The Dragon of the Bloodied Rose
Prince William Draganar von Sang Rosa (a.k.a. The Dragon of the Bloodied Rose)
When I first entered these halls, I felt everyone's eyes upon me. It was not long before the rumors spread of my supposed origin. Lies to slander to my father and mother or to injure my adoptive mother. Questions of whether I could be a tool in others' games of politics. And at first it was all too much. I was ready to run away from it all with my friend. But in the memory of the parent I lost, I stayed and found a real family to be with. Nurturing yet firm. Intelligent yet understanding. Ideal yet not perfect. It was in this family I found my love for Crystalia and it's people. It is why I stand here now, despite losing a member of that family that I tell you that our vision shall not waver. I came here as a prince, a second son, and now I stand before you as the crown heir. It may seem like a gracious promotion but I see it for what it truly is. A vow to be my brother can be no longer. To carry his memory and the hopes and dreams of those no longer with us. To see the valley fly under the banners of a united Aerinor. To our enemies, there is still a chance to broker peace. The Red Summer is at an end but there may still be many more if we are willing to come together. To our friends, I thank you for staying with us this far and know that your sacrifices shall not be in vain. To those who toil away under our rule, who dream of the day that you or those close to you no longer have to fear of the day that war comes to your land, know that my heart resonates with yours. I walk through those lands same as you to remind myself that it is you all that I fight for. That the reason I accept this title and accept my future as Emperor of this land is to see that finally, you can find peace in this united land. I say this as William Draganar, not just as a prince, but as a native of Aerinor just like you.
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
While he only shares blood with half of the Imperial family, it is easy to tell how he is a product of both at this stage in his life. Despite being only 16, William carries himself like a union between Edward and Elise, similar to his fallen brother.
Identifying Characteristics
William's eyes are the most identifiable feature just like his parents but for a different reason. His eyes are slowly becoming more and more purple due to his connection to the oracle. Even time she has a vision, he has one as well and his eyes bleed. The more visions he has, the more his eyes turn from brown to a purple color. It is unknown how many more visions he will have before his eyes turn fully purple and what will happen when that occurs.
Special abilities
Due to being able to crack and damage the adamantine armor his brother wore, many believe that William has some type of supernatural strength to him. It helps that adamantine is a durable material that is believed to be unbreakable. Plus, there are stories about how he had a habit of breaking weapons such as lances and swords and even breaking shields when one would block his blows.
The other special ability is his connection to the Crystal Oracle. Due to their childhood together, he shares her visions. With each vision, his eyes grey even further, turning from the Draganar brown to purple.
Apparel & Accessories
William wears tailored Imperial robes fit for a prince. They brandish the Crystalian colors of purple and black. Unlike his parents, he has no crown or circlet to wear for his duties but he bears the signet ring of the heir apparent which once belonged to his brother. Additionally, he wears a necklace with the shard of his brother's armor, a constant reminder to that which he has lost.
Specialized Equipment
When William is forced to enter battle, he has been spotted wearing studded leather armor, much to the exasperation of the Dragon Guard and his family. At the very least, his armor is enchanted with protection magic. A cloak and ring he carries with him when he leaves the palace also share that trait. He carries a saber with him that is carved with runes to be deadlier to any unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Most of William's history before he was taken in by the Royal family is shrouded in mystery. He was born to a noble house in Cavewharf in 1226 but due to never being seen in public during that time, little is known about who his mother could've been. She was a noble as his education by the time he reached Crystalia is evidence of that and during that time, he met an Oracle, around the same age as him who shared the same visions he did. Add to that the slow shifting of his eye color and clearly something was up with this boy.
Anything his mother knew about this was lost to him and anyone else when she passed away in 1236. Her remains were cremated and spread in the lake. Her will had him sent to the Duke of Cavewharf along with the Oracle and that was when he was brought forward into the pages of history. Due to his appearance, the Duke realized that he had some relation to the Emperor and had him brought to Emperor Edward and Empress Elise. Through weeks of divination and questioning, it was confirmed that William was indeed the biological son of Emperor Edward Draganar, though through what means, no one knows as all evidence suggests that Edward couldn't have been there for his conception.
Whatever the case, William was brought into the fold and crowned as a prince of Crystalia. He met his half-brother and the crown prince, Wilhelm, and his adoptive mother, Elise. His education was continued and he entered the public sphere as a Draganar. His presence caused a stir amongst the elite as they wondered what purpose he would serve for both their ambitions and the ambitions of the empire.
As it turned out, William took to his new role. He learned from both parents and his new tutors as much as he could. In addition to his visions that the Oracle gave him, he became a major asset to the Empire and especially his brother, Wilhelm. From all accounts, the two were seen together quite often, talking and debating and learning from each other. Some believed the two brothers would be herald in a golden age for Crystalia with Wilhelm as Emperor and William as his advisor. But that changed in 1241.
Wilhelm rose in rebellion in northwestern Crystalia in the summer. At the same time, a massive fleet and army of 3 out of the 4 western nations of the Aerin Valley took that opportunity to invade Crystalia and end the threat once and for all. Generals and monarch alike were unsure how to respond as they wouldn't have enough men to deal with both threats at once. It could've spelled the end for the empire if not for William stepping up and declaring that he would siege the stronghold his brother was gathering forces at until his father could come to deal with the crown prince.
William set out with the Dragon Guard and 3,000 soldiers. But as the Battle of Cadehall Fields approached, William shifted his strategy after a vision that he and the oracle shared. Using a secret entrance, he and the Dragon Guard entered. The latter opened the gates and the former went for his brother. The nobles and knights who were held into the fortress were not spared by the son of Edward. What he planned to do with Wilhelm no one will ever know. By the time William's forces reached the top, they found Wilhelm dead and his unbreakable armor cracked open with a smear of blood over the rose that decorated it. And the 15 year old weapon holding a cracked and bloody sword.
From that day forth, William was the crown prince and he was declared Draganar Von Sang Rosa, the Dragon of the Bloody Rose. His actions allowed his father to secure victory and the surrender of Beru. He has lost a brother and gained the status of heir but whether he believes it is worth it is unknown. As far as anyone knows, William will keep standing tall and walking forward towards the goal of uniting the Aerin Valley.
Education
When he lived in Cavewharf, William was mainly taught by tutors close to his mother's family that could keep a secret. Once she passed, his education stagnated until he was brought into the Draganar family. From then on, he received the save level of education that his father and brother had been experienced. He has also been been learning from his grandparents on the Emperor and Empress's sides as well as the reigning monarchs themselves.
Accomplishments & Achievements
- Stopping Wilhelm's rebellion
- Conversion of King Damian to a Duke of Crystalia
- Currently aiding in the restructuring of Beru
Failures & Embarrassments
- The death of his brother, Wilhelm
- The ambiguity of William's birth isn't much of an embarassment to him but it does affect his family quite a bit
Mental Trauma
- While William doesn't speak openly about his life back in Cavewharf, it is clearly whatever happened to his mother that caused her demise has some affect on him. When the city is mentioned or his time there, people catch sight of him staring off and forgetting that he was in the middle of the conversation sometimes.
- Seeing violence and bloodshed firsthand at 15 has definitely affected William. It doesn't help that one of the first lives he took was that of his own brother. Before, William was keen to practice and spar with anyone who was willing, doing his best to keep his strength in check. Now, he only spars with the Dragon Guard, alone, or with his grandfather, not allowing anyone to watch his training sessions. Rumors float around that he avoids conflict at all cost and that his hands shake when a weapon's in his hands but there have been no public sightings so far.
Morality & Philosophy
William has been shaped by his experiences before and after becoming a prince. He believes truly in the ideal of a united Aerinor and the end of the war between nations that has been common in Aerin history. However, he keeps a keen eye on how his actions and the actions of the upper class affect the lower class. The prince sees the middle and lower class as the foundation on which the power of the upper class rests and he does everything in his power to make sure they are kept happy. Or at the very least, they can still function and support the nation as a whole. This mentality has pushed William to visit the different provinces, whether incognito or not, to see the situation across all classes. This obviously makes the nobility weary of him but if Aerinor will be truly free of conflict, the most powerful can't be the only ones focused on in his mind.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
William wishes to bring Crystalia and the Aerin Valley into a golden age whether in his lifetime or his descendents. However, he wants this empire to last as he has read about the countless empires that have fallen due to weaknesses that could've been dealt with. Some believe this is why he pushes for former kings and leaders in conquered territory to be offered a chance to continue their rule. Afterall, the structure of Crystalia supports this and he hopes that the integration of Beru and Duke Damian will prove his point. However, it is clear that the loss of Wilhelm has shown William just what this war will cost and it's likely why he continues to push for the other nations to surrender peacefully, even more than his father has.
Social
Contacts & Relations
- The Dragon Guard. William saw the members of the Dragon Guard when his father or brother were around, speaking with them the rare chances that he got. As time went on, he bonded with each member and they even took him under their wings to train him to defend himself. When they rode with him to deal with Wilhelm, the battle and the aftermath somehow made them more loyal to the new crown prince than they ever were his father or grandfather. The older members still defend the Emperor and Empress but the younger members are more commonly seen around William, especially when he leaves the capital.
- The Crystal Oracle. Due to being raised together, the oracle is probably the closest friend William has. Since he shares her visions, the two of them can talk and understand these visions in a way that a lone oracle never could. While others would view her as a tool to keep locked away, William has shown how much he cares as the two of them have left the safety of the palace under the protection of the Dragon Guard. This friendship has started rumors of a relationship but publicly William and the Oracle only act as though they are friends.
Family Ties
- Eren Draganar. When William was crowned as a prince, many could tell that Eren was not happy with the development. For days, he argued with Edward about the teenager and whether he should be allowed to be Imperial Royalty and the state that puts the empire in. In the end, he begrudgingly allowed this but didn't hide his temperament towards William. Still, the prince was seen alongside him, learning from him and questioning him for more guidance. When Wilhelm died, it is said that Eren dueled the young William in private, to learn how it was he felled the former heir and the only grandson he recognized. Who won the duel is unknown but what matters is that Eren walked out of there with more appreciation for William than he did walking in. Outwardly, he still taunts and teases the boy but it is plain to see he grooms the new Crown Prince for his role as eventual Emperor.
- Alexandra Draganar. Unlike her husband, Alexandra was quick to accept William as soon as her spies reported the truth of his lineage. She was more open to teaching him and helping him learn more about Crystalia and the history of the valley. She seemed to be grooming him to be be Wilhelm's second, naming them the Twin Jewels of the Empire. She was shocked when Wilhelm rebelled and heartbroken when he returned home slain by the other Jewel. She mourned alongside her family but like the monarchs, she was quick to return to her work. She still trains William but now to rule rather than aid a ruler.
- Edward Draganar. William's origin have a rocky start to the relationship between him and his father. However, William's supernatural strength and his connection to the Oracle dissuaded any attempts to avoid the boy. While Wilhelm was groomed to rule, the Emperor made sure to teach his second son important points as well. He even took William to the battlefield to watch and strategize as well in case he would become a general under his brother's reign. Those skills gave Edward courage to send William to stop his brother's rebellion or hold it down until Edward could arrive with reinforcements. However, his choice resulted in the death of his heir. After some time to mourn, Edward was quick to install William as his heir. The two are closer now than before and Edward seems to be watching his son carefully, making sure that the events of 1241 don't happen again.
- Elise Draganar. After the truth of William's origin was confirmed, Elise was quick to take in the boy and treat him as if he were her son. Due to Edward being away and often taking Wilhelm with him, William was on her heel for most of the day. William's thought process and his feelings on policies and events were definitely influenced by his adoptive mother as it was due to her training that he recommended King Damian of Beru's transformation into a Duke of Crystalia. When Wilhelm was lost to them, she comforted him as much as he did her as they both lost someone they deeply cared about. When William became heir, she was quick to silence any rumors or complaints about this action, showing that despite not being her blood, Elise sees William as every bit her son and successor.
- Wilhelm Draganar. William's arrival was a shock to the first-born and a possible threat to his crown. However, Wilhelm treated the younger William with civility and in the public, treated him like a trueborn brother. Servants have talked about the debates and conversations the two had, educating each other on what their parents taught them or situations going on in the empire and beyond. Wilhelm even encouraged the idea his brother become his advisor when the eldest took the throne. There is even a rumor that should Wilhelm fall before he could prepare an heir, he'd have no doubt that William would be a fine ruler. And yet all that praise and trust between the two siblings still resulted in Wilhelm rising up in rebellion. William took it hard as now servants spread tales of him visiting the tree Wilhelm is buried under in the garden. Sometimes he sits there in silence, sometimes he gives thoughts about current events. More often than not, William sits to the grave of his brother in a language no one has been able to decipher. However, the pain and sorrow in his voice is enough to prove to those that hear it that William still mourns for the Golden Rose.
Religious Views
William's faith is a core part of him that he never strays from. After becoming a prince, he paid a visit to the shrines and temples of the Aerin gods across both sects. While Crystalia pushes for the Swords of Aerinor, he still pays tribute to the Field Mother and her companions. In recent times, he has increased tribute to the Raven Queen, likely praying for his brother's soul to be at peace in the afterlife and to grant peace to those who's lives are lost in the conflict.
Social Aptitude
When William arrived at Crownkeep, he was timid and quiet around many. Even as he clung to his family, he wouldn't speak to many except them and a few servants. As the years went on, he's begun to gain the confidence a prince should have. He talks to more people, such as the Dragon Guard, ambassadors, and even new visitors to the palace. He still has moments of social anxiety but he tries his best to push through them and hide them from others. Above all, he shows respect to everyone whether friend, foe, or neither.
Alignment
Lawful Neutral
Current Status
Unite the Aerin valley
Current Location
Species
Ethnicity
Honorary & Occupational Titles
- Imperial Prince of Crystalia
- Crown Prince of Crystalia
- The Dragon of the Bloodied Rose
- The Defender of the Homefront
Age
16
Date of Birth
7th of Lotusfall, 1226 EA
Birthplace
Cavewharf, Crystalia
Children
Pronouns
He/Him
Gender
Male
Presentation
Masculine
Eyes
Brown slowing greying into a purple hue
Hair
Black, pulled back in a ponytail
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Olive
Height
6'0"
Aligned Organization
- Arinth (Fluent)
- Common (Fluent)
Ruled Locations
Comments