Who are the Acesians?
Who Founded the House?
Who's in charge?
What are the House Colors?
Where does all their money come from?
What do I need to do to make an Acesian character?
Can I be disowned?
Where do the Acesians stand among Empyrean nobility?
Is it Acesius or Acesian?
What kind of character can I play in the family?
Who are the Acesians?
The Acesians are a noble family of Empyreans, established during the Golden Age of the Empyre, over 2000 years ago. They are considered to be quiet traditional in their beliefs, raised with the goal of restoring the Empyre to its former glory and create another Golden Age. They do keep slaves and believe in the superiority of the Empyreans over the other races. Almost all the family has been instructed in the ways of politics, and most are astute observers of political and social situations--be they members of the Aegis or not. Civility, service, and loyalty to both the family and the Empyre are expected in this noble House, and members are brought up from birth with these goals in mind.
Who founded the House?
House Acesius was the house of the God of Light, Apollo. Like most Empyreal deities, he was once a living person who achieved godhood after his death. In life, hewas known as Phoebus Apollo Acesian; and both the House of Acesius and its
members are still under his protection. Like most of the oldest Houses,
Acesius can trace its lineage back nearly two thousand years, to the "Golden
Age" of ancient Greece. There, Apollo was worshipped at Delphi, and that is
where the mage academy on Aether got its name. He was one of its original
founders, and many still view him as the greatest avatar that ever lived.
He was also responsible for empowering Civitas Dei so that it might float
among the clouds. Before his death, he poured the last of his power into
that Empyreal city, and it still floats to this day. Apollo has consequently
been worshipped as the god of civilized life, magic, healing, and light.
Previous information was taken from the Apollo news file on Aether
Who's in charge?
House Acesius is led by Deus Pantoleon Hector Acesian. The position of patriach is usually handed down from father to son, or brother to brother if no male heir is available, or he has not yet come of age. His wife, Selene Justina Jove Acesian, is the Dea of Acesius and while her husband sees to the general running of the house as a whole within the Empyre, she handles more of the immediate household duties, such as the welfare and duties of their servants and slaves. At the Deus' discretion she can be given more duties that extend past the household, giving her more power with the House in general. This is left up to each individual Deus as to the duties he expects from his wife. Acesius also has a seat in the Aegis, currently held by Vertinius Gregoria Acesian. He speaks for the House in all matters in the Aegis, which, with the Emperor, rules the Empyre.
What are the House colors, motto and symbol?
Colors: Dusky Orange, Gold, and White
Motto: "Domini ex Lux" -- "Light of the Gods"
Symbol: Golden Sun Disk of Apollo
Where does all their money come from?
The Acesian fortune is spread out throughout the Empyre and is not found in any one source. Acesius makes money from the goods it's estates produces, such as linens and metals, but it also makes money in a variety of other venues, such as through merchants. For example, the House might become a merchant or artist's patron. They supply a storefront or studio and enough money to get their client on their feet. In return, the client might use Acesian marble for their sculptures, or sell Acesian linen and cotton. Acesius receives a portion of the profits from the client as well as other favors that might be required by the House. It's not unlikely to say that some family members make their own fortunes from more secretive and shady activites, but such things are not publically acknowledged by the House. To put it simply, Acesius is a very wealthy house, accumulating funds from a wide range of sources.
What do I need to do to make an Acesian character?
If you're interested in creating an Acesian character, speak to Pantoleon and Selene about your character idea. Remember that if you're considering magic or extra points you must apply with Aether staff as well. Acesians are, as a whole, generally raised with traditional beliefs in the Empyre and the other races, so keep this in mind when creating your character. This is not to say that your character cannot disagree with these beliefs, we aren't carbon copies of each other, but consider where in your life your character began thinking along more liberal lines. Also remember that liberal for a noble Empyrean is not the same as a liberal Empyrean that lives in Haven. Even a liberal noble wouldn't consider marrying someone from another race, for example.
Consider, also, where your character comes from in the Empyre. For more information on the Acesian estates, visit the Estates page. Most of the Acesians in Haven have come from Civitas Dei, but by no means do you have to come from the Celestial City.
Can I be disowned?
You bet. Acesians are an extremely proud lot and family honor and pride can come before love. The Deus can disown anyone in the family he wishes, but parents can also disown their children. This does not mean that if you're seen speaking with a Varati in the Rialto that you'll be disowned. Especially in a city like Haven it becomes necessary to mingle with the lower races from time to time. However, if that one talk turns into a love affair and an Acesian decides they *must* marry one of another race, their name will be quickly striken from the family books. An Acesian woman carrying a halfbreed child might also be disowned, but it depends on the circumstances. She might be hidden away until the child is born, though she certainly could not keep the child.
It is not only crimes committed with other races that will get an Acesian disowned. Crimes against another family member, such as murder, are rarely tolerated and can have the murderer shown the door. Crimes against the Empyre, such as treason can get a family member disowned as well. Acesius prides itself on it's service to the Empyre and a family member or members seeking to undermine the House or the Empyre are not looked upon kindly. This is not to say that Acesians don't plot against each other to gain more power, but subtlety is the key. If your father dies quietly in his sleep from poison in his evening glass of wine you're more likely to get away with it. If you're found holding a bloody dagger that you had just used to stab him, it's likely that you'll no longer be an Acesian.
There are few hard and fast rules in this area of the family, but remember this if you're planning something devious. Acesius would rather lose one family member than see the entire house shamed. If you're unsure if your plans could lead you down a path you don't wish to follow, speak with Pantoleon and Selene first.
Where do the Acesians stand among the Empyrean nobility?
House Acesius is one of the Great Houses, an elite number of houses that have power and prestige that can be traced back thousands of years, to the Empyrean Golden Age, their founders are now considered Gods by the Empyre.
Is it Acesius or Acesian?
When referring to the House itself, the proper name is Acesius. When you are talking about a member of the house, the term is Acesian. So Pantoleon would be Pantoleon Acesian of House Acesius.
What kind of character can I play in the family?
Because Acesius is so large and has their fingers in a variety of different industries, the possibilites are almost endless. You can claim no real work at all and simply enjoy living off the family, though don't be surprised if the Deus asks you to contribute in some fashion. Acesians are an educated lot, you could be a scholar or politics, history, arts, or a number of other topics. Acesius does have gryphons, and we need people who can train and work with them, for they are not exactly the nicest of beasts. You could be involved in the house's various industries. Perhaps you're in Haven to increase the sale of Acesian wines in the area, or you're hoping to seel more Acesian metal to weaponsmiths and jewelers. Financial advisors are always handy, they keep track of the House's spending and earnings and help the Deus and Dea decide future paths for the house to take. Acesian men have also served in the Praetorian guard so if you cannot choose between the nobility and the Praetorians, take the best of both worlds. If you'd rather not join the Praetorian Guard, Acesius has a House Guard who is responsible for keeping the family members safe, as well as guarding the house itself. Haven is full of thieves who would consider a strike on a noble house a gratifying experience.
Acesius is not just filled with noble family members. They have a household staff as well, commoner class Empyrean work for the household and slaves are owned by the house. Honestly, slave roles can be a bit restricting, but servants are allowed more freedom. Acesius is also a patron of various merchants, artists and craftsmen. What better what to establish yourself in Haven than to have a powerful house setting you up in a nice section of the city. Acesius will expect something in return as well, but they are not out to ruin you, they want other Empyreans to thrive, for it helps fill their pockets as well.
Whether it be politican, lawyer, scholar, merchant, advisor, servant or general noble family member, Acesius has a place for you. This list is certainly not only character ideas that can be played. If you have a character concept in mind already, feel free to speak with Pantoleon and Selene.