Kestrel Family/Kureshtev

Lady Kureshtev Salar Kestrel is a hero of Ibladesh and Baroness of Mines of Isadril.

Description

Kureshtev is quite tall, with a presence about her that makes people take notice when she enters a room. She speaks little, but when she does it is with such passion and conviction that people stop to listen. She is much better at speeches than chit chat. She keeps her black hair cut short. She wears a lot of red and gold.

Mines of Isadril

Kureshtev has constructed a small temple for the Church of Ibladesh in the Mines of Isadril. She has also constructed an archery center, special forces center, and mixed infantry center there.

Knights of the Mines of Isadril include Andoru and Rafaeru of the Okami family, which originates from the Mines. Andoru is a priest who has converted most the Mines to the Church of Ibladesh. Her most recent knight is Titus Miles, who had been a great help in aiding the local police and keeping production in the Mines.

Kureshtev is greatly honored that her friend, Sir Targe, Paladin Primus of Ibladesh, has agreed to have an estate in the Mines.

Organizations

Kureshtev is an Aspirant in the Blood of Honour guild. She had hoped the guild would help her to meet like-minded people, but it seems to be a quiet organization.

Kureshtev is a Benefactor in the Church of Ibladesh. She is completely devoted to the Church and credits the Church for the peace in the Mines. She has donated hundreds of gold to the church, as well as help fund the building of shrines.

Kureshtev and her knights are members of The Eastern Emerald Legion, an army sponsored by Zeratul, Count of Moyale.

The Family

The Family was sorry to see Lady Kureshtev leave home for the East. They had wanted her to join the army in Talerium, for she always had much promise as troop leader. They were scandalized to hear she switched to an "enemy" realm, no matter what her reasons were. They are disappointed that more of the profits from the Mines of Isadril do not find their way back to the family coffers.

History

Always interested in stories of far away lands, as a child she would grab any books or news scrolls she could find, then hide in the family stables to read them. Her favorite was scroll that had arrived from Ubent, detailing their revolution. As soon as she was old enough to travel, she set sail for the East Continent, eager to fight alongside her childhood heroes.

Upon her arrival Kureshtev eagerly joined the army but soon learned war is not all honor and glory. After seeing her troops slaughtered time and time again, she for a time sought her own death in battle. She still carries the scroll, covered with old camel spit and fresh blood.

A poorly executed move into enemy territory landed Kureshtev into an Ibladesh prison cell, while her troops were slaughtered once again. This gave her some time to consider her situation. She managed to break out from her cell and rejoin the army, but the experience left her a bit more jaded.

Just when she was considering giving up, a letter from the Senate changed everything. They wished to appoint her Baroness of the Mines of Isadril. She had never considered such a post, but it dramatically changed her life. The responsiblity placed upon her gave her new energy. Over time working with the locals gave her a better understanding of war, and what it does to civilians as well as armies.

Ubent signed an agreement with Ibladesh to exchange the Mines for peace between the two realms. At first Kureshtev was outraged, but after talking with the locals in the Mines, she saw the value in the agreement. The people had been badly mistreated by the war, and switching to an enemy realm so that they would no longer be abused by either side was the best for the civilians. Then she realised she need not abandon her people, she could go with them.

When the documents were sealed and the mines had changed hands, Kureshtev became a member of Ibladesh as well. She was concerned she would not be welcomed, but she would endure what she must for her people. If it came to it, she had seen the inside of the Ibladesh prison before and gotten out, she could do so again. Fortunately her fears were unfounded. She was welcomed by Quake, Pontifex of Ibladesh, who gave her control of her region again. In a strange realm with a religion she does not fully understand, she has at least found one person she can trust. Her newfound faith has lead to her to believe that her choices were wise, and peace really has come to the Mines of Isadril.

Keeping control of the Mines was very difficult at first, but Kureshtev is determined to be sure the Mines remain part of the Church of Ibladesh, as per the Armistice. With the assistance of her new realmmates (Kure is particularly honored to have received much help from Lady Sorcha), the Mines are now in good condition.

Kuretevia

Lady Kureshtev has given birth to a daughter, Kuretevia, who she hopes will eventually become a great asset to Church of Ibladesh.

Troops:

Kure's Pride: A rag-tag group of infantry that was turned into militia. A similar group of the same named died in a battle in Oligarch. A third unit died in a take-over attempt in Abadan. (Possibly more than 3, records are sketchy.)
Kure's Watch: Mixed Infantry. Left as militia in the mines.
Kure's Miners: Infantry left as militia in the mines, twice.
Kure's Mine Guards: Archery left as militia in the mines.
Kure's Chance: Infantry, Kure's first active unit in Ibladesh. Used briefly as a TO unit then set as militia.
Kure's Luck: current.
Kure's Guard: several units of this name have been left as militia around Ibladesh.