Prince Zaloren

Prince Zaloren Kareon

This empire has a long and proud history in Abravost, and it faces a difficult fight for its existence. In my mind, it must evolve to survive. Throwing it all away just to maintain a grip on absolute power is disgraceful.

— Zaloren, to his confidant Lialyeng

Zaloren is the eldest child of Emperor Brimeon IV, and formerly held the distinction of being his heir to the throne of The Vosti Empire. Though he has now been displaced by the adoption of Grelan Tellis, he remains an important figure in the Empire, and he is far more well liked than his "usurper".

History

Zaloren was the first child born to Brimeon and his wife, Duchess Riala. As the heir to the then-heir, his birth was greatly celebrated, and many nobles made the trip to the capital city of Shonyul to pay their respects. To mark the occasion even further, then-Emperor Treveon II granted Zaloren the title of Duke of Ferdin.
As an imperial heir, he was given access to a stellar education by the standards of the Empire, being well schooled in strategy, history, and diplomacy. From a young age he showed an aptitude for planning, and it was decided he would be enrolled in a military academy as soon as was feasible so that he could begin an illustrious military career. It is rumoured he was reluctant to attend the academy, allegedly because he would lose contact with many of his friends who had no interest in military service, but dutifully went regardless. As expected, he performed well, and upon graduation was enlisted into the Imperial Army.
Entering his 20s, any conversations shifted from him to his father's gradually worsening health, and whether he would make a good Emperor. Zaloren avoided becoming involved in any such discussions, focusing on progressing through the ranks of the military and his service. Despite his prior apprehension, he stayed in the military far longer than most expected him to, beginning his 7th year in 425 AC.
However, that was also the year that Brimeon IV announced he would be adopting Lord Grelan Tellis to serve as his successor to the throne, displacing Zaloren. While this was highly precedented decision, Grelan's comparatively poor military record and lack of name recognition confused many. Not only that, but it enraged those who supported Duchess Larion of Ishir's somewhat tenuous claim to the throne, and this disagreement sooned turned into a civil war.
Despite Zaloren's rank in the military and apparent eagerness to participate, Brimeon made him return to Shonyul on mandatory leave, replacing him with his adopted brother. Zaloren has made very few public appearances since his return to the city, ostensibly due to safety concerns, though many speculate something more complicated has occurred in the palace.

Social Ties

Zaloren is Brimeon's first child, but he is not the only one having a younger sibling named Treveon who was born in 406 AC. Through his father's bloodline, he has one cousin in Baroness Yumi Guarasi, and through his mother's line he has another in Lady Stelia Flinarzon.
While through adoption his father is of imperial blood, his 'actual' family has stranger origins. His grandmother's line is ordinary, but his grandfather's traces back to Kareon Powedan, most well known for resorting to necromancy to defend Shalse Koshol from the Telziado rebels during the Vosti Civil War. His mother's line traces directly to Emperor Treveon II, who is by adoption his grandfather and by blood his great-grandfather.
Zaloren is known to have a varied social circle, most of whom he met during his time in the Imperial Army. One of the most ""notorious" of these individuals is Corporal Lialyeng Nuulkei Nimipalje, though not for any act he has committed. Instead, Lialyeng is well known for being one of Zaloren's closest confidants, scheduling leave at the same time to accompany the prince around the empire. Many rumour that their relationship is closer than mere confidants, but that Lialyeng being both an elf and a commoner would make any public acknowledge of that fact untenable.

Mental characteristics

Gender Identity

Male

Species

Human

Ethnicity

Vosti

Honorary & Occupational Titles

Prince of Sadeli (formerly), Sergeant in the Vosti Imperial Army, Duke of Ferdin

Year of Birth

400 AC 25 Years old

Birthplace

Shonyul

Aligned Organization

The Vosti Empire

Known Languages

Vostan (native), Zangsayoi Elven (basic)

Fallout

Zaloren's lack of involvement in the brewing civil war is confusing for many reasons, not least of which that, as the Emperor's son, he should be invested in the outcome. As such, many who have noticed his absence have taken to speculation.
Some of the suggestions include jealousy - Zaloren is jealous of Grelan's "usurpation" of the throne, and refusing to participate. Others have him being sidelined due to his growing relationship with Lialyeng and the potential for nobles deserting the Emperor if it was revealed or acknowledged.
The most controversial of rumours state that he has been kept out of sight by the Emperor to prevent him taking part in any kind of peace negotiations, with the reason being that Zaloren might favour the introduction of a constitution and some form of elected government that can curtail the Emperor's power.
Whatever the reason for his absence, people are noticing, and whenever Zaloren does appear in public it will be a matter of intense interest.

Old Open Book by congerdesign