The Astralborn Roster: A Family Affair (Mostly)
(Living Siblings – The Current Headache)
* Kael Astralborn (The Perfect Prince)
* Position: 1st Prince
* Status: Living (unfortunately for his siblings, nya~)
* Talents: Oh, Kael. He's the perfect heir, you see. Master of imperial administration, a brilliant legal mind, and a truly ruthless political strategist. He can untangle a bureaucratic knot faster than I can tie my corset. Plus, he remembers everyone's family tree, their past grievances, their favorite brand of tea. Annoyingly thorough.
* Weaknesses: His absolute obsession with perfection. It makes him rigid, predictable, and utterly unable to improvise. He folds under genuine chaos. Also, he's so desperate for Father's approval, it's practically his Achilles' heel. And he can be rather… cold. Like a winter morning without my tea.
* Charms: He's classically handsome, the picture of a noble prince. His charm is formal, impeccable, and utterly unspontaneous. He makes you feel respected, not necessarily liked. Honestly, it's a bit boring. But the nobles love him. They feel safe with him.
* Amelia's Take: "He's a stiff. All rules and no fun. But he's a brilliant architect of power, I'll give him that. Too predictable for my tastes, though."
* Aria Astralborn (The Whispering Spider)
* Position: 2nd Princess
* Status: Living (and weaving her webs, I'm sure)
* Talents: If Kael is law, Aria is chaos, beautifully controlled. She's the grandmistress of court intrigue, a social chameleon, and a psychological genius. She knows exactly what everyone wants, and how to dangle it just out of reach. She can spread a rumor that brings down a duke before breakfast. Astounding, really.
* Weaknesses: Overconfidence in her ability to manipulate. She underestimates genuine emotion and brute force. Also, she's utterly obsessed with appearances and status, making her surprisingly superficial in some ways. Can't stand being outshone.
* Charms: Dazzling. Her beauty is captivating, her laughter infectious, her eyes hold a thousand secrets. She makes you feel like the most important person in the room, even as she's plotting your downfall. A truly magnetic presence.
* Amelia's Take: "Oh, Ayla's fun to watch. Like a very pretty, very poisonous spider. Her webs are intricate, but I can see the threads. She's too focused on the small games, the whispers, when sometimes, you just need a sledgehammer."
* Caspian Astralborn (The Silver Tongue)
* Position: 3rd Prince
* Status: Living (and probably counting his gold)
* Talents: Economic wizard. He can turn lead into gold, or at least make you think it's gold. Master of trade routes, fiscal policy, and international diplomacy. He's the one who negotiates treaties that somehow always benefit Astrea. He can talk a dragon out of its hoard.
* Weaknesses: A bit too materialistic. He sees everything through the lens of profit and loss, which makes him underestimate passions and irrational human nature. He's also a terrible fighter, avoids conflict unless it's purely economic.
* Charms: Smooth, charming, and utterly persuasive. He has a way of making you feel like he's doing you a favor, even as he's stripping you bare. His smile is genuine, but his eyes are always calculating. Very attractive, in a dangerously seductive way.
* Amelia's Take: "Caspian's smart with numbers, I'll give him that. But he thinks everything is a transaction. Some things, my dear brother, are priceless. Like a good nap, or a successful ambush."
* Valerius Astralborn (The Steadfast Shield)
* Position: 4th Prince
* Status: Living (still plodding along)
* Talents: A competent general, solid in tactics, and incredibly loyal once he's committed. He's not a genius like Asher, but he's utterly reliable. Great at fortifying positions and leading defensive campaigns. Follows orders to the letter.
* Weaknesses: Lacks imagination and strategic flexibility. He struggles to adapt quickly to unforeseen circumstances. A bit dull, honestly. His strength is his unwaveringness, which is also his greatest flaw.
* Charms: A rugged, honest charm. He's well-built, dependable, and projects an aura of strength. Women flock to him for his perceived stability. Not my type, nya~.
* Amelia's Take: "Valerius is… there. He's a good soldier, I guess. He knows how to hold a line. But you need to break lines to win wars, not just hold them. Far too predictable."
* Jennifer Astralborn (The Quiet Star)
* Position: 5th Princess
* Status: Living (probably buried in library or maybe in training field)
* Talents: Her mastery of the sword is legendary, one of the strongest swordsmen in the empire, possesses a strategic acumen that is breathtaking in its scope. Her mind is a labyrinth of interconnected possibilities. She has a terrifying, inspiring tenacity, a refusal to break or bend, even in the face of overwhelming odds. She is a living archive, and her knowledge is a weapon as formidable as her sword, allowing her to anticipate, to manipulate, and ultimately, to control.
* Weaknesses: Has trust issues, no close friends. She also has trauma of the past. Her pursuit of truth and power can lead her down paths that are morally ambiguous, bordering on the ruthless. Can do anything to find truth, her unwavering focus on her objectives can sometimes blind her to the collateral damage she inflicts. This moral rigidity alienates those who might otherwise be her allies.
* Charms: Possesses an undeniable aura of power and presence. One of the most beautiful over the continent. She also has an intellect that radiates from her eyes. Her unintentional glimpses of vulnerability makes others want to protect her. These brief revelations are incredibly powerful create a bridge between her formidable persona and the more fragile self she typically conceals, drawing others into her orbit with a surprising tenderness.
* Amelia's Take: "Jennifer is a force of nature, a true warrior-scholar. She sees patterns no one else does. But she's so walled off, so focused on her own path, she misses the value of alliances. And her truth can be a brutal thing. She could be truly terrifying if she just learned to… relax a little, nya~."
* Kai Astralborn (The Ghost Prince)
* Position: 6th Prince
* Status: Living (and watching, always watching)
* Talents: Master of espionage, whispers, and secrets. He knows everything that happens in the shadows, from the palace kitchens to the deepest dungeons of our rivals. He's built an information network that even Father can't fully fathom. A true master of disguise and deception.
* Weaknesses: Trusts no one, which makes him perpetually isolated. His reliance on secrets makes him hesitate when bold, direct action is needed. Also, paranoid to a fault.
* Charms: Subtle, almost imperceptible. He blends in, yet when he chooses to engage, his quiet intensity is captivating. His eyes miss nothing, and that can be strangely attractive to some. You never quite know what he's thinking, which makes him alluring.
* Amelia's Take: "Kai's clever, very clever. But he's always hiding. You can't rule an empire from the shadows forever. Sometimes you need to be seen, to be adored, nya~!"
* Sean Astralborn (The Young Lion)
* Position: 7th Prince
* Status: Living (and trying way too hard)
* Talents: A quick study, adaptable, and surprisingly charismatic for his age. He learns from others' mistakes and is eager to prove himself. Good at rallying younger, ambitious nobles to his side. A budding military strategist.
* Weaknesses: Impulsive, overly eager for glory, and prone to taking unnecessary risks. Easily manipulated by flattery. Still too young to fully grasp the depth of court intrigue.
* Charms: Youthful, athletic, and full of boundless energy. His enthusiasm is infectious, and he's genuinely handsome, radiating a vibrant charm that appeals to the younger generation.
* Amelia's Take: "Theron II? Adorable. And dangerous. He's learning fast, but he still thinks battles are just about swords and glory. He'll make a mistake, and it'll be a big one."
* Louise Astralborn (The Calculated Beauty)
* Position: 11th Princess (as established)
* Status: Living (and plotting, I'm sure)
* Talents: Oh, Louise. She's a brilliant analyst, a cold, calculating mind. She can dissect a complex situation and find the most logical, often ruthless, solution. Her mind for logistics and supply chains is unnerving. She's excellent at identifying weaknesses.
* Weaknesses: Lacks empathy, almost entirely. Her ruthlessness can alienate potential allies. She sees people as pawns, which works until they decide they don't want to be. And she's quite proud, which can blind her.
* Charms: Her beauty is striking, sharp, and regal. She possesses a confident, almost disdainful, charm that some find utterly captivating. She doesn't try to be liked, but she demands respect, and often gets it.
* Amelia's Take: "Louise is a formidable opponent. She's smart, she's cold, and she doesn't waste time on sentiment. She's a better strategist than most give her credit for, though she thinks she's even better than she is. My main competition, besides myself, of course, nya~!
* Secret: She harbors a crush on Asher that is incredibly difficult to detect. It manifests not in overt affection, but in a subtle fascination with his strength, a slight softening of her usually sharp gaze when his name is mentioned, and a unique, almost possessive analysis of his actions. Even Asher, astute as he is on the battlefield, is completely unaware of it."
* Amelia Astralborn (The Prodigy Princess)
* Position: 12th Princess (that's me!)
* Status: Living (and fabulous, obviously)
* Talents: I'm a strategic and tactical genius, obviously! My mind works at three times the speed of everyone else's. I can predict enemy movements, identify weaknesses in complex plans, and devise multi-layered schemes that would make your head spin. Also, I'm rather charming, if I do say so myself.
* Weaknesses: Prone to boredom, can be a bit arrogant (but I am a genius!), and sometimes forget to maintain appearances when my mind is racing. Also, I tend to get a little too comfortable with my own brilliance, nya~.
* Charms: Irresistible! Playful, witty, and devastatingly attractive. I combine sharp intellect with a captivating presence, making people underestimate me even as I outmaneuver them.
* Amelia's Take: "Me? Oh, I'm just waiting for everyone else to trip over themselves. Then I'll waltz in and claim what's mine. It's practically inevitable."
* Asher Astralborn (The Monster)
* Position: 13th Prince (poor boy, stuck in the middle)
* Status: Living (barely, sometimes)
* Talents: Ugh, where to even begin? The strongest commander in the Empire, probably the continent. A military prodigy, fierce in battle, and a tactical savant. He knows how to fight and win, no matter the odds. Utterly fearless. He has developed unique battle strategies against various Hero types. His ability to lead through sheer presence and unflinching resolve is legendary. He has killed dozens of heroes through brilliantly executed plans. He is rumored to have fought off entire battalions alone.
* Weaknesses: Emotionally closed off, almost impossible to read, which makes him difficult to connect with. Doesn't play politics. Too stoic for his own good. His bluntness can offend. And he's so focused on battle, he neglects everything else. A thorn in each sibling's eye(except Louise).
* Charms: A rugged, almost dangerous, charm. His intensity is undeniable, and his quiet strength draws a certain kind of person. He's incredibly handsome, in a dark, brooding sort of way. The ladies swoon, even if he barely notices.
* Amelia's Take: "Asher's a weapon, a truly magnificent one. But weapons don't sit on thrones. They're used by those who do. Honestly, if he wasn't so good at fighting, he'd be out of the running faster than you can say 'regicide.' He's a monster, but a very, very pretty monster. If I didn't want the throne myself, he'd make a decent bodyguard."
* Cassian Astralborn (The Dream Weaver)
* Position: 14th Prince
* Status: Living (and probably sketching something profound)
* Talents: An artistic genius, incredibly intuitive, and surprisingly perceptive. He sees patterns and connections others miss, often expressing them through art, music, or bizarre inventions. His insight into human nature is uncanny, though he rarely voices it directly.
* Weaknesses: Extremely sensitive and easily overwhelmed by conflict. Lacks ambition for power, making him vulnerable. Can be melancholic and withdrawn. Too gentle for this family, really.
* Charms: A gentle, ethereal beauty. His eyes hold a deep, soulful quality, and his artistic nature makes him alluring to those tired of courtly cynicism. He has a quiet kindness that's rare among us.
* Amelia's Take: "Cassian's sweet, but he's utterly useless in this fight. He'll either get used by someone or simply fade away. A shame, really, he's rather brilliant in his own… gentle way."
(Deceased Siblings – The Unfortunate Ones)
"And then we have the poor darlings who didn't make it to this delightful family reunion," I said, a flicker of genuine sadness, quickly masked, passing over my face. "Such a shame, really. Some of them had potential, too."
* Gareth Astralborn (The Impetuous Rider)
* Position: 8th Prince
* Status: Deceased (Died in an early border skirmish, pushing too far ahead. Typical.)
* Talents: A promising cavalry commander, brave to a fault, with a knack for swift maneuvers.
* Weaknesses: Reckless, hot-headed, and underestimated danger. No subtlety whatsoever.
* Charms: Boisterous, charming, and full of life. A classic handsome knight figure.
* Amelia's Take: "Gareth? A dashing idiot. Died doing what he loved, I suppose. At least he provided a decent cautionary tale."
* Julian Astralborn (The Duellist Prince)
* Position: 9th Prince
* Status: Deceased (Killed in a duel over a perceived slight. Utterly pointless.)
* Talents: Unmatched with a blade, a master swordsman.
* Weaknesses: Obsessed with honor, easily provoked, and prideful to a fault.
* Charms: Lean, intense, with a dangerous allure that drew many admirers.
* Amelia's Take: "Julian was so dramatic. All that talent, wasted on a childish squabble. Darwinism in action, I suppose."
* Elara Astralborn (The Shadow Princess)
* Position: 10th Princess
* Status: Deceased (Assassinated. Very messy, very public.)
* Talents: A gifted spymaster, second only to Kai, and a master of poisons.
* Weaknesses: Too trusting of her own network, and perhaps a touch too arrogant in her stealth.
* Charms: Quietly elegant, with a mysterious aura. Drew people in with her enigmatic silence.
* Amelia's Take: "Elara was clever, but she didn't understand that the best assassins are the ones you never see coming. A good lesson, actually."
* Finn Astralborn (The Gentle Soul)
* Position: 15th Prince
* Status: Deceased (Died of a virulent childhood illness. Too weak for this family, nya~.)
* Talents: Remarkable empathy and a soothing presence, would have been a great healer or diplomat.
* Weaknesses: Frail health and a too-kind heart for the cutthroat court.
* Charms: A delicate, innocent beauty that made everyone want to protect him.
* Amelia's Take: "Finn. Poor Finn. He was too gentle for this world, too fragile for our family. A tragedy, but perhaps a blessing in disguise."
* Damon Astralborn (The Aspiring Commander)
* Position: 16th Prince
* Status: Deceased (Accident during training. Or was it? Nobody asked too many questions.)
* Talents: A diligent student of military history and strategy, eager to prove himself.
* Weaknesses: Overly ambitious, tried to run before he could walk, lacked practical experience.
* Charms: Earnest, handsome, with a passionate intensity that was quite endearing.
* Amelia's Take: "Damon was trying so hard to be like Asher. Didn't work out so well for him, did it? A cautionary tale for copycats."
* Roric Astralborn (The Scholarly Prince)
* Position: 17th Prince
* Status: Deceased (Born sickly, never truly thrived. Another one too weak.)
* Talents: A nascent genius in ancient languages and history, far too intelligent for his brief years.
* Weaknesses: Constant poor health, unable to leave his chambers for most of his life.
* Charms: A quiet, intellectual beauty, with piercingly intelligent eyes that hinted at a mind far beyond his years.
* Amelia's Take: "Roric had a brilliant mind, but his body betrayed him. A testament that even genius can be undone by simple biology. Annoying, really."
* Aella Astralborn (The Wildflower Princess)
* Position: 18th Princess
* Status: Deceased (Died mysteriously in the palace gardens. Poison? A fall? Who knows.)
* Talents: A gifted gardener and botanist, with an uncanny affinity for nature, even in a city.
* Weaknesses: Naive, too trusting, and wandered too far from palace security for her own good.
* Charms: A natural, unadorned beauty, radiant and vibrant, like a wild rose.
* Amelia's Take: "Aella was too naive for this viper's nest of a palace. Too much like a wildflower trying to grow in a poisoned garden. Predictable, ultimately."
* Corin Astralborn (The Reckless Explorer)
* Position: 19th Prince
* Status: Deceased (Fell in a minor border skirmish, riding far ahead of his command. Again, typical.)
* Talents: Fearless, adventurous, and a natural leader of smaller, fast-moving units.
* Weaknesses: Impulsive, overconfident, and terrible at assessing risk. Believed himself invincible.
* Charms: Rugged, charismatic, with a daredevil glint in his eyes that many found captivating.
* Amelia's Take: "Corin was just a younger, even more reckless Gareth. Some lessons, it seems, you have to learn the hard way. Usually by dying."
* Caelan Astralborn (The Last Child)
* Position: 20th Prince
* Status: Deceased (Infant death. Barely had time to draw breath.)
* Talents: Unknown.
* Weaknesses: Unknown.
* Charms: Unknown.
* Amelia's Take: "Caelan? Well, he never even got to make a splash, did he? At least he didn't have to deal with all this nonsense."