Forkoux Fyth

== Overview ==
Forkoux William Fyth (né Euphratuman) was a distinguished scholar, intellectual, educator, poet, painter, writer, aficionado of Mo, opera singer, envoy, and Patriarch of Helmont. Throughout his 107 year life he achieved many feats, such as negotiating Helmontan autonomy from the Grenthyx Dynasty. All the while, he was haunted by personal tragedies. His academic achievements became the benchmark for contemporary musings on topics surrounding the legend of Mo, life, economics and religion. He was an incredibly brave man, dedicating all his life to combat the influence of a mysterious force upon all walks of society in The Continent, at great personal cost and torment. He was an incredibly kind individual, always loving to tell stories; to teach and care for those around him. However, he had a short temper for those he distrusted and occasionally came across as a rather imposing figure, most likely owing to his low and booming aristocratic voice. During his rule, he was known to work hard, rising early in the morning and going to sleep late at night. When he was not attending to the affairs of his kingdom, he studied, wrote and practiced his singing. By 301 AG he was viewed as one of the foremost minds in the history of The Continent. 
== Appearance ==
Forkoux stood at six feet five inches tall. In his early life Forkoux was a slender but handsome boy with well-kept brown hair, and in later life a long, white and grey beard with flowing white hair. Long time collaborator, Tr'cupen, remarked that he and Forkoux joked that Forkoux need only use his eyebrow movement to indicate agreement or disagreement. Towards the end of his life he grew increasingly frail and attenuated, though was still thought by many to have aged well. 
== Biography ==
=== Birth and early life (172-185 AG) ===
Forkoux was born to Oliviaria Euphratuman and Randogor Euphratuman during the summer of 172 AG. As a youngster, Forkoux spent his days at the Euphratumans' prestigious address, Euphratuman Place, in the Capital. For his first few years, as per the custom of House Euphratuman, he was taught by the elder of the House, who at the time was his great-grandfather, Rorne Euphratuman. Forkoux grew close to Rorne, with Rorne holding the young Euphratuman in high regard. Rorne's delivery of teaching different somewhat from the teaching of old Euphratuman elders - he encouraged a sense of scepticism and critical thinking in Forkoux, which was highly uncharacteristic of Euphratumans. Nonetheless, as per custom, Forkoux was fluent in the old language of Dubravi, a language all Euphratumans were expected to be fluent in by the age of 5.
When growing up, Forkoux first became aware of a mysterious force or presence. His grandmother and grandfather, Shiezara II Euphratuman and Naron Euphratuman would occasionally have mysterious people round, or perhaps the same person multiple times; Forkoux did not know. What he did know, however, was that he heard things that he knew must never be told to anyone. Indeed, he was told as much in the harshest possible terms by his aforementioned grandparents. His own parents, kind and gentle as they were, stiffened up at the mere hint of a mention of anything related to what he heard and who he had seen, wanting to ensure he was kept in check. Forkoux would never forget these experiences, and it would later come to feed into what he viewed to be his purpose in life.
When Forkoux reached the age of 5, he became the beneficiary of a highly selective education system typical of the Capital under the Grenthyx Dynasty. Forkoux was an exceptional pupil, regularly acing tests, except for the art of sword-fighting. During this time Forkoux's parents grew aware of his unusual proclivity towards intellectual matters. As a child, the subject that entranced Forkoux the most were the stories surrounding old myths, as they alluded (in Forkoux's view) towards a unifying, narrative-based truth in religion and mythologyleft|thumb|166x166px|Forkoux circa 180 AG
His parents began to take him to the king's addresses and other diplomats' speeches in Causton Square. For example, in 177 AG, noted C'thardjian diplomat, Go’beira, gave a rousing speech in which the five year old Forkoux was in attendance. It was during this period that Forkoux became increasingly conscious of the world around him, having recalled later in his life detailed personal accounts of his feelings towards political figures and events occurring when he was but a youngster; often much to the interest of those around him.
After Forkoux achieved exceptional academic success, he prematurely rose through the education system, eventually encountering the mysterious legend of Mo in the Capital University of Oparo aged just 13 - in 185 AG.
Much to his own confusion, Forkoux was frequently sought after by the female peers of his teenage years, particularly in the year spent at the University at the age of 13. He eventually took to exiting the University premises using a cellar door into the streets due to a number of his female peers stalking the young Forkoux for his handsome presence.
==== Early relationship with Harolde Silversmith ====
In his youth, Forkoux grew fond of Harolde Silversmith. A year older than himself, the two found that their experiences were strikingly alike. The pair were often excluded from activities other children partook in, and so naturally gravitated towards each-other in the Oppidan School for the Youth and later in the Capital University of Oparo, beginning when Forkoux began attending the school in 178 AG. Having being sponsored to attend the school by his recently deceased parents and elders of House Silversmith, Harolde would often spend time at Euphratuman Place, chiefly occupying their time by dabbling in simple logic games. As Harolde lived in the school, disliking his orphanage, Euphratuman Place became somewhat of a second home to Harolde, and he was warmly welcomed there by the likes of Shiezara II and Naron Euphratuman.
The two budding scholars often fantasied with each-other when they were not playing together. Most frequently, this involved allowing their imaginations to embark on a journey, relishing about their futures and general aspirations. Indeed, as Rorne Euphratuman was interviewing Jorjaeryn III Grenthyx for admission into the Scholars' Collective in 178 AG, Forkoux and Harolde interrupted the interview when they ran in, playing. Jorjaeryn reccomended to Randagor and Oliviaria while there that the House Euphratuman could consider sponsoring Harolde should they want to, supplying financial support to keep him in education beyond the illusive enrollment fee his parents paid for just before they died. Accepting this, Harolde was able to stay in education and form a bond with Forkoux thanks to the efforts of Forkoux's parents.
For Forkoux, his relationship with Harolde was entirely enough to quell any feelings of social abandonment, a testament to the amount of communication both Harolde and Forkoux had with each-other. After 7 years, the two held a bond of friendship and mutual understanding strong enough so that, on multiple occasions in their teenage years, both could anticipate one another's strategy with crystal clear accuracy and critical precision. The personal and intellectual attachment Forkoux experienced with Harolde led him to inadvertently indulge in Harolde's arrogant, elitist and highly intellectually absolutist attitudes towards most things.
Harolde, being satisfied that Forkoux was of a higher order of person than what he deemed to be 'the unexceptional man', held him in high regard and greatly enjoyed his company; supposing that people of Forkoux's nature and heritage were exceptionally rare and that it was even more imperative to hold in contact with for his own elitist reasons.
For Forkoux, Harolde was the only person which he could call a true friend in childhood, not least due to their matching intellect and being the only person to be able to hold his own ground against Forkoux, both with regards to games and conversation. As a consequence, Forkoux became infatuated with attitudes Harolde permeated down to Forkoux, disregarding their moral implications in favour of his own, self-interested satisfaction he received from such a friendship. Their 7 years in close contact had an unrivalled impact upon the nature of their later dealings. When they next met in person they would no longer be friends; but sworn and unequivocal enemies.
=== Discovering Mo and the Disciples of Mo (186 AG) ===
Forkoux grew increasingly frustrated in his studies at the University by early 186 AG, objecting to the way in which his selection of Cross-Continental Cultural Studies, Diplomacy, History, Linguistic Thought, Literature, Philosophy and Statecraft was taught. He eventually decided to leave the institution after having seen a rare, special lecture delivered by the preeminent scholar of the elusive Disciples of Mo. After the lecture, he discussed with them, and produced an essay on Mo in order so that they may consider his admittance to an upcoming crusade dedicated to locating the remains of Mo. Having being accepted with ease for his heavily thoughtful essay, he bid farewell to his parents (who were more than happy to have a Euphratuman leave to a foreign Continent early on - this was not unusual in House Euphratuman) and Harolde. In this time the mystique and allure of the legend of Mo entranced him into radical thinking, partly encouraged by Harolde himself. One such early radical idea was that each human holds within them an innate responsibility to act in the shadow of Mo, a position reached by both Harolde and Forkoux together. Regarding his own bloodline, Forkoux had the following to say:
"descendants of mine are true descendants of the absolute majesty pertaining to Mo’s philosophy. The values represented in this shall, and must, be survived at all cost."
Forkoux's dedication to the legend of Mo found him as a part of the Disciples of Mo crusade partaken by other members of the Capital Univeristy of Oparo. The journey's aim was to travel the world in a vain attempt to locate Mo's remains. During this period, Forkoux did little writing and instead dedicated his time to desperately examine every last account or description of Mo's location. Alas, the Diciples of Mo's attempts proved to be futile, with the months long trip to Bolassoa's kingdom of Haziş and back sobering their pursuit. Eventually, it was reluctantly agreed by some (including Forkoux) that their next attempt would be the kingdom of Helmont. Once there, confrontation quickly broke out, with Forkoux seeing any further pursuit as folly. As a consequence, it was agreed that Forkoux would depart them there, and he opted to stay at the nearby Helmont Castle. Forkoux knew he was welcome at Helmont as then matriarch, Shackschogorth Fyth, was a friend of the Euphratumans.
=== Meeting Vaioria Fyth and increasing fame in Helmont (186-189 AG) ===
Within the first month of his stay at Helmont Castle, Forkoux's attention was drawn to the distinguished Vairoia Fyth, daughter of patriarch Norgoux Fyth and his former wife, Heroux Fyth. The first instance in which Forkoux sought to act upon his growing admiration for Vaioria was on the Ruling Family's annual walk in the Southern Plains of Helmont. Specifically, as per tradition, Forkoux approached Vairoia days prior to the walk and asked, bowing;
"Vaioria, would you be so kind as to escort me on the forthcoming walk in the southern plains? I shall make it my duty to supply this day with laughter and splendour - for only you of all your sisters are exquisitely deserving in light of your shining beauty."
Having accepted the offer, Forkoux and Vaioria fell deeply in love over the following days. During their walk they spent hours upon hours bathing beside lakes, forgetting about where the family would be entirely. Eventually they reunited later in the day, much to the dismay of Norgoux who sternly voiced his concerns. Shackschogorth, Vaioria's stepmother, on the other hand, appreciated what had happened and supported Forkoux and Vaioria in their love. Over the next 3 years Forkoux grew in fame over Helmont just as their relationship blossomed. Namely, after learning of the Ensom Citadel prison outbreak of 185 AG, Forkoux felt compelled to form a devastating critique of incumbent patriarch, Norgoux Fyth. He had this to say age 15 in 187 AG:
"Your own strategical incompetence doomed men both innocent and guilty to the judgement of the most terrible creatures of the deep on the blood-ridden rocks that night - their judgement is far worse than death. Abandoning the Ensom Citadel will forever be a stain on your legacy. The people of Helmont will not forget, rest assured."
In addition, Forkoux was a vocal critic of Norgoux's handling of The Borrows, arguing that he could send in the Gryhskor Guild to easily finish the Borrosian forces who were slaughtering Helmontans. This Crusade of the Borrows became a major stain on the reputation of Norgoux, and Forkoux took full advantage of his misdeeds and miscalculations, exposing him as an inept dotard. 
Forkoux's growing reputation as a critic of the widely unpopular Nogoux won him favour with the Helmontan population and matriarch Shackschogorth Fyth, High Aide Manton Fisher, Heroux Fyth, Struth Fyth and Detroia Fyth admiring his powerful oration and passionate arguments. By the time Forkoux was 16, he grew increasingly worried for Vaioria's reliance on her father, fearing how she would cope should he die. However, he quickly learned to bury these concerns as he judged them of little merit or relevance at the time.
=== Ascension to patriarch of Helmont (189 AG) ===
In early 189 AG, patriarch Norgoux Fyth agreed with the crumbling Grenthyx Dynasty to lower prices on Chaestlands imports from Helmont. This was met with fury from Helmontans, as their ability to trade at a price they liked was effectively revoked. In protest and outrage, matriarch Shackschogorth Fyth finally divorced her husband, after years of mounting tension. As per the Marital Charter of Helmont, an early plebiscite was called due to the bond of love being broken by consent.
As Forkoux and Vaioria's marriage was due to take place later that same year, the couple were eligible for the position of patriarch and matriarch. Forkoux and Vairoia won a majority of votes (primarily Helmontan traders as isolated settlements are not aware of voting) and became patriarch and matriarch by the summer of 189 AG. However, after just a month into their premiership and a few days after Forkoux's 17th birthday, former patriarch Norgoux Fyth killed himself; plagued by embarrassment from the population and his family.
Alas, a day later Vaioria tragically threw herself from a high window in Helmont castle; Forkoux was horrified as he buried his concerns over her attachment to Norgoux for years prior. However, Forkoux had no obligation to dissolve his premiership as deaths are not covered by the martial charter, and the couple had made established the bond of love by planning to marry in the autumn. Forkoux would continue as a lone patriarch for the next few years.
During 189 AG, Forkoux had to deal with the ongoing Crusade of the Borrows, which had gotten to a point where the Borrosian fanatics had overran the commendable civilian effort to hold them back. Acknowledging the immanent threat, and in line with what he had argued for two years prior, on the first day of being Patriarch, Forkoux ordered the Gryhskor Guild out of reserves to combat the threat. By late 189 AG, Forkoux was pleased to learn that they had began to be significantly driven back, and by 190 AG, was pleased to learnt that they had been driven back into the Borrows. Forkoux requested that the Dynasty fortify the southern border back to its former state; a request that was denied on two separate occasions in 190 AG. Although Forkoux had expected this response from the now waning Dynasty by 191 AG, he took it upon himself to fund the fortification of defences along there. He began an initiative to round up commoner volunteers who survived the battle with the Borrosians. To Forkoux, this was his first material evidence that the Dynasty could not be relied upon and had become woefully inept; paving the way for the reforms that were soon to come. When he became Patriarch 3 years ealier, he had even planned to relieve the role as soon as the threat from the Crusade of the Borrows had passed; but dealing with event after event only seemed to deepen trust in him in Helmont's people. As a result, Forkoux began to feel indebted to continue his service, and seeking greater autonomy from the Dynasty was his goal for the coming decade. 
=== The great reforms, Revolution and Ophellaer Fyth (190-200 AG) ===
In 190 AG, Forkoux welcomed his future mother in law, Heroux, and her daughters, Struth and Detroia back into the Castle. They were all heavily supportive of his new reign, and in his warmness to their return. He was saddened to see their brother, Hadryan Andrade, depart the castle for the Capital after a heated argument with his sister, Struth. thumb|183x183px|Forkoux during the Floralys Agreement negotiations circa 192 AGIn 191 AG, with the publishing of Manifesto for Political Adjustment, Forkoux was admitted into the Scholars' Collective, its youngest member. Forkoux now firmly set his goals to reform Helmont's relationship with the crumbling Grenthyx Dynasty, with vast amounts of the Helmontan population becoming increasingly dissatisfied with their trading restrictions. As a consequence, Forkoux tirelessly pressed for reform and was eventually granted audience in the Chaestish city of Floralys. There, the historic Floralys Agreement of 192 AG - granting Helmont an ability to decide who they trade with and set their own tariffs. Present at the meeting was Tobias Syrinand, working on behalf of the Dynasty. Forkoux, knowing him to be heavily involved in the opera scene of the Chaestlands. He expressed his passive interest in opera with the producer. However, Tobias unexpectedly encouraged Forkoux to take lessons with him upon noticing the deepness and breadth of the young Patriarch's voice. Gladly accepting, Tobias began to train Forkoux in singing for opera in lessons every other month. 
3 years later in 195 AG, Forkoux negotiated the handover of the Ensom Citadel Prison from the Grenthyx Dynasty, allowing them to charge for other kingdoms to send their prisoners and in doing so repair the substantial damage to the prison. By 194 AG, Forkoux's personal, luxurious ship, The Murndorl was completed after an interior redesign with himself and Belron Garth set back progress. It was completed in time for the Mhordyn Royal Gren Championships in the summer of 194 AG, wherein Forkoux made an impression as he entered port.
In 193 AG, Forkoux purchased a thoroughbred Helmontan mare from a village by Tyst Dod Lake named Elisis. The pair would remain closely bonded for 8 further years, with Forkoux frequently taking journeys by and on her in the nearby landscapes. He frequently thought back to his fond memories with his horse, who would later go on to serve him in more trying times.
Upon the coronation of King Hellius Grenthyx in 196 AG, Forkoux wagered that the moment was opportune to begin to make his largest demand yet behind the Floralys Agreement, which would mark the completion of his search for greater autonomy - the separation of Helmont's elite Gryhskor Guild. It had previously been administrated by the Dynasty, but Forkoux sought to restructure and reform the guild to be an elite, for-hire service. To him, this would establish a steady amount of money for the kingdom that they would need in a Continent where the Grenthyx Dynasty - which had one acted as a safety net - was becoming less and less influential. As a consequence, the Patriarch met with the King's negotiators, including one of Forkoux's sources of inspiration once more - Jorjaeryn III Grenthyx. Along with Manton Fisher, Forkoux's demands were that the Guild would be entirely separated from the dynasty, becoming a service to answer only to the Patriarch and/or Matriarch of Helmont exclusively. Its previous commander, Redginold Latimyer, was on friendly terms with the then Patriarch, having assumed command of the Gryhskor Guild at the retirement of his predecesor in 190 AG. Consequently, when it came to his eventual dismissal as a result of Forkoux's restructuring process, the pair had an respectful conversation in which Redginold admitted that he had seen such a reform coming, and parted with the Patriarch on good terms, regarding him as a bold reformer. In 197 AG, negotiations concluded, marking conclusion of Forkoux's restructuring of the Gryhskor Guild. Almost immediately, rigorous trials and an entirely new training scheme was impliemnted, which drastically reduced those few admitted into the now elite guild to 2,000 individuals. In addition, Forkoux himself assumed the role of commander of the guild in order to secure its full transition in its entirety. 
==== Revolution in Mhordyn ====
From 194 AG until 197 AG, Forkoux grew acquainted with Tíras Theôs from his journey from Mhordyn to Helmont Castle. Dismayed by his father, Kogen Theôs, Tíras sought Forkoux's tutoring in the ways of politics and rhetoric, having being aware of his scrolls. Forkoux subsequently tutored Tíras for 3 years, equipping him to be able to launch a rebellion against his father's rule in Mhordyn. In 197 AG, Tíras returned to Mhordyn, using Forkoux's guidance to rally the people of Mhordyn around his vision while exposing his father's rule. After an ensuing battle which involved, at Tíras' request, Forkoux supplied the young Theôs and his civilians with the skill of Helmont's own Gryhskor Guild. Much to Tíras and the Mhordyn Rebels' pleasure, their revolution was successful with its restoration of trust in House Theôs upon the election of Tíras as Mhordyn's new leader. Forkoux maintained a good relationship and healthy communication with Tíras for the rest of their lives.
==== Ophellaer Fyth ====
By 199 AG, Forkoux had expressed interest in Ophellaer Fyth, but restrained from approaching her due to his previous experiences. Ophellaer was able to converse with Forkoux at the first full family banquet held in years. As they talked following the banquet, leading through the corridors of Helmont Castle, the 18 year old matriarch-to-be began to see a deep vulnerbility and veiled longing within Forkoux. After consoling him regarding the death of his lover, Vaioria, 10 years prior, Ophellaer and Forkoux kissed for the first time. Either one greatly appreciated this emotional intimacy; Forkoux was particularly smitten by Ophellaer's incredible perceptive abilities, being able to understand Forkoux's grievances and boasts in equal measure. Indeed, in Forkoux, Ophellaer saw a fascinating man who treated her with respect and dignity; a person she could converse with at length about any subject. After the two fell deeply in love over the next few days, they initially agreed that they would not marry for the time being due to Forkoux's still fresh sensitivity regarding his and Vaioria's planned marriage that never was. Though, in effect, the pair were inseparable by 200 AG, and agreed to marry that year. It was during this time, when we began to travel extensively with Forkoux on the Murndorl, that she began to catch the eye of others around The Continent; her charm and strident persona was unique in the recent history of popular figures. 
=== Involvement in the Uprootings (200-202 AG) ===
==== Preface ====
Forkoux passionately opposed Barren II Grenthyx's oppressive infringements on multiple rights in the Grenthyx Dynasty, beginning in 198 AG. As well as having adverse effects across the Continent, Barren's rule had also caused him and Tobias Syrinand to have to sever Forkoux's singing training due to it being politically untenable for two individuals of their status to continue to meet. As a direct response, Forkoux issued scrolls to leaders of all the major realms entitled A Plea To All Fair Realms, published in October 200 AG. Although the letter did not bring about Forkoux's desired effect of trade embargoes with the Dynasty, sentiment for rebellion drastically increased. During the ensuing Uprootings war, Forkoux cut of all trade with the Grenthyx Dynasty, marking the first use of Helmont's newfound ability to decide which realms to trade with outlined in the Floralys Agreement of 192 AG.
==== Introduction to the Delrow Partisans ====
Shortly after the official beginning of the Uprootings, in November 200 AG, the leader of what was dubbed the Delrow Partisans, Shoan Delrow, was captured and imprisoned by the Grenthyx Dynasty's Ladriani Andrade under the pretence of disturbing the peace with his activities. Though a only a minor threat to the dynasty, Forkoux had long admired Delrow's ability to speak to the common people of the Capital and was greatly disturbed by his detainment. By early December, Forkoux had made the decision that, in view of the limited success of his trade embargo, it would be permissible to employ measures to attempt to free Shoan, sensing a great potential to disturb the Dynasty's presence in the Capital through what Forkoux judged to be a principled and measured group of Partisans. Forkoux, now impatient with the progress of the trade war (or lack thereof), began by establishing contact with the leaderless Partisans in the Capital. 
Following inital contact, Forkoux conveyed his wishes to assist in an operation to free Shoan, tired of the lack of progress in other areas. Nontheless, he also expressed the need to keep the operation as convert as possible. Although he grew sceptical regarding the success his trade embargo would see, he wished to keep this official policy unless there was a sudden indication that open conflict would be inevitable; he wished to exhaust all routes before moving his attention to consider open war. As such, Forkoux prepared for what he saw to be the impending arrival of such a sudden indicator of open war by warming up to the Partisans as he judged them to be a useful asset should the Capital ever need to be taken, again impressed with Shoan's capacity as a natural leader. As such, part of his communication with the Partisans included a great deal of Forkoux's own wealth to allow them to continue to operate, seeing this both as a vital strategic move to secure their trust and friendship, and the right thing to do given their valiant efforts and suppression from Barren and his circle. In addition, the coming month worth of communication concluded with Forkoux's commitment to send one of his most prized members of the Gryhskor Guild to aid a group of Partisans to retrieve Shoan - Detroia Fyth. Detroia accepted the task and Forkoux instructed her on the operation, with Helmont's involvment to be kept secret as possible given the delicate situation with the trade embargo. Forkoux did not wish for the rescue of Shoan to be that initial spark which triggered open war, so secrecy was to be key to the operation, a term that the Partisans accepted. With his considerable financial support in place, Detroia poisoed to assist, and bounty hunters enlisted by Forkoux, all was prepared for Shoan's retrieval by January of 201 AG. 
Shoan, held in the Capital, was successfully freed in a swift operation on the 12th of January 201 AG without compromising either the secrecy of Forkoux's true involvement and without any fatalities. Following the successful operation, Forkoux and Shoan met to discuss matters. Though the pair had very different backgrounds, they shared a common sentiment regarding the Grenthyx Dynasty, growing a respect for one-another. They agreed that open conflict would be regrettable, but privately presumed it to be inevitable. For this reason, they made a contingent agreement to work-together should such a conflict ever reach the Capital. Following this brief time together and after Forkoux had toured the Partisans' underground compound until February of 201, when Shoan and Forkoux parted ways, not before Shoan and the other Partisans thanked Forkoux for his support. Forkoux would go on to support them financially in covert ways throughout the rest of the Uprootings. 
==== Action begins ====
Now returned to Helmont, Forkoux maintained, officially, the position of pressuring the King through trade until, in early 201 AG, he elected to initiate more forceful measures. He amended his approach subsequent to learning that the Dynasty had violently suppressed peaceful protesting, and had openly attacked Mhordyn's House Preôs and their strategically vital seat. He concluded that there existed neither the political will nor the practical means to continue with merely a trade embargo to usurp the incumbent King. Forkoux met with his old friend, Tíras Theôs to explain the situation with him, to which Tíras agreed to enter any alliance with him, most pertinently for him due to the attacks Mhordyn, his own kingdom, had sustained for supporting Forkoux's trade embargoes. Soon after this, recognising the need for Borrosian strength, Forkoux journeyed to High Oak in The Borrows in the hope of persuading the soon to be deposed Ibiria I Root to officially form an alliance with himself and Tíras. Forkoux was unsuccessful, with Ibiria refusing to join. However, the following morning Forkoux met with Airibi I Root, now the new Duke of the Borrows due to a Trial for Succession challenge and the two formed what would become The Fellowship to oppose the rule of the Grenthyx Dynasty, recognising that kingdoms did not wish to merely enact trade embargoes. Wishing to make this position clear, the three agreed to send a mixture of just Borrosian and Helmontan forces on a path down the Traders' Tread road south, eventually to meet at the Capital. Although Forkoux realised this was unlikely to occur due to the presence of Grenthyx Loyalists along the path, he wished to make his and other kingdoms that were partied to the Fellowship positions' clear. Mustering the finest, but limited, Helmontan skill in his forces, he supplemented what they lacked in numbers with the raw strength of the forces of Airbi from The Borrows. Following the battle, they marched down south on the path to the Capital, eventually reaching it. There, the Battle for the Capital occured, which under Forkoux's supervision, resulted in the Grenthyx Force and other Loyalists retreating to the Chaestlands. During this time and throughout the Uprootings, Forkoux grew evercloser to Manton, using him as a way to enforce his plans upon the other leaders of the Fellowship, who would otherwise act unrulely towards Forkoux. In particular, he worked closely with Matriarch, Ophellaer Fyth, to oversee C'thardjia's involvment in the conflict under Ch'mazi. 
==== The Battle of the Traders' Tread and Confronting Harolde Silversmith ====
After the legion, led by Forkoux and Airibi, neared Dandirhold in Ephellindron, they encountered the first of the Grenthyx Loyalists sent to quash their efforts. Leading the Loyalists was none other than Forkoux's old friend turned sworn enemy, Harolde Silversmith. The ensuing Battle resulted in a resounding victory for the Fellowship, having defeated all the resistance. Although weary and still counting their dead, Forkoux insisted he leave the party temporarily to track the now fleeing Harolde. Reluctantly agreeing, Airbi oversaw a camp was established in Forkoux's absence. Eventually, Forkoux journeyed for a few hours to find that Harold had retreated back to Castle Silversmith. Entering the Castle, Forkoux found Harolde seated at the end of an ornate table in a cavernous room. Taking his seat at the opposite end, Forkoux sought to understand where Harolde's loyalties lay, and ultimately to sway him from what he saw as the Grenthyx Dynasty's cause, recalling Harolde's reluctance years prior to hold affinity with any particular cause. After deep discussion, Forkoux learned what he would later recount to be the most frightening thing Harolde would ever say;
Though Forkoux knew him to serve no specific establishment, he had greatly underestimated Harolde's vigour and commitment to his own, self-serving cause. After 5 minutes of absolute silence accompanied solely by Forkoux staring intently into the eyes of the Silversmith sitting opposite him, he gained an insight; an insight that would haunt him for the rest of his days. He deduced that Harolde, cunningly, pried upon Forkoux's unending curiosity, taking advantage of the precious time Forkoux's absence created from the Fellowship's camp to launch a brutal surprise attack from a battalion of reserve forces Harolde had ordered to remain in a nearby forest as a contingency. Knowing that both his contingency and succeeded and that Forkoux was aware of this, he further taunted him with a smile and detailed the full extent of the hopelessness of the weary Fellowship's chances against a surprise attack. Standing to his feet, Forkoux fled as quickly as he could, hastily making his way out of the Castle to return to the devastation at the Fellowship's camp. 
==== The New Froniter Stratagem ====
Forkoux felt greatly saddened by the huge Fellowship losses in the Battle for Traders' Tread, and realised very shortly thereafter that he would need to find a new way of gaining a foothold in Ephellindron. He spent a great deal of time in the southern Contran city of Llynfirth, on the north-east shores of Lake Llanoreid. There, Forkoux convened a Fellowship council meeting, with Wilddar Braitbirn, Airibi I Root, Tíras Theôs, Lythe Armitage, Cesil Burnwyn, Manton Fisher, and Forkoux's own wife and Matriarch of Helmont, Ophellaer Fyth. In this meeting, Forkoux explicated on days of thinking carefully on the best approach, taking into account his dealings with the Dynasty and his acquaintance with their hierarchy as well as the attitudes and areas of strength for the various regiments of the Fellowship. In alignment with his plan, the stratagem played out almost exactly according to it. The fleet of the Grenthyx Armada was pushed back down the Oppidan River, yielding a victory for the Fellowship and particularly for Forkoux's planning and knowhow. 
===== Hyfele'iyla summit with Ch'mazi of C'thardjia =====
In late July, and at the beginning of a month long stalemate Forkoux had planned during the Stratagem, Forkoux made for Hyfele'iyla in C'thardjia as fast as the Murndorl could sail. There, the Hyfele'iyla Summit begun, where he met with Duchess Ch'mazi, not for the first time, having dealt with her passively before, but for the first time during the Uprootings. There, as Forkoux had anticipated, Mazi had heard of the devastation at Traders' Tread and of the massive operation concurrently underway in Llanoreid. Because of this, she expressed to Forkoux C'thardjia's intention to join the Fellowship. Forkoux expressed his desire to use Mazi's formidable naval power to crush the Grenthyx Armada once it had returned to port in Port Grenth following the Stratagem. Wanting to recipcorate the offer, Forkoux then proceeded to offer Mazi her much desired ground support by agreeing that they could invade the Chaestish Isles, allowing them to make much sought after land gains. Forkoux offered these assurances, and also agreed with Ophellaer to have her, as Matriarch, oversee and assist Mazi. Satisfied, Mazi, Forkoux and Ophellaer signed the Hyfele Declaration - officially entering C'thardjia into the conflict through allying with the Fellowship. Although their plans did not proceed as expected, with the Chaestish Isles invasion having to be abandoned, this started a strong alliance throughout the conflict. Forkoux promptly left as soon as he could to return to Llanoreid to oversee the next stage of his stratagem plan in good time. 
===== The Night of Blood and Reunion with Tobias =====
Forkoux was overseeing the Fellowship's landing efforts in various places around the shores of Lake Llanoreid when the Night of Blood occured in Dronphelle, during which Fellowship forces slaughtered a civilian population forced into fighting by Karla Rafter. As such, Forkoux learned of the bloodshed as it was about to end, arriving in the Murndorl on the final day of fighting. He implored Airibi, Lythe and Wilddar to cease fighting at once and instead offer the fighting civilians salvation. Shunned and ignored, the bloodhsed ended later that day, with an angry Forkoux feeling that the least he could do was walk the streets and apologise on behalf of the Fellowship to anyone who was still alive, and to assure them that he did not condone what they did. In the process of making his way around the wartorn city, he visited his old friend in jail - Tobias Syrinand. Forkoux and he discussed matters and their old meetings. Tobias was happy to learn of how uncorrupted Forkoux had been by the war, holding his position in high regard, even if they disagreed. In addition, Forkoux was also granted assurance to give to the imprisoned Tobias to be set free by the end of the war. 
==== The Ruinous Advance ====
===== Praier Court-Martial and Desparation =====
After heavy losses during the Night of Blood, the Fellowship launched a disparate and ill-prepared offensive immediately, resulting in a localised re-defintion of the notion of 'victory' in the Fellowship stronghold of Dronphelle with it now amounting to a few feet of progress. With morale low, Forkoux secreted himself within the walls of Dronphelle Castle with Tíras desperately, attempting to draw up a strategy to avoid outright disaster. Being distanced from the rest of the Fellowship, Forkoux was largely distanced from the folly disarray of haphazardly arranged attacks spearheaded primarily by the Borrosians and Contrans. By the 18th of September, a whole week following the commencement of the advance to which Forkoux had offered nothing, what had previously amounted to low morale among the Fellowship's forces began to transform into tension between each kingdom's divisions. 
Under the nose of Forkoux, his own Gryhskor Guild were soon to fall victim to a keenness to see progress, even if that meant inward punishment for relatively trivial features of the conflict, such as mild insubordination or perceived stubbornness. Indeed, ongoing attempts to capture the key strategic point of Praier had led to the doomed Assault on Praier. Once Forkoux had rectified word of this, guilt flooded his mind, feeling responsible to defend three innocent Gryhskor Guild members from a terrible fate likely to be inflicted by an ensuing court-martial. Added to this, he had made it clear that they were able to use their own judgment in matters where they disagreed with orders, a matter he had wanted to reassure the now outraged General Eckashel of especially. Leaving Tíras to plan on his own, Forkoux learned of the true injustice of their accusations, that they were cowards in refusing to advance into what would have been certain suicide going by the widespread loss of life suffered by other Fellowship forces in the assault. Forkoux argued this case passionately at the court martial a few days hence, but knew deep down that it was merely a facade of justice intended more to maintain good form than to any notion of justice he recognised. Indeed, the jury consisted of his staunch enemies in the Fellowship, namely Ronder Bridger to represent the Borrows,  Contra's Teagus Nora and Llanoreid's Alfret Codding. The court martial begun in a war-torn, destroyed courthouse, a site befitting to the damage the affair was doing to justice in Forkoux’s estimation. Tired, angry yet impassioned, Forkoux defended the record of the three Gryhskor Guild members who were randomly selected to, as the jury put it, ‘set an example’. He questioned the legitimacy of the handling of the court martial, highlighting its disturbing eagerness for blood, uneasy haste and arbitrary charges. In spite of a rousing defence, to which General Eckashel shed a tear, the inevitable charge of finding the three individuals guilty arrived. He would later remark, among other things, that at the moment this outcome was proclaimed, he felt a splatter of blood stain the already damaged reputation of the cause of the Fellowship, a matter which would only come to trouble him beyond words in the coming week.
The dire situation left Forkoux at his second lowest point in the conflict, with his only bittersweet pride being found in the uneasy expression on Teagus Nora’s face on the day of the execution of the three men. Earlier in the process, Forkoux had requested (as was one of his few rights as leader of the offending party) that Teagus Nora be the one the select the men who would die. Having done so, Forkoux knew he had proved his point to her upon seeing her evident unease - that it would always be the act of a coward and a despotic soul to deal out death with such ease, but that the soul would be confronted by its violation of human instincts of kindness and compassion if it had to look the fellow human it condemned in the eye at the moment of death. That this was the sole positive note on the whole affair, Forkoux later thought, was only a sign of his torment to come. 
Desperately missing the company and bond with Ophellaer (who had joined Duchess C’mazi in C’thardjia since the Hyfele’Iyla summit), exhausted, and utterly disillusioned with the Fellowship, Forkoux spent two sleepless nights secluded in the docked Murndorl ready to tender his intention to disband from the Fellowship and retreat back to Helmont. In these darkest hours he resented everything the Fellowship’s bloodthirsty bureaucracy stood for, resented the conduct of its chief architects, and above all resented himself for ever associating with a cause with such blood to its name - especially in light of the Night of Blood. 
===== Castle Silversmith and Confrontation with Harolde =====
However, on the same day he was due to make his decision known, he received a privately addressed scroll bearing the King’s stamp. It indicated that Harolde Silversmith (the key to the Dynasty’s successful resistance of the Fellowship thus far in Ephellindron and old friend turned enemy of Forkoux) was willing to negotiate their surrender. A naive blaze shot over Forkoux, taking what was a single glimmer of hope in a blackened room. Quite aside from the fact that the letter requested only the presence of Forkoux and his general, Glossop Eckashel, Forkoux would not contemplate involving the other Fellowship members given his recent loathing. 
Meeting at a discreet barn some miles south of Dronphelle, Harolde stood seemingly ready to negotiate. Being perched atop a modest, grassy hill blanketed on all sides by a veil of burning fog in the morning sunrise afforded an ethereal, dream-like daze to the situation. Harolde shook his hand and before they knew it, he and Eckashel were ambushed by forces. With Forkoux’s heart sinking at the triumphant grin across Harolde’s face, they were escorted south to Castle Silversmith. For the remainder of that day, Forkoux was left in a room, not a cell (for he was free to leave) to wallow in. His thoughts cascading from his brain to his tears, he felt utterly defeated. The night was spent in much the same condition, and was summed to meet Harolde the following day. Once together, Forkoux knew Harolde had him exactly where he wanted him: at his most vulnerable he had ever been. With this, Forkoux listened to a brief, succinct treatment of the situation from Harolde, more or less that he had won, and that even if the Fellowship were not so hopelessly riddled with charlatans, they were woefully outnumbered by the forces of the Dynasty. This ended with a curious offer, that, to show they were ‘really the same’, he wanted Forkoux to realise his place in history and join the loyalists in their fight against the chaos with which Forkoux was now all too aware was an indisputable feature of the Fellowship thus far. Forkoux had no words, but felt like a child. He was lost, confused and disorientated. He doubted his decisions and his outlook, the possibility that Harolde might be right. Almost absentmindedly, which Forkoux knew Harolde detected, he refused the offer and was escorted back to his room. He had no desire to leave, not only was it practically folly, but he felt that he needed to be here, that for better or worse this would matter throughout his whole life. 
The following day, he spoke with Harolde yet again, where Harolde appealed to his 'birth right' and lineage, that he would make his Euphratuman family proud. Upon this, he unexpectedly invited his mother, Oliviaria, to enter the room. Tears glistening, she pleaded with Forkoux to put a stop to the chaos, fear and destruction and to come home with her where he was safe. Though Harolde had exploited her worries, exacerbating the impulse of a mother to protect her son, Forkoux had not the capacity to consider such a fact. Harolde, in front of his very eyes, then proceeded to impale his mother with a sword. In a state of stupor, he felt wrong, sick. He did not feel any extra pain. In truth, this was due to his existing pain being all but insurmountable; unable to be added to in a meaningful way. But, unable to consider the matter deeply, he now felt guilty that he had not reacted with outrage to his own mother’s death, a fact that Harolde knew full well he could exploit. In this state, he was proven correct, and Forkoux seemingly accepted Harolde’s offer. However, as Forkoux processed what had happened that evening, he quickly realised what Harolde was doing, the evilness of his game; for it was but a game for Forkoux. He knew Harolde from childhood and knew him to hold human life with no regard beyond a means to achieve or verify his theories of the world and his superiority over others. This, even in Forkoux’s state, was not deep or complicated to grasp, even he, reduced to almost nothing, knew this was wrong and evil. The following day, when he was summoned yet again to what Harolde anticipated was to be the beginning of a period of negotiations of his entry to their side, but was surprised when Forkoux proclaimed that he had not meant what he said; that he knew Harolde’s game, he exploited him and his mother to his cruel ends, and that however great his reversions against the Fellowship, he knew he had to look beyond his own material anguish to fight against the evil he saw Harolde to command. Fundamentally, Harolde had been wrong, it was he who had the checkmate over Harolde, and not the other way around as Harolde had presumed. Forkoux could see Harolde was stunned, and knew that this was truly the first time he had known himself to be wrong, for he was wrong by his own standards, and because Harolde thought himself to be always right (inclusive of his standards), he had been incorrect. This loop utterly destroyed Harolde, for Forkoux knew he had not accounted for something he simply knew of not: a sense of the right, of kinship, of compassion and of love for human life. Punctuated by the sounds of an ever-closer battle to breach Castle Silversmith, Forkoux knew he had defeated Harolde’s very being. With the two of them alone as Harolde had not anticipated any need for anybody else, Forkoux declared that be pitied him, and that he wished that it did not have to come to this. But, critically, that they were not the same, and speaking as much to himself given his recent thoughts, the difference was that he had faith deep down in the good and would continue to dedicate his life, no matter what, to this pursuit.
Shortly thereafter, it was clear that the Fellowship had managed to unite at last under Tíras’ leadership when they entered Castle Silversmith and made their way to Forkoux and Harolde. This only reassured Forkoux of his decision, and would go forth with renewed determination to right wrongs, even if it meant the wrongs from his own side. Forkoux had a brief moment of salutations to the forces which now occupied the castle and soon members of the Fellowship themselves, all, much to Forkoux’s amazement, happy to see him after being united under a common cause. Now in the main entrance, Forkoux learned from Glossop that he had escaped the castle’s cellar early, travelled through Praier, and in so doing given Tíras a crucial key to uniting the Fellowship (as well as confirming Forkoux’s position to them). 
Now moving to the grand entrance hall, Harolde was placed at the centre. Forkoux, questioned on what to do with the dazed Silversmith, explained that he saw Harolde’s quarrel with the Fellowship to be business only between the two of them, for they had both had large effect on the growth of one-another. Embracing this, he took a look at Harolde, declaring him his responsibility to see justice brought to. In the instant he looked back to the others however, from behind, a crazed, rabid loyalist prisoner broke free of those holding him behind Harolde, and plunged a dagger concealed in his boot into his back thrice, screaming manically. Forkoux rushed to Harolde, slipping in his haste as he did. He fell to the floor and held the now dying Harolde in his arms, looking into his eyes in the centre monolithic entrance hall, surrounded by shocked onlookers. As the assailant was restrained, Forkoux yelled, saying that he didn’t mean for this, and that he wished to try to change him and honour their impact on each other, confessing that Harolde was a part of him. Harolde, in his dying breaths, explained that he saw he defeated in one respect but that there were forces whose workings Forkoux had no grasp of, and that he would take comfort in dying in his very arms knowing something vital that he knew not. This haunted Forkoux for the remainder of his years, as, inevitably, this was confirmation of Harolde’s closeness to the elusive unidentified presence which so plagued Forkoux’s life. In this moment, Forkoux pleaded that for the sake of their co-existence he tell him what he knew, but with increasing anxiety and in the knowledge that it was folly, for he had died before he had asked the third time. Forkoux sat, crying over his former friend’s body in the vast hall. That night, Forkoux built a pyre and burned the concealed body with a sense of unease and in the absence of the sense of finality and closure one grows accustomed to with deaths. Harolde’s seeming death was anything but finality and closure, in fact, Forkoux estimated Harolde to be more dangerous dead than he ever was alive in later years as the elusive Presence to which he was attached left its markings on the workings of the entirety of the Continent.   
==== The Battle for the Capital ====
==== The Invasion of the Chaestlands ====
===== The Siege of Chaesterlyn =====
Forkoux supplied Helmontan forces in the final Fellowship march on Chaesterlyn in 202 AG; significantly assisting in the eventual overthrow of the king - and ultimately the desolation of the entire Dynasty. This decision was reached during a meeting in the Capital following other kingdoms' undeniable rebellious success in driving the Dynasty back. The war officially ended with the King's execution in 202 AG, to which he disagreed. Indeed, during a discussion on the way forward as they reached Chaesterlyn, Forkoux argued passionately for an hour that he should stand trial. Forkoux opted for this due to his assessment of King Barren's unpopularity not only across the Continent and the Chaestlands, but within House Grenthyx itself. However, as he was speaking, an unknown Borrosian solider murdered the King unexpectedly, in amongst a packed road where the culprit could not be identified. After the crowd descended into chaos, and the 2 years of brutal war ended with his Forkoux muttering under his breath,"So be it." 
=== Post-Uprootings actions ===
Immediately after the King's death, Forkoux, Tíras Theôs and Manton among a few others quickly boarded the Murndorl to journey up the Oppidan River to the Capital. Forkoux, having arranged to be there to announce the end of the Occupation of the Capital, also announced, in front of a large, interested crowd in Causton Square, the failure of the Fellowship to see to its moral duties, and offered a scathing critique of its other members, particularly Airibi I root. Shortly thereafter, Forkoux departed back for Helmont Castle with Manton and parted with the others for the time being.
A week following the Uprootings, the Royal Palace Summit took place, to which Forkoux maintained his fervent opposition to Grenthyx reparations, or any reparations for Kingdoms, arguing this would cause untold damage through a sense of revenge it instilled. Forkoux's voice was shunned, with his peaceful propositions being side-lined. Later in the same month, Ophellaer would give birth to their first child and daughter, Ceroux Grenthyx, in Helmont Castle. In 203 AG, Manton retired from his position as High Confidant in order to ensure the restructuring of key institutions in the Capital (such as the Courts and new Council Magnus) were completed to a standard both he and Forkoux were satisfied with. Although Forkoux viewed Manton to be a great asset, he acknowledged that with the changing landscape in the Capital, he would indeed be best placed in serving on the Council Magnus. 
==== Dealings with the Provincial Court ====
Almost immediately after the Royal Palace Summit, the Royal Court was hastily reorganised into the Provincial Court, and while the former loyalist Kingdoms were still being organised and its punishments negotiated, all former judges were dismissed upon the dissolution of the Royal Court. However, Kingdoms allied with the Fellowship were the only eligable to select judges, unlike the former loyalist kingdoms who had no representation on the Court until such a time when their affairs were sorted. As such, Forkoux maintained a position he voiced in the Royal Palace Summit as the Provincial Court was being assembled shortly thereafter: that the Court should operate, but only begin doing so until such a time where all kingdoms, regardless of their affiliation in the Uprootings are able to select a judge to adjudicate on the Court. With these concerns being rejected by his former Fellowship colleagues, who now presided over the final say on such affairs, Forkoux awarded Helmont's judicial position to Jonson Calfe; someone whose experience Forkoux thought invaluable in promoting justice in what he viewed to be an increasingly corrupt, injust court matrix. In some respects, his appointment was an annoyance to Forkoux, although he greatly respected and trusted Jonson to do what was right, he wished he had not needed so soon, seeing the lack of any former Grenthyx-allied kingdoms as invairably leading to only the Fellowship's interests being advanced in the Courts; not the interests of justice. Indeed, for Forkoux, this first came to bear in Jonson's first judicial act. When Forkoux instructed him to investigate and hold to account Airibi I Root for what he thought to be his (but in actuality, his general's) war crimes in the Battle for the Capital through proposing a trial, the resultant trial's charge of guilt was swiftly vetoed by Contra, Llanoreid, the Borrows and C'thardjia, backed only by Mhordyn. Forkoux viewed this to be an abject perversion of justice, and revealed to him that his Fellowship compatriots would sooner protect one of their own from justice rather than ensure its deliverance. 
Once again, in the Trial of Caldon Witcher, Forkoux saw what he judged to be unrivalled corruption and a manifest disregard for any punishments to the former Duke of the Opialands being in proportion to his crimes when the judges agreed that he would be sent for life to Ensom Citadel. Although Forkoux had complete control over who to admit to Ensom, he knew that he would destroy his Kingdom's standing should he refuse the expressed will of the Provincial Court. Instead, he devised a plan to ensure that Caldon, a man he viewed to be guilty, but not deserving of a life in Ensom, was quietly excused from this punishment. He would accept the Court's ruling and transfer Caldon to Ensom. However, shortly thereafter, he would have him quietly freed from the prison and sent in exile to Bolassoa, far away from the Continent and its affairs. 
Forkoux held a deeper motive in addition to justice. He had followed closely strange events surrounding his wife, Alice Witcher, and knew the Unidentified Presence was likely to have dealt with her, and that she, and by extension House Witcher, were marked. Ensom, then, was one of the only places free of the presence in the Continent. Indeed, Forkoux arrived at the Citadel a short time after his imprisonment, to speak with the disgraced Duke. He had the nearest 10 floors of prisoners redistributed across other portions of the prison tower, and all guards exited so that the two were alone. They talked at length for many hours, with Forkoux divulging everything he knew, knowing that he could be sure Caldon would soon be beyond their reach and recognising a fundamental moral responsibility from one human to another, when both of their lives had been moulded by the presence. By the time they were finished, they were no longer sworn enemies, but trusted one-another above all else. Feeding the story that Caldon had remained in Ensom until his death, he provided Caldon with the means to quielty live in exile in Bolassoa. 
Having proceeded with the plan, Forkoux decided not to involve himself in the Courts until the other Kingdoms gained representation, for he viewed it as hopelessly biased, making any attempt to pursue justice that would indict the Fellowship with any degree of wrongdoing impossible. One such (and supremely important) trial Forkoux was compelled to postpone his championing for was a trial of King Barren II himself. 
===== The Trial of King Barren II Grenthyx =====
By late late 204 AG, most formerly loyalist Kindoms had gained representation on the Court. As such, Forkoux saw this as the prime opportunity to insitgate a long-held desire of his; to recommend a posthumous trial to the Provincial Court. He speculated that such a trial would assuredly find the late King guilty, thereby proving beyond disrepute that his initial desire to try the King would have produced a far more favourable outcome than his, actual, execution. Having always wished to subject the late King to a trial, and being horrified to learn of his murder at the hands of Borrosians led by now king Airibi I Root, Forkoux eventually was granted the trial, which occurred in the winter of 204 AG, and involved statements from all major figures in the conflict, including Forkoux himself. At its conclusion, King Barren II was found guilty of war crimes, gross abuse of power and unsolicited murder. Satisfied with his both his intellectual and moral case being verified, Forkoux was content to own his involvement in the conflict, yet reassured that its resultant execution of the King was, as he had argued, unnecessary to deliver justice. This was much to the chagrin of the likes of now King Airibi I Root of the Borrows, and the now utterly vegitative Lythe Armitage of Contra. 
===== The second trial of Airibi Root, renewed confidence and the Presence returns =====
Still dismayed by the percieved bias and injustice of the first trial of Airibi Root, finding him not guilty when accused of allowing the senseless murder of many civilians in the Capital, Forkoux decided to pursue a second trial in the court. Both Forkoux and Jonson were optimistic that the complete representation of all kingdoms on the court would secure a guilty sentence to crimes in the conflict that, even by Airibi's own word, were sanctioned by him. Indeed, when the case for a new trial was accepted by the new former loyalist kingdoms, thirsty to punish Airibi, the court ruled to find Airibi guilty of the crimes. However, after much deliberation, the former Fellowship-allied judges were able to gain key concessions without which Airbi would have been sentenced to execution. Having predicted this, Forkoux found the outcome most favourable. On the first count, he had rightly factored in the broadly pro-Airibi influence of the former Fellowship-allied judges to result in a punishment which prevented the Duke from facing execution - a charge which Forkoux would have viewed with equal disgust as the unjust nature of his first trial. And on the other count, the punishment secured did amount to severe and important travel restrictions and trade restrictions upon Airbi and the Borrows respectively, a punishment Forkoux viewed to be satisfactory, even if he would have ideally wished for Airibi to be stripped of his power and sent to a prison for his percieved crimes. Nontheless, Forkoux was content with the court's decision and held the court in a newfound high regard, confident that its new structure, with all kingdoms present, would deliver something at least highly approximating justice. 
Much to her own chagrin, Forkoux was keen to rally for a trial for Karla Rafter for her crimes in the Night of Blood during the Uprootings, confident that with full representation of all kingdoms she would be found guilty. Forkoux felt a strong obligation to lobby for such a trial, having talked to many of the families of the victims of the fabled assault on Dronphelle, remembering the devastation on their faces vividly. However, a week before the trial was due to begin, it was abruptly called off due to an apparent suicide on the behalf of Karla, with no other information provided. Through various sources, Forkoux knew that she was last spotted at Clan Kazadi's palace in Tcha-Pala, which he estimated was because she would plea with her old friend (and his own Aunt), Immasculata Euphratuman. Once more, Forkoux suspected the influence of the Unidentified Presence - he was sure that she had gotten too close and became too much of a pest for both Kazadi and the Presence, who were inextricably linked in Forkoux's mind. The trial was never spoken of again beyond Forkoux attempting to get the blissfully ignorant Airibi Root to ask his judge to float the idea among the others - an idea which although successful, yielded no useful results, for any mention of Karla anywhere was now met with incredulous stares and nothing more. 
==== The Treaty of Chaesterlyn ====
Forkoux initially played a pivotol role in the Treaty of Chaesterlyn, but later distanced himself from the negotiations upon seeing what he judged to be a declaration of war against the people who had been most affected by the Uprootings, and by extension, an act of evil he could not bring himself to condone. 
=== Scholarly development (205-226 AG) ===
thumb|164x164px|Forkoux in his traditional armour circa 215 AG|left
From 205 AG, Forkoux began to turn his attention back to his intellectual endeavours, specifically refining and rethinking his early musings on the legend of Mo. Although he remained extremely dedicated to Helmont, much of his agenda had been enacted by the early 200 AGs. Indeed, Forkoux ascended to head of the Scholars' Collective in 207 AG after being selected by his retiring predecessor, much to his pleasure as his sworn enemy Harolde Silversmith had led the Collective for most of his previous time there. Free time allowed Forkoux to eventually publish his most critically acclaimed scrolls, The Deaths of Mo and the deeper meaning of rebirth in 222 AG. His daughter, Ceroux, travelled to the Capital to become versed in commerce at the Capital University of Oparo as Forkoux himself continued to work on his scrolls during this period, whilst spending many of his days in the company of his loving wife, Ophellaer. In 226 AG their second child and first son, Gullryth Fyth was safely born in Helmont Castle. 
thumb|188x188px|Forkoux circa 222 AG
=== Years of tragedy (228-239 AG) ===
After the premature birth of his second child, Maroux Fyth, in 227 AG, he grew concerned regarding her growing illness. In 228 AG, Forkoux's wife of 26 years, Ophellaer Fyth, was killed by a Morteon. The couple were eating on the shores of Tyst Dod Lake near the castle when a cloud obscured the sun, prompting a lurch of a shadow-dwelling Morteon in a nearby cave. She was taken by the Morteon (The Morteon cannot carry 2), and given the typical painful death of anything that should be unfortunate enough to find itself in the grasp of such a vile creature. Once retreated into the cave, Forkoux knew that he could do nothing to stop the creature, and had to witness with his own eyes his wife oscillate down the spine of the creature, before being injected and her carcass consumed. The event scarred Forkoux for months, finding it particularly difficult to comfort his now 3 children upon hearing of the news, often weeping at the loss of his love.
A year later, in 229 AG, Maroux's diminishing health arising from complications surrounding her premature birth in 227 AG resulted in her tragic death, at the age of just 2. Forkoux was aware she had an inability to fight off disease to protect her body, so was mildly prepared for the moment but still was nonetheless devastated enough to enter a state of depression later that year, compounded by both the loss of his wife and Maroux, resulting in less public appearances and therefore an erosion of his (thus far) positively viewed rule of Helmont.
In 234 AG, the now 62 year old Fyth attended the Borrosian hosted Royal Gren Championships, with his old Fellowship colleague, Airibi I Root, being the host. Forkoux had mixed feelings towards Root, having previously held him in contempt for orchestrating a genocide in the Capital. Upon the revelation that, in actuality, the blame lay at his General, Ronder Bridger, Forkoux was willing to tolerate Airibi. In the intervening years since the Trial of Ronder Bridger, which (much to the relief of Forkoux) Airibi was partially responsible for instigating, Airibi had shown a willingness to reach out to other Kingdoms and collaborate. As such, the still marred Forkoux journeyed to the Borrows for the games on the Murndorl with the usual entourage of Fyths able to attend: himself, Eradoux, Struth, Shackschogorth, Werdiria, Sutheria, and Forkoux's own now 8 year old son, Gullryth. During the games, Forkoux was able to hold a few amicable conversations with the Root, though remained markedly uninterested at times, being particularly dismayed by the condition that many of the games were held in. In addition, he worried about the experience of the rest of his family in the Kingdom, with all of them reporting their dissatisfaction with the conduct and line of questioning of the few Borrsians they came into contact with. However, Forkoux stayed for the full two weeks the games ran, being a spectator in some games. When he could, he used the opportunity to work on various scrolls in the security of his cabin in the Murndorl, being much happier when left to his own devices. The experience caused Forkoux some pause for thought regarding his feelings towards Airibi, viewing him in an ever-so-slightly higher regard due to his cordiality displayed throughout the event. This was the last time the two would meet before Airibi's death 7 years later.
Forkoux's father, Randogor, died at the age of 96 in 236 AG, saddening Forkoux greatly. Although he understood the death to be natural, Forkoux's previous tragedies compounded to result in him losing weight from abstaining from eating for a time, with the few who saw him remarking that he was in a state of deep contemplation. Across his whole life, the 10 years leading up to 238 AG proved the most testing upon Forkoux.
thumb|214x214px|Forkoux upon hearing of his father’s passing circa 236 AG|left
=== Tr'cupen, reintegration into intellectual life and travels (239-252 AG) ===
As a part of the Scholarly Collectives' initiative to consider Prince Tr'cupen for admittance to the group in 239 AG, Forkoux conducted a session of discussion about his work at his home in C'thardjia. Far surpassing the allotted time of the discussion of 1 hour, Cupen and Forkoux spoke for 9 hours from evening until dawn. The two bonded over many subjects, and by the morning became friends who would meet regularly. These intellectually stimulating discussions caught Forkoux's mind once more, allowing him to imbue his scrolls with new ideas bounced off the, "Fruitfulness of the intellect youth brings, and in-particular the wondrous mind of a man I would hesitate not to call my dearest friend, Tr'cupen"By 252 AG, Forkoux had fully recovered from his great losses, with his newfound friendship and collaboration with Cupen resulting in inspiration to finish many scrolls he had been working on for years prior such as The Grenthyx Dynasty - Asssessed (246 AG), and Lost Languages (249 AG) - both of which were of particular fondness to Forkoux. 
==== Travels and exploring ====
Fyth had also travelled a great deal more than he had before during this period, with Helmont enjoying a period of long prosperity and few disputes to attend to in the Continent. In particular, 
=== Later life (252-279 AG) ===
==== Involvement in Chaestish opera ====
During the early 250 AGs, Forkoux had set his sights on the rife performance landscape appearing in the Chaestlands. Indeed, Forkoux had noted its growth since the conclusion of the Uprootings, with the previous monopoly over authority the Chaestlands once held being supplanted by the more modest, yet distinctly lavish, opera scene. Although Forkoux had performed opera publicly prior, in the cases of Liquor's Lure (249 AG) and Let the Punishment Fit the Crime (252 AG), he wished to establish a formal relationship with the finest Chaestish opera coordinators and to honour his friendship with his old tutor, Tobias Syrinand, who likely died in 205 AG. After almost half a century, Forkoux wished to rekindle his training and enter the opera scene. As such, at the age of 80 in 252 AG, Forkoux partnered with many institutions in the Chaestlands, performing particularly frequently in the city of Floralys. Forkoux's performances were known to attract significant crowds - owing to its uniqueness. 
This was thought to have been significantly influenced by the fact that many of Forkoux's extravagant vocal works were composed lyrically personally by himself, and further that many of them contained words, phrases or otherwise vocalised ideas which had not been heard in hundreds or sometimes thousands of years. Forkoux, also being at the forefront in the study of ancient languages, was in multiple cases, the only person alive to have knowledge in how to speak and understand them. Using this to his advantage, he imbued his songs with powerful, flowing, never-before heard passages, picked personally by him in order for the work to hold the utmost level of quality throughout. This utterly entranced his audiences, and audiences yearned for more of his captivating performances throughout the 250 AGs. 
Such was the extent of the populus' awareness of his opera works, that Forkoux was noticed by figures working in the Provincial Court who saw his increased activity in performing, wrongly, as an indication of his retirement given how different this was seen to be from his past engagements. Due to this, they suggested to him that he ought to consider a place in the Court in some capacity and resign from his role as Patriarch of Helmont - a position he had held for 70 years by 259 AG. Dismissing this (through Helmont's incumbent judge on the court, Darton Sheriff), Forkoux quickly made it apparent that he had no intention to retire, and continued to perform well into his 80s, enjoying each performance more than the last. 
==== Growing factions in the Scholars Collective ====
===== Final public performance =====
As Forkoux entered his 90s, he had began to become less capable of performing as frequently as he had even a few years prior. Still enjoying himself, he restricted his performances, until, in 263 AG, and at the age of 91, Forkoux gave his final performance. The evening, in the city of Floralys and held outdoors on a clear night, was full of Forkoux's personal favourites and some pieces nominated by performing councils. Part of the immense crowd was future handmaiden of Forkoux's eventual granddaughter (Diaeyne Fyth), Fiaeyne. At the conclusion of the evening, Forkoux delievered a moving speech thanking those in attendance for attending, but also taking a moment to express his gratitude for anyone ever being interested enough in his work to attend any of his performances. 
===== Retirement =====
Owing to his increasing age and degrading vocal range, Forkoux made sure that his Floralys performance in 263 AG was his last, and thusly retired from public singing. Forkoux would immediately spend more time with his family, particularly as he now had 2 grand-children, Pyter Fyth and the 1 year old Yifoux I Fyth. When he did travel, he typically travelled to C'thardjia and the Residence of Tr'cupen to spend more time with his best friend.
==== Becoming Capital envoy for Liberty ====
In 259 AG, Forkoux was appointed envoy for liberty, a position which allowed him to use his knowledge of living standards in the Continent established in his 252 AG scroll 'Inquiry Into the Dispossessed' to advise the Capital in how to approach negotiations with figureheads of other kingdoms, particularly with regard to being conscious of the large-scale ramifications upon those already disadvantaged. Although officially sitting as a member of the Council Magnus at this time, Forkoux was not required to attend meetings in-person, and instead communicated mostly through letters. Forkoux retired from the role at the age of 90 in 262 AG, having achieved a great deal during his short time on the Council. 
==== Declining health ====
===== Moving collective meetings to Helmont Castle =====
===== 100th birthday celebrations =====
==== Increasing closeness to grandchildren ====
==== Finalising and publishing scrolls ====
==== Final public appearances ====
=== Death (279 AG) ===
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=== Legacy (280 AG-) ===
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== Relationships ==
=== Tr'cupen ===
=== Ophellaer Fyth ===
=== Ceroux Grenthyx ===
=== Gullryth Fyth ===
=== Vaioria Fyth ===
=== Tíras Theôs ===
=== Manton Fisher ===
=== Harolde Silversmith ===
=== Jorjaeryn III Grenthyx ===
=== Struth Fyth ===
=== Detroia Fyth ===
=== Stanryth III Fyth ===
=== Hadryan Fyth ===
=== Uriah Hiedlande ===
=== Norgoux Fyth ===
=== Pyter Fyth ===
=== Shackschogorth Fyth ===
=== Lionel Harthyx ===
=== Belron Garth ===
=== Jonson Calfe ===
=== Teagus Nora ===
=== Fallius Boron-Ornoux ===
=== Rael Ornoux-Boron ===
== Notable Works ==
=== Scrolls ===
* "Manifesto for Political Adjustment" (191 AG)
* "Revolution in Mhordyn" (199 AG)
* "A Plea To All Fair Realms" (200 AG)
* ”The Moral Spectre” (204 AG)
* ”King Barren II - The Troubled Grenthyx” (205 AG)
* "The State of Humans" (207 AG)
* "The Many Tongues of Realms and their Origins" (209 AG)
* "Reflections on the Uprootings of 200-202 AG" (218 AG)
* "The Deaths of Mo and the Deeper Meaning of Rebirth" (222 AG)
* "The Stuff of Commerce - a Guide" (224 AG)
* "On Faith" (225 AG)
* "The Origins of Mo" (226 AG)
* "On Saugorth" (227 AG)
* "Antecedent Logic" (228 AG)
* "The Language Scintilla" (230 AG)
* "The Grenthyx Dynasty - Assessed" (243 AG)
* "Taxonomical Imagination" (244 AG)
*"Horishi Hegemony" (245 AG)
* "The Bloody Schism - Politics, Culture and the People" (246 AG)
* "Lost Languages" (249 AG)
* "On Religion" (251 AG)
* "Inquiry into the dispossessed" (252 AG)
* "The Art of Vocal Projecting" (254 AG)
* "Lore Across Culture" (268 AG)
* "Grand Theory of Mo" (273 AG)
* "Saugorth: a Theory" (275 AG)
* "The Unfinished Works" (280 AG) [Posthumous]
=== Poems ===
* "Vaioria" (189 AG)
* "Shifting Tides of Love" (196 AG)
* "The Bloody Walls" (203 AG)
* "The Lonesome Dragon" (214 AG)
* "Cataclysm of the Individual" (219 AG)
* "Freedom's Waning Ode" (221 AG)
=== Stories ===
* ”Power, Tragedy and Politics” (189 AG)
* "Novice King" (191 AG)
* "A Song of Bloody War" (196 AG)
* "The Crying Infant" (203 AG)
=== Operas ===
* "Liquor's Lure" (249 AG)
* "Let the Punishment Fit the Crime" (251 AG)
=== Unfinished Works ===
* Grand Theory of Life (Destroyed scroll, began in approximately 189 AG)
* Helmont - The Infant Kingdom (Unfinished scroll, began in 201 AG)
* Terrors of the Totality Mines Mapped (Unfinished scroll, began 259 AG)
* Normality of Kinship (Story, began in 263 AG)
* The Hidden Imperative - on Family (Scroll, began in 268 AG)
Note: All unfinished works and notes apart from the destroyed Grand Theory of Life were published posthumously by Forkoux's son, Gullryth Fyth, in 280 AG.
== Family ==
Category:Characters
Category:Helmont character
Category:Capital character
Category:Rulers
Category:Scholars