O'Ways/Cullen
Cagilan Empire, Atamara
Count of Vornion, 'Knight of the Silver Flame' in 'Est Solarus Oth Mithas', 'Templar' of 'The Order'.
At the age of 15, Cullen was living in the woods together with his younger brother Cynon, both orphaned some years before in the Drachenwald wars. They had been brought there by their mother in order to hide them from both the own troops as the enemies, who were always looking out for strong boys to use for free labour, which usually meant slavery ‘till death. Unfortunately she didn’t return one day she went looking for food. She had been trapped by troops, raped and killed. Finding her body had made Cynon turn more to himself, and the brothers had to grow up struggling for survival. Cullen had never left home before and could only speak the Drachenwald dialect, now outlawed by the governments of both Tara and CE. Cynon went out for days to Skalk and Foda, where he operated as a petty thief, thereby able to keep both of them alive. When Megistos came into contact with both boys he helped them out and Cynon was able to better himself and found a job working in a smithy. Cullen learned how to read and started passing this knowledge to his brother. As Megistos' foster-son, he became the heir to the family seat in the Noble ranks of Alatol. Megistos was advised that having Cullen as a foster-son would cause trouble when Megistos would die, for opportunistic people would dare to question his nobility. Therefore, because there was no official family history before Megistos, Kay and Micha, they put Cullen into the books as his real son. Cynon went away to Beluaterra to avoid any trouble for his ‘little’ brother (Cynon stands 6’3…), landed in Enweil but emigrated to Avalon when he found out Siobhan was there.
Cullen is a skilful man, sometimes a bit overzealous but his intentions are always good. As his prime interests lay in mathematics, physics and astronomy he has a natural affinity with archer-units, because their battle-effectiveness depends on knowledge of ballistics, fast calculation of arc and trajectory. Both Cullen's units so far have been known for their deadliness on the field and their very disciplined character. As other members of the family founded units, they decided to organise their units in the 'Legion of Dragoneers', of which Cullen was made Supreme Commander. The Legion adheres to strong values and discipline.
A medium-height man of no impressive posture, but his dark blonde hair tends to make him stand out of the masses and unlike most of his peers, he wears an impressive moustache and beard. His clear blue eyes seem to see more than others. He is considered as arrogant or a snob by some, but he is always himself and will always defend the one who he deems in the right, regardless of their social class. He is very loyal, and thoughtful of his friends, but also he does not change his views upon (former-) enemies lightly. Who was once his enemy will never be his ally. Therefore, he often has a hard time to adapt to changes in politics. He has been a dedicated member of the Senate for years, as well as being active in the Cagilan Empire's Military Council.
Commands
Cullen's first unit called "Dragonfire Archers" where ambushed in Etoge, en route to Cagil, after they left Alatol for the first time. They were attacked by a Carelian commander named "wei", commanding the "Honour"-unit, killing every man standing exept for Cullen , who sustained heavy injuries but managed to reach Cagil. He reformed the unit under the same name, leading them to numerous victories, the last one at the battle for Nida, where the Carelian "Honour"-unit was wiped out. wei barely escaped, severely wounded. Cullen left his unit at Nida as a militia as ordered. He then recruited the "2nd Alatol Dragonfire", originally 25 strong. They have seen many battles and he was in command of the 2nd for over 5 years. They grew into a strong unit with a disciplined mentality. They considered their honour to be their most important asset. When he was given the responsibility of law and order in Alatol he left the 2nd to operate from his Estate, as local militia. After a recent invasion by CE's long-standing enemy Abbington, the unit fell in the defence of the County. They will remain in spirit as inspiration for all Dragonfire-units to come. He then recruited the "11th Dragonfire Archers", later named "11th Vornion Dragonfire", a longbow unit with very advanced weapons and armor, which suffered heavy losses in the 2nd battle of Chasnoff, where Cullen also was severely wounded, which eventually nearly cost him his leg. The unit refitted and joined in several raids on Stargard in the Redspanian war. The 11th also took part in the attack against Abbington that was a punishment for their breaking of an agreed pause in hostilities. Cullen is slowly revalidating from his wounds, but his slight limp will probably remain. After some trouble of medical origin, he has decided to be more involved in homeland defence and taking care of his County. He has dropped the 11th as militia in Tarasac and has recruited the "14th Vornion Dragonfire", a unit he intended to stay relatively small, but that has grown over the years into an impressive 50- strong Dragoneer unit. Naturally, he could not stay away from the front for too long, he is drawn into wherever honour leads him. Upon the disbanding of the 'Est Sularus oth Mithas'-Army, he assigned his unit to the Ducal Army named 'Calis Lions'.
He commands from the saddle and is never seen without his walking cane. Besides his father, he is the only one of the House O'Ways that is respected by all of the family members. Internal conflicts are therefore usually arbitered by him.
