Nathaniel Varyon
Lord Nathaniel Varyon (a.k.a. "The Silver Hawk" , "The Patient Pretender" , "The Shadowed Pretender")
Brief Overview
Lord Nathaniel Varyon is the uncle of Princess Elyssara Varyon and a formidable political figure within the Principality of Varyon. At 54 years old, he is a seasoned statesman, military veteran, and one of the most influential nobles within the Al-Muru Daxin Contingent. Though he outwardly expresses loyalty to Elyssara’s rule, it is no secret that he harbors ambitions of his own, carefully maneuvering the political landscape in anticipation of an opportunity to claim the throne for himself or his son, Rizen Varyon.
Nathaniel represents a different kind of power than Elyssara—where she rules through military strength and ruthless tactics, he wields influence, diplomacy, and wealth. His network of noble allies, merchant backers, and foreign contacts makes him a dangerous figure, even if he does not yet have the means to openly challenge his niece.
Despite his ambitions, Nathaniel is not a mere usurper—he genuinely believes that Elyssara’s rule is harmful to the long-term future of the Principality. He sees her militaristic approach as a short-sighted strategy that will ultimately lead to internal collapse or war with the Sultanate once again. His ultimate goal is to remove her and establish a more diplomatically stable rule, whether through his own claim or through his charismatic son, Rizen Varyon.
Nathaniel plays the long game, watching and waiting. The question remains—will he succeed in reshaping the Principality, or will Elyssara strike first?
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Born in 420 AEL, Nathaniel Varyon was the second son of Prince Deacon Varyon, destined never to rule. Instead, he was trained to be a loyal advisor, military leader, and political strategist for his older brother, Prince Alivan Varyon II. Though he was a dutiful younger brother, it quickly became apparent that Nathaniel was far more cunning, adaptable, and pragmatic than Alivan.
During his early years, Nathaniel served in the Principality’s military, rising to prominence during border conflicts with the Sultanate. While he was never part of the initial rebellion against the Sultanate—having been born well after the Contingent’s formation—he led forces during the intermittent skirmishes that defined relations between the Sultanate and the Contingent for decades. His brilliant strategies earned him the moniker "The Silver Hawk," as he rarely lost a battle.
After years of military service, Nathaniel transitioned into political life, quickly becoming one of the most powerful noble lords in the Principality. He was deeply involved in trade agreements, diplomatic negotiations, and economic reforms, ensuring that he amassed substantial influence beyond the battlefield.
However, despite his brilliance, Nathaniel was never able to challenge Alivan's authority. When Alivan died in 465 AEL, Nathaniel saw an opportunity to take power—but his niece, Elyssara, moved faster. Before he could rally noble support, she secured the throne, solidified control of the military, and ensured that no one—especially not Nathaniel—could challenge her.
Since then, Nathaniel has remained a quiet but ever-present force in the Principality. He bides his time, gathers allies, and waits for Elyssara’s rule to falter. While he outwardly supports her reign, he knows that power is fleeting—and that when the moment comes, he must be ready.
Education
Trained from childhood in statecraft, military tactics, and governance.
Studied under the greatest scholars, diplomats, and strategists of the Principality.
Fluent in multiple languages.
Well-versed in economic policies, making him a master of wealth management and trade negotiations.
Accomplishments & Achievements
Renowned for his battlefield strategies, having led multiple successful military campaigns.
Orchestrated key trade agreements that increased the Principality’s economic power.
Built a vast network of noble allies, merchants, and foreign diplomats.
Ensured his family's continued influence despite Elyssara's rule.
Positioned his son, Rizen Varyon, as a viable future ruler.
Mental Trauma
Nathaniel’s primary psychological burden is his lifelong resentment of being in the shadow of others. Though he has played the role of the loyal noble, he has always felt that he was more suited to rule than his brother—or his niece.
Deep-seated frustration at never having had the chance to take the throne himself.
A constant internal war between patience and ambition, knowing that if he moves too soon, he will fail, but if he waits too long, he may never have the opportunity.
Paranoia—though outwardly composed, he knows that Elyssara is aware of his ambitions, and he must always be cautious in his dealings.
Morality & Philosophy
"A ruler must think beyond the battlefield—power is not only won with the sword, but with the mind and the purse."
"War is an inefficient tool for governance. True power lies in control of wealth, influence, and knowledge."
"Patience is a virtue, but only if it is eventually rewarded."
Nathaniel believes in stability over aggression and is a master of playing the long game. He does not rush into reckless actions but instead carefully moves his pieces over time, ensuring that when he does act, it is at the perfect moment.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
Nathaniel’s true motivation is securing what he believes is the rightful path for the Principality. He sees Elyssara’s militaristic rule as dangerous, believing that if left unchecked, she will lead the Principality into another war with the Sultanate—one that they might not survive.
His ultimate goal is to either take the throne himself or ensure that his son, Rizen, becomes the next ruler.
Social
Contacts & Relations
Rizen Varyon (Son & Heir) – The centerpiece of his ambitions. He is grooming Rizen to be the alternative to Elyssara’s rule.
Elyssara Varyon (Niece, Ruling Princess) – His greatest political rival, though they maintain the facade of civility.
Emarosa Varyon (Niece, Military Officer) – Sees her as wasted potential, as she could have been a political asset had Elyssara not removed her from the court.
Foreign Trade Lords & Diplomats – Maintains close ties with merchants from Tzarog and the Sultanate, strengthening his economic influence.
Family Ties
Brother: Prince Alivan Varyon II (Deceased, Former Ruler)
Niece: Princess Elyssara Varyon (Current Ruler)
Nephew: Prince Elren Varyon (Potential Future Threat or Political Tool)
Son: Rizen Varyon (Groomed as an Alternative Successor)
Social Aptitude
A master of political discourse and negotiation.
A commanding presence, both in court and in private dealings.
Patient, strategic, and never openly hostile, always keeping his true thoughts veiled behind diplomacy.
Relationships
Current Location
Species
Honorary & Occupational Titles
"Lord Nathaniel Varyon" – His official noble title.
"The Silver Hawk" – A title earned in his military days, still sometimes used in reverence.
Age
54
Date of Birth
7th of Udihr, 420 AEL
Birthplace
The Sunken Keep
Family
Spouses
Rayla Varyon
(spouse)
Siblings
Alivan Varyon I
(Older Brother)
Children
Pronouns
He/Him
Sex
Male
Presentation
Masculine
Eyes
Sharp golden-orange, piercing and ever-calculating.
Hair
Golden blond, streaked with silver at the temples, kept neatly combed back.
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Fair but weathered, bearing the signs of age and a life spent in both war and court.
Height
6' 1"
Quotes & Catchphrases
"A reckless ruler is a doomed ruler. No kingdom survives on bloodshed alone." (Said during a council debate on Elyssara’s military policies.)
"A hawk waits for the right moment to strike. That is why it survives." (Said to a trusted ally regarding his patience in political maneuvering.)
"If my brother had listened to me, the world would look very different today." (A rare moment of candid frustration, spoken in private.)
Belief/Deity
Aurelius The Sun Knight
Aligned Organization
