Thrynnîril Ael'druin

**Thrynnîril Ael'druin** is Viscount of Telepes, Grand Duke of Western Blackwood, and the lawful warden of Countess Naerin Valnaeros. Representing Leyawiin in the Elder Council, Thryn is one of the most powerful politicians in Tamriel, and he is the head of an elite Bosmer guard called the Duntûr.

## Appearance and Character

Despite being of the people of the Boiche whose skins are darker, Thryn has fair skin, long black hair, and black eyes. Thryn is not tall or muscular, but he is considered cunning and nimble, as it is common for his people. A shade under six feet tall, Thryn is thin and gaunt with a grim forbidding aspect with sharp, vaguely androgynous features. He typically wore the colors of scarlet and smoke, a dark grey mottled and streaked with black. For instance, one of his outfits included a scarlet tunic with black boots and a green doublet.

## History

### Youth

In 3E 309, Thrynnîril was born in the verdant city of Falinesti, the result of an intimate union between the Silvenar of Falinesti and Lariel Moonshade. Their relationship was marked by an attempt to solidify their bond through the sacred Handfasting Ceremony, a pivotal ritual among the Bosmer. This ceremony, occurring once every generation, not only anoints but also marries two of the Bosmer's paramount leaders: the Green Lady and the Silvenar, with the third being the Camoran King or Queen of the Wood Elves. The intricacies of selecting these leaders remain a closely-guarded secret among the Bosmer. The Silvenar, often regarded as the spiritual compass of the Bosmer, embodies the Green Pact's essence, granting him profound insight into the land and its inhabitants. In contrast, the Green Lady epitomizes the Bosmer's raw physical prowess, emerging as a formidable hunter, warrior, and the very embodiment of her people's strength.

However, the Handfasting between the Silvenar and Lariel Moonshade was unsuccessful. Consequently, Kanaran, a trusted figure, took young Thrynnîril into hiding, ensuring he grew up away from the nobility's glare in Falinesti, living the life of a commoner. Thryn's lineage was further complicated by the existence of a half-sister, Elowen, and two half-brothers, Caelor and Faelin. All three were products of other unsuccessful Handfasting attempts, a fact unbeknownst to them. Among the siblings, Elowen showcased a natural affinity for magic, while Thrynniril, adopting the moniker "Slowhand", gained renown across the land as a gifted bard.

### Rebellion of Valenwood

In the wake of the Oblivion Crisis that marked the end of the Third Era, the Empire's weakened state paved the way for the resurgence of the Third Aldmeri Dominion. The Thalmor, once a marginalized faction championing Elven supremacy, cleverly recast themselves as the saviors of the Summerset Isles during these tumultuous times. With the Empire in disarray and unable to reestablish its dominance, the Thalmor's influence grew exponentially. By 4E 22, they had firmly grasped control of the Summerset Isles, and by 4E 29, their tendrils reached into Valenwood.

Kanaran, alongside the Silvenar, stood as staunch opponents to the Thalmor's expansionist ambitions. They began orchestrating a rebellion, enlisting the likes of Thrynniril and his half-siblings, Caelor and Elowen, in their cause. Caelor, with his unmatched archery skills, and Elowen, now recognized as Valenwood's most formidable sorceress, became pivotal figures in this resistance. However, the tides turned when the Silvenar met an untimely end, believed by many to be a consequence of the rebellion but in truth, a covert assassination by the Thalmor.

Caelor, in a bold move, assumed the mantle of the Silvenar. As the Voice of the People, the Silvenar possesses an innate connection to the Bosmer, reflecting their collective consciousness, health, and even gender. This unique bond grants him unparalleled empathy towards their concerns and significant authority in Valenwood, including the exclusive right to sanction foreign trade and construction contracts. However, public sentiment, already soured against the rebellion due to the perceived consequences of the Silvenar's death, took a further hit. Seizing this moment of discontent, Caelor, swayed by the Thalmor, supported a coup that saw the overthrow of Valenwood's government. This led to the union of Alinor and Valenwood, heralding the rebirth of the Aldmeri Dominion. As the next seven decades witnessed a complete severance of ties between the Dominion and the Empire, rumors of internal strife in Alinor abounded. Yet, amidst this backdrop, Kanaran, Thrynniril, and Elowen remained undeterred, leading the rebellion against the Thalmor's dominion.

### Exile in Cyrodiil

Valenwood's verdant expanses have silently observed countless covert altercations, the intricacies of which remain largely concealed due to the Bosmer's silence surrounding it and the Aldmeri Dominion's deliberate attempts to obliterate any evidence of their indiscretions. In one such veiled episode, Elowen, wielding her formidable magical prowess, confronted the Thalmor, culminating in her sorrowful demise. This loss deeply wounded Thrynniril, a pivotal figure in the rebellion. However, in these dire times, Quintus Petreia, the Grandmaster of the Blades, under Kanaran's directive, ensured Thrynniril's safe exit from Valenwood.

Following the tumultuous events in Valenwood, Thrynniril, escorted by Quintus and accompanied by remnants of the Bosmeri insurrection, found refuge in the battle-scarred domain of Blackwood. While several of the rebellion's chieftains settled in the region's fortresses, a mourning Thrynniril was drawn to the remnants of Telepes. There, he aspired to recreate a fragment of Valenwood, committing to plant a graht-oak, a symbol of his cherished homeland.

Thrynniril's advent in Blackwood was serendipitous. Although the Empire had recently triumphed in the Battle of the Red Ring, it was ensnared in fresh confrontations, notably the War in Totambu and the looming menace of the Thalnar in the North. Recognizing a chance to reciprocate the aid of Quintus Petreia and Azaron Hlaalu, Thrynniril marshaled his Bosmeri brethren for a decisive confrontation against the Scarab King in Hammerfell. In this venture, he forged alliances with the youthful Callistus Therin and Morros Sicarius. Thrynniril's adeptness in guerrilla warfare tactics became a linchpin in several pivotal confrontations, garnering him admiration and gratitude from his compatriots.

As the dust of war settled, Thrynnîril's invaluable contributions were acknowledged with an esteemed position on the Elder Council. By 4E 217, with the mounting tensions of the Covenant, his attentions were redirected towards the Empire's northern boundaries. Yet, his sentiments frequently meandered back to Valenwood, a realm marked by historical wounds but resilient in its essence.

## Recent Events

### Rethwode: Refuge of Bruma

In 4E 222, during the convening of the Elder Council, Thrynnîril Ael'druin was approached by Dalacard Rethwode and Alea Lasharel. Their visit was prompted by concerns regarding the suspected use of ancient dark magic along the border of Cyrodiil and Skyrim, and Thrynnîril's expertise in this arcane domain was well-recognised. A staunch advocate of the Militant Party within the Elder Council, Thrynnîril stipulated a condition for his assistance: Alea Lasharel must swear a Bosmeri oath, binding the Blades to support the Empire should war be declared.

To the Bosmer, the act of oath-taking holds profound sanctity. Violating such an oath condemns the oathbreaker to the Ooze, a spiritual prison recognised by most Bosmer. The Ooze entraps those who breach their oaths, rendering them outcasts in the eyes of Y'ffre, the embodiment of the living moment. Souls ensnared in the Ooze are eternally tethered to their mortal remains, forever observing the events of Nirn without the ability to influence or engage. This purgatorial state is the fate of any who transgress the Green Pact or displease Y'ffre, regardless of the intent or magnitude of their actions.

Acknowledging the gravity of such a commitment, Alea solemnly swore the oath. In response, Thrynnîril introduced them to Sabrina Arana, the foremost expert in ancient magical arts.

In a candid meeting between Thrynnîril and Sabrina afterwards, the latter expressed her concerns about the shifting balance of power between Elves and Men, particularly in the realm of magic. Sabrina lamented the potential loss of Elven authority over magical arts, a legacy of their ancestors, as she perceived Men's growing ambition to dominate even this sacred domain. Despite her expertise, Sabrina admitted her vision was clouded by despair, limiting her foresight. She had dispatched a quest to Bruma to retrieve the tomes of Illusion, but her apprehensions about other undiscovered tomes remained. Thrynnîril reassured her of the Elves' enduring strength and their possession of ancient knowledge that Men could never fully grasp. However, Sabrina warned of the unpredictable nature of Men, drawing parallels with the Ada who first envisioned them. She revealed her intention to depart Cyrodiil and recover the scattered tomes, relying on Syrabane's guidance. Lacking the power of dislocation, a secret art among the Blades, Sabrina departed the Imperial City atop an elk from the Arcane University.

As the Elder Council sessions ended and Thrynnîril returned to Telepes, Dalacard and Alea entered his domains. Thrynnîril was informed that the tome of ancient magic had fallen into the hands of a servant of Mehrunes Dagon, a formidable entity representing hurricanes and fire. This revelation caused great distress among the Wood Elves present, as Mehrunes Dagon's influence was greatly feared. Thrynnîril acknowledged the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the protective barrier set by the last Dragonborn, Martin Septim, which weakens Daedra as they pass through. However, Dalacard warned of the potential for external forces, with internal aid, to breach this barrier.

Thrynnîril assured Dalacard and Alea of his intent to provide aid against this looming threat. However, he emphasized that while the wisdom of the Grandmaster was revered in the Imperial City, in Telepes, only the counsel of its people held sway. A palpable tension existed between Thrynnîril and Dalacard, with both exuding distinct authoritative auras. The former appeared more regal, while the latter seemed wiser.

As Dalacard and Alea were escorted to their lodgings, the serene environment of Telepes, reminiscent of early spring, was evident. The Bosmer appeared content, and the unique foliage reminded Alea of the Valenwoods, the original abode of the Wood Elves, crafted by Y’ffre. However, this tranquility was disrupted by a violent tremor, signaling the ominous approach of Numancia.

In the heart of Telepes, a dark force descended, led by a mysterious general armored in an unknown metal. This force, identified as Numancia, wielded immense power, turning the Wood Elves' weapons to ash and manipulating their minds, causing them to turn against their kin. Thrynnîril Ael’druin, the Viscount of Telepes, confronted this threat with his Nightlords, the Duntûr. Despite his profound arcane abilities, Thrynnîril found himself evenly matched against Numancia's destructive magic.

In a pivotal moment, Alea, who had been observing from the forest's heart, experienced a vision. She witnessed the rise of a treacherous witch, Sabrina Arana, the Archmistress of the Mages Guild, who sowed discord between the realms and manipulated events to her advantage. This witch, revealed to be Numancia, had orchestrated a vast web of deceit, leading to the current conflict.

The confrontation reached its climax when Thrynnîril and Dalacard Rethwode, armed with the legendary Goldbrand, engaged Numancia. In a tragic turn, both heroes were fatally wounded, with Thrynnîril succumbing to his injuries. As Dalacard lay dying, Numancia taunted him with the fate of Quintus Petreia, revealing her hand in the earlier events at Nimalten. With his final breath, Dalacard locked eyes with Alea, leaving her to face the aftermath of the battle.

In the aftermath of their deaths, Thryn and Dalacard negotiated with the Ideal Masters for a return to life. Upon their resurrection, they encountered the rearguard of the Bravilians, who warned of a formidable enemy force. The duo learned of Kaillus Sicarius, the Lord of the Larsius, who had been seen patrolling his lands. Dalacard expressed his intent to confront the Witch of the East, Sabrina, in Anutwyll, an ancient stronghold of the Wild Elves.

Inside Anutwyll, Dalacard and Sabrina engaged in a tense conversation. Sabrina, revealed as the Witch of the East, attempted to sway Dalacard with promises of power, the return of Nimalten, and the life of Azaron. However, Dalacard resisted her temptations, asserting the inevitability of the Song's preordained path. In a climactic confrontation, Dalacard and Thryn combined their powers to banish Sabrina to an unknown realm, using an Elder Scroll and potent illusion magic.

As the conflict subsided, Dalacard acknowledged the potential consequences of his actions, including eternal torment. Outside Anutwyll, the riders, accompanied by Sicarius, arrived to confront the remaining Dremora, who were weakening without Sabrina's support.

In Tamriel, following a battle in another dimension, Sabrina Arana, the Archmistress, reappeared before Thryn and Alea, much to their astonishment. Alea, recovering from her previous state, was taken aback by the sight of Sabrina. Thryn, in a fit of rage and seeking retribution for Sabrina's past transgressions, particularly against his homeland of Telepes, killed her with his elven dagger. He believed this act would serve as a payment towards his debt to the Ideal Masters.

However, the fate of Sabrina's soul remained uncertain. While some speculated she might return as an Ascended Immortal, her absence from such a state suggested her reluctance to embrace this fate until victory was assured.

Soon after, Bravilian guards, led by Kaillus Sicarius, arrived at the scene. Sicarius, unaware of Sabrina's treachery, expressed hope for Dalacard's survival, who was last seen battling the enemy. The Elder Scroll and the weapon Goldbrand were entrusted to Alea Lasharel for safekeeping. As a final act of disdain towards Sabrina, Sicarius sealed the entrance to Anutwyll, leaving her body inside without any burial rites. The fate of Thrynnîril Ael’druin remained unknown, except to his loyal Duntûr who awaited his return in the devastated Telepes.

## Raze of the Bandit King

Thrynnîril had been absent from the Elder Council sessions for approximately four years. Despite his absence, he was protected by the High Chancellor and the Prince due to his strong support for the war. The Countess of Leyawiin, under the influence of Thrynnîril, held significant sway over military decisions. Thrynnîril's intentions and targets remained a mystery to many.

Alea Lasharel was eventually instructed to go to Telepes once more to demand that Thryn attend to the Imperial City. Upon her arrival, she was ushered into a luxurious pod, adorned with a table from Valenwood and lit by oil lamps. She was met by Thrynnîril, who expressed a mix of familiarity and condescension. Their conversation revealed political tensions, with mentions of a potential assassination attempt on Duke Kydonius Therin and the changing dynamics within the Elder Council. Thrynnîril's disdain for General Kaillus and his allegiance to Therin was evident. Alea, feeling overwhelmed by the recent events and political intricacies, was offered accommodation by Thrynnîril in his personal chambers within the graht-oak. The night concluded with a warning from Thrynnîril about the Nightlords and their vigilance during their rounds.

Alea Lasharel, after departing from the unsettling environment of Telepes, encounters Lord Phaendar Caentaris. Their conversation reveals the political dynamics of the region. Lord Phaendar informs Alea of the Viscount of Telepes, Thrynnîril's, significant influence, particularly after his pivotal role at Totambu. The Viscount's power has grown to the extent that he now effectively controls Leyawiin, with Countess Naerin under his sway.

Lord Phaendar recalls historical events, highlighting the strategic importance of Leyawiin due to its ice-free firth and abundant silver. Alea, realizing the gravity of the situation, contemplates the potential consequences of the Viscount's increasing power and the alliances he might form.