Da Hadez Family/Severn

The House Da Hadez originates in the realm of Darka on the continent of Atamara.

Severn Da Hadez

Background

Severn Da Hadez was the first child born to Luthor Da Hadez and his second wife Lillith. Quiet and somewhat reserved he is a loyal Darkan and dedicated family man. As a child he idolised both his father and his older half-brother Balian who for a long time was his closest friend and confidant. He doted on his younger sister Erisha and the three step-siblings spent many happy years together around their estates in Eurotan in Northern Darka. Prompted by their father's ailing health Severn eventually convinced his father to move the family home to the capital Azzal where he would receive better care. As the eldest son Balian would be expected to accompany his father and run the family household from Azzal. This infuriated Balian who had his heart set on leading the household from their familial estates home in Eurotan. Tensions between the brothers had been growing for some time and he considered this a play on Severn's part to usurp his birthright and gain control of the family estates. This and other events triggered a tragic spiral of paranoia and anger that led to Balian's failed attempt to end Severn's life. Severn was awoken one morning by the chill of his brother's knife at his neck. Saved only by the alertness of his personal guard Severn publicly denounced Balian's betrayal and demanded his exile. With Balian's flight from Darka to Norland and the continuing decline in his father's health Severn became the head of his father's household in all but name. He moved the household to Azzal as promised and dutifully followed family tradition by joining the Darkan military where he served on the front lines for a short time before requesting reassignment to the Northern Guard, Darka's homeland army, in order to be closer to his ailing father. Ironically, soon after moving the Da Hadez household to Azzal Severn was appointed as Count of Eurotan, a role that required him to split the household in two and return to his beloved homelands of northern Darka. He stepped down from that position to become Baron of the formerly rogue region of Bitana at the north-most tip of Darka, a move that would surely have infuriated his estranged half-brother further. Severn met the news of his brother's death in the war between Norland and Minas Ithil with mixed feelings of grief and relief. Though he had loved his brother in the past he feared that Balian's rage and determination would drive him to seek revenge on those he thought to have betrayed him. As Balian had commanded the feared Norland army at the time of his death there had been a real danger that such a conflict would have escalated and destroyed not only the Da Hadez family but, potentially, much of Darka with it. The following months passed without incident with one exception. Household guards had, unsuccessfully, chased a dark-cloaked figure seen emerging from Severn's private chambers. Severn was found, still in his bed, sobbing deeply and clutching a heavy gold ring. He would answer no questions, merely repeating one whispered phrase; "He has gone from me again." The next morning, after some time spent in the family library, Severn left for his father's house in Azzal. Once there he sat vigil by his father's deathbed and they talked of older, happier times. Later that night the old man passed peacefully away and, in the morning, Severn announced that the members of the Azzal household would return to his estates in Bitana with him and that his father would be interred in the family mausoleum in Eurotan. Immediately after his father's grand funeral Severn made a solitary trip to the foot of the holy volcano Mount Sinclair. There he built a small cairn of stones. Upon it he placed a pair of modest portraits, one of Balian and another of the Da Hadez family's ancient founder, both bearing the family motto. He stayed by the cairn for two days, fasting and praying, before returning home. After a few years as Baron of Bitana the death of Severn's friend Count Angadialas of Eurotan provided him with the opportunity to return to his homelands and once again take up the position of Count. While he mourned his friend's death he relished the chance to return to his beloved family home. Though he had developed a fondness for Bitana and was proud of the hard work he had done integrating the region into Darka his longing for home and his family's history in the region could not be denied. Severn generally keeps himself to himself and concentrates on his duties. As second-in-command of the Northern Guard he is responsible for the defence of Northern Darka, a role that allows him to stay close to his home. His veteran unit of Mixed Infantry, The 'Iron Eagles', developed a reputation for discipline and efficiency under Severn's command and have put down countless risings of undead and monsters in the northern regions of Darka.