Ser Mathias Ares

Human ranger and Andorian Knight, the Earl of Harlequin, and Warden of the King's Forest. A noble of House Ares, a member of the Companions and an ally of the Forerunners of Prophecy.

History

Raised in Tamar, Mathias began his career as a Warden of the King's Forest, guarding the Andorian forests for his liege lord, King Edgar I of the Kingdom of Andor. Through chance, misfortune, and luck, he joined up with human wizard Rafe Windsong and Haranoan martial artist Kin'Saan Watari to form the Companions, and gained reknown for his heroism in protecting the realm.
Years later, the time came for them to part ways. When adventuring, fighting, life-taking and life-risking could no longer distract from the emptiness left, he buried himself in the running of his Earldom – excelling by the sheer relentlessness of his work ethic and shrewd choice of advisors. His territory flourished as a trading hub first, cultural center and melting pot of ideas brought by travelers seeking a chance to meet this unusually open and available lord and his legendary guests. This intangible strength was critical in the upcoming civil war as a once backwater land, turned flourishing hub and destination unto itself, transformed into one of the greatest strongholds of the Western Realm – second only to Andor itself.
As such, Harlequin saw much action during the war. Sieged twice, and site of one of the great victories against Prince Garrick's army, it found itself on the losing side as the Western armies were defeated when Andor fell in 160 KE. Seeing the loss incurred by his armies in their attempt to take the stronghold, and the legendary status of its Earl, Garrick – himself weary of war and eager to consolidate his power - deemed it wiser to strike a separate deal with Lord Mathias, allowing him to keep his title and lands than embark on another bloody attempt at taking the town. He also knew of Mathias’ reluctance to wed and thus produce heirs, that he decided to wait it out and hopefully be able to assert his royal powers and name a new Earl.
In 181 KE, wary of Kingdom politics and ill portents, Mathias dispatched his Lord Machinist Hexum Kraskorein to investigate and aid the Forerunners of Prophecy on their quest. He patiently waits from his throne, keeping a viligant eye on the Kingdom and all those who would seek it harm.

The price of peace is viligance.

— Ser Mathias Ares

Personality

Mathias Ares is stoic and honor-bound, a product of his many years of service as both a member of the Strike Forces and as an Andorian Knight. Lord Mathias met his first and last love at a very young age. Onishi Aiga, a Haranoan shinobi of the Kaiwabata clan, he met her at the youthful and impressionable age of 18. As fate does, it dealt out its cruel and unfeeling pronouncement, ending the spirt-light of Onishi Aiga and their shared future with it. Mathias dealt with it by striking out with The Companions

Ethinicity
Human
Year of Birth
145 KE
Birthplace
Tamar - Kingdom of Andor
Gender
Male
Aligned Organizations
Knights of Andor
Strike Forces of Tantric
House of Ares
The Companions
Monikers
Ser Mathias
Lord Ares
Knight-General of the Sacred Flame

Crest of House Ares