Arkan Valenier
Lord Arkan Valenier
The son of Lucien Valenier, Arkan inherited a humble but thriving trading company from his father at the age of 18. It was at that time that Lucien was killed whilst defending Waterdeep from the Pirate Lords of Luskan during the time of troubles. Rather than pick up his father’s crusade, Arkan instead focused his efforts on building the infrastructure of his inheritance, to great effect. In only four short years the young man had all but solidified his grasp on nearly half of Waterdeep’s coastal trade ships and merchant vessels. By hiring the best protection and investing in armed escorts of high renown, the Nobleman ensured the safety of his shipments along with any who accompanied them. Many were quick to flock to his company for such reasons.
At 25, Arkan met a fellow nobleman and Lord of Waterdeep, Dorrysos Jefan, whose daughter Allana of two and twenty quickly stole the man’s heart. After vying for her hand and making the necessary arrangements, Dorrysos was glad to offer his daughter’s hand in marriage, though the offer was almost met with ruin when Arkan didn’t openly accept, claiming he would only do so if Allana agreed to the match. Fortunately for all parties involved, Allana was equally taken with the respectful man, who she quickly saw was both attentive and clever. She quickly agreed and the two were wed, bearing a son after five years of blissful marriage.
His son would later enter the priesthood of the Raven Queen, a decision that brought strife and confusion to the family for years until the War of Tyranny, where Ushen's role along the adventuring group known as the Scarred proved integral to the salvation of all of Faerun. Sadly, Ushen didn't survive the final battle against Tiamat, but it was later revealed that he'd had a daughter with his elven love, Auzha, a ranger with whom he'd only briefly shared a romance. Arkan and Allana quickly took in their granddaughter and her foster parents, however tragedy struck yet again when both Allana and Valena's adoptive father took ill and passed within 3 years of the War's conclusion. Arkan, her drow foster mother Krissa, and his granddaughter Valena stoically pressed on, honoring their deceased family and growing closer as time passed. Furthermore, since the passing of his wife, Arkan has also shown signs of restored youth, some speculating the Raven Queen has chosen to bless the father of one of her most prized aspects. This has yet to be confirmed.
Arkan has continued to look over Valena carefully, ensuring the girl's education be the finest and most rigorous in all of Waterdeep, while grooming Krissa's emergence into the Waterhavian Aristocracy. With no outward affiliation to any of the known factions of the Sword Coast, he is still secretly involved in many if not most of Waterdeep's affairs, and plays an influential role in the brokerage of information and manipulation of the city's many facets. While always known for an implacable and stoic demeanor, Valena and Krissa have had a slight effect on his countenance, eliciting a shred of outward filial affinity, as well as an openness to cooperate with other prominent figures within the city.
So long as that cooperation serves the interests of House Valenier, of course.
Mental characteristics
Intellectual Characteristics
Quiet, direct, sometimes blunt. Often calculating, but always respectful. He has a reputation for being quite intimidating without saying a word.
Morality & Philosophy
Can be quite ruthless if provoked, but loyalty to friends and family is beyond question. A loving man at heart who often hides his true emotions, preferring to mask, or at the very least temper his feelings lest they be used against him by his rivals.
Alignment
Lawful Neutral
Age
Unknown
Family
Children
Current Residence
Valenier Manor
Eyes
Dark Blue
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Tanned, mildly aged
Quotes & Catchphrases
“He could stare down an ancient red dragon, and I’d wager me coin on the dragon blinking first.”
-Gerard Hammerstriker, Captain of the Guard for House Valenier
Belief/Deity
The Raven Queen
Other Affiliations
Ruled Locations
Comments