[hider=Erik Bel Auster] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/248lS1b.png[/img] [/center] [color=b8c5c3][b]Name[/b] [/color] [INDENT]Erik Nikolai Bel Auster[/INDENT] [color=b8c5c3][b]Title[/b] [/color] [INDENT]Crown prince[/INDENT] [color=b8c5c3][b]Age [/b][/color] [INDENT]23[/INDENT] [color=b8c5c3][b]Gender[/b][/color] [INDENT]Male[/INDENT] [color=b8c5c3][b]Sexuality[/b][/color] [INDENT]Heterosexual[/INDENT] [color=b8c5c3][b]Appearance[/b][/color] [INDENT][list][*][b][color=b8c5c3]Hair:[/color][/b] Brown | Wavy | Well-kept with a lot of gel [*][b][color=b8c5c3]Eyes:[/color][/b] light brown [*][b][color=b8c5c3]Height:[/color][/b] 1.9 meters [*][b][color=b8c5c3]Body Type:[/color][/b] Slim, toned [*][b][color=b8c5c3]Clothing Style:[/color][/b] Formal | In public, Erik usually appears in incredibly expensive suits or formal military uniforms. In private, however, he does switch to the more casual sweaters and jeans. [*][b][color=b8c5c3]Scars, Tattoos and/or Piercings:[/color][/b] Nothing of note[/list][/INDENT] [color=b8c5c3][b]Personality[/b][/color] [INDENT] Stoic Erik Bel Auster has always been known as the most intelligent of the royal brothers, though not as the most sociable or amicable. He is known as observant and incredibly disciplined. Though he is not unkind and usually well-meaning, he tends to appear slightly apathetic and distant. People perceive him as someone who will be a good king, but not the royal who will get the most love from the people. Nevertheless, Erik is passionate about the things he cares about, and that includes his kingdom. He is proud of his kingdom, to the point of patriotism, but also just a very proud person. Nothing shows his nature more than his vanity. Erik does not appear in public unless he looks his absolute best. His stylish outfits are the talk of the tabloids on regular occasion. Finally, he is quite easy to irritate. Some topics in particular can invoke a strong ire. Perhaps his betrothed would know exactly what… [/INDENT] [color=b8c5c3][b]Likes // Dislikes[/b][/color] [INDENT] [color=4c6d5a]✓[/color] Archeology [color=4c6d5a]✓[/color] Exercise [color=4c6d5a]✓[/color] Historical weapons and armour [color=4c6d5a]✓[/color] Using such weapons (not the real ones, modern recreations) [color=4c6d5a]✓[/color] Animals [color=4c6d5a]✓[/color] Good manners [color=4c6d5a]✓[/color] Card and board games (chess in particular) [color=4c6d5a]✓[/color] The Northern Lights [color=4c6d5a]✓[/color] Theatre [color=4c6d5a]✓[/color] Learning [color=4c6d5a]✓[/color] Traveling [color=4c6d5a]✗[/color] The Kingdom of Arcenia [color=4c6d5a]✗[/color] Dishonesty [color=4c6d5a]✗[/color] Whining [color=4c6d5a]✗[/color] Lack of discipline [color=4c6d5a]✗[/color] Slapstick comedy [color=4c6d5a]✗[/color] Arcenian royalty [color=4c6d5a]✗[/color] Techno [color=4c6d5a]✗[/color] Insects [color=4c6d5a]✗[/color] Heavy rain [color=4c6d5a]✗[/color] Did we mention Arcenia? [/INDENT] [color=b8c5c3][b]Biography[/b][/color] [INDENT]Great king Leopold Bel Auster of the grand nation of Austerund, protector of the Austerian people and patriarch of the [b]true[/b] Bel Auster family, was a ruler both benevolent and stern. Under his rule the people continued to prosper, but his will was unbendable iron. Leopold’s parenting was very much like his rulership. He truly knew the best thing for his children, but the children didn’t get much of a say in the matter. Especially when it came to crown prince Erik, who would become the great leader that Leopold desired. Erik’s childhood consisted out of learning first and foremost. But luckily that was something Erik excelled at. Erik quickly established himself as the scholarly of the three princes. He took great interest in gathering as much knowledge as he could. Primary amongst this was the history of his world and, of course, his own country. It should come as little surprise that Erik was brought up as a patriot. Erik also developed a great interest in chess, something he does competitively to this day. But Leopold’s iron parenting didn’t stop there. His father was sure to map out most of Erik’s life. At the tender age of eight he was told he was going to meet his future wife. The result of two kings finding the best solution to prevent the onset of a new war a mere two years back. His first meeting with his betrothed, a mere six at the time, was not exactly the most friendly. Neither were any of the very few meetings that followed, really. Nevertheless, the more Erik aged, the clearer the importance of this marriage to the future of his country became. Erik was around fourteen when he finally stopped arguing with his father about it. Not that his father ever had any intention of letting him escape it. Erik simply took it with silent acceptance from then on. To be royalty meant to sacrifice one’s person for his people. That was what he had been taught. He locked it away into the deepest parts of his mind. The marriage was just a thing that had to happen. He would not let it rule him. Erik primarily indulged himself in his education afterwards. His fascination with history continued to develop and flourish. So much so that he decided to go for a degree in history after he finished his mandatory military enlistment (Erik doesn’t talk about it much, but it did help his discipline). Later he also decided to pursue a degree in chemistry at the same time. He developed a particular love for ancient languages and archeology. He is still active in the field, joining archaeological expeditions to dig sites around the world, but primarily in Austerund itself. He is specialized in the many chemical methods that exist to learn more about the artifacts his team finds. A prince isn’t very lacking in either time or money. And so, Erik Bel Auster just spends his time doing the things he enjoys for the sake of enjoyment. He pursues his intellectual passions with fervor. He keeps himself busy for the sake of being busy, it often seems like (and probably because it makes him look good to the people, and Erik likes looking good). His marriage may come one day, when the princess finally stops postponing it, but he has chosen to not let it concern him. Erik loves his country, and would marry the devil for it. One immature princess was a small price to pay, in that regard. [/INDENT] [color=b8c5c3][b]Betrothed[/b] [/color] [INDENT] Arabelle Rosalyn Mae Almore, the prissy princess of Arcenia[/INDENT] [color=b8c5c3][b]Other[/b][/color] Francisco Lachowski // b8c5c3 [INDENT] [list] [*] Erik has built up a personal collection of historical artifacts. Of special note is his armoury containing an immense variety of both historical and modern weapons, armour and uniforms [*] Erik owns two lovely servals’, Tiki and Coco [*] Erik is well-known for his work with organisations that aim to preserve culture and history [*] Actively practices HEMA, he is especially capable with swords [*] Has a double degree in history and chemistry [*] He loves traveling, and actively joins his father on diplomatic trips to other countries. Unfortunately, he usually learns more about leadership than about the country itself on such trips. [*] Erik’s chess Elo is currently around 2700 [/list][/INDENT] [/hider] [hider=The kingdom of Austerund] [center][img] https://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjE3OC5mMGRlYjMuUVhWemRHVnlkVzVrLjA,/hentimps-circlet.regular.png[/img] [img] https://www.travelanddestinations.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Copenhagen-Skyline-from-the-Tower-at-sunset.jpg[/img] [color=f0deb3][i]The under-appreciated gem of the north[/i][/color][/center] [color=f0deb3][b] Kingdom Name[/b][/color] [INDENT]Austerund[/INDENT] [color=f0deb3][b]King and Queen[/b] [/color] [INDENT] Leopold Bel Auster Vigga Bel Auster [/INDENT] [color=f0deb3][b]Kingdom Colors[/b] [/color] [INDENT]Yellow, blue and white[/INDENT] [color=f0deb3][b]What The Kingdom Is Known For[/b] [/color][INDENT][list] [*] Austerans are known as a very hospitable and cosy people. There is a strong focus on community, family and belonging. This permeates into society as a whole: parties, gatherings and festivities all involve a lot of cosiness, drinking, singing, traditional music and dancing. [*] Austerund is known for its literature and storytelling, both classical and modern. Of special note: A great amount of folk tales can trace their origins to the region of Austerund. [*] Austerund is very rich in both the performing and fine arts, but these are not that popular across borders. However, there are always a few exceptions that manage to become successful on a global scale. The same holds true for fashion. [*] Because of their long-standing conflict with Arcenia, their military is significant [*] Austerund is world leader in terms of social security. The government provides extensive funding for health care, education, science and arts amongst others. To great effects [*] With its favourable position as a coastal trading hub, it allows for a very strong market in both services and transport of goods. Because the nation is also flourishing in the sciences, they can also effectively manufacture goods for export. [*] Bountiful nature. However, the further north you go, the more you are met with harsh tundra climates. [*] Austerund's most recent scientific exploits primarily involve climate change. The country has made great strides in turning the country more climate-friendly. As a result, the country is almost independent of fossil fuels. They can do with what they produce themselves. The country is working on making this technology available for other countries for purchase. [/list][/INDENT] [color=f0deb3][b]Recent // Relevant Kingdom History[/b] [/color] [INDENT]Austerund is the northern half of the old kingdom of Crevona, which was divided in a civil war two-hundred years ago. The civil war came about by internal struggle within the royal family Bel Auster regarding succession. This struggle came about when the king died. His sole daughter and appointed heir was far less popular with the people than the next-in-line; The first son of the king’s sister. The conflict ended with the daughter holding onto the southern half of the country, with the throne and the capital. This became Arcenia. The side family managed to wrestle control of the northern half of Crevona. This region contained the second largest city and the Bel Auster’s ancestrial home: Austerund. This became the namesake of the new country and its capital. After the civil war, the new nation searched to establish itself. It found this identity in tradition. It held on to the past, as to establish their claim at being “the true Crevona”. Not a popular sentiment with their Arcenian counterparts, you could say. But in an effectively 300-year long cold war, their objections are not truly considered by Austerians. Throughout the 1800’s the nation started to establish itself as a prime location for trade, with massive expansions to the harbours of the capital Austerund under the rule of King Nikolai II. This was the foundation of what is a very wealthy nation today. With a strong economy and expansive social security system, its people are consistently amongst the happiest in the world. [/INDENT] [color=f0deb3][b]Other[/b] [/color] [INDENT][list] [*] The primary religion of the country is Christianity [*] The Austeran currency is called crowns [*] Austerund boasts the world’s longest national anthem. Too bad it also sounds like garbage. [*] It is not a country known for its cuisine, but everyone knows their sausages and meatballs. [*] Austerund > Arcenia, it is a fact [/list] [/INDENT] [/hider] [hider=Erik’s Relations] [center][img] https://i.imgur.com/1Y9oinI.png [/img] ⚜ Respects ~*~ ☯ Neutral ~*~ ☮ Friends ~*~ ♫ Best Friends ~*~ § Tense ~*~ ♥ Crush ~*~ ⚤ Significant Other ~*~ ☠ Enemies ________________________________________ ________________________________________ [/center][center] ☠⚤ [color=A27C89][b]Arabelle Almore of Arcenia[/b][/color] ⚤☠ [i]"Being king means making sacrifices for your people. Even if it means throwing yourself into the infernal maw of hell…"[/i] Alas, no person is more influential on Erik’s life than Arabelle Almore. The prissy princess of Arcenia. The woman has effectively destroyed any chance Erik ever had for a fruitful love life. They were betrothed before they had even met. There hasn’t been a single meeting that hasn’t ended in arguing or fighting. Arabelle brings out the absolute worst in Erik. Recenrly he has taken to ignoring her presence as much as he can, to maintain his composure. Honestly, the best thing she has ever done for him is postpone this sham of a wedding for as long as humanly possible. ________________________________________ ☮ [color=662d91][b]Quincy Seara-Lloyd of Mbrëmje[/b][/color] ☮ [i]"Opposites attract, or so they say"[/i] Quincy and Erik are vast friends, despite how incredibly different they are. The two hang out on regular occasion. As the brains of the duo, he tries to shield Quincy from some of the worst choices he makes. That said, Quincy does help Erik to be more outgoing and have fun. ________________________________________ ☯ [color=FF8C00][b]Alejandro Aguila de Agustin of Castilya[/b][/color] ☯ [i]"Our styles differ greatly, but great style is undeniable."[/i] If there is one thing that Erik and Alejandro have in common, it’s their incredible vanity. And on occasions where the two met, fashion and style was certainly the conversation topic. Erik sees Alejandro as a friendly acquaintance that he’ll gladly chat with at any occasion. ________________________________________ ☮ [color=8CFF88][b] Raven Aster Willow of Aciras [/b][/color] ☮ [i]"I can’t dislike someone who knows the value of knowledge… and swords"[/i] Raven and Erik got along quite easily ever since their first meeting. The two have quite a lot in common both in personality and interests. Erik can never get enough of the Acrian royal library. ________________________________________ ☮ [color=FF8E00][b] Han Thuy Nguyen of Tuyen Phu[/b][/color] ☮ [i]"She is a nice person below that cold exterior, truly!"[/i] Han is a little difficult to get along with, but the two of them became good friends as a result of their kingdoms’ trade alliance. Erik has gone to Tuyen Phu numerous times, for causes both diplomatically and academically. He never fails to visit Han when he does. ________________________________________ ☮ [color=00D0FF][b] Asher Blake Alcott of Notia[/b][/color] ☮ [i]"He's a nice person to play games with."[/i] Notia and Austerund are strongly allied through their research agreements, ensuring their mutual scientific prosperity and supremacy. Erik has a great deal of respect for the kingdom of Notia as a result. His friendship with Asher, however, bloomed more over games of poker than any academic pursuits. That said, Erik did help Asher with chemistry when he needed it. ________________________________________ ⚜ [color=C22941][b] Marcela Alejandra Castillo of Aragonia[/b][/color] ⚜ [i]"Quincy’s got it good."[/i] Erik primarily knows Marcela through Quincy. The two get along, but don’t have much in common. They are primarily just friendly acquaintances. ________________________________________ ⚜ [color=919191][b] Beatrice Mei König of Königreich der Welten [/b][/color] ⚜ [i]"A respectable princess from a respectable nation"[/i] Ever since the betrothal, Königreich has reopened negotiations with both Arcenia and Austerund. Erik has had the pleasure of meeting Beatrice there, and he respects her a great deal. They’re friendly acquaintances. ________________________________________ ☯ [color=5F9EA0][b] Christian Henri Nassau of Luxembourg [/b][/color] ☯ [i]"He seems like a nice person. But I don't think we have much in common"[/i] They met on diplomatic occasions, but everything remained formal. There's no real friendship between the two, but Erik wouldn't say no to a conversation with him. ________________________________________ § [color=DC143C][b] Leonor Sofia Acosta Bourbon of Nevarrea [/b][/color] § [i]"I don’t like her. But she’s pretty, I guess."[/i] Just like Neverrea and Arcenia, Leonor and Arabelle get along much better than Leonor and Erik. Leonor has made that plenty clear with the looks she has given to Erik. Erik tends to avoid her as a result. She looks good, though. ________________________________________ ☯ [color=FFD700][b] Christopher Apollonis Kalymnos of Hellenica [/b][/color] ☯ [i]"Just wait until he sees Austerund."[/i] Another friend of Arabelle’s. Though this one seems more amicable. As a fellow lover of travel, Erik wouldn’t mind showing him more of Austerund one day (and how it is superior to Arcenia). ________________________________________ ⚜ [color=5F9AA0][b] Zhao Raiden of Xi'n [/b][/color] ⚜ [i]"His country has problems, but he seems up to the task to solve them"[/i] Erik is rather critical to how most of Xi’n treats the poorer side of the population. But he respects the crown prince and how he seems to care about all of his country;s people. ________________________________________ ☯ [color=Fuchsia][b] Cassandra O'Brein of Dal Riata [/b][/color] ☯ [i]"I think I’ve heard of her. Not someone who catches my interest."[/i] ________________________________________ ☯ [color=DAA520][b] Imani Kore of Massylii [/b][/color] ☯ [i]"I think I saw her on the news? Never really met her."[/i] ________________________________________ ♫ [color=48B8B5][b] Genevieve Marie Anders of Maris [/b][/color] ♫ [i]"Finding someone who understands my definition of a good time is a rare thing indeed. I’m glad we’re friends."[/i] Relations with Maris have been stable ever since the times of Crevona, and the countries have powerful trade relations. Erik met Genevieve and Phillip originally met on a diplomatic visit, where they visited a ballet performance. Genevieve and Erik hit it off particularly well through their somewhat matching introverted personalities. She often made a good conversation partner, both in text and over person. Austerian folk tales, and their history, make particularly enjoyable topics. They have also played chess and several other board and card games on regular occasion. ________________________________________ ☮ [color=Darkgoldenrod][b] Philip Anders of Maris [/b][/color] ☮ [i]"A good fellow, and a better brother."[/i] Although Erik is closer with Genevieve than he is with Phillip, the two are still quite amicable. In particular, Erik enjoys the conversation they have about the many places they have seen. He also entertains Erik in an occasional game of chess. ________________________________________ § [color=852538][b] Maeryn Ozzette Raske of Dredalan [/b][/color] § [i]"Yeah, no, I don’t think we’d get along."[/i] ________________________________________ § [color=3a5154][b] Morrhys Aleksander Raske of Dredalan [/b][/color] § [i]"Perhaps it’s best if I avoid Dredalan altogether."[/i] ________________________________________ ⚜ [color=Salmon][b] [/b] Fareeha Isis Amari of Mamlakat Asslahra [/color] ⚜ [i]"Good to see some military discipline."[/i] ________________________________________ ☠ [color=00E330][b]Catherine Almore [/b][/color] ☠ [i]"As if dealing with Arabelle wasn't bad enough."[/i] Double the Almore daughters, double the hassle. That's just science. Catherine largely receives the same treatment as her sister. ________________________________________ ☠ [color=burlywood][b] Quentin Houston of the Tessian Sovereignity [/b][/color] ☠ [i]"We do not deal with slavers"[/i] As a result of the Tessian employ of indentured servants. All negotiations with Tessia have been halted indefinitely. Tessia is considered an enemy of Austerund and their officials will be arrested on sight if they were to ever set foot in Austerund. Erik very much agrees and considers them a disgusting people. Royalty included. ________________________________________ [/center] [/hider]