The Flames of Youth by Fox-Die (Patreon)

Count Adolyn Valenrow has been addressed by many titles in his short, but spectacular career as a knight and champion of Lioncourt. He has been referred to as, 'The Prince of Borderlands’ by those who respect his Dalish lineage and revere his time leading the Border Legion famed 15th Company. The love Adolyn has for his home and kin of the borderland Duchy of Evandal is paramount. As the eldest son of Duke Palence Valenrow, he holds the title of ‘Lord Heir of the Dales’ as well as ‘Count of Vonleah’.

His new subordinates call him Primus, owing to his rank of Primus Corvinus, the leader of the Sacred Order of Raven Knights. The mysterious lagomorphs for the Leveria regard him as the ‘Hero of Ages’, as he is the current wielder of the legendary ‘relic’ Durendal. The magic blade that many believe was the first arcane arm in existence.

His fans within the peerage and around Lioncourt refer to him as a ‘Champion of Champions’. A title earned in single combat with other powerful Champions in his young life. Like all knights of Lioncourt, Adolyn has a ‘Knight's Title’. An informal nickname given to him by his peers. His predecessor in the ‘Order’, Sir Garrett Jesstane, was known as the ‘Edge Master’. Former Captain of the Kingsguard, Duke Harlem Eridanus, was known as the ‘True Heart’, his wife, Porsha; the ‘Silver Sword’. Adolyn however, was dubbed the ‘Crimson Raven’. A moniker gained in a bloody battle on the Kingdom’s darkest day since the ‘Age of Fire’ began.

The nickname was given to Adolyn by the surviving Raven Knights of the ‘Battle of Herald’s Keep’. Primarily, the senior Ravens such as Megogo Asherah and the former Primus, Sir Garrett Jesstane. It is said that he descended upon the battlements like a fearsome bird of prey, covered in the blood and viscera of his enemies. Taking command of the defense of the walls of the keep, the young, dalish knight turned back the Saurian invaders and slayed two of their fearsome Dragon Blades on his own. He would eventually be one of the heroes to turn the tide of the gruesome battle, though his efforts would not be enough to save the King.

The Raven Knights who witnessed his bravery drew inspiration from him and were able to help Courtian forces turn the tide of the battle; sending the Saurian Army running. Given the fact that the Ravenhawk was the symbol of their illustrious Order, many believed Adolyn to be destined to join their ranks. An omen of their inevitable victory.

After the conflict’s end, many Courtian knights, defenders, lords, and nobility, had been slain due to the treachery of the lizardkin. The Sacred Order of Raven Knights likewise suffered the greatest loss of life in their illustrious history. The loss and failure to protect the King was a defeat too great for many of their officers, especially those of noble blood who lost family during the tragic events. In response to the fears and concerns of the citizens, the newly crowned King Eriol made a political move that was thought by some to be more publicity, than sane leadership; he announced the ‘Hero of Herald’s Keep’, Adolyn Valenrow, would be nominated to replace Primus Garrett Jesstane after he suddenly stepped down.

He’d never intended for the Order to actually vote the boy their leader; simply make him one of their number. However, to the surprise of everyone there were enough senior Ravens who had survived Herald’s Keep and seen the boy's leadership and prowess, that the unlikeliest of outcomes came to pass. The Crimson Raven was not only made a Raven in truth, but the Leader of their ‘Conspiracy’.

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