Sovereigns, Family and Friends - Occupants of the Golden Throne - Lore 24

 As mentioned in the previous post, the Golden Throne stands at the center of political, military and religious legitimacy in the Sovereignty. Its occupant is referred to as the Sovereign of Aurora and Phaeton's steward in the lands of humankind, and all kings, princes, ecclesiarchs and feudal landholders pay at least lip service to it. The current occupant is Sovereign Rauxes, and this post will describe him and his closest associates.

Ραύξης 

His Celestial Majesty, King of Kings, High Ecclesiarch of the Ecclesiarchical Church of Phaeton, Anaxander, Protector of Humankind, Sovereign of Aurora, Rauxes I of the House of Rauxes

Emerging out of the bloody dynastic crisis of the last two decades as the sole remaining claimant to the Golden Throne, Rauxes has established himself as a ruthless, dedicated, ambitious and highly capable statesman. His military genius and his capacity to build alliances have brought him to the Golden Throne, while his guile and unceasing work ethic have kept him there. He has brought new luster to the court of Aurora as tribute from subject realms has increased, squashed rebellions himself or through his closest general Marsala (see below), and sponsored expeditions to the lands of the Orient to increase trade. If he has a shortcoming, it is sure to be his arrogance. But thusfar, all challengers to Rauxes' might have fallen before his imperious gaze or his golden glaive.

Ναρα 

Nara, Sovereign-Consort

While Rauxes and his confidant Marsala form the muscle of the Sovereign family, Nara is the charm and the heart. She and Rauxes are in a marriage arranged by the Sovereign-mother Rauxana (see below), and have been together for more than twenty years. 

While the Sovereign and his consort appear to be in a functioning marriage, there is one problem for the court: Nara has yet to produce an heir to the Golden Throne and she is approaching the age where childbearing might be no longer an option.

Ραυξάνα 

Rauxana, Sovereign-Mother

If Rauxes and Marsala are the muscle of the Sovereign family, Nara is the heart, then the matron of the family, Rauxana, is surely the mastermind. At the court of Aurora, she is widely considered to be the one responsible for the planning and scheming that brought Rauxes to the Golden Throne. An unrivaled plotter, with a talent for intrigue, Rauxana is seemingly aware of all happenings in Aurora. 

But Rauxes is aware of her reputation, and is increasingly jealous of her, for like all sons he seeks to step out of the shadow of his parents. Question remains if Rauxana would tolerate such a move.

Μαρσάλα 

Marsala, Magister-General of the Legions of Aurora

If it weren't for loyal, devout, capable, creative Marsala, the Hartlands would still be mired in bloody internecine war. Marsala is Rauxes' confidant, bulldog, executioner and general. As Magister-General of the legions his authority in military matters can only be countermanded by the Sovereign himself.

This loyalty is also Marsala's weakness, as his dedication to Rauxes is unwavering. Marsala is incapable of seeing the flaws of the Sovereign or any of the Sovereign family, and that is a flaw that can be turned against him.