Merchant Princes
Before their ousting by The Broker, four Princes ruled over the Principality of Sudenburg. Their struggle for power and control escalated between 2019-2023IC before their petty squable was finally ended.
The Merchant Princes
Eric Von Lichenstein
Prince Eric von Lichtenstein grew up in the streets of Sudenburg. He has clawed his way from the streets to become one of the most powerful figures within Sudenburg’s walls. Eric von Lichtenstein was no prince, he was a street urchin with a fancy name and heard many fancy stories from his mother while living in low town. Having made his way up towards his current position, he is now known for his compassion towards the middle and lower classes of Sudenburg.
This compassion is not necessarily ubiquitous with his family name. The Von Lichtenstein’s once ruled Sudenburg with an iron fist. They were best known for their wealth, cruelty and savagery. Many still remember the days when the streets ran red as he made his way to the top. Some of the older citizens, and those learned in the ways of history see a similarity with Gustav von Lichtenstein which is quite worrisome.
Now funding his merchant empire through fine arms and armour made from the rich mineral deposits in the area, he has set his sights on ruling the council with an aim to attain that which was his once more by birth right.
Rafaela Weitzman
Rafaela Weiztmann and her confidant Odessa Hertz Dietrich originally hailed from a respected family in Mordheim. Her father was well known to the aristocracy, and a trusted confidant of Halbert Hertwig. It was said that nothing was untenable in Mordheim, and the Weiztmann’s always had a way to acquire the impossible. For some unknown reason, one evening her father left to run some errands and never returned.
Reading between the lines, Rafaela and Odessa made a timely departure, with what they could carry and left for greener pastures. Their travels took them far to the south, to a place called Sudenburg. While on the road, they heard of the destruction that had befallen Mordheim. Investing what was left, Rafaela began trading in Iron acquired from the surrounding mines and settlements nearby. Always looking for an opportunity, Rafaela has now shifted her focus for some new endeavours. Those with sense to trade on her terms. Those without quickly change their minds. Rafaela never has to ask a third time.
Five years ago, Rafaela finally pushed her way through the upper ranks of society, declaring herself a Merchant Prince. Since then, she has shown generosity to those who prove their loyalty and worth. She often leaves the daily organising to Odessa, preferring to spend her time looking into new trade ventures or perusing the library.
“If you wish to cling to my skirts, you must first prove your worth.”
Sebastian Durand
Sebastian Durand, knight from the dukedom of Lyonesse is a descendant of a Bretonnian crusader destined for Araby but ended up in the Border Princes. It is believed that Sebastian Durand is of the lineage of Sir Pierre Dominique Durand of Lyonesse. Sebastian is well travelled and has travelled to many places in the Old World. When conflict erupted amongst the Lyonen nobility, Sebastian Durand realised his time in Lyonesse was at an end. Having heard so much about this land to the east, he gathered those that would follow him and made the decision to leave and head to Sudenburg with no intentions of returning to his homeland.
Sebastian arrived in Sudenburg in 2001 and has since made it his permanent home. Using the funds which he brought over, he built a modest home of stone within the towns walled community. Sebastian Durand fancies himself the custodian of Sudenburg and its people – it was his forebearer that colonised and built this great town after all.
Whether a romanticized dream or not, Sebastian protects the people of Sudenburg with a ferocity that has earned him the moniker “The Lion”. Virtuous to a fault, Sebastian isn’t well suited as the other merchant princes to the games of influence and intrigue, but his loyal companion Jean-Baptiste Delacroix is right at home.
Ruthless, resourceful and of slightly questionable morality, Jean-Baptise is a man of results. Using what is left of his family’s renown and wealth, Sebastian has established a firm foothold, taking his place on Sudenburg’s council of four but believing his legacy puts him above his rivals, he sets his ambitions even higher…
Dahliya Tushan
From “ElKalabad”, far to the south, across the Great Arabyan Desert, the thricewidowed Dahliya Tushan came to Sudenburg three years ago with a large caravan of spices and silks – said to be worth a small kingdom. Since that time, she has placed herself within the top rung of Sudenburg society, using her wealth to take a seat on the council of four.
The Desert Rose still uses the contacts of her homeland to bring goods to and from the Border Princes region. Utilising the Old Silk Road, she brings goods annually from Cathay, Nippon and even the kingdom of Ind.
While she has a personal council of admirers and followers, her current husband, Azar oversees her bodyguards. Dahliya is not above using her coin to hire experienced muscle to protect her interests and is both respected and feared by many citizens of Sudenburg and beyond.
War in the Streets
Generalised detailing of break down of relation between Princes as battles take place
Story Beat A
Major Story Beat A - 2019
Story Beat A
Major Story Beat B - 2022 Summer Quest
Story Beat C
Major Story Beat C - 2022 Spring Quest
Death of Sebastian
Story of Sebastian's Death during 2022 Quest
Ousting
Generalised detailing of The Broker springing into action with his team post Sebastian's death during 2023
Broker coming to power
Broker coming up with a plan to remove the Princes
Events of 2023 Quest
Raf fleeing, Rose selling out, Eric chased out
Current Status
Generalised detailing of status of each prince in the setting
