The History of Ophiuchus

The original Castle Ophiuchus was built by Lady Isabella Oritiner and Lord Demetrius Oritiner. The two wished the castle to be named in the honor of their best friend, and long time protector, Hector Dardanus. Knowing proper etiquette, Sir Dardanus could not allow such a foolish act to tarnish the names of his friends. Instead a compromise was reached and the castle was instead named after Sir Dardanus rare birth sign, Ophiuchus.

Their union produced one heir, a girl, Shiva. All other attempts for a male heir provide futile, so Shiva was trained to be heir to the estate. One brutal winter, when Shiva was a very young woman, she lost her parents. Shortly thereafter Sir Dardanus is taken from her as well.

Not confident in her own skills as a leader, Shiva married young. Lord Roenth was a charming, confident, and noble man. People swayed easily under his hand. Shiva's young body couldn't handle the consummation of marriage, and she miscarried her first child... a male. Lord Roenth struck with anger and grief, left Castle Ophiuchus. A year later Shiva received word that Lord Roenth has passed.

As Shiva aged she was given the title of Baroness. She was haunted by the task to marry and find a suitable Lord to take over the Ophiuchus Estate. Shiva, reluctant to marry again, was pressured by the King. The King, angry with her insolence, threatened to strip her land and rank from her if she did not marry.

Word reached Shiva's people and they were outraged at the King's behavior. Shiva ruled the Ophiuchus Sect with a gentle hand and it slowly prospered. Pressure to marry a power-hungry Lord would mean dire consequences for their well-beings. The King learned of this commoner revolt and grows angry. He did not wish to harm the innocent townspeople, but he could allow them to talk such blasphemy for the sake of some impudent woman. The King sent royal guards to the towns in an effort to keep the townspeople tamed.

During this time Shiva fell in love with a commoner, Marcel D'Lonchre. This outraged the king as well as several Lords that were attempting to court the Baroness. The King grew weary of this escapade and threatened Shiva with grand treason should her union to Marcel come to pass. Knowing well the punishment for grand treason, Marcel left his love.

Shiva fell into despair and shied away from the public. Each courtier was turned away and the castle grew dark. The King held Ophiuchus under his thumb, used the royal guards as his eyes. The land grew gray and cold. In their homes and taverns, the townspeople planned a revolt. Their love of their Lady outweighed the fear of their King. They planned to overthrow the guards and take their towns back. Word of this revolt reached the King and began the siege on Ophiuchus.

As more of his royal guards arrived at the castle they are met by an unwavering force of poorly equipped townspeople. In the midst of this tattered army is an unexpected face. Marcel had returned to take back his love. A battle ensued. Many townspeople were killed. Many more, like Marcel, were badly injured but would survive. The King's royal guards were defeated and the king faced a difficult choice: send more guards to Ophiuchus to level the Sect, or leave the sect in peace.

The King traveled to Ophiuchus to survey the damage directly before making his choice. Upon arriving he saw many fresh graves on a hill, damaged homes, ruined farms, and finally a decimated castle. Through all of the hurt and destruction, he saw a light. He saw a pure light coming from the townspeople, a purity that could only be explained as the essence of simplistic peace. The cause, the Baroness Shiva Oritiner.

The King immediately realized his mistake and permits Shiva to keep her land and rank. The King, regretful for the harm he caused so many innocents, declared Shiva and Marcel's union valid.

Baron Marcel D'Lonchre and Baroness Shiva Oritiner would eventually rebuild Ophiuchus into the earliest forms of the manor as seen today. Their union would produce one heir, a male, Aiden D'Lonchre. The line of gentle rulers would help their people rebuild their homes and lives and would help to usher in many years of peace and prosperity.

Two hundred years have passed since then and Manor Ophiuchus is now the flagship estate in this peaceful settlement. Nicely nestled between the Northern Woods and Crystal Sea, the towns and villages of the area have all prospered and grown. Fifty years ago the regions first university was built, aptly named Oritiner University.

The manor is currently presided over by Lord and Lady Lyundeau.

To learn more about the history of the family who has ruled over Ophiuchus over the years, please use this interactive family tree.

(Family tree coming soon!)