Rodwen

Lapis and Naava (Bastard Daughters)

Alyan (Brother)

Ten NPC Siblings (NPCs)

Extensive Highvalley Kin

## Application Sheet

High King Rodwen was an ivory-furred male wolf with cornflower blue eyes. He was the king of Highvalley for many years. Rodwen was the mate of Fia (NPC), and had five children with her: Klaus, Vladimir, Sveta, Ava, and Nike. Behind the scenes, he and childhood sweetheart, Pyrite (NPC) had two daughters, Lapis and Naava. He had many siblings and half-siblings, but was closest to his brother Alyan. He passed away due to serious illness, leaving his youngest son, Vladimir, as High King. Vladimir then led the pack away from its ancestral lands, to find better territory. Rodwen was created and RP'd by Naviira.[1]

## Personality

* ***Ambitious and Efficient.*** When a goal has been set, achieving maximum productivity with minimal wasted effort spent is of the greatest importance. Rodwen is not the kind of wolf that will accept incompetence of any kind from his subjects. Laziness gets rooted out simply by him being present.
* ***Cold,** **Stoic and Unrelenting*****.** With a rational approach to just about everything he does, it’s no surprise that Rodwen distances himself from expressing his emotions, after all, public displays of emotion are displays of weakness in his eyes. He's the kind of wolf that rules his pack with an iron fist. Efficiency and rationalism above all else can make him insensitive and cold in pursuing his goals, especially in his duty as High King.
* ***Intelligent and Strategical.*** Hailed as a strategical genius, Rodwen prefers to rely on his mind rather than is brawn and is especially talented in handling crisis and and navigating through individual challenges in order to achieve a bigger goal. He will examine all angles and is the kind of wolf that will drive the discussion forward with solutions.
* ***Charismatic and Inspiring.*** There is no need to use fear and manipulation when trying to achieve his goals as Rodwen prefers to invigorate and inspire those around him to do their best. Sometimes he can come off as a bit overbearing in this aspect, but only because he tends to see the hidden potential in others even when they may not initially see it themselves.
* ***Prideful and Arrogant.*** His historical lineage brings him great pride, bordering on arrogance, as he believes his blood and family have given rights that other wolves do not. Rodwen respects others with his own qualities and tend to look down scornfully upon those who don’t match up.
* ***Honest*.** Rodwen sees no point in telling lies and will freely say what he wishes to say despite the effect it may have on others. After all, dancing around the truth is anything but efficient and productive.
* ***Showy and Ostentatious.*** As the pinnacle of blood purity and pride of his pack's pedigree, Rodwen delights in flaunting who he is. He desires to be seen by both his kin and the outside world for he is the highest of the Highbloods. This showy behavior is done in consideration of maintaining appearances inside and outside his realm as opposed to a childish need to stroke his ego.
* ***Wounded*.** Rodwen knows the horrors of war. He’s seen it along with the hell it can unleash. As a way of dealing with what happened, Rodwen has cocooned himself and his pack in to avoid trouble. Never again will he allow his kin’s blood to be spent, never again will he meddle in the affairs of such destruction. War took his father, his friends, his siblings. He’d do anything to prevent that hell from rising again.
* ***Hidden Heart.*** Beneath the tough and stoic exterior, Rodwen hides away a profound sense of compassion for those around him and is greatly disturbed when they hurt. While that may not always extend to wolves beyond his realm, Rodwen, more than anything, deeply cares for his kin.

## Pre-Group History

Sired by High King Eadric and born to High Queen Aarwen, Rodwen was the first-born son and heir to Highvalley. Shortly after birth Rodwen and his littermates were brought before their mother’s personal steward and close friend, Ela, who helped to suckle and raised the pups alongside her mate Norwood; an elder who acted as the royal family’s personal Arch-Meister and teacher, so that Aarwen could continue to fulfill her duties as the Wolvenqueen. The young heirs ended up forming tight bonds with their caretakers which rivaled that of the bonds they shared with their parents. With Norwood’s age old wisdom, the young pups were taught about the gallant Highbloods of old, foreign lands and Highvalley’s rich heritage. The old male particularly had a fascination with foreign religious packs, especially Havir, and would never hesitate to teach them about the foreign pack.

With Rodwen’s mother constantly in a state of either being nursing or pregnant, the young prince, along with his other littermates, were heavily involved in her care. Eadric on the other hand was often absent from his children’s lives. Tensions between rival packs were increasing, forcing Eadric to focus on the pack’s affairs rather than raising a family. As soon as he became old enough, Eadric became more involved in his children’s training. At first Rodwen was elated over the fact that his father was paying more attention to them. He deeply loved and revered him, for he was a great Alpha and a wise leader! But slowly over time, the young prince began to see a different side of his father: One that was unstable and angry, foolish, selfish and dangerous. Eadric possessed a wicked temperament and was very rough with his children. The Wolvenking never worked for the good of Highvalley rather, he did as he pleased and would often put the pack in danger with surrounding packs. He was a selfish leader and it would cost him.

One cold evening while Rodwen and a few of his siblings were out on a hunting expedition in the woodlands, Fellfang - an old enemy of Highvalley - happened upon their party for a raid. Outnumbered, Rodwen barely managed to escape and was forced into the safety of the Highlands where he watched helplessly as his brothers and sisters were torn to shreds. Rodwen has since held a deep and profound distain for their kind.

As a young wolf Rodwen was thrown into the hell of war. Countless lives had been lost, both family and friends alike. First it was Ela and Norwood, their caretakers from puphood. Then it was Aarwen, his mother. Soon she was replaced with another she-wolf to be Eadric’s Queen. She too had given him many sons and daughters, but it would never be enough to fill the gaping hole in his heart.

Highvalley had few allies, smaller packs, including the one of his puphood friend Pyrite. They had grown up together and often had play-dates. They were best friends, but as they grew older their feelings for each other began to change. They deeply desired each other and Rodwen was certain; as soon as he became the High King he’d take her as his mate. But the war continued and the days grew darker, unsure if they would make it out alive, the two gave into their desires and became intimate.

War had changed him. He had killed and saw death. Rodwen, once curious about the world now turned fearful of it. But he endured regardless and soon enough death came for Eadric and Rodwen succeeded him as the Wolvenking. He bared no great love for his father, but he cared deeply for his pack and vowed to do everything he could to keep them save.

Immediately Rodwen went to work, utilizing strategy to try and overcome his enemies, but Highvalley’s numbers were growing thin and wouldn’t be able to defeat them on their own. That’s when Rodwen approached Sheffield, the Alpha of Altumvalley; old rivals who once, many generations ago, were the same pack but had since split due to grievances. The two had been dancing on the brink of war ever since with the current strife’s only fueling the tensions. It was then that Rodwen offered a proposition: unify the packs through marriage. It pained Rodwen, knowing that he loved Pyrite, but the Wolvenking was willing to put his personal feelings aside for the good of the pack. He needed Altumvalley, and Altumvalley needed them as they too were struggling with a war of their own. However, the only way they’d accept an alliance was through wedding one of their own. Sheffield was reluctant at first but eventually allowed his daughter, Fia, to wed Rodwen and the two packs merged and became one once again.

Not soon after Pyrite revealed to Rodwen that she was pregnant with his pups. To impregnate a female before one became wedded in Highvalley was taboo, and he’d be ostracized for it. He couldn’t have that, not if the alliance between Altumvalley and Highvalley was to continue. Their union had been a mistake; a moment a weakness in the darkness of war.  No one could find out, and so for the pack’s benefit, Rodwen denied his feelings for her and carried on as if nothing had happened between them.

Through Altumvalley and Highvalley's new alliance the two packs joined forces and defeated their enemies in a series of sweeping battles. Finally, peace was achieved and Rodwen and Fia became officially wedded. He shared no love for her at first as he still cared deeply for Pyrite, but slowly over time he learned to love her deeply and before long they were expecting their first litter. Rodwen was thrilled and vowed to be a better father than his own. He longed for his eldest and heir, Klaus to be a good King to his kin, but the young he-wolf was reckless, foolish, stubborn, rebellious, and possessed a wicked temperament. As the pup grew Rodwen saw something in Klaus and it frightened him: *Eadric.*

Not only did the young price share his grandfather’s spitting image, but Klaus also possessed the same unstableness that had once nearly driven the pack into the ground. Knowing full well of the destruction and chaos Rodwen’s father had caused before him due to his recklessness, Rodwen tried to dilute the young male’s extreme behavior through rigorous, one-on-one training that would often last from dawn to dusk. He had hoped the training would help but it seemed to only make his son more angry and frustrated.

The two got into a heated argument and soon after Klaus fled the pack. Fia, devastated by the news, became very sick. Eventually the two were expecting their second litter, and after fighting the sickness for almost a year, eventually she succumbed to her illness and died in childbirth. Only one pup survived: Nike.

Rodwen refuses to talk about those he has lost, especially Fia. He believes he needs to remain strong and unyielding for his pack, many of whom are still recovering from the wounds inflicted by Eadric’s reign.

## Group History

King Rodwen was extremely interested in introducing new noble bloodlines to his pack, and the opportunity arose with the arrival of Angus, Tilika, and her two pups - Yuaei and Mohawk. Gwyndolyn had escorted the wolves to the High King, and they explained that Havir - the pack that he'd been so interested in forging a relationship with - was gone. Destroyed by a meteor. Rodwen still wanted to keep the bloodline in his own family, so he agreed to offer them a place in the pack. But, he wanted to betroth his own youngest daughter, Nike, to Tilika's son Mohawk. This *outraged* his son Vladimir, who thought the Havir line was too common to be wed to their nobility, and he saw them as a threat.

With that matter settled, Rodwen had to turn his attention to his own marriage. Since Fia's death, he had abstained from taking another mate, but Sheffield demanded he marry one of his relatives, to keep the ties between Highvalley and Altumvalley strong. Rodwen protested this, *especially* when Sheffield proposed he marry Shardae. Shardae, who was younger than his own children! Rodwen eventually agreed to the betrothal, but would not marry her until she was older. Sheffield was satisfied...for now, at least.

Rodwen made time to welcome new arrivals to the pack, such as Muirgen. He also spent a great deal of time socializing with the other Highbloods, gossiping with Taibhse on occasion, but he mostly looked to those on the High Council, who he often looked to for advice. Rune, Adela, and Maerac were instrumental in shaping his skills when he was younger, and they (as well as Sheffield) were easy-to-tap sources of wisdom all these years later.

Still, he had heavy thoughts weighing down his mind. Fia had been searching for Klaus prior to her pregnancy and death, and Rodwen decided to send some of his Seekers to continue the search, for him, and for another missing wolf, Robin. He called Gwyndolyn to him and sent her with Samwell to find them.

Around this time, Rodwen also made the decision to appoint half-blind Firth as his own Steward. Firth had lost part of his vision and some of his intellectual ability in a hunting accident, and Rodwen wanted to give the male a chance to continue serving the pack, instead of remaining a lowly omega for the rest of his life. Firth accepted, and Rodwen gave him his first duty of finding gifts for his three daughters, for the Full Moon Social.

Another priority for the High King was to establish alliances. He'd heard rumors that the pack of Vale - hardy, rugged warriors - had the blood of Havir running through their veins (true). He wanted to see if they were interested in an alliance, and asked Taibhse to seek out his nephew, Lycan, for access to the pack to speak with its alpha. Taibhse agreed and set off, and Rodwen hoped they would agree to discuss the possibility of an alliance.

He reflected, often, on war, which was why he worked so hard to make sure his pack had allies, and why he tried to make time for his relations, especially his brother, Alyan. The two had a heart-to-heart when he proposed promoting his brother to the rank of Captain (Theta). Alyan told his brother he'd be sure to prove his worthiness of the title, and Rodwen assured his brother that he already *had.*

He also promoted three Generals - Vladimir, Sveta, and Gwyndolyn, as the highest-ranking Keeper, Meister, and Seeker, respectively.

It was not war that came upon Highvalley next, though. It was *flood.* The unnaturally warm weather resulted in a glacial flood, which swept through the territory and impacted the majority of the Highvallians. Many would be swept away, and need rescue, or were never seen again (in Highvalley, that is...). Rodwen and Vladimir, from the safety of the Highlands, were completely unscathed, but hurried to the scene to help their packmates.

Rodwen searched tirelessly for his packmates, not caring about getting muddied by the dirty water that was left behind. He was relieved at the return of Ava and Sveta, but Nike...Nike eluded discovery. He refused to give up on her, though, or *any* of his missing packmates. He would continue the search until all were accounted for, dead or alive.

Some days after the flood, Adela was helped back to the camp by an outsider named Sarin. Rodwen was overwhelmed with relief (not that it showed) and he asked Sarin how he could repay the favor. Sarin requested a place in the pack in exchange, and Rodwen was true to his word.

Recovery efforts continued, but few missing wolves would return after the first few weeks. Still, Rodwen sent out search parties. He would pull Sarin to the side one day, some months later, and asked the young male another favor - to continue the search for his missing daughter, Nike, his youngest. And any other missing packmates, too. Sarin agreed, and set off on his journey.

It wasn't too long after the flood that Rodwen fell sick, however. *Extremely* sick. He struggled with his responsibilities while he tried to recover, so Vladimir was appointed as Regent in his place. He thought about his missing daughter, the packmates he hadn't been able to find - Gwyndolyn, Vysariel, Eclipse. He thought of the dead. Would he join them soon? Were his efforts enough, to find the lost?

Despite the best efforts of the Meisters, the sickness did not let go of Rodwen. He withered away, eaten by the disease, until one day, he drew his last breath. And with that, the High King of Highvalley was dead.

Vladimir would take over as the new High King, but the pack grieved the loss of its long-standing leader. They wouldn't be able to grieve long, though. Vladimir announced the pack would be leaving the Domain, never to return. Rodwen would be the last High King to die in the Domain, but his influence would not be forgotten.

## Trivia

* Rodwen was the eldest of *many* children of Aarwen and Eadric. Though the family tree is hard to complete, Rodwen's younger siblings include Alyan (whom he was closest to, as a littermate), and ten other siblings (mostly males). His immediate nephews and nieces, via his siblings, were Thorn, Gwendolyn, Quilo, Aspen, Alpine, Lycan, Amara, Rholdar, Avalon, Vysariel, and Amalthea...and several NPCs who shall not be listed.
* Rodwen loves to hunt and will never pass up an opportunity to do so. It's a way to get his mind off of his grief.
* Rodwen believes that Lowbloods will always have a place within the pack so long as they are willing to work hard for Highvalley's sake.
* He is very tough on his kids due to the fact that he expects nothing short of greatness from them. This can oftentimes make him appear cold, but no one should ever doubt Rodwen's love for his children. He loves them deeply and fiercely.
* While he views hardworking Lowbloods favorably, he wouldn't want any of his children to become mates with any.
* Rodwen has a very strained history with Fellfang. He believes their blood is cursed and the wolves untrustworthy. He will treat any Fellfangir with instant hostility and will never allow one to live within the pack.
* Thanks to Norwood's teachings as a pup, Rodwen deeply reveres the Havirian culture.
* Rodwen doesn't care much at all about the wolves of the outside world. He'd much rather focus on his own realm.
* He hates being called "Rod."

## Quotes

* “Peace is never stagnant. I fear the day will come when conflict and bloodshed becomes familiar once more. Perhaps not in our time, but before our end draws near we must forge a path so our inheritors may benefit. I will not leave a legacy of negligence." (to Taibhse, *An Important Task*)

## External Links

* Official Application Sheet
* Naviira's deviantART Gallery