Braxius
Braxius, Scion of House Basilsaurius, 4th Level LG male human psychokineticist
Campaign: Dark Sun - Sun and Stars Campaign
Contents
Balican Social Rank, Class and Tribal Affiliations
Social Class: pentakosiomedimnoi (five-hundred bushel class, the wealthy)
Birth Rank: eupatridai, (well-borne, nobleman)
Tribe: Karus
Phyle (Sub-Tribe): Drocon
Trittys: The Granixian (Castle VIII)
Deme (Clan): Basilsaurius
- Demarch: the Patriarch of Basilsaurius
Fraternity: the House Basilsaurius clan
- President: the Patriarch of Basilsaurius
Hetaireia/Club: a league of conservative noble families who backed House Tomblador
Stats and Proficiencies
Str 12 Dex 13 Con 18(26) Int 18(97) Wis 17 Cha 16
Age: 23 Xp: 8918
Height:5'9" Weight: 157 lbs
Max Hp; 21 Ac: 6
MThaco: 17 MAC: 2 Max Psp: 99
Saving throws
Poison: 13
Petrify: 10
Rods, Staves, Wands: 15
Breath: 16
Spell: 15
Non-Weapon Proficiencies
Heraldy (1 slot), Etiquette (1 slot), Read/write (1 slot), Ride Crodlu (1 slot), Martial Arts (1 slot) Rope Use(1 slot),
Rejuvenation (1 slot), Healing (1 slot), Agriculture (2 slots)
Weapon Proficiencies
Dagger, Spear
Languages
Balican, Common, Tyrian, Elven, Dwarven, Gulgan
Physical Appearance
Growing up on the Balican pennisula, Braxius has skin bronzed by the sun. Though his skin was originally fair, many harsh seasons practicing agriculture and farming on his families lands has taken its toll. Very few wrinkles appear and his skin is very well maintained yet has a glow only the farmers and peasants should inherit.
Braxius is of medium height for human standards measuring 5 foot 9 inches. He is rather lanky for his size, only weighing 157 pounds with very lean muscle. His body has been shaped by many seasons in the fields and his short venture in the Balican militia where he was an officer. His body has very few rippling muscles but also shows very little fat as though he was struggling to eat.
Being of a noble family, his hair is of medium length, brown and wavy to the point it is almost curly. Upon his hair rests an obsidian laurel wreath which is time honored in the Basilsaurius family as a sign of agricultural talents. His eyes are brown and wide, not yet sunken in by the dreaded ages of time. His face is rather plain for human standards, clean shaven with a thin jaw line like a boy. His eyes shine through though and appear kind and soft, making him appear very inviting and caring.
He wears a green chiton with gold trim that is patterned into very different and beautiful patterns. He has thick hide armor that is adorned with stones and obsidian pieces. Elaborately adorned and decorated it would appear his hide armor was specifically designed for him. He was gifted this suit of armor by his father upon his induction into the militia. He wears sandals that wrap up and around his ankles and hold parts of his hide around to his shins.
Personal Background
Free Year -4, the Year of Enemy's Agitation, 190th King's Age, 20 Octavaus: Braxius the Younger is born at the Queen's Palace, in the Valley of Basilsaurius
FY 9: Braxius begins studying the Way with Thymno, the old House Basilsaurius psionicist.
FY 11: Achieving little headway with Thymno and being adverse to martial training, Braxius's father doubles-down on insisting upon psionic training. Braxius receives a new tutor in psionics, Apothesian of the Arsenal.
FY 13-14: Braxius takes the Ephebic Oath, and serves two years as a citizen-cadet. As a noble, Braxius serves in the tribe of Drocon's crodlu cavalry cadet corps.
FY 14: Braxius completes his cadet militia training service. Braxius graduates as a citizen with full rights.
FY 16: Braxius is called for militia service in a naval exercise ordered by the admirals. Braxius goes with his mother, who has also been called, and teaches him the rudiments of how to become a shipfloater.
FY 18: Braxius is called by the militia loyal to House Tomblador, serving in the crodlu cavalry. After maneuvering against House Wavir, the Tomblador militia army retires without initiating combat.
Farming
Growing up on the House Basilsaurius estate, Braxius spent many long days with his mother in the fields outlying the families lands. Hythymnae taught young Braxius many different techniques for adequate farming. Braxius instantly took a liking to the practice and though he was a noble, he would spend many hours plowing, sewing and tending to the family crops like his mother. When Braxius was of the age his father informed him that his farm time would be cut. Braxius was devastated and could not comprehend why his father would limit the only activity Braxius ever truly loved. For two years Braxius would spend a few hours in the field and the rest of his time practicing his reading and writing as well as the new languages his father pushed upon him. Braxius would spend part of his study time looking out of his window and trying to find better ways of taking care of the fields he loved so much.
The Way Unlocked
As Braxius dreamed of his crops one day, a strange individual made his way down the twisting path and through the valley to the main house of Basilsaurius estate. Over an hour passed until the door swung open and Kharmane came in followed by the mysterious man. Kharmane explained to his son that he has a gift many others do not have. "You have the ability to open your mind and retrieve knowledge and the wisdom to know how to use it" said Kharmane. He demanded that Braxius cease worrying about the fields and find his true destiny with the help of the stranger. The man, seeming uninterested in the family affairs, finally stepped forward and spoke "The Way is a mysterious force. It is in all things, entwined in the fabric of the universe. It is in us all, yet many can't see it. Of those who do, very few will ever truly understand it. Your father insists you have the ability to, but that is still to be determined. I am Apothesian of the Arsenal, and I will quickly find out if you can achieve this, that is if you are willing to dedicate yourself to the path. What say you?". Braxius hesitantly agreed out of fear his father would reprimand him if he did not accept. He made it appear he was excited to start the long journey through his mind but inside he cared not.
He struggled through the initial training and felt so many times his father would let him stop. It appeared he would not be as great as his father once thought. After a few months of tutoring and with the assistance of Apothesian Braxius was soon starting to grasp simple psionic tasks. Apothesian now satisfied he at least had a little potential, informed Braxius he would take him to the Cerebran to show him the true power of the way. The night before his trip, Braxius had a vivid dream of him watering and tending to his farm. The farm seemed different, it was soft, malleable and looked very strange. As he watered this odd farm it started expanding and Braxius started floating off the farm and could see it was not what it seemed. He was watering an entire mind, his mind. He woke in a quick and jolting manner, in heavy sweat and deep breaths. At that moment he knew what he needed to do. He had to feed, unlock and understand his own Will with the same fervency he had for farming with his mother.
Braxius Takes the Ephebic Oath: Two Years as a Citizen-Cadet
Upon reaching 18 years of age, Braxius went before his namesake and the rest of the elders of the valley and formally petitioned his elderly uncle to be entered into the deme rolls as a man. After harsh questioning, Braxius the Elder assented, and Braxius the Younger was entered into the deme's rolls as a citizen-cadet. Braxius went to the city, and there in front of the Ekklesiasterion swore loyalty to Balic, its laws and customs, and the democracy. As a noble, Braxius was trained in cavalry combat, with lance and shield, as well as on a ship with other equestrian and noble children. As a nobleman of a great family, Braxius' training was not especially harsh, although he remained away from his family for two years as a soldier-in-training of the state. At the end of two years, Braxius graduated and became a full citizen of the city with all the perquisite rights.
Adventures
Attack on House Basilsaurius
On the 26th day of Octavus free year 19, the army of the Seven Angry Tembos storm the farm lands and fortress of House Basilsaurius. In a desperate attempt to maintain control of their home, the Basilsaurius family seal themselves inside and hope the natural fortification will allow them to survive and prevent the Seven Angry Tembos attacks. A horrible miscalculation of the noble house, the Seven Angry Tembos abruptly and effortlessly seize control of the house. Braxius is smuggled out and sent by his father to gather support from other noble houses in the defense or retaking of the house.
After escaping the clutches of the Seven Angry Tembos, Braxius proceeds to the House Rees army assembling in the valleys. Braxius requests a meeting with the general to personally ask for assistance. The Prince Polydamus is instead interested to meet with the young nobleman. Prince Polydamus agrees to free the house and bring the Seven Angry Tembos to justice. In return, the nobleman must provide his allegiance to Prince Polydamus and pledge House Basilsaurius to House Rees in the event his father dies and Braxius is announced Patriarch. Braxius quickly agrees in order to save his family and save his farms from spoiling.
The 28th day of Octavus free year 19, House Rees army under the control of Master General Vandor approach the valleys of House Rees. Braxius under his request is asked to assist a group of soldiers in conducting subterfuge. The task is to lead the group around to the back of the house so the Seven Angry Tembos cannot see the group coming. The group's mission is acquiring the artifact sword that glows red. They quickly make their way to the back during night and spot a half giant wielding the sword by the crypts of House Basilsaurius.
Around the break of dawn, the rag tag group attempts to sneak into the crypts. Upon their approach, they are spotted and a battle ensues. The group manages to fight through the few guards in the front of the crypt and enter and barricade themselves inside the crypt. The half giant wielding the terrifying sword awakens and moves to attack. The half giant is imprisoned by Braxius' psionic abilities until the other guards have been dispatched by his group. The half giant is then released and defeated by the entirety of the party assembled without having a chance to complete a full swing of his mighty sword. Meanwhile, a dwarven member of the party disappears into the depths of the crypt and never returns.
During the dawn, the army of House Rees then attack the remaining forces of the Seven Angry Tembos. The army of House Rees appear to be winning with overwhelming force and it appears the Seven Angry Tembos are on the verge of being defeated. Then the unthinkable happens, a large group of fire elementals are summoned into the valley and begin destroying the House Rees army as well as the profitable and well maintained fields of House Basilsaurius. The House Rees armies immediately retreat and the Seven Angry Tembos escape justice. The fields and fortress of House Basilsaurius are essentially destroyed, their family is in tatters, their patriarch and father of Braxius is dead. The house is in turmoil, and many of the house have perished. Braxius leaves on a mission to garner favor from many other noble houses, financially and militarily.
Diplomatic Assistance
Upon the defeat of the House Basilsaurius forces and destruction of most of the House Basilsaurius wealth by the hands of the Seven Angry Tembos,acting Patriach and uncle to Braxius, Lord Hestost sent Braxius as well as others on diplomatic missions to garner support and assistance from great houses in the reinforcement and reconstruction of House Basilsaurius. Braxius, who found support in the soldier Korax, began the long trek to House Euraxis with his new acquaintance.
Alon the route between the two house spread across by miles were the remnants of the great battle at House Basilsaurius. Many maimed soldiers were strewn about the lands, disorientated and fearful of the events that transpired recently. Braxius and Korax stop to speak with many of the soldiers to get accounts of the soldiers from a perspective other than their own. From the feeling of guilt that he led these soldiers to their fate or perhaps from some inner good that cannot be resisted, Braxius heals many of the poor and unfortunate victims of this tragedy. Korax questions why a noble would bother with the likes of these slaves and vagabonds and through many conversations on their journey Korax and Braxius form an unspoken bond of respect.
Upon reaching the rolling lands of House Euraxis, acting Matriarch, Lady Everane offers domicile for Braxius in her home. Suspicious and through a sense of vague friendship, Braxius decides to stay in the barracks with Korax and learn more of his view of the world. The nobleman experiences the rather bleak existence the slave soldiers inhabit. His mothers compassion fills within his mind and Braxius began to wonder if perhaps Xal'gren and the free army are not just in their cause. He even goes so far as to wonder if maybe not all of the traditions of the past should be maintained.
In the early dawn hours of the next day, Lady Everene insists Braxius bathe and prepare for a formal meeting between the two. The meeting though seemingly formal begins very casually with the Lady inquiring over why Braxius would be here. They share many words upon the destruction of House Basilsaurius. Finally Braxius asks for the support of House Euraxis, many thoughts seemingly enter the young matriarchs head. Negotiations begin and Braxius believes the Lady to be insincere and bordering nefarious. The Lady finally offers to help House Basilsaurius on the condition that Braxius marries her and the two houses merge under her banner. Braxius refuses as the entirety of their conversations lead him to believe she wishes to undertake a consolidation of power and commit malicious actions against Xal'gren's orders.
Citadel of the Philosopher
Braxius, Nystrom, Korax and Liktar are tasked by House Wavir and Xal'gren to meet with the dwarf in the Citadel of the Philosopher but the night they arrive devastation has occurred and the dwarf has escaped while the House Wavir Sentinels are missing. Braxius emerges from the chaos of the destruction at the Citadel of the Philosopher as any ally of Branmalech, a veteran lochias (sergeant) of the House Wavir Sentinels stationed there. Wishing to cross back over the Tharian Hills and return to the Peninsula to see his mother, Braxius accompanies Branmalech and a small company to make the journey through the wilderness. The small party is ambushed by a monster, but Branmalech calls upon wizardry, allowing both he and Braxius to destroy the creature. That night the party rests at the eastern edge of the hill, overlooking the city of Abynon. The group which includes Nystrom, a half giant and a thrikreen, then travel to a smaller town in hopes to rest and await the House Rees contingency currently occupying Abynon, there Braxius gives money to the Templar (name) to continue the upkeep on the Basilica (name). The party rests at the taverna.
Barroom Brawl
Braxius, Nystrom and Branmalech stay at the taverna in (name). There they meet a curious human soldier of Balic named Tychon. They converse and become quite amicable as they drink and enjoy each others company. When the group gets closer to bed, a group of generally rude and disgruntled elves accompanied by a half-giant enter the bar. They are carrying slaves that appear to be House Basilsaurius family members. The soldier Tychon confronts and hits the leader of the elves, then she states she will destroy the all of us when confronted by the town militia. Braxius enters her mind and psychically cripples her. Meanwhile Branmalech and Nystrom enter from upstairs to join their companions. A large lightning bolt crushes one elf as arrows reign down upon the elves. Tychon throws the leader of the group out the window and down into the abyss below (the gulch). Braxius engages another powerful psionicist in psychic combat, there he enters her mindscape and ravages the bard district of Balic.
House Basilsaurius
House Basilsaurius is one of the greatest and most prestigious noble houses of Balic, tracing its descent from the legendary son of Androponis, Ceprox, a man of gigantic proportions and the lower quadrants of a vast serpent. Basilsaurius is generally considered one of the ten greatest houses in the city, and usually rests at the head of a league of aristocratic families from which it can draw support when necessary. Claiming royal descent, Basilsaurius is one of the only houses allowed to display a crown on its colors, a privilege awarded to it perhaps because of its tradition of unwavering loyalty to the Alabaster Throne. The house is famous for its staunch traditionalism, and even in the absence of Androponis has advocated the installation of a new king, the re-enslavement of recent freedmen, and the application of noble and templar power over the masses in the city.
As of 3 Assalia, in the Year of Guthay's Contemplation (Free Year 19 in the Tyrian calendar), House Basilsaurius is still ruled by Braxius the Elder, son of Ophemeles the Wise. Having assumed the patriarchy during the rule of Androponis, Braxius was blinded, his tongue cut out and made dumb so that he might serve the King of Balic at the Chamber of Patricians, where the Dictator would conduct congress with his nobles via a telepathic conference. A powerful man before his disfigurement, Braxius the Elder had some skill with the Way of the Unseen, and still exercises his will over the family via telepathy.
Until recently, the family was run on a day-to-day basis by Kharmane, the second oldest child of Ophemeles. Loyal to his maimed elder brother, after the disappearance of King Androponis Kharmane obeyed his sibling and steered the family's loyalties to House Tomblador, the most conservative of the great merchant dynasties that had taken over the city.
Over the last ten years, Braxius the Elder has been at the head of a league of conservative noble families loyal to House Tomblador.
Recent Activity
The Defeat of House Basilsaurius
The family was disgraced by its defeat at the hands of the small army of bandits and renegade slave-soldiers under the so-called Seven Angry Tembos. Defending the valley with a strong force of allied noble families consisting of over 500 slave-soldier infantry, 600 militia infantry, 30 chariots and 50 crodlu cavalry, Lord Kharmane Basilsaurius took command and held the valley at the brambleweed walls at the mouth of the valley. Supremely confident, Lord Kharmane dismissed the small bandit army of some 250 and the one-armed desert brigand at their lead. Before the engagement ever began however, word came that a small force of the raiders had appeared at the far end of the valley near the main Basilsaurius palace, and so Lord Kharmane broke with the bulk of his crodlu cavalrymen, leaving the pentakosiarch Armanost in command. At the suggestion of Lord Kharmane, Armanost ordered the chariots to ride the bandits down, and Braxius the Younger assisted by utilizing his telekinetic barrier to hold back much of the bandits' own cavalry. Instead of a victory, the one-armed bandit commander used the Way of the Unseen and snuffed the very life out of the the first wave of chariots, after which their half-giant and other warriors used the bodies and cars to seal the opening in the bramblewall, preventing the other chariots from riding forth.
Meanwhile, in the rear, Lord Kharmane encountered the bandits, who were busy burning homes and the main village, all being led by a mul wielding the powerful red sword. They also had with them a fire elemental. About to ride them down, Lord Kharmane and his squadron were cut down by a wave of force which came from a slash of the red sword. The wave of power upheaved the very earth, and many beasts and their riders fell into the cracks never to be seen again. Others were simply blasted to pieces. Lord Kharmane survived, and attempted to use the Way, but found that the red sword projected a powerful telepathic defense against psionic attack that was far to strong for Lord Kharmane to breach. Gathering up a second attack with the survivors, they were burned alive by the fire elemental or hacked down by the enormous red sword. Lord Kharmane himself was struck down, and the enchanted steel sword of the family was broken in half by the red blade. Terribly wounded, Lord Kharmane was whisked inside the family palace. The remaining cavalrymen fled while the mul, his fire elemental and the bandits approached the rear of the Basilsaurius army at the mouth of the valley.
Although defending themselves with a staunch rear defensive line and archers, a second wave of power dismantled the rearward Basilsaurius forces and uprooted much of the secondary and tertiary brambleweed walls in a miniature earthquake that sent the Basilsaurius forces in a panic. The mul even summoned great walls of fire, setting aflame the wall of broken chariots and bodies, and destroying much of the assembled army. Hundreds died, and the rest fled or surrendered. Armanost was killed, and Ephelos, the skilled House shieldbearer, was never seen again.
Some of the House Basilsaurius soldiery managed to flee back to the back of the canyon, and hurriedly fortified the palaces and strong points as best they could. None dared to attack the bandits when the whole of their force came through the valley, looting and raping.
After a time Promtheus, the vain and sadistic mul who wielded the red sword, declared that his weapon was the famous Silencer wielded by the bandit-queen Rimmon centuries ago, and that he would spare the Basilsaurius family if they would pledge fealty to him and command the remainder of their soldiers to obey him. The family responded that they would not answer until Lord Kharmane recovered from his swoon due to the wound of the Silencer. In secret, Lord Kharmane sent his son Braxius to help gather support from nobles or even House Rees if necessary.
The Massacre of House Basilsaurius
During and immediately after the attempt of House Rees to destroy the army of the Seven Angry Tembos and seize the Silencer for their matriarch and her son, the one-armed commander of the Tembo forces who could kill life with the Way smashed into the Basilsaurius palace, murdering many members of the family, likely in retribution for not submitting to the Tembos before the Rees army came. Braxius the Elder, Lord Kharmane and Lady Tyreus are killed, among others. Braxius' eldest sister Sthelia is raped by Promtheus. The main palace is desecrated, and many of its treasures and pieces of art are either smashed or stolen. The main treasury is likewise breached and stolen, its magical protections broken.
Current Leadership and Status of House Basilsaurius
Lord Hestost, the youngest and last surviving scion of Archimachos, stands to become the de facto patriarch of House Basilsaurius. He endured the siege of the Seven Angry Tembos at the palace of cadet line of House Basilsaurius-Ranthynus, to whom he married into and serves as patriarch.
The major cadet lines of pentakosiomedimnoi status have no lands of their own and enjoy generous stipends from the House proper. However, with the disaster to the central family, there is the possibility that the cadet families will attempt to break up the Basilsaurius lands to form independent noble houses. Against this will certainly be Lord Hestost, who secretly covets achieving the Serpent Throne.
Other claimants are Psaesia, the young daughter of Braxius the Elder, although she is a minor who currently studies in Raam. Her mother Delia, a former slave-girl who was given her freedom by Braxius the Elder, is a de facto member of the family, and has long advocated for her daughter's right of ascendancy upon Braxius the Elder's death.
Also powerful in the family is Lady Polyklasia, a daughter of Archimachos who is younger to Kharmane and elder than Hestost. Lady Polyklasia is widowed from a lesser noble house, and has lived a the Ceproxian palace for some time. She has run the House staff since her return, and is a stark traditionalist.
Cadet-Lines and Allies of House Basilsaurius
Cadet Families of House Basilsaurius
House Basilsaurius-Khanto, Lord of the Hollow Palace
Patriarch: Lord Tiamus
The most powerful and richest of the cadet lines, this extended family live in an august palace carved into the cliffs near the Ceproxian palace. In recent history they often served the king as templars.
Lord Tiamus is harsh and cruel, and is possessed of a powerful will.
House Basilsaurius-Ranthynus
Patriarch: Lord Hestost, son of Archimachos
Lords of Castle Black Orchard, so-called for the defiler who once lived there until he was burned at the stake by House Basilsaurius proper.
House Basilsaurius-Nykomachus
Matriarch: Lady Astanay
Lady Astanay is a friend to Hythymnae. Her son Pilos was killed in the attack by the Seven Angry Tembos, but her daughter Kiosta is a student of the Way and attracted to Braxius. Lady Astanay's husband is a former templar of considerable repute in the city. Lady Astanay's little brother, Rhymon, is a veteran merchant guardsman and adventurer. He fought in the battle against the Seven Angry Tembos and was critically wounded. Rhymon helped teach Braxius how to use certain weapons.
House Basilsaurius-Othrandys
Patriarch: Lord Gylaxost
Other Related Families
Some fifty other families are related to the great House and maintain homesteads farms throughout and near the valley. Some ten of these once maintained knightly status, but with the destruction of the valley their status is certain in question.
Allies of House Basilsaurius
House Avandor
Patriarch: Eukelion Avandor
House Avandor is a great house, and like Basilsaurius is one of the ten greatest families of the entire Balican peninsula. They have been allies of Basilsaurius for hundreds of years. Staunch traditionalists, they too claim an enormous valley in the Tharian Hills as their lands and multiple lands beyond, and maintain one of the most powerful and best equipped slave-soldier armies in the peninsula.
Their patriarch, Eukelion Avandor, had been maimed by Androponis as well, but has been restored with powerful magic. Lord Eukelion supported House Rees during the Triumvirate, for he hated Kaladon Tomblador personally, even though he agreed largely with his politics.
Lord Eukelion did not support the large Rees army that was recently raised with his own soldiers. He likewise has not freed his many slaves and slave-soldiers.
House Nythander
House Dimonides
House Temegrino
House Amersa
A minor noble house, Amersa was defeated by the Seven Angry Tembos, who took twenty of their slave-soldiers who fought against Basilsaurius in the recent conflicts.
House Actor
History
Advent of House Basilsaurius in Ancient Times
House Basilsaurius is one of the most ancient noble houses of Balic. They claim descent from Ceprox, a legendary king of Balic, and a son of Androponis, who ruled the city, ostensibly in his father's name, while his father ruled a vast island empire abroad as Wanax, the high-king of the seas in those ancient times. A forerunner of his father, Ceprox came and defeated the previous Balican king Antheon, removing his head and spine and devouring it. Called Ceprox the Terrible. An open tyrant, Ceprox dissolved the democratic institutions of the city, and expanded the might of Balic far and wide, becoming a great lieutenant for his powerful and ancient master. A monstrous being with the proportions of a half-giant and with a great snake body for legs, Ceprox appears to have been actually worshiped by some Balicans during his lifetime, as surviving ancient temples, shrines and other art depict Ceprox throughout the Balican peninsula to this day. Indeed, it seems that at least sections of the Balican mystery cults took to becoming the monster-king's clerical followers, becoming his priests and lieutenants, perhaps as forerunners of the templars of Androponis. In the legendary histories, Ceprox eventually took to arms against another city of that ancient age ruled by one of the great immortal warlords of the time, the mighty king Dregoth. Ceprox was defeated in war, and attempted to use his powerful magic against Dregoth, who follow Ceprox with his hosts. Dregoth defeated him all the same, even though the spells of Ceprox spoiled much of the land. Dregoth slew the monster-king, sacked Balic, and ruined the peninsula with his magic, causing such severe damage that by the time he left the city was only but a shadow of its former greatness. Ceprox' priests buried their slain tyrant at his great fortress, the Megaphylarchion, the massive structure of which stands until this day lodged into the defensive barrier of the Tharian Hills.
Ceprox is said to have had a son with Anthea, the sister of the king he had slain, Antheon son of Athonax. A powerful noble with apparently a human frame, this son was the first of House Basilsaurius, and bore the name of his family. Basilsaurius strove to become king of the city like his monstrous father before him, but even in a defiled and broken state, the city still cherished its returned democratic principles, and would not yield the archonship only to be replaced by a crown for the son of Ceprox. Basilsaurius never became the king, but in the ancient chronicles from these semi-mythical times, it is said that he was then at least the most powerful noble in the city for his time.
When King Androponis, the Great Wanax of the Sea, seized Balic as his capital not long after the death of Ceprox, House Basilsaurius supported the great warlord. Ever since then, for perhaps well over a thousand years, House Basilsaurius has remained a staunch ally of Androponis, and is recognized as one of the most respected ancient noble houses of the city-state.
Recent Patriarchal Succession
Acrea
Archimachos Thesmothete
Thiomedes
Braxius the Elder
The Family
Father: Lord Kharmane, son of Archimachos IV (deceased)
Mother: Lady Hythymnae, daughter of Lord Eurion II of House Lypsus (lives in Abynon)
Younger Sister: Sthelia II (b. FY 3)
Younger Sister: Naithaline (b. FY 6)
Younger Brother: Eurion III (b. FY 10)
Younger Sister: Antela (b. FY 14)
Younger Brother: Alynthos (b. FY 18)
Patriarch: Braxius the Elder (deceased)
Last patriarch of House Basilsaurius, eldest son of Archimachos IV. Although a strong and powerful man, in mid-age he succeeded his childless uncle Thiomedes as patriarch, and like all patriarchs (or matriarchs), he was made deaf, dumb and blind by King Androponis, a prerequisite in order to attend the king's mandatory Chamber of Patricians. Braxius endured his fate bravely, and having a solid command of the Way before the procedure, Braxius the Elder was still able to exercise real power over his family.
Braxius had two sons from his early life, but they both died, one in battle, and one in Balic, and both suspiciously. Braxius' remaining child, a daughter named Psaesia Postuma, currently studies the Way of the Unseen in far-off Raam. Psaesia is 16 years old. Psaesia was conceived after Braxius' maiming, and killed her elderly mother during birth, the powerful Lady Enthana of House Eukandion.
Father: Kharmane (deceased)
Lord Kharmane was trained as a cavalry officer cadet, and upon graduation attended the Cerebran, where he was educated in telepathy by Iphignea. He followed his elder brother however in the pursuit of war. Kharmane chose the classic noble military career of a crodlu cavalryman, and served regularly in the militia rotations that supported Balic's standing army. A respected nobleman, as a young man Lord Kharmane frequently stayed at the family's townhouse at the city proper, and maintained a modest pursuit in politics, being elected a circuit judge for a ten-year term. He was also interested in advanced psionics and philosophy, and attended lectures at the Cerebran. It was at the Cerebran that Lord Kharmane met the much younger Lady Hythymnae of House Lypsus
Eldest younger brother to Lord Braxius, and father to Braxius the Younger. Since his elder brother's cruel disfigurement, Kharmane took his brother's place at the head of the Basilsaurian army as the House chiliarch. Kharmane is married to Hythymnae of House Lypsus, a kindly and beautiful noblewoman. Kharmane was a strong but compassionate man, and was loyal to his afflicted elder brother. He was nonetheless ambitious, and was increasingly conservative and authoritarian in his later years.
Mother: Hythymnae
Hythymnae was born the youngest daughter of House Lypsus, a minor noble house of Abynon, a major town in the Balican peninsula. When her noble family was effectively destroyed in a political contest against the templars, which saw her father, mother and elder brothers killed, she was taken in by Antipian of House Enkesson, who had been friends with her father. Hythymnae spent her early teenage years at House Enkesson, being raised by the kindly half-elf Lord Antipian and his half-elf wife, a commoner non-Balican named Loria. Loria became famous for rejuvenating the lands of House Enkesson, and Hythymnae learned to cherish goodly lands and farming techniques from her.
Hythymnae was sent to the Cerebran as a young woman, where she studied clairsentience, and met her future husband, Lord Kharmane. She gave birth to Braxius the Younger on her 19th year, and afterwards became a citizen-cadet for three years, serving as a shipfloater. She returned to House Basilsaurius, and gave Kharmane many more children. A kindly and caring mother despite her many progeny, Hythymnae was the object of jealousy among many of the other women of the House. Choosing women servants to help raise her children, Hythymnae personally worked in the House Basilsaurius orange orchards, directing planting and irrigation. She beautified the lands, and increased the ancient House's income.
Hythymnae remained friends with Lady Loria of House Enkesson, and would take her children and visit often. Later in life, Lord Kharmane bought back Lady Hythymnae's old family townhouse at Abynon. She restored and beautified the small mansion, and in recent years has become influencing in local politics there.
Unlike her husband, Hythymnae did not abandon the serious pursuit of psionic study until recently, and continues to have some skill as a clairsentient. She now spends increasing amounts of time studying Balican history and expanding the House library, and enjoys the reading of philosophy and mathematics. Many of the other women of the family consider her odd and even a bit equestrian for these pursuits.
Hythymnae's psionic powers are almost all clairsentient and psychometabolic.
Recent Activity
In the last month, Hythymnae was sent with all her children, save for Braxius, Sthelia and Naithaline, to Abynon, attempting to improve relations between House Basilsaurius and House Rees, with whose recently installed governor there she has been a long-time friend.
Hythymnae is guarded by the epi-lochias (over-sergeant) Mauros, a veteran slave-soldier of House Basilsaurius. Eleven other slave-soldiers, including a subordinate lochias (sergeant) and two dekarchs (corporals) form her guard. Also in her train is a family slave-teacher and advisor named Ptolias, his wife and nurse to the children Eutelmae, and the young nurse Neloa, an attractive young woman who is attracted to Braxius. Hythymnae also has a free female half-elf client named Eutyphero, who watches over her family and often does peculiar and trusted tasks for her.
Tiamus
Patriarch of Basilsaurius-Khanto, a cadet line of the Basilsaurius family, the Lords of the Hollow Mountain.
Lady Tyreus (deceased)
An old crone, she was the daughter of Thiomedes.
Hestost
Youngest brother of Braxius the Elder, Hestost has for some years been ambitious to rule the family.
House Army
Command and Leadership
Chiliarch (commander): Lord Kharmane (deceased)
Pentakosiarch (vice-commander): Armanost (KIA)
Shieldbearer (senior-most freed slave-soldier of the army): Ephelos (MIA)
The House Army is/was composed of two companies, Dragon and Silver Company, of approximately 120 soldiers each. Each company was led by a lochagos (captain), with an arch-lochias as the senior-most enlisted-man. Each company was divided into three platoons, led by a anthypaspistis (a junior officer), with an epi-lochias as the senior-most enlisted-man. Each platoon possessed two sections of twenty each, led by a lochias, and each section was composed of two columns or squads, led by a dekarch.
Surviving Leadership
Nimidian, lochagos, N?, ranking surviving officer of the House Army, lost left hand to the Red Sword in defense of the Ceproxian Palace, will currently shattered
Eukasia, upo-lochagos, LN, ranking surviving officer of Silver Company, severely wounded, recovering at the Ceproxian Palace
Thymanus, anthypaspistis, N, a retired freedman epi-lochias turned only surviving officer of Dragon Company, a powerful will, angry, badly burned on side, foot crushed
Thrambyses, epi-lochias, LN, a hard veteran, senior-most present surviving enlisted-man in the House Army (Silver Company)
Ceryo, anthypaspistis, LG, a young sub-altern of the palace guard, generally considered a poor fighter who did not fight well
Glythus, freedman epi-lochias, N, senior-most surviving freed retired soldier, a farmer with a strong reputation
Arms, Equipment and Uniforms
Weapons: fire-hardened agafari long spears (1d8/3d6, sp 10, -2 to hit, -2 to dmg.), erdlu bone dagger (-1 to hit, -1 to dmg., sp 2)
Armor: wooden dark green body shield painted with the silver serpent, leather armor (studded or better for sergeants and senior)
Uniform: honorary dark green cloak; ranks are displayed in thick white paint on a leather rondel on the right breast, or otherwise where it is visible; officers wear an honorary white marble serpent of House Basilsaurius with silver pips indicating their ranks beneath it
Rank Structure
Enlisted Ranks: soldier, upo-dekarch (under-corporal), dekarch (corporal), lochias (sergeant), epi-lochias (over-sergeant), arch-lochias (arch-sergeant), (freed veterans), (shieldbearer)
Officer Ranks: anthypaspistis(subaltern-in-trust), upo-lochagos (under-captain), lochagos (captain), spatharios ("sword-bearer", usually reserved for family members), pentakosiarch ("commander of 500", vice-commander), chiliarch ("commander of one thousand")
Before the destruction wrought by the army of the Seven Tembos, House Basilsaurius maintained an army of 250 standing slave-soldiers, augmented by a monthly drilled militia of 50 chariots from the knightly and noble cadet families in and around the valley, in addition to the slave and citizen militia, which theoretically could number in the thousands (Basilsaurius was usually expected to marshal some 2000 trained militia of suitable age and strength during the reign of Androponis). When the Free Army took Balic and House Tomblador fled the peninsula, Lord Kharmane eventually convinced his brother to obey Xal'gren's first decree as Dictator and freed all the slaves, including the slave-soldiers. Braxius the Elder paid the former slave-soldiers a handsome donative, and having been raised since childhood to be loyal to their house, almost all the soldiers remained on duty and loyal to their lord.
The army of House Basilsaurius, along with the army of several allied noble families, was decisively defeated by the army of the Seven Angry Tembos late in the month of Octavus, FY 19, their ranks broken by the presence of a fire elemental, a strong force of bandits and recently freed slave-soldiers, not to mention a great red sword of incredible power. So powerful was this sword, wielded by a mul leader of the bandit army, that the House Basilsaurius soldiers soon broke their defense, and dared not fight any longer. Roughly a hundred or more soldiers retired to the House Basilsaurius palace, many of whom re-emerged to fight off the small bandit army when the elemental swarm was let loose on the 28th of Octavus and devastated the army of House Rees.
House Basilsaurius was a strong supporter of the militia program, and drilled its slaves and tenant farmers frequently and well, providing them better weapons and armor in armories at key points throughout their valley. At its height, the fully marshaled Basilsaurius army could muster two thousand adult militia men and women, in addition to the 250 belonging to the standing army, and the some 50 chariots of the knights and noble-cadet families.
The current order of battle and disposition of the remaining loyal House Basilsaurius army is unknown.
Psionic Powers
Psycho-kinetic Sciences
Telekinesis, Telekinetic Barrier
Psycho-kinetic Devotions
Animate Object, Molecular Agitation, Mass Manipulation, Momentum Theft, Inertial Barrier, Molecular Bonding
Psycho-metabolic Devotion
Lend Health, Cell Adjustment, Photosynthesis, Share Strength
Attacks
Id Insinuation, Psychic Crush
Defenses
Intellect Fortress, Mind Blank
Pertinent Items
Cumquat, Hide Armor, Bone Dagger, House Raxides Treatises on Metapsionics (book)
Goals
Minor Goals:
Research what really happened the night the tower was destroyed.
Find out why this dwarf seems to be so important.
Discover why Liktar Cozen was sent here.
Find out whether this has anything to do with artifact sword that Liktar Cozen stole.
Moderate Goals:
Bring the individuals who destroyed my home with fire elementals to justice.
Restore my farms and ensure my family is secure.
Assist the poor by healing and rejuvenating their bodies and souls.
Major Goals:
Bring peace to Balic.
Restore prosperous agricultural properties to the Balic region.
Find and imprison/execute all defilers on the Balican pennisula.
Investigate information on Ceprox history. Defeat, life, and more.
