Imperial House of Whitaker

Coat of Arms of the House of Whitaker

## **History of the House**

### **Era of Whitaker the Great - The Founding of the Dynasty:**

In the Ancient Times, before the dawn of Imperium Britanniae, a legendary figure emerged - Whitaker the Great. Son of the mighty Pallas Athena, the Goddess of War and Knowledge, Whitaker possessed godlike powers that included regenerative healing abilities, extended lifespan, semi-immortality, elemental control, superhuman strength, and illusions. He was a formidable demigod, feared and revered alike.

Whitaker's reign began with the founding of the Imperial House of Whitaker near the future site of Londinium. Together with his wife, Titania 'The Ash,' the daughter of the goddess Aphrodite, he built the foundation of a lineage that would shape the history of the known world.

One of the greatest tales from this era was the legendary battle against Mattia the Impaler, the mythical tyrant. Whitaker led a rebellion and revolution against the malevolent ruler, culminating in a climactic showdown. In their final confrontation, Whitaker summoned cursed flames that obliterated Mattia and his entire army, but not without grave injuries to himself. This heroic feat cemented his status as an unparalleled force.

### **The Age of Legends - Rise of the Whitaker Dynasty:**

Following the extraordinary feats of Whitaker the Great, his descendants continued the legacy. The era of William I "the Peacemaker" saw the restoration of order and peace after the turmoil caused by the defeat of Mattia. The young ruler's innate powers surpassed even those of his illustrious father, earning him the moniker "the Peacemaker." His charm and diplomatic prowess enabled him to make significant alliances, establishing a sense of camaraderie among the nobility.

William II "the Schemer" was a master strategist who meticulously schemed to build the Imperial House of Whitaker. He understood the importance of wealth and followers in consolidating power. Legend has it that William II killed a dragon using only battle armor, a sword, and gunpowder, earning him admiration and fear. His uncanny ability to eliminate other legendary beasts, like a cockatrice, only added to his mythical reputation.

William III "the Prosperous" continued his father's work, greatly increasing the family's wealth. He ventured beyond violence, engaging in business ventures that brought riches from all corners of the known world. Moreover, he was known for his compassion, helping the poor and gathering followers who admired his vision for a prosperous and thriving society.

### **The Age of Exploration - The Quest for New Horizons:**

William IV "the Explorer" embarked on daring expeditions to explore distant lands. His quest was to find the best place for a new settlement and to uncover the mysteries of the New World. In the course of his journeys, he discovered exotic lands, dangerous beasts, and fossils of prehistoric times, expanding the Whitaker family's knowledge and influence.

Princeps William V "the Consolidator" laid the foundation for the establishment of the nation Prīncipālitās Britanniae. His impressive leadership skills and the feats of his predecessors elevated the House of Whitaker to legendary status. He formalized and consolidated the family's vast holdings, and the House now stood as a pillar of power and stability in the chaotic world.

Princeps Edward Wilhelm, while not an exceptionally significant ruler, was a skilled legislator. He penned a series of laws that furthered the stability and progress of the nation. Under his rule, the people enjoyed relative peace and prosperity, and the legal framework he established laid the groundwork for the empire's future development.

### **The Age of Conquest - Expansion and Multiculturalism:**

Rex Wilhelm "the Conqueror" proved to be a formidable military leader. He expanded the boundaries of Britanniae by conquering neighboring nations, annexing them into the empire. His skill on the battlefield, combined with his innate powers, made him a fearsome warrior-king. Yet, despite his conquests, he retained a passion for exploration and hunting, further enriching the empire with new discoveries and lands.

Rex Augustus, son of Wilhelm, embraced multiculturalism and integration. After consolidating the gains from his father's conquests, he focused on promoting unity and cultural exchange. Under his wise rule, the economy grew, and significant investments in infrastructure paved the way for future developments.

### **The Age of Great Imperators - The Rise of Imperium Britanniae:**

The ascension of Rex (later Imperator) Wilhelm August "the Great" marked a turning point in history. Inheriting a stable realm from his father, Augustus, Wilhelm August used the resources and newly loyal subjects to expand the empire to new heights. He founded many new settlements and reconstructed Londinium, naming it the capital city. The majestic Castle of Whitaker, which would become the family's seat, was constructed during his reign.

Wilhelm August was a military innovator and an explorer of unparalleled ambition. He pushed the boundaries of Imperium Britanniae, conquering new territories and exploring uncharted lands. His feats became the stuff of legends, inspiring awe and admiration among his people.

Finally, Imperium Britanniae was officially established, replacing the Regnum with Wilhelm August becoming the first Imperator, after his victorious campaigns. This momentous transformation brought about an age of imperial glory, cementing the Whitaker family's place as rulers of a vast and powerful realm.

### **The Golden Age of Imperium Britanniae - Imperator Arthur Wilhelm and the Age of Prosperity:**

With the death of Imperator Wilhelm August, his son Imperator Arthur Wilhelm ascended to the throne. While some saw him as relatively unremarkable, Arthur's efficiency in governing and continued progress ensured that the empire remained stable and prosperous. His focus on maintaining the advancements made by his father led to a golden age of peace and prosperity in Imperium Britanniae.

Imperator John Arthur succeeded his father, Arthur, and continued the legacy of efficiency in governance. He successfully implemented the codification of laws that his father had attempted, and his reign saw the creation of the constitution of Imperium Britanniae. However, despite his accomplishments, Imperator John Arthur's rule was marked by an authoritarian streak, leading to some dissatisfaction among the populace, who yearned for greater liberties.

### **The Era of Disease - The Great Plague and the Decline:**

The Era of Disease descended upon Imperium Britanniae with the outbreak of the Great Plague. Imperator Edward John (The Younger) and his daughter, Margaret, fell victim to the deadly disease, leaving a power vacuum and instability in their wake. The nation was plunged into chaos, with uprisings and revolts spreading across the land.

In these tumultuous times, Duke William Edward Wellington-Whitaker, brother of Imperator George Edward Leopold, played a brief but controversial role. His strained relationship with his older brother had consequences, as Duke William's unexpected demise left behind a bastard child, further complicating the succession.

### **The Restoration - Imperator George Edward Leopold and the Rebirth of Hope:**

Imperator George Edward Leopold rose to power amid the chaos of the Disease Era. Presiding over the recovery from the Great Plague, he displayed extraordinary leadership by systematically revamping the healthcare system, introducing free universal healthcare for the citizens. He embarked on massive economic revitalization plans, spearheading schemes to clean up cities, improve the environment, and add greenery.

But it was Imperator George's liberalizing reforms that truly endeared him to the people. He granted the citizens liberty, equal rights, freedom of speech, and freedom of press, earning him the moniker "The Liberty Giver." His progressive policies were lauded by many, but not without resistance from conservative factions within the empire.

### **The Age of Progress - Imperator Friedrich George and the Path to Greatness:**

Upon the death of Imperator George Edward Leopold, his son, Imperator Friedrich George, took the reins of power. Building upon his father's grand plans and schemes, Friedrich presided over a growing economy and a healthy population. His reign marked an era of progress and innovation.

Friedrich George's rule saw the flourishing of arts, science, and commerce. The Imperial House of Whitaker continued to be revered as the epitome of greatness, and the Whitaker family's power and influence were at their zenith. During this age, numerous grand infrastructure projects were initiated, including the construction of magnificent palaces, roads, and bridges that connected the vast empire.

### **The Era of Misrule - Imperator John Edward George and the Brink of Collapse:**

Sadly, the glories of the Age of Progress were short-lived. Imperator John Edward George, inheriting a prosperous and stable empire, embarked on a path of mismanagement and reckless spending. The grand achievements of his predecessors began to unravel as he squandered the nation's resources.

The decline was rapid and severe. Uprisings and revolts spread across the empire, sparked by famine and economic collapse. Imperium Britanniae was brought to the brink of collapse as the people suffered, and their discontent grew. Tragically, John Edward George died young, leaving behind a nation on the verge of ruin.

### **The Fallen Empire - Imperator Maximillian Edward George "Mark" and the Final Collapse:**

Imperator Maximillian Edward George "Mark" inherited the crumbling empire from his father, John Edward George. Determined to bring stability back to the realm, Maximillian managed to almost end the famines and restore some semblance of order.

Yet, in the midst of suppressing a revolt, Maximillian was gravely injured, and the news of his death spread rapidly. This tragic event led to the collapse of Imperium Britanniae, as the empire descended into chaos and disarray.

### **The Rise of a New Era - William Friedrich Issac and the Birth of New Empire's:**

In the chaos following the end of Imperium Britanniae, William Friedrich Issac rose to prominence. Succeeding his father, Maximillian Edward George, as the head of the House of Whitaker, William inherited the defunct title of Imperator Britanniae. His childhood was marred by the chaos of the Black Era, with mass-scale starvation and anarchy plaguing the lands.

Despite the adversity, William met Elisabeth Ivy Taylor, the love of his life, and the couple married on the 31st of January in the year 17 ATP. Their love would inspire William to forge a new path for his family and the world.

Together with his cousin, Peter Wilhelm II Wellington-Schwarzenberg, William founded the British-Czech Legion, a formidable force that would play a significant role in their future endeavors. As tensions rose, William assisted Edward Klondike and the City of Germania in a revolt against the Kingdom of Vingard. The British-Czech Legion emerged victorious, with Germania gaining independence and forming the Empire of Germania on the 9th February, 30 ATP. On that same day, William Friedrich Issac became Emperor of Germania. Under his visionary leadership, the empire embarked on grand industrial projects, making Germania the first industrialized nation. The rapid industrialization brought about famines, which were later resolved through grain imports from the former enemy, Vingard.

As the Empire of Germania flourished, William and Elisabeth welcomed twins, Princess Athena Alexandra and Prince George William Maximillian, into the world on the 23rd of May in the year 28 ATP.

William would then orchestrate the union of the Empire of Germania and Kingdom of Vingard, forming the Einvaldi Empire, and becoming Emperor of Einvald on the 14th February, 25 ATP. He continued industrial efforts and reconstruction of the city of Germania, which was destroyed on the same day the Einvaldi Empire was formed. On the very same day William's son James Arthur Leopold was born.

The Great Winter war, orchestrated by Walterstan on the Einvaldi Empire, would test William's strength and resolve. Initially caught unprepared, William and Peter Wilhelm II Wellington-Schwarzenberg's combined tactical genius turned the tide, leading to a great victory at the Battle of Hjortby and the recapture of Germania and Siberkeld. William then invaded Walterstan, leading to its unconditional surrender.

The Einvaldi Empire now stood as the supreme superpower in the world, thanks to William's and Peter's visionary rule and grand infrastructure projects that took place after the Great Winter War. However, the political landscape changed as Scottarius Malus, leader of the Hjortby Clique, launched a coup on puppeted William and put him under house arrest. William's cousin, Peter Wilhelm II, was overthrown, and the empire faced a dark time.

William implored Peter to liberate Einvaldi and remove Scottarius Malus, asking him to build enough power to support the endeavor. Peter successfully rescued the rest of the Imperial Family taking them to safety in Nova Bohemia, a state established by Peter to achieve the goal of liberating Einvaldi. Scottarius Malus soon launched a global war, during which William escaped his imprisonment and met up with coalition forces. Peter proceeded to tell the coalition of William's innocence, and William, now part of the coalition marched onwards to Germania as a part of Peter's Army. Germania was soon sieged, and Malus committed suicide. With Malus' suicide, the Hjortby Clique surrendered.

William later dissolved the Einvaldi Empire and launched the Great Migration, leaving behind the former title of Emperor of Einvaldi. Together with his family, William embarked on a journey to a new continent, where they established the Neubritannian Empire, also known as Neubritannien Reich, on the 31st of December, 1 ATP.

As Emperor of the Neubritannians, William Friedrich Issac led the flourishing empire with unwavering determination and a dedication to creating a better world for his people. Tragedy struck when Elisabeth died on the 23rd of June in the year 1 ANP after taking the bullet meant for William during a botched assassination attempt on his life. Fueled by grief and anger, William destroyed the assassin with cursed fire, setting a chilling example to anyone who dared threaten his family.

With unparalleled power and an unyielding resolve, William continued to invest time in developing his innate abilities, reaching heights never achieved before in his family's history. He became the most powerful person in history by immeasurable margins.

Under William's leadership, the House of Whitaker, particularly its cadet branch Wellington-Schwarzenberg and its subbranches, invested huge amounts of their amassed funds and resources into rapid industrialization of the Neubritannian Empire, as well as establishing charities and other organisations and investing greatly into sciences, particularly physics and chemistry.

## **Cadet Branches**

### **House of Wellington-Schwarzenberg**

#### **Description**

The House of Wellington-Schwarzenberg stands as a distinguished cadet branch of the illustrious Whitaker Imperial family, born from the union of Princess Elisabeth von Schwarzenberg and Duke Leopold of Wellington. To preserve the revered name and titles of the Schwarzenberg lineage, a wise decision was made to blend the two names, forming a new line where all descendants could proudly bear the title of Rex Bohemiae. This union not only allowed them to inherit the wealth and honors of the Schwarzenberg family but also ensured a cherished connection to the esteemed Imperial lineage.

Among the titles the family proudly bears are: Prince von Schwarzenberg, Duke of Wellington, Lord of Schwarzenberg, Marquess of Wellington, Earl of Wellington, Viscount Wellington, and Rex Bohemiae.

The family's motto, **"Virtutis Fortuna Comes"** (or "Fortune Favours the Brave"), resonates with the esteemed Whitaker motto. Additionally, on certain occasions, they embrace the Schwarzenberg motto, "Nil Nisi Rectum" (or "Nothing but the Right"), further exemplifying their commitment to honor and righteousness.

#### **History**

##### **Early History**

The history of the Schwarzenberg family traces back to their arrival in Ancient Britanniae during the early 100s ATP, originating from the lands of Bohemiae, a state now lost to history. The details of their arrival and the reasons behind it remain shrouded in mystery. It is speculated that a natural phenomenon in Bohemiae may have prompted the population to seek new lands.

At the time of their arrival, Britanniae was undergoing a period of rapid industrialization and development. The Schwarzenbergs wisely invested their wealth in establishing factories and housing for the growing populace, which proved to be a profitable venture, elevating them to the ranks of the bourgeoisie and lower nobility within the Empire. Their continued support for industrialization caught the attention of Imperator George Edward Leopold, who acknowledged their valuable contributions and granted Peter Wilhelm I the title of Prince of Schwarzenberg.

## **Species/Ethnicity and Abilities**

Whitaker 'The Great,' a remarkable figure born of divine lineage, possessed godlike powers and abilities as the son of Athena, the revered Goddess of War and Knowledge. Endowed with the gift of regenerative healing, his lifespan extended far beyond that of ordinary mortals. Among his extraordinary powers were elemental manipulation, superhuman strength, and the potential to control matter, energy, and forces beyond human comprehension. Despite his immense potential, he struggled to fully harness these godlike powers, except for the fateful confrontation with the formidable tyrant, Mattia the Impaler. In their epic final battle, 'The Great' unleashed cursed flames that obliterated Mattia and his entire army, albeit at the cost of sustaining severe injuries himself.

Titania 'The Ash,' the daughter of Aphrodite, embodied the pinnacle of goddess prowess. Her godlike abilities included an extended lifespan, the gift of perpetual youth, and unparalleled mastery over the mental arts. Possessing augmentive, defensive, and offensive mind arts, Titania's powers were precise, flexible, and often concealed, allowing her to manipulate minds with subtlety. She was a master of illusions, capable of weaving mesmerizing enchantments akin to the alluring charm of a Veela.

United by love, Whitaker 'The Great' and Titania 'The Ash' bore a son whose lineage converged both divine legacies into a singular, potent set of powers. This extraordinary offspring exhibited the best qualities of both parents—subtle and flexible like Titania, yet incomparably powerful and boundless like 'The Great.' The unique hybrid nature of these powers granted him an unparalleled advantage, combining precision and raw might into a harmonious fusion.

Throughout generations, descendants of the Whitaker Line retained only a minimal amount of other species' genes, primarily affecting their appearance. Embracing their full and unique species, each member inherited the wondrous powers, ensuring that no individual possessed any less or more of these remarkable abilities than another. A simple test, such as checking for blue blood upon sustaining a wound, reveals a person's lineage—blue blood denoting a direct descendant of William I "The Peacemaker," the illustrious son of Titania and Whitaker 'The Great.'