Valerian Cassel

New Jedi Order

Elia Cassel

Vander Cassel

Tenel Ka Djo Chume

**Valerian Maelus Cassel II** is the elder son of King Levantian Cassel and Queen Consort Ylissa Chume. He is the heir apparent to the New Alderaan monarchy and currently a Jedi Knight within the New Jedi Order. Manifesting force sensitivity at a very young age, Valerian came under close guidance of several private martial instructors per the request of his father, though finding anyone to instruct the young Cassel in the ways of the Force proved difficult.

Notably, Valerian is a latent psychometric, able to glean memories and experiences from physical touch. He also leads Outlander squadron, the elite starfighter group.

During Valerian’s Day of Demand on his sixteenth birthday, he made his claim to the throne, posing three challenges of body, mind and heart as the ritual demanded. Controversially, his father declined the challenges that Valerian offered, breaking the script of the ritual and sending him to the custody of the New Jedi Order.

## Biography

### Early Life

Valerian’s earlier days were entirely spent within the confines of inner royalty, kept away from the public eye. During his childhood, Valerian studied under the close guidance of scholars and instructors in the ways of the monarchy. Long hours were spent understanding the structure of society as well as the etiquette that followed and the history of royalty that came before him.

While many aspects of Valerian’s life were kept strictly secret and hidden from anyone outside King Cassel’s inner circle, Valerian’s Force sensitivity was kept especially quiet. Tutors began making consistent notes of Valerian’s unnatural quickness and power for a boy during sparring sessions. Eventually, one of the high scholars made the jarring confirmation that Valerian was indeed manifesting aptitude in the Force. The same night, an emergency meeting was called for the inner council of advisors per the request of King Lev discussing how to keep this discovery secret. This council session would decide Valerian’s way of life for years to come.

### Teenagehood

A strict regimen was still a major part of Valerian’s life as he grew out of boyhood, though his role in the public sphere became more prominent. Training was always in the morning, with social events following in the afternoon and many times late into the evening. Regular meetings with ambassadors, people of interest to the crown and public events were regular happenings on the agenda. For training, days varied from academic studies to combat training from hand-selected individuals. Valerian learned how to defend himself early on, showing an aptitude for learning and acquiring a well-rounded skill set in combat.

Valerian’s relationship with his mother and father grew distant, as the King was unable to perform many normal functions of a father with the overbearing brunt of his position. Additionally, Valerian insisted on not wanting to be judged by the actions and accomplishments of his parents, seeking to gain renown for his own name. This was largely his goal for the approaching Day of Demand, which traditionally fell on the sixteenth birthday of the heir.

### Day of Demand

As the Day of Demand came on Valerian’s sixteenth birthday, the great hall was filled with spectators and an esteemed audience ready to gaze toward the future of New Alderaan in the next crown prince. Valerian hefted the traditional Rhindon Sword toward his parents, who stood atop the steps, ready to begin the ritual. Unbeknownst to Valerian, a plan was already set in place for him to accomplish trials that he had not intended for.

Valerian posed the challenges of body, mind and heart. For the challenge of the body, Valerian would undergo a provisional term in the royal guard, including training, field service and officer corps induction. For the challenge of the mind, he would serve in the House of Emissaries, representing House Cassel in internal affairs. As for the challenge of the heart, Valerian would establish a refugee center offering safe relocation and basic amenities, all paid for out of his own allowance.

King Cassel declined these posed challenges as Knights of the New Jedi Order quietly filed into the great hall behind Valerian, offering the monarchy their silent respects. The plan of the small council was then revealed to Valerian. Instead of the traditional challenges, Valerian would have to complete his trials in the New Jedi Order, ensuring his safe control over his Force powers while simultaneously proving his right to the throne. This decision came as a mutual agreement between King Cassel and Queen Chume, and was a highly recommended course of action by the small council.

The decision to send Valerian to the New Jedi Order came as a shock to the members of royalty that were present during the Day of Demand. Many voiced their disapproval at sending a direct heir to train off-world, though no rumblings happened much beyond that. While unsure of the decision, all were eager to see how the bold move would play out in the end.

Thus, as the night fell and celebrations erupted for the beginning of Valerian’s journey to become crown prince, the very end of the night was marked by a shuttle quietly ferrying off the future of New Alderaan.