Ekestus Ondas

**Ekestus Khonduin** is the founder of House Ondas. Although he does not have the last name 'Ondas' he currently lives as the head of the house. His full Title is "Akesor Ekestus Khonduin, Lord of Ondastahl, Wise Senator, and Head of House Ondas". Ekestus was born in Baunei av Kapuno, what is now in the Kingdom of Creed, in the year 1648. He is now roughly 90 years old with long red hair and blue eyes. He is also recognizable for his dwarvish features. He is smaller than most (roughly 5'8") and has a bushy light bronze beard that flows down into a point just reaching his belly. There are small patches of grey in his hair and beard, however his childlike athleticism remains.

## Biography

He is now a fairly well-known man within Escharia, however, he started off unknown to the world. Ekestus Khonduin is a Half-Niedene Half-Dwarf. His father was a Dwarf and his mother a Niedene. He was born in the West of Rathnir with no fame and little wealth to call his own. He always felt separated between the cultures of his father and mother so he decided that when he was older he'd travel the world, learn about both sides of himself and then attempt to make a name for himself. In time, he travelled across Rathnir, visiting places like Yimmu Audal, the former lands of Huitca, Bardonia and so on until he reached a mountain that had been cratered by an unknown force. As he explored the mountain he saw a vision from a deity resembling the Soleannen god Domari compelling him to make this mountain a place of splendor and innovation. He decided to follow this vision and began his tireless work on the city that would later be known as the 'Deephill' or 'Ondastahl.

Where he settled, of course, was within the territory of Escharia and he could not just create a new city without the permission by the emperor. Therefore, he went to the capital of the Soleannen Empire to ask for permission to fulfill the vision he had been given. The emperor Herod gave his consent and Ekestis began the construction of his new city. He named this city after the mountain in which he had settled upon, naming it Ondastahl (Deep Mountain in Asterii). Ekestus put his head down and for nearly 60 years he worked to make Ondastahl a place that would awe the world.

As Ekestus worked, the city grew. First from the crater to the top of the mountain, then from the top to the outskirts and finally to the planes and rivers below. What started as a small settlement grew to be a bustling city with markets, shops, taverns, ports and trade. Ekestus was achieving his goal, however he new that this place would at some point become a focus for raiders and invading armies. He knew these things were possible. Ekestus had lived through countless iterations of Escharia. He had seen four different emperors on the throne and had even seen his province separate from Escharia into the short-lived kingdom of Suderen. As a result, he began preparations for his fortress on top of the mountain as well as the walls surrounding his city. He named the fortress the 'Black Keep of Domari' after the god that originally sparked the creation of Ondastahl. From the years 1670-1680 Ekestus built his fortress and when it was finished a grand festival erupted to celebrate the completion and to sanctify the new holy site where Domari's Statue was erected. After this, a boom of development occurred. A church, council hall, and the outer walls were constructed. By the year 1695 Ondastahl had become a true place of trade and influence. In the year 1700, Ekestus knew that he had to incorporate even newer ideas of architecture and technology into his city, therefore, along with his son Marxiteris, Ondastahl began the construction of a new lighthouse, a revamped port, and a clocktower. Their main focus, however, was the construction of Ondastahl's new skyport and the harbor for the first Escharian-made skyship.

In between the years 1695-1700 Ekestus had claimed three sons. Their names are Auvanti Ondas-Cyrii (21), Marxiteris Ondas-Cyrii (20 years old), and Matus Ondas-Cyrii (17 years old). He had adopted Auvanti after finding them during his travels from Ondastahl to Amilais in an invitation to experience its uniqueness and beauty. He saw great potential in Auvanti. He had adopted Matus shortly after as he saw their powerful ambition and aptitude after watching him fight in a local tournament. Finally, he met Marxiteris a few years later, finding out that Ekestus' lost love had actually been pregnant and gave birth to who would become Marxiteris. When Him and Ekestus reunited, Ekestus quickly opened up his arms to him and introduced Marxiteris to Ondastahl and his noble station.

The development of Ondastahl had always been Ekestus's number one focus, however, as the years went by he realized he needed a succession plan. Therefore, he began the promotion of his house by being an active bachelor for others looking to join his prestigious house. In the year 1708, Ekestus Khonduin of House Ondas married Cadbury Cyrii of House Cyrii, merging their houses to become House Ondas-Cyrii.

In the months that followes their marriage, Cadbury and Ekestus had a fourth child who they names Toastius Aurelius Ondas-Cyrii. This is the first son that came directly from the linkage of Ekestus and Cadbury.