Rigou Family
Contents
Introduction
I am Eric Danson and I had the honor to meet lord Rigou, who is an friendly, wise and patient father of several sons and daughters. He raised them one by on and taught them to serve and help the poor and weak and to be righteous, courteous, patient, brave and loyal to the ones above them.
Now that his sons have grown, I asked Rigou to allow me to write down the history of him and his children.
Rigou
He his an admirable man, who truly deserves his title. Literally, since he did not start as a rich nobleman, but as a poor nomad in the Talerium desert.
Talerium youth
He was born out of Jofom, leader of a nomad tribe, and his wife Gisfa in Talerium, Atamara. He also had an older brother, named Sfoegil. Sfoegil was a great hunter and loved most by his father, who loved meat. However, Sfoegil was careless and not responsible. Therefor his mother disliked him and loved Rigou more, who could be trusted in all things.
One day Gisfa prepared some meat for her younger son and told him to bring it to his father and ask his father for a blessing. Rigou did and his father, thinking he was Sfoegil, blessed him and performed a ritual by pouring some blood over his son's head, which meant he was to become the next leader of the tribe. When Sfoegil came back he was fourious and complained at his father. Jofom realized he made a mistake, but the ritual could not be undone and gave Rigou a new blessing, in which he acknowledged his leadership. But Sfoegil remained very angry and planned to kill his brother. Gisfa noticed the hostility of Sfoegil and told Rigou to flee. Thus Rigou did.
Servant of Tumad
Rigou ended up in Galadia of Falasan, Atamara. There he started as a carrier in the stock houses of a trader and nobleman, named Tumad. Because Rigou worked very hard, always did his very best and proved to be always honost, Tumad slowly gave him more and more responsibilities. Eventually Rigou became his right hand.
During this time Rigou married a Galadian woman, named Amanda, who was even more patient then her husband. Rigou and Amanda loved each other very much and got 5 sons and 5 daughters. But also after his marriage, Rigou worked very hard and traveled a lot. He tried, however, to be home as much as possible.
On the other hand, Tumad did not merry, because he was too busy with trading, wherefor he never got children. Because of this and his good friendship with his servant, he adopted Rigou's children, so that they could be raised as nobles. Even more, before he died he left all his posessions to Rigou and told him that his children should keep their father's name. Thus Rigou earned his nobility and the house of Rigou was born.
Drachenwald
Rigou never cared much for politics, for this was mostly about wars. But one days the Dragon in the north was killed and a new realm was raised by, as he says it, some Darkans. He always distrusted this new realm and eventually proved to be more or less right, when a war was unleashed upon the mountains, which ended in the defeat of Falasan troops in Galadia. But Rigou stayed in Galadia, accepted his new leaders and helped to restore peace in the region by speaking with the people.
Some years later his oldest son, Risfou, wanted to join the army, although Rigou hoped that he would follow his father and take over the company when the time was there. But Risfou wanted to join the army, so his father agreed and supported him in this. There was peace for some time, but a city, Tarasac, broke of the Cagilan Empire, was conquered by Falasan and handed to Drachenwald in exchange for Galadia. That way he was Falasan again.
The Tarasac-conflict
The conflict over Tarasac was not over however. The joint forces of Cagilans, Tarans, Darkans and even Carelians marched towards the city and a devastating war followed. Rigou was informed by his son Risfou and because of Risfou's complainments, he ordered his second son, Dilim, to join the Falasan army, in order to support his brother.
One important event to Rigou was when the enemies managed to break through and marched towards Barad Falas in Falasan, Atamara. They did not stay there for long, since they were hunted by the Falasan army. And although the majority fled to Beleriel in the east, a small group went to the west and entered Galadia. This army acted dishonourable and started to loot and even worse. Which costed the lifes of a 12 year old son and 16 year old daughter, Fifil and Tifa. Rigou does not seek personal vengeance, since he looks at them as victims of war. His only hope is that one day all rulers will disapprove lootings and other abuse of power.
More he had not to do with the war, although this loving father follows it through the letters of his sons. At the moment Tarasac is taken, but the war is not over, yet.
Modern day
The Tarasac-conflict resulted in the end of the realm of Drachenwald, after which his eldest son decided to go to Carelia, because of rumors about an upcoming war. When that war indeed came, Rigou continued to receive letters every week, until it suddenly stopped. He informed Dilim about it, who decided to come back home and use the company to find his brother.
Risfou
Risfou is the oldest son of Rigou and Amanda. His parents are often worried about him, since hi is not like his father. For although Risfou is an honorable, loyal and righteous young men, he likes to fight in battle and is intrigued by wars. For this reason he chose the path of the warrior, instead that of his trading father.
But despite all this, teh parents love their son very much and Risfou has the deepest form of respect for his parents. Risfou dutifully writes a letter to his parental home every week and often asks his father for council.
Youth
Risfou always liked sports and stories of ancient battles. So when Drachenwald defeated the Falasan army at Galadia, his love for Drachenwald was a fact, and he talked about that battle for weeks.
When he became 17, he asked his father whether he might join the Drachenwaldian army, since he was a nobleman because of Tumad. At first his father disapproved, for he wanted his son to receive the company, like he received it from Tumad. But Risfou did not want to change his mind, so Rigou gave him permission and supported him with a lot of money.
Tarasac
Risfou was really enthousiastic and obeyed every order he received. When there was need of volunteers to scout, he greedily accepted the mission and scouted the borders of Alaise in Drachenwald, Atamara. During that time Tarasac had just fallen in the hands of Drachenwald by a friendly take over and an attack was expected, although Risfou did not seem to know that. But when he noticed a fast army-building in Rauxod in Cagilan Empire, Atamara, he quickly informed the realm and not many days later the war for Tarasac started.
While the war was going on a few troopleaders spoke against the posession of Tarasac, which made Risfou confused. He said to the troopleaders that if they did not agree with the leadership, they should talk to them and not to the nation as a whole, since this could only cause rebellions. He also wrote to home and his father wrote back that he needed to be patient and let these matters to the wiser man. This calmed the young warrior and he decided to close his mouth and fulfill his duty.
His father was worried, however, and ordered his second son, Dilim to join the Falasan army, so that he could help his brother. Because of the battles, they did meet only once, though. But they did support each other and even shared scout reports.
Twice the Drachenwaldians defeated the enemy alliance, once in Sauvia and once in Avrende. And Risfou proudly wrote to his father, when he had the second great army of 55 men. But a miscalculation caused a horrible defeat in Sauvia, where the Drachenwaldians fought alone and far outnumbered. Not much later Tarasac fell.
Change of leadership
Just before the fall some Caliber started a rebellion. Risfou did only mention it short in a letter to his father, since only one supported this man. But when Tarasac fell, this man suddenly became ruler. Risfou did not know that, however, since he had just been wiped out and was walking alone to Nazgron, in order to rejoin his men.
While he traveled, he heard a horse approaching, he quickly hid in the bushes, but when he recognized the rider as his scout and friend Eric, he came out and greeted his friend. from Eric he heard that the rebellion suddenly succeeded and that Lucela, who was the most important at that moment, since the ruler and general were captured, was starting the new rebellion to get the throne back. Therefor Risfou and Eric rode back and supplied their comrades with scout reports of Tarasac and surrounding regions.
Within two days the rebellion succeeded and Lucela changed the government system from tyranny to kingdom and became the first queen. Lucela acknowledged Risfou's work for his realm and added him to the Strategic Council. This caused Risfou to open his mouth again. But questions rose whether this newcomer was legimate to rule and a new rebellion was started by some Kagurati. This time Risfou was the first to join the loyalists and supported his queen. And held a passionate speeche against the rebellion. Most men where wise enough to understand that a rebeliion would be of no good and remained neutral. Therefor the rebellion was unsuccesfull.
Eric did not return of his daily round and because of the rebellions he could not leave the region alone, so he felt useless. But when he saw hunting parties levaing the city, he saw a change to serve his country and tried to lead the astray. This only partly worked out, since a hunting party came after him and he had to flee. During his flight he found his last 4 man back, who found each other and were looking for him. Problem was that also they were hunted and thus they were trapped. But his men did not hesitate for a moment and stormed at Risfou's hunters and forged a breakthrough.
The rebellion stopped and Risfou was allowed to move the city and went to Alaise to get new scouts and start his scouting again. But Falasan was also driven back and the Drachenwaldians had to see their city brutally taken back by the Cagilan Empire. Lucela tried and tried, but could not achieve anything, since the Cagilan Empire was not willing to negotiate, and then did as she promised: she stepped down and elections where held.
The new king was Si Ju Jarugi.
End of Drachenwald
Risfou turned out to have become a fanatic worshipper of some sort od mountain god, which is called the Dragon, as is shown when he summarizes his final days in Drachenwald: We moved our capital from Nazia, where the Dragon lived, to Tarasac, where the gold is. Therefor the spirit of the Dragon could no longer be with us and she allowed us to lose the city she gave us. Many brave men have died before we finally understood our mistake, therefor under our wise king Si Ju Jarugi we decided to move our capital back to Nazia. Our attempts, however, were all smothered by those Cagilan cowards, who also took Sauvia very soon after that.
We were left only Nazia, which the Cagilan Empire promised to leave untouched. But later she turned back at that and to prevent further suffering for the people, Nemethos handed the place over. The Cagilans broke their words and have attempted a murder on me three times, others even more. They are unworthy to wave their flag on these sacred mountains.
But they do not understand that the Dragon only allowed them to possess these mountains, because we betrayed her. But like the winter will know it's end, likewise will this winter end: one day the Dragon will again raise a nation of brave and loyal men on these mountains. My hope is that I may see that day.
Modern day
After that Risfou left for Carelia, hoping rumors about an upcoming war with the Cagilan Empire were true. That war came indeed and during it he sent letters to his father, but after while the letters stopped and no one has heard of him ever since.
Dilim
Dilim is the second son of Rigou and Amanda en the younger brother of Risfou. Dilim does almost completely have the same character as his father, and is therefor his most beloved son. Dilim will to take over his father's company.
Youth
Dilim always obeyed his parents very well, as did all of his brothers and sisters, and made many friends among the normal people. When becoming 12 he started to help his father with his company and did so until he was 17. During that time the Tarasac-war was started and his father ordered him to assist his brother. Which order he accepted withouth complaining. That way he entered the Falasan army.
Falasan
Dilim did enjoy to bring death and only did so, because he saw it as his duty. But when lady Cathrine was asking for employees within her bureaucrat army, Dilim volunteered. But at the time Dilim had not proven to have enough love for his fatherland and was to gain honor by combat.
Thus Dilim did in the battle for Avrende and the batlle at Anfalas, both against Cagilan Empire, Atamara. But when the troopleaders ordered their men to loot, he quickly left Ansalle for Avrende, where it was not allowed. Meanwhile an army broke through, heading for Barad falas. Dilim marched with the hunting army against them and after a few battles that army was destroyed. But also Dilim had to recruit more men, and thinking he had fulfilled his duty, he sent a new message to lady Cathrine. There were enough bureaucrats, however, so Dilim went for Barad Gardor and recruited about 50 men.
He went back for Tarasac, where he finally met his brother Risfou and helped to protect the city. But Tarasac fell and Dilim had to recruit again.
Many more battles followed and in his weekly letters Dilim often expressed his grieve over the many fallen.
Modern day
While the war continued, Dilim received a letter from his father, in which he learned that his family had not received any news from his brother for a long time. Dilim decided to return from the army and take over his father's company, hoping that by the travels he can learn more about his brother.
Known nobles
These nobles we learned to know by letters from Rigou's sons.
Drachenwald
- Audrey, Melissa - Knight of Drachenwald, bureaucrat. Not well known by Risfou, but he writes about her as a loyal person, who loves her country. Joined Falasan after the Drachenwaldians came to understand that Nazia could not be restored.
- Aegis, Lucela - Lady of Drachenwald, ex-queen. Was travelling with her husband through Eagle's Glen, when they where attacked and her husband killed by enemy forces. She joined Drachenwald and served actively. When a rebellion succeeded, she immediately launced the counter-strike and reconquered the throne. She changed Drachenwald from a tiranny to a kingdom and became the first queen. She added Risfou to the strategic council. eventually stepping down for free elections. Rumors say she has direct contact with the Dragon. After she had done her very best to save her country, she stepped down as promised. When it was accepted that Nazia could not be restored, she left.
- Calderan, Stimok - Banker of Drachenwald. Joined the Cagilan Empire after the surrender of Nazia.
- Eylen, Vinnie van - Noble of Drachenwald. Banned from Darka, as he says: innocent. Was one of the greatest opponent in Drachenwald of taking Tarasac. But despite his disagreeing with the ruler, he always follows orders. which was proved when he warned the army of a alughter, if they would march against the enemy in Sauvia during the Tarasac-war, but marched with his realmmates, when general Nemethos did not cancel the attack. Risfou writes about him with much respect. Left after the failed restoration of Nazia.
- Fireborn, Plunge - Former Knight of Drachenwald. Left after the fall of Tarasac.
- Lómadriewyn, Arcadia - Knight of Drachenwald. She came to Drachenwald at Risfou's 73th day with a small bunch of close friends. she lost them all, except Robin and seeks revenge. Took a ship to the Far East after the surrender of Nazia.
- Lyton, Skanders - second last dictator of Drachenwald. Dictator of Drachenwald when Risfou started his career. Is disappointed in the habits of the island and left Atamara.
- Occam, Gilead - Last dictator of Drachenwald. Highly regarded by Risfou. wrote a history of Drachenwald. Held himself responsible for her lost and left for another island, while he changed his name.
- McMahon, Lanceor - Knight of Drachenwald, hero. Left Drachenwald after the fall of Tarasac.
- Perfect II, Envirgar - Last judge of Drachenwlad, mentor. Left for the Far East after Nazia was invaded.
- Petterson, Si Ju Jarugi - Last king of Drachenwald, known infiltrator. Liege of Risfou. Left after the surrender of Nazia.
- Saladi'ilm, Nemethos - Lord of Drachenwald, ex-general. Risfou always writes about him with the deepest form of respect. Surrendered Nazia to the Cagilan Empire when it was invaded.
- Sernisto, Deimo - Wrote the hymn of Drachenwald. Actively discussed about how to let Drachenwald survive during the Tarasac-war. After the loss of the capital, he left Drachenwald. Risfou speaks about him with respect.
- Valorian, Sargeras - Lord of Drachenwald. Left after Alaise was lost.
post-king Drachenwaldians
- d'Cosar, Naidraug - True Drachenwaldian noble. Only of the post-king Drachenaldians who had been longer in the realm than Risfou. Joined Falasan.
- Jamin, Ben's - Sauvian knight. Devout of worshipper of the Dragon. Was watcher in Nazgorn during the failed operation to move the capital back. Joined Tara.
- Lekric, Nordan - Nazian noble. Only 15 days in the realm when Saladi'ilm, Nemethos surrendered Nazia. Stopped disappointed his career.
- MordreadZ, Ismael - Only 10 days in the realm when Nazia surrendered.
- von Ulrick, Kios - Only 3 days in the realm when Nazia fell.
- Warlord, Greed - Knight. Came to Drachenwald while Tarasac was in enemy hands. Risfou was scouting from Alaise at the moment. Lord Greed was not known with the problems in Tarasac and went to there for recruiting. When Risfou heard that, he immediately warned him. Greed stopped in Alaise and Risfou bought some rounds for him and his men.
- Zudon, Krator - Nazian knight. Was guider betweeen Galadia and Nazia during the failed operation to move the capital back. We have met him personally. We find him a polite and brave young man.
