The Lion King
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
THURION HEAVENSHIELD
The Lion King
High King of Midvinter
Ruler of the Valkyri
The Lion King rules Midvinter from the city of Heavenheim, capital of Westmark. Succeeding his older brother Thyrian following the Great War, Thurion has since reconciled his adherence to the Jedi ideals with his duty to his people, arguing that if he cannot serve the galaxy as its protector, then he will devote himself to the world of his ancestors. Greatly diminished by the loss of his beloved wife, he has come to lean ever more on his two sons for support, both capable and honourable men in their own right. Following the example set by his blessed father and continued by his brother, Thurion strives for the complete unification of Midvinter and its many peoples, dedicating the remainder of his reign to prepare them for a future he can never take part in. He is the driving force behind the formation of the Council.
COCI HEAVENSHIELD
The Lioness
Queen of Midvinter
Grandmaster of the Dawnguard Jedi Order
The wife of High King Thurion and the mother of their two boys, as well as adoptive mother of Nina and many others besides, Coci was also a Jedi master and deadly warrior in her own right with experience as an SIS assassin prior to the fall of the Galactic Republic, and would also co-found and serve as grandmaster of the Dawnguard. Before her sudden disappearance, Coci served alongside her husband as queen for many years yet refrained from directly interfering in political affairs, preferring instead to advise the king in private. She was his closest friend and confidant, and he would lean on her heavily for counsel and emotional support as he had their entire lives together. Her seat on the Council, though empty, remains, however fleeting the odds of a joyous reunion.
THÉODRED HEAVENSHIELD
The Silver Stag
Crown Prince of Midvinter
Right Hand of the King
As firstborn son of the Lion, Théodred embodies his father's Jedi ideals and strong sense of duty to his people, having served Midvinter loyally as a lord in his own right for many years prior to Thurion's ascension to the throne. Naming him as his heir apparent followed in short order, for Théodred's fame as an inspiring presence and caring lord rivaled that of the Lion himself. As Right Hand of the King, he is an extension of his father's will, acting as an ambassador and unifying symbol for the next generation. He has increasingly shouldered responsibilities in recent years, noticing the light behind his father's eyes fade a little more each day, and serves as regent whenever the Lion journeys offworld or is otherwise indisposed. He will often play devil's advocate to his father's arguments for the sake of exploring every option.
THIRDAS HEAVENSHIELD
The Great Wolf
Prince of Midvinter
Left Hand of the King
The younger brother of Théodred, Thirdas in his youth embarked on a decades long search for his own saga among the stars. A born warrior utterly ferocious and unyielding in battle, Thirdas has since returned home wiser than he once was and pledged himself to his father. Being no Jedi sworn to an unbreakable code, as well as no stranger to getting his hands dirty, he finds himself able to do what his father and brother cannot not for fear of sullying the family name. He became the Left Hand of the King; the dagger in the dark, dealing in secrets and the clandestine. A spymaster, and should the situation demand it, an assassin delivering death to his father's enemies. Though his clandestine methods are at times called into question, the services provided by the Ulfhednar have proven vital to anticipating enemy movements.
NINA HEAVENSHIELD
The White Wanderer
Princess of Midvinter
High Loremaster of the College of Enlightenment
Although adopted by Thurion at a young age, Nina is considered his firstborn child in all but blood. She grew up idolising her adoptive father and was raised a Jedi alongside her brother Théodred in the early days of House Heavenshield. Possessing of an inner calm and an inquisitive nature, she has traveled the length and breadth of Midvinter many times chronicling the history of its lands and peoples, and has gone on to serve as the first High Loremaster of the College of Enlightenment. To her father, Nina has become his primary source of emotional support since the departure of his wife. She was the first to be at his side; none now living understands him better, and she will do anything to help shoulder the burden and soothe his grief-stricken soul. As the chief keeper of records, her knowledge of history and events is paramount.
BORS GREYTHORNE
The Grey Boar
Lord Magistrate of the Realm
Seneschal of Heavenheim
The oldest living Valkyri to date, Bors of House Greythorne is a hero of the Dawnbringer Rebellion and was once the sworn brother of Thurion's father Thrand. He was lost for many years following the untimely death of his old friend, until one day he resurfaced to pledge allegiance to House Heavenshield. Having cut ties with his blood relatives a long time ago, he is affectionately referred to as 'Uncle Bors' by his adoptive family, and the old boar has served as Heavenheim's seneschal with a steady hand in spite of his venerable age. Cantankerous notwithstanding, his stoicism and innate dignity serve him well in his role as the stubborn stickler for code and protocol. His unsurpassed experience and adherence to the old ways come in handy when gauging the mood of the more conservative among the Valkyri.
ARDEN DURANE
The Bastion of Light
Lord Commander of the Realm
Captain of the Lionguard
The only child of a union between Valkyri and Aelvar, Lord Commander Arden of the Durane Clan is the current captain of the royal bodyguard. Brave, disciplined, and loyal to a fault, he rose to the position following in his father's footsteps after spending his young adult years undergoing Jedi training offworld, returning home in the aftermath of the Great War to swear fealty to his liege lord-turned-High King. He answers only to the Lion Himself as his chief security officer, and is entrusted with the protection of the royal family. Authorised to assume command of armies and issue military orders as he deems necessary, he currently leads efforts to root out the doomsday cult known as the 'Primordial Order', working closely alongside the Great Wolf and his Ulfhednar to put an end to their schemes once and for all.
AELVAR REPRESENTATIVES
IÓUNN GALADORN
The Lady of the Lake
Everqueen of Averlorn
Ruler of the Aelvar
Though Aelvar live for many centuries, Ióunn was barely more than a child when the mantle of Everqueen was passed to her in the wake of her mother's passing. She has come to shoulder the responsibility with great courage and wisdom, growing into the role of protector of the forest and custodian of the Frostvatn and the powerful Force Nexus that dwells beneath. Her attunement to the Force second to none, she is the spiritual leader of all life on Midvinter and the single most powerful being on the planet. Her beauty and grace has been compared to the divine, and it's been said that any who look upon her are purged of malice and ill intent, replaced by genuine awe and adoration. As one of the leading voices on the Council, her otherworldly soft-spokenness carries enormous weight.
THRAND GALADORN
The Brightest Flame
King Consort of Averlorn
Lord Commander of the Aelvar
Born the eldest child of the Phoenix King, Thrand was once heir to the throne of Midvinter until he surrendered his heart to the fair elf princess he met as a young boy. Named after his grandfather, he wields the legendary greatsword Dawn in tribute to his namesake. Gifted with the powers of pyromancy akin to his dearly departed father, his are more refined and less destructive, tempered by a clean conscience and fewer inner demons. As King Consort, in keeping with tradition he also serves as supreme commander of Averlorn's armies. Their affection and equal partnership has proven instrumental in the unification of Men and Elves. Though he will often defer to the Everqueen in matters of the Council, his presence when coordinating troop movements and discussing military matters is invaluable.
DUERGAR REPRESENTATIVES
BELEGAR BLACKMANE
The Black Hammer
Archon of the Under-Realm
Ruler of the Duergar
Belegar is the reigning Archon of the Duergar, ever at odds with the Grand Cleric whose chokehold of the common folk suffocates reason and creativity. A good man crushed by bureaucracy and religious fanaticism, not to mention the constant onslaught of war against the Uruk, he's found kinship with the King of Men whose similar age and weariness mimicks his own. He grieves the loss of his eldest son Belek, tragically lost in battle some years ago, but has come to increasingly entrust his remaining son Beren with royal duties, such as attending Council sessions in his stead. Though beloved by his people, Belegar feels he does not do enough for them for fear of igniting a civil war on the streets of Dwarrowdelf between royalist and zealot, and hopes that surface intervention might tip the scales in his favour.
BEREN BLACKMANE
The Philosopher Prince
Crown Prince of the Under-Realm
Ironborn Guildmaster
The younger of Belegar's sons, Beren became heir to the throne after his brother Belek's passing at the hands of the Uruk. A brilliant inventor and tinkerer, his ability to discern the function and internal workings of any piece of technology at a mere glance is unparalleled and secured his position as guildmaster of the Ironborn — the closest thing the Duergar have to a Force order. It was he who made first contact with the surface world at the secret request of his father, and as a consequence laid the foundations of the Council. Jovial and slightly eccentric, he nevertheless attends each and every session as an extension of his father, bringing news of the Under-Realm and relaying the Archon's thoughts and wishes whenever he's unable to attend in person.
BEORNI REPRESENTATIVES
ARNOR OATHKEEPER
The Great White Bear
Gate Master of Beornstead
Champion of the Beorni
Initially a staunch opponent of the Valkyri for the treachery of their ancestors towards his people millennia ago, Arnor was among the first Beorni to return to the mainland when under King Thyrian the Uniter it was decreed that their long exile was over. His animosity was greatly tempered by the unexpected friendship with a young Nina, the small child revealing to him the promise of mankind in their many travels together. When the Heartlands were returned to the Beorni as the first official act of King Thurion, Arnor took charge of reconstruction and has since become a voice of patience and temperence. He brings the ancient wisdom and might of the first of Midvinter's children, often the last to speak on matters of the Council, yet all have come to heed the opinons of the Great White Bear, venerated above all.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
[ Include a description of the organization's history. Who started it, how and why it was formed, modus operandi, any events tied into its creation and existence, etc. ]
- Intent: To flesh out the ruling body of Midvinter.
- Image Credit:
- Adrián Prado for providing the reference I used for the AI-created artwork.
- Canon: N/A
- Permissions: N/A
- Links:
- Midvinter planet sub [X]
- Valkyri species sub [X]
- Reign of the Lion King [X]
- Organization Name: Council of the Kindreds
- Classification: Council
- Affiliation: Midvinter
- Organization Symbol: N/A
- Description: The Council of the Kindreds is an annual gathering of Midvinter's rulers and top leaders in government and the military, where matters pertaining to the whole of Midvinter are decided and grand strategies are discussed.
- Headquarters: Midvinter
- Domain: The Council's dominion consists of the supercontinent of Midvinter as well as parts of its subterranean landmass. The tranquil forests of Averlorn answers to the Everqueen, ruler of all Elvendom. The central province of the Heartlands is Beorni country and represented by their Champion. The Four Marks owe fealty to their High King, with the Wardens of Westmark and Northmark even being permanent members of the Council. Only the Under-Realm remains in jeopardy, with the majority of its deep tunnels and chasms infested with orcs and goblins. Dwarrowdelf, last stronghold of the dwarves, still stands however, and will contribute their industrial might to the Council so long as its armies march in their defense.
- Notable Assets: As the ruling body of Midvinter, the members of the Council together hold immense power and the ultimate authority over industrial capabilities, manpower, political capital, and the military. Private enterprising isn't a common occurrence, with the vast majority of them carried out in the name of day-to-day survival and in service to king and country.
- Hierarchy: Though all members are treated as equals at the round table, the strongest voices will inadvertently be the rulers of their respective people: Thurion Heavenshield, the driving force behind the formation of the Council and its most experienced leader; the Everqueen, with her ageless wisdom and spiritual connection to the world; and Belegar, though beleaguered by political rivals at home, with the unrivalled industrial might of the Under-Realm. This triumvirate of rulers is instrumental to maintaining good relations and assuring the continued unity of Midvinter.
- Membership: The Council is comprised of the ruling bodies of the Four Kindreds; kings and queens, spiritual leaders, and top military commanders. To become a member is to reach the highest eschelon of influence and leadership on the planet, and a great testament to one's character and sacrifice in service to Midvinter.
- Climate: Overwhelmingly cordial and courteous, with many of its members referring to each other on a first-name basis due to their close bonds or familial ties. In troubled times, when emergency sessions might be warranted, pleasantries and formal etiquette may be dropped in favour of pragmatism and reaching calculated solutions.
- Reputation: Although Council sessions are held behind closed doors and their discussions kept private, the overwhelming majority of people across the Four Kindreds are staunch supporters of its decisions and the sense of unity the Council represents. Only an ever-shrinking sliver of supremacists and bigots openly objects to the intermingling of race and culture, with the largest percentage of detractors belonging to the Valkyri and Duergar populace; the former owed to pride and ignorance, and the latter due to religious fanaticism and indoctrination.
- Curios: N/A
- Rules: Other than an understanding that matters discussed during sessions are to be kept on a need-to-know basis, there is no code or set of rules members need to follow.
- Goals: The overarching goal of the Council of Kindreds is to cement the unity of Midvinter, to champion increased cooperation between Her peoples, and to prevent in-fighting that they might withstand any would-be threats from beyond the stars as one, truly united people.
The Lion King
High King of Midvinter
Ruler of the Valkyri
The Lion King rules Midvinter from the city of Heavenheim, capital of Westmark. Succeeding his older brother Thyrian following the Great War, Thurion has since reconciled his adherence to the Jedi ideals with his duty to his people, arguing that if he cannot serve the galaxy as its protector, then he will devote himself to the world of his ancestors. Greatly diminished by the loss of his beloved wife, he has come to lean ever more on his two sons for support, both capable and honourable men in their own right. Following the example set by his blessed father and continued by his brother, Thurion strives for the complete unification of Midvinter and its many peoples, dedicating the remainder of his reign to prepare them for a future he can never take part in. He is the driving force behind the formation of the Council.
The Lioness
Queen of Midvinter
Grandmaster of the Dawnguard Jedi Order
The wife of High King Thurion and the mother of their two boys, as well as adoptive mother of Nina and many others besides, Coci was also a Jedi master and deadly warrior in her own right with experience as an SIS assassin prior to the fall of the Galactic Republic, and would also co-found and serve as grandmaster of the Dawnguard. Before her sudden disappearance, Coci served alongside her husband as queen for many years yet refrained from directly interfering in political affairs, preferring instead to advise the king in private. She was his closest friend and confidant, and he would lean on her heavily for counsel and emotional support as he had their entire lives together. Her seat on the Council, though empty, remains, however fleeting the odds of a joyous reunion.
The Silver Stag
Crown Prince of Midvinter
Right Hand of the King
As firstborn son of the Lion, Théodred embodies his father's Jedi ideals and strong sense of duty to his people, having served Midvinter loyally as a lord in his own right for many years prior to Thurion's ascension to the throne. Naming him as his heir apparent followed in short order, for Théodred's fame as an inspiring presence and caring lord rivaled that of the Lion himself. As Right Hand of the King, he is an extension of his father's will, acting as an ambassador and unifying symbol for the next generation. He has increasingly shouldered responsibilities in recent years, noticing the light behind his father's eyes fade a little more each day, and serves as regent whenever the Lion journeys offworld or is otherwise indisposed. He will often play devil's advocate to his father's arguments for the sake of exploring every option.
The Great Wolf
Prince of Midvinter
Left Hand of the King
The younger brother of Théodred, Thirdas in his youth embarked on a decades long search for his own saga among the stars. A born warrior utterly ferocious and unyielding in battle, Thirdas has since returned home wiser than he once was and pledged himself to his father. Being no Jedi sworn to an unbreakable code, as well as no stranger to getting his hands dirty, he finds himself able to do what his father and brother cannot not for fear of sullying the family name. He became the Left Hand of the King; the dagger in the dark, dealing in secrets and the clandestine. A spymaster, and should the situation demand it, an assassin delivering death to his father's enemies. Though his clandestine methods are at times called into question, the services provided by the Ulfhednar have proven vital to anticipating enemy movements.
The White Wanderer
Princess of Midvinter
High Loremaster of the College of Enlightenment
Although adopted by Thurion at a young age, Nina is considered his firstborn child in all but blood. She grew up idolising her adoptive father and was raised a Jedi alongside her brother Théodred in the early days of House Heavenshield. Possessing of an inner calm and an inquisitive nature, she has traveled the length and breadth of Midvinter many times chronicling the history of its lands and peoples, and has gone on to serve as the first High Loremaster of the College of Enlightenment. To her father, Nina has become his primary source of emotional support since the departure of his wife. She was the first to be at his side; none now living understands him better, and she will do anything to help shoulder the burden and soothe his grief-stricken soul. As the chief keeper of records, her knowledge of history and events is paramount.
The Grey Boar
Lord Magistrate of the Realm
Seneschal of Heavenheim
The oldest living Valkyri to date, Bors of House Greythorne is a hero of the Dawnbringer Rebellion and was once the sworn brother of Thurion's father Thrand. He was lost for many years following the untimely death of his old friend, until one day he resurfaced to pledge allegiance to House Heavenshield. Having cut ties with his blood relatives a long time ago, he is affectionately referred to as 'Uncle Bors' by his adoptive family, and the old boar has served as Heavenheim's seneschal with a steady hand in spite of his venerable age. Cantankerous notwithstanding, his stoicism and innate dignity serve him well in his role as the stubborn stickler for code and protocol. His unsurpassed experience and adherence to the old ways come in handy when gauging the mood of the more conservative among the Valkyri.
The Bastion of Light
Lord Commander of the Realm
Captain of the Lionguard
The only child of a union between Valkyri and Aelvar, Lord Commander Arden of the Durane Clan is the current captain of the royal bodyguard. Brave, disciplined, and loyal to a fault, he rose to the position following in his father's footsteps after spending his young adult years undergoing Jedi training offworld, returning home in the aftermath of the Great War to swear fealty to his liege lord-turned-High King. He answers only to the Lion Himself as his chief security officer, and is entrusted with the protection of the royal family. Authorised to assume command of armies and issue military orders as he deems necessary, he currently leads efforts to root out the doomsday cult known as the 'Primordial Order', working closely alongside the Great Wolf and his Ulfhednar to put an end to their schemes once and for all.
AELVAR REPRESENTATIVES
The Lady of the Lake
Everqueen of Averlorn
Ruler of the Aelvar
Though Aelvar live for many centuries, Ióunn was barely more than a child when the mantle of Everqueen was passed to her in the wake of her mother's passing. She has come to shoulder the responsibility with great courage and wisdom, growing into the role of protector of the forest and custodian of the Frostvatn and the powerful Force Nexus that dwells beneath. Her attunement to the Force second to none, she is the spiritual leader of all life on Midvinter and the single most powerful being on the planet. Her beauty and grace has been compared to the divine, and it's been said that any who look upon her are purged of malice and ill intent, replaced by genuine awe and adoration. As one of the leading voices on the Council, her otherworldly soft-spokenness carries enormous weight.
The Brightest Flame
King Consort of Averlorn
Lord Commander of the Aelvar
Born the eldest child of the Phoenix King, Thrand was once heir to the throne of Midvinter until he surrendered his heart to the fair elf princess he met as a young boy. Named after his grandfather, he wields the legendary greatsword Dawn in tribute to his namesake. Gifted with the powers of pyromancy akin to his dearly departed father, his are more refined and less destructive, tempered by a clean conscience and fewer inner demons. As King Consort, in keeping with tradition he also serves as supreme commander of Averlorn's armies. Their affection and equal partnership has proven instrumental in the unification of Men and Elves. Though he will often defer to the Everqueen in matters of the Council, his presence when coordinating troop movements and discussing military matters is invaluable.
DUERGAR REPRESENTATIVES
The Black Hammer
Archon of the Under-Realm
Ruler of the Duergar
Belegar is the reigning Archon of the Duergar, ever at odds with the Grand Cleric whose chokehold of the common folk suffocates reason and creativity. A good man crushed by bureaucracy and religious fanaticism, not to mention the constant onslaught of war against the Uruk, he's found kinship with the King of Men whose similar age and weariness mimicks his own. He grieves the loss of his eldest son Belek, tragically lost in battle some years ago, but has come to increasingly entrust his remaining son Beren with royal duties, such as attending Council sessions in his stead. Though beloved by his people, Belegar feels he does not do enough for them for fear of igniting a civil war on the streets of Dwarrowdelf between royalist and zealot, and hopes that surface intervention might tip the scales in his favour.
The Philosopher Prince
Crown Prince of the Under-Realm
Ironborn Guildmaster
The younger of Belegar's sons, Beren became heir to the throne after his brother Belek's passing at the hands of the Uruk. A brilliant inventor and tinkerer, his ability to discern the function and internal workings of any piece of technology at a mere glance is unparalleled and secured his position as guildmaster of the Ironborn — the closest thing the Duergar have to a Force order. It was he who made first contact with the surface world at the secret request of his father, and as a consequence laid the foundations of the Council. Jovial and slightly eccentric, he nevertheless attends each and every session as an extension of his father, bringing news of the Under-Realm and relaying the Archon's thoughts and wishes whenever he's unable to attend in person.
BEORNI REPRESENTATIVES
The Great White Bear
Gate Master of Beornstead
Champion of the Beorni
Initially a staunch opponent of the Valkyri for the treachery of their ancestors towards his people millennia ago, Arnor was among the first Beorni to return to the mainland when under King Thyrian the Uniter it was decreed that their long exile was over. His animosity was greatly tempered by the unexpected friendship with a young Nina, the small child revealing to him the promise of mankind in their many travels together. When the Heartlands were returned to the Beorni as the first official act of King Thurion, Arnor took charge of reconstruction and has since become a voice of patience and temperence. He brings the ancient wisdom and might of the first of Midvinter's children, often the last to speak on matters of the Council, yet all have come to heed the opinons of the Great White Bear, venerated above all.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
[ Include a description of the organization's history. Who started it, how and why it was formed, modus operandi, any events tied into its creation and existence, etc. ]
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