Rousseau

The second dynasty of Rivell, the Rousseau family is said to have bought the kingdom from the Floran's before being destroyed from within. Members were characterized by their red hair, though early members were believed to have red skin rather than red hair. The family is associated with political intrigue, infighting, and wealth.

History

Teaxerr

The Rousseau's were one of the families to establish Teaxerr in the aftermath of the fall of the Phervian, this being the first record of the name. They quickly set up an industrial empire, with metalwork goods flowing quickly from their warehouses. This led to them gaining control of Rivell, some say they bought it, while others say it was through clever marriage and intrigue, and others still say they flat-out conquered it. What is known is the first Rousseau took the crown in 283 Rebel.

Kings and Queen of intrigue

Through the first years of their reign, Rivell prospered, though political rivals did start disappearing. This would come to a head during the first succession when all those with a claim were found dead within a year of King Oliverus' coronation. This theme continued till Queen Alina Jacquet in 749 Rebel, this led to the dynasty temporarily losing the crown.

Shadow kings and self sabotage

Jacquet married her daughter to a minor noble who would owe her 'true' family everything. This led to a string of Queens of various dynasties, advised by Rousseau, and married to weak nobles till Margeria Chappelle married Raoulet Rousseau in 76 Divine. Throughout this period the Rousseaus held continuous power as several members of the Queen's council, though the intrigue between the various branches for power led to the family numbering in single digits when Raoulet married Margeria, this led to more issues when their son Gervasius took the throne and reintroduced the practice of assassinating all pretenders.

Conciquensies

The issue with the problem of the family intrigue is only Gervasius' descendants existed and his first child was his daughter Lazuria. This spelled doom for the family so when he had a son he went against Rivell tradition and named Damien his heir in 120 Divine, a decision that, unknowingly, doomed not only the family but Rivell itself. By 151 Divine, due to Lazuria's intrigue, all the family was dead, ending the dynasty that had guided Rivell both as monarch and from the shadows for over eight hundred years.

A well-placed coin is more powerful than any speech.

Type

Family