Appius Angelos

Duke of Lutetia Appius Angelos

Biography

As the first child of Seneca Angelos, King of the Kingdom of Myrtana and Duke of Lutetia, Appius grew up with the best education available in the kingdom. Ever since he was a young boy Appius showed an aptitude to learning and mathematical thinking. At age 10 he bested everyone at the court in an around the clock game of chess. When eventually even the court mage had to admit defeat, the boy became known as a young genius.
As much skill as Appius has shown in the field of academics, so little has he shown in the field of combat and diplomacy. He often doesn't really know how to posture himself in formal settings and can come across quite blunt. This has diminished his stature in court in recent years, although he is generally regarded kindly. In 1424 he married Sophia Guiterre, a girl from a prominent banking family.
After the murder of his father, Appius became the Duke of Lutetia and even though he is a firm follower of Innos, he refused to join in the exalted march of the murderer of his father. When Maximus' endeavour eventually derailed and he died at Koron, Appius was outwitted by his brother Carolus Angelos. Even though Appius had been the appointed successor of his father, Carolus had secretly built a framework of alliances that allowed him to name himself king of Myrtana in 1428. Ever since, there has been bad blood between the brothers.
After falling out with his brother Appius decided to focus solely on his city and leave the politics of court to his brother. This led to a great improvement to the city of Luthetia, making it nearly the greatest city in all of the Westfork. He built a grand harbour, with a chain on it to lock it off, an aquaduct to nourish the growing population of the city and as his greatest achievement he built a College where professors teach subjects like mathematics, rhetoric and construction. He also created a grand fleet with wood from The Night's Watch.
When the rule of his brother turned sour and Thalamon II eventually burns Carolus at the stake in a violent coup in 1440, Appius turns on the Chantry. He evicts the paladins and disconnects his priests from the Chantry at Vengard. He also declares his independence from the Kingdom by naming himself Grand Duke. During the years of building his city he connects deeply to Brian Medel, the chaptermaster of Okara. 
In 1461 after a wild party with Brian, Appius developes a lung infection and soon becomes mortally ill. On his deathbed he assembles a council of the wisest men of the city (mostly his professors) and appoints them as the leaders of the city. After Appius' death his grandnephew Othello, captain of the guard, believes his claim on the Grand Duchy to be stronger and attacks the council. The admiral of the fleet Morgain Davros sides with the council and a stand-off in the city happens. Boris Redcliff sees an opportunity and attacks Luthetia, killing both the council and Othello and plundering the city. Eventually he is brought to heel by a combined assault from Morgain and William Longblade.

Skills

Appius is a gifted thinker who can solves puzzles and problems with remarkable speed. As such, he is nearly unrivalled in games of strategy. He is also a gifted academic who proudly owns one of the largest libraries in the Westfork.

Personality

Appius can come across blunt and often has little patience for etiquette. He takes people at face value, and this has not done his reputation amongst the Myrtanian nobility any good. All however do agree he is a kind man, who would always choose peace over war. The events surrounding his father's murder have left him emotionally scarred and he has become more reclusive.

Ideals

Appius is a man of academia and more than most wishes for a little peace and quiet. Unfortunately that has not often been allowed to him and now he mainly wishes for the restoration of his birthright.

Bonds

His marriage to the Guiterre banking family has allowed Appius to tap into their funds in a series of building projects he started in Lutetia.

Flaws

Appius isn't what you would call a 'people's person,' and it shows. He also can be too trusting and seems to see the good in people instead of probable danger.

Diplomacy

Appius holds good relations with the The Night's Watch and often corresponds with the College of Windhelm to exchange large tomes about mathemathical formulas.

Life

1396 3E 1461 3E 65 years old