HAEDO RELOA

Height: 5’ 2”

Weight: 112 lbs.

Can bench press: 115 lbs.

Runs a mile in: 10:19

Alignment: Lawful Neutral

Hobbies: Falconry, hunting, fishing, calligraphy

As the duke of Semarnat, Haedo rules over an important subrealm of tudaeia, making him foremost among Emperor Rao’s vassals. It is no accident that he has risen to such prominence, for he comes from a glorious bloodline shared with Dria through her mother, the previous reigning empress. This close familial relation makes him Dria’s first cousin once removed.

His father, the prior duke, was next in line to the throne when Dria’s mother died. His father would have been emperor had not a chronic illness left him bedridden. Rao—who was only a dowager by virtue of having married the empress—ruled Itudaeia in the meantime. 

Now that his father has succumbed to his infirmities, Haedo ponders whether he ought to press his claim to the throne. It is unclear whether he by rights is the lawful emperor, Rao notwithstanding, or whether he must wait until Rao dies to be crowned. Either way, his actions will disinherit Dria, who anticipates being empress after her father’s reign ends.

In keeping with his lofty upbringing, Haedo speaks with an elevated register befitting of his status. What he is not, however, is a self-indulgent idler like others among the ruling class. A sense of noble obligation motivates him to rule, driven by a sense that only he can guide his people though the hard times they face. His bold but reserved comportment evokes an image of quiet strength tempered by restraint. Given a sword, he can hold his own in a fight, although his true strength lies in his abilities to lead. This aside, he is also a master of intrigue. With but a phrase and a subtle gesture he can get what he wants without needing to draw steel or even raise his voice. Indeed, this discretion best characterizes how he achieves his aims.

Love him or hate him, one can’t help but respect Haedo, for the dragon is nothing short of impressive in every conceivable way.