The people of the Kingdom of Donovan are proud, honor-bound, and deeply rooted in their history. They are acutely aware of their lineage and obsessed with reputation. Their modern culture remains steeped in old traditions and ceremonies, with both nobles and commoners taking pride in maintaining their heritage. The most crucial element of Donovard society is ancestry.
Donovan is the primary successor of the Brintilian Empire in Pemonia, against which it fought for independence before consolidating surrounding territories. As a result, Donovan became one of the wealthiest and most powerful nations in the New World, earning the resentment of its neighbors. Donovards believe other nations owe them a debt for their role in overthrowing the old empire, and that other Pemonians should recognize their kingdom as the leader of the continent and defer to their interests. After generations of wars, the Empire Alliance has maintained a relative peace, but this stability is beginning to crack.
The House of Avaleau has long ruled the Kingdom of Donovan, with a traditional balance between the king and the Council of Lord Ministers. Each of these nobles governs one of the kingdom’s provinces, called ministries. Among the most powerful lord minister posts is held by the House of Valient, an ally of the Avaleaus. However, their cooperation is being tested by a convergence of multiple crises, including an inept king, a depleted treasury, widespread corruption, and war on the horizon.
Erech
EHR-ick
Erech, king of Donovan, rules one of the historically strongest kingdoms of Pemonia. However, dark times have befallen him and his people. An ineffective and melancholic ruler, Erech falls prey to manipulation by his ambitious brothers, especially Duke Brugarn.
Aware of his leadership shortcomings, Erech often defers to Brugarn for decision-making. Brugarn, in turn, exacerbates Erech’s deep depression, weakening the king’s health. Once gregarious and vibrant, Erech has become haggard and faded, often seen muttering to himself or avoiding court entirely.
Yet multiple crises demand his attention: the impending collapse of the Empire Alliance, which has maintained relative peace among the great powers, and an empty treasury plundered by his brothers and corrupt officials. Without gold, Erech will be unable to raise an army to deter other nations from dismantling his kingdom.
Brugarn
BRU-garn
Duke Brugarn, Lord Minister of Toulon, oversees the province encompassing his brother King Erech’s capital city, Eglamour. Calculating and ruthless, Brugarn has spent years methodically eroding Erech’s confidence and effectiveness as a ruler. He usurps the throne with the intent to take it for himself, when the time is just right.
Though abrasive and quick-tempered, Brugarn meticulously cultivates alliances with nobles and court officials to support his plan. He is willing to do anything to achieve the crown, including instigating a war, because he knows Erech cannot command the loyalty of the army. Believing he has the right generals in his pocket, Brugarn envisions himself as the savior of the kingdom, the crown willingly given to him, as Erech withers into the shadows.
Milisend
mill-uh-SEND
Milisend, middle Princess of Donovan, watches with growing alarm at the failing health and precarious political positions of her parents. Seeking escape from the palace’s increasingly sinister atmosphere, Milisend becomes more daring, indulging more frequently in her clandestine thieving activities and deepening her relationship with the intrepid thief, Regaume. Though she dismisses Tronchet’s pleas to embrace her royal duties, Milisend finds a measure of comfort in the chief magistrate’s concern.
Despite Milisend’s sense of obligation to the king and queen, she yearns for a different life. The violent, competing efforts of Brugarn, Candlestone, and the Valients will soon alter her path, and from within her will emerge something unexpected.
Tronchet
tron-CHET
Tronchet, Chief Magistrate of Eglamour, serves as King Erech’s principal lawkeeper. He is sometimes bumbling but approaches his duties with utmost seriousness and possesses a sharp mind. Tronchet is loyal to Erech but grows increasingly frustrated by the king’s refusal to curb his daughter’s secret passions for thievery and a certain thief.
Deeply respectful of the royal family and mindful of his position, Tronchet has privately confronted Princess Milisend numerous times. However, he remains unwilling to take actions that might damage her public image. Righting her wrongs has become an obsession for him, driven not only by concern for his own reputation but also by genuine worry for Milisend’s future as her father’s power wanes.
Others
Regaume
Lover of Milisend. Leader of a band of thieves.
Sigbert
Lord Minister of Barres.
Eperude
Lord Ministeress of Lundwynland.
Ferin
Lord Minister of Hanovel.
Gerold
Royal Courier. Serves King Erech and his house.
Meltres
Donovan Ambassador to the Empire Alliance Council. Cousin of Chaultion.
Brielle
Youngest Princess of Donovan.
Avalane
Eldest Princess of Donovan. Lord Ministeress of Elmbrel. Wife of Henrey.
Gottfried
Lord Minister of Leauvenna. Cousin of King Erech.
Henrey
Lord Minister of Elmbrel. Husband of Princess Avalane.
Bavernon
Patriarch of the Messengian Church of Donovan.
Voufon
Lord Ministeress of Laume. Sister of Queen Andrilenne.
Fouriet
Physician to the Royal House of Avaleau.
Hamon
General of the Army of Alpenon. Serves under Asteroth.