Geronus Family/Rowan

The youngest brother of Asturius, Rowan fled Atamara with some of the other Darkan rebels and came of age in the realm of Astrum on Dwilight. At that time, Astrum was the youngest realm on Dwilight, and there were many opportunities for distinction. Rowan proved himself to be an able soldier and was soon recognized for leadership potential. Eventually he was promoted to second in command of the Austere Order, the ducal army of Eidulb Duchy, under Justin Greystone. He continued to serve under Marshal Ysgarren Addonwy and was elevated to Marshal himself after the promotion of Ysgarren to Strategos of Astrum. Since then, Rowan has led the Austere Order to numerous victories in defense of Eidulb Outskirts and Duil. The Austere Order successfully added the city of Chrysantalys and the region of Chrysantalys Mines to Astrum's dominion. Rowan was rewarded with the title of Baron of Chrysantalys Mines.

More recently, Rowan successfully persuaded Astrum's leadership to adopt a more confrontational stance with its longtime neighbor to the north, Everguard. Faced with persistent food shortages and limited room to expand to the west due to the huge mountain range of northwestern Dwilight, Rowan argued that it was necessary to seize lands long claimed by Everguard, Sabadell and the Shrine of Seeklander. These lands were rogue at the time, and it was hoped that they could be quickly seized by Astrum before Everguard could react. Unfortunately, monster attacks delayed the necessary redeployment of the Austere Order allowing Everguard to annex Sabadell and march on the Shrine. The result was war. So far, Astrum has acheived decisive victories over Everguard in the Shrine, Gelene Outskirts, and Gelene while adding Gelene Outskirts and Ammando to Astrum's dominion.

One consequence of the war with Everguard has been a rift in the relationship between Rowan and his longtime friend and ally Boreal Arrakis, the Duke of Chrysantalys and a former Strategos of Astrum. Dismayed by Astrum's failure to notify Everguard of its hostile intent, Boreal denounced the war, leading the normally level headed Rowan to defend it. In the course of the argument, Rowan forsook his allegiance to Boreal, taking his region with him. Boreal then threatened to challenge Rowan to a duel to the death, though by that time Rowan had already decided to step down as a region lord. Now without a region, Rowan continues to lead the Austere Order in the ongoing war.

Known for his calm demeanor, Rowan is a hero of Astrum. The people respect his continuing dedication to their defense. In the councils of the realm, Rowan is a voice for expansion and pragmatic military policy. A long time voice in the military forum, Rowan now has considerable influence on military decision making at the highest levels. He is also a voice within the faith of Sanguis Astroism, often speaking out when he feels that rash decisions are being made. Though he sometimes disagrees with the more militant members of the faith, he is typically also the most militant voice representing Astrum.