Elren Varyon III
Prince Elren Varyon, III (a.k.a. "The Caged Prince" , "The Last Sunbeam" , "The Last Heir in Waiting")
Brief Overview
Elren Varyon is the youngest sibling of Princess Elyssara Varyon, the ruling monarch of the Principality of Varyon. At 13 years old, he remains the last direct male heir of the Varyon bloodline, though his future is all but decided for him. Given his sister’s history of forcibly removing potential claimants to the throne, it is widely believed that Elren will, upon coming of age, be forced into military service, much like his older sister, Emarosa Varyon.
Despite the shadow cast over his future, Elren is an intelligent and observant boy, keenly aware of the political machinations surrounding him. Sheltered yet perceptive, he is torn between his natural curiosity and the grim understanding that his life is not truly his own.
Elren Varyon is a prince without a future—at least, not one of his own choosing. Trapped between duty and desire, he seeks a path that does not lead to the same fate as his sister. Whether he submits, resists, or finds another way out remains to be seen.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Born in 461 AEL, Elren has known nothing but the rule of his eldest sister, Elyssara Varyon, who assumed the throne when he was only four years old. His memories of their father, Prince Alivan II, are faint, and he only knows their mother, Princess Emelia Varyon, through the stories of others.
For most of his life, Elren has been a prized yet controlled figure within the royal household. While never mistreated outright, he has been carefully managed, never allowed to develop personal ambitions or desires that might pose a threat to Elyssara’s rule. The boy has been kept under strict observation, ensuring that his influence remains minimal.
At a young age, he was privately educated in statecraft, warfare, and history, though he lacked the freedoms his peers might enjoy. His childhood has been a series of formal lessons, training drills, and etiquette sessions, all preparing him for a life he does not get to shape for himself.
The only true familial connection he maintains is with Emarosa Varyon, his older sister. Despite her own forced military service, she has taken a protective stance over Elren, subtly trying to shield him from the worst of Elyssara’s control.
Education
Tutored by court scholars in history, philosophy, and diplomacy.
Given rigorous training in swordsmanship and strategy from an early age.
Taught multiple languages, including High Nidiran, Rahki dialects, and the mercantile tongues of the Contingent.
Privately trained in the political maneuvering of the court, though he dislikes such lessons.
Accomplishments & Achievements
At only 13, he has already displayed a natural talent for tactics and diplomacy, often surprising his tutors with his ability to read people and situations.
Despite his disinterest in combat, he has demonstrated remarkable precision in swordplay, though he rarely takes pride in it.
Has managed to subtly avoid direct political entanglements despite being in the line of succession, a testament to his intelligence and restraint.
Mental Trauma
Elren struggles with a profound sense of helplessness and impending doom. While he has never known the hardship of war or the brutality of military life firsthand, he is fully aware of his fate.
Fear of losing his agency – He has seen what became of Emarosa and knows that he will likely share the same fate, being pushed into a role he does not want.
Lack of a childhood – He has been raised as a symbol, not a child, and the emotional toll of such an existence weighs heavily on him.
Isolation – Other than Emarosa, he has very few people he can truly trust. His social interactions are always filtered through the lens of political maneuvering.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
Though still a child, Elren is already grappling with the desire to carve out his own fate. He does not yet know what path he wishes to take, but he knows that he does not want to be another pawn in his sister’s grand designs.
As of now, his primary motivation is self-preservation. He does what is expected of him while secretly looking for any potential escape from his inevitable future.
Social
Contacts & Relations
Elyssara Varyon (Sister, Ruling Princess) – His older sister and de facto guardian. Though she has never harmed him, he knows she sees him as an obstacle to be removed in time.
Emarosa Varyon (Sister, Knight Commander-in-Training) – His only real protector and closest confidant. She has already warned him of what is to come, though she is powerless to stop it.
Nathaniel Varyon (Uncle, Political Opportunist) – His uncle, who sees Elren as a potential tool to be used in his own bid for power.
Family Ties
Father: Prince Alivan Varyon II (Deceased)
Mother: Princess Emelia Varyon (Deceased)
Elder Sister: Princess Elyssara Varyon (Ruling Monarch)
Middle Sister: Emarosa Varyon (Military Officer, Future Knight Commander)
Uncle: Lord Nathaniel Varyon (Potential Rival to the Throne)
Cousin: Rizen Varyon (Possible Contender for Power)
Social Aptitude
Highly intelligent but quiet, preferring to observe rather than speak.
Extremely perceptive, often noticing tensions and lies before others.
Respected by tutors and soldiers for his quick learning, though he lacks confidence in his own abilities.
Deeply distrustful of most nobles, recognizing their ulterior motives.
Emotionally withdrawn, struggling to form genuine friendships due to his position.
Mannerisms
Soft-spoken but observant, with a quiet intensity beneath his youthful features.
Relationships
Current Location
Species
Honorary & Occupational Titles
"Prince Elren Varyon" – His official title, though rarely spoken in political circles, as his importance is deliberately diminished.
"The Last Sunbeam" – Used by those who sympathize with him.
Age
13
Date of Birth
29th of Kellen, 461 AEL
Birthplace
The Sunken Keep
Family
Spouses
Siblings
Emarosa Varyon
(Older Sister)
Elyssara Varyon
(Oldest Sister)
Children
Pronouns
He/Him
Sex
Male
Presentation
Masculine
Eyes
Brilliant orange, like molten embers.
Hair
Golden blond, much like his sisters.
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Fair-skinned, the signature complexion of the Varyon lineage.
Height
5' 2"
Quotes & Catchphrases
"Is my life my own? Or has it already been decided for me?" – Spoken to Emarosa after she warned him of what was coming.
"The sun is bright, but it does not choose where it rises." – Said to his tutor when discussing the burden of legacy.
"My sister would have me be a sword, but even a sword may choose not to strike." – A whispered thought, never spoken aloud.
Belief/Deity
The Divine Accord
Aligned Organization
