House Rüdiger
Basic Information
Crest: A Calemberger Black Hawk brandished talons surrounded by four lances
Animal: Calemberger Black Hawk
Colours: Green, Red, Silver, and Black
Values: Strength, Intelligence, Ambition
Politics: Jingoistic Conservatism
Trade: Importation and Exportation
Culture: Alt-Regalian
Religion: Unionism
House Motto: Valor and Vigilance
Family History
Origins & Early History
A great many have mused over the House of Rüdiger's rise from it's humble beginnings. Over the years, speculation turned to fancy. Fancy became legend, and the real facts became muddled. What a few dedicated and fanatical researchers have been able to uncover, is that there is on record an Abraham Rüdiger who resided on the fringes of urban New Ceardia as a trader in small dry goods. Records beyond this point become sketchy, however it is clear that the family ties to mercantilism and trade run deep.
105AC – 156AC
The first real notable instance in which the Rüdiger name rises to prominence is in the age of Percival Rüdiger. Percival was the son of a middle class family in Calemberg, and a successful military commander at the age of forty-five. He ended up making a move to the region of Calemberg, primarily to pursue family merchant interests in that area as well as lend his military expertise to the local militia units. Over the next twenty years of prosperity and stability, Percival established and founded the South Calemberg Trading Company, a global organisation of importation and exportation of rare and exotic goods from across the many continents. It gained rapid support from the surrounding regions and began mass-production and distribution from the main regions of Ithania and Daendroc. The company took off rapidly and the name Rudiger began to gain prominence as one of the most expansive trade families in Calemberg.
157AC – 160 AC
Ector Rüdiger took over as head of the family after his Cousin Percival died. It was under him that the golden age of the House is considered to have come about. The family flourished for the next decade, until Ector's untimely death in 160AC
160-220 AC
By the year 160AC, Ector Rüdiger's time at the helm came to a swift end, and the house became ran by his son Mordred Rüdiger. Mordred bared aggressive attitudes in the aspects of finance and militaristic affairs, leading to a large quantity of unpleasant outlooks upon the house and the company. He ran the house into the ground, nearly sending the South Calemberg Trading Company into debt and bankruptcy, as it was unable to meet demand and shipments due to Mordred's poor management and maintenance of the logbooks. For the next sixty years under his reign, Mordred destroyed the family's prominence, leading to military incursions and a scheming doctoral reign over Bergmund.
220AC – 299AC
Despite sixty years of near destruction for the house, the family's prominence returned, unfortunately with the rise of the Regalian pessimism. Although tensions rose in the capital and around the archipelago, the new patriarch Lucan Rüdiger regained composure and respect for the Rüdiger name. While many suffered and the patriarchy was questioned, the South Calemberg Trading Company, restored to its previous prowess and flourished once again. Even though he was the son of the most hated man in Bergmund, Lucan was instantaneously well respected and accepted once again as the head of House Rüdiger, and brought the family back into its place as a power to be reckoned with once again. Not too long into Lucan's time as head of the house, the Chrysant war broke out, and the previous Jingoistic views came back to the Rüdiger household, and the name was once again respected not only in Bergmund again, but across the continent. Gabriel Rüdiger, Count Lucan's son, enlisted into the army, to further develop the family name, to gain further influence for the house. He went on to fight during the Ranger Crisis and the Elvish War, while Lucan maintained the stability of the company and estate.
300AC – Present Day
Come the dawn of the year 300AC, Lucan finally met his end, dying slowly of old age. Therefore, his eldest and only son, Gabriel, became head of the house, and strove to fortify his home in case of future attack. He strengthened the outer walls of the city, and held off against the bone horrors, making the Rüdigers unable to participate in the Battle of Regalia. After defended against such a force, and returning to the capital of the archipelago, Gabriel, finds himself trying to regain some power within the city, and making new allies, and trade partners to further the prosperity of the South Calemberg Trading Company. But Gabriel is not alone, alongside him his uncle Byron and sister Priscilla, will strengthen his hand and offer guidance, in all aspects from the business to politics who knows where they will end up.
Family Properties
Ewigkeit Manor
The family estate of Ewigkeit is a lavish manor nestled in the south of Calemberg. The house itself has been in the family for generations since the days of Percival Rudiger. It boasts of over fifty rooms as well as a ballroom, sitting room, trophy room, and other commodities for entertaining.
Family Trade
The South Calemberg Trading Company
The Rüdigers are known as the founders and heads of the South Calemberg Trading Company, an organisation whom sole purpose surrounds the prospect of the importing and exporting of rare and exotic goods. The South Calemberg Trading Company, is all over the archipelago, and can be found in numerous towns and cities across the continent, due to its influence. Not the most well regarded company in the archipelago but a strong, profitable one, which appears to be constantly on the rise.
Family Traits
Physical Characteristics
Members of House Rüdiger tend to keep a typical Calemberger looking style, with their rooted heritage portraying them with quite athletic builds, supported with strong cheekbones and strict jaw lines, symbolising their aristocratic dominance. Baring almost intimidating, inward brows, support drastically the dominant teal coloured irises, however certain Rüdigers have been known to have deeper shades of green or blue, on opposite ends of the teal spectrum. It's most likely a member of the Rüdiger household will carry raven black hair, with cadet lines sometimes baring dark ginger or dark blondes, however these are uncommon, but not rare. Every Rüdiger is taught from a young age to maintain a strong etiquette and business stance, insisting on them sustaining their Calemberg heritage, and portraying themselves before the public, in no more than an aristocratic and dominant demeaner. They often wear expensive and well-tailored outfits, displaying the proud colours of their house, to both show off their wealth and power.
Mental Characteristics
In terms of mentally, most Rüdiger children, are often cynical, more on the quiet side, but with strong opinions on governance and the use of military might. Both male and female members of the family are expected to have good education, particularly in finance and politics, to keep on the noble scene and preserve the business. They almost all have zero faith in democracy and its foundations, feeling that commoners haven't the intellect or good judgement to properly govern themselves, without ruining the prosperity of the archipelago.
Family Members
Green – Available
Red – Played
Orange - Deceased
The First Line (Main Line)
Lucan Rüdiger (Deceased) - Father to Gabriel and brother to Byron. Lucan was the former patriarch of House Rüdiger, and kept his house intact through sheer will and cunningness, neglecting and using his children until his last breath.
Amelia Rüdiger (Deceased) – Mother to Gabriel and Priscilla. Amelia was a kind and caring mother to her children, however couldn't always give them the attention they needed. It's likely that she is a key factor in why her children are so tactically brilliant, yet inwardly cold.
Gabriel Rüdiger (30) - Current patriarch of House Rüdiger and co-owner of the South Calemberg Trading Company, albeit his position is mostly ceremonial. Gabriel is a complex figure to crack and is often secretive leading him to be considered a solitary or reclusive man. @RedSentinel
Priscilla Rüdiger (31) - Sister to Gabriel and not one to be taken as a fool. Like her brother, she is hard to work out, however is more social, yet inwardly colder and calculating in her way of going about her business.
The Second Line (Cousins)
Byron Rüdiger (45) – Brother to Lucan and uncle to Gabriel and Priscilla. Byron is a stern figure, and is not a particularly loving or doting uncle, however he has a powerful business sense and is often Gabriel's chief advisor.
The Third Line (Cousins)
Francis Devaux (Deceased) – Husband to Abigail and father to Lionel, Morgana, and Isaiah. A gentle Ithanian by Burt, Francis was a compassionate man, differing completely from the typical member of House Rüdiger, probably explaining why many of his children are so different to the usual Rüdiger child. He died tragically in a bout of small pox in 298AC at the age of twenty-seven.
Abigail Rüdiger (42) – Sister to Lucan and aunt to Gabriel and Piscilla. Abigail, though not at all unfriendly to Gabriel and his main family line, she keeps a steady eye on the family situation and a hand ready should she need take up the reins herself. @ikatiebee
Lionel Rüdiger (21) – Eldest son of Abigail. Clearly the favourite of his mother, Lionel has a hungry mind, eager for advancement and any way to bring his star into ascension. Whether it be through politics, business, or marriage, he is determined to create a legacy for himself.
Morgana Rudiger (19): A more gentle girl, guided by her brothers to be what she would like to be. A strong lady of business with a different outlook than that of those outside of her immediate family. She likes the business of helping others and building her image in the public.
Isaiah Rüdiger (17) – Youngest son of Abigail. Compared to the rest of his kin, Isaiah has a surprisingly optimistic outlook on his life in Regalia. Bright eyed and eager, he throws himself into the world of medicine with zeal, despite his family's disapproval and intention for him to go into business.
The Fourth Line (2nd Cousins)
Lucius Rüdiger (54) - Lucius is a tough nut to crack. A man as skilled in the blade as he is in business, he's as shrewd as they come. Envious of Gabriel's position of power, he's come close to undermining his (insert relation to Gabriel) ventures over the year out of spite and a want for power.
Jethro Rüdiger (33) – Son of Lucius. One of the wilder Rüdigers, Jethro has little regard for family business. Tolerated so long as he remains in line and protects the family honour, the relationship with Jethro and the rest of the family is decent enough, if not mutually disparaging.
Elaine Rüdiger (31) – Daughter of Lucius. Another recluse among the family, Elaine lives quietly unmarried in Jethro's shadow, trying her best not to provoke his temper. Deceivingly intelligent, many often do not see her inquisitive temperament and sharp mind.
Rules
By applying for a character, you accept and consent the following;
You will not excessively insult or in any way try to harm someone.
You will accept the outcome of fully thought out and reasonable roleplay.
When doing something serious against another family member, have a long conversation out-of-character professionally. Better with much of the family included.
You will remain true to your character in all scenarios of roleplay.
When you wish to change your character's personality, discuss it with @RedSentinel
When you wish to leave the family, be open about it. No one will be mad.
You will not do anything specifically to harm the family or its reputation.
Primarily, you promise to compromise during conflict.
Should you not follow any of these rules, RedSentinel retains the right to...
Eliminate you from the family and open the character up once more.
Void character actions to assist in doing the above.
Staff Positions
Purser (1 Vacancy)
The Purser is the financial chief of the family, charged with handling all of the Rüdiger's finances. As such, a grave deal of trust comes with the position.
Steward (@GoldWolfGaming )
Steward is a role that means juggling many tasks. A steward is in control of all Rüdiger property across the archipelago. The Steward is also highly trusted with political affairs and in charge of all other servants, sort of like a Rüdiger "chief-of-staff."
Servant (3 Vacancies)
Servants, directly responsible to the Steward's orders, and are entirely at the family's disposal. They do as they are told, be it act as a courier, clean, serve, watch, or even defend if necessary. Servants are basic but well-paying jobs, and shifts are extremely strict. Male servants are referred to as footmen, women are referred to maids
Attendants (3 Vacancies)
Attendants function as personal servants to members of the family. An attendant is charged with accompanying a family member about their day, holding items, and generally taking care of whatever their master requires them to.
Captain of the Guard (1 Vacancy)
Captain of the Guard is an honored title among the Rüdiger's. The captain regulates, trains, and commands all of the personal guard for the House of Rüdiger and is directly responsible for the house's safety. The current head of the house guard is Captain Christa Van Keus
Guardsmen (4 Vacancies, @Altalar )
House guardsmen are official members of the house guard charged with guarding members of the family as well as Rüdiger resources. All guardsmen fall under command of the Captain of the Guard and when not on patrol or watch will usually act as personal bodyguards for assigned house members.
Please note that House Guardsmen and the Captain of the Guard must be registered in the Regalian Sellsword registry
Applications
Family Application Format
Please keep in mind I will want you to play your van Rudiger character as you main character if possible
IGN:
Do you have skype?:
Who are you applying for?:
References (Tag them and ask their permission first):
Punishments? (Bans/Mutes and reasoning):
Previous character applications? Link here:
Previous experience in noble families?:
Biggest strengths and weaknesses in RP:
Why do you want to join House Rüdiger?:
What do you rate yourself from 1-10?:
Give a brief description of the character you are applying for:
Staff Application Format
IGN:
Do you have skype?:
What role are you applying for?:
References (Tag them and ask their permission first):
Punishments? (Bans/Mutes and reasoning):
Previous character applications? Link here:
Previous experience as a staff for nobility?:
Why do you want to join House Rüdiger?:
How active are you from 1-10?:
Link approved character sheet for this staff:
Attachments
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