Balthier

Ah, I see you're trying to learn about Balthier Sinclaire Marquis de Sommet, eldest son to Guiscard Sinclaire Duke de Sommet, Vice Admiral to the Sinclaire fleet, Aenyeweddien of the Burning Scyamore? You and half of the entire Flotilla. *\*scoffs\**

### Family History

Three Dukedoms made up a proud and powerful country before the Great Flood. Two of these three are of little importance to our story here; the third, though, was called Sommet, ruled over by Ammon Sinclaire. Sommet was along the coast, and as such, the King had placed the Sinclaire family in charge of overseas trade and military naval defense. For many years, the Sinclaires prospered. They were the picture of greatness. When the flood came, however, chaos broke loose. A small fleet of vessels rushed to save as many Sommet citizens as possible, but only so many were able to board the ships in time. Most survivors were merchants, sailors, and military personnel, as well as those with the money to afford their own ships.

Ammon gathered his closest knights, captains, and supplies, and lead his small fleet through the chaos and local piracy that plagued the first few years among the ships. Ammon was known to take an offensive approach, raiding and taking what they needed from other ships that refused to cooperate and join him. Eventually, the Sinclaire fleet came across a Flotilla of larger ships from other cities or even countries. This is the place they'd soon call home.

Not long after joining The Flotilla, Ammon succumbed to sickness and died, leaving Guiscard to lead of his people among the greater Flotilla.

Fast forwarding, Guiscard actively cooperates within the ruling of the Flotilla's council so long as his people are represented adequately and get a direct say in the policies of the greater Flotilla via his representation. Guiscard found love and soon she was with child, and Baltheir was born.

### "That Sinclaire Green"

Balthier is born to a family of old land values. They still enjoy the relative benefits of noble life even after all these years. His father reflects the tactical and businesslike mind of Ammon, fighting for survival with tact, but remains ruthless in his endeavors to better his people's conditions. His mother, Scarlette Sinclaire Duchess de Sommet, is a kind and gentle soul, who hailed from a lesser noble family that was mostly lost during the flood. She is kind, gentle of heart, tactful in speech, and aggressively protective of Balthier. She advocated for his exception during the Trials of Agammen, despite his wishes to go and prove himself to his father; to show by returning that he is worthy of his noble title. Guiscard assured Balthier that the trial will be "politically beneficial", as he will be the first of the family to complete it, and it will make future policy easier to achieve with the remaining council.

Balthier himself has been trained mostly through tutors hired by his family. The basics of swordplay, history, et cetra. However, his favorite tutor is Eibhear, a high-elf so old that his youthful facade has begun to crack, revealing the beginnings of wrinkles and tired eyes. He never says how old he is, but from the stories he's told, Balthier suspects he's approaching a millennia. Eibhear tutors Baltheir on philosophy and the discipline of magic. With his father caught in hefty responsibility, Balthier spends most of his time with his tutors, often wishing to escape to the Thunder Bucket to flirt with women and enjoy the comforts of life at sea.

Balthier aspires to bring his family honor and influence, to have fun with drink and dance, and to one day regain the estates his father tells him about before the Flood. That means finding solid ground.