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, Count of Washford, as her liege and patron.

Battles

The Battle of Matakonis

On June 26th, 2006, Aeryn fought her first battle. It was during the night 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.

Duel with Mia Rairiki

At sunrise on July 6th, 2006, Aeryn fought her first duel. She was challenged by her mentor, Mia, who met her at Meldeen. "After a series of blows, Mia draws blood and wins the duel." After the duel, Mia pronounced that Aeryn had "graduated" at the top of her class. Aeryn was very confused.

Speeches

On War

On the night of June 29th, 2006, Aeryn gave the following speech during a debate sparked by Darka's declaration of war against Abington following Abington's theft of Darka's food supply the day before. 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 we start wars? Again, because we desire life, and peace is not always enough to keep you alive. You must also eat, and when the demand for food is greater than the supply, then eventually someone is going to have to fight in order to live.

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

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. As they should. It is not necessary for us to believe that our enemies are evil. If other realms cannot peacefully share their food with our people, then we must, by necessity, take it by force. I expect nothing less from our enemies, and nothing more from our generals, for we are all noble in war only insofar as we are hungry in peace.

I sincerely hope that the hostilities between Darka and Abington cease 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.

Averyll

Aeryn's sister, Averyll began her career in Toren, a Theocracy ruled by Pontifex Phear on the South-East continent. Pontifex Phear is the brother of Count Phlex, her sister's liege. Averyll is currently traveling to Toren Stronghold to recruit more men and paraphanelia.