Rizen Varyon
Lord Rizen Varyon (a.k.a. "The Gilded Kestrel")
Brief Overview
Lord Rizen Varyon is the son of Lord Nathaniel Varyon and the current heir to House Varyon’s ambitions. At 27 years old, he is a man carefully molded by his father to one day challenge Princess Elyssara Varyon’s rule. Raised in the shadow of political intrigue, Rizen is intelligent, charismatic, and highly ambitious, possessing both his father’s keen tactical mind and his own talent for swordplay.
While officially loyal to the throne, Rizen’s true allegiance lies with his father’s vision: to see the Principality ruled by House Varyon on their own terms. Though he does not outwardly seek the throne, he is well aware that he is being positioned as an alternative ruler should Elyssara falter.
Rizen Varyon is a man of potential and uncertainty, a noble caught between his father’s ambitions, his own desires, and the weight of House Varyon’s legacy. The question remains—will he claim the throne, or will he forge his own destiny?
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Born in 447 AEL, Rizen was raised under the strict guidance of Lord Nathaniel Varyon, trained from childhood to be the future of House Varyon’s ambitions. Unlike his cousins, Elyssara and Emarosa, who were thrust into their roles by necessity, Rizen was carefully prepared for his station—not just as a noble but as a possible contender for rule.
From an early age, he was educated in both war and politics, mastering the art of diplomacy, manipulation, and armed combat. Unlike his father, Rizen does not rely solely on patience—he is a man of action, willing to take calculated risks to achieve his goals. Though he has served the Principality in military and diplomatic roles, many suspect that he has greater aspirations.
Despite his upbringing, Rizen maintains a charming and affable demeanor, making allies effortlessly. He is far more charismatic than his father, a natural leader who earns the loyalty of those around him not just through fear or obligation, but through genuine inspiration.
Education
Trained in political strategy, military tactics, and statecraft by his father.
Received instruction from the foremost scholars of the Principality, making him highly educated in history, economics, and philosophy.
Fluent in multiple languages.
Highly skilled in swordsmanship, equestrianism, and battlefield command.
Accomplishments & Achievements
Earned distinction as a military commander, leading small-scale operations along the Sultanate border.
Forged strong alliances with key noble families, strengthening House Varyon’s influence.
Master duelist, undefeated in formal duels against other nobles.
Charismatic diplomat, known for successfully negotiating trade agreements favorable to the Principality.
Mental Trauma
The weight of expectation – Rizen has been shaped from birth to be more than a noble; he has been made into a weapon for his father’s ambitions. The pressure of this drives him relentlessly, leaving him little room for personal aspirations.
Living in the shadow of his father – While he respects Nathaniel immensely, he knows that he is merely a means to an end in his father’s long game. Rizen often wonders if he will ever be his own man or if he is destined to be Nathaniel’s pawn.
Conflict of loyalty – He was raised to believe that his cousin Elyssara is an obstacle, yet he sees her strength and leadership firsthand. There are moments when he questions whether his father’s ambitions are truly what is best for the Principality.
Morality & Philosophy
"A leader is not given power; they must prove they are worthy of it."
"Loyalty is a blade—it must be sharp, but never unwieldy."
"The throne is not a right, but a burden. One must be prepared to bear it."
Rizen is not as ruthless as his father, yet he is not naïve either. He understands power, but unlike Nathaniel, he does not see it as purely a game of patience and control. He believes that action, decisiveness, and charisma are just as important as strategy.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
Rizen’s true motivation is unclear, even to himself. While he was raised to be the future of House Varyon, he sometimes questions if he truly desires the throne, or if his ambition is merely a reflection of his father’s expectations. What he does know is that he refuses to be a pawn forever—whether that means taking the throne, forging his own path, or turning against his father remains to be seen.
Social
Contacts & Relations
Nathaniel Varyon (Father & Mentor) – His greatest influence, though he occasionally questions his father’s long-term goals.
Elyssara Varyon (Cousin & Ruler of the Principality) – His supposed rival for power, though he respects her greatly.
Emarosa Varyon (Cousin, Knight Commander-in-Training) – Respects her martial prowess, though believes she is wasting her potential.
Foreign Diplomats & Mercantile Lords – Rizen has cultivated a strong network outside the Principality, ensuring that he has options beyond his family’s plans.
Family Ties
Father: Lord Nathaniel Varyon
Cousins: Princess Elyssara, Emarosa, and Elren Varyon
Deacon Varyon (Grandfather, Deceased)
Prince Alivan Varyon II (Uncle, Deceased Former Ruler)
Social Aptitude
Highly charismatic, able to charm both nobles and commoners alike.
Equally skilled in courtly etiquette and battlefield camaraderie.
Plays the role of the dutiful noble, while secretly ensuring that he always has the upper hand.
Current Location
Species
Age
27
Date of Birth
12th of Weurel, 447 AEL
Birthplace
The Sunken Keep
Family
Children
Pronouns
He/Him
Sex
Male
Presentation
Masculine
Eyes
Golden-orange, piercing and observant.
Hair
Golden blond, long and usually tied back in a warrior’s tail.
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Fair, though slightly more sun-kissed from time spent training outdoors.
Height
6' 2"
Quotes & Catchphrases
"A crown is not a gift; it is a challenge."
"People do not follow because they are commanded. They follow because they believe."
"If you only ever wait for the right moment, you will never act at all."
Belief/Deity
Aurelius The Sun Knight
Aligned Organization
