Ilia "Ironside" Valerian

Princess of Hekari

The people of Scetia are my responsibility, general. And that means all of its people. I do not care if they are Vitirian, Atheryan, Illigaran or Vardanian. If they seek solace from this madness, let them come!

History all too often only seems to value those who exhibit the worst side of humanity. On the other side, ignored and relegated to a footnote in history, Ilia Valerian stood opposed to all those that tormented the Hegemony in its death throes. The only one who stood by all those caught in the maelstrom of war.

History

Born to Helian Valerian in early 2193 DA, Ilia enjoyed all the benefits a member of the imperial family had available to them. This included the finest education one could get and soon, it became clear that she had an extraordinarily bright mind. At the age of twelve, she received a small government post, ostensibly due to a bet between her father and the Emperor. Surprising many, she excelled at the task, continually moved up the ranks in the following years and was even awarded the province of Hekari in 2208, making her the youngest Valerian to wear the title Prince. Her relationship with her half-brother Votarian Valerian was pleasant if somewhat distant. While advising him in many matters, the two would exchange hundreds of letters over the years, she did not approve nor assist his ambitions.
Under her care, Hekari Province became the jewel of the west and her stellar work, even earned her the title of Primae Aedile or General Governor of Scetia. During the War of the Seven Princes, she remained neutral, garrisoned the border of her province and took in many a person seeking refuge from the chaos. While most of Scetia drowned in war, Hekari remained a prosperous island of peace. After Seron's usurpation, she joined the Coalition under heavy pressure from her provinces Senators. Following Seron's devastating invasion she tried to surrender, only to be assassinated by those senators that had previously drove her to war.

Characteristics

Physical Appearance

Tall, like most Vardanians, and slender she must have seemed akin to a delicate flower. At least to those that did not know her. And while her strength was no match for that of her broader relatives, her speed was said to be in a league of its own. Ilia was said to know no equal when fighting with a spear.
Her face was softer than what was common in her family, not as stretched and with fewer edges. A small nose loomed over a pair of thin lips and sat under two light blue eyes, all surrounded by pale and unmarred skin. Framed was this face by a mop of brown hair, that if the sun was shining just right, would explode into a fiery red mane.

Personality

If there was one thing that all Valerians shared, it was their sheer sense of determination. And Ilia was no exception. Once she had put her mind to something, she would go through with it, for better or for worse. Most would have described her as a calm, friendly and generally forgiving person. In her mind, every person deserved a second chance, no matter their past misdeeds. In combination with her caring nature, this made her not only fairly popular with her subordinates, but also her subjects.
She could be calculated as well, but in her, it lacked the coldness and ruthlessness usually associated with the term. Violence was something she detested and would only even consider if no other option was available. Unlike Vespasian or Gordian, who seemed to downright revel in it, she viewed it as a tool, that while shameful was sometimes necessary.

Thousands are already dead, and many more will suffer if this goes on. I should have never let myself be lured into this insanity. Seron may be ruthless, but he can be reasoned with. I will surrender. Not for my sake, but the millions of innocents that could get trampled under the Legion's boot.

Ethnicity

Vardanians

Honorary & Occupational Titles

Primae Aedile Sketea
Princess of Hekari
Governor of Megea Inferior

Life

2193 DA 2221 DA 28 years old

Circumstances of Death

Assassinated by a Senator.

Eyes

Light Blue

Hair

Long, Reddish-Brown

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Pale White

Height

1,87m

Weight

76 kg

by Viswanath Sundaram