Arete Family

Background

Originally established in Riverholm, Abington on Atamara, the Arete family derives its name from the Greek word meaning "virtue," or more specifically, "the excellence that makes anything an outstanding specimen of its kind, especially well fitted to its ends" (Nicomachean Ethics, trans. Joe Sachs, pg. 212).

However, the family has thus far done little to prove themselves worthy of their own name.

Fame

The Arete family currently has no fame points

Aeryn

Aeryn is the first member of the Arete family to become an active member of the nobility, and has choosen Sir Phlex Fantom, Count of Washford, as her liege and patron.

Battles

Aeryn fought her first battle under the banners of King Carriantor against a horde of 11 monsters in Matakonis. She stood there and watched almost half of Astrider's cavalry die.

Speeches

Aeryn gave the following speech during a debate sparked by Darka's declaration of war against Abington. Shortly after Aeryn gave her speech, the hostilities between Abington and Darka ceased.

We all desire peace. We desire peace because we desire life, and life is less certain in a state of war. But once war has begun, it must continue. Dropping your sword and shield will not stop the arrows already in flight.

So why do wars begin? Again, because we desire life, and peace is not always enough to keep you alive. You must also eat, and if there is not enough food for everyone, than someone must take food from another, by force, in order to stay alive.

For you to live, someone else must die. Whether they die by the sword, or by famine, is up to you.

We, as nobles, eat well. But we are called "noble" because we fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. Our people are starving. Darka has declared war on us because we must steal their food in order to feed our people. If they will not sell us their food peacefully, than we must, as nobles, take it by force.

It is not necessary for us to believe that our enemies are evil; we are only as noble in war as we are hungry in peace. I sincerely hope that the hostilities between Darka and Abington end before blood has been spilt. But if we are unable find alternative means to feed our people, I look forward to fertilizing the battlefield with the corpses of our enemies.