The Arion Family
The Arion family is the adoptive family of the first rule of the Kingdom of Delryn, Cyprien Dell. They are also a powerhouse in Delryn in their own right, and the major power in the Principality of Arion.
Structure
The Arion family is the ruling family of the Principality of Arion, as well as still having a branch of the family holding lands in mainland Delryn. While this has not always been and is not always the case, most often the leader of the family is the ruling Prince or Princess of Arion. Occasionally the true power behind the family will shift, resting with a different individual especially in the case of a particularly young Prince or Princess, or if a member of the family has found themselves particularly in or out of favor with their long-cousin on the Delrynian throne, but time usually balances back to the power resting with the head of the Principality.
Within the family, due to the close ties to the throne, almost all Arion-name-carrying children inherit at least the titled of "Lord Arion" or "Lady Arion". The mainland property comes with an additional title of Duke or Duchess. Other ranks, titles, and honors have been awarded to individuals based on roles held in the service of individual Delrynian monarchs or lands held. In the Principality, the ruler of Arion and their heirs are known as Prince or Princess, and other Arion family also hold "Lord", "Lady", "Knight", or other titles as appropriate. As time passed and the family grew and spread, it became somewhat common for lesser members of the family to have the "Lord" or "Lady" dropped from their address unless they were actively pursuing careers in service to the crown or political service to their own family, in all but the most formal of occasions (for instance, attendance at court).
Culture
The culture of the Arion family holds their own kin above all else, though the interpretation of that is open to both blood-kin as well as adopted-kin or those who are as good as, such as sworn companions and friends. Their interpersonal loyalty is the stuff of legends, but so tends to be their willingness to be ruthless in its pursuit. This fierce devotion to their own, even if it might come at the cost of others', is part of how Cyprien Dell ended up on the throne in the earliest days of the Kingdom of Delryn, with his Arion family as auxiliary support, rather than the other way around.
Public Agenda
The Arion family's public agenda is clear as long as you understand their culture - family above all else. They will do whatever it takes to make the world a better place for "their" people. Their family and friends, of course, but also the people sworn to them, which makes them excellent liege-lords. In general, they support the public agenda of the Delrynian Monarchy, and are absolutely loyal to the descendants of Cyprien Dell.
History
Nikolas Arion and Havva Arion were amongst the first to come to the world in the Second Immigration, along with their son Ivan Arion and adopted son Cyprien Dell. They were not short of means and influence in their previous life, and arrived well-equipped and already prepared with plenty of political connections, vassals, goods, and money. Nikolas was pivotal in the organization of troops to protect the immigrants to the new country, while Havva was a champion of people's causes and helped build infrastructure that quickly made it a livable place to be. While the Arion family had a reputation for being just a little too ruthless, their connections and money and Havva's bright light of influence played no small part in rocketing their adopted son into the right places and times and meetings that his own goodness and brilliance did not go unnoticed, leading to his eventual leadership of the new Kingdom.
While the Arions remained steadfastly loyal to the Dells after Cyprien become King, it was not long after the official formation of the Kingdom that they manuevered their way into taking rulership of the newly formed Principality to the Kingdom's East, with perhaps as many different motivations as they had members. Ambition certainly played no small part, but a genuine desire to form the Eastern defense stronghold against harm to Delryn cannot be discounted, and the Arion has never attempted to leave or renegotiate the original contracts binding it to Delryn.
Political Influence & Intrigue
For the most part, Arion's political motivations align with Delryn's.
Entwined Roots, United Strength
Founding Date
Before the Second Immigration (approx. 11370 CE)
Type
Family
Family Leader
Founders
Parent Organization
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