Ch'matria

* 159 AG
* 202 AG

## Overview

Duchess *Ch'matria* was the Duchess of C'thardjia from 163 AG - 183 AG. She was married to Edro, a bastard of Ol'clan and had two daughters, Mazi and Lyna. During Matria's reign, she and her husband built strong relationships with the other kingdoms of the Continent, becoming well known and likable rulers. However, in private, Edro was disloyal to Matria early into their relationship and rumours long persisted of his infidelity. Despite this, the couple remained together to raise their children and to uphold their high reputation. Matria was a gifted stateswoman and socialite, being able to communicate on a range of topics regardless of her knowledge or interest on the matter. The Duchess was particularly skilled at concealing her true opinions of those she dealt with, likely a result of her marriage to a man she long held little respect for.

During the Uprootings, Matria, long since abdicated, ruled once again in Mazi's stead. Unprepared, she was faced with putting her leadership skills to the test during the Annexation of C'thardjia, coming face to face with the dreaded General Seiį. In the aftermath of the war, and the untimely death of her daughter, Matria separated from Edro and retired to Nagsing, Kisaya. Here she settled down with a woman from Nagsing and died at the ripe age of 90.

## Biography

### Entering the Uprootings

By the late 190s, Matria had long since abdicated in favour of her eldest daughter, Mazi. The former Duchess was determined to remain out of C'thardji politics and give her daughter freedom to build her own reputation. Edro, however, remained an influence by retaining the position of Her Advisor of Strategy and Defence. The reign of the young King Barren Grenthyx had seen tensions rise across the continent, particularly in response to the ongoing trade embargoes. In 200 AG, A Plea To All Fair Realms was sent across the Continent by Forkoux Fyth, the Patriarch of Helmont.

Mazi was moved by the Patriarch's words and, combined with her face to face meeting with the King, agreed with many of the statements made. In a rare move, she met with her mother privately where she explained that she was contemplating standing by Fyth and Theôs, marking an open defiance against the Dynasty. This was something she had not yet discussed with her council and was yet to consider the political ramifications. Upon reading the letter, Matria agreed that the King was a lost cause but was addiment that making this statement would bring devastation to C'thardjia. Matria had considerable knowledge of the politics of the continent and was aware of the kinds of people in power at the time. It was her belief no one else would openly agree with Forkoux and Tíras and that Mazi would be making a mistake. Matria appealed to her daughter's desire to protect and suggested she would only be putting her people in danger, and that her actions could infringe on her status as a pacifist. With this, Mazi met with her council and agreed to, with respect for Forkoux, formally decline.

Despite the initial reaction to the plea, the scroll set in motion events that would lead to full scale war. A Fellowship of Duchies in opposition with House Grenthyx had formed and were in open rebellion against the King. C'thardjia were considered neutral at first, though never officially joined the neutral delegation. However, by 201 AG, C'thardjia had begun to enter into the war. Mazi agreed to join the Fellowship after being unable to stand by as blood was spilled across the Continent. Matria once again met with her daughter, just before her official entry was to be negotiated. She implored Mazi to see sense and remain neutral as a pacifist would be expected to. It was clear to Matria that Mazi's council had used the same techniques she had, appealing to her need to protect those who could not protect themselves. Though, she never expected her morals to stretch to the entire continent. Putting aside their differences in opinions, Matria agreed to respect her daughter and duchess' decision.

With Edro joining Mazi and the C'thardji forces in battle, Matria was left only with her handmaidens for company. Following a lengthy battle in the northern strip of C'thardjia, Mazi and her army began their journey to the Capital. In Mazi's stead, Matria was made Regent of C'thardjia once more. Matria had not expected to do much with her courtesy title and made attempts to relax while her family travelled north. However, unbeknownst to anyone, Matria would soon find herself facing a frightful adversary.