Brek Calla

## Overview

Brek Calla is the current heir apparent to the Calla Monarchy. As the head of the Stratist Traditionalist faction, he is at the heart of the ongoing Callaxian Civil War that began in A4550.

## Early Life and Education

Brek Calla was born into extreme privilege as part of the Calla family, one of the key families in the Stratist faith, a religion that has deeply influenced Callaxian culture and societal hierarchy, known as the Stratum. As a child, Brek never questioned his divine right to rule and had genuine faith in the Stratist religion. Throughout his childhood, he focused on learning and growing appropriately to become a responsible leader who would serve the best interests of everyone within the confines of the Stratist belief system, even though he had no reason to think at a young age he would ever be the heir apparent, as that role belonged to his sister Dra'rek.

## Adult Years and the Stratist Crisis

As Brek matured, he started to privately question the Stratum following his sister Dra'rek's rebellion. Despite these doubts, Brek remains the head of the Traditionalist faction and is considered an effective leader. He also possesses considerable skill at Strategex, indicating his strategic capabilities.

An important factor in Brek's life is the practice of urgury. This tradition involves a Zed family pledging their fealty to a Gahl family, committing themselves and their future generations to a lifetime of servitude. Brek has privately expressed doubts about urgury and intends to abolish the practice upon his ascension to the throne.

## Appearance

Brek is a Callaxian male, presenting typical physical traits of his species, including a distinct nose ridge and split pupils. He possesses a physique between thin and heavy, with tan skin slightly lighter in tone than his sister, Dra'rek. He also sports a beard. Like his sister, Dra'rek, he has a symbol emblazoned on his hand to show he has been marked.

## Personal Beliefs and Perspective

Despite the privilege of his upbringing, Brek exhibits kindness and expects civility and openness from others. While he is not oblivious to duplicity, he is somewhat naïve due to his insular upbringing. He cares deeply about the fate of Callax and all three classes of the Stratum and believes in creating a more equitable world within the confines of its framework.

Brek is not a blind adherent to Stratism, however. He understands and even sympathizes with his sister's rebellion and the mission of the Shoehorns, but believes that the traditional values of his planet should be maintained, including the Stratum. His doubts often lead him to speculate what his life would have been like if he pursued a career as a professional Strategex player.

## Role in the Callaxian Civil War

Brek Calla's role in the ongoing civil war is a significant one. As the leader of the Traditionalist faction, he represents a significant portion of Callax's population who believe in upholding pre-Mission traditions and practices. His leadership has been influential in the partnership with the Union of Planets, which believes in the self-determinism of Callax.

Should he emerge victorious in this conflict, Brek is expected to soon ascend as the next King of Tarn, given that the mantle is traditionally passed during the current ruler's retirement rather than at their death. His ascension could result in significant societal changes, including the abolishment of urgury.