Eugenius Valerian

Third of the Seven Princes

I was willing to talk when father died. I was willing to talk to Miera. Make deals and compromises. Find ways to let her keep her precious power. I could have convinced her to make Gordian Emperor with Metachares as his heir. I could have secured the realm for another generation. But Gordian is dead. And Miera has shown her true face. The time for talk is over.

Excerpt from "War of the Seven Princes" by Darius Kaseidis:
Nowhere does the dual nature of human memory show itself more clearly than when it concerns the Third of the Seven Princes. He is often held up as this prime example of a true ruler. A man that cared about the people.
Eugenius indeed was one of the more, noble actors of the war. Still, he was more than willing to escalate the civil war purely out of ambition and thirst for revenge. Was he a good ruler? Definitely. Was he a good man? That depends on how one defines the term "good".

History

A weak and sickly child that most believed wouldn't see his first birthday, Eugeron was born on the 3rd of Apris 2180 DA. Despite frequent bouts of illness and a frail constitution, he persisted and out of the five children, Eugeron's second wife gave him, only Eugenius reached the age of sixteen.
Being the child of an Emperor enabled him to enjoy the best education one could imagine. While his older brother⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ excelled in the martial arts, Eugenius showed great potential regarding math, politics and governance. From 2194 on, he served as an assistant to various city and province governors to gain experience.
His record was not spotless. Several misplaced policies caused a severe disturbance in Inis Province. Instead of owning up to his mistakes, however, he pushed the blame on his cousin Adeon⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣. This was only the beginning of a longstanding animosity between the two.
In 2199, his father officially confirmed him as Prince of Helenia and Defender of the Carian Gate, positions he was largely successful in. When news of his fathers death and Miera's Proclamation reached him in early 2210, he began to prepare his forces. He remained in contact with both Miera and Gordian, at first intent on a diplomatic solution. That changed with Gordian's death and Votarian's assassination in late 2210. Allying with the remnants of Gordian's army, he made war upon the Empress. After two years of fighting, he was betrayed, captured and delivered to Miera. Without trial, he was beaten within an inch of his life and then drowned.

Characteristics

Physical Appearance

Smaller than the average Vardanian and of lean stature and rounder face, Eugenius looked the complete opposite of his father. Only the grey-blue eyes and slightly enlarged nose showed their relation. With the exception of a finer mustache, his face stayed cleanly shaven. The mop of short black hair on his head was kept orderly, some among his court joking that it was made from stone, due to its unchanging nature.

Personality

It would be easy to simply claim Eugenius the complete opposite of Gordian in both looks and personality. But while that claim does have some merit, Eugenius being a calm, collected and largely subdued individual, the truth is more complicated.
He was certainly never as boisterous and outgoing as his brother and father had been. Often he would avoid larger gatherings and remain in quiet solitude. That did not mean that he avoided human contact altogether. He would just choose when to engage other people.
There was a calculating nature to his behavior as if he was measuring the use of every interaction. He knew what words and actions to use to get the people to his side and was able to appear quite charming if he wanted to. Emotions it seemed, were more like tools to him, used in ways which brought the most benefit.

Absolute rule. Bah! An impossibility. I would like to see the human being that has the energy and nerve to deal with all matters of the state. One can try of course. But the only thing you will achieve will be an early grave. A good ruler...No, a smart ruler knows which powers and duties to delegate and which to keep for himself.

Ethnicity

Vardanians

Honorary & Occupational Titles

Prince of Helenia
Defender of the Carian Gate

Life

2180 DA 2213 DA 33 years old

Circumstances of Birth

Fourth Son of Emperor Eugeron

Circumstances of Death

Drowned by the Imperial Guard

Height

1,79m

Weight

70kg

Not a Man of Family
The War of the Princes was a family affair. Every major actor made their decisions at least to some extent based on their familial relationships. Eugenius is the exception in that regard. His only close connection seemed to have been his brother. However, historians still dispute the theory that Eugenius entered the war to take revenge. While many have popularized the idea, based on a certain romanticist view on the conflict while others argue it to be contrary to the man's character.

by Ramon Acedo