Aelfstan, 5th Duke of Blackstone

Overview

Aelfstan (Rock of the Elves), was born into the noble house of Fultreo. His family have been the lords of the Northeast march of Exdale from it's founding. According to legend, they drove out a large number of snakes from their territory, making it livable, during the creation of the duchy. This is where their family name comes from. However, the other reason given behind the family name is due to their constant infighting. Aelfstan was another victim of this from an early age. Rumor has it his father was poisoned, leaving the 5-year-old boy as nominal head of the family. Two factions arose between his older half-sister and his mother. Aelfstan spent much of his childhood trying to survive the constant bloodletting between the two factions. Uncles, friends, cousins, all saw gruesome ends during this time. Aelfstan had to witness it all. His only refuge was to escape the castle and flee to the caves in the mountains need his palace. For 10 years he endured the violence. On at least three occasions, he had to survive assassination attempts. However, on his fifteenth birthday, he returned to his palace with a new retainer. Together with loyal servants within his household they butchered every member of both factions that had so dominated his childhood. Also, in that year he accepted a political marriage to the daughter of a powerful member of the Wittan. So far Synove has borne him a daughter, Anya, age 3.  

Personality

Aelfstan is a master of cultivating his image. Though rumor has it he is kind and doting to his family and people. He is viewed as a blood thirsty monster, not to be trifled with by the outside world. This is noted by those who have visited the battle site at Maumsburg where the army that opposed him were impaled even after surrender and left as a warning in the mountain pass. Other rumors swirl that he is actually a vampire and drinks the blood of thieves and those who disturb his peace.