The Kingdom of Toparia
Founded Year 847
King Ivor the Good
b.1010 d.1058 - r.1022-1058
m.1037 to Queen Diedre (b.1016 d.1058) - Known for her intelligence.
In 1022, King Ivor assumed the throne of Toparia during a time of internal conflict. Ultimately, his reign was overshadowed by the tragic bomb blast that had claimed his mother's life and caused him to walk with a cane.
In 1037, King Ivor married Queen Deirdre. Deirdre was closely related to Ivor, with her grandmother being Princess Astridur.
King Ivor, known as 'the Good,' is remembered for his leadership style that focused on compromise. His approach earned him praise from those who benefited from his decisions and contributed to a stable period in Toparia. However, there were critics who argued that a more assertive king would have seized greater opportunities and gained better strategic advantages than Ivor ever did.
The Merchants' Dilemma
The merchants' guild approached the King and suggested the abolition of taxes. They argued that this would encourage more trade within the kingdom and with neighbouring regions. This could lead to greater revenue for merchants, as well as potentially strengthen diplomatic ties through increased economic cooperation. King Ivor aimed to balance the interests of various stakeholders, including merchants and citizens, by choosing a middle ground. He decreased taxes by 10% which ultimately placated the merchants but aggravated the nobles.
The Ailing Spouse
King Ivor was informed that Queen Deirdre had fallen ill while visiting Lord Everhart's lands. The noble requested greater power and land in exchange for his assistance with her recovery. After discussions, King Ivor promised military support to the noble in times of need. King Ivor's primary concern was the well-being of Queen Deirdre, and her illness forced Ivor to choose the most prudent option to ensure her recovery. Ivor also believed that pledging military support contributed to the long-term stability and security of the kingdom. Once Ivor had pledged support for Lord Everhart and elevated him to the small council, the Lord withdrew his request for land.
The event caused controversy in the royal court as Queen Deirdre was seen as having influenced King Ivor's decision in favour of Lord Everhart. This raised concerns about the queen's involvement in political matters. Additionally, many other Lords were immediately motivated to engage in further political manoeuvring.
Dueling Nobility
Lord Ólafur, intending to tarnish the monarch's reputation, accused King Ivor of betraying Toparia because of his close relationship with Princess Janina. Ivor declined to take part in a pistol duel and successfully reached a compromise that upheld the monarch's honour. Ólafur was granted an honorary title within the royal court. However, many of the King's close advisors strongly disagreed with the decision.
Those that disagreed with Ivor's compromise with Lord Ólafur believed the king needed to take a stronger stand to defend his honour and the monarchy's reputation. They preferred Ivor to publicly confront Ólafur, presenting evidence to dismiss the accusations and assert the king's innocence.
It was later revealed that Ivor had evidence to prove his innocence all along. Granting Ólafur an honorary title was part of his continued strategy to mend relations, diffuse tension, and maintain court stability. This was done even at the expense of publicly showcasing King Ivor's innocence.
Offspring
- Prince Cahal (b.1039)
- Prince Conall (b.1041 d.1081) He was an adventurer who died on the battlefield.
- Princess Boudicaa (b.1046 d.1075): Her life reflected the economic difficulties that persisted in Toparia.
- Prince Rees (b.1049 d.1112): A forceful figure in the royal court, his aggressive nature added complexity to the kingdom's politics.
- Princess Rhiannon (b.1053 d.1094): Experienced the profound loneliness of abandonment.
- Princess Asta (b.1055 d.1093): Navigated the court with a deceitful demeanor.
Death of the King
King Ivor died in 1058 due to starvation. He was unable to keep any food down and would constantly vomit after eating. Although there were suggestions that the king's food may have been poisoned, food tasters were unable to duplicate the King's symptoms. It is possible that King Ivor had an undiagnosed illness contributing to his deteriorating health. The court and the kingdom remain uncertain about the true cause of the king's suffering. Regardless, he passed away in his bed as a frail man. Diedre passed away suffering from the same illness 6 months after.
Long Live King Cahal! (U+6, D+1,W+3 - Kingdom in Fall)
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