Archduke Valérian — De Facto Emperor
53, He/Him, 12.04, 6’2″
Once Duke Valérian of House Dupré, the Archduke already held significant influence as the head of one of the Great Four families, as Saint Lyra’s widower and as Empress Altair’s father. As the true power behind his daughter’s throne, Valérian is both feared and controversial among the nobles and commoners alike. Valérian holds paramount duty above desire and order above chaos — both of which he uses to justify his methods.
Saint Lyra — Empress Lyra, Fourth of Her Name
Deceased (36), She/Her, 08.03, 5’1″
Perhaps once per era, an Emperor is deemed worthy enough to be referred to as a Saint — and Saint Lyra is one of them. Almost everyone credits Saint Lyra as the first channeler of the Divine Grace, which many believe saved the Empire from the deathly fate suffered by the rest of the world. Her legacy casts a very long, dark shadow over both of her children.
Sophiel — The Crown Prince
5, He/Him, 01.20, 3’7″
Although it is uncertain whether Prince Sophiel will ever need to inherit the throne in a world of the Divine Grace, Sophiel is nonetheless well-guarded as Empress Altair’s heir. Sophiel is under heavy pressure from tutors and nobles alike despite his tender age, and like many 5-year-olds, Sophiel largely seems interested in playing outside. Perhaps the heaviest pressure of all comes from Altair herself, who is overprotective of her only child.
Duke Leo — Head of House Vogelsberg
62, He/Him, 05.05, 5’11”
House Vogelsberg of the Great Four is the wealthiest noble household in the Empire, and the Duke is not afraid to show it through both luxury goods and widespread philanthropy. A long-time friend of Archduke Valérian, Duke Leo has been appointed the Luminal Hand of Empress Altair, and is also now her father-in-law. However, Duke Leo is more closely aligned with the Archduke’s agenda more than that of his daughter-in-law.
Duchess Columba — Head of House Rania
58, She/Her, 10.29, 5’7″
House Rania is a matriarchal household, and it was formerly known for diplomatic excellence on the Empire’s behalf. However, with the rest of the world destroyed by the Calamity, House Rania is in danger of falling into obscurity and losing its prestige as one of the Great Four families. Despite this, Columba appears to remain loyal to the royals. Perhaps this is out of fear for the future of her house, or perhaps she is simply biding her time.
Grand Commander Cygnus — Head of House Havenscourt
79, He/Him, 06.02, 5’8″
House Havenscourt of the Great Four is a very large noble house that has long been involved with the military. Grand Commander Cygnus has served as the head of the imperial army for three monarchs prior to Empress Altair. Despite his very advanced age, the Grand Commander has no plans to step down — in part due to the blessings afforded by the Divine Grace. However, his refusal to step down appears to also be very personal, and perhaps borders on insanity.
Regulus — Prince Consort
32, He/Him, 07.30, 6′
There is no love lost between himself and his wife, Empress Altair. Regulus is often absent in both his wife’s and his child’s life, instead preferring to spend his time among the Peacekeepers. Despite his cold relationship with his wife and child, Regulus is devoted to his father-in-law’s cause to maintain order among the Empire’s new age.
Pope Innocent IV — Head of the Holy See
68, He/Him, 04.08, 5’8″
Although the Pope and the rest of the clergy are meant to abandon their noble titles (if any), the Pope and high ranking members of the Holy See sometimes are called into the court for ceremonial purposes. Like most in the imperial court, Pope Innocent has his share of secrets, but when crisis strikes, the Holy See is expected to align with the royal family as the family is the Maker’s descendants.