Erwin Freightway
Petrea's Second Son
Erwin was born in 1457, to Elgin Freightway and his second wife, Giavanna Freightway. He was the third child born to his father, as he had an older brother named Thorin and an older sister named Aema. Growing up, he and his siblings had a strained relationship, as his brother looked down on him, and his sister didn't bother with him. He was a clever boy though, and he excelled at his studies. His best friend from a young age was a boy named Henrick Osborne, the son of his father's military commander. He was very close with Henrick, and they were always causing trouble around his father's keep. When he was 12 years old, he went on a hunting trip with his family, and he walked off alone with his brother. Erwin came across an owlbear, and the beast attacked him. Instead of running away, his brother unsheathed his sword and defended him. Thorin was slashed across the shoulder, then his father's men arrived and killed the beast. He asked his brother why he threw his life away to defend him, and his brother replied that it was duty, not love. He said that to defend his family and people is the duty of every man.An Unexpected War
Petrea had a strained relationship with Hemlock for years, but it took even Erwin by surprise when the revolution began in 1474, as his parents and siblings did not tell him of their plans until the The Black Festival. He was horrified of his brothers actions, but he assisted throughout the war in any way he could. He was only 17 when the war started. When his father was killed by Arthur Gideon in 1474, he was distraught, but unlike the rest of his siblings, he never hated Arthur Gideon for it. He took charge of much of the war effort when his father died, and despite his age he proved to be rather effective on the battlefield. In 1475, his older brother was killed in combat with Arthur Gideon, though Gideon died as well. After that, it was up to Erwin to win the war. With the help of his advisors, he successfully pushed back Hemlock, and won Petrea's independence. During the war, his friend Henrick was one of his advisors, and Henrick personally thwarted an attempted assassination by cutting the assassin down with his sword. Upon becoming King, the first thing Erwin did was make Henrick Hand of the King.First King of Petrea
Erwin's rule was mostly marked by important social reforms, and all of the Hemlockean rules regarding race were done away with. Erwin married soon after becoming King, to a young noble woman named Eleyna Fontayne. Eleyna was strong willed and helped her Husband with many decisions, and he respected her input. They had a child together, a boy named Andrin Freightway, when Erwin was 22. As Erwin continued to rule, he made bigger and bigger changes, which were all encouraged by his wife. This angered many nobles, who thought much of the change was unwelcome. in 1480, Eleyna suddenly became horribly sick, and she died within two days of falling ill. There were rumors that she had been poisoned, but no evidence was found.Later Life
King Erwin didn't remarry until he was 36, to a woman named Berda Sideris. Their marriage was a loveless one done for political reasons, and they only had one child, which was stillborn. During his years as a bachelor, Erwin did father two bastard children with a young Wood Elf he met while he was hunting. He wanted to marry her, but he did not, as he thought she may too get assassinated at court. The bastard children were twins, a boy and a girl, and the royal family soon cut off all contact with them so as to protect them. Their current location is unknown, and their identities have been stricken from all records.Death
In the year 1499, Erwin had plans for a large event to celebrate the changing of the century. He wanted to throw a large party in Freightway and give out free food and drink to the commoners in celebration, an idea that many nobles hated. Unfortunately, Erwin would never get to see this event transpire, as he showed the same symptoms as his first wife in the days leading up to the event, and he died the final night of the 1400's. His only recognized son became King, and he was mourned by the masses.Legacy
Erwin is remembered fondly by most commoners as a just and fair King, who improved the lives of those below him. The Nobility tends to see him as a kindhearted but foolish man, who's ambition and charity almost led to chaos. Regardless, his legacy lives on in many of the laws of the land, and his example shaped his next son's rule tremendously.Relationships
Additional Information
Species
Ethnicity
Life
1457 AoL
1499 AoL
Birthplace
Freightway
Place of Death
Freightway
Family
Spouses
Eleyna Freightway
(spouse)
Siblings
Aema Freightway
(Sister)
Children
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