Kylestra Ravenster

Kylesstra, Duchess Ravenster

Born: 1185Current Year: 1230House of Origin: OrenicHeight: 5'9"Weight: 140 lbsMarried to: Glandyr Ryomar
Kylesstra, Duchess Ravenster, is a woman of grace, poise, and unshakable resolve. Born into the esteemed House Orenic, she married Glandyr Ryomar, brother to the king, to solidify alliances and bring stability to the realm. Though her husband is stoic and stern, Kylesstras demeanor is cool but not unkind, a balancing presence that complements his austere nature.

"Glandyr handles the realm with iron, and I temper it with silver. Together, we forge a kingdom worth serving."

A Wheeler-Dealer by Nature

Kylesstra is a consummate diplomat and strategist, always working for the good of her family, her house, and the kingdom—in that order. She is controlling but not cruel, wielding her influence with a deft touch that avoids alienating her allies or subjects.

"Power is a tool, not a weapon. Wield it carelessly, and it will cut you just as deeply as your enemies."

Her natural talent for negotiation and diplomacy has earned her respect throughout the court. She maintains a network of alliances and connections, ensuring that House Ravenster remains a key player in the kingdom’s political landscape.

Concerns and Ambitions

Kylesstra is deeply concerned about her daughter’s rebellious nature and has been working tirelessly to secure a worthy suitor. She has made it clear she considers Sir Berringer a fine match, provided propriety is upheld.

"Rebellion in a daughter is a fire that must be tended carefully—too much fuel, and it rages out of control; too little, and it dies in resentment."

Her ambitions for her family and house are matched only by her dedication to the kingdom’s welfare. Though she places her family first, she does not neglect her duties as Duchess Ravenster. She takes the welfare of her subjects seriously, ensuring that her lands are well-governed and prosperous.

"A title is not a crown to be worn; it is a mantle to be borne. To rule well is to serve."

Strengths and Weaknesses

Kylesstra’s greatest strengths are her diplomatic skills, her intelligence, and her ability to remain composed under pressure. She is well-read and has a fine singing voice, further enhancing her presence at court.
However, her vanity could be a weakness, as she takes great care in her appearance and is sensitive to slights about her looks. Despite this, she always bears herself with dignity, refusing to let any personal insecurities tarnish her public image.

"Vanity is a weakness, yes—but a weakness well-managed can be turned into a strength."

Relations with the Vogels

Kylesstra harbors no love for the Vogels, despite her husband’s lineage, as his mother was of that house. Her disdain for Wilhelm Vogel runs deep, but she would never openly display it, understanding the importance of decorum.

"Wilhelm Vogel is a serpent in silk, but even serpents have their uses. You simply have to hold them by the head."

Legacy and Leadership

As Duchess Ravenster, Kylesstra carries her title with dignity and purpose. She does not abuse her power, and her subjects hold her in high regard for her fairness and dedication. Her leadership style is one of quiet strength, ensuring stability while always keeping an eye on the future.

"To lead is not to rule—it is to guide, to serve, and to ensure that those who follow do so willingly."

An Example of Leadership

During the unrest following a poor harvest in 1228, Kylesstra demonstrated her ability to lead with both compassion and resolve. A group of discontented farmers, driven to desperation, had marched on Ravenster demanding relief. While others might have dismissed them or called for force, Kylesstra chose a different path.
She met the delegation personally, listening to their grievances without interruption. After hearing their plight, she promised immediate relief—grain from her own stores—and initiated reforms to prevent future shortages. To fund this, she persuaded the wealthier merchants of Ravenster to contribute, appealing to their pride and sense of duty.

"A leader who does not hear the cries of her people will one day find herself deafened by their silence."

Her actions not only diffused the immediate crisis but also strengthened her relationship with both her subjects and the merchant class. The reforms she enacted ensured a more equitable distribution of resources in the years to come, solidifying her reputation as a fair and forward-thinking ruler.
Kylesstra’s story is one of balance: a woman who navigates the treacherous waters of court life with grace, ambition, and unwavering loyalty to her family and her people.