balteren

the basics

Full Name: prince kiran bhati Nicknames: keery, kir Faceclaim: dev patel Gender: cismale (he/him) Sexual Orientation: bisexual, biromantic Age: 35 Birthday: October 14 Occupation: prince Marital Status: single Pets:  tbd Loyalties: The Mughal Empire, The Bhatis (as of now) Positive traits: brave, disciplined, introspective, honorable, level-headed Negative traits: obsessive, cocky, martyr-complex, self-destructive

aesthetics

Inspiration: tbd Animal: stag Tarot Card: the moon Zodiac: libra Mineral: black moonstone Song: de selby (part 1) - hozier

what is known by the public

The new prince values harmony, balance, and justice above all else. He is amiable and social, but appreciates solitude and introspection. He spends a nearly identical amount of time in the training yards as he does in the library. He has a rational mind and a level-temper, though he does occasionally indulge in strong emotions, if the situation is appropriate. 

Recently, wandering the halls late at night, unable to sleep. He has a strange new obsession with the Gods and stories of heroes, but he’s always been precocious, so it’s probably nothing to worry about! 

backstory

Kiran has spent his thirty-five years in a state of awe at the universe around him. It was not contained to any one aspect- he was enthralled by the twinkling stars against the darkness, the shaking of leaves in the winds, the bugs under the rocks, the lizards on the fence posts. He might have been a great scientist, were it not for the weight of his family’s name.  

All things thrived in balance. Life balanced death, war balanced peace, great tragedy balanced great victory. Likewise, a powerful brain would never be fully served without a powerful body- so he spent great swaths of time training, learning how to defend and how to attack, and praying he’d become wise enough to know when to employ each skill. 

He’d often take to the forests, sleeping under the stars for days at a time, testing his survival skills and his hardiness- or so he said. It was more likely that he enjoyed the solitude, the peace, the feeling of being so deeply connected to the earth around him. 

A year before The Reckoning, he was out amongst nature, and a deer crossed the path before him. They locked eyes, an electric current ripped through him, and he was stunned for the briefest moment, frozen in place, only shaken out of it by the sight of a leopard in the tree line- crouched and preparing to strike the animal. Seized by a sense of protectiveness, he shot the leopard, standing horrified and breathless as he watched it fall. He had wrongfully intervened, cheated the natural cycle of its rightful balance. There would be a price. 

That is when the dreams began. 

Visions of civil war came to him every night, and in every one, he saw his family come out victorious, the crown of the Mughal Empire securely in their hands. They were easy enough to ignore, until moments he dreamed of months prior started to come to pass, ultimately ending just as the dreams had predicted. The Bhati family was victorious, and he became a prince. 

They ceased after the war ended. He could sleep without torment, close his eyes without accessing something that felt forbidden. Balance, once again. 

Recently, however, glimpses of a horrific future have begun to appear in his dreams. It’s the same every time- Kiran standing in a Lal Qila that has been swallowed by flames, a bloody crown at his feet, and an overwhelming sense that it was his family that made it come to pass. 

wanted connections

fellow insomniacs- he doesn’t sleep much anymore, so he has been trying to find ways to occupy his mind. this would be someone he’s slowly gotten close to over shared sleepless nights.  

hey r u ok man?- friends/acquaintances/advisors who have noticed that this balanced and rational man has become increasingly unbalanced and irrational. kiran has not let anyone into his mind, or told anyone of these dreams, so they are likely getting increasingly worried about him. 

the basics

Full Name: maximilien gauthier Nicknames: max Faceclaim: luke thompson Gender: cismale (he/him) Sexual Orientation: bisexual, biromantic Age: 34 Birthday: jaunuary 11 Occupation: minister of defense Marital Status: single.............. Pets: a mutt named plumet Loyalties: the french people, the french rebellion Positive traits: passionate, charismatic, intelligent, principled, good-natured, ambitious Negative traits: stubborn, prone to over-indulging, loves to argue, restless, judgy, willing to do what is necessary for the revolution

aesthetics

Inspiration: courfeyrac (les miserables), tom wambsgams (succession), gale (baldurs gate 3), hamilton (hamilton) Animal: hound Tarot Card: the star Zodiac: aquarius Mineral: green tourmaline Song: chinese satellite - phoebe bridgers (live from sound city)

what is known by the public

Amongst the French, Max exists as something of a folk hero. He comes from incredibly humble beginnings, having grown up on a small farm outside of Lyon, rising quickly through the ranks of the revolutionary army, and eventually falling into his position as Minister of Defense- all the while, keeping the people forefront in his mind.

He is outspoken in his principles and a known supporter of revolution and democracy as a general concept. Due respect to other royals is given in half-measures, and he only holds his tongue when absolutely necessary.

backstory (brief parent death tw in first paragraph)

Maximilien was born unexpectedly and without warning. His parents were growing older, had almost raised two older children into adulthood, and assumed they were well past their childbearing years. A year later, both parents died tragically on their way to the markets in Lyon, leaving Max to be raised by his older brother and his wife.

It was on the farm that he learned to hunt- and he was an exceptionally good shot, always bringing home enough game for both his neighbors. It was a quiet life, full of long days in the fields, treks to Lyon with a cart of produce, cutting firewood, hunting, and reading thick, wordy books by the river.

Some time around his 27th birthday, Max could no longer ignore the restlessness that had been in his bones since birth, and announced to his family that he had received a scholarship and intended to study law and politics in Paris.

The scholarship did not cover much more than the bare minimum of his living expenses, and as his naiveté from his previous, simpler life crashed around him, he became deeply disillusioned. His politics grew more radical with every passing day, and after vaguely mentioning his frustration to a fellow classmate, he was invited to a small meeting of other radical thinkers. It was here that Maximilien became a revolutionary.

When the people of France finally began pushing back against the monarchy, he was at the center of the action. He was an incredibly good shot and was capable of keeping a clear head amidst the chaos, making him a valuable soldier. His tenacity, bravery, and talents in military strategy allowed him to shoot through the ranks.

The temporary measures put in place by the Orelans were preposterous to Max, and he questioned why it was acceptable to anyone who had risked their lives for a republic, to suddenly accept the monarchy- even in such a diminished position. Despite his objections, it became clear that many considered the fight over, and in the aftermath, he was appointed the Minister of Defense.

In his work as minister, he continues to work underground, stoking tensions, siphoning as much support to the remaining French rebels as he can. If he can help it, France will be a republic, and the Orleans will be forced out of any power they still hold. With the time he has left, he aids and advises other revolutionaries around the world, offering whatever assistance he can spare.

wanted connections

his niece- she was born two or three months after Max, and they were practically inseparable as children. Despite Max’s reservations about nobility, he wants to ensure his niece a stable, comfortable future, so he has invited her to join the French envoy in the hopes that she will secure a betrothal to someone who can take care of her. He’s likely a little overprotective, but only because he wants the best for her. Otherwise, this is a very supportive and positive relationship.

shares custody of the brain cell- max is incredibly smart, but you would never know it if you saw these two together. they are best friends, have been best friends for years, and get into so much bullshit together. have probably been in jail together once for public intoxication. almost certainly another french revolutionary, but im sure we could work something out! (0/1)

i hate you more than normal- he doesn't get along with any monarch, but he extra doesn't get along with them. it can range anywhere from tense to outright hostile, and would more than likely be with a monarch from an anti-revolutionary kingdom (but no one is safe from this anti-monarchist) (0/2)

the basics

Full Name: andromeda soloman Nicknames: dromy, formerly known as seble Faceclaim: arsema thomas Gender: cis-female (she/her) Sexual Orientation: bisexual, biromantic Age: 28 Birthday: july 7 Occupation: princess of ethiopia Marital Status: single Pets: an Arabian mare named salim Loyalties: herself, the ethiopian crown Positive traits: clever, perceptive, resilient, sentimental, down-to-earth, reserved Negative traits: self-preserving, cynical, secretive, manipulative, jealous

aesthetics

Inspiration: eponine (les miserables), dear evan (dear evan hansen), anastasia (anastasia), penelope (bridgerton) Animal: crow Tarot Card: the chariot Zodiac: cancer Mineral: green tourmaline Song: be - hozier

what is known by the public

Princess Andromeda disappeared 10 years ago and was assumed to be dead. There were still those among the Ethiopian court who held out hope for the lost princess, but very few still thought she'd ever return. The palace was overflowing with shock and joy when she was found in a far-flung village, though some wonder if she can still be trusted after so much time amongst the common people- especially with revolution on the lips of so many around the world.

Those who knew her before the disappearance likely feel a disconnect from the young princess they'd once known, but many chalk that up to a decade outside of court. Still, it often feels as though she doesn't recognize anyone, even those she'd been close to.

backstory

Andromeda woke in a strange, hot, stuffy room without any memory. She opened her eyes, head throbbing with pain, and no recollection of who she was or how she got there. The only items in the small room at the inn were a bundle of clothes, a small pouch with a large sum of money, and a little figurine of a crow. Upon exiting her room, she was promptly told by a grimy innkeeper that someone had been looking for her, and instinct told her to keep her head down, pick a direction, and run.

She walked for weeks, passing through towns and fields, waiting for any memory to come back to her. It wasn't until she stopped to rest her feet in a small church, in an even smaller village, that she opened up to a priest, who encouraged her to stay still for a while, to pick a new name, to allow the memories to return when they were ready. It was the first comfort she'd experienced in her memory, so she took a job as a church bookkeeper, picked the name Seble, and settled.

Her memories never did come back, but it stopped bothering her. After all, how can you miss a life you never knew? She grew to love her quiet life, even if it was uncomfortable at times, and after a few years, she married. It was only a few days after the wedding that she woke up to find the bed empty, and the small fortune she had woken up with years before missing, leaving Seble penniless, abandoned, and betrayed. The pay from her job kept her alive, but not enough to keep her out of extreme poverty.

An Ethiopian soldier, searching for the missing King, stopped her in the street one day, clearly in a state of disbelief. Seble brushed him off when he tolder her she was the spitting image of the lost princess, but was unable to brush off the Ethiopian officials that arrived at her door a week later. Once again, she was reduced to a scared girl with no identity, a bundle of clothes, and a little crow figurine. The officials declared that Princess Andromeda had been found, and she was dragged away to the Ethiopian palace. Seble was gone- she was now Andromeda.

Despite Andromeda's initial reservations, it became clear that this was a massive blessing. The Soloman family welcomed her with open arms, and she was showered with jewels and silks and all the riches she could ask for. Finally, she had a stable, comfortable home, and- most importantly- a family. Still, she can't shake the idea that she isn't the princess. Everyone tells her she looks exactly like she did before she went missing, but the young girl in the paintings is a stranger to her.

Even if she isn't the princess, Andromeda has no intention of losing her new life. She could never go back to the life she had before. It was easy to live without a family and stability when she had no memory of it, but now that she does, she will do anything in her power to keep it.

wanted connections

a connection to seble - At some point, they were traveling through the Ethiopian countryside and encountered her. It can be a fleeting, but memorable meeting, or something a bit more substantial. They are something of a lifeline for Andromeda, and act as proof that Seble ever existed at all. (0/1)

a key to the past- All she knows is that she woke up running. From what, or from who? She doesn’t know. This person has some idea, or holds some kind of clue to what might have been the cause. It could be a false lead, but it also could be the first thread to unravel. (0/1)

friendship, no questions asked- Andromeda is very reserved, and speaks very, very little about her past. It’s hard to find those who aren’t at least a little bit curious about it, but this person doesn’t seem to care- they just want to be her friend. Ironically, this is who she most likely to eventually share her story with, and who she is likely to be closest to.

a doubter- It’s a little convenient, right? The princess is just chilling in the countryside for a decade and then waltzes back home to enjoy the opulence? Especially now, with so many snakes in the grass. This can be as casual or antagonistic as you want! 

the basics

Full Name: eleonora adlerberg Nicknames: nell (preferred over eleonora) Faceclaim: jessie mei li Gender: demi-female (she/they) Sexual Orientation: bisexual, biromantic Age: 26 Birthday: march 15 Occupation: exiled countess Marital Status: married? widowed? single Pets: a seal bay hanoverian gelding named hamlet Loyalties: the scottish rebellion Positive traits: intelligent, tactical, compassionate, resourceful, devoted, generous Negative traits: distrusting, paranoid, haunted, closed-off, occasionally reckless, harbouring a new vengeance

aesthetics

Inspiration: sansa stark (game of thrones), sybill crawley (downton abbey), this clip Animal: rabbit Tarot Card: the hanged man Zodiac: pisces Mineral: labradorite Song: abbey - mitski

what is known by the public

As the eldest daughter of Count Gustav Adlerberg, Eleonora was heir to a family legacy that lay so deeply entrenched with the German Hatzfelds, many preferred to believe that she had died, rather than accept she had betrayed her country. 

But it was not as simple as that. These things never are. 

At one point, she was betrothed to Elias Hatzfeld, but (naturally) that engagement was broken once news spread that she had disappeared, only to emerge in Scotland, working in collaboration with Scottish rebels. No further information is publicly known about the nature of her treason.

Nell is different now, no longer bright and bubbly. Bits of that person still exist, but they are reserved for their closest friends and allies. They are often found at the stables, caring for the horses, reading books out in the pastures.

backstory

Nell was a carefree child, content even with her father’s insistence that she dedicate herself to the study of politics, history, diplomacy, and philosophy. She was entirely aware that he had every intention of passing his position as a foreign advisor to her upon his death, but it wasn’t something she ever thought much about, or even considered taking issue with- those expectations were placed on her since birth, and she had never known a life without them on her shoulders. 

Trusted deeply by Gustav- which was no easy feat- Nell was given a great deal of free rein, and was allowed to do what she pleased outside of her daily lessons. Most of this time was spent at the family’s stables, taking the horses out for hours-long rides, falling asleep with a book in the hay loft, and polishing the saddlery (to her mother’s horror). This sanctuary would become a tomb, the day she met Johannes. 

She did not know she was asleep until she met him. When he touched her for the first time- a simple brush of hands, as he passed her a bridle- her body hummed with electricity, and the world was instantly filled with so much color, she could not even bring herself to dread the inevitable conclusion. 

Despite a betrothal to King Elias Hatzfeld, she did not bother to hold herself back from the stable boy. Not that it mattered- before the thought of restraint even crossed her mind, they’d already bared their souls to one another in every conceivable way. Even the admission that he was involved in a small, but growing, insurgency was not enough to tear her from him. 

It was Nell that got down on one knee, asking him to marry her. He protested, fearing for their safety- but Nell was willing to run, to desert her birthright, to spurn the Hatzfeld king and give up a crown of her own, to change her name and burn every aspect of her current life to the ground. 

They eloped the same night, in a small church a mile down the road. For three weeks, they were incandescently happy. They moved between safe houses, evading her father’s search parties, attending rebel meetings deep in the forests, and feeling deeply lucky despite it all. 

Luck ran out at one of these meetings, when they were ambushed by German soldiers. Nell was caught and dragged away by one of the soldiers, a heavy hand clapped over her mouth so that she would scream out when she heard the barrage of musket-fire. 

She was kept in an abandoned barn for a few days, before someone snuck her into the cargo hold of a ship, where she was certain the journey would end in her imprisonment or execution. Instead, she walked freely off the boat to see the familiar shores of her mother’s home: Scotland. She had not been abducted that night- she had been rescued. 

Now, she exists in something of a limbo. She owes her life to the Scottish rebellion and lives under their protection, but that safety relies on their success. And that’s nothing to compared to her fear of Johannes’s fate- is he alive? Imprisoned? Under torture? 

She is in a pit of vipers, cornered by the Germans who want her head, and the Stuarts who want the heads of her protectors. She must harden herself, or die.

wanted connections

siblings- Nell was the eldest of 5 children, and they were all quite close, often traveling around formal events like a flock of birds. She has a great deal of affection for them, but everything has changed since Nell ran away from home, and she has significantly damaged their standing in German court. It would be fun to play with the feelings of betrayal, and the complexities of familial loyalty- especially when they were once so close! 

johannes- She’s never stopped wondering about what happened to him, whether he escaped with his life, was captured and imprisoned, or killed. And now, inconceivably, he’s here! Things were never simple between them, but now they’ve never been more complicated. This is a deep and very intense connection, but there's a lot of room for conflict, especially if his reason for being in Spain is complicated.

a little indulgence- Even a secretly grieving traitor can get laid on occasion. Just someone to keep the bed warm! But maybe things get a little more complicated, and some feelings get involved, and suddenly it’s not just an indulgence. Made even more complicated by the potential arrival of Johannes!! (0/1)

betrayed friends- Those she was close to in Germany, who were totally blindsided by her disappearance and subsequent resurfacing in Scotland. (0/3)