JeVondair Family/Rynn

Rynn is a man who defines himself by the relationships he builds. Originally hailing from the Desert of Silhouettes in Dwilight, the JeVondairs had only taken an interest in affairs beyond their sandy borders (2012-02-18). This was perhaps caused by the uprising that saw the current Baron, Marco Penchant, overthrown.

In the days prior to the revolt, Rynn had announced himself to the realm and decided to pay homage to his Duke, Kendal Forbes, in Sallowtown. A journey that would take him from the desert through the badlands of Sallowild. It was there that he had his very first experience in battle. A host of monsters had descended upon the region, sluaghtering all in thier path. Rynn deployed his archers, whom he had dubbed the Wind Daggers, to defend the regions people. They were joined in the field by the last remaining militiamen of Jonsu Himoura, then Baroness of Sallowild. Though the battle was won, her forces died to a man. The Baroness would later thank Rynn for his efforts by inviting him to her manor house nestled in the sparsely wooded hills of the region. It was in this way and through subsequent visits that Rynn grew to know and befriend Baroness Jonsu Himoura, who would become his very first political ally in days to come.

Opportunity reared it's head when Baron Marco lost his seat, and Rynn determined that it was time for the desert to be ruled by one of the sandborn themselves, rather than an outsider.. In the elections that followed, Rynn campaigned toward that goal, but it was not until Baroness Jonsu voted her support that things finally shifted to his favor. When the Referendum ended on 2012-02-29, he was invested as the new Baron of the Desert of Silhouettes and the former lord Marco retired to a role as a trader. Rynn had been a knight for 11 days and was 18 years old.

Rynn's triumph was short-lived, however. At the time, the Desert was bordered on all sides save one by rogue regions. swarms of unclean hordes plied their way West into his lands, depleting the strength of the Wind Daggers so much that Rynn was forced to the capital, Port Raviel, to rearm and resupply. Tragedy greeted him upon his return. In his absence, a horde of monsters discovered where the majority of the JeVondair clan had hidden themselves. There were no survivors. The desert's population was reduced completely to zero.

It was then that a discussion arose in the House of Lords as to the value of holding onto the Desert. Baron Rynn and Duke Kendal were far and away the most outspoken for maintaining the region, if only as a defensive measure.Duke Kendal sponsored a new army, the Scorchers of Notus, to deal with D'Hara's eastern threats. Setting up a system of ever rotating knights, the Scorchers have ensured the integrity of D'Hara's eastern border ever since.

It was on one such rotation back to the capital that Rynn first encountered Mathias Ridder. A dour man of no charisma who would nevertheless become a lifelong acquaintance and ally. Wielding a massive great sword as long as he was tall, Mathias taught Rynn the basics of dueling, defeating Rynn several times in the training arena before admitting that swordfighting was a true passion of his.

Months past. Rynn rarely concerned himself with situations outside of D'Hara until he was approached by a Solarian named Francis Duvalle, who would later become Solaria's judge under the rulership of Malus Solari. The two struck a fast friendship, envisioning a international guild that would help monitor and defeat rogue threats as they arose, rather than waiting for them to invade settled regions. During Rynn's time as Baron, he also played host to Edmillison De Coivos and Gornak Gellander, D'Hara's judge and fiduciary respectively. Cultivating these relationships would help Rynn later. Rynn's first inkling that something was very wrong in Solaria came when he received a letter from Francis Duvalle, begging him to watch over a common girl with whom the man had fallen in love. Rynn never heard from his friend again, and was later informed that his murder had been orchestrated at the highest level of Solarian government. Nevertheless, Rynn was unable to focus on the issue for long, as tragedy would strike again, this time affecting the whole of D'Hara.

Sir Francis Kinsey, Lord and Duke of Port Raviel,General and Hero of D'Hara, was slain in combat by a band of rogues in Paisiland. Nobles from all over Dwilight sent their condolences. Rynn had never truly known the man, though Duke Francis had been kind enough to offer him an estate in the capital, he had declined, preferring instead to serve the Desert. But by now, the Desert had been running at peak efficiency for some time now, its population regrown from dismal nothing into the maximum the region could support. Feeling his work there was done, Rynn decided that he could better contribute to the realm by moving on and seizing upon the opportunity left in Duke Francis's wake. And, with the help of the relationships he had built, Duke Machiavel Chernier, Prime Minister of D'Hara, decided to invest Rynn as the new Duke of Port Raviel and therefore, by tradition, Margrave of Port Raviel as well. His investiture was confirmed by popular vote on 2012-06-04. Barely a year had past since he had become a peer of the realm.

Rynn (now 19) had never dreamed of such wealth as the capital offered, being used to the 9 or 10 gold per week that the Desert offered. He immediately held a festival to commemorate the Late Duke Francis, and then set about his work learning his new duties. He renamed one of the archery recruitment centers after his own Wind Daggers, constructed the Dragonstrike Cavaliers to offer the realm some cavalry support, and even built an Academy. It was then that he met his new vassal, Ghaundan D'Espana, the portly Lord of Raviel and Ambassador of D'Hara. Ghaundan would grow to become Rynn's very best friend in the world, and later, his best man.

An Excerpt from the Book of D'Hara III by Ismail Tandaros

The Book of D'Hara - Part III

Part III shall cover YD 21 - Present

As recorded by Ismail Tandaros.

White Peace with Luria Nova

The recovery from the Long Winter continued, with rogues being suppressed and full sovereignty being extended across the Dragon Isles. D'Haran forces, in conjunction with the military forces of the Veinsormoot, reclaimed the city of Paisly and expelled a puppet government that Aurvandil had installed in the city.

In the west, Luria Vesperi declared war upon Luria Nova to support her ally, D'Hara. For a time D'Haran forces rampaged in Girich, but not before being rebuffed by a superior Novan force. They carried on to the Desert of Silhouettes, taking control of the region, and pressing as far as Sallowwild, pillaging mercilessly as they went before finally withdrawing. The Scorchers of Notus then moved to assist Vesperi and lift Nova's siege on Shinnen, but faced continued frustration in the war efforts. Morale in the Scorchers plummeted and the war stalled. A small force of lords reclaimed the Desert while the massive forces of Luria Nova focused their might on Shinnen.

Prime Minister Rynn finally signed a white peace with Luria Nova, which was almost derailed by Lurian belligerence and diplomatic controversy. At that time, the two realms set their sights on their common enemy: Aurvandil.

Dragons Sail South

As the Lurian kingdoms grandiosely sealed Vesperi's fate in a grand tournament at Shinnen, D'Haran forces set sail for Fissoa to support them in the face of Aurvandil-Falkirkian invasion. Following the Fissoan General Barbarossa Nosferatus into battle at Drowenton, D'Hara's Dragons threw their full might into the vast ranks of Aurvandilian infantry. The battle was bloody and ruthless, resulting in a victory for Aurvandil. Hundreds of D'Haran & Fissoan men died, including Fissoa's noble fiduciary. A dozen knights were wounded, while General Barbarossa and Chairman Ismail were both captured for a time.

Following this, the allies briefly returned home to lick their wounds, and launched the campaign with renewed vigor. The allies skirmished with a massive Aurvandilian force over Laraibina, eventually seeing the region turn to D'Haran control. The Dragon Corps energetically prosecuted war against Falkirk. Aurvandil marched off to attempt to conquer Barca once more, leaving the quibbling Falkirkian Freestate to flee and barricade themselves in Madina City. The allies reigned freely in the Falkirkian holdings, driving many regions rogue and looting freely, and came to lay siege to Madina.

Shifting Politics

As the Dragon Corps waged war against the Falkirkian Freestate, Prime Minister Rynn JeVondair sailed across the northern inner seas, forging diplomatic ties with various theocracies, but mainly courting the Farronite Governor-General, Duchess Khari Kye. A grand state wedding was held in Mimer, where Regent Himeko Ishida hosted. The wedding was uniquely ecumenical, with Khari being a devoted Astroist and Rynn a pious Elementalist. Regent Himeko and the Elementalist elder Baal Zephon jointly presided over the ceremony, with the Prophet Mathurin emerging after the vows to deliver a moving sermon. More details on this event can be found in the book entitled Rynn's Wedding.

Thereafter, D'Hara witnessed an unusual breach from electoral tradition: Pierre von Genf suddenly challenged Rynn JeVondair in the election for the office of Prime Minister. His criticism was based on Rynn's temperamental diplomacy, in particular his erratic handling of Queen Alice Arundel of Luria Nova. Baron Pierre promised stronger ties with the northern theocracies due to his spiritual offices in Sanguis Astroism. Many lords endorsed Pierre for his stately strength, but several knights came out in favor of Rynn for his dynamic inspiration. In the end, Rynn won the election by a narrow margin.

The Return of the Dragon King

As King Cenarious grew old and infirm, the realm turned to consider matters of succession; in particular, Chairman Ismail proposed a Dragon Restoration. Upon the death of King Cenarious, his successor would rise to a position of government. The Prime Minister should carry on with his affairs of state and government, while the restored Dragon King should lead the realm to glory in battle as the head of the Military Table. A successor would be named from a short list of candidates based on claims of merit and blood. Lords Mathias, Kendal, Rynn, and Machiavel were all considered for the throne. Thus an election proceeded in the House of Lords on the shortlist - yet in the course of things Princess Selena, adopted daughter of King Cenarious, was engaged to Lord Machiavel, tipping his claim over the top and successfully securing the Dragon Throne for Machiavel Chenier.

During this debate, a Ravielan pirate somehow infiltrated the Royal Palace and slew the aged King Cenarious while he was out for a walk. The incident was investigated briefly but soon forgotten - the attacked was butchered on sight and all police work yielded a cold trail.

As the coronation celebrations convulsed Port Raviel, D'Hara sailed ever onward to war abroad - D'Haran warships by now have become a common appearance on the Inner Seas. In Madina Isle, the Dragon Corps, commanded by Vice-Marshal Ulfang Mormont, fought on against the Falkirkian Freestate, extending D'Haran control as far south as Panabuk and skirmishing with the foe in Madina Gardens, denying the enemy safe passage outside their city walls.

The Farronite Republic, meanwhile, newly joined to D'Hara in federation, sailed to Chesland to annex the Terran splinter state known as Saffalore. This voyage was coincided with the announcement of Governor-General Khari Kye's pregnancy. A small D'Haran expedition was launched under the command of Marshal Ismail Tandaros to assist the Farronites and protect the Prime Minister's wife; Chesland was fought over in several waves, seeing hundreds killed and injured. Each D'Haran noble involved - Lords Daemon, Turin, and Ismail - sustained serious wounds in battle, valiantly fighting side by side with their men.

–

<Lot of time has passed since this update, but Rynn is taking a break and I thought this letter from Ulfang Mormont was a good enough summary>

"Letter from Ulfang Mormont (12/24/14)

Message sent to everyone in your realm (24 recipients) It is a sad day indeed when I have to say farewell to my friend Rynn. He has served this realm as Prime Minister and Duke and when not in a position of power he has served the realm in the background. It is a dark day for D'Hara but we hope to see him again. I have known Rynn since I was Invited to this realm after abandoning the tyranny of Solaria (now Luria Nova). With my friend Ismail we worked through the military ranks and developed a close friendship with Rynn whilst serving D'Hara. Other than our former Dragon King there are few left with the Knowledge of the history of this realm.

I have spent the best part of my days in this realm defending it against the tyranny of Luria Nova. This war we are in is a continuation of the invasion of D'Hara by Luria Nova a defence we waged successfully with the help of Fissoa and Barca. The monster incursions in the west destroyed most of Barca and weakened us considerably and with the loss of Duke Ismail, King Waldor, Marshal Evelyn, Prince Soren and now the Prime Minister and wonder who is left with a stomach for the fight.

Good Luck Rynn. I hope this is not the last we see of you. I shall guard your wife and children with my life!

– Ulfang Mormont General of D'Hara Margrave of Qubel Lighthouse

AFTER DEATH

Letter from Seoras Madigan Nifelleisca (43 minutes ago) Dame Rania Eastersand,

Ah, bewilderment! What joyous occasion, for when one is bewildered, one knows one is upon the cusp of some further understanding, knowledge, or insight!

Allow me to immediately jump into an explanation upon the ecclesial astroist response to Rynn's sudden death. Before the Second Church arose, Rynn was married to Khari Kye, in a ceremony officiated by the First Prophet Mathurin and, I believe, a Baal Beldragos. Prophet Mathurin spoke of different paths and largely endorse elementist beliefs. As such, I saw nothing improper in celebrating his path, or life, with a holy veneration for heroes are viewed quite highly within the Second Church. We strongly believe in the liberal sprinkling of the soil with blood. Thus, a hero's sacrifice is seen as the utmostly holy act. Indeed, our living heroes are placed above all other members but the priesthood. And our heroes are celebrated annually (ooc: seasonal year, not ooc year) in remembrance of their life and contribution to the bloodcycle. This, that they may not be forgotten. The shrines I write of are the two in Port Raviel. One dedicated to Pierre von Genf, fallen in Qubel Lighthouse, and the other to Rynn JeVondair, fallen in Munawai, on Pierre's Day, now known as D'Hara's Day upon Rynn's death. I had thought there was a temple erected over where Rynn fell, but I think I might be mistaken.

(ooc: i've never really perceived other realms as having different languages. Perhaps accents. I guess if I think about it, the commoners might, or there might be some noble secret code language, but the nobles need to be able to communicate with each other across borders yeah? Anyway, its gotten me thinking now.)

I might be able to lend some assistance with Lady Ellyn. I'm familiar with the Great Houses, as I understand it, it was a failed concept to which only House JeRavosi has survived. As to the dame, enjoy getting an upfront introduction to lurian politics. I've read some comparisons of said dame to a Sha'shanti Gato and if such is true, then good riddance.

(ooc: sha'shanti, the same player's old char, had relations with seoras's adopted father and had a child. Seoras took custody of child, intending harm, but never actually ordering it done, with a face of protecting his sibling to his father. Eventually child was released back to father. Jonsu roleplayed kidnapping child after Seoras ordered her banishment, and then having the small child's (say, toddler) head sent to Seoras's father. Janelle Family has since roleplayed the child as Tileni (I think, could be the other). Ambiguity never resolved, but there's the connection to Sha'Shanti for you.)

For Luria and the Bloodstars, Seoras Madigan Nifelleisca Earl of Thar Gortauth Priest of Ecclesial Sanguiastroism"

Legacy

As Ak'tari of Wind and Duke of Raviel, Ordered the execution of The Windswept Mystic for preaching her faith in the duchy of Raviel against his will.