In Imperium Arcanum
The Malachite Dynasty is a new dynasty of powerful archmages who through their scheming and machinations overthrough the previous Amythyst dynasty. The founding Emperor, Lucius Draconis, first of his name, has lived for centuries and oversees a large, unwieldy, unruly Imperial House. The Malachite Dynasty in the world of Arcanum is a powerful and influential ruling family that spans generations. It has many minor houses, distant branches and host of scions. Besides Emperor Lucius Malachite and his predecessors, there are several important members of this dynasty. Here are a few notable figures:
Imperial House Malachite[]
The Imperial House is noted by three names, their praenoman (personal name), their sacronomen (their sacred name) and their nomen (family name). The Imperial Family is the only branch of the Malachite nomen that is permitted to take a sacred name. Pranomen within the Imperial Family are by tradition tied to sacred gems and elemental stones that are emerald or ruby in hue. They may also take inspiration from aspects of elemental earth or fire. These are aspects associated with the imperial family. Cerulian and Silver are the aspect colors associated with the the Greater House Malachite. The sacronomen relates to the kind of wild one to which they are a pactholder or see as their totem spirit. House Malachite, as Imperial House Jadite before it are Eldrai houses from the Obsidian Reaches on the borders of Zarathrum and the Arcanum Imperium. For this reason, their houses were important Marcher Lords in the early days of the Empire, contributing to their rise and eventual ascendancy within the empire. The Marcher Houses of the Obsidian Reaches all take their nomen from the mystical minerals, elemental gemstones which permiate the region. It is believed that taking a nomen tied to element aspects helps imbue a bloodline with the characteriistics and talents that embody the best ideals of its nature. For this reason - House Malachite is know for its intrepid spirit and creative mind. House Jadite is known for powerful destiny and deep wisdom. Other branches of the Malachite Family may take pseudonomen as a third name - which is reflective of thier personal characteristics, reputation or role. It is akin to a nickname or title. The Imperial Court also maintains a host of mages not associated with the Citadel, but instead associated with and under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Court. Most are members of the Imperial House or minor scions of nobles serving within the Court. They are known as Court Mages, versus Citadel Mages. They are much smaller in number and enjoy a freedom and imperial liscense similar to the Circle of Silver. However, if they are excommunicated from Court - they must submit to the Citadel or face Inquisition.
- Emperor Lucius Draconis Malachite: He's known for his magical prowess and his companion the Grand Garnet Dragon Alizaarin, the Red Dread
- Empress Jada Gemina Malachite: Also known as the Jade Empress, Jada is a force of nature. The biggest personality in the Imperial Court, holding power in her own right, her entourage of powerful courtiers is often referred to as the Jade Court. An archmage in her own right, she was exiled from the Citadel centuries ago for some unknown reason by the previous Hierophant. She is of the previous Imperial House Jadite, which she had a hand in overthrowing. This house was known for having a high incidence of twin and triplet births, as reflected in her single-soul spirit daughters Turqwa and Tsvarova. Lucius married into the Jadite Imperial Family long before his coups.
- Grand Prince Ember Serapis Malachite: The Crown Prince and heir to the throne. He's a key figure in the empire's political and magical landscape. His role is influenced by his relationship with Lucius and his quest to secure the throne. His relationship with the Emperor is strong as a favored son.
- Princess Aventurine Magici Malachite: A powerful sorceress and a key player in the Empire's magical circles. She has her own ambitions and often uses her magical abilities to advance her political position.
- Prince Jasper Peridotius Malachite: Dissaffected second son of the empire. Currently in exile as acting governor of lands conquered from Arpeggia.
- Grand Duchess Chrysacolla Adama Malachite: Sister of the emperor. Known for her wild one pact and Flygya that manifests as quicksilvers python she wears around her neck.
- Grand Duke Giffon Adamantius Malachite: Uncle of the Emperor, acting field marshal in the struggle against the rebellion stirred up by the Silverthorne Coven.
- Arch Duke Lycerus Davos Malachite: Brother of the emperor - deployed to the front.
- Marquis Malachy Malachite: Favored cousin of the Emperor and his boon companion. A powerful archmage of the Circle of Gold.
- Princesses Turqwa and Tsvarova: The youngest twin sisters born of the Empress and Emperor. They share a single soul and fluidly shift between male and female aspects of balance. They are terrifying witches holding pacts with powerful wild ones providing them eerie praternatural powers. They are the personal bodyguards of the empress, and not to be underestimated for their charm, danger and guile.
- Hierophant Valerian: The high-ranking mage and leader of the Circle of Gold within the Citadel. He has a complex history, including his connection with Umbral Ones and his previous rivalry with Lucius. He is a distant scion of House Malachite and has been adopted into the imperial house.
- Chancellor Varian Thornheart: A close advisor to Emperor Lucius, known for his cunning political maneuvers and connections to Lucius' past. He is an honorary member of House Malachite.
Scions of Notable Branches[]
- Magisteri Cassandra Luni Malachite: A distant relative of the main line, but one of the most influential mages in the Citadel and a significant figure in Arcanum's magical community.
- Lord Morcant Gigas Malachite: A military commander who commands the Gigamancer Corps the Imperial Legions and is a vital component of the Empire's military might.
- Lady Helena Aeor Malachite: An explorer and scholar who seeks ancient and hidden knowledge throughout the empire's vast territories.
Minor Branch Firago Malachite[]
The Firago Branch of House Malachite is a large branch comprised of powerful pyromancers. They are the only house that has been granted imperial concessions to not submit their mages to the Citadel for registeration. Instead, they are automatically registered as Court Mages. This is done to maintain a counter balance to the Citadel and a power base of loyal mages for imperial service as required. House Firago Malachite does not serve within the legions like mages of other noble houses might be requireed to do. They are specifically required to serve at Court and to defend imperial landholdings.
- Lord Brim Firago Malachite:
- A seasoned pyromancer known for his mastery of fire magic.
- Wields a legendary staff adorned with blazing rubies.
- Respected among the House for his wisdom and calm demeanor.
- Oversees the training of young pyromancers in House Malachite.
- Lady Blaze Firago Malachite:
- An elegant and fierce mage specializing in fire spells.
- Known for her fiery temper and quick wit.
- Often hosts grand galas, showcasing her mastery of pyromancy.
- Holds a coveted position as a House diplomat.
- Sir Pyros Firago Malachite:
- A courageous knight who channels the power of flames in combat.
- Uses an enchanted sword that burns with an ever-present fire.
- Leads the Malachite knights in defending the House's interests.
- Fearsome in battle, with a heart burning for justice.
- Sir Char Firago Malachite:
- A knight who has an unusual connection to charred lands.
- Specializes in the manipulation of burning earth and smoldering terrain.
- Renowned for defending the House against supernatural threats.
- Known for wearing armor adorned with smoky quartz gems.
- Madam Spark Firago Malachite:
- A charming and vivacious pyromancer, she specializes in lightning-infused flames.
- Delights in showcasing her skills during extravagant parties.
- Known for her sparkling personality and talent in pyrotechnics.
- Masters the art of blending fire and electricity.
- Master Glim Firago Malachite:
- A respected tutor in the arcane arts, specializing in the study of magical flames.
- Known for his intricate knowledge of pyromancy and its history.
- Often consulted by other members of House Malachite for his expertise.
- Publishes numerous tomes on the subject of fire magic.
- Baron Brand Firago Malachite:
- A warrior known for using fire runes and sigils in combat.
- Commands armies of flame-enchanted soldiers.
- Famed for his brilliant strategies on the battlefield.
- Oversees the House's military interests.
- Pyraxis Malachite:
- A gifted young mage with a natural affinity for all things fiery.
- Renowned for his dazzling fire shows, incorporating music and pyrotechnics.
- Often called upon to light the House's hearth with his magic.
- A rising star in the Malachite family.
- Infernosyl Malachite:
- A reclusive and enigmatic pyromancer known for his obsession with the elemental plane of fire.
- Has developed potent spells inspired by infernal entities.
- Respected for his knowledge of interplanar pyromancy.
- Keeps to himself, conducting secretive research on fire magic.