Duke Ichabod Lambrecht Von Brandt (a.k.a. The Iron Duke)
Mental characteristics
Early life
Ichabod was the third son of Karl Von Brandt and was originally destined for the clergy. The learned lifestyle suited Ichabod's erudite self. It was in his formative years, that Ichabod's love for technology, creation and magic began. Growing up, Ichabod idolized his older half brothers Manfred Von Brandt & Jakob Von Brandt who provided him with the familial love his harsh father did not.
Rumors from palace staff say that Ichabod was, while well educated, treated poorly by his father - Staff having to often call for the court physician and teachers being turned away from the Festung because Ichabod was "too sick for teaching today". When his father fell Ill he was overjoyed, and he became free to study more on his own. For his fifteenth birthday his brother Manfred gifted him a laboratory within the castle which Ichabod would spend most of his waking hours within, deconstructing objects, mixing chemicals and generally exploring in practice everything he'd read in books.
However, when Manfred had his "accident" and his father regained control, Ichabod was stripped of his Lab and shipped off to work as an acolyte in the Cathedral of Rechin outside of the palace. It was only when news of his other brother Jakobs death that Ichabod was returned to the palace as the heir apparent to the duchy.
Die Nacht des Flammensturms
Die Nacht des Flammensturms (The Night of the Flame Storms) is possibly the darkest day in Legiersrunglander history. Upon the return of Legiersrunglander forces from the Massacre of the Marshes a procession of the dead led the forces into the city, headed by Jakob Von Brandt's body being carried by banner men atop his shield. The sheer grief at the loss of 86% of the forces (most of whom the bodies could not be returned home) created outrage in the city - especially with Karl von Brandt, who was against sending an army to help the "Human Cause" initially.
Peasants attempted to in futile to storm the Festung. Karl thought that this would be an important opportunity to teach his son what to do against those who would stand in the way of their families rule. From atop the battlements Karl brought fourth a storm of magical fire which he rained and whirled over across the bridge to the castle main gate, burning his own people alive.
Ichabod was horrified at his fathers actions and lashed out, Pushing the old man from the battlements - his arm getting severely burned in the process. Unlike his son, Karl did not survive the fall from the battlements. His body getting torn asunder by those who survived on the bridge below.
From that day forward young Ichabod would be Duke.
Rulership
From upon the battlements, Still injured by his fathers attack on the people, Ichabod set in motion a path which would lead to country wide reforms and lead it to the technological enlightenment that it would reach today. Die Nacht des Flammensturms and those lost to The First Reanian-Eladrin War would be remembered every 6th of Amberseed for a national day of sorrow. Ichabod identified early on that he would struggle in ruling being so young, so he divulged powers to the people who he respected the most - the Craftsmen and Generals of the Legiersrungland, Officially forming The Festung as a council, not just the name of the Capital's Palace - The great obsidian hall of which was converted to the council chambers. The Technocratic government would be formed for elected officials from the various guilds of the land as well as the ranking staff of the army. At its head would be a Chancellor would acts similarly to a speaker of the house and prime minister.
Once the Festung was organised Ichabod became more and more reclusive until today where he is barely seen by the public at all. Instead opting to stay in his Palace and experiment with new technology.
Technological Enlightenment
It was in these years of study and morning that Ichabod discovered many things, including the key to making life through magical means itself. Using the crystals that his land is known for, he managed to conquer both flight and life creation (Warforged and Skyships) as well as many other technical advancements. Its through this enlightenment and power that he accrued that the erudite philosopher within Ichabod was truly tested. He had created life in his search to prevent the loss of life, but now that life itself had it own meaning - how could he undervalue one life to another. He had also used magic to created unrivaled technological advancement, what if someone other than him, or someone who's intent was not of sound ideals got hold of the same power - that person could rule with great evil much like his father. It was with this that the ideals of "Bewacht Aber Unbegrenzt" were formed, providing strict guidelines on the use of and study of magic within the Duchy. Mages who did not conform or did not listen to such were deemed Rebellenmangier and were hunted by the state.
Love
At the age of 303, Ichabod married a beautiful woman by the name of Lady Sofia Spielmann , the daughter of a prominent mage who was working as his lab assistant. The period of their marriage was a unique time for the duchy, as Sofia convinced her husband to revoke many of the limiting and isolationist policies - essentially opening the duchies gates. They lived happily together yet Sofia could not bare children. Sofia unfortunately died 20 years into their marriage due to an experiment gone array. Ichabod spiraled again and was not seen at all for many years after his loves death. He couldn't even bring himself to attend the funeral. Sofia's likeness is all over the City of Rechin within.
The Child of Life
5 years after Sofia's death, Ichabod announced and introduced to the realm his Daughter, Johanna Von Brandt - the "Miracle child". The announcement came as a massive surprise to everyone and her legitimacy is brought into question constantly, but visually she is the splitting image of her mother. Johanna was much loved by the populous which lamentably made her a target of the enemies of Legierungsland. During a birthday gala for Ichabod and maiden voyage of the new skyship fleet flagship Johanna was kidnapped by an unknown group of assailants. She has been missing ever since.
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