Rizhan Ketheran Ulmenvos II

The Loyal Heir

  Rizhan Ketheren Ulmenvos II (reign: 1132 - 1162 A.C.R) was the favored child of Kathira VII, chosen by her to continue the Ulmenvos reign of Akathia, which he fulfilled in the years after her abdication. In his youth, he demonstrated an aptness for military strategy and power through respect. The child of a family of new money, Ketheren knew only the delicacies of life. He was cunning and ruthless in terms of political action, just as his mother. Unlike her, however, he was soft to battle and would not meet his enemies on the field. This was seen as weakness by many that had lived and faught through the rein of Kathira VII.   He was whisked into somebody elses' life. It wasn't meant for him, I know it! He should be here, with me and his family, but now he's on some quest because of you. I will see him returned. - Eodenthara of House Bristeo   Battle cowardice withstanding, Ketheren II took it upon himself to alleviate some of the Alerean grasp on the north, though certainly not entirely. While taxes would generally lower for them to more acceptable levels, tarrifs and Ward presence in Drostollor remained high. At this time, however, there was more and more acceptance of Drostollorians to assimillate with Aleryn. The true country of Drostollor itself began to shrink behind the mountains, leaving its southern reaches to be integrated more wholly into Aleryn. Crater itself became the most northern satellite town of Aleryn, and still is to this day.   Ketheren II saw a steady reign with little in the way of major events, though it is thought that his relative inaction could have been much more active, especially to decide to conquer the rest of Drostollor. He gave them time to properly form a country, walled in by the mountains, and with the end of his reign, another war brewed.  

His Personal Life

  Ketheren II was plagued in his life with what he would describe as his "torturous nights", wherein he would have nightmares throughout the night and long into the day, frequently forcing him to miss court. He sought through his entire life to find a cure, or meaning, and this has brought many to believe that his inaction was due to his priorities being elsewhere.   Having spent much of his time either in meditation or experimenting with spiritual options, he often left decisions to the Severen Council, with the instruction and trust that their final choices would align with his interests, but he was often exploited by the council for their own interests. Finally, he declared his heir, and not a day later would vanish with but a pack and a horse, leaving naught but a note of his intent: to make pilgrimage to Korvyre.   He left behind a wife, Alisaria Ulmenvos, and apparently a mistress, Eodenthara of House Bristeo that had seemed to care far more for him than his actual wife. When he had left, Hennara pressed heavily against the Severen Council overruling of the choice of Heir, eventually reversing their decision to what Ketheren II had chosen. She had also lead expeditions to find him, and after her success had been sabotaged by the council once again, she took it upon herself to seek him out. Neither of them ever returned.