Darion II Caedmon
Darion II Caedmon, known as Darion the Restorer and Darion the Just, is the twenty-second and current reigning king of the Kingdom of Lumera. He is the seventh monarch of House Caedmon, though is the first of the Caedmon Restoration.
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aliases |
| |||
| Title | King of the Moon, the Sun, and All of Humanity | |||
| Predecessor | Kael II | |||
| Race | Captioline | |||
| Culture | Caedmon Capitoline | |||
| Born |
3rd of Summertide, 465 Lightkeep, The Capital | |||
| Father | Harlan II | |||
| Mother | Lyre Swanstone | |||
| Spouse | Ophelia Blackthorne | |||
| Issue | ||||
Darion was born the only son and child of Harlan II and Queen Lyre. During the waning hours of the War of the Usurper, the young prince Darion escaped certain death as the usurper Kael Voss murdered his parents. He spent the rest of his childhood and early adulthood in secret exile in Silverglade, living a false identity as a squire of Lord Protector Cassius Verdwyn. At the age of twenty-four, Darion revealed his identity to the rest of the kingdom, and led a successful rebellion against the usurper king, slaying him in Battle of Medine and deposing his young son.
Upon retaking the throne, Darion pardoned the lords who rose in defense of the usurper, and has worked to regaining the stability of the realm, which was left damaged by Kael I's oppressive reign. In 500, he organized the Great Council of 500, which introduced a wide array of reforms to the Lumera Codex. Along with that, Darion restored amicable relations with both the Outer Realms, the collective term of the distant kingdoms of the west and south, and with the Luminescent Church.
History
Early life
Darion Caedmon was born on the 3rd of Summertide, 465 to King Harlan II and Queen Lyre Swanstone. He was the first healthy child of the royal couple, and would be there only. Darion was their fourth child, having three older stillborn siblings, and would go on to have one younger stillborn sister and an younger unborn sibling. His birth was declared a miracle by the celestial priestesses who delivered him. Upon being presented to court, Darion was made a prince of the realm and the Prince of Everlight, the title of the heir apparent to the throne. His enthronement as the Prince of Everlight was considered political theater, designed to project House Caedmon's resolve following a series of political blunders by Harlan II. The title is typically given to the heir apparent upon reaching manhood, which is the age of eighteen.
Until the age of five, the then Prince Darion was tutored by mentors on matters of religion and etiquette. At the age of seven, he began swordsmanship lessons with Knight Cosgrove Hallowshield. He was noted for his quick ability with the sword, but lack of interest in the studies of philosophy or history. However, Darion did take a particular interest in religion during his early life. He attended the royal sermons hosted in the chapel inside the Lightkeep, both in the morning and late evening, and took care in his religious studies. He took inspiration from Aureon, specifically his resolve during the Dark Days.
Usurper's War and secret exile
Upon the start of the War of the Usurper, Darion was sheltered by the royal household guard under the commands of Harlan II. As the sole heir to the throne, Darion's safety was considered a top priority amongst those loyal to the king, especially Lord Cassius Verdwyn, the Lord Protector of Silverglade and the king's Warden of Justice. A supporter of House Caedmon, Lord Cassian took great lengths to protect Darion during the rebellion. As the rebellion grew more successful, the king worried more and more about the survival of House Caedmon. In order to protect his son, heir, and legacy, Harlan II placed Darion under the custodianship of Lord Verdwyn.
While Kael Voss besieged the capital, Lord Cassius and Darion fled the Lightkeep, traveling discreetly in the cover of darkness. A day later, the city fell to Kael Voss, and both Harlan II, Queen Lyre, and those associated with House Caedmon were executed by the victorious Voss, who crowned himself king by right of conquest. Darion was devastated by the murders of his parents and kinsman, and vowed revenge against House Voss.
With the war's conclusion, Darion was taken to the Veil of Morning in Silverglade, where he was raised as Lord Cassius's ward. To avoid suspicion, Darion took on the identity of "Royce Coswell", a low-born squire of the Lord Protector and dyed his hair a bright red color. His true identity was only known by Lord Cassian and his immediate family. At the Veil of Morning, Darion was raised alongside Cassius's son, Tyber Verdwyn. Through their shared interests, the boys became quick and close friends, and soon considered themselves to be brothers in arms. Tyber and Darion were described as being incredibly close and inseparable, taking part in activates, training, and education together. Darion also made friends with Tyber's sisters, Aylla, Livia, and Jaesa. It was believed that Lord Cassius intended on Darion marrying one of his daughters in the near future, though this never came to fruition.
Darion's education and martial training was picked up directly by Cassius, who feared delegating the exiled, and believed to be dead, crown prince to others was too dangerous. By the age of sixteen, Darion had become a skilled fighter, able to take on at least three swordsmen when training. He participated in the Tourney of the Morning as a mystery knight, in which he briefly came face to face with Kael I. Darion had a hard time restraining himself near the usurper king, and after the tourney's completion joined Tyber in touring the mountain lords in the north during the remaining duration of Voss's stay at the Veil of Morning.
Upon reaching manhood, Darion refocused his energy to taking back the crown. With the cautious blessing of Cassius, Darion and Tyber conducted a tour of the realm, covertly determining the potential allegiances of each house in a future war against Voss. While in the Capital, Darion was able to steal Flameheart, the legendary sword of Arthur I Lumera wielded by every Lumeran king up until Kael I. The sword, which can be light ablaze by those of Arthur's bloodline, was discarded by Voss, who was unable to activate the weapon due to his lack of royal blood, and had been placed on display in the Church of the Sun and Moon. The theft was considered a great triumph for Darion and Tyber, but was condemned by Cassius who believed the two risked exposing their plot.
Returning to Silverglade in 496, the twenty-one year old Darion officially formulated his rebellion. With Cassius's death and Tyber's ascension to the Lord Protectorate, Darion received the full backing of Silverglade to conduct his rebellion, providing him a guard of thirteen men and plenty of coin. In 498, Darion travelled to Calworthia, his house's ancient homeland, to secure the fealty of House Stormforge. While having historically tense relations, House Stormforge remained a steadfast supporter of Harlan II during the War of the Usurper, and continued to resist Kael I's rule for many years afterwards. Upon arriving at the Caedfort, Darion revealed his true identity to Lord Protector Mace Stormforge.
Mace remained cautious of Darion, as many had tried to claim the identity of his kinsmen before. However, after Darion was able to activate Flameheart, Lord Mace was fully convinced of his identity and pledged fealty and support to Darion. With Mace's backing, Darion wished to travel northwards to Winterholm, where he'd hope to continue his covert alliance-making. However, his plans were halted after Lord Mace publicly revealed Darion's existence to the real, in an effort to begin a mass rebellion against House Voss. His actions began the War of the Restorer.
War of the Restorer
Upon the reveal of his identity and existence, Darion sent additional letters to the lords of the realm, confirming Mace's revelations and equally calling for rebellion. Darion was greatly displeased with Mace's actions; he had no time to form serious alliances with the other major houses, and had no army to challenge the usurper king. However, Darion kept his displeasures to himself, hoping not to invoke the legendary anger of Mace Stormforge. At the beginning of Summertide, 498, Darion headed a host of eight thousand men, all of whom originated from Calworthia. Initially skeptical of his chances, Darion became hopeful among new developments.
Upon the revelation of Darion's survival, the realm seemed united in the wish of deposing House Voss. The northern realms, through the diplomatic machinations of Tyber Verdwyn, largely declared for Darion immediately following the revelation of his survival. House Asher of Emberpeak declared neutrality, largely because of the indecision by the regents of Lord Protector Rybert Asher, and while House Oakgrove of Brightstone declared for Darion, their lands were split by civil war as loyalists led by House Blackhold revolted. In the south, Alterbia, the homeland of House Voss and the source of its large armies, became embroiled in a civil war. House Redfield of Redfall, who were once considered allies to the usurper, declared neutrality after being scorned at court five years prior, and House Seabright of Azurereach and House Lysander of Sedania remained neutral at first, but later declared for Darion.
With his alliances settled, Darion moved his army of Calworthians northwards to Silverglade, where they united with Tyber's host of Silvergladers, Winterholmers, and Dunsbarians. At the end of Summertide, the combined host of twenty thousand men marched southwards to Brightstone, where Darion hoped to assist House Oakgrove in defeating the loyalist forces led by House Blackhold. Spliting his army evenly, Darion led a host of ten thousand men southwards to the capital of Brightsmoot, while Tyber led the remaining host of ten thousand in pacifying the northern reaches of Brightstone. Darion participated in his first battle on the 4th of Autumntide, 498, defeating a host led by Knight Jordyn Blackhold at the Battle of Noble Crossing. He later led further victories against the loyalists throughout the rest of Autumntide, culminating in the Battle of the Darkfort and the surrender for Lord Brynden Blackhold. With House Blackhold defeated, most loyalist forces surrendered to Darion or fled to The Capital.
Despite the victories in Brightstone, the defeat of Lord Protector Aedward Theobane at the Battle of Plainfield allowed Kael I to organize a host of fifty thousand men, which reinforced Lumeris and The Capital realm. Although leading a large host, Darion did not have the men or supplies necessary to siege the capital. Because of this, Darion resorted to trickery in order to draw out the usurper king. Through a plan developed by Tyber, Darion lured Kael into occupying the city of Medine in the Wintertide, 499, located at the border between the Capital realm and Brightstone. With the assistance of House Medine, Darion launched a surprise attack on Kael's host, surrounding the city and simultaneously sinking his warships and blockading the port. With limited supplies, Kael's army was weakened by siege, and soon was attacked by Darion's forces.
Along the city wall, Darion engaged in a personal duel with Kael the Usurper, as their forces battled below them. According to some, the sounds of Flameheart clashing with Kael's weapon, the legendary Kingslayer, could be heard all throughout the city. After an hour of constant dueling, Darion got the upper hand against Kael, beheading the usurper king in one final slash. With Kael's death, his five year old son, Prince Kael, was proclaimed Kael II with a regency led by Lord Tarwyn Soady. However, a majority of the bannermen loyal to House Voss surrendered with the death of the usurper, believing the war to be over.
A week following the Battle of Medine, Darion began a brief yet deadly siege of the capital, fighting against the remnants of the usurper's armies and eventually storming the Lightkeep. Entering the throne room, Darion was surprised to see the young Kael II, carrying his infant sister Kalnora. The young usurper, who escaped the watchful eye of his guardians during the siege, took his infant sister on a tour of the throne room. He greeted Darion, believing him to be a tutor of some kind. With that, Darion confined the young usurper and his sister to their quarters, ending the war.
Reign
Upon the war's conclusion, Darion was crowned King Darion II Caedmon by the Celestial Conclave in a ceremony at the battle-damaged Church of Sun and Moon, officially deposing Kael II. His coronation ceremony, which as hastily rushed, was only attended by soldiers of his host and the common folk who remained in the city during the previous week's siege. In his first act as king, Darion issued pardons to the lords of the realm who rose in support of Kael the Usurper during his rebellion. He believed that these lords were only doing their duty as vassals, and could not fault them for having honor, even if misguided. He did punish those who had participated in the deaths of his parents, executing individuals such as the knight Paymond Roswell, who had reportedly murdered Queen Lyre himself. Darion also issued pardons for Kael II and his sister, Kalnora, both of whom were young children. As they were the last of their house, Darion placed both children under the custodianship of the crown, to be raised in court. Though he did strip them of their titles and claims to the throne.
Before he could properly begin his rule, Darion took his still-standing host southwards, assisting House Reever in solidifying control over Alterbia in the Summertide of 490, ending the civil war there. Returning to Lumeris shortly afterwards, Darion spent the remaining year solidifying his control over Lumera. He most notably ended a soon-to-be rebellion with words alone. In the late Wintertide of 490, Darion uncovered a plot to assassinate him by lords previously loyal to the usurper. The Yrenne Conspiracy resulted in the executions of some lords who were previously pardoned, including Lord Sulfyr Yrenne. Darion presided over the reconstruction of Lumeris from 489 to 490, and is responsible for the expansion of certain parts of the city.
By 491, Darion felt the realm was secured enough, and began the search for a bride to wed. At the age of twenty-six, Darion was considerably older than the average suitor; amongst Lumeran nobility, the ages of eighteen to twenty are the prime ages to wed. However, Darion's was a handsome young man, and as a bachelor king, attracted marriage proposals from across the entire realm. While Darion observed each proposal with respect and courtesy, he truly only considered one candidate: Ophelia Blackthorne, eldest daughter of Lord Protector Oscar Blackthorne of Dunsbaria. Darion had previously met Ophelia while under the alias of Royce Caswell, and both shared a glowing attraction for each other. On the 34th of Summertide, 491, Darion wedded Ophelia in a grand wedding ceremony which was attended by many lords of the realm.
Their marriage is a loving one, and has produced four children: Prince Harlan (born 493), Princess Elena (born 495), Prince Dustyn (born 496), and Prince Gwayne (born 499). Darion was active in the raising of all four of his children, a feat uncommon amongst members of high nobility, in particular royalty. He especially took part in the raising of his eldest son, Prince Harlan, organizing specialized education based on the management of the realm.
In 494, Darion reformed the High Council, which had existed for five centuries before Kael the Usurper had dissolved the body during his reign. He appointed Tyber Verdwyn as his Lord President, a position he continues to serve in the capacity of, being the king's longest tenured member. As Lord President, Tyber has pushed forward Darion's domestic agenda, including proposals to the reformation of the Lumera Codex, a system of laws first implemented at the Great Council of 0 A.U..
From 496 to 497, Darion and his family underwent a royal progress, visiting each of the realms of Lumera. During this time, Darion oversaw the reconstruction of the cities of Emberpeak following the Great Quake of 496 and the restoration of common law in Nordkavn. It was reported that Darion enjoyed his time the most in Silverglade, where he reconnected with his childhood companions and friends, and enjoyed his time the least in Redfall, reportedly because of Lord Roger Redfield's insistence on marrying one of his daughters to Prince Harlan, who at the time was only four years old.
In 500, Darion organized the Great Council of 500 to propose a series of reforms to the Lumera Codex, building upon his previous work. While many of his proposals were passed, those involved improving the welfare of the common folk were overlooked or ignored. This angered Darion, whose entire motive for organizing the collective of lords was to improve the lives of his subjects. He expressed his frustrations to his wife, Queen Ophelia, in a private setting. In the following year, Darion and Tyber restored the trading relations with the Outer Realms that had previous been established prior to the usurper's reign. With the flow of new trade, many port cities, such as Lumeris, Redfield, and Seaport experienced a surge in wealth and investment.
In 509, Darion led a host of a thousand men in putting down a tax revolt in Brightstone. Not wanting to intervene, he was forced to do so after the rebels captured Alyane Oakgrove, the son and heir to Lord Protector Dustyn Oakgrove. In the next year, he joined Lord Protector Rybert Asher in defending against an invasion by the savage tribes of Emberpeak, united under high king Sabba. It is believe Darion led the vanguard that allowed Lord Rybert to slay Sabba.
In 511, Darion organized a massive tourney in celebration of Prince Harlan's 18th nameday. Lucius Verdwyn, son and heir of Tyber, surprised many by defeating four knights in the jousting match, including the legendary knight Gwayne Crossroads. In the tradition of tourneys, Lucius declared Kalnora Voss the "beauty of the realm", which reportedly made the king uncomfortable. Following the tourney, Darion escorted his predecessor, Kael II Voss, to the Academy, endorsing his entrance into the prestigious school.
Personality and Appearance
Darion is a tall and burly man, standing at around six feet in length and has large shoulders. In his youth, he had long wavy hair that reached his shoulders, though in adulthood instead sports curly and short hair and a beard, both colored in a mixture of brown and gray. As is common amongst members of House Caedmon, Darion has emerald-colored eyes, which some say flicker when his emotions are shown. Court Recorder Jon Torylander describes Darion as the striking image of his father, Harlan II, noting the similar shapes of their noses and jawlines. Like most who spent extended time in Silverglade, Darion's peachy skin color is slightly pale, a byproduct of the dark magical residue.
Darion is viewed as kind and generous by the common folk, who had benefited from his various reforms of the common law and for restoring trade relations. Unlike his father, Darion has a strong mind, refusing to bend to the influences of negative voices. He has also been described as stubborn and persistent, usually getting what he wants either through convincing or demands. He was strongly stubborn in his youth, pursuing his wants to maximum effect. Darion is viewed as a just and fair king. He shocked many with his pardon of the lords who rose against him in the War of the Restorer though was efficient in carrying out justice when some of these lords attempted to assassinate him a year following.
A family man, Darion played a prominent role in the raising of his children, a feat uncommon amongst nobles of high birth and especially royalty. Those around Darion understood that his large role in his children's upbringing was a mixture of his father's influence, who himself had a deep connection to Darion in his youth, and the fear of loneliness, especially after losing his family at such a young age. Darion and his wife, Queen Ophelia Blackthorne share a deep love, which has become deeply admired by the common folk, many of whom romanticize their relationship in song or poems.
Marriage, family, and relationships
Darion II is married to Ophelia Blackthorne, the eldest daughter of Lord Protector Oscar Blackthorne and sister to his successor, Aeryn Blackthorne. Darion and Ophelia are distantly related through his ancestor, Dana Blackthorne, the wife and consort of Darion I, the first Caedmon king. Their relationship is a loved one, with both Darion and Ophelia sharing a strong connection and bond.
Darion has four children with Ophelia: Prince Harlan, Princess Elena, Prince Dustyn, and Prince Gwayne. Darion was heavily involved in the raising of his children, including organizing their education and spending his free time with them. It is reported that he has spent the most time with his eldest son and heir, Prince Harlan, though he loves each of his children equally. Despite the hatred he had for their father, Darion has a good relationship with his predecessor Kael II and his sister Kalnora Voss, who were both raised in his court. He sponsored Kael II's education at the Academy, where he studies the arcane sciences, while also promising to sponsor Kalnora should she pursue a similar path. However, he is distant with both Voss children, and reportedly uncomfortable with their close connection with his own children.
Darion shares a brotherly bond with Lord Protector Tyber Verdwyn of Silverglade. Both men were raised together in the court of the Veil of Morning, and have shared important life experiences together. Darion and his family are exceptionally close with Tyber and his family; Prince Harlan and Lucius Verdwyn, son and heir of Tyber, share a brotherly bond similar to their fathers. Darion shares a similar relationship with Tyber's sisters, though the feelings are lopsided. While Darion considers Aylla, Livia, and Jaesa as sisters, they at one point shared a collective love for him, especially Jaesa. Some say she still holds an affection for him.
In his youth, Darion shared a strong bond with his father, Harlan II. Even in adulthood, Darion attempts to emulate his father's best qualities, while also distancing himself from his father's less ideal characteristics, such as his indecisiveness and bouts of paranoia.