[right][sup][sub][h1][b][color=4a2706] ๐–‰ ๐–Š ๐•ญ ๐–† ๐–— ๐–‡ ๐–— ๐–” ๐–Š ๐–ˆ ๐–[/color] [color=FDC89A]๐–‰ ๐–Š ๐•ญ ๐–† ๐–— ๐–‡ ๐–— ๐–” ๐–Š ๐–ˆ ๐–[/color] [/b][/h1][/sub][/sup][/right][hr][table][row][sup][h1][color=2c2c2c][b]โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…[/b][right][b]โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…[/b][/right][/color][/h1][/sup][center][h1][color=FDC89A]Roelo de Barbroeck[/color][/h1][/center][/row][ROW][CELL][center][sub][sup][sub][h1][b][color=4a2706] ๐–• ๐–— ๐–” ๐–‹ ๐–Ž ๐–‘ ๐–Š[/color] [color=f1d090]๐–• ๐–— ๐–” ๐–‹ ๐–Ž ๐–‘ ๐–Š[/color] [/b][/h1][/sub][/sup][/sub][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][/center][COLOR=f3ebdc][indent][justify]Originating from the wealthy riverside city of รฎle Monding, Loรฐyria, Roleo is the second son of Duke Tรฆlman de Barbroeck, Prince-Elector of Loรฐyria. The de Barbroeck family is among the most powerful and esteemed in the empire. With healthy internal imperial diplomacy, extensive mercantile influence, and a reputation for loyalty and dependability, few bloodlines are better suited to rulership than the de Barbroecks. Adorned in their distinctively expensive orange regalia, they proudly display their wealth and sterling reputation, embodying stability in an empire otherwise on the brink of uncertainty. Described as a "haunted child" during his early years by his father, Roelo was always the black sheep of his household. Perhaps his disposition stemmed from his mother, Willemijn, who had long suffered from some form of undiagnosed mental unbalance. When Roelo was ten, she died by her own hand. His father remarried soon after, and it seemed that sweet, sorrowful Willemijn was quickly by everyone except for Roelo. Even his older brother, Jochem, was too encumbered with his obsessive need to please their father to grieve. There had been whispers that Roelo was a product of Wilemijn's adultery, that he wasn't a true de Barbroeck, and that his mother's guilt had driven her to leap from her balcony. Though these rumours were little more than unsubstantiated gossip, they still contributed to Roelo's severe sense of alienation. He was not lacking in wit; far from it. He had a keen intelligence and a clever tongue, but he was an angry boy with an ungodly stubbornness. His defiance often led to self-sabotage, burning bridges that might have otherwise benefitted him in the long-run. Resentful of authority and yearning for a life of freedom beyond nobility, Roelo found himself increasingly isolated, resigning himself to a lonely adolescence, finding companionship only in the children of craftsmen and traders. These friendships were fleeting, as his father quickly forbade any mingling with the commonfolk, placing an increasing pressure on their relationships. Roelo frequently disobeyed his father, first out of desperation, and eventually for any reason he could find. Scandals followed him everywhere: bar fights, drunken escapades through the city streets, even assaulting a household guard. No discipline, no matter how harsh, could make Roelo bend to his fatherโ€™s will. If anything, it only fueled his defiance further. He wanted no part in his legacy. By the time he turned eighteen, Roelo knew he would never inherit anything of worth. In all but decree, his father had effectively disowned him. Even if misfortune were to befall Jochem, Roelo was certain his father would favor one of his younger half-siblings. The only point of agreement between them was Roeloโ€™s admittance to the academy. It offered him a chance to leave everything he despised behind, while giving his father an opportunity to wash his hands of him without public scandalโ€”a win-win for the both of them. Roelo was a gifted fighter. He allowed the prospect of being a soldier to become him. After all, by the time he arrived at the academy, he hadn't much of an identity beyond that of a warrior. Though distance from his father tempered his once-explosive temperament, he remained a tumultuous individualโ€”now more embittered and distant than ever. If not for his combat skills and, more importantly, his family name, he would likely have made nothing but enemies at the academy. Perhaps he would have preferred that -- as special treatment that came from his father's name was not special treatment he wanted.[/justify][/INDENT][/COLOR][/CELL][CELL][center][sub][sup][sub][h1][b][color=4a2706] ๐–• ๐–” ๐–— ๐–™ ๐–— ๐–† ๐–Ž ๐–™[/color] [color=FDC89A]๐–• ๐–” ๐–— ๐–™ ๐–— ๐–† ๐–Ž ๐–™[/color] [/b][/h1][/sub][/sup][/sub][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][img]https://i.imgur.com/SMgm4on.png[/img] [sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][/center][/cELL][/ROW][/TABLE][hr][table][row][sup][h1][color=2c2c2c][b]โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…[/b][right][b]โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…[/b][/right][/color][/h1][/sup][center][h1][color=FDC89A]Duke Tรฆlman de Barbroeck[/color][/h1][/center][/row][ROW][CELL][center][sub][sup][sub][h1][b][color=4a2706] ๐–• ๐–— ๐–” ๐–‹ ๐–Ž ๐–‘ ๐–Š[/color] [color=f1d090]๐–• ๐–— ๐–” ๐–‹ ๐–Ž ๐–‘ ๐–Š[/color] [/b][/h1][/sub][/sup][/sub][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][/center][COLOR=f3ebdc][indent][justify]A man of stoic temperament, Tรฆlman is known for his dominant charisma, and his vicious, zero-tolerance approach to the eradication of pirates and smugglers. Those who know him well would be aware of his deeply ambitious nature, and his intention to etch his name in history as a great leader. A perfectionist, Tรฆlman has micromanaged his estate, ensuring a retinue of the highest quality. He does not accept medicority within his court, demanding that, should his realm be a place of greatness, it should be led by example. This high-pressure enviroment has created some of the finest courtiers in the empire: but it has also broken a fair few. Roelo is a prime example of the latter circumstance; his defiant nature having always contrasted his father's dominance. Although deeply committed to his duties, Tรฆlman is emotionally distant, especially toward Roelo, whom he views as a stain upon his legacy. As he would with his enemies, Tรฆlman opted for an iron-fisted approach to fatherhood. Having long prioritised his legacy over his relationships, his bond with his second son is perhaps the greatest casuality of his career.[/justify][/INDENT][/COLOR][/CELL][CELL][center][sub][sup][sub][h1][b][color=4a2706] ๐–• ๐–” ๐–— ๐–™ ๐–— ๐–† ๐–Ž ๐–™[/color] [color=FDC89A]๐–• ๐–” ๐–— ๐–™ ๐–— ๐–† ๐–Ž ๐–™[/color] [/b][/h1][/sub][/sup][/sub][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][img]https://i.imgur.com/hlDduYq.png[/img] [sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][/center][/cELL][/ROW][/TABLE][hr][table][row][sup][h1][color=2c2c2c][b]โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…[/b][right][b]โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…[/b][/right][/color][/h1][/sup][center][h1][color=FDC89A]Jochem de Barbroeck[/color][/h1][/center][/row][ROW][CELL][center][sub][sup][sub][h1][b][color=4a2706] ๐–• ๐–— ๐–” ๐–‹ ๐–Ž ๐–‘ ๐–Š[/color] [color=f1d090]๐–• ๐–— ๐–” ๐–‹ ๐–Ž ๐–‘ ๐–Š[/color] [/b][/h1][/sub][/sup][/sub][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][/center][COLOR=f3ebdc][indent][justify]Prior to their mother's death, Jochem and Roelo were good friends. A line in the sand was drawn as they matured, however, as Jochem became tunnel-vision focused on become the greatest would-be ruler in the empire. He trained tirelessly, honed his diplomacy, and never let his mask slip. As far as Roelo knew, after Jochem turned thirteen, he ceased having fun entirely. There was a time when Roelo would seek to relate to Jochem over their shared experience of immense pressure, but Jochem was in some kind of perpetual state of denial. The expectation loomed over him the most of them all, but he would pretend it did not. As such, the brothers became quietly drifted apart from one another until they simply became acquaintances. They never one discussed their mother's passing. Now an adult, Jochem seems to harbour some level of guilt for Roelo's estrangement, but maintains his focus on his destiny. He is (seemingly) happily married with a child on the way, and already has a fantastic reputation within the empire.[/justify][/INDENT][/COLOR][/CELL][CELL][center][sub][sup][sub][h1][b][color=4a2706] ๐–• ๐–” ๐–— ๐–™ ๐–— ๐–† ๐–Ž ๐–™[/color] [color=FDC89A]๐–• ๐–” ๐–— ๐–™ ๐–— ๐–† ๐–Ž ๐–™[/color] [/b][/h1][/sub][/sup][/sub][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][img]https://i.imgur.com/0NH5wmI.png[/img] [sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][/center][/cELL][/ROW][/TABLE][hr][table][row][sup][h1][color=2c2c2c][b]โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…[/b][right][b]โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…[/b][/right][/color][/h1][/sup][center][h1][color=FDC89A]ร†dreliese de Barbroeck[/color][/h1][/center][/row][ROW][CELL][center][sub][sup][sub][h1][b][color=4a2706] ๐–• ๐–— ๐–” ๐–‹ ๐–Ž ๐–‘ ๐–Š[/color] [color=f1d090]๐–• ๐–— ๐–” ๐–‹ ๐–Ž ๐–‘ ๐–Š[/color] [/b][/h1][/sub][/sup][/sub][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][/center][COLOR=f3ebdc][indent][justify]The first of three children born to Tรฆlman's second wife, Thรฉrรจse, ร†dra is the Duke's only daughter. A sharp-witted and observant young woman, ร†dra is often underestimated because of her age and gender. Keen to avoid being reduced to an object of young beauty that is destined to be used as a diplomatic bargaining chip, ร†dra has worked hard to educate herself. Through her childhood, she quickly learned to navigate the complex dynamics of her family, often acting as a mediator between her brothers, but finding closer kinship in female courtiers. Of all his siblings, Roelo is perhaps closest with ร†dra, whose empathy and self-awareness is developed well beyond her years.[/justify][/INDENT][/COLOR][/CELL][CELL][center][sub][sup][sub][h1][b][color=4a2706] ๐–• ๐–” ๐–— ๐–™ ๐–— ๐–† ๐–Ž ๐–™[/color] [color=FDC89A]๐–• ๐–” ๐–— ๐–™ ๐–— ๐–† ๐–Ž ๐–™[/color] [/b][/h1][/sub][/sup][/sub][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][img]https://i.imgur.com/ZRzyttk.png[/img] [sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][/center][/cELL][/ROW][/TABLE][hr][table][row][sup][h1][color=2c2c2c][b]โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…[/b][right][b]โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…โ–…[/b][/right][/color][/h1][/sup][center][h1][color=FDC89A]Matthijs & Bastiaan de Barbroeck[/color][/h1][/center][/row][ROW][CELL][center][sub][sup][sub][h1][b][color=4a2706] ๐–• ๐–— ๐–” ๐–‹ ๐–Ž ๐–‘ ๐–Š[/color] [color=f1d090]๐–• ๐–— ๐–” ๐–‹ ๐–Ž ๐–‘ ๐–Š[/color] [/b][/h1][/sub][/sup][/sub][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][/center][COLOR=f3ebdc][indent][justify]Born a year and a day apart from one another, Matthijs and Bastiaan are two peas in a pod. Assumed by many to be twins, the youngest de Barbroecks are athletic and headstrong. While perhaps lacking the brains of their older siblings, they seem destined for greatness, with both capable of outclassing children several years their senior in sparring. Despite often being the source of chaos within the household, the boys are capable of falling in line when their father's foot comes down. Given his distance in age, Roelo has little in common with the duo.[/justify][/INDENT][/COLOR][/CELL][CELL][center][sub][sup][sub][h1][b][color=4a2706] ๐–• ๐–” ๐–— ๐–™ ๐–— ๐–† ๐–Ž ๐–™[/color] [color=FDC89A]๐–• ๐–” ๐–— ๐–™ ๐–— ๐–† ๐–Ž ๐–™[/color] [/b][/h1][/sub][/sup][/sub][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][img]https://i.imgur.com/6Tebbt8.png[/img] [sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][/center][/cELL][/ROW][/TABLE][hr]