Ari Dynasty

The Ari dynasty is the ruling noble family of Sceya, a large family that has grown in power and stature in large part due to their contributions to expanding the Gold Empire, and their close association with Goldbrand Cyne. Descended from the priest-king lineage of Sa'nakt of the Amrikh Empire, the Ari Dynasty has grown to power in their home province of Sceya over milennia.

Structure

The family is currently ruled by King Hans Ari, its undisputed patriarch and first dragon rider, who rides the dragon matriarch Clenxir Drakeslayer. King Hans has sired two daughter and one son, who have formed different powerblocks within the family:

• His eldest daughter, duchess Amalie Ari Ari of Highhammer, who rides Mornxir Eastwind, secondborn of Clenxir. Duchess Amalie has spent the last decade or so ruling most of Sceya in her father's stead, as he has become more and more paranoid and unfit to rule. Many of the West Sceyans regard Amalie as the natural succesor to king Hans, despite her womanhood, but her detractors claim that she is too meek to have such a role.
• His youngest daughter, duchess Alise Ari of Southplain, who rides Surrdresh Goldwing, thirdborn of Clenxir. Duchess Alise has spent most of her adult life in the imperial capital of Aurumis, working as her father and province's representative in the Council Argentum. She has become known as an influential woman, a power-broker and trade magnate. She has not disguised her ambition for the throne of her homeland, and she has many connections with other powerful noble families.
• His only living son, Duke Andreas Ari of East Sceya, known as "the Handsome", who rides Yaldresh Giantslayer, firstborn of Clenxir. Duke Andreas has spent most of his life at war, fighting in the southern province of Akshus and conquering East Sceya. He is a famous general and hero, known throughout the Gold Empire for his adventures and campaigns. Today he spends his life in peace in East Sceya, and he seems to have little interest in the throne. However, he is the clear favourite to his father and the armies of Sceya.

The king also has several grandchildren, several of whom serve as counts and barons of different principalities in Sceya. Most notable of these is duke Theodor Ari, oldest son of Amalie Ari and duke of the Wetlands. Imperial scholars expect the Ari Dynasty to segregate into a Great House and two Cadet Branches once king Hans Ari passes into the silver halls, though none know for sure which lineage will attain the favor and claim the position of Great House.

Public Agenda

Domestic
The Ari dynasty has spent the last 80 years securing their dominion over Sceya, and they have grown to ascendancy in the west. The Ari dynasty still wishes to secure East Sceya, though there are differences in methodology between the different influential members of the family. King Hans is clear in his intentions: he would move the Sceyan Royal Army to Irondeep, request the aid of the Conquest Legion and assemble the family's dragons to simply burn out Free Sceya from their woods, avenging his son and finally securing his legacy as Hans the Conqueror. However, duke Andreas is the master of East Sceya, and his word is law regarding matters in East Sceya. The duke's approach has been more diplomatic.
International
The Ari dynasty is a young dynasty relative to the noble houses north of the Godpeaks

In Light we Rule

Type

Political, Family

Leader

King Hans Ari

Location

Highammer