Tiago II "Aravil o Ja Miran" of Aldarr

Fifth Timagadorian King of Aldarr, ruled Aldarr from 150-203 AG

Childhood and upbringing

Tiago II, fifth aldarrian king of the Timagadorian Dynasty. Already considered legendary during his lifetime it is difficult to write about Tiago II, any writer will undoubtedly miss one of his countless achievements and oversimplify, but I will attempt to distill the very essentials into a digestable format.

Born in 136 AG to Vitor I of Aldarr and Ina, daughter of Osar I of Bocamar, Tiago was Vitor I's second son.
Ina had become Vitor I's third wife, as part of the armistice between Aldarr and Bocamar following The Battle of the roaring Barrage.
Vitor I's time was all but consumed with raising Crownprince Palo, born to his second wife Ivone of Lesaboca, and keeping the crown on his very head after The Battle of the roaring Barrage's fallout, so Tiago grew up barely knowing his father.

Thus raised by his mother Ina, an uncommon practise for Aldarrian princes, Tiago was always on the search for father figures, a desire that would lead him to form life long bonds of friendship with many older men.

Tiago's first friend was the famous philosopher Kladon of Orai, his tutor and lifelong advisor. Spending countless days and hours of his childhood obsessing over ancient histories and encyclopedias of Garfarr in the Hall of Wisdom with Kladon, Tiago learned that rule of law, promotion by merit and an unwavering spirit had been the empires rise and that nepotism, corruption and greed lead to it's fall.

Tiago was taught the value of tolerance and open mindedness by Kladon who's persecution at home had brought him to the court of Aldarr. It made the young prince upset that a wise and learned man like Kladon had to flee and fear for his life for thoughts alone. He swore to never persecute anyone no matter how wrong or upset their ideas made him.
Kladon's humility impressed Tiago. Here was the wisest man he had ever encountered and yet he wore the rags of a beggar, shared his generous stipend feeding and clothing the downtrodden, and claimed the greatest virtue was to know what he did not.
Tiago greatly respected this foreigner, this was someone he could aspire to.

"To know what you do and not young prince, that is true knowledge." - Kladon of Orai

Kladon tutored Tiago in the methods of critical analysis. Taught him that effective communication was in any case just as important to succeed as precise and dilligent planning and that as the old Garfarrian proverb says there it is no use sailing without wind.

"There is no use sailing without wind" - Old Garfarrian proverb meaning to wait for the right moment to strike

Tiago would eventually become a fanatic supporter and believer of The Seven Aspects a cult introduced by the emperors of Garfarr.

When Tiago's time came to serve Yanos III of Dalmalla as page and squire with his brother crownprince Palo, he maintained an active exchange of letters with Kladon. These letters, famous today, are now knows as The Dalmalla interludes. Once Tiago had settled into his new home he forged a life long friendship with Yanos III of Dalmalla's son Osar I of Dalmalla, who would in time become his main confidante and during Tiago's reign trusted Commander of Aldarr's forces.

On his 14th birthday Tiago was knighted as is custom in Aldarr with his brother crownprince Palo in a grand ceremony on the Field of Ancestors.
Tiago is said to have conducted himself with honor and great willingness to learn during his time as squire, a show of humility that earned him the respect of many in Aldarr's nobility.

When his brother crownprince Palo drowned in the Arr on the way back to the city, reportedly jumping off board, Vitor I's heart was broken, having spent the better part of a decade trying to molding his favorite child Palo into his worthy successor.
Palo's motives are not known to this day, though many suspect the pressure put on the timid boy from his earliest childhood eventually broke him.

A few weeks later Vitor I quietly passed away in his sleep, rumors still run strong to this day he drank poison to escape the grief that overwhealmed his broken heart, others say the King had simply lost his will to live.

Kingship and reign

Coming to power following his fathers and brothers tragic end in 150 AG the responsibility of ruling Aldarr passed to Tiago, now as king officially known as Tiago II Timagador.
Just having turned 14 weeks ago, a smooth succession of power to a child with no male family members to act as regents and advocats was no guarantee, untrained to ever be king Tiago first had to be instructed in Aldarrian law before he could assume the crown. Now Tiago II benefitted from his popularity amongst the nobility that loyaly ruled Aldarr in a regency council until Tiago II could be coronated.
After the affairs of state had been set in order and Vitor I and Palo had received the traditional burial, that Tiago II presided over, Tiago II could finally be coronated a year later aged 15 in a grand ceremony, as Tiago II, King of Aldarr, master of Osteria Cana, Dalmalla, and Bedrega, lord and count of the river.

"My predecessors gave you many promises and held none, I will only promise this, to rule myself." - Tiago II moments after his coronation aged 15

Tiago II, advised by Kladon, immediately set about summoning famous adventurers and scholars to his court. Tiago II knew that Aldarr's administration was corrupt and rotten to the core eversince Timago I's reign. His father had tried to work around this, but any of Vitor I's efforts were mayorly hempered by this hurdle. Tiago II had to reform it if he wanted to truly be king and take power from Aldarr's nobility long since impotent and stuck in old ways and share it with his scholars instead.

But sidelining the kingdoms powerfull magnates in favour of outsiders was not going to be an easy task, now aged 17 Tiago II knew he could not be seen taking something away from the nobility, instead he would give them something new.
Kladon and Tiago II worked on something for months until a new institution, the "Chamber of Counsel" was announced. While being a purely advisory body to the king, it provided members with direct access to the king. Tiago II also made sure that being a member of this new council of his making was seen as most prestigeous. Staffing it to one half with his most capable advisors and famous scholars, and to the other with those that are best described as "dead weight". Having opened many positions in the administration by this way, he now set about appointing Aldarr's most capable men, carefully picked by the second institution he the established "Royal Exam". The prospect of commoners in public office upset the nobility, while some plotted to see Tiago II dead, nothing came of it until eventually no one could deny the success of these reforms any longer.
Eventually the prosperity the reforms created payed dividends to all and most in the nobility were won over.

Having laid the groundwork for more ambitious plans, Tiago II set about bringing Aldarr's lost vassals back under the heel, of which many had used the chaos in The Battle of the roaring Barrage's aftermath to withold tribute payments or secede from Aldarrian vassalage outright.
Aged 24 Tiago II called Osar I of Dalmalla to court as advisor and appointed Osar I's father Yanos III High Admiral and Commander of Aldarr's forces.
Though it took many years, much bloodshed and cunning diplomacy to bring Osteiro Cana, Bedrega and others back into the fold. Eventually Tiago II reconciled with Aldarr's vassals and received missed tribute payments and pledges of loyalty, filling the treasury with gold and army with recruits.

"For a Tradesman the question is not who is going to stop him; it's who is going to let him." - Kladon of Orai advising Tiago II on trade

Now Tiago II could focus on his next ambition. The return of the many merchants and artisans that had left during the instability of his fathers reign. Paying generous subsidies, cutting taxes and lowering tariffs soon lured merchants and artisans back, though it would still take many years, the rebuilding of good will and word of mouth for a full restoration.

Dreams and destination

Twenty years after his coronation Tiago had finally overcome the instability of his fathers reign and restored Aldarr to former strength in 171 AG.
The Docks had steady work, merchants trading with and from Aldarr reported a rise in profits and the most advanced machines and tools were once again proudly labeled "Made in Aldarr".
The time had come for a grand ambition.
Having spent much of his childhood studying Garfarr's history with Kladon of Orai, Tiago II eventually started dreaming about the empires restoration. Unthinkable at the start of his reign, Tiago II now posessed the means to strive for this ambitious goal. While many had tried to assert their hegemony over Garfarr since the fall of it's empire, none had ever done it under the guise of the empires restoration.
But how could such a vast empire, forgotten by the commoners and long sice robbed of its legacy by Garfarr's nobility be restored?
Tiago II had to find a way to awe the commoners and instill a feeling of legitimacy in his vision amongst the nobility and scholars.
Spending many years pondering, Tiago continued his studies of the empire and it's history until the sparking idea evolved out of a visit in the hall of wisdom, in which's basement a Diving Suit, used for the harvest of pearls and clams during the empires time, had been found.

The whole city was in awe over this masterpiece of Garfarrian technology, if the empire of old was capable of such feats in craftsmanship then what else was it capable of? How much better times must have been if even clamfishers posessed technology almost perceived as alien now? For weeks people could be heard talking about it in Aldarr's markets and taverns.
Scholars gave lessons in the histories of the Garfarrian empire and extending one's family lineage into the times of the empire became fashionable and prestigeous among the nobility.

Seeing the excitement brought about by this Antiquity Tiago II had the towncriers proclaim princely rewards for any finds of Garfarrian Antiquities.
Tiago II continued growing his collection over the years and put it on display in the hall of wisdom for all to see, while bringing more and more towns and villages into Aldarrian vassalge, Lesaboca, Fluxpora, Velarr, Arrmoina, Norpadur, Norpovo and many more, all bent the knee to Tiago II's forces and envoys due to the The War of 74 and the battle of the Bloody Fields. For a time it looked like Tiago II's vision could become reality.
Was this child of fate, never meant to rule at all going to rule over all of Garfarr and restore the empire? Was Tiago II the man that ancient myths and legends had promised would bring about Garfarr's second golden age?

Tiago II was now 49 in 185 AG and had achieved more than anyone could have ever dreamt of when he was crowned still more boy than man. The city was revived and prosperous, the forces of Aldarr restored, reformed and feared, the treasury and hall of wisdom were filled to the brim with riches beyond imagination.
Tiago II had truly turned Aldarr's decay into a second golden age, nothing since Aldarr's first golden age brought about by Timago I himself could compare to this. The monarchy was now more popular and respected than ever and the people of Aldarr were truly gratefull to have lived in such stable and prosperous times.

While Tiago II's victories and virtues were many, unfortunately no man can rule forever, no matter how vast his achievements and victories are, time will decay everything and all. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Tiago II knew his biggest failing was the lack of a legitimate heir, a new captain to steer the ship of state and carry on this golden age of his making once he had passed. To finalize the dream he had chased all his life, and to continue his vision and legacy.
Old age now slowed his energetic nature that had defined his reign and made him worried for the future. The success of his hunt for antiquities had inspired other rulers to do the same, were they going to rob him of his legacy? Or even try to purloin his collection from the house of wisdom.

"Nothing is possible without men, but nothing lasts without institutuions, let this guard protect our peoples past so we can forge the future on it's legacy" - Tiago II's speech to the people of Aldarr concerning the new Antiquities Guard

Tiago II had to protect his legacy, a new organization had to be founded to protect it, The Antiquities Guard.
He equipped them with generous privileges over the collection of tarrifs and taxes, not only to ensure it's funding, but also to make sure it could never be jeopardized by state missmanagement or be robbed of it's political independance to misuse it. A well paid soldier is a loyal soldier after all.

Death and Legacy

When Tiago II died in 203 AG aged 67, in his bed, surounded by his family, bastards and state officials, one can hardly decribe the sorrow that gripped the nation and people of Aldarr.

"To the worthy" - Tiago II being asked on his deathbed who the throne should pass to

The whole city put on the black to honour it's king, taverns closed, temples and places of worship payed respects to their patron and tens of thousands joined the funeral march from all over Garfarr to the temple of the fallen. For three days and nights people endured on Timago I square in prayer until Tiago II was finally laid to rest by the side of his illustrious ancestors.

Tiago II was a ruler born by circumstance, nobody expected him to achieve much and yet he did.
He inherited a power in decay, long deprived of its glorious past and reversed it's fortunes.
Some claim not even Timago I himself had presided of a golden age of this kind.
Life improved for peasants, merchants and townsfolk. Nobles put their squabbles aside and worked towards a common vision.
Law and order were restored, peace brought back to a region shaken by perpetual war.
But Tiago II had his faults as well, the biggest being his failure to father or legitimize a heir.
Nevertheless one is left to wonder if such golden times will ever return to Aldarr.

"Tiago II of Aldarr is truly the greatest of all Garfarrian kings, it is him I aspire to, it is him I long to surpass." - Timago II of Bocamar when asked on his opinion regarding Tiago II

Tiago II was not only King of Aldarr, but also patron of many crafts, arts and religious orders, his reign saw great advancements in many of these fields.

One that walks the streets of Aldarr will soon find out that many buildings therein where commisioned or overhauled by Tiago II himself.

Summary

Tiago II is by many considered the ideal King. Humble, tolerant and open minded on one hand and effective, pragmatic, with a critical mind on the other.

Tiago II reformed the administration, intoducing the Royal Exam and the Chamber of Counsel, he curbed corruption and oversaw the return of trade, crafts and arts to Aldarr. His reign oversaw the restoration of Aldarrian armed and naval forces, the expansion of Aldarrian influence over neighbouring polities and a reversal of the Aldarrian decay.

Once Tiago II had made Aldarr a rising power once more he set about fufilling his childhood dream, the restoration of the Garfarrian empire.
Always eager to fund scholars and adventurers, Aldarr soon saw a drastic rise in quality of life for commoners and nobles alike. This rebirth of technological progress and revival of research on the Garfarrian empires advances eventually lead to Tiago II being nicknamed "Aravil o Ja Miran" the "Marvel of the World"

Tiago II relatively early death leaves many to wonder what else he could have achieved. His death was a tragedy in many ways, not only had Aldarr been deprived of its greatest king and captain yet, but the lack of a legitimate heir plunged the city into a devastating civil war that threatens to undo all Tiago II had achieved, only time will tell if his legacy will be lost.

"Raise your cup for Tiago"

Tiago II walking the streets of Aldarr.

Days after Tiago II had passed away a new song could be heard in Aldarr's taverns, it's origins are unknown but it didn't take long to become very popular today it's known as "Raise your cup for Tiago".

I. Verse
There once was a King, so wise and just, his weapon was his word.
A poet taught him, the love for us, his lessons he well learned.

Chorus
Oh Tiago my lord, your rule was good, our people they could thrive.
Let's honor the man, so raise your cup, we drink to his great life.

II. Verse
his heart was good, so peace he brought, he ended Aldarr's strife.
Oh mighty king, you loved so much, but never took a wife.

Chorus
Oh Tiago my lord, your rule was good, our people they could thrive.
Let's honor the man, so raise your cup, we drink to his great life.

III. Verse
We say goodbye, but not for long, for we will meet again.
Your Legacy lord, we'll honour it, forever now and then.

Chorus
Oh Tiago my lord, your rule was good, our people they could thrive.
Let's honor the man, so raise your cup, we drink to his great life.

IV. Verse
Our lives you changed, you bettered them, so boys could be-come men.
We sing for you, oh mighty lord, in this decrepit den.

Chorus
Oh Tiago my lord, your rule was good, our people they could thrive.
Let's honor the man, so raise your cup, we drink to his great life.

Timagadorian Dynasty

Timago I, founder of the "Timagadorian" or "Fortune seeker" dynasty was a powerfull Contararr mercenary leader and usurped power from the then ruling city council in 6 AG aged 66, turning Aldarr into an autocratic monarchy. His mighty fleet patrolled the Arrarmot, collecting dues and taxes from ships passing by, while facilitating trade with the realms of the dwarfs to the northwest.

His son Tiago I took over aged 31 in 43 AG his reign saw the rise of a newly strengthened Bocamar under Doma I, fathering no less then 23 sons, legitimate and not, Tiago I entrenched the dynasty for generations to come.

Taking over in 105 AG aged 51 Palo I didn't achieve much his reign merely lasting 6 years.

Fathering no sons of his own, Vitor I, Palo I's brother and Tiago II's father took power in 111 AG aged 39 and escalated the Bocaldarrian struggle, attempting to place Osar I conjoined twin on the throne of Bocamar. Which ultimately ended in failure at the battle of the roaring barrage. The rest of Vitor I's reign was dedicated to handling the fallout of his failure until Tiago II took over in 150 AG Tiago II being a mere 14 years old.

Timagadorian dynasty coat of arms.

Tiago II Bastards

Vitor

Tiago II never fathered any legitimate children, but that did not stop him from having many bastards. One such bastard was the result of Tiago II's visit to Osteiro Cana after it once more willingly became a vassal of Aldarr. On his visit Tiago II is said to have fallen madly in love with Abbess Yana, a very learned and beatifull woman, but nevertheless an Abbess and thus not available for marriage.
Tiago II visited Osteiro Cana many more times until, Yana fell in love with him as well. They shared one forbidden night and nine months later Vitor his first bastard son was born.
Trying to cover this up Tiago II begged his childhood friend Osar I of Dalmalla to adopt the child as his and so Vitor grew up as Osar I's bastard son with a tavern maid in Dalmalla, though many knew about his true parentage.

Palo

Another prominent bastard of Tiago II is Palo, though his mother was only a tavernmaid, denying his fatherlage was let's say "difficult" for Tiago II. During one of his many binges with Osar I Tiago II had gotten drunk enough to take Palo's mother right then and there on the tavern floor. Even though Tiago II never showed any interest in the boy, likely owing to the shame he felt for his indiscretion, he made sure Palo never wanted for anything.
Palo's mother died of complications during his birth shortly after and even though Palo technically had a family he grew up alone. Not able to live in the palace, but also not allowed to live in an orphanage owing to his royal status he was raised in the very tavern he'd been fathered in. This quirk quickly lead to Palo being dubbed "The peoples prince". Palo would eventually grow up to become one of Aldarr's most talented orators and poets, this and his famous generosity towards orphans and beggars would eventually make him exceedingly popular.

Bedor 

Bedor is Tiago II son with his favorite concubine Talya. Since she was Tiago II favorite Bedor grew up at court and was widely considered as Tiago II most likely heir, but when Tiago II died he did not legitimize Bedor, leaving many unsure as to why to this day.
Bedor doesn't shine through any achievenmts of his own, he is best described as an "average" person. Nevertheless, Bedor has the support of many of Tiago II's advisors, being seen as an obedient puppet and easy way to remain in office by Aldarr's most powerfull magnates.
Bedor, now grown into a man has been noted to be of exceptional beauty, time will tell if this will be of benefit to him.