Queen Lysandra IV

### Children

King Georgos II (deceased, 1073), Prince Harold Vitani Sylis (deceased 1048), Princess Leonora Valeri Sylis (deceased 1058)

### Parents

King Georgos (deceased 985), Princess Maria Sylis (née Rosemond, deceased 999)

### Siblings

Prince Cagle Sylis (uncle, deceased 1031)

## Allegiance

### Title

Queen Lysandra IV of House Sylis, 24th Monarch of the Kingdom of Althea

### Occupation

Queen of the Kingdom of Althea (985-1021, 36 years)

**Lysandra IV** was the ruler of the Kingdom of Althea from 985 AV until her death in 1021 AV. Her rule was marked by her efforts to maintain stability during challenging times, despite her known mental health struggles. Lysandra IV remained a highly respected and influential leader, and her legacy continues to shape the Kingdom today.

## Early Life

Queen Lysandra IV was born Princess Lysandra Victoria Sylis in 958 AV in Althea Prone, during the reign of her father King Georgos I. Her mother, Princess Maria the Queen Mother, was a loving and nurturing figure who played a significant role in Lysandra's upbringing. As the eldest child of Georgos I, Lysandra was groomed for leadership from a young age, with her education focusing on matters of statecraft, diplomacy, and history. Growing up in the royal court, the princess was known for her intelligence, curiosity, and strong will. Her early life was marked by a deep commitment to her studies and an innate desire to serve her people. Alongside her formal education, Lysandra was taught the art of horsemanship, as well as proficiency in swordplay and archery, in order to prepare her for the challenges that lay ahead. These experiences would later prove invaluable during her reign. Lysandra's younger brother, Prince Cagle Sylis, was born in 961 AV. The two siblings shared a close bond, with Lysandra taking on a protective and nurturing role towards her brother. Their relationship would continue to be an important source of support and camaraderie for Lysandra throughout her life. During her teenage years, Lysandra accompanied her father on diplomatic missions and visits to various regions of the Kingdom. These experiences afforded her the opportunity to witness firsthand the complexities of governance and the importance of strong leadership. These lessons would go on to shape her approach to ruling once she ascended to the throne. As Princess Lyandra grew older, her sense of duty and responsibility towards her people only deepened.

## Coronation and Marriage

Queen Lysandra IV's coronation in 985 AV was a grand affair, following the death of Georgos I. The citizens of the Kingdom of Althea, although mourning their king and still reeling from the Years of Fracture, welcomed the new monarch with open arms, hoping that her reign would usher in a period of stability and prosperity. Lysandra IV was known for her grace and poise, which was evident during her coronation ceremony. She took the oath of office with a solemn yet hopeful demeanor, demonstrating her commitment to the people of Venthalia and her readiness to lead. In 987 AV, two years into her reign, Queen Lysandra IV married Prince Barion Giralt, a union that symbolized the strengthening of political ties between House Sylis and House Giralt. Their marriage was celebrated throughout the Kingdom, and the couple was seen as a symbol of hope for a brighter future. As a couple, Lysandra IV and Prince Barion complemented each other well, with the queen's compassionate nature and Barion's unwavering support providing a strong foundation for their partnership. Together, Lysandra IV and Prince Barion had three children: Prince Georgos Cagle Sylis, born in 1004 AV, and the twins Prince Harold Vitani Sylis and Princess Leonora Valeri Sylis, born in 1006 AV. As a mother, Lysandra IV was loving and devoted, instilling in her children the values of compassion, wisdom, and responsibility that were hallmarks of the Sylis Dynasty. She took great care to ensure that her children were prepared for the roles they would one day inherit, providing them with an education that was both rigorous and well-rounded. Despite the challenges that she faced during her reign, Queen Lysandra IV remained steadfast in her commitment to her children and her people. As her health began to decline and her grip on reality waned, her children stepped up to support her and assume greater responsibility within the Kingdom. Prince Georgos, in particular, grew into a capable leader, prepared to carry on his mother's legacy as the future King Georgos II.

## Reign and Madness

Queen Lysandra IV's reign began with great promise when she ascended to the throne. Lysandra IV was a strong, intelligent ruler who exhibited exceptional diplomacy skills and a profound understanding of her kingdom's needs. For the first decade of her rule, she brought about significant progress, strengthening the realm's economy and ensuring the safety and prosperity of her people. However, Lysandra IV's reign took a dark turn in 999 AV when her mental health began to decline. A series of increasingly severe psychotic episodes culminated in a tragic incident where she murdered her own mother, Princess Maria, in her sleep. This event was not known to the general public until after the coronation of Georgos II, when he publicly announced that the story of his grandmother "passing peacefully in her sleep" was a narrative created to preserve Lysandra IV's image. The reveal and new of this terrible act shook the Kingdom to its core, and the royal family, as well as the people of Althea, were left to grapple with the horror of what their beloved queen had done. Tragically, Prince Barion was killed in a targeted Klans attack at sea while returning from a diplomatic mason to the Bratoli Isles, in 1015 AV. Unfortunately, the death of Prince Barion only sent Queen Lysandra IV deeper into insanity

As Lysandra IV's mental health continued to deteriorate, her ability to govern effectively was severely compromised. The once-strong and capable monarch became increasingly unpredictable and erratic, making it increasingly difficult for her advisors and the royal court to manage the Kingdom's affairs. Recognizing the need for stability and strong leadership during this tumultuous period, Lysandra IV appointed Darroll Tirone, a highly respected and capable royal advisor, as Viceroy in 994 AV, along with granting him Lordship over the new House Tirone. Tirone proved to be an invaluable asset to the beleaguered kingdom, taking on much of the responsibility for governing the realm and maintaining its stability as Lysandra IV's condition worsened. His strategic prowess and unwavering loyalty to the royal family allowed him to navigate the complexities of the political landscape and ensure the continued prosperity of the Kingdom of Althea. In spite of the challenges posed by her declining mental health, Queen Lysandra IV's reign was marked by several noteworthy achievements, including the establishment of a strong foundation for the future monarchs of House Sylis. Although her tragic descent into madness cast a shadow over her rule, the memory of her early years as a wise and benevolent queen would not be forgotten. Lysandra IV's reign, which began with such promise, ultimately served as a poignant reminder of the fragility of power and the importance of strong and stable leadership in the face of adversity.