Hedrick Raoliss

**Age:** 42

**Birthday:** 15th of Olverk, 3L, 957

**Height:** 5′9″

**Hair:** Auburn

**Eyes:** Golden Brown

**Alliances:** Asonas, Rymlin, Wheaserin

**Occupation:** King of Eridor

**Family:**

* Celesse Raoliss (Wife)
* Daegan Raoliss (Son)
* Solaea Raoliss (Daughter)
* Navis Magralai (Daughter-in-law)
* Remgel Raoliss (Father, deceased)
* Seda Raoliss (Mother, deceased)
* Endia Raoliss (Younger sister, deceased)
* Dolian Raoliss (Younger brother, deceased)

### **Profile**

Hedrick Raoliss is the current reigning King of Eridor, and is one of the main protagonists in Kingdom of the Fallen Sun.

#### **Life**

Hedrick Raoliss was born on the 15th of Olverk, 3L 957. His birth came less than a year after his parents' wedding, and was eagerly anticipated. His father, Remgel, had only recently ended the 25-year-long war with Thelrendell, and Remgel was the last known Raoliss, as the rest had all died in the war.

Most of Hedrick's early life was uneventful. His father ensured Hedrick would excel in his diplomatic upbringing, focusing on foreign relations and martial; trying to avoid another future full of war. From a young age, many could tell Hedrick was ambitious and unrelenting. Hedrick never missed an opportunity to pick up a weapon, and was never afraid to raise his voice. Remgel saw this ambition in his son, and worried he would become yet another Raoliss to destroy Eridor.

As King, Hedrick is responsible for the entire country of Eridor. He leads the Eridoran army, manages the countries trade and commerce, and guides the Lords and nobles on how to lead their territory. All of Eridor is his land, so everyone must ask his permission before doing anything with it, such as building and hunting. Hedrick is also responsible for maintaining relationships with foreign countries and allies.

##### **3L, 976 - 3L977**

When Hedrick was 18 years old, he was arranged into an engagement with Simeria Rillan, the daughter of Wheaserin's Grand Master of Military. The two were blissfully in love, and Simeria was praised by the court and other Eridorans, proving herself to be a promising future queen. However, shortly after Hedrick's 19th birthday, and only a few months before their wedding, Simeria left Hedrick, and disappeared without a trace. Hedrick was heartbroken and angry, never fully understanding why she left. Hedrick took his anger and depression out on the people of Leroy. He created harsh laws, harsher taxes, and quickly started turning the people against him, making far more enemies than friends. Remgel stepped in to supersede his son, rolling back almost everything Hedrick had done, which angered Hedrick further. Remgel decided the only thing to do to stop his son from becoming a tyrannical Lord, was to have him focus on repairing his broken heart. Theoren Adquen, ruling Chancellor of Foreign Affairs at the time, proposed the idea of his daughter, Celesse, marrying Hedrick, as she was coming of age in the next months. Hedrick and Celesse were introduced in Felles in 3L 977, and have been smitten ever since. Hedrick proposed marriage to Celesse the next month, and the two wed on the first of Jono, 3L 977, the original wedding date for Hedrick and Simeria.

Even though his heart had been repaired, Hedrick was still just as power-hungry. He continued his harsh and cruel reign over the province of Leroy, constantly squabbling with his father over what was fair and just. Hedrick was never satisfied with what he was getting, and constantly strived for more. Remgel worried and prayed for his son, that he would find good. But unfortunately, Remgel never got to see his prayers answered, as an assassin claimed his life on Ane Novus of 3L 977, with Hedrick being the one to find his body.

##### **3L 978 - 3L 981**

On the 12th of Jessis, 3L 978, Hedrick was crowned King of Eridor at 20-years-old. His first act as king was to install a Royal Guard, an elite military group that would double as protection for the Royal Family. At the time of his coronation, Hedrick and Celesse had no children. With the longevity of the Raoliss line questionable, Hedrick wanted to do everything he could to ensure his family was protected. He then focused on overhauling Eridor's military and law enforcement. He would go on to work on this for his entire reign. Thanks to Hedrick's hard work, crime has decreased, and more people than ever sign up to be part of militias, watchmen, and guards. But what Hedrick doesn't realize is that people aren't joining willingly. They're joining because it's all they can do, as Hedrick has taken everything else from them.

Almost a year of marriage passed and Hedrick and Celesse still had no children. Seeking out the best healers and midwives they could find, no one could find an answer to why Celesse was not conceiving. Having children was always a priority for Hedrick, but it became even more important when he unexpectedly became king so young, and his siblings were still too young to marry. Finally, after more than a year of marriage, Celesse announced she was pregnant, and their son Daegan was born on the 20th of Jessis, 3L 979. Hedrick was overjoyed at his son's birth; feeling validation that the Raoliss family would regrow during his reign.

This happiness was short-lived, however. In Moz of 3L 980, Daegan fell deathly ill. High fever, harsh cough, and breathing troubles plagued the young toddler. Hedrick worried for his son's life, hiring the best healers he could get to save him. On the 23rd of Moz, Hedrick's brother, Dolian, was on a diplomatic visit to the province of Taillis. The recent rains and thawing snow in the Verwitch mountains caused a rockslide, which killed Dolian and his two guards. Now mourning the death of his only brother and the looming possibility he could lose his son, Hedrick worried for his family's legacy. He needed another child, preferably a son, and even though it was against Celesse's wishes, he was going to make it happen. Daegan fortunately recovered from his illness, but the continuation of the Raoliss family was still in question.

Due to Hedrick's determination for more children, Celesse became pregnant again later that year. Hedrick was overjoyed, and couldn't wait for his new son to arrive. As Celesse prepared to deliver her second child, her midwives discovered the baby was being born foot first. Celesse had to choose to save her baby, and likely die, or save herself, and risk not being able to have more children. Celesse decided to save the baby, since Hedrick needed his children, and he could always remarry if she died. After being cut open in a risky surgery, Celesse gave birth to her and Hedrick's daughter, Solaea. Hedrick wanted nothing to do with his newborn daughter. He desired a son, and he didn't believe Solaea was worth the sacrifice Celesse had made. After a few days, Celesse awoke from her surgery, surviving the traumatic birth. Hedrick, while elated his beloved had survived, was angry at her choice. Celesse's womb was destroyed in the procedure, meaning they could no longer have any children together, further weakening the Raoliss line. Even though they could no longer have children, Hedrick decided to not divorce his wife. The Adquen family had been loyal to the Raoliss' since before they took the throne, and would likely lead to many domestic complications. Hedrick also genuinely loves Celesse, and he did not want his heart broken again.

Later in the year, Hedrick's last sibling, Endia, died. A healer-in-training, she was working on a new medicine, and accidentally poisoned herself with the ingredients. With no siblings and only one son, Hedrick took the embarrassing size of his family and made it Eridor's strength. Hedrick focused his rulership on power and strength, increasing the size of Eridor's military, and extending their foreign relations to Asonas, Wheaserin, and Rymlin. Every territory under Eridor's control was re-enforced to be well supplied in both martial and agriculture. To ensure his legacy is upheld, he has hired the best tutors and trainers for Daegan, concentrating on the same upbringings Hedrick learned himself. He also made sure to marry his children off as soon as possible, arranging a beneficial marriage for both of them.

##### 3L 999

Ruling over Eridor for 22 years, Hedrick is still not satisfied. He constantly pushes for more, finding any and every reason to raise Eridor up and drag other countries down. Many Eridorans are not happy with Hedrick's rule, and revolts have started popping up across the country. Hedrick feels his control over Eridor slowly slipping away, and fear everything he has worked towards will all be for nothing.

While meeting with his ally, Taliesin Glynhorn, Taliesin brings up the possibility of magic coming back to Eridor. After seeing proof of magic's return, Hedrick travels to Ulmrion with Taliesin, and awakens the trapped Xor demon Olvoldin. Olvoldin offers Hedrick immortality and magic in exchange for Hedrick's assistance in return the fallen god to his former glory. Reluctant, Hedrick is ultimately forced to agree, and joins his soul with the fallen god, gaining access to a portion of his power.

#### **Personality**

Arrogant and hot-headed, Hedrick often thinks of himself higher than anyone around him. Hedrick will also make morally-questionable decisions if they are beneficial to him. Hedrick is an excellent speaker.  He is strong and confident in front of crowds, and can hold a conversation with anyone.  He often uses his charisma to squeeze information from people. Even though his diplomacy favors aggression, Hedrick is a smart diplomat. He knows a lot about other countries and how they likely will respond to situations, and uses that to Eridor’s advantage.

#### **Relationships**

Celesse Raoliss is Hedrick’s wife.  Celesse was a lady in waiting for Hedrick's mother, and her father was the Chancellor of Foreign Affairs to Hedrick's father.  Hedrick saw Celesse around the court frequently, and always thought she was beautiful, but never pursued her due to him being in other relationships at the time.  Their marriage wasn't politically beneficial to Eridor by any means, but it was the best thing that could have happened to Hedrick at the time. Hedrick adores Celesse, as she is the quiet and subordinate woman he wanted for a wife.  Even though he is frustrated Celesse could only give him two children, he does not desire a mistress, as he believes only cowardly men take mistresses. He also did not seek a divorce, mainly because of how loyal Celesse’s family has been to the Raoliss family for years. Despite his marriage not giving him what he wanted, Hedrick genuinely loves Celesse.

Daegan Raoliss is Hedrick's oldest child and only son, though he is far from Hedrick's pride. Hedrick wanted Daegan to be just like him: brash, athletic, forceful. Instead, Daegan is calm and gentle, preferring academic and intellectual strategies rather than physical. Hedrick is harsh on Daegan, hoping to still mold him into the man Hedrick believes he is supposed to be. He constantly steps over Daegan's actions, much like his father did to him. Hedrick is always worrying about what Eridor will turn into once Daegan takes over, and how much of his hard work Daegan's gentle nature will undo. Concerned about the longevity of their dynasty, Hedrick constantly worries about Daegan's lack of urgency to have children of his own.

Solaea Raoliss is Hedrick's youngest child and only daughter. Since her birth, Hedrick has resented Solaea, blaming her for the reason Celesse cannot have more children. He was cruel to her growing up, neglecting her and constantly abusing her. He does not like the woman she has grown into, as she is brash, forceful, and speaks her mind. As soon as she turned 16, Hedrick arranged a marriage to get rid of her, sending her to Asonas, far away from him. Since her return after her husband's death, Hedrick has barely acknowledged her. Even before her return, Hedrick doesn't allow her to hold any notable role in court.

Remgel Raoliss was Hedrick’s Father.  He ruled Eridor for 22 years before his death at the age of 50.  Remgel spent most of his reign rebuilding Eridor after putting an end to the war with Thelrendell his father started.  He created the current standing peace treaty between Eridor and Thelrendell, agreeing to conditions that will cause it to never expire.  Thanks to Remgel’s hard work, he was able to create a large growth in Eridor’s economy after the war.  New trades were created, crops were abundant, and the people of Eridor were the happiest they had been in centuries.  Remgel wanted Hedrick to have an easy reign, but he could see the ambition in his son’s eyes.  Until his dying breath, Remgel worried Hedrick would undo his work in Eridor, and be yet another Raoliss to destroy Eridor.  Hedrick was not particularly close to his father, but still respected him.

Seda Raoliss was Hedrick’s Mother.  She was married to Remgel through an arranged marriage, and it was anything but blissful. She was not in love with Remgel, and he was not in love with her. She lived an extravagant life, hosting many large parties throughout the year.  While she was vain, she loved her children very much, and was devastated with Endia and Doli’s deaths, spiraling into depression after Doli’s death. She died when Hedrick was 30 due to health complications.

Endia and Dolian (Doli) Raoliss were Hedrick’s younger sister and brother.  They were peaceful and scholarly, with Endia training to become a healer within the palace, and Dolian interested in becoming a researcher.  They both tragically died during Hedrick’s reign.  Doli died the spring after Daegan’s first birthday. While taking a morning walk, a rockslide killed him and his guards.  Endia died that next year, trying to create a new medicine and accidentally poisoning herself.  They were both very young when they died. When their deaths came, Doli was only 14, and Endia was 18.   Hedrick was never close to them, with his goals and personality vastly different from theirs, but was devastated when they died, especially his brother.

Taliesin Glynhorn is the current Count of Rymlin. The two met at the annual World Leader's meeting in 3L 984, which was Taliesin's first year in charge of Rymlin. The two quickly bonded, sharing similar goals for their countries, as well as similar interests in hobbies and skills. Within the next year, the two formed an alliance between Rymlin and Eridor. Rymlin is an oasis for alchemical ingredients and potion making, and provides Eridor with medicinal and recreational alchemy. Eridor provides garrisons and other military support.

Hedrick’s best friend is Lord Dalton Spriggs of Taillis.  The two grew up close together and Dalton serves as Lead Advisor to Hedrick. The Spriggs family has been the head of Taillis for the last 100 years, and have loyally served the Raoliss family.

#### **Trivia**

* Hedrick's golden brown eyes are a signature trait of the Raoliss Family. There has never been a Raoliss King in recorded history without them.
* His favorite food is beef steak with red wine sauce
* He hates cinnamon
* Hedrick taps his fingers to prevent fidgeting
* While he is an excellent swordsman, Hedrick is terrible at archery. While out hunting with his men, the royal guards often fire shots out of sight of the group to make it look like Hedrick hits his targets.