Saint-Köhnyg Miron

Content warning: Mention of invasion, battles, bloodshed, death, child abuse, animal abuse, forced marriage.

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Miron Tsernavin is remembered by many titles: the Conqueror of Kredashmi, the first Raskvaerii-Köhnyg, and the Saint-Könhyg. The real man has largely been lost behind the myths connected to each of those epitaphs. As the Conqueror, he is remembered as a strong, brutal and fearsome commander. As Köhnyg, he is remembered as pious, patient and merciful. As a Saint, he is revered as brave, fearless and whole-heartedly devoted to preserving the safety of his Kingdom, his people, and his faith.
Yet behind these different personas, there lurk whispers of a man who was shy, deeply indecisive, and ill-suited to wear a crown. This article therefore examines the dichotomy between Miron Tsernavin, the fallible man of flesh and blood, and Miron the Myth, the man whose character and virtues have been molded by the hands of time, faith, and politics.

Miron The Conqueror

The Phantom Horseman by Sir John Gilbert (d.1897)

Following the principles of Raskvaerii's Policy of Empire, sovereign control of newly conquered territories was assigned to the sons, brothers and cousins of the karrs in birth order, rather than by merit. As the second son of Karr Rolan II, the role of Conqueror was an obligation that was thrust upon the twenty-six year old Miron. Letters contained in the Imperial Archive in Latharin, between Miron and his elder

brother, Nikandor, reveal a young man deeply conflicted by the new role now thrust upon him.

I slept well, but as soon as consciousness returned to me, the memory of Father's decision --- the terrible oppression of it --- invaded my Soul with renewed vigour. Nikki, what am I going to do? This feels like a nightmare I cannot wake from. I would sooner fight the Raven with my bare hands than be a king in a foreign land. My place is at your side, or within Father's army. I know nothing of the business of governing. I have no idea how to speak with Father's ministers, let alone Kredasene ones, who would likely stab me as soon as look at me.

— Karrubin Miron Tsernavin to Karrovich Nikandor Tsernavin

Myth

Several defining qualities are ascribed to Miron the Conqueror in the myths that have grown up around the Raskvaerii Invasion of Kredashmi:

• Fearsome: Present at most of the main battles in the conquest, Miron is remembered amongst the Raskvaerii as an unstoppable force who repeatedly led his army to victory. Amongst Kredasene, Miron is reviled as a brutal conqueror who crushed his enemies --- mainly the traditional, ruling elite --- with unyielding ferocity.

• Strategic Brilliance: The Conquest brought tactics to Kredashmi's shores that the ununified, weaker Klaansheer armies were ill-equipped to deal with. Several of the defining victories were attributed to Miron, having used these ingenious military tactics in order to crush those who stood before him. His battlefield leadership was considered unmatched, and the Raskvaerii remember him as the embodiment of military genius.

• Merciless: Miron was brutal, both on the battlefield and in the treatment of those captured after the fact. Although he was simply adhering to the tenents of the Policy of Empire in dealing with prisoners of war, his actions were viewed as a necessary and effective tool in establishing the empire. The Kredasene are less eager to romanticise his reputation for ruthlessness as a display of strength in leadership.

Reality

• Insecure: Behind his façade of fearsome strength, Miron struggled with self-doubt and lacked the confidence to make decisions without heavy influence from others.

• Reluctant Warrior: While capable in battle, Miron was fearful of the responsibilities that had been thrust upon him as a second son. He had no personal desire for conquest, and acted out of a sense of duty rather than passion.

• Dependent: His military successes were often not solely due to his own skill, but because he relied heavily on his generals, advisors, and, to some extent, his father’s guidance.

Miron the First Raskvaerii-Köhnyg

Miron's status as Köhnyg of Kredashmi remains the most controversial aspect of his myth, and is hotly debated by both political and religious historians. From the outset, the Kredasene viewed his reign as illegitmate, and he ruled as an outsider within a reluctant, defeated kingdom. During his five year reign, Miron’s policies oscillated between imposing Raskvaerii control over the political and legal workings of the country, and attempting to integrate Kredashmi into the Saeric League without erasing its cultural identity.

...That the Köhnyg’s Majesty, who is justly and rightfully Governour of this Realme of Kredashmi, does hereby set forth divers and sundry articles pertaining to the scope and punishment of Treason. In seeking to repress the many errors, heresies, and other enormities and abuses of the Hubraic Age, His Majesty has incurred the malice and contempt of some wicked and evil doers who imagine, and attempt things, stirring the people to disobedience or rebellion against His Majesty, his laws, and the welfare of his subjects. It is the Köhnyg's wish that albeit the blade won him the rule of this land, justice shall keep it obedient. To the conquered, he offers dignity; to the conquerors, he demands restraint.

— From The Treason Act of Miron I

Myth

In regards to his rule, Miron does not embody the characteristics expected of a post-Conquest. The Raskvaerii, and especially his own father, expected Miron to wield brute force and impose unrelenting dominance over his people in order to maintain control. However, the nature of Miron as Kredashmi's first Raskvaerii-Köhnyg align more with the milder qualities later attributed to him as a Saint:

• Deeply Pious: Miron is remembered as a deeply devout Köhnyg. He passionately embraced the new concept

Appointing A Köhnyg by Cait Brinsmead via Bing AI

of the Holy Chorus of Saints and the theological devestation caused by the Raven's take-over of Perdition. He championed the education of his new people in these areas, seeing it as a duty to safeguarding of their Souls, but did not try to eradicate their own devotion to the Kredasene's traditional deity, Everyman.

• Patient and Merciful:The Köhnyg was often noted to possess a calm, quiet demeanor in public. Unlike his actions during the Conquest, Miron was willing to be merciful towards those whose words or actions criticised or demeaned his power without being outright treason.

• Wise Ruler: Unlike the actions of his brother, Lucyan, after his conquest of Thayaten, Miron did not seek to bring about a supression of his new country's cultural identity. Although he remained Raskvaerii at heart and did not personally worship in Everyman's Sanctums, Miron often participated at religious festival - although his Köhnagyn, Josefaena Theraes, often took centre stage at these events.

Reality

• Shy and Introverted: Miron was naturally reserved and uncomfortable in social or public settings, which often gave the impression of a reserved, quiet and disconnectd man. His brutal upbringing had left him deeply fearful of personal failure and the judgement of others. Instead of trying to project the image of a strong and charisma leader, Miron actively tried to appear contemplative, measured and empathetic.

• Indecisive and Reluctant: Miron did not want to be Köhnyg, and struggled terribly with the burden of leadership. He was vascillatating and indecisive, often hesitating and agonizing over difficult decisions and crises.

• Heavily Influenced by Others: Miron relied heavily on others to provide him with direction, which initially caused huge unrest within the fragmented remains of the Kredasene royal court when he was crowned. The Raskvaerii advisors he initially clung to were viewed by his new ministers and courtiers as ineffectual, brutal and corrupt. Later, once Miron began to rely more heavily on the advice of his wife and other Kredasene subordinates, the Raskvaerii view was that he was being manipulated by evil 'counsellors'.

• A King Struggling with His Role: While Miron was dedicated to establishing peace, justice and spiritual guidance in his kingdom, his approach to ruling was often confused and reactionary. His desire to rule with mercy and understanding, without compromising the identity of his wife's people, sometimes led Miron into confrontation with his Raskvaerii councellors, who believed him ill-equipped to handle the harsh realities of leadership in a post-conquest country.

Miron the Saint-Köhnyg

Miron died on the 12th of Eightmonth 8SGC, when his army met Gerard Dunheuvelyn's rebel forces at the Battle of Petitioner's Hill. It was a battle that would have been easily won, had the Dunheuvelyn heir not called a dragon from the sky. The beast attacked the Köhnyg with flame and claw, incapacitating him on the field, before he was finally struck down by the rebel leader. As with most soldiers slain in battle, the carnage prevented his Soul from being Reliquaried, and Miron was lost to the torments of Perdition.
The concept of the Saint-Köhnyg is the most enduring myth connected to Miron. During the Regency of Josefaena Theraes, Miron was instated as the Patron Saint of Kredashmi --- an unpopular move by the Dowager Köhnagyn, who was a devoted adherer to the principles of Everyman. Later, at the coronation of his son, it was announced that Miron was to become the Patron Saint of the Kredasene royal family, despite his son dropping his full ceremonial and Raskvaerii-family name (Faustus Jaromir Tsernavin) in favour of the regnal name Faustus III, and adopting his conquered-grandfather's surname of Rhaelen.

Myth

As a Saint, Miron is revered as a man of great courage, widsom and mercy, even in the heat of battle and confronted with a foe he could not hope to defeat. There is a disjoint between the merciful leader he is depicted as, given that he was slain in the midst of a battle to put down a rebellion:

Maytrydom of the Saint-Köhnyg by Cait Brinsmead via Bing AI

• Brave and Self-Sacrificing: The Battle of Petitioner's Hill is regarded as one of the most significant uprisings in the years following the Conquest. Miron marched into battle against Gerard Dunheuvelyn and his rebel army, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his people in order to maintain justice and peace. The decision of Dunheuvelyn to call down the unlicensed dragon from the skies, was considered an underhanded move as the Köhnyg's forces were not prepared to fight the beast.

• Merciful and Compassionate: It is widely believed that Miron remained

true to the promise he made to Josefaena Theraes during their marriage negotiations regarding the protection of dragons. Even after the beast burned the Köhnyg with its flames, Miron demonstrated immense compassion and mercy, and was heard to call out to his soldiers not to attack the beast. Similarly, in the aftermath of the battle, Miron's memory was cited by the widowed Köhnagyn in forgiving the offenses of a number of lesser rebels.

• Fearless: The legacy of his martyrdom emphasizes Miron's unwavering courage in the face of a bloody battle and overwhelming adversity. He faced the dragon without hesitation, and it is believed that his last words before death were, "Now I descend into Perdition, and I shall beg for these rebels' Souls."

Reality

• Conflicted: The man behind the myth was a skilled soldier, but not a natural military leader. It was firmly believed my Josefaena Theraes and Duke Ulrych Dunheuvelyn, that the men and women amassing on Petitioeners' Hill were not rebels, but Humble Petitoners seeking parle with their Köhnyg over fears and complaints.
  Miron's Raskvaerii-generals believed that Gerard Dunheuvelyn would likely try and use the Petition as a ploy to get the Köhnyg to approach them, unarmed, and try to kill him --- they believed the Petitioners would largely be made up of thugs and sell-swords. Miron struggled to balance the opposing sides of his counsel, and reluctantly agreed to meet to discuss the complaints with the Petitioners, with an armed force waiting in case of unrest.

• Bloodbath: Historians aren't sure what went wrong between the the Köhnyg and Petitioners, but the army was ordered to advance. Despite Miron's calls to show the crowd mercy, the Humble Petitioners were willing to defend themselves. Thr battle became a bloodbath,

• Manipulated Legacy: In the wake of her husband's death, Josefaena Theraes worked tirelessly to create the myth of Miron the Saint. She wanted Miron depicted as a figure of deep humility, wisdom, patience and empathy. Although there were no miracles attributed to him after his martyrdom, Miron was portrayed as a Soul intent on trying to mediate with the Raven for leniency.

Köhnyg Miron Tsernavin by Cait Brinsmead via Art Breeder

A Father's Son

In the wake of the Great Confiscation, Rolan championed the unification of the Saeric Lands under the banner of the newly-created Saeric League. While Lormont willingly joined, Kredashmi refused on the basis that this was nothing more than a political manouver to add more territory to Raskvaeric's already-established empire. In the wake of such 'heretical misgivings', Rolan was adament that the solution was conquest, establishing strong, loyal and responsible leadership within reluctant countries. As per the Policy of Empire, this leadership would be drawn from his two youngest sons.
While Karr Rolan II is remembered as a powerful, Saeric monarch, he was a stern and often distant father who heavily emphasised the merits of duty, discipline, and the Saints-imposed right of the emperor. He was a firm believer that children should receive a rigid, almost military-style upbringing, and often lectured his offspring on the importance of public service, and the personal sacrifice required to maintain the imperial legacy.
Rolan was deeply intolerant of any signs of weakness or irresponsibility in his children. Rolan's relationship with his sons, especially the future Karr Nikander II and Köhnyg Miron I, was devoid of emotional warmth, although he was allegedly very indulgent with his youngest son, Lucyan, and his daughters.

Karr Rolan Tsernavin by Cait Brinsmead via Art Breeder

The Karr's parenting style was often described by foreign ambassadors as cold and demanding, often boardering on cruel, with an excessive focus on stoicism, and expectation. Personal affection or emotional expression were deemed to be indications of a weak, moral character, and unseemly for a king or emperor.
Karr Rolan was particularly harsh on his middle son, Miron, who he often described as having been 'pathetically coddled' by his mother. The man was deeply committed to the idea of forcing Miron to overcome what the Karr viewed as his "senseless anxieties" and his "multitude of character flaws." He dealt harshly with the boy, subjecting him to gruelling combat drills; harrowing political scenarios; and vicious public scoldings. Minor mistakes or failings would result in the Karr inflicting punitive physical punishments on his son.

The beast's fall was nothing compared to the brutal spectacle that followed: one that was less about ending the horse’s suffering, but rather a cruel performance of expectation and power. The Karr would allow no room for mercy or indicision, forcing the knife into his son's hand. When the boy hesitated, Rolan berated him loudly and harshly, calling him weak, cowardly, and unfit to bear his ancestors' blood. Saints, the karrubin's hands shook so violently that the act took longer than it should, making it a drawn-out, agonizing affair, enraging the Karr further. Rolan, for all his lauded strength, was truly monstrous in that moment, a sight more hideous than that tear-stricken boy kneeling in so much blood.

— Ambassador Aurélien Hachette to Loïc Grandjean

The Conqueror's Bride

As the daughter of the last-Kredasene Köhnyg, Henryk Rhaelen, the Policy of Empire required Miron to marry Josefaena Theraes out of political necessity. Any heirs from this union would be of Kredasene royal blood, made loyal to the Saeric League.

Remember this, if nothing else: Josefaena Theraes a mare to be mounted, a vessel to bear heirs loyal to this, our new Saeric League. Your court will not judge you by the kindness you show to her, but by the strength you impose over her. You must rule her as you will Kredashmi: crush any defiance swiftly and savagely, and refrain from indulging her for obedience.

— Karr Rolan to Miron in his parting gift for his son: a series of letters bound in a book, entitled, Advices and Commands For A Conqueror

The Myth

The Kredasene initially viewed Josefaena Theraes as the spoils of conquest; a subjugated Köhnagyn who was forced endure a cruel, humiliating marriage with the man who had slain her father and subjugated her people. Gradually, Kredasene sentiment shifted. Rumours began to circulate that Josefaena Theraes actively interceded with her husband in moments of crises. She was believed to be a pacifying force in their marriage: a woman who could mediate the cold, cruel brutality of a conqueror-Köhnyg into something softer and more merciful. Despite the horrors they feared their Köhnagyn must endured in her marriage, many courtiers hoped that their culture, religion and identity might somehow find a way to endure under foreign rule because of her.
The Raskvaerii viewed Josefaena Theraes as a cunning seductress and manipulator whose influence was interfering, caluclated and corrupt, rather than desperate and mediating. It was believed that the Köhnagyn harnessed Miron's desires in order to sway his policies and grant undue leniency to his enemies. In their eyes, Josefaena Theraes made Miron weak, and diverted him from the Köhnyg's goal of compete domination and assimilation of Kredashmi into the Saeric League.

Köhnagyn Josefaena Theraes by Cait Brinsmead via Art Breeder

The Reality

Although Josefaena Theraes did not want to marry Miron, she entered the marriage with the unwavering conviction that the the survival of her father's country and people depended on her ability to navigate this political partnership. For his part, Miron did not consider his wife to be 'the enemy' or a 'banner of conquest', and he deeply regreted the part he had played in the deaths of her family and the subjugation of her homeland.
From the outset, Josefaena Theraes was committed to playing the part of the obedient, meek and humble wife of the Raskvaerii-Köhnyg. While she initially saw her husband's indecision and guilt as qualities to exploit with calculated affection, she quickly came to realise that Miron was a genuinely kind, if deeply insecure, man who was ill-suited to rule. As Miron became increasinly disillusioned with his role as Köhnyg, he became more dependent on his wife's political acumen. Josefaena Theraes was, in his eyes, the true strength and wisdom behind his Crown.
Despite this, Josefaena Theraes’s feelings towards her husband remained deeply conflicted. Even unto death, she remained convinced that love --- at least on her part --- was not a feature of their alliance. While she did enjoy her husband's attentiveness during their intimacy, Josefaena Theraes never lost sight of the fact that Miron's desire afforded her great influence and power. Their partnership was, first and foremost, a means to safeguarding her people's culture and sovereignty. It was not love. Never love.