Berúthiel Failassë
Berúthiel, born into a wealthy family in the colony of Star City's Empire, could trace her lineage back to the first colonists. She spent her childhood in the city of Rómenna. Despite growing up in a privileged environment, she exhibited traits of diligence and modesty from an early age, as well as developing protectiveness of her younger brother Cirion. Her parents secured her a place at the Shield Academia in Star City, something she was opposed to at first. However, her parents eventually persuaded her.
At the Shield Academia, Berúthiel initially lagged behind, but as time went on, she began surpassing expectations and proving her capabilities. Despite the initial assistance from her parents, it became evident that Berúthiel's success was not merely due to her family's influence but stemmed from her own intelligence and dedication to her studies. Her opportunistic and diligent personality outweighed initial difficulties.
Berúthiel's promising career took a dark turn when she was identified by Hydra. Recognizing her potential for their goals, Hydra saw Berúthiel as a favorable candidate for colonial coup. Her parents were not aligned with Hydra's interests, and as a result, they became targets of the organization.
Tragically, Hydra orchestrated the deaths of Berúthiel's parents, removing any obstacles in their path. With her family gone, Berúthiel went back to the colony, where she inherited her parents' estates alongside their political standing. Her younger brother Cirion was soon seen to return in order to help her administratively. She assumed this responsibility while unknowingly acting as a covert agent for Hydra within the colony.
Berúthiel's upbringing was deeply influenced by her parents' unwavering loyalty to Star City. As staunch supporters of the colonial regime, they were determined to maintain the status quo and uphold the colony's allegiance to the empire. Berúthiel was groomed from a young age to follow in their footsteps, instilling in her a sense of duty and commitment to the Star City.
Upon assuming her parents' position and inheriting their vast estates, Berúthiel delved into the intricacies of estate management and political affairs with a fierce determination, but only thanks to her brother managed to stand firm. She navigated the complex web of colonial politics, adeptly wielding her influence to consolidate power and further the interests of the loyalist faction. In the halls of governance, she proved herself to be a formidable adversary, engaging in political maneuvering and strategic alliances to bolster her family's standing and maintain control over key territories.
As the de facto leader of the loyalist faction, Berúthiel found herself in direct opposition to Anárion, then a prominent figure among the Dúnedain who advocated for greater autonomy and independence from Star City's rule. Their ideological differences fueled intense political rivalries and sparked heated debates over the colony's future. Berúthiel's steadfast allegiance to Star City clashed with Anárion's vision of sovereignty for the Dúnedain, setting the stage for a contentious struggle for control and influence within the colonial hierarchy.
Hydra manipulated Berúthiel, feeding her propaganda about the corruption within the government and steering her towards their desired path. Unbeknownst to her, Berúthiel was being groomed to serve Hydra's agenda. However, the outbreak of the civil war occurred sooner than Hydra had planned, altering the course of events and setting Berúthiel on a path she never anticipated.
Berúthiel found herself torn between two conflicting allegiances. Both sides called upon her to return to Star City and fight for their cause. Unlike many other agents who readily chose sides, Berúthiel remained undecided, hesitant to commit to either faction. Instead, she chose to remain in the colony and try to steer it steadily.
However, everything took a turn when the colony came under threat from barbarian invaders. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Berúthiel stepped into a leadership role, utilizing her academic education and agent experience. She assumed command of the sector army group Harondor, rallying its forces to repel the barbarian onslaught and safeguard the colony's survival.
As the specter of barbarian invasion loomed over the colony, Berúthiel found herself thrust into the crucible of war, facing an existential threat to the very foundations of her homeland. The initial onslaught of the barbarian hordes brought devastation and chaos, plunging the colony into a state of turmoil and uncertainty. Villages were razed, farmlands laid to waste, and the populace endured untold suffering as they struggled to fend off the relentless tide of invaders.
When Anárion came up with his rearmament, Berúthiel emerged as a beacon of resilience and leadership, rallying her forces to stem the tide of barbarian aggression. With strategic acumen and unwavering determination, she orchestrated a series of defensive maneuvers and counterattacks, seizing upon every opportunity to repel the invaders and safeguard the colony's remaining people.
Amidst the chaos of battle, Berúthiel's tactical brilliance shone brightly, as she employed a combination of guerilla tactics, ambushes, and calculated strikes to exploit weaknesses in the enemy's ranks. Her keen insight into the barbarians' tactics allowed her to anticipate their movements and outmaneuver them at every turn, inflicting heavy losses upon their forces and bolstering the morale of her own troops.
Despite facing seemingly insurmountable odds, Berúthiel remained resolute in her determination to defend the colony at all costs. Her tenacity and courage inspired those under her command, fostering a spirit of unity and defiance in the face of adversity. It was during this tumultuous period that Berúthiel's path intersected with that of Anárion, whose strategic prowess and military expertise proved to be invaluable assets in the fight against the barbarian threat.
Berúthiel faced one of the most harrowing challenges of her military career at Nûrneled. Following a successful counterattack against the barbarian forces deep within their territory, her regrouping forces fell victim to a devastating ambush that left them vulnerable and exposed. Despite her best efforts to mount another counteroffensive, the arrival of barbarian reinforcements quickly turned the tide of battle against the Harondorian forces.
Cornered against the river and the steep slopes of the hill, Berúthiel's troops found themselves surrounded on all sides, their backs against the proverbial wall as the barbarian onslaught intensified. Desperate calls for aid brought Arnorian forces to their aid, but time was not on their side. With each passing moment, the barbarian noose tightened, threatening to overwhelm the beleaguered defenders.
In a bold and daring move, Berúthiel made the difficult decision to cross the river in a bid to save as many of her troops as possible. Little did she know that this maneuver played directly into the barbarian's trap, as they swiftly pincered both banks of the river, trapping the Harondorian forces in a deadly crossfire.
As the barbarian artillery rained down upon them, Berúthiel and her troops fought valiantly, pushing northward along the river banks in a desperate bid for survival. The battlefield became a nightmarish landscape of carnage and chaos, with Harondorians and barbarians locked in a brutal struggle for supremacy.
When Arnorian reinforcements finally arrived, they could only salvage what little remained of the decimated Harondorian forces. Most were either dead or grievously wounded, their ranks thinned by the merciless onslaught of the barbarian horde. In the aftermath of the battle, with her leg missing and her body battered and broken, Berúthiel made the fateful decision to entrust the leadership of Harondor to Argonaut, signaling a profound shift in allegiance.
For Berúthiel and many of her fellow Loyalists, the events at Nûrneled served as a stark wake-up call, shattering their faith in the Empire and prompting a transformation into staunch supporters of the Dúnedain cause.
Following the catastrophic events of the Battle of Nûrneled, Berúthiel found herself sidelined from active duty due to the severity of her wounds. As she struggled to recover from her injuries, she watched from the sidelines as the world around her underwent profound changes, with the emergence of the High Kingdom of Arnor heralding a new era of governance and stability.
During this period of recovery and reflection, Berúthiel remained steadfast in her commitment to the cause of Arnor, even as she grappled with the physical and emotional toll of her experiences on the battlefield. Despite the challenges she faced, she never wavered in her dedication to her homeland, determined to continue serving in whatever capacity she could.
It was not until the formation of the High Kingdom of Arnor and the establishment of a centralized government that Berúthiel was once again called upon to fulfill her duty. Recognizing her exceptional leadership qualities and unwavering loyalty to the realm, High King Anárion personally selected her to assume the prestigious position of Captain-General, entrusting her with the crucial task of overseeing the kingdom's military affairs.
As Captain-General, Berúthiel assumed a position of great responsibility and authority, serving as the supreme commander of Arnor's armed forces and playing a pivotal role in shaping the kingdom's military strategy and operations. With her keen intellect, strategic prowess, and indomitable spirit, she proved to be a formidable leader, guiding Arnor's forces through the tumultuous years of the Barbarian War with courage and resolve.
Despite the challenges and hardships she faced along the way, Berúthiel remained steadfast in her commitment to defending Arnor and upholding its honor and integrity. Her tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to the cause of freedom and justice earned her the admiration and respect of her fellow countrymen, cementing her legacy as one of Arnor's greatest military heroes.
Following the tumultuous years of the Barbarian War and the subsequent disbandment of the Legions, Berúthiel's role within the kingdom underwent a period of transition. With the cessation of major conflicts, the focus of Arnor shifted towards rebuilding and consolidation, leading to a perceived reduction in the importance of her position.
However, this lull in military activity was short-lived, as the emergence of the enigmatic Yárcarniel brought about new challenges and threats to the realm. Berúthiel found herself once again thrust into a position of prominence as she assumed responsibility for overseeing the expansion and defense of Arnor's territories on foreign planets.
As Arnor sought to assert its influence and dominance beyond the confines of its own borders, Berúthiel played a crucial role in safeguarding the kingdom's interests and securing its newfound territories from external threats. Her leadership and strategic acumen were instrumental in ensuring the stability and security of Arnor's far-flung domains.
However, Berúthiel's responsibilities did not end there. With the rise of the Sisters of Blood and the militant Crimson chapter, she faced the challenge of coordinating with these powerful and influential factions. Despite their differing ideologies and methods, Berúthiel worked tirelessly to forge alliances and cooperation between the various factions, recognizing the importance of unity in the face of common adversaries.
Amidst the events of the Ciris, Berúthiel stepped into the fray, assuming command with a steely resolve. As the forces of darkness descended upon Arnor, she orchestrated the kingdom's defense with meticulous strategy and unwavering determination. While High King Anárion took to the front lines to inspire his people, Berúthiel remained at the helm, guiding the military efforts with precision and foresight.
As the forces of darkness threatened to overwhelm Arnor's defenses, she worked tirelessly to maintain stability on the front lines, issuing orders and directives with a sense of urgency born of desperation.
Stationed within the Senate building, Berúthiel's hours were consumed by the ceaseless flow of messengers, each bearing reports of skirmishes, troop movements, and enemy advances. With each missive, she assessed the evolving situation and made split-second decisions, redirecting reinforcements and allocating resources in a relentless effort to stem the tide of darkness.
Though she may not have been at the forefront of the battlefield, Berúthiel's strategic brilliance and unwavering determination were the linchpin of Arnor's defense. Through her meticulous planning and unwavering leadership, she endeavored to hold the frontline stable and ensure the survival of her kingdom in the face of overwhelming adversity.