Lord Alterian ap Coryllwyth
King's advisor

Played by: Cheri
Name: Alterian ap Coryllwyth
Age: 54
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 215 lbs.
Background: Alterian joined the service of the King Gwenwynwyn when he was but 17 years of age. The only heir to his father’s lands, he served at the King’s side until his father’s death when he was 24. Alterian returned home for three years but found life running lands and the serf’s multitude of small issues pale in comparison to life in court. He spent another year training one of his men to serve as seneschal to the lands. When he was satisfied, he returned to court once more to offer his sword. Alterian was a highly learned man and the King soon kept him at court for his advice on matters of politics, intrigue and relations with other countries. By the time Alterian was 30, he was the King’s advisor. By the time he was 35, he was second only to the King. He had assumed day to day duties of the castle. He created a network of information for the King. The two men were inseparable.

When Alterian was 35, he fell in love with the beautiful Lady Reallyn ui Burke. Married and often to court, Alterian found ways to be alone with the lady until at last she returned his affection. Alterian had considered more then once having the cantankerous Lord Burke removed. But his ladylove would not have it. When she became pregnant, scandal threatened for she had not been in her husband’s presence for four months. She arranged for another man to take the blame lest shame come to the King’s advisor. Despite Alterian’s pleas, she refused his assistance and retired to the Burke’s estates. Nothing he did could persuade the lady to return to court. Lord Burke had dispatched the man who had supposedly disgraced his wife. More then once, Alterian had considered revealing the truth to the King and pleading for some intervention. But his promises to Lady Burke stilled his tongue. Thus, he did not ever lay eyes on his small daughter nor did she bear his name. He did not understand Raellyn’s firm refusal of assistance. Finally deciding that she must not love him, he turned his attention back to matters of court. Never again was a lady able to bring the Lord Alterian to more then a small flirtation. To him, the matter was one of shame and disgrace and he could not bring himself to risk it a second time.

The next 10 years were devoted to building a strong kingdom. The kingdom became his child, his lover, and his friend. There was nothing he would not sacrifice for the sake of the Kingdom. He had not always been scrupulous in this devotion. Men had died that the King knew nothing about in Alterian’s vision of a better Kingdom. The King never asked where Alterian got his information and Alterian never volunteered it. It was an unspoken agreement between them.

When King Gwenwynwyn’s only child did not return from a visit to a Northern Kingdom. The King rode out in search of her, leaving his brother and nephew in charge of the Kingdom. Alterian did most of the day to day running of the Kingdom in his absence. When the King did not return, his nephew, Gwalchmai ap Iorwerth, took the throne as regent. It was over a year before the King returned and when he did, he was grievously injured. He soon died after his return but not before naming his nephew, Gwalchmai otherwise known as Hawk to the throne.

Alterian kept his role, helping the King’s nephew ease into the role of King. It was a role he had not planned for. Alterian had known his Uncle’s wishes on this matter and had worked with the young Hawk in matters of politics, court ethics and other matters until the time he had ran off to the north after the death of his wife. This was fortunate for Alterian as it mean he already held the role of Uncle in Hawk’s eyes. The first year of Hawk’s rule was rocky. Hawk fought the new responsibilities and risked his own life unnecessarily. Alterian had become the ruler behind the throne until Hawk’s marriage to the Lady Arianna.

Since his marriage, the King had stabilized. This was good for the Kingdom but had caused Alterian more then one headache. He had come to like ruling the Kingdom behind the throne. He resented the Queen’s interference and headstrong nature. The two of them are slowly coming to an understanding. King Hawk had yet to question Alterian’s extensive knowledge. He still relies upon the aging Lord for matters of court and advice.

Alterian’s personal life has taken a twisted turn. He had found out that his daughter had been ill-treated and worse, kidnapped by the Evil Lord Jon Sanglet. To make matters worse, upon her rescue, the Lord Gwynne Hawley had attempted to take the distraught and abused girl straight to the altar. Alterian interfered at the altar, offering the monastery money to give the girl and her child sanctuary. King Hawk learned of the child and has brought the girl to the castle where he seeks to teach Alterian to be a father.

Personality Profile:Alterian is a man of few illusions. He sees the world as it is: cruel, conniving and harsh. He feels little tenderness for any man, woman or child. He would sacrifice even his king if he thought it would better the Kingdom. Fortunately, in his eyes, this is not the case. Alterian is smooth in matters of court and politics. His tongue can flow like honey or cut like a knife depending on the need. He can seem the caring uncle or the harsh taskmaster. These personality traits only break down in the presence of his daughter where he feels awkward and incompetent.
Skills and Abilities: Alterian’s is competent with sword and bow though out of practice in the last four years. His main skills lie in the ability to assimilate knowledge and then implement it. He has an impeccable memory for all things written or heard. This skill has also led to an ability to tell stories. He is often called at court for a tale to entertain.
Physical Profile: Alterian is a man of aging years. His eyes are brown and hard with deep creases at their edges. They rarely have an appearance of softness or concern. His hair is brown streaked with gray. He keeps it long and tied back at the base of his neck. His skin is pale from to many hours pouring over tombs, scrolls and any other matter of knowledge he can accumulate. He always dresses with impeccable but simple tastes. His clothing is the only sign of his affluent status despite their lack of court adornment.
Special Notes: Alterian has an extensive network of spies. Who these people are, only Alterian knows. If anything happens to him, Hawk will lose a valuable line of information. He also has the most extensive library of knowledge on the isle.