Lord Ealdred Dunstan

Lord Ealdred Dunstan

Chancellor of the Court to His Majesty King Rimand II Age: ~50 Titles: Lord (second son of a noble line), Chancellor of the Court Affiliation: House Vogel (cadet branch), Royal Court of Gorundia

Overview

Lord Ealdred Dunstan is the quietly formidable Chancellor of the Court to King Rimand II — a man whose measured words shape policy, temper disputes, and reinforce royal authority. Though his title is modest compared to the dukes and barons that surround him, Ealdred's real power lies in discretion, competence, and the sovereign’s trust.
His familial ties to the powerful House Vogel grant him high-born pedigree, though his position in the family tree renders him no threat to inheritance. This unique position — noble blood without the burden or expectations of a title — has allowed Ealdred to rise unfettered through the corridors of power.

Background

Born the second son of a cadet branch of House Vogel, Ealdred was never in line to inherit land or title. His mother, a younger sister of a previous Duke Vogel, held only ceremonial status, and Ealdred was raised with the understanding that his future would be earned, not inherited.
He was sent to court at a young age for a refined education in administration, law, and diplomacy. There, his talents bloomed — earning quiet recognition among senior courtiers and eventually the notice of King Rimand himself.

Role and Responsibilities

As Chancellor of the Court, Ealdred holds one of the most sensitive and powerful administrative positions in the kingdom. His duties include:

• Drafting and reviewing royal decrees, charters, and correspondence
• Overseeing court appointments and noble petitions
• Managing diplomatic communiqués and policy implementation
• Presiding over royal councils and legal disputes in the king’s absence
• Acting as liaison between the crown and regional nobles

He is regarded as the keeper of the realm’s memory, as his precise records and razor-sharp mind often settle matters other lords cannot.

Relationship with King Rimand II

King Rimand II sees in Ealdred a rare thing: a noble who speaks plainly but wisely. The king relies on his counsel to moderate more passionate voices in court, trusting Ealdred’s judgment implicitly. Many at court believe that were Ealdred to oppose a policy, the king would hesitate before pressing forward.

Relationship with Countess Zara

Due to his family’s connection to Duke Wilhelm Vogel — Countess Zara’s liege lord — Ealdred was often involved in court business relating to County Velnyar. Over time, a warm mutual respect has developed between the Countess and the Chancellor. Some whisper that Ealdred is more loyal to Zara than to his cousin the Duke, but nothing has ever been proven.
Their rapport is marked by quiet familiarity, shared intellect, and occasional glances that hint at an older friendship, or perhaps a deeper story known only to the two of them.

Reputation and Courtly Influence

Lord Dunstan is widely respected — and feared — in court circles. He rarely raises his voice or makes public declarations, but when he speaks, even dukes listen.

"When Ealdred folds his hands, a dozen ambitions unravel."

He is seen as:

• A trusted neutral in disputes
• A subtle kingmaker behind the scenes
• A master of political timing and memory

Appearance

Ealdred cuts a refined and quiet figure — silver-threaded dark hair, neatly combed and trimmed, with a well-kept beard and gray, thoughtful eyes. He favors simple but finely tailored robes of muted color, always bearing the signet of House Dunstan (a black quill over a silver key), and the gold chain of his office.

Rumors and Whispers

• Some say Ealdred once courted Countess Zara in her youth.
• Others claim he keeps a secret record of every noble’s indiscretions, hidden in a sealed archive known only to the king.
• A few believe he is the true author of many royal policies, though he lets others take the credit or the blame.
• There are whispers that his influence worries Duke Vogel more than he admits.