Lord Alaric Varian

Public Role/Occupation

Recently restored to his ancestral title, Lord Varian is the Warden of the Dunleigh region and Lord of Valenwood, the largest settlement within that region. For generations, the Varian family lived under the name Shadowbrook to conceal their true identity after the fall of their house during the Aurelic Shift. Now, Alaric has reclaimed his family’s rightful titles.

Personality

Outwardly, Lord Varian is seen as a calm, kind, and composed leader. He is known for his wisdom, strategic mind, and sense of justice.

Appearance

Lord Alaric Varian is a tall, imposing figure with dark hair and prominent sideburns. His piercing green eyes carry both a kind demeanor and a deep intensity, reflecting the weight of his family's secretive past and his inner conflicts. He often dresses in dark, elegant attire befitting his noble status, with a preference for long coats and high collars that accentuate his noble heritage.

Background

Family History

The Varian family is one of the oldest noble lines in Eldrath, with a history that dates back to the pre-Aurelic Shift era. After the fall of their house during the Aurelic Shift, the surviving members adopted the name Shadowbrook and lived in secrecy. Under this guise, they maintained their lands and influence, quietly preserving their heritage. The recent revelation of their true identity has reestablished the Varian name in Eldrath, with Alaric leading the family back into prominence.

Early Life

Raised as Alaric Shadowbrook, he was groomed from a young age to eventually reclaim his family’s true name and titles. His upbringing was one of careful preparation, blending the traditions of nobility with the need for secrecy. He was educated in diplomacy, combat, and the arts of leadership, with an emphasis on patience and strategic thinking.

Reputation

The reemergence of the Varian name has been met with a mix of curiosity and wariness among the nobility. While some see Alaric as a rightful heir reclaiming his family’s legacy, others view him with suspicion, questioning his motives and the true nature of his intentions. Among his allies, he is respected for his intelligence and leadership, while his enemies see him as a potential threat to the established order.

Connections and Relationships

Allies

Lord Varian has begun to form alliances with those who are dissatisfied with the current state of Eldrath, particularly other nobles who feel marginalized or threatened by the growing influence of Aurelia Orthodoxy. His supporters include some of the noble families who safeguarded the titles of Warden of Dunleigh and Lord of Valenwood under the Shadowbrook name, now stepping aside in favor of Alaric’s rightful claim.

Enemies

The more orthodox factions within Eldrath, particularly those loyal to Aurelia Traditum, view Lord Varian with suspicion and hostility. They see his reemergence as a potential challenge to the religious and political status quo.

Family

The Varian (formerly Shadowbrook) family is small, with most members having perished or gone into hiding during the Aurelic Shift. Alaric’s immediate family includes a younger sister who has remained out of the public eye and may still be living under an assumed name.

Romantic Relationships

Lord Varian has not publicly pursued any romantic relationships, though there are rumors of a secret lover.

Role in Current Events

Involvement in Public Affairs

Lord Varian has positioned himself as a reformist political figure within Eldrath, advocating for the protection of traditional noble rights and the freedom for individuals to worship as they choose. He seeks to reduce the oppressive influence of the Church and restore a sense of balance in society. His proposals for reform have garnered support among certain factions, though they have also drawn suspicion from more conservative elements.

Public Goals

Publicly, Lord Varian presents himself as a champion of religious freedom and political reform. He argues for the necessity of a more inclusive society where the old ways are respected and where the people of Eldrath can practice their beliefs without fear of persecution.

Religious Beliefs

Lord Varian maintains a personal connection to the old ways of Eldrath, though he keeps his specific beliefs and practices private.

Additional Details

Notable Skills

Lord Varian is a skilled diplomat, swordsman, and strategist. He is also well-versed in the arcane knowledge passed down through his family.

Quirks or Habits

Alaric is known to disappear for days at a time, during which he is believed to be managing personal affairs or attending to matters related to his family's estate. He also has a habit of quoting ancient texts, though he usually passes these off as obscure proverbs.