Nathaniel Luther Whytelaw

Grand Imperator Nathaniel Luther Whytelaw (a.k.a. Duskblade)

And there he was, entering the room with his entourage. The hidden figure behind Kings and Queens, the man who was behind every major decision of almost every kingdom in Aell, Imperator Nathaniel Whytelaw, Nathan to his friends, few as they may be. From this close he didn't look like much, at least nothing like the legends, but I suppose he was only human after all. To be honest, I kinda expected him to come bursting in with a giant sword made from fire and blood, wearing a magnificently rugged armor with an entourage of hardened warriors. Nothing like that though. He came in wearing a simple outfit, colored dark green with purple tones, wielding a simple wooden staff which apparently helped him stand and walk. Time does pass for us all, even the Grand Imperator himself, it seems.

— Victoria Vayle, Most Notable Figures & Figurines

Prologue

Never, in the history of Aell, has lived another person which is both a prominent hero, protagonist in endless stories as well as one of the most despised figures across Aell. Depending who you ask, his title can differ, from Nathan the Savior to Nathan the Tyrant. Numerous statues have been erected in his honor only to be later defamed or destroyed. Uttering his name in vain is considered a sacrilege in some kingdoms while others have banned mention of his person at all circumstances. Given that his life was very influential and complicated, it might be better to take a look into it, to gain a better understanding.

A Troubled Youth

Born in the kingdom of Aurelia, thousands of years ago, Nathan was thrown into wealth and luxury. His mother was Elayne, sister to Michael Whytelaw, king of Aurelia at the time. His father was the Grand Commander of the Aurelian Army, Brunor Whytelaw. At the time, Aurelia was at war with the Empire of Elion, a series of battles known as the War of Bupt, Brunor perished when Nathan was just a child. His mother soon remarried Stephen Knoxmouth. Knoxmouth was a rising officer in the Aurelian Army and took over its command from Brunor Whytelaw at this hour of need. In a series of battles he managed to turn the tide in Aurelia's favor, pushing back Elion and reclaiming the lost lands. Nathan grew up during the War of Bupt and historians theorize that the loss of his father, combined with the absence of his adoptive one are the driving reasons behind his acting out. He attended the illustrious Aurelian School of Excellency, as it was customary for members of the Royal Family, and graduated with honors, first of his class. However young Nathan, allegedly, was showing difficulty in managing his anger having instigated several incidents with other students or members of the faculty. His mother had to intervene multiple times and he was send to the Aurelian Combat Lyceum, following an incident where he injured two students and a teacher during his own graduation ceremony. Despite initial reservations as he was the youngest attendant in the Lyceum's history, at just over fourteen years old, his tutors recognized his prowess and abilities. Reportedly Nathan took to the combat and tactics lessons like a fish takes to water. He excelled in all forms of combat, and proved to be a brilliant strategist. Graduating once again with the highest honors, at just seventeen years old, he became the youngest Guard and was stationed in the harbor city of Castanea, located in the nothern borders of Aurelia.

An Honorable Career

Castanea at the time was full of crime, explained by its proximity to known pirate havens and its distance from the capital. Nathan was viewed as the spoiled kid that was given the position instead of earning it. However he quickly rose to fame as one of the most capable and honorable Guards in Castanea, respected by all. While trying to find and eliminate the root of crime in Castanea, Nathan discovered that the Captain of the Guard was accepting bribes from pirates and other criminals, Nathan covertly led a group tasked with apprehending the captain. When confronted about his crimes, the Captain refused to surrender. At this point, the reports differ. Some say that Nathan offered him a duel. Others swear that Nathan attacked the Captain without being provoked. What everyone agrees on is that Nathan, quite easily, fought, won and publicly executed the Captain in a quick series of events. Deemed a hero, Nathan took upon himself the task to clear the city from the rest of the criminal scum that were infesting it. With their support from the Captain now gone, the battle didn't last very long and the city once more became free of crime. Despite him considered very young, Nathan was assigned as the new Captain of the Guard by the King. He commanded the Guard with a strict approach to crime that some saw as harsh and inhuman, however the city soon returned to glory, shining once more as a beacon of Order and Prosperity. With the city fully under control and safe, Nathan turned his attention upon the pirates encroaching the ships and trade routes of Aurelia. Seeing that he was not able to fight from the land, Nathan left the Guard and embarked on a ship, with the blessings of the King.

A Pirate's Life

As Captain of the Black Rose, the name of his ship, Nathan's fame rose even more. His flag was causing terror to all pirates but despite his strict and harsh reputation he gave a chance to the defeated pirates to join him instead of being jailed or killed. Thus he managed to quickly create his own personal fleet, one that didn't exactly follow the laws of Aurelia. It took him years, seven to be exact, but Nathan managed to clear the Aurelian seas from pirates, completely. <><> After of seven years, Nathan returned to land, married a young girl he rescued from slavers and settled in the capital as a member of the King's personal guard. During his time there Nathan managed to foil several attempts on the King's life, initiated by disgruntled royalists who were seeing their fortunes and wealth being distributed to the common people. Following their failure to assassinate the King, the royalists mounted an insurgence. Nathan acting on information he had managed to act ahead of them, stopping their rebellion, name the Rebellion of the Rose, before it even started. With many members of the army and the royal court, jailed or dead, King Lonardo gave Nathan the assignment to restructure the Royal Army. Nathan restructured the army and created the Black Roses, a force tasked with keeping the means and monitoring enemies of the state, whether they were positioned outside or inside of Aurelia. He also created the White Roses, an elite group of guards, tasked solely with the protection of the Royal Family, under the command of his friend Alexander Backstrom.

The Irruption Wars

Nathan was Commander of the Black Roses when the invasion begun. In the first days of battle, Aurelia, taken by surprise, lost almost half of their territories to the enemy. Mounting a counter attack, Nathan managed to hold them back from taking the rest of the kingdom. During the catalytical Battle of Thorns, which took place a few hundred steps from the capital, King Lonardo and almost all the entirety of the Royal Family perished. Despite that, Nathan's forces with the help of Alexander managed to stand their ground. They even gave chase to the enemy, retaking big parts of Aurelia. But when his focus turned back to internal matters, Nathan found himself betrayed. Charles Galefire married the surviving member of the Royal Family, Princess Alyssane, and laid a claim to the throne. Nathan rebuked the decision, instigating a civil war. Under the ruse of wishing to discuss a cease of fire, Nathan was captured and was condemned to be executed as a traitor.
With the enemies at their gates though, once more, public outcry forced King Charles to release Nathan and give him temporary command of the armies, alongside Alexander Backstrom. They managed to deter any further loses of territory from the enemy effectively halting their advances. Goddess Ashion, Creator of Aell, bestowed upon Nathan her blessings and armed him with Hope and Faith, a pair of magical swords. He was then placed in charge of the entire remaining Aell armies. Turning his attention to driving back the enemies and closing the portals behind them, Nathan found himself successful. Fueled by his victories, Nathan challenged Askeris, the Goddess of War to a duel, seeking to demoralize the enemy troops. He won the duel killing Askeris in the process. With Askeris dead, the enemy forces scattered while the Aellirian army hunted them down. Nathan then went on to challenge Sue'Anar. He was victorious in this duel as well, which resulted in Sue'Anar's death. Laethe, scared withdrew her forces closing all the portals to Aell behind them, trapping the reinforcements from other worlds in Aell. Turning back to witness the depth of destruction, Nathan, now a hero and backed by everyone forced King Charles to give up his crown and claim to the throne. Nathan was crowned as King but shortly thereafter he vanished, leaving Aurelia and Aell. During his absence, devastated by their losses and unable to react, Aurelia collapsed and was annexed by the Empire of Illion.

The return of the Prodigal Son

In his absence the world strove to recuperate and recreate what was lost. Eight years after his departure, Nathan returned. Ashion offered to give him powers equal of a God and have him at her side, to repair Aell. Surprising mortals and immortals alike, Nathan struck her down and promised the same fate to all the Immortals that wouldn't leave Aell. Most Immortals fled but those that remained were hunted down and killed. The Order of the Deceived was created and Nathan assumed the role of Grand Imperator. The Holy Church of Unity was abolished, its followers scattering in the wind. Judiciary, legislative and executive powers were taken by the Order on behalf of all kingdoms, either by force or by having them sign what is now known as The Bloody Mandate.
For years the power of the Order grew to unfathomable heights. However despite the seemingly oppressive regime, Aell begun to thrive once more. Without internal and external strife, people were allowed to return to their normal lives. Schools were opened again, kingdoms reestablished. Despite that, Nathan was still seen as an oppressor and tyrant. His death, from natural causes, was celebrated across some kingdoms despite the Order's ruling that it would be a day of mourning.
Up to and following his death, the majority of the population of Aell viewed him more as a villain than a hero. Scholars have fought over both arguments, whether he was a hero or villain. Countless books, stories and poems have been written, either in his honor or against it. Archivists and historians are baffled as to his categorization in the grand scheme of lore. Whatever anyone thinks of Nathan, one thing is certain. Aell owes him a debt of gratitude.

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

Peak Human Physical Condition

Body Features

Fair Skin Tone

Identifying Characteristics

Nathan was recognized by his icy white eyes and the scar that adorned the left side of his face during the latter part of his life.

Physical quirks

Nathan was ambidextrous.

Special abilities

Nathan was not known to possess or wield any magical abilities at the time of his birth. Rumors say that he came to acquire certain, seemingly supernatural abilities later in his life. If they were acquired naturally or through magic it is unknown. These abilities include: Lightning Reflexes, Telepathy and others. However, given the fact that he lived thousands of years ago and his name has become a legend it can't be certain that the stories are not heavily exaggerated.

Apparel & Accessories

It has been claimed that Nathan was never seen without armor, over or under his clothes. Besides that he was dressing conservatively with dark colors.

Specialized Equipment

Extremely skilled in all manners of combat with weapons or otherwise, Able to equip all kinds of armor, Being known to prefer dual swords for combat.

Mental characteristics

Sexuality

Seeing as he was married for a part of his life to a woman and had two children, it can be safely assumed that he was a heterosexual.

Education

Aurelian School Of Excellency, Combat Training within the following orders/schools: Aurelian Army, Black & White Roses, Order of the Deceived.

Employment

Aurelian Army Recruit, Aurelian City Guard, Aurelian Guard Captain, Aurelian Corsair, Aurelian Black Roses Commander, Aurelian Grand Commander, Last King of Aurelia, Grand Imperator Of The Order Of The Deceived.

Accomplishments & Achievements

Graduated top of his class from the Aurelian School of Excellency, Graduated top of his class from Army Combat Training, Youngest Guard Captain in Aurelia, Created the Corsairs, Created the White & Black Roses, Youngest Grand Commander in Aurelia, Was the Last King before Aurelia's Demise, Fought and Led in the Irruption Wars, Slayer of Gods, Founded the Order Of The Deceived, Abolished The Holy Church Of Unity.

Failures & Embarrassments

Responsible for the Departure of the Gods from Etaen, Slayer of Gods, Proclaimed as Oppressor.

Mental Trauma

Several scholars claim that fighting since a young child caused him severe mental issues which might be the originating source of his tyrannical tendencies during the last part of his life.

Intellectual Characteristics

Extremely Intelligent, Calculating, Combat and Tactical Genius, Analytical Skills, Seemingly Lacking Empathy.

Morality & Philosophy

Nathan was always keen to keeping order and imposing justice by any means necessary. This meant that he was constantly clashing with those he called "lackweighs", people he thought lacked the ability to weigh the cost of important decisions. He was extremely fond of Aurelia and did everything in his power to protect his kingdom from intruders.

Personality Characteristics

Motivation

• Keen sense of Justice and a motivation to protect others
• Following the Irruption Wars he continuously strove to safeguard all of Etaen from future conflicts

Virtues & Personality perks

• Patient
• Confident
• Loyal
• Perseverance
• Assertive
• Honorable
• Diligent

Vices & Personality flaws

• Arrogant
• Stubborn
• Despotic

Social

Contacts & Relations

• Alexander Backstrom, Friend
• Jokaster Enver Ermenred, Friend

Family Ties

• Phillipe Knoxmouth, Father
• Elayne Amber Whytelaw, Mother
• Nolan Desmond Whytelaw, Brother
• Kayleigh Dell, Wife
• Norania Katherine Whytelaw, Daughter
• Amanda Lilly Whytelaw, Daughter

Religious Views

Nathan was always distrustful of the Gods and their interference in mortal affairs. He accepted that it was part of life and respected to a degree, the right for everyone to worship whoever God they wished. Following the Irruption Wars though, Nathan personally hunted down and killed most of the Gods. Their followers were offered the choice to either stop worshiping or be exiled from Etaen.
His stance since then changed to that of someone who abolished all religions and punished those that disrespected his ruling.

Social Aptitude

To those that didn't know him, Nathan came off as rude, cocky and stubborn. While this might be the case in most scenarios, he simply preferred to act than sit around and talk about his feelings, as he called it.
He kept conversations to a minimum but could be very charismatic and flirtatious when needed.
He was extremely confident in his abilities and always delivered on his promises.
He would lie if he thought that it suited his purpose or if he believed it was of benefit to the other parties involved.

Wealth & Financial state

Nathan was born into wealth but never acquired a taste for it himself. He chose to live reasonably well, perhaps above the medium at times, but not extravagantly. He often chose to distribute his wage and earnings among his companions.

Species

Theban

Ethnicity

Aurelians

Honorary & Occupational Titles

Captain Of The Guard (Castanea), Captain Of The Black Rose, Commander Of The Black Roses, Grand Commander Of The Armies Of Aurelia, Last King Of Aurelia, Grand Imperator Of The Order Of The Deceived, Blood Corsair, Duskblade, Hunter Of The Gods , Bane Of Freedom, Rainsinner, Savior of Aell

Life

713 AtC 808 AtC 95 years old

Circumstances of Birth

Natural Birth

Circumstances of Death

Natural Causes

Birthplace

Snowdrop

Gender

Male

Eyes

Colored Like Glazing Ice, Deep, Hooded

Hair

Long sleek hair colored raven black

Height

2 steps

Weight

97 stones

Quotes & Catchphrases

• When you have power, it becomes a responsibility to help others. I do not intend to run from mine.
• If you are not willing to die with them, how can you hope to gain their respect?
• Remorse is useless. I do not possess the ability to change my actions and even if I did I would rather look forward.
• They have called me many things, Princess. Stupid is not one of them and I don't intend to let it be.
• You? You are what pushes me forward, love. I would never be able to muster the willpower necessary to keep fighting. For you I would fight against the whole world and watch it burn if that meant keeping you alive. Even if you hated me afterwards.
• A ship is safe in the harbor, yes. But ships are not made to be kept safe.
• To rule must be a contract to do good by the people even if they don't like you for it. It is not something that should be viewed as someone's right but rather as his duty.
• I am good at what I do not because I like doing it. I am good because I don't have any problem doing it.
• I have earned the right to be feared. I no longer need to be loved.
• There comes a time when a man needs to ask himself. Do I want a life or happiness? Or one of meaning?
• It would take many lifetimes to atone for my sins. So why bother?
• Sometimes the only way to save humanity, is to abandon your own.
• Soldiers! Listen to me. You know why we are here. You know that we are the ones keeping the world together. I call upon you for a last time. This is the fight that matters. Win today and you will be named heroes. Lose and none of this will matter.

Related Myths

• Sir Urgay

Known Languages

Known to be fluent in the Old Tongue and the Prevalent Tongue. Rumors are that he could understand many more languages but chose to not let it show.

Nathan Whytelaw drinks ale and breathes fire.
Nathan Whytelaw can kill 10 men with one swing of his hand.
Nathan Whytelaw can beat a stone in a staring contest.
Nathan Whytelaw has swam in Macaria.
The pen is mighter than the sword, but only if the pen is held by Nathan Whytelaw.