Kingsley Family/Alyssa

Alyssa Kingsley
Status:	Alive
Continent:	East Continent
Realm:	Perdan
Titles Held:	Queen of Perdan
Class:	Cavalier
Honor:	238
Prestige:	30
Age:	43
Height:	5'8
Weight:	Athletic
Eyes:	Blue
Hair:	Blonde

Alyssa Kingsley is a Perdanian Queen, military commander, stateswoman, political theorist 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.

Following the disappearance of Smiddich Fontaine, Alyssa was selected by the nobles of Perdan to be the new Queen. During her reign she worked diligently to secure positive relations and peacekeeping efforts throughout the Continent, including détente with former foes such as Sirion and Eponllyn, as well as intervening to put an end to the raids that had been occurring across the Continent by Yssrgard.

As Queen she also oversaw numerous changes to the government including appointments in key positions such as the Duchy of Perdan, the Judge-Magister of Perdan, and new marshals, taking a sponsorship role of the realm's armies. During her reign the tax system was overhauled, including the abolishment of the wealth tax, as well as an update to the law documents, which were overseen by Gislin Luitolf. She also led the realm in two wars, defeating Yssrgard and putting a brief end to their raids against Perdan, and against Perleone over a border dispute.

After several years of reign, Alyssa was forced to abdicate during the Perdan Crisis, after betrayals in her court led by Aila Storme and Lucius Poe. After an interregnum lead by Richard De Brey, Alyssa was restored to the throne, where she oversaw an extended period of peace. The peace was broken however after Eponlli intrusions into Perdan led to the declaration of the The River War.

Following tense and unproductive peace talks, the war resulted in a White Peace following seismic shifts surrounding Altar of Flames, one of the key regions involved in the peace discussions, and the resignation of Lorelai Chamberlain. After the war, Alyssa focused her eyes towards restoring peace across the Continent, visiting Shadowdale and Sirion to secure and maintain peaceful relations, normalizing détente once more with Eponllyn, and intervening in the Scouring of Yssrgard by Perleone.

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, to oppose the invading army of the Northern Alliance; composed of armies from all of the Northern realms (Sirion, Greater Eponllyn, Nivemus, Caligus, Shadowdale). She took part in The Hoodwink in Winkamus, an attempted assault upon the armies of the south gathered in Winkamus, by the Northern Alliance. In what would be the largest battle of the war, the Northern Army found itself alone in the woods of Winkamus, the Imperial Host nowhere in sight, as they had retreated away the North having failed to scout the Imperial retreat. As they marched through Meuse, Alyssa felt unease as they headed towards their real target, and 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. While their interactions were strained, they began a correspondence and discussed topics of personal and philosophical nature, correspondence which was encouraged by King Kay.

Her next campaign saw her heading North, through the mountains of Akesh in Caligus. Under the command of Lord Dodger, she travelled to the city of Oligarch, the former capital of Redhaven and the cultural heart of Greater Eponllyn. Alyssa led her men in Dodger's assault on the city, but the Perdanese force was repelled by the city's defenders, a militia of peasant forces that gathered to the city's walls to repel the Perdanese assault. Alyssa was shot by an arbalest and knocked from her horse Starlight in the battle, wounding her in the hip, and breaking her arm in the fall. She recovered with the aid of her soldiers in a sympathetic farmhouse in the outskirts of Oligarch and began the long journey home, evading the patrols in the enemy realm of Caligus where she was captured by the Caligan forces and brought before Lord Preston Greer, the Lord Justice of Caligus. They shared pleasant company, and their values of honour and truth, and protection of the weak, and Preston released her early, treating her well during her stay as she continued back to Perdan City.

Upon her return, the army marched out again, this time to meet the enemy in Caligus and protect Perdan's Vixen allies. The Alliance army proved far wilier than the combined Imperial forces, and outmaneuvered them preventing a battle while simultaneously rounding up the peasants to slaughter. This tactic was witnessed by a horrified and frustrated Imperial army as the two sides began to hurl barbed insults at one another. Eventually Lyanna Arylon admonished both sides for the ignoble display, which Alyssa noted her agreement with, leading to a correspondence and later close friendship between the two women. During the encounter, Kellan Dodger was assassinated by his brother Kilhorn who disappeared without a trace. Without their leader, the Imperial Army dispersed back to their home realms.

Now without a high general, the nobles of Perdan were to select a new Imperator, to fill the vacancy left by Kellan's death. As the days for the election passed, no candidates stepped forward. Realizing that no one else would step forward, and on the recommendation of King Kay, Alyssa announced her intent to serve as the next Imperatrix. With overwhelming support, Alyssa was granted command of the armies of Perdan.

Imperatrix of Perdan

Upon receiving command of the army, Alyssa quickly began filling the now vacant marshal position for Perdan's Golden Lions, the main fighting force of the Perdanian military. She selected Lord Ulric Hawk, with Lord Samuel Bathgate II as Vice-Marshal, as well as recommending a handful of other commanders to the War Council. With the new council created, Alyssa opted for a more open and cooperative approach to planning and coordination. She withdrew from the Imperial command structure, which had no supreme commander after Kellan's death, and approached the Protector of Perleone and Vix Tiramora as an equal. She was also assigned a personal guardian by King Kay, Dustiria Noire

Alyssa's campaigns began with difficulty, as Perdan's forces and resources were limited due to the campaign of terror the Alliance inflicted upon the Duchy of Perdan, laying waste to the regions surrounding the capital. Alyssa decided to make a quick strike back, running quick takeovers of the rogue regions outside the capital, before embarking on an ill-fated assault on Bescanon, which ended in a serious defeat and allowing the North even more opportunity move into Perdan. As such, Alyssa did what she could to limit the damage, and adopted a heavily defense-first strategy in an effort to protect the people of Perdan, as well as further the realm's diplomatic stance that the actions of the Kingdom of Perdan the Alliance had laid at her feet. This strategy met with mixed results, while she won very few military engagements, and no major battles, by picking opportune targets at the right moments, despite heavy losses, the Perdanese were able to deal enough damage to the Alliance armies to force refits. Damage to Perdan regions was still heavy, but she stopped the enemy from advancing farther than Dimwood and force contest of the rogue regions surrounding the city.

The worst of her defeats however came during the Butchery in Brive. In an effort to catch the Sirion army alone and unaware, due to their lack of formalized alliances with most of the rest of the Northern Bloc, Alyssa attempted to gather the entire Perdan army to strike against the North in Brive. In being the attacker she planned to catch Sirion alone and undefended, however the Perdanese forces arrived too early, and were caught off guard themselves by a coordinated Northern attack. The battle was over quickly and Perdan suffered a serious defeat; over one third of the realm was wounded, many of them seriously, the entire command staff was wounded or capture, the army itself was utterly destroyed and King Kay was killed. The Northern army suffered minimal losses and, being in Brive, was in prime position to capitalize on the defeat and assault Perdan City.

Inexplicably, Lionel Kinsey, the Northern commander decided against pressing the advantage, and continued West to loot Dimwood before returning back to the North, buying Alyssa and Perdan the precious time they needed to recover. Alyssa herself was saved from the carnage by Dustiria Noire who pulled her from the melee, saving her life, despite a serious wound to her abdomen. During the few days after the death of King Kay, the throne lay vacant, and the realm looked to her, still only 20 years old for guidance. Under Perdanese law, Alyssa was the Lady Regent of Perdan until the next monarch was selected. Some looked to her to step forward, something she found herself willing to do but uncertain of.

It was during this period of recovery after terrible loss that Alyssa first met Isana Everlight in person. They had exchanged letters and met briefly as Isana reported for muster, but Alyssa found herself immediately taken with the other knight, and Isana's gentle comfort and easy joy brought hope to her in her greatest darkness, and Alyssa felt the strength to carry on. Fortunately, King Kay was rescued from death thanks to Gaheris Camlann and a group of adventurers from Perleone who, through the use of powerful magicks restored him from death. Upon his return, Alyssa continued her duties as Imperatrix, and her defensive strategy.

Alyssa's first true victory came a month later, as her forces alongside the Perleone army led by Saraph Orneithian and the Vixens led by Nicolai Paxwax maneuvered the Northern army into the mountains, and with their aid, Alyssa tried the tactic again, this time, crushing the Sirion army, and scattering the remaining Northern host. Emboldened by her victory she began reclamation of the regions surrounding the capital.

When the Alliance army came south once more, they changed tactics, extending far South in an effort to eliminate Vix Tiramora. At the suggestion of her War Council, Alyssa took the opportunity to make another attempt on Bescanon. Under her leadership and the leadership of the marshals and the rest of the War Council, they led an assault on Bescanon, and despite an initial rebuff, the army was able to quickly retreat and regroup in Perdan City and make another attempt the following day. This attack was a success, and with the Northern army far out of position, Alyssa began a takeover of the region. When the Northern army returned, Alyssa's army had reinforced while they were still weak from their campaign. The half-hearted assault on Bescanon failed and the takeover completed. Kay, who was wounded from a skirmish in Meuse, impressed with her boldness and her victory awarded her the region, naming her Lady of Bescanon.

The Riverlands

Upon her naming as Lady of Bescanon, Alyssa moved quickly to secure the region as fast as possible. The region was in utter chaos following the takeover and Alyssa was entrusted both with the region's defense against counter attacks and in restoring its infrastructure. She took her seat in the provincial capital of Water Town, in the castle of Riverwatch. Though she was new to ladyship, and felt suddenly the stresses of ruling over 20,000 people. As she became accustomed to court life, she also maintained her duties as Imperatrix of Perdan.

She quickly established defenses at Bescan Bridge, establishing a large militia presence, and naming Salmaneous Belmont to the title of Knight of the Bridge, charging him with the protection of the region's foremost entryway from Eponllyn to Perdan. She also took two other knights, the first Dustiria Noire, her bodyguard, who she recognized with the title of Blade of the White, in reference to her constant vigilance in Alyssa's protection, charged to her by King Kay. She also knighted Isana Everlight, naming her Dawnstar, for her unflinching brightness and cheer in the face of Darkness, traits that Alyssa had come to depend on.

With the help of her knights and the armies of Perdan, a sturdy militia was set on the Eponlli border and the efforts of Duke Smiddich of Perdan and Kenneth MacArbin helped to restore the faith of the realm and Alyssa's rule in the people of Bescanon. Once the region was fully secured, the Alliance's ability to attack Perdan diminished greatly, and Alyssa's armies were able to reclaim the rest of the regions Perdan had lost, including Nascot.

Forced to change tactics,

Non-Player Characters

Pets and Animals

Starlight

Starlight was 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 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 was not easily spooked but is smart enough to preserve herself in dire situations, escaping when her life was threatened. She was typically protected in battle with silver plated barding, though in regular ride Alyssa rode her lightly. Alyssa is not an expert rider or jouster but she did care dearly for her beloved loyal steed, and was 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 employed several grooms in her support company that ensured Starlight had all her needs taken care of.

Shadow

Shadow was 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 slept in her bed and in time she eventually gave up on breaking him of his one bad habit. Shadow, like Alyssa herself, was 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 ceased when she commands him.

Shadow was a regular companion to Alyssa, often at her side during outdoor walks. Alyssa was 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 bore some resemblance to the wolf on her heraldry, this was sometimes remarked on, though Alyssa would note 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. In Autumn of 2020, Isana proposed marriage to Alyssa with the Glowing Ring of Autumn, which Alyssa happily accepted. They married in a private ceremony in Bescanon during the interregnum between Alyssa's coronations.

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.

Eventually, upon her ascent to Queen, Alyssa appointed Dustiria as Judge-Magister of Perdan.

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.

Daario Vulparan

Alyssa took note of a young noble from house Vulparan, and seeing promise in him, she knighted him as a Knight of Perdan. Daario quickly proved himself as a loyal and dedicated knight, his values aligning with Alyssa's own. Alyssa takes great pride in Daario, and over the years has come to appreciate his steadfastness, dedication to Perdan and its ideals, and wisdom in counsel. She considers him a close friend, and in some ways brotherly.

Roleplays

A Knight of Perdan

• 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 Riverlands

• 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
• Homecoming
• Across the Sea
• Darkened Sky

A Crown of Gold

• Important Things
• Domus
• Warm in the Cold
• A Crown of Gold
• The War in the South
• Alexandria
• A Tale of Two Lions
• Summons
• Lay Down Your Burdens
• The Royal
• Love and Peace
• The River War
• Celebration
• In The Garden
• Anniversary
• The Price of Revenge
• Moonlight
• The Republic
• Lighting the Shadows