Isegrádian Royalty
The Sketch wield power unlike any other family in our domain. Established ~800AC.
Summary[edit]
It is no secret that Isegrád is home to an imperial monarchy that has lasted for several centuries. In fact, it's perhaps one of the greatest criticisms made against the up-and-coming, magic-obsessed empire. It preaches individual freedoms and the pursuit of success and greatness, yet for many long years has the Isegrádian regency heralded itself as the supreme authority over their domain. Still, it isn't all bad. While they do act with an iron fist and rarely let loose the reins of the nation, it has led Isegrád to immense success in a relatively very short time. Many dislike those who question the monarchy on this basis alone; that, given their obvious decision-making skills, it is not the place of the citizenry to defy what is truly benevolent guidance in the end.
The Lineage[edit]
The Sketch family line is now split half-and-half between Draconian and Human blood. It's been in flux for a long time, and some, primarily prior to the Night of Frost, claimed the Draconian influence was a blight on the regency. Now, however, many have changed their mind, given the Draconian's saving of their capital city and many more. Some have even swung the opposite direction, claiming that the Draconians bear a notable fraction of the same "divinity" that Balin claimed he did all those years ago.
The Hierarchy[edit]
Like most monarchies, Isegrád is split into a hierarchy of positions owned chiefly by members of the royal family. On occasion, adoptees can gain titles, but it is very rare and heavily scrutinized, especially with roles closer to the "center" of Isegrád's control. Their structure, at least at the very top of the nation, most often looks like so:
High Emperor/Empress - Maia Sketch[edit]
Member of Royalty since before game launch
At the height of Isegrád lies the High Emperor or Empress, heralded as the one destined to guide their nation to the heavens Balin Sketch spoke of so long ago. Despite Balin's deep connection to thunder and lightning, since then, the position has become one moreso associated with perceived "divinity" than anything purely elemental. Still, the High Crown is made to look like entwined thunderbolts in respect of their long-dead founder.
Currently, it sits on the head of one Maia Sketch, establishing her as the present High Empress of Isegrád. Public opinion is not settled on her just yet, though the default tends to be outspoken support regardless. Some criticize her absurdly quick response to the looming threat of the Convergence, while others commend said decision as one made to save all her peoples. Few see her face-to-face, but this is true of most High Emperors & Empresses- rarely do they express humanly values in public.
High Magister - Quaris Sketch[edit]
Member of Royalty since before game launch
Penultimate only to the High Emperor or Empress themselves, the High Magister is responsible for essentially every facet of Isegrád's ruling that does not pertain explicitly to politics. Where the Emperor/Empress dictates law and presses authority unto their nation, it is the duty of the High Magister to enact said authority. They are often quick to police riots or incursions, and are thus very unpopular with the masses.
Quaris Sketch is the present High Magister and has been criticized for his absurdly (even for Isegrád) pro-mage doctrines. He is considerably older than Maia, if records are to be believed, and has maintained his position for multiple decades. As of late, he has dedicated thousands of men explicitly to the Isle of Sarea, which has only earned him greater disfavor in public eyes. It seems to most like a waste, considering the Convergence is a world-wide phenomenon.
High Inquisitor - VII[edit]
Member of Royalty since before game launch
The High Inquisitor is one of the least understood roles in the hierarchy of the Isegrádian royalty. In fairness, it is never maintained by any of truly royal blood, nor is it maintained by one of any blood at all. The High Inquisitor is always an Empyrean and, for that matter, has always been the same Empyrean... VII, or "Seven". Few know when VII was first created, nor do they know what VII- or the High Inquisitor role in general- is responsible for.
Nonetheless, they've gained a reputation for themselves. They are supposedly incapable of being hit by magical blows, proving completely immune to mana-reinforced strikes and spells in general. If that wasn't enough, they're perceived as the right hand of the High Magister and have been seen, rarely so, on battlefields by his decree. It is no surprise that these tales only return from the men on Isegrád's side, naturally...
High Consort - Orsino Lathe[edit]
Joined the Royalty as of 1016 AC
The High Consort of the Isegradian Empire. After leading the People's Militant in 1009, Orsino would be wed to Empress Maia Sketch after a long seven year war. Lathe is now poised to stand beside the Imperial seat, noted to be titled only as Consort rather than Emperor, but still no more than a step away from the seat of power.
Others - ???[edit]
The three highest-ranking members of the royalty are perhaps the most important, but absolutely not the majority. With time, we will fill out the remaining dukes and prince(sse)s into an expanding roster.
Credit[edit]
Lore by Roomyrooms
https://forum.verdict.dev/showthread.php?tid=145&pid=757#pid757