Kingsley Family/Alyssa

Alyssa Kingsley
Status:	Alive
Continent:	East Continent
Realm:	Perdan
Titles Held:	Imperatrix of Perdan Margravine of Perdan
Class:	Cavalier
Honor:	95
Prestige:	33
Age:	24
Height:	5'8
Weight:	Athletic
Eyes:	Blue
Hair:	Blonde

Alyssa Kingsley is a Perdanian noble, Lady, military commander, and peace advocate. Knighted at a young age, she went go on to lead the armies of Perdan during the North-South war becoming an inspiring figure. She has fought on numerous campaigns against the Northern Alliance including the Deception in Winkamus, the Oligarch Campaign, and the Butchery in Brive. She also led the operation to recapture Bescanon from the realm of Eponllyn and was rewarded with its ladyship.

After the death of King Kay Peregrine, she was whispered to be chosen for ascension to the throne, but did not have to, much to her relief, when he was risen from the dead by Gaheris Camlann, a Perleoni expert in the use of magic scrolls, including the spell of Healing. During the period between Kay's death and resurrection, Alyssa took over Perdan's diplomatic endeavors in Kay's place in addition to her role as Imperatrix, where she met with some mild success. After Kay returned to his throne Alyssa continued to serve under him with distinction becoming one of his most trusted advisers.

Alyssa also went to great lengths to end the North South war, speaking with foreign rulers, generals, and nobles from both the Northern Alliance and the Perleoni Empire to build bridges between the nobles of the realms of The Continent in the hopes of bringing the war to a peaceful close. As an advocate for peace, Alyssa attempted to repair relations between the North and South by speaking out against looting and the effects of war on the peasantry, as well as the role and purpose of knighthoood in society.

Early Life

Alyssa was born near the town of Whitewater, Bisciye, Perdan. Her father Adolus Kingsley was the grandson of Jonn Kingsley though his claim to the Kingsley name is somewhat tenuous. Her mother was a minor noble and second daughter of a minor family in Bisciye. While their family was not particularly notable or wealthy, they did own some land and a manor house where Alyssa lived the first few years of her life. Her life was relatively sheltered and she did not leave the estate often. Her only memory outside of Whitewater was one instance visiting the state of the reigning lord. Alyssa at one point in her early childhood had a pet dog. One night, a fire broke out under unusual circumstances and quickly consumed the entire Kingsley family house. Alyssa's mother was killed in the inferno and her father vanished without a trace. Alyssa was taken in by her aunt and uncle who owned a small patch of land and a modest tower near Whitewater Hollow at the forest's edge.

Her aunt and uncle provided for her education. Her aunt instructed her in courtly behavior, sewing, dancing, singing, etiquette and other courtly and ladylike behavior. Master Kingsley, a scholar who studied at the university and library in Aix educated her in the histories (his specialty), mathematics, writing, geography, and the natural world among other topics he felt it important for young ladies to know. While Alyssa was dutiful in her studies, she was much more interested in exploration and swordfighting, much to her uncle's annoyance. Eventually he gave into her inner warrior and hired an old sergeant-at-arms, Kelthan to serve as Whitewater Hollow's master-at-arms. As an experienced fighter, the old soldier taught Alyssa how to fight with a sword, and she learned much of discipline and warfare from him in between her uncle's lessons.

Master and Lady Kingsley were practicing humanists, though the religion had fallen and the temples closed, their faith remained and these values they passed to Alyssa. While they were not fervent they instilled within her great moral convictions to protect the weak and innocent and oppose wickedry.

Rise to Knighthood

In the Summer of her 17th year the village of Whitewater came under attack by a pack of voracious gnoles. When Alyssa heard the call to action, she grabbed her sword and rushed to the defense of the village, slaying many of the creatures and rallying the townsfolk and watch to its defense. Though she suffered a minor wound, the townsfolk repelled the attack under her leadership with no deaths and only a handful of casualties. For her heroism she was knighted by the castellan of Benjamin Pryde's castle in his name and bit to fight for Perdan as a knight of Bisciye.

Mydame Alyssa Kingsley, age 19

Alyssa rushed her makeshift unit of soldiers to Winkamus to join with the army led by Kellan Dodger, after which she fought her first battle in Bescanon, suffering a minor wound, as a sword slipped through the side of her breastplate which was not properly fastened, slicing her torso just below her right breast. During the battle, her entire unit was wiped out before her eyes which affected her deeply. The image of her soldiers lying dead upon the ground, beating eaten by crows is a regular haunting of her nightmares. Despite this, she steeled herself and set forth for the next campaign.

Upon the orders of Lord Dodger, she and her unit headed south with the rest of Perdan's army. During a stop in the Moyale valley, she encountered a singer who called himself Maron, who professed his undying love for her and began to follow her company around singing songs to her and writing her love poems despite her protests and numerous dismissals. The army headed south, where they besieged the Caligan city of Hamadan. While unable to capture the city, the army did significant damage to the walls before returning back towards Perdan. It was during this return through Moyale that the army encountered the combined forces of the Northern Alliance, however no battle took place due to unusual maneuvering and the involvement of peasant non-combatants. Alyssa was however approached by Nemean JeVondair Renodin, a noble of the new realm of Greater Eponllyn.

Non-Player Characters

Pets and Animals

Starlight

Starlight is a white mare destrier who has served as Alyssa's steed since her knighting. She was granted to Alyssa by Benjamin Pryde's castellan in Bisciye when she was knighted. She has served Alyssa loyally ever sent. Starlight was lightly wounded during the Butchery in Brive but had no lasting wounds. Starlight is a strong quiet warhorse. She is not easily spooked but is smart enough to preserve herself in dire situations, escaping when her life is threatened. She is typically protected in battle with silver plated barding, though in regular ride Alyssa rides her lightly. Alyssa is not an expert rider or jouster but she does care dearly for her beloved loyal steed, and is often seen petting her or showing other signs of care and affection. Starlight can be seen in many roleplays involving Alyssa both in battle and on long marches. When not being ridden Alyssa employs several grooms in her support company that ensure Starlight has all her needs taken care of.

Shadow

Shadow is a large black Cane Corso gifted to her by Nemean Renodin. She trained him as a puppy herself and ensured he was well-trained and behaved, though she was never able to break him of the habit of sleeping at the foot of her bed. As a result he sleeps in her bed and in time she eventually gave up on breaking him of his one bad habit. Shadow, like Alyssa herself, is often wary of other people that come too close to her and has snarled and barked at people who intrude upon her without warning, though he obediently ceases when she commands him.

Shadow is a regular companion to Alyssa, often at her side during outdoor walks. Alyssa is very fond of him and protective of him due to unresolved issues related to a dog in her past. As a large black canine he bears some resemblance to the wolf on her heraldry, though Alyssa would not that the creature on her shield is a she-wolf not a male dog (though there is no distinct marking related to its sex).

Relationships

Isana Everlight

Alyssa and Isana met through her command of the armies of Perdan while they were both knights after Isana came to Perdan from her homeland of Thalmarkin. The two quickly became friendly though Alyssa kept some distance due to her role as Imperatrix. Eventually Isana became a great comfort to Alyssa during the difficulties of the North-South war, especially during the aftermath of King Kay's death. The two took up sparring after Isana asked Alyssa for some advice on swordfighting. They trained together regularly and became very close, and Alyssa began falling in love with Isana; though she kept her feelings to herself due to her status as the Imperatrix of Perdan (and Isana's as her subordinate), and her dismissal of the possibility of romance in her life because of her sexuality, and poor previous experiences with attempts at love.

They began working even closer as Alyssa took her post in Bescanon and Isana became her knight. Eventually during a drunken evening in her tent on campaign, Alyssa kissed Isana and confessed her feelings which the knight reciprocated excitedly. They became partners and kept their romance for themselves for some time, subtly announcing their relationship to the realm when they attended Duke Smiddich's Gala and shared a waltz and a kiss during a dance. Following the gala, they regularly appear in public together as a couple, sitting together as partners during events and holding hands while out and about.

After Alyssa was appointed to the Ladyship of Perdan City, she asked Isana to live with her in the Imperator's Tower in the Ducal Palace (Later renamed the Imperatrix's tower courtesy of Isana's page Cedric and a piece of chalk). They live together happily since.

Alyssa is deeply in love with Isana, admiring her bravery, loyalty, and unyielding cheer, even in the face of despair. The two have helped each other cope with numerous difficulties and strengthened their relationship through mutual trust, understanding, and patience. Alyssa sees Isana as a stronger person than her, as she is able to retain her cheerful nature in spite of the terrible things war brought to Perdan. Isana is the only person around whom Alyssa smiles regularly, and is one of the few people who have ever heard Alyssa laugh.

Kay Peregrine

Alyssa came to know the King well early in her knighthood. After being directed to speak with him by Sir Nemean JeVondair on a personal matter, Alyssa began a correspondence with the king which included a great deal of discussion about honour and the role of the knight in society. Kay saw a lot of promise in Alyssa due to both her determined attitude and her desire to do good for the realm and her people, as well as her dedication towards the path of honour and righteousness. As a result, she was invited to the King's exclusive 30th birthday party where he welcomed her warmly, putting her more at ease with the upper nobility. Over the next few weeks they continued correspondence while Alyssa was in the field, becoming somewhat close. After the death of Kellan Dodger, Kay encouraged her to step forward for the role of general, which she did, and was chosen for the role.

During her tenure as Imperatrix of Perdan, Alyssa ordered an ill-fated assault that resulted in the death of her King. After his life was restored due to Duke Gaheris Camlann's efforts, Kay and Alyssa's relationship became strained. He often overruled her on matters and held her to an even stricter standard.

Following the Neutrality, King Kay's health began to deteriorate rapidly as a result of his extensive wounds he suffered at the Battle of Brive. He called her to his deathbed shortly before his passing to charge her with the defense of the realm and to say goodbye, admitting to himself that she was always his favorite. Alyssa was distraught at the King's death and the role she played in it, and has yet to forgive herself completely.

Dustiria Noire

When Dustira crossed the border from Bescanon to defect to Perdan, Alyssa was one of the first she encountered. Though shy she eventually found a friend in Alyssa and after Alyssa's rise to Imperatrix, King Kay assigned Dustiria to be her bodyguard. From then on Dustiria rarely left Alyssa's side, shadowing her in all things and swearing her life and sword to Alyssa.

Over the course of her tenure, Dustiria became one of Alyssa's closest confidants, friends, and companions. Present on all her campaigns and many marches, the two became close and helped each other with personal and professional problems, often discussing the relationships between love, honour, and duty. While Alyssa initially protested the appointment of a bodyguard, after being critically wounded during the Butchery in Brive, Dustira saved her life and she came to appreciate what Dustiria did for her and the two remained steadfast friends and loyal companions to each other.

Eventually, after King Smiddich Fontaine appointed Alyssa to the Margravine of Perdan, he dissolved Dustiria's oath to Alyssa. They still remain good friends though pursue their own lives and responsibilities, many of which keep them from seeing one another regularly.

Ulric Hawk

Lord Ulric Hawk of Az Zarqua was appointed as Marshal of Perdan's Golden Lions when Alyssa took command of Perdan's armies as Imperatrix. She considers him her most valuable asset and the two developed a strong professional working relationship. Alyssa admires his loyalty, dedication, and selflessness and he has praised her privately and publicly for her initiative, tenacity, and unwillingness to give up despite overwhelming odds.

She has considered him a vital part of Perdan's military and as one of the most experienced leaders of the realm, one of her most trusted advisers.

Lyanna Arylon

Alyssa and Lyanna met after an engagement between Perdan and Sirion in the region of Leibo. After peasant revolts prevented engagement of the armies in battle, Kellan Dodger and Lionel Kinsey exchanged taunts and barbed words, which Lyanna publicly rebuked both of them for. Sensing a potential bond between her and the other, Alyssa reached out to her and the two young women began to exchange letters and soon realized they were similar in more ways than they were different. Lyanna described their relationship as "kindred spirits".

Despite being on opposite sides of one of the largest conflicts in The Continent's history, the two maintained their close friendship, though the war at times strained it. Alyssa has confided closely with Lyanna and considers her one of her dearest friends. The two held a great deal of respect for each other and both women sought to bring peace to their respective realms.

Roleplays

• A Lady in White
• The War
• Wayfairer's Gambit
• The Lion (Part 1)
• The Butchery in Brive
• The Gift
• Better Days
• Life After Death
• Stormfront
• The Lion (Part 2)
• The Dance
• Blood on the Stump
• Fumbling in the Dark
• Wintergreen Festival
• The River
• The Tree on the Hillock
• Midnight Ride
• Dug In
• Mountain Lodge
• The Gala
• Blunt Objects
• King's Summons
• One Night in Perdan
• Peregrine
• Coronation
• Across the Sea