The governance of Newhope on Mardrun evolved out of the need for strong leadership after the mass migration from Faedrun. The initial building of the various human towns and villas surrounding Newhope was a haphazard thing, disorganized and prone to attacks by Mordok. While a few of the trade guilds attempted to set up a parliament, the Colonists were not ready to accept such a radical change in their governing habits – for too long, they had lived under the guidance of nobility.
The first to suggest that the surviving nobles of Faedrun meet to discuss the ruling of the Colonies was Baron Richards of Vandregon. He proposed that the nobility form a council to properly protect and guide the people of the colonies. There were several immediate volunteers – displaced nobles looking to regain the power that they had back on Faedrun, and thus the Council of Newhope was born.
Originally, there were 10 sitting Council members. Baroness Catherine, Baron Montesque de la Aleine, Baron Al-Azarma, Baroness Al-Azarma, Duke Joakim Ventrini, Celestial (Duchess) Arragones, Grand Duke Byron Richards, Duchess Madeline d’Argent, Duke Martingale of Westhaven, and Duchess Mary cul Tricuspis would all meet twice a year to discuss important governance matters. This has been successful so far – few disagreements have marred the reign of the Council, leading to relatively high confidence in the nobility despite their own personal biases and squabbles.
As the year 266 begins, the Council announced its “Great Works”– a series of projects to help improve the infrastructure of their lands and cities. The list of initial projects includes bringing Daven’s Reach back under their control from bandits and a great highway stretching from Starkhaven to Crow’s Landing. Rumors of further Great Works fly, but the Council is tight-lipped, unwilling to announce anything too far ahead.
In August of 266, Grand Duke Byron Richards, known at the time as Lord Baron Richards, made changes to the existing nobility titles structure that is recognized by the City-State of Newhope on Mardrun. These can be found here.
In 267, Newhope was shaken by the sudden demise of Duke Al-Azarma. Well-respected among his peers and well-liked among his subjects, it was truly a tragedy that fell heavily on the hearts of colonists across Mardrun; none more so than the heart of his beloved wife, Councilwoman Duchess Al-Azarma. At the same time, Duchess Catherine’s long-standing feud with Duke Richards came to a head, resulting in her retirement from the Council. Duchess Catherine, Duke Montesque, and Duchess Al-Azarma all left the City-State state and have gone to rule Daven’s Hold, leaving only 6 sitting council members left.
In 271, Celestial Arragones was discovered to be falsifying information that was discovered during her official oversight of Newhope research. This led to Arragones being stripped of her position as head of Newhope Research, and summoned to the Lictor Courts of Newhope to testify on her actions. Arragones refused, raising a small army and hiding out in her estate. The Council called the Banners of Newhope and besieged her estate. During her unsuccessful attempt to escape, she set fire to her collection. Arragones was tried and found guilty of treason and placed in a cell to await her execution where she was later found mysteriously dead by poisoning, leaving only 5 sitting council members.
In 273, Duke Aailmyr was instated to the Council, as the removal of Celestial Arragones left the Council lacking a Syndar advocate–something the City-State of Newhope felt was deeply needed as the previous 5 Council members were entirely human. This raised the number of sitting Council members back to 6.
In February of 275, Duke Joakim Ventrini was arrested on charges of embezzlement, entrapment, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, and treason. He is currently in the custody of Lictor Mary until he stands trial. For now, it is unclear if his standing on the Council remains until the charges are confirmed, or if he is considered to be removed entirely.
Current Council:
Grand Duke Byron Richards
An opulent and immediately noticeable figure, to many Colonists, Grand Duke Richards is the face of the Colonies. An initial prime supporter of the Order of Arnath’s Fist (which has since turned sour) and a number of other causes, Byron Richards has done what he can to make sure that the Colonies survive the loss of Faedrun and the new life they have set up on Mardrun. He regularly shows interest in investing in smaller communities to foster growth and relationships with Newhope. Despite this, he has been the target of a number of smear campaigns, though none to date have seemed to hold water.
Officially, his position on the Council is that of the Head. He tends to dominate meetings, seemingly looking to benefit his own lands and ideas, although as the years have passed, he has grown much more willing to compromise. It seems the lands of Mardrun are becoming more favorable to the Grand Duke, as he seems to have moderated many of his stances and seems almost younger due to his new outlook.
Duke Aailmyr
Duke Aailmyr is a recent addition to the Council of Newhope. After the removal and subsequent death of Celestial Arragones in 271, The Council found itself lacking a distinctive Syndar voice that could help the Syndar people of the City-state feel that their voices mattered and were heard in this otherwise entirely human government. Prior to his rise to Dukehood, Aailmyr was a lower noble within the Newhope hierarchy. He was well respected amongst the people of the Syndar districts and was known as a person of patience and drive. Since coming onto The Council he has shown a focus in the cultural revitalization of Newhope with a strong focus on bringing Syndar cultural elements to the forefront. He has been actively pushing for a future for the City-state that showcases Syndar culture while blending it with the more human elements of the city. To this end Duke Aailmyr has been an early adopter of the new school of Enchanting that has spread across the continent. He has even set up a trade school in The Syndar District to train up and coming enchanters and arcanists so that their work can help make Newhope look just a little bit more like the fantastical Syndar cities that Aailmyr and his family once called home.
Duchess Madeline d’Argent
The primary military mind of the Colonies, the Duchess d’Argent was known as Mary “Gold” Wainwright when she was born. She served as a bodyguard to the original Marquis d’Argent, protecting his home and body for many years before they were married. As they fled the burning shores of Vandregon under the final assault by the undead, her husband took a grievous wound to the back, and he lingered on for weeks in his cabin. When the wound – delivered, it is said, by an undead assassin – festered, she found herself in the depths of despair. His death shook her to the core – here she was, a new noblewoman who knew nothing of protocol, in charge of an entire house.
The hostile greetings of Mardrun quickly found her place, though. Eschewing the comfortable life of other noblewomen, she personally trains the guards of the Colonies. Her estates – on the border of Nightriver’s territory – are sprawling, half training camp and half manor house. This has caused some tension with Nightriver, as they are uncomfortable sharing a border with such a militant woman, having heard stories of the human’s love of conquest.
More comfortable in her armor than in a noble’s finery, she prefers a shieldmaiden to a handmaiden. The politics of nobility tend to leave her somewhat baffled – she prefers to be direct and forthright – and she distrusts the Ulven to a fault. Still, she has proven a skilled military mind when it comes to the defence of the Colonies from Mordok attack.
Duke Martingale of Westhaven
The quintessential playboy and “supposedly corrupt” political figure on Mardrun, the young Duke Martingale is famous more for his opulent galas rather than his role in the colonies. No one can quite recall whether the youthful Duke Martingale was truly a noble on Faedrun, but when he arrived with his titles and a considerable amount of wealth, no one challenged his claim to them. Still, Duke Martingale remains the very image of a self-absorbed, vain noble – he dresses opulently, throws numerous (and oftentimes scandalous) parties, and seems entirely unconcerned with the people of Mardrun who are unable to dress themselves finely.
Officially, he occupies the Cultural Chair of Mardrun, although few can explain why he might have chosen that title. The young Duke Martingale is seen as a layabout, although the freedom with which he spends his coin suggests that he provides some sort of economic stimulus. “Supplicants” (or beggars, depending on his mood) are advised to flatter the young nobleman as much as possible – if his outlandish attitudes and idleness are to be believed, he has an ego the size of Luna and believes that flattery is the only tool. He tends to vote randomly on matters of state, preferring to return to his parties. Still, he has proven somewhat effective when motivated – which is rarely – and none can deny that he maintains a sharp political sense despite his . . . tendencies.
Duchess Mary cul Tricuspis
Overseer of the judicial branch of Newhope, Duchess Mary cul Tricuspis has flourished under the rule of Grand Duke Byron Richards. Of all the members of the Council, Mary is the least involved in the political struggles, often choosing to sit out of their discussions and schemes. Her honorific title, “Lictor” also signifies her role in the Colonies – she is in charge of enforcing the judicial system and carrying out the judgements of the nobles. Her estates are lacking in creature comforts, reminding guests of her Richtcrag heritage – they resemble barracks more than anything else. She maintains the sole prison on Mardrun, and any bailiff, executioner, or torturer has been personally trained by her. Dark rumors surround her activities in the Colonies – that she was only given the post to keep her trained soldiers out of the struggles for dominance, that dark tortures are carried out in her name – but none of them have been substantiated.
She is a distinguished woman with a scar running down the left side of her face. While her primary concern is that of the fair running of the Colonies and the swift punishment of anyone who breaks the laws laid out by the founders, she has been known to lend aid in the defence of nearby villages and farms with her troops. Their symbol – a trident below a weeping moon – has become the de facto symbol of justice in the Colonies, although some might disagree with her methods.
Past Council Members:
Governess (Baroness) Catherine Grattenberg
Previously:
The counterpoint to Grand Duke Richards, Catherine was the main supporter of the Coalition, whose brave actions led to the destruction of the Lich on Mardrun. She has been one of the main voices crying out for diplomacy with the Ulven, and she believes that she has gotten some trust from them at this stage. She dresses as a noblewoman should – acting as a reminder of the world that they lost and sponsoring a number of important trade bills. Famous for her strong ties to the renewed Vandregonian army, her penchant for fairness, and her former ownership the trading hub of Daven’s Reach, Catherine was the Lord Byron Richards’ most powerful contender in the election for sole rulership of Newhope. Her inability to keep the Reach out of the hands of bandits was the final nail in the coffin for many, and she quickly fell out of favor with a portion of the populace.
The Duchess Catherine officially handles much of the trade on Mardrun – one of her sponsors for her position is the Merchant’s Guild, and she occupies the corresponding seat on the Council.
Now:
Baroness Catherine has been bestowed the honorific title of Governess of Daven’s Hold, being the new leader of the fledgling colony.
Baron Montesque de la Aleine
Previously:
Duke Montesque’s family have been tied to the land their whole life, and the sole surviving son of the family is no different. One of the earliest nobles to leave for the Colonies, the Lord Byron is in charge of the food production of Mardrun’s human population, owning well over half of the farms and land in the Colonies. While this has made him wealthy – more so than any other noble – he has remained down-to-earth, choosing to work the land and dress in a rough approximation of peasant’s clothing – although, to be fair, it is of considerably finer quality, as befits a noble.
One of the loudest voices on the Council – and often opposed to the ideas of Grand Duke Richards – he fights for the common people of Mardrun. His greatest regret is the diminishing of the La Fontaine family on Faedrun – the two families were quite close, sharing neighbouring estates, and the blow struck him quite hard.
Now:
Baron Montesque helps Governess Catherine run the fledgling colony of Daven’s Hold, involved heavily in the tradeskills and agriculture of the colony.
Baroness Sahar Al-Azarma & Baron Samir Al-Azarma
Previously:
As the sole pair of May’Kar nobility on the Council, the Duke and Duchess Al-Azarma are the very picture of what made the May’Kar empire great – their religious freedom. Sponsoring religious functions, temples, and shrines, they have proven to be pious and dedicated to redeeming the view held by the people of Mardrun after the betrayal of the May’Kar in the war against the undead. Their loyalty proved to be to their Vandregonian allies when the Dominion fell. They are champions of religious tolerance and expansion, personally funding the construction of many temples and shrines, as well as training a small army of clerics of a variety of faiths. Though they occupied two seats on the Council, it has always been taken as a given that their votes would align with each other.
They officially occupy two seats on the Council, although they tend to vote the same way on most matters – so long as they are helping foster the temples and religions of the Colonists, they are happy. They have proven to be somewhat uncomfortable around the Ulven – especially Daughters of Gaia – as they are not quite sure what to make of their religious beliefs quite yet. Both of them are skilled in channeling Divine energy, and the sheer number of priests in their temple seems to have been the reason why they survived to make it to Mardrun.
Now:
After Duke Al-Azarma was found dead and his investigation lackluster at best, Duchess Al-Azarma left the Council for good to join Governess Catherine in forming a new life with the people of Daven’s Hold. Baroness Al-Azarma now helps coordinate administrative and spiritual needs within Daven’s Hold.
Duke Joakim Ventrini (Arrested)
Hailing from the northern reaches of Vandregon, Duke Ventrini was one of the first nobles to head over to Mardrun. An aging man, Ventrini still cuts a powerful figure. His family’s title came from their heroic actions at the Battle of Grayfield – however, their actions were far from martial in nature. Rather, they organized some of the first trades with the Syndar, which remains a point of pride in the family. Their status grew greatly over the years, due in part to their connections to a number of Syndar artists and craftsmen, which led them to their true calling – the patronage and trading of art and artifacts.
Duke Ventrini has continued this tradition by transporting and maintaining an impressive collection of art from Faedrun, which now graces his estate on the border of Clan Nightriver territory. His collection of a number of their cultural items has grown substantially over the years, and if it weren’t for his genuine interest in the Ulven, his sprawling estate at the edge of Newhope territory could be considered threatening by Clan Nightriver. This placement is intentional – the Duke is fascinated by Ulven culture, and is reduced to child-like glee when confronted with any examples of their art or culture. He has an open invitation to any Ulven to visit his lands and trade art, songs, stories, and legends for food, drink, and a place to sleep. Few Ulven have taken him up on this offer, however – while he is deeply interested in their culture, his interest can come off as somewhat patronizing and self-absorbed. Despite this, he has made more progress in dealing with the Ulven than any other noble, simply for his eagerness in dealing with them.
Officially, his position within the Council is that of cultural preservation – his collection of art and wealth means that he has sponsored a number of artists and musicians in Newhope. His most recent success is with the anonymously-penned Sir Nevan’s Brother, one of the first plays composed on Newhope, detailing the initial chaos of the migration of the colonists and the fighting that could occur between them.
Update: During the 275 Political Dinner, Lictor Mary cul Tricuspus initiated a warranted raid on Duke Ventrini’s estate. After finding suitable evidence, he was placed under arrest in a very public showing during the dinner with the charges of embezzlement, entrapment, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, and treason. He is currently in the custody of Lictor Mary until he stands trial.
Celestial (Duchess) Arragones (Now Deceased)
Once the sole Syndar on the Council, Arragones chose to eschew any human titles of nobility in favour of the station she was born to. Although officially holding the title and station of Duchess, she actively made a point to not be recognized by that title and instead insisted on being addressed as Celestial Arragones. Her indifference to human customs had often drawn the ire of the other nobles, specifically her disregard for their schedules. A skilled mage and Weaver, she sought to preserve the way of life that the Syndar had before fleeing to the Colonies. Her estates – located on the southern tip of Mardrun – were still young and half-wild, calling to mind the graceful Syndar architecture of Tielorrian in much-reduced form.
Her sole concern was the life of the Syndar on Mardrun. She often fought to make sure her people were fairly represented. She saw her people as broken, shattered by the undead who forced them to flee. By virtue of her long life, she believed that everything would work out again – life is a great circle, and the gods of the Syndar will allow them to return to their former glory once they recover from this reduced state they find themselves in.
She dressed herself in fine Syndar garments, followed her own schedule and protocols. This left her at odds with a number of the other nobles, but the knowledge that she managed to bring over from Faedrun – a whole library of preserved Syndar texts – had made her invaluable to their efforts to rebuild and preserve the lives they once had.
Update: In the year 271 it was uncovered that Celestial Arragones had been lying and falsifying information that was uncovered through official Newhope research. This lead to some tensions with the Ulven people. Arragones was stripped of her position as head of Newhope Research. She was then requested to come to the Lictor Courts of Newhope to testify on her actions. Believing this to be a set up to use her as a scapegoat, Arragones instead raised a small army and sequestered herself in her estate. The Council called the Banners of Newhope and marched on Arragones estate. She attempted to escape but was caught, but not before she set fire to her grand collection of preserved Syndar texts. She was tried and found guilty of treason for raising an army against her countrymen. She was placed in a cell to await her execution where she was later found dead by poisoning. No one knows who slipped her the poison or their motivations.
