed Merin as a kind-hearted and benevolent, but naive King who never fully understood how and why Sorcerers conducted politics and business in Cathal, but like all others they bent the knee to him and his wishes while he sat the throne of Handon. With his abdication, the latest newly ascended young Arch-Magus hopes to set things right again and further secure the interests of him and his House.
Banner:
A Pentacle on a Black Field of Brass-coloured stars, the circle being one of Gold while the star itself is Crimson Red.
Lands and Ownership:
-The Province of Cathal (Arch-Magus is the title associated with its ownership. A province of middling agricultural quality, a few mines and forests utilized for lumber but nothing to boast of compared to other provinces of Handon. Its main revenues come from taxation, the Sorcerer Academies tuition fees, the refinement and sale of goods for magical and alchemical means, and the sale of Sorcerers' services abroad.)
-City of Gor Ithios, capital of Cathal (Lordship, with all obtainable revenues, tariffs and taxes associated therein)
-Provosts of all Sorcerer Academies within Cathal's bounds (House Kyros divides the Provost seats amongst its sons, with the Arch-Magus usually being the Provost of the most prestigious Academy of the time. They are mostly advisory positions which conveniently offer access to the Faculty records which the House keeps up to date on after each year.)
-The Tower of Obsidian/ The Obsidian Tower (Personal residence of House Kyros, and seat of their power located in Gor Ithios, built entirely out of imported Obsidian)
-Herne Alchemical Refinery (Family-owned Business in Gor Ithios specializing in Alchemy and Potions, founded over 200 years ago by Herne Valdius Kyros)
-10,000 Acres of farmland estates (Roughly 20% of Cathal's capacity)
-The Scholam Arcanum (Public Library specifically catering to the Art of Arts, boasts of being one of the largest repositories of Magical Knowledge and Sorcerous Writings in the world with extensive material archives as well. Supported by the generous patronage of House Kyros, located in Gor Ithios)
-The Brass Citadel (Prison-Fortress located in Cathal, built to contain convicted Warlocks[Rogue Sorcerers] and other Magical beings or criminals, but also functions as the general prison of the Province. Owned and operated by House Kyros)
-Fort Ardyn (Main Military post for Cathal under the ownership of House Kyros, located within sight of Gor Ithios. It serves as a Training post as well as a Command Post for the Cathal Forces, hosting a private Military-based Sorcery Academy.)
Autobiographical Knowledge: Arceus Kallidus Kyros was born the third son of Alain Damion Kyros and Lyra Severian Kyros. With seven brothers and eight sisters that survive to this day and a handful of other brothers which died, he was certainly not a lonely child within the Obsidian Tower growing up. All being powerful children of Sorcerers, their lust for competition and dominance began even at a young age, with the elder brothers and sisters usually bossing around their siblings behind the backs of their parents and relatives. House Kyros knew of such behaviour, naturally, but saw it as good practice for the reality of real life in Cathal when they grew up, and so long as they didn't seriously injure each other, the family saw no reason to stop such behaviour.
But Arceus didn't survive through his childhood and later tutorage under the older Sorcerers of his family through just pure might, as his elder brothers had done, but through cunning and guile befitting one who was not gifted with the natural luck of being born premiere among his siblings. From an early age, he routinely traded favours for favours with his various siblings and cousins his age, balancing out the arrogant ambitions of his older siblings with the more timid desires to be seen and active by the youngers. It was all over petty matters and grudges involving toys, snacks, personal items and clothes, embarrassing others in front of higher family members, nothing serious, but they taught Arceus valuable lessons in understanding Sorcerers.
And as his powers grew with age, his understanding only grew ever more as the scars from the pitiless Sorcerous training of his House began to pile on. He discovered how to play to one's personality, how to hide his full potential and appear helpless. For surviving as a sorcerer often fell not to who was the strongest, but who could outwit their opponent. And to hold one of the most powerful positions in the world, power and wits play equal parts regardless of whether or not one knew magic.
He also understood why his family had so many kids, as many of them died or were crippled in the process of training in the Art of Arts. For while Cathal had spent centuries to devote itself to making the study of more combative magic a safer subject of study and training, there is only so much one can do to make it safer or easier. As he grew up, Arceus lost 5 brothers through various accidents and hazards of study, and many of his older relatives had lost limbs or suffered fatal injuries as time went on.
At the age of 22, four years after his ascension to the official rank of Sorcerer within his House, the family Patriarch, Alain, died of old age, being 83 years old, a venerable and mighty man. As had been the practice for over 400 years, the sons of the previous Arch-Magus gathered at the Obsidian Tower promptly to decide the next Arch-Magus. Five sons of Alain claimed rights to the Lordship of Gor Ithios and the title of Arch-Magus of Cathal, Arceus being among them with his eldest brother Eamon being nearly 34 and the youngest of the brothers, Gerion being merely 14. The duels were drawn by lot and observed by all members of House Kyros who could attend along with privileged members of the Cathal nobility, privileged Sorcerous peers from beyond the province, and representatives of the King, the widow Lyra herself was among them. The duels lasted all day, for tradition demanded that a successor be chosen by the dawn of the new day, and one by one, the brothers were disarmed and bested, the final showdown coming between Eamon and Arceus.
The old rivalry between the two siblings burned as hot as the magical energy they summoned in their duel. Flames danced throughout the black hall of the throne room, lightning arced in wild displays, bone-chilling winds frosted the floors, and summoned up weapons and beasts of pure energy assaulted each other as brother fought brother. Reality itself might have been ready to rend with how much power was being flung about but the combined might of the family and the ancient foundations of the tower had grown used to such feats. Hours passed, Arceus appearing to be on the ropes multiple times, but in reality he was holding back, drawing his brother's anger and energy out as his taunts only served to enrage the elder brother. Finally, sensing Eamon waning, Arceus delivered a flourish of power that stunned the room, ending a feat of endurance, power, and skill that surely had the ancestors of House Kyros looking on in pleasure.
Thus, Arceus won his place as Arch-Magus of Cathal, heir ascendant of House Kyros, and Lord of Gor Ithios, one of the youngest to ever hold the title and still a bachelor to boot. His inauguration and birthday of 23 was followed months after by the old King Merin's abdication of the throne of Handon. Opening the way for fresh ambitions to extend his own newly expanded power and the prestige and state of his mighty House of Sorcerers. For with Sorcerers as much as Politicians, the competition for greater power is timeless, and Arceus bears the weight of his house's illustrious lineage as he makes his own moves.
Portrait:
A particularly imposing portrait of the Arch-Magus Arceus Kallidus Kyros, in his full regalia, and wielding his staff of office.
An artist's sketch of the Arch-Magus' face. His noble face disfigured by the scars of Sorcerous Duels, he wears the scars as a badge of pride, as most Sorcerers do with the scars upon their bodies. Though it obviously doesn't necessarily help with their appeal to ladies.
Okay, I've edited my app. Trimmed some of the fat and worked to fix up those other problems.
I'm open for questions, critiques, or comments about my App whenever.
Registration of Current Nobles
The Name of the Noble: Arceus Kallidus Kyros, Arch-Magus of Cathal and Lord of the city of Gor Ithios
The House of which said noble belongs: House Kyros
Current Age of said Noble: 24
House History: House Kyros rose up four centuries ago to power with the province of Cathal, managing to break the constant dead-lock with power struggles between the Mage families and becoming nobles in their own right. They achieved this through a combination of pure sorcerous skill, careful bargains between those families that would submit, and even more careful marriage alliances. Ending a reign of Paper Kings and feuding Sorcerous Families.
Ever since, House Kyros has dominated Cathal with an iron grip befitting a House whose position is surrounded by roughly equivalently powerful opponents. But they pay the King's Tithes, respect his authority, and lend their domain's forces to his in exchange that they be left alone to govern the province as they see fit and deal with their own affairs. Which is mostly benevolent, if a bit tyrannical in regards to maintaining their control amongst the local nobility. The other families are kept on a short leash when it comes to trying to extend their own power to match that of House Kyros', but are allowed to govern their fiefs and properties as they wish just like their overlords.
The internal family succession can be particularly rough. For like any great House, Kyros has many children, and being of proud Mage-blood stock throughout their lineage, every last one of them has substantial magic potential. The family patriarch's position is decided by the merit of the sons, usually the eldest mature sons, by way of Sorcerer's Duels. Only the most powerful mage among them may ascend to the title of Arch-Magus of Cathal, and thus distribute the other Kyros-owned titles, properties, and lands among his siblings; as well as oversee disputes between and among the other Mage Families of the province who then swear fealty to their new Arch-Magus. The remaining sons are usually assigned to strategically marry the best Sorceresses to perpetuate better and better Mages within the Kyros Family, or to solidify alliances between them and houses outside the province.
This practice of succession, while seen as barbaric among some nobility of other provinces, is seen as necessary by House Kyros, and is a normal rite among the other Mage-nobility of Cathal. A Sorcerer's life is competition and power, and it is one which only the strong survive. It is only right that in a political setting where they dominate, that the Houses would only want the very best at their heads, and that the most powerful of all of them would be their Lord. Plus, with sorcery being such a dangerous occupation even at the best of times for those skilled in combat magic, it naturally leans towards weeding out the weak and incapable from the mighty and skilled, and all of the Houses of Cathal can attest to that whether they're Kyros or not.
The daughters on the other hand are prime prizes that any Mage Family that isn't of Kyros desires to have wed to one of their sons, and House Kyros knows this. To this end, the family has traditionally indulged their daughters to be as picky and particular as they desire with their potential husbands. Being highly capable Sorceresses themselves, they often don't care for potential husbands who cannot even best them in challenges or meet their demands. Duels are seen as socially unacceptable in Cathal for Ladies to participate in against suitors, but it is highly fashionable for them to set such tasks to suitors against other Sorcerers to prove to them how far they're willing to go for their love, and for the Lady to judge her suitors' performance. Cathal is joked of as being full of Sorceresses who cannot live up to a Daughter of Kyros' expectations. Such a system is ripe for underwritten manipulation as the women essentially use their positions to make families enter feuds over marriage proposals, all the while the potential orchestrator patriarchs all act innocuous of their relatives' actions.
In terms of recent history, House Kyros has begrudgingly offered more social mobility and freedom among the nobles within the province on the orders of King Merin whom showed his disproval with the House's stiff control over the province. The family viewed Merin as a kind-hearted and benevolent, but naive King who never fully understood how and why Sorcerers conducted politics and business in Cathal, but like all others they bent the knee to him and his wishes while he sat the throne of Handon. With his abdication, the latest newly ascended young Arch-Magus hopes to set things right again and further secure the interests of him and his House.
Banner:
A Pentacle on a Black Field of Brass-coloured stars, the circle being one of Gold while the star itself is Crimson Red.
Lands and Ownership:
-The Province of Cathal (Arch-Magus is the title associated with its ownership. A province of middling agricultural quality, a few mines and forests utilized for lumber but nothing to boast of compared to other provinces of Handon. Its main revenues come from taxation, the Sorcerer Academies tuition fees, the refinement and sale of goods for magical and alchemical means, and the sale of Sorcerers' services abroad.)
-City of Gor Ithios, capital of Cathal (Lordship, with all obtainable revenues, tariffs and taxes associated therein)
-Provosts of all Sorcerer Academies within Cathal's bounds (House Kyros divides the Provost seats amongst its sons, with the Arch-Magus usually being the Provost of the most prestigious Academy of the time. They are mostly advisory positions which conveniently offer access to the Faculty records which the House keeps up to date on after each year.)
-The Tower of Obsidian/ The Obsidian Tower (Personal residence of House Kyros, and seat of their power located in Gor Ithios, built entirely out of imported Obsidian)
-Herne Alchemical Refinery (Family-owned Business in Gor Ithios specializing in Alchemy and Potions, founded over 200 years ago by Herne Valdius Kyros)
-10,000 Acres of farmland estates (Roughly 20% of Cathal's capacity)
-The Scholam Arcanum (Public Library specifically catering to the Art of Arts, boasts of being one of the largest repositories of Magical Knowledge and Sorcerous Writings in the world with extensive material archives as well. Supported by the generous patronage of House Kyros, located in Gor Ithios)
-The Brass Citadel (Prison-Fortress located in Cathal, built to contain convicted Warlocks[Rogue Sorcerers] and other Magical beings or criminals, but also functions as the general prison of the Province. Owned and operated by House Kyros)
-Fort Ardyn (Main Military post for Cathal under the ownership of House Kyros, located within sight of Gor Ithios. It serves as a Training post as well as a Command Post for the Cathal Forces, hosting a private Military-based Sorcery Academy.)
Autobiographical Knowledge: Arceus Kallidus Kyros was born the third son of Alain Damion Kyros and Lyra Severian Kyros. With seven brothers and eight sisters that survive to this day and a handful of other brothers which died, he was certainly not a lonely child within the Obsidian Tower growing up. All being powerful children of Sorcerers, their lust for competition and dominance began even at a young age, with the elder brothers and sisters usually bossing around their siblings behind the backs of their parents and relatives. House Kyros knew of such behaviour, naturally, but saw it as good practice for the reality of real life in Cathal when they grew up, and so long as they didn't seriously injure each other, the family saw no reason to stop such behaviour.
But Arceus didn't survive through his childhood and later tutorage under the older Sorcerers of his family through just pure might, as his elder brothers had done, but through cunning and guile befitting one who was not gifted with the natural luck of being born premiere among his siblings. From an early age, he routinely traded favours for favours with his various siblings and cousins his age, balancing out the arrogant ambitions of his older siblings with the more timid desires to be seen and active by the youngers. It was all over petty matters and grudges involving toys, snacks, personal items and clothes, embarrassing others in front of higher family members, nothing serious, but they taught Arceus valuable lessons in understanding Sorcerers.
And as his powers grew with age, his understanding only grew ever more as the scars from the pitiless Sorcerous training of his House began to pile on. He discovered how to play to one's personality, how to hide his full potential and appear helpless. For surviving as a sorcerer often fell not to who was the strongest, but who could outwit their opponent. And to hold one of the most powerful positions in the world, power and wits play equal parts regardless of whether or not one knew magic.
He also understood why his family had so many kids, as many of them died or were crippled in the process of training in the Art of Arts. For while Cathal had spent centuries to devote itself to making the study of more combative magic a safer subject of study and training, there is only so much one can do to make it safer or easier. As he grew up, Arceus lost 5 brothers through various accidents and hazards of study, and many of his older relatives had lost limbs or suffered fatal injuries as time went on.
At the age of 22, four years after his ascension to the official rank of Sorcerer within his House, the family Patriarch, Alain, died of old age, being 83 years old, a venerable and mighty man. As had been the practice for over 400 years, the sons of the previous Arch-Magus gathered at the Obsidian Tower promptly to decide the next Arch-Magus. Five sons of Alain claimed rights to the Lordship of Gor Ithios and the title of Arch-Magus of Cathal, Arceus being among them with his eldest brother Eamon being nearly 34 and the youngest of the brothers, Gerion being merely 14. The duels were drawn by lot and observed by all members of House Kyros who could attend along with privileged members of the Cathal nobility, privileged Sorcerous peers from beyond the province, and representatives of the King, the widow Lyra herself was among them. The duels lasted all day, for tradition demanded that a successor be chosen by the dawn of the new day, and one by one, the brothers were disarmed and bested, the final showdown coming between Eamon and Arceus.
The old rivalry between the two siblings burned as hot as the magical energy they summoned in their duel. Flames danced throughout the black hall of the throne room, lightning arced in wild displays, bone-chilling winds frosted the floors, and summoned up weapons and beasts of pure energy assaulted each other as brother fought brother. Reality itself might have been ready to rend with how much power was being flung about but the combined might of the family and the ancient foundations of the tower had grown used to such feats. Hours passed, Arceus appearing to be on the ropes multiple times, but in reality he was holding back, drawing his brother's anger and energy out as his taunts only served to enrage the elder brother. Finally, sensing Eamon waning, Arceus delivered a flourish of power that stunned the room, ending a feat of endurance, power, and skill that surely had the ancestors of House Kyros looking on in pleasure.
Thus, Arceus won his place as Arch-Magus of Cathal, heir ascendant of House Kyros, and Lord of Gor Ithios, one of the youngest to ever hold the title and still a bachelor to boot. His inauguration and birthday of 23 was followed months after by the old King Merin's abdication of the throne of Handon. Opening the way for fresh ambitions to extend his own newly expanded power and the prestige and state of his mighty House of Sorcerers. For with Sorcerers as much as Politicians, the competition for greater power is timeless, and Arceus bears the weight of his house's illustrious lineage as he makes his own moves.
Portrait:
A particularly imposing portrait of the Arch-Magus Arceus Kallidus Kyros, in his full regalia, and wielding his staff of office.
An artist's sketch of the Arch-Magus' face. His noble face disfigured by the scars of Sorcerous Duels, he wears the scars as a badge of pride, as most Sorcerers do with the scars upon their bodies. Though it obviously doesn't necessarily help with their appeal to ladies.
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