Salan Scalehusk

Duchess Salan Scalehusk- Wardner (a.k.a. Nini)

After storming into Scalehusk at a young age, Salan used her knowledge of ships and naval leadership to spearhead the Scalehusk rebellion. Upon taking the title of Duchess she's done nothing but good for it, putting her pirating days to rest and living to see the Dukedom prosper.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Salan "Nini" Scalehusk grew up in the southwest region of Vollis, born into a poor family in one of the empire's richest kingdoms. Her family worked tirelessly to make ends meet. Her father was a fisherman, often gone for days at a time, while her mother took in laundry from wealthier families. Salan, even as a child, took on odd jobs like delivering goods and helping in the market to contribute. Her younger brother, Eamon, was always by her side, trying to help despite his age.

One fateful evening, while Salan was working late, the sun dipping below the horizon, a ship appeared on the horizon. It was the Blood Mary. Men and women in rags and tunics disembarked, their voices rough and aggressive, their frames muscular and imposing, their eyes gleaming with greed. Salan, along with a few others from her village, was kidnapped. They were not the only ones taken; several of her neighbors were captured, some killed outright. Among the captives was her friend Mara, a skilled weaver who had always been kind to Salan's family.

Aboard the Blood Mary, the captives were forced into slavery, performing various tasks from cleaning to serving as human shields during raids. Vollis had invested heavily in naval advancements to avoid large-scale pirate invasions, but the Blood Mary crew remained unconquered. Salan endured five harrowing years on the ship. Mara, who had initially tried to protect Salan, succumbed to an illness within the first year, leaving Salan devastated. Over time, she became the last remaining hostage, gradually being assimilated into the crew. Though still a slave, the original crew members prevented newer recruits from abusing her, and she slowly rose in their ranks, earning a semblance of camaraderie.

Despite her longing for her family, Salan found a strange mix of survival and joy in her new life. She joined the raids, wielding weapons, and learned the ways of the sea as they traveled along coasts and distant islands. She became close with some crew members, like Jarek, a former soldier who had turned to piracy out of desperation, and Lila, a cunning navigator who taught Salan the art of reading the stars.

After more than a decade, Salan finally returned to her homeland, only to find her family gone. Their home was abandoned, her brother and parents nowhere to be found. Though she couldn't blame the crew for this, her old animosity resurfaced. When tensions flared at the dock one day, Salan asked to leave. Despite the crew's advice against it, Captain Svol let her go, warning that if they ever met again, she would kill her without hesitation.

Salan then traveled across Vollis for a few years, joining merchant caravans and hearing rumors of her family in Scalehusk, a Bherian duchy. She searched the dukedom high and low but found no trace of them. Observing the people's discontent with the current Duke, Thalanar, Salan learned of a brewing rebellion against the neglectful ruler.

Within a year, Salan rose to a prominent position in the rebellion, organizing shipbuilders and crews to construct a small maritime force in Crestfall Cove, the uprising's headquarters. Leading a successful siege on Fjord Guard, a key military outpost, Salan ignited a full-scale rebellion. Within a week, the Scalehusk dynasty surrendered, allowing Salan to take control.

However, her victory was short-lived. Former allies turned against her, attacking Oblehold, the manor she had taken from the dynasty. As the rebellion teetered on self-destruction, the Blood Mary sailed up the fjord one night, crushing the rebellion's fleet and sinking six ships. Captain Svol met Salan again, this time bringing a surprise – her younger sister, Raela, whom they had found and rescued.

Grateful, Salan appointed Svol as the Naval Commanding Officer of Scalehusk. After securing her position and meeting with the detached Emperor, she began her reign as Duchess Salan Scalehusk, determined to bring prosperity and stability to her new realm.

Accomplishments & Achievements

Rebuilding Scalehusk

Upon assuming control of Scalehusk, Duchess Salan embarked on an ambitious project to rebuild the duchy's infrastructure and economy. Her efforts led to the construction of new roads and bridges and attempts at securing a few ports. Salan's initiatives revitalized the local economy, creating jobs and improving her subjects' living standards. Her dedication to rebuilding the duchy earned her the respect and admiration of the people of Scalehusk.

Formation of the Maritime Academy

Recognizing the importance of naval power for the Empire, Salan established the Scalehusk Maritime Academy. This institution became a center of excellence for training naval officers, sailors, and navigators. While many alums leave Bheria to make a name for themselves in Vollis, the respect and endorsement all fall into the academies' lap.

Cultural Revival

Duchess Salan spearheaded a cultural revival in Scalehusk, promoting the arts, music, and traditional crafts. She supported local artists and artisans, encouraging the preservation and celebration of Scalehusk's unique cultural heritage. Festivals and public events became common, fostering community and pride. This artistic renaissance not only enriched the lives of the citizens but also bolstered teh amount of time travelers who woudl stop wouldppreciate teh duchy in eh long run

Failures & Embarrassments

Conflict with Merchant Guilds

Salan's tireless efforts to regulate the powerful merchant guilds in Scalehusk led to a prolonged conflict that threatened the duchy's economic stability. Despite facing fierce resistance, she remained committed to balancing economic reform with the interests of influential factions. This challenge ultimately forced her to negotiate a compromise to resolve the standoff.

Morality & Philosophy

Morality & Philosophy

Morality & Philosophy

Duchess Salan "Nini" Scalehusk's morality is shaped by her tumultuous past and the hardships she endured. She operates on a pragmatic and flexible moral compass, driven by the need to ensure the survival and prosperity of Scalehusk. Salan believes in the importance of resilience, resourcefulness, and adaptability. Her philosophy is rooted in the idea that one must be willing to make difficult choices and sacrifices for the greater good. While she values loyalty and integrity, she is not above employing cunning and deception when necessary to protect her duchy and its people. Salan’s experiences have taught her that the ends often justify the means, and she is prepared to navigate the grey areas of morality to achieve her goals.

Salan also places a strong emphasis on community and collective effort. She believes that the strength of Scalehusk lies in its people, and she strives to foster a sense of unity and cooperation. Her leadership style reflects a balance between firmness and compassion, understanding that empathy and support can be powerful tools in maintaining order and inspiring loyalty. Salan’s philosophy is also deeply influenced by her desire to honor her family’s legacy and ensure a better future for her adopted children.

Taboos

Morality & Philosophy

Morality & Philosophy

Duchess Salan "Nini" Scalehusk's morality is shaped by her tumultuous past and the hardships she endured. She operates on a pragmatic and flexible moral compass, driven by the need to ensure the survival and prosperity of Scalehusk. Salan believes in the importance of resilience, resourcefulness, and adaptability. Her philosophy is rooted in the idea that one must be willing to make difficult choices and sacrifices for the greater good. While she values loyalty and integrity, she is not above employing cunning and deception when necessary to protect her duchy and its people. Salan’s experiences have taught her that the ends often justify the means, and she is prepared to navigate the grey areas of morality to achieve her goals.

Salan also places a strong emphasis on community and collective effort. She believes that the strength of Scalehusk lies in its people, and she strives to foster a sense of unity and cooperation. Her leadership style reflects a balance between firmness and compassion, understanding that empathy and support can be powerful tools in maintaining order and inspiring loyalty. Salan’s philosophy is also deeply influenced by her desire to honor her family’s legacy and ensure a better future for her adopted children.

Personality Characteristics

Motivation

Salan "Nini" Scalehusk is driven by a complex blend of personal history and a deep sense of responsibility to the people of Scalehusk. Her motivation is rooted in her early experiences of hardship and survival, having been kidnapped and forced into slavery by pirates. These formative years instilled in her a fierce determination to protect those who cannot protect themselves and to ensure that no one under her rule suffers the way she did.

Her primary motivation is to create a stable and prosperous duchy where people can thrive safely and securely. She is determined to rebuild and strengthen Scalehusk, focusing on both economic development and social welfare. Salan aims to foster a sense of community and unity, ensuring that everyone, from the nobility to the common folk, feels valued and supported.

Social

Reign

Duchess Salan's reign over the past decade has been transformative, marked by a series of significant changes and reforms that have reshaped Scalehusk. Upon taking power, Salan immediately set out to address the most pressing issues facing her duchy. One of her first acts was to dismantle the corrupt practices left by the previous duke, Thalanar. This included purging officials who were embezzling funds and exploiting their positions. Salan's firm stance against corruption garnered her the respect and support of the common people, who had long suffered under the previous administration.

In addition to rooting out corruption, Salan abolished several old traditions that she deemed outdated or counterproductive. The annual Harvest Festival, once a grand celebration, was replaced with a more subdued event focused on community service and rebuilding efforts. While some mourned the loss of the traditional festival, many appreciated the new focus on unity and progress. Salan also introduced new traditions, such as the Seafarer's Day, celebrating the duchy’s maritime heritage with parades, music, and communal feasts. This new tradition has quickly become a favorite among the people, fostering a sense of pride and connection to their coastal identity.

Salan’s efforts to improve infrastructure have been widely recognized. She oversaw the construction of new public works, including aqueducts and wells, ensuring a reliable water supply for both urban and rural areas. Her administration also expanded the existing road network, making travel and trade more efficient. These improvements have facilitated economic growth and improved the quality of life for her subjects.

Public opinion of Salan is generally positive. The common folk admire her dedication and the tangible improvements she has brought to their lives. However, some of the old nobility view her reforms with suspicion and are wary of her unorthodox methods. Despite this, Salan has managed to maintain a delicate balance, ensuring that her policies benefit the majority while addressing the concerns of the elite.

Hobbies & Pets

Salan enjoys a few hobbies that provide her with solace and a sense of normalcy amidst her responsibilities. She has a passion for navigation and often spends time studying maps and star charts, a skill she honed during her years at sea. Salan also enjoys gardening, finding peace in tending to plants and nurturing life. She has a small herb garden where she grows medicinal and culinary herbs, reflecting her practical and nurturing nature.

As for pets, Salan has a loyal dog named Brindle, a mixed breed she rescued during one of her travels. Brindle is a constant companion, providing her with comfort and companionship. The dog is well-loved by the household and is known for its gentle and protective nature.

Speech

Salan's speech is colored by her diverse and tumultuous past. Her tone is firm and assertive, often carrying the rough edge of someone who has had to fight for every inch of respect and authority. Her time as a pirate has left her with a unique way of speaking. She rarely uses formal language, preferring instead to communicate what she means without bogging it down. This style has earned her the respect of her subjects, who appreciate her honesty and clarity.