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Background
Michael al'Callenta is the twin brother of Gabriel al'Callenta, as well as the heir to Murnord and served for eight years at the royal court as a page and squire. Knighted at age 20 he now serves as his father's right hand in running Murnord while what he really wants is to win glory alongside his brother against the Barbarians.
Michael al'Callenta was born seventeen minutes before his brother Gabriel, and unlike his brother, he resents the order of their birth. Those senventeen minutes freed Gabriel from a life scripted for him like the plays of old Vir Sidus. All Michael wanted was glory and knighthood. He was fed stories of great heroes along with the milk from his nurses breasts and when he was older, he played at being St. Eduard, or the Southerner Prince George, or Darius Firebrand alongside his brother and the other boys his age in the yard. And yes, while even then he was jealous of how his father was less strict with his brother about their lessons, he loved him and was happiest when the two of them could find time to 'spar' with wooden swords and have adventures.
This made his seventh year hard. It was then he and Gabriel were sent off to foster, Gabriel to the al'Mordan, Michael to the royal court of the al'Ramar. Life at the court was strict, but exciting, and when not attending to the needs of the royal house as a page Michael was underfoot in the practice yard of the Blue Cavaliers, or trailing after the crown Prince Jean-Paul. Eventually Michael would move up from page and pest, to squire, chosen to have the honour of serving King Maris, while what he wanted was to serve Prince Jean-Paul.
Still with this rise in position came the chance to visit home briefly, as Michael had served the king well and the king had a missive for Michael's father that could not be trusted to Moongazer. Whether it was that message the fact that Michael was dress richly and had a small escort, he was attacked and while his escort was killed and he was wounded, he slew the last surviving attacker and then managed to ride home through the cold. When he arrived, he was feverish, and spent a time recovering, tutted by his mother for his recklessness of not seeking the aid of a vassal and sending the message on. Duke Ceasar however was proud of his son's courage and resolve and that was enough to make the small incident a crowning moment of glory for the young Michael.
What Michael did not share were the dark dreams he'd had in his feverish state, or how he was sometimes afflicted with headaches or moments of distraction even after.
When Michael returned to court much had changed. Firstly, he was well regarded by the king for his attention to duty and by his fellow squires to be the first in their number to be blooded. Second he had a new sense of purpose, he had seen combat and lived, surely glory and knighthood would soon be his, he threw himself into his combat studies. However, the time for those studies were curtailed by the king noticing his natural head for figures. He was often called from the yard to attend the king in meetings and councils, as he had a steady hand for writing and could often spot flaws in others counting. The king was grateful but Michael couldn’t help but read his brothers letters telling him of his time serving a member of the Argent Legion and find far more exciting than what he wrote back.
Still he made the best of it, using his time there to learn the games of the court, dabble in courtly romance, both of the chaste and unchaste sort, and study with the scholars who gathered around the court and the Cathedral. Michael learned the speech of the Barbarians from elder chaplains who had served in the north and much else from those around him. His complications continued as well, and while a hindrance he learned to conceal them. Though when things grew bad he sought out the faith rather than the royal physician, trusting them to secrecy. Members of the Reliant were able to give him things to help with his headaches, and beyond that he threw himself on the mercy of the one and took to carrying a token of the patron saint of the Reliant Order, Saint Sarah, on him at all times.
At 19 word of the Siege of Benide reached him. He wanted to go to help, but the king would not allow it and he knew even if he could have ridden to Murnord his father would have forbidden it. So, he stayed at court helpless until word of the lifting of the siege came along with the heroic exploits of his brother. He was proud in a way, but also jealous. His 'glory' such as it was was long past and at court he seemed buried in paper and entombed in council chambers, dubbed the 'Black Knight' by his fellow squires for the ink that stained his fingers, as barbarian blood had stained his brother's armour red.
Finally on the All Feast Day of his 20th year, Michael was knighted by the King along with other courtly squires in a grand ceremony. His family attended, and it was the first time Michael had laid eyes on his brother since the Siege. He was different. Changed. Still his brother though, and Michael at least pretended not to envy the attention heaped on him for his part in the siege.
After his knighting, Michael left court and returned home to Murnord to take up his role as the heir to the duchy. Serving his father in much the same way he served the king but with a greater voice in the affairs being discussed, and taking every opportunity to escape for a day or two, to visit some vassal's holding, or when the One is merciful head north to see to the defenses. Though it is only a matter of time before he will be let free to try his blade against the barbarians feeling as though his time for glory will soon be upon him.
On the Grid
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Sir Michael al'Callenta stands 6'1" tall with closely cropped brown hair along with a clean-shaven face. Indeed he looks like the very image of his more famous brother Gabriel until one takes a closer look. There is a brightness to his green eyes that has not yet been dulled by the horrors of war, and Michael carries himself with an air of casual command the confidence of a man who can handle himself in a fight but has yet to be truly tested. Still even without the tell tale sword or spurs it is clear the man is a noble and a knight.
At his leisure he girds himself in simple but well-made clothing, usually of a single colour, and high black boots . However he does ornament himself with the odd bobble or luxury, such a fur lined cloak, or mantle, or the odd ring or chain, though they seem to be an afterthought rather than having particular significance. The exception is one well-worn ring of ring of gold, which bears the likeness of Saint Sarah on it, which he wears often if not always, and toys with when thinking.
In battle he wears full plate, well-made but plain, with the blue and white tabard of his house. His sword is equally well-made with a heavy pommel to allow it to swing more swiftly and crack barbarian skulls.
Personality
Born to be the next Duke of Murnor, Michael feels trapped by his birthright and if choice was an option, he’d be happy fighting on the front lines or living the life of courtly intrigue and adventure of a Blue Cavalier. However that is not his fate, he will be duke, and that is that all other options are closed to him.
Still, his choice or no, he has sworn to himself to be a good Duke and has worked hard to master the skills he will need to somehow replace his father when he dies. Though before that happens he wants to make the most of what freedom he has and earn some glory for himself rather than live in the shadow of his more famous twin Gabriel. Though it’s not just the his private jealousies that goad Michael towards seeking glory, but also his afflictions. Suffering headaches and spells where all attempts at concentration escape him, he worries that these symptoms will grow worse and rob him of the duchy, and all hope of glory.
Michael is also a devout believer in the mechanics of the One Faith. He believes the One has a hand in his life and the life of others, and that One is best pleased by embodying the virtues in both spirit and deed and that when you sin (and Michael does sin often, lechery and drunkenness being two of his favourites) you must confess and do penance to clear the spiritual stain of the sin so your prayers are heard. As a result he sees the church as a vital part of the fabric of Aequor and believes in its primacy in all spiritual matters, after all it is through priests our sins are cleared. He also believes it is the role of priests to be the shepherds of souls and does not preach or attempt to meddle in the keeping of other men’s souls except to offer advice where he feels it is needed. This tolerance however does not extend to the barbarians whom he refers to as heathens to differentiate them from their d’Arran cousins. In his eyes the barbarians are enemies of Aequor and the One Faith and must be converted and pacified.
Assumed Quirks
Code of Honor (Family): Michael takes his oaths as a knight seriously. Not just as some pretty words he spoke the day he was dubbed, but as a contract between himself, his king and his god, on how he should live his life. While he may not always live up to this contract, when he breaks from it, he does what is needed to be done to make his actions right even if it will cost him his life.
Devout (Family): Michael believes in the One and he believes in the teachings of his church. So he attends mass, makes regular confessions and does all he can to ensure his soul is clear of corruption so that his prayers might be heard by the one.
Courteous (Family): Between his upbringing in Murnord and fosterage at the royal court Michael has learned his courtesies knowing that it shows not only respect for others but reflects well on himself, his family and his mentor the king. This only applied to those from the civilized West. Barbarians can die flaming and may crows feast on what’s left.
Chosen Quirks
Afflicted: Michael suffered injuries in his youth that have left him brain damaged. The lingering results of these injuries are often blinding headaches and moments of distraction where Michael ‘spaces out’. He has told his family about the headaches, and manages them through herbs provided by the Reliant Order, but, he does not share the rest fearing it is the beginnings of madness which will lead to him being stripped of his position any chance he has of making a name for himself.
Head for Numbers: Michael is a natural steward and can work figures quickly in his head, often finding mistakes before others can. This is a talent he uses to good effect helping his father, but it has also trapped him in a world of ledges and accounts when what he wants are swords and shields.
Mistaken Identity: Michael looks exactly like his brother Gabriel at the first glance and usually through a couple more after that. Gabriel is famous and Michael is often mistaken for him. It’s not his favourite thing.
Thirst for Glory: Michael feels cheated out of a true chance for glory early in his life like his brother had at the Siege of Benide and he is determined to get his chance now. As a result he takes risk to get glory that other wiser men might not take.
Michael attended the Masque in Alasce on Octobre 19th 1865.
Costume Desc
The Red Knight is dressed perhaps predictably in a sleeveless surcoat of luxurious red silk that drops to his ankles and is embroidered around the collar and base with thread of gold. The garment breaks about the waist allowing the Red Knight to move his legs, clad in black leather breeches and knee high black boots freely, and it is belted about the middle with a belt of bronze medallions in the shape of shields. The shirt beneath the surcoat is also sleeveless and of simple black linen, exposing his well-muscled arms and a pair of bronze bracers that encircle his wrists.
The Red Knight's head is covered by an elaborate mask painted a bright red, looking like the crown and visor of a helm, but leaving his mouth uncovered so he might enjoy the beverages on offer tonight. A plume of red feathers rises from this demi-helm.
A simple gold chain hangs from his neck, dipping out of sight under the linen of his shirt.
Relationships
Sinesse - I knew who you were and still went with what you intended. I will be troubled by that.
Phoenix - My sweet Phoenix. I enjoyed our time together and will think well of you.
The Tall Man - Who?
(artos event havelock joffrey landon log michael nadine sebastian stellan war_in_the_north)
(artos casimir cesare elrick evelyn event francois havelock log michael nadine nathaniel stellan year-one)
(artos cesare elrick francois genoveffa joffrey log marcus michael nadine social)
(alina atreis clara event gabriel henric julieta log michael sylvain tavi thaddeus)
- 1875-04-26: The Drums of War
- 1866-03-16: Words with the One
- 1866-03-10: All in a Day's Work
- 1866-02-25: A Wartime Wedding
- 1865-12-06: A Marriage in Murnord
- 1865-11-12: Letter to Murnord
- 1865-11-05: More Letters Yet
- 1865-11-04: Two Letters
- 1865-11-02: Letters Home and Elsewhere
- 1865-10-31 A Spirit Day Missive
Relationships
- Cover
- House al'Callenta
- House d’Cadri
- House d’Tremaine
- House d’Synclarre
- House al'Ramar
- House d'Acuto
- House al’Sylenthar
- House al'Mordran
- House d'Armaz
- Kentaire
- Galenthia
- Church
Lord Sebastian al'Callenta : My brother's squire and one of my legion of cousins. I like him. |
Baron Benjamin d'Tremaine : Ass. |
Cavalier Octavian Deverot : A loyal if somewhat roguish cavalier, but then aren’t they supposed to be? A good man and a fought hard to defend his charge. |
Sir Landon d'Caulay : Brash, hardheaded and good with a sword isn't that what all (former) Cavaliers should be? A good man to have in a fight and I suspect to share a drink with. |
Baron Artos d'Acuto : A good and solid man both in a fight and at the council table. I hope the king makes good use of him. |
Prince Mikel Viscarin IV : My enigmatic father-in-law. Shrewd, brilliant and a total mystery to half the world. All the same I find I like him. |
Dora Viscarin : I feel sorry for her being parted from Bella and wished I got to know her better before she left for Kentaire. I will do my best to see her invited to Murnord in the future. |
Queen Melisande Sophia Romante; The Rose Queen : I've never met the woman but from what I hear said of her beauty I wish I had! |
Viscount Jaren Cassomir : Perhaps the only knight in the west better than my brother. I hope to see my brother beat the future king in an even contest next year. |
Sir Havelock Syn; The Penitent : I do not know the man well but the One hear's his prayers. I will need to speak to him about my other ailments soon. |