Desdemona de Ardyn

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"And Desdemona...eugh. She's beautiful, but there's something creepy about her."

—Axikasha Keiran, about Desdemona de Ardyn

Countess Desdemona de Ardyn is a black mage from Maar Sul. She is a prominent member of the Order of the Black Rose, the the half-sister of Mordecai de Ardyn and the niece of the Order's former leader, Belial de Ardyn. She secretly collaborated with the Totenkopfs and assassinated Belial in 11 AOE. She has tried to manipulate King Marcus Sarillius but her plans have been thwarted for the time being.

Contents 1 Biography 1.1 Early Years 1.1.1 Growing Up 1.1.2 Choosing Sides 1.1.3 A Change of Plans 1.2 Godslayer Era 1.2.1 The Age of Emptiness 1.2.2 On Death's Trail 1.2.3 A Game of Deception 1.2.4 Echoes of War 1.2.5 A Crimson Dawn 2 Aliases and Nicknames 3 Appearance 4 Personality and Traits 5 Powers and Abilities 6 Relationships 6.1 Belial de Ardyn 6.2 Koschei Dravaris 6.3 Marcus Sarillius 6.4 Mordecai de Ardyn 7 See also

[edit] Biography

[edit] Early Years

[edit] Growing Up

Antigonus de Ardyn married a lesser noble, Eva, from the von Waldheim family near the city of Fragnar. Eva died during childbirth, and Antigonus decided to give the baby the name of Desdemona to honour the name of Eva's grandmother. It only took a few years before Antigonus remarried, this time an elfess from Folsworth Woods. She gave birth to Mordecai de Ardyn but succumbed to a disease known as the Blood Fever a few months later. Antigonus concentrated on his work, and his brother Belial de Ardyn was travelling around the world, so Desdemona and Mordecai had to learn to live without constant guidance from early on.

Years passed, and Desdemona and Mordecai developed a close bond that turned downright incestuous in their late teens. They kept their forbidden relationship secret from everyone within the Order of the Black Rose, even their closest family members. There was something in Mordecai that made Desdemona feel at ease, and the two could understand each other's thoughts as if they were twins.

A few years prior to the Yamatian Invasion of Maar Sul, Antigonus died. This did not seem to affect Desdemona much, probably because her father had always concentrated more on his work than spending time with her. Desdemona's uncle Belial began to take care of her and Mordecai, and their life continued as normal apart from Mordecai and Desdemona having nightly visits to each other's bedrooms. Belial was busy rebuilding the Order after Antigonus's demise and hardly had time for Desdemona and Mordecai, which further alienated him from them.

[edit] Choosing Sides

Desdemona began her magic studies and was contacted by a mysterious person who turned out to be the leader of a death cult known as the Totenkopfs. This Master showed Desdemona how black magic could be used and introduced her to an old friend of Belial, Duke Koschei Dravaris. Desdemona and Koschei instantly understood one another, and Koschei became her teacher as the Master had other things to attend to. Koschei's manipulation turned out to be successful as he helped Desdemona become more powerful and ambitious.

It was around this time that Mordecai began showing symptoms of the Blood Fever, and Belial immediately forged a magically enchanted armor by using the notes of the late Antigonus. He put Mordecai in the armor, and that turned out to be a wise move because it kept Mordecai alive albeit in great pain.

These sad events did not stop Mordecai and Desdemona from continuing their secret relationship, though, but the nightly visits became rarer as time passed on. The Blood Fever was slowly taking over Mordecai's body, but his fantastic physique was partially helping him struggle against the disease. He became even more distant than he had been, now rarely uttering words even to Desdemona. The two continued sharing a close bond, though.

[edit] A Change of Plans

Koschei used the predicament to his advantage and assured Desdemona that there was a way to save Mordecai from a grisly fate; all she had to do was to hand him over to Koschei who could then study the symptoms of the Blood Fever and create an antidote. This further motivated Desdemona to stay with the Totenkopfs.

Although Desdemona agreed to use Mordecai as a guinea pig for the greater good, she was not sure how to take Mordecai away without Belial noticing anything. Koschei assured her that he had already thought about it, and thus an elaborate game of deception began. While they plotted, the Cataclysm took place and effectively ended the Great War and forced them to delay their plans for the time being.

Koschei finally sent Totenkopf assassins after Belial in 9 AOE, but the assassins were defeated. Belial learned about the existence of the Totenkopfs and that they had been behind the assassination attempt, and he took his closest servants and family members, including Desdemona, with him as he began the voyage to Remon.

Everything was going exactly as Koschei and Desdemona had planned, and Desdemona could hardly wait to begin the next phase of her mission. The Great War had ravaged many nations, and once Mordecai was cured and Belial was out of the picture, the Order of the Black Rose would become a powerful faction that could rule the world from the shadows.

[edit] Godslayer Era

[edit] The Age of Emptiness

"We don't have time for this, my lord. The longer we stay away from Remonton, the easier it will be for the Totenkopfs to cause trouble there."

"Very well. I'll finish this quickly."

—Desdemona and Belial de Ardyn, about the interrogation of Izael Korath

Desdemona accompanied her uncle Belial to Ravensworth onboard the Ardent in 10 AOE. She was surprised when the leader of the Ravensworth welcoming committee, Adram Alek, informed them that Remon did not have a king. The decentralized nature of the country threatened Desdemona's plans, but her uncle reassured her that they would find someone powerful enough in Remonton, the capital of Remon.

Desdemona had not taken into consideration that some Totenkopfs might act independently, though. One such Totenkopf named Zenobia manipulated the Ravensworth Watch to open fire on the ship. The Ardent sank, but Desdemona, her close relatives and some of Belial's servants survived. Desdemona cursed these developments in her mind, but fate smiled on her that day as the Wanderers led by Axikasha Keiran happened to appear at that time and saved the group from certain death. She was in a bad mood, so when a hungry Omari fish tried to attack the crew, she made the fish explode once it accidentally swallowed a barrel full of gunpowder.

The Flaming Monkey sailed away before the Ravensworth Watch could continue the attack. However, Mordecai's armor had been damaged in the ambush, and Desdemona immediately took him into the ship. She and a few mages who knew white magic began healing Mordecai, and eventually Belial joined them. She later heard that the Totenkopfs had manipulated the Ravensworth Watch to attack the ship, but she remained quiet about the matter.

She accompanied Belial and her new companions to Remonton. She helped in fending off a few Totenkopfs who had tried to ambush the group, and eventually even more people joined the group, one of them being Belial's brother-in-law, Dieter von Waldheim. They also captured one of the Totenkopfs, Izael Korath. Desdemona realized that the Totenkopfs would begin their plans for Remonton even if Belial did not appear, so she urged Belial to interrogate Izael harshly so that they could continue the journey to Remonton.

She noticed the look of shock on Belial's face and inquired whether he had got hold of any useful information, but Belial coldly brushed her comment aside. Desdemona decided not to pursue the matter further, although she wondered what her uncle had really seen in Izael's mind.

[edit] On Death's Trail

"The Totenkopfs... they've captured Mordecai. Please forgive me, my lord. I was unable to save him."

"So, this battle was nothing more than a distraction! Damn those Totenkopfs! They had been planning this all along, and I fell right into their trap like an amateur!"

—Desdemona and Belial de Ardyn

Ax led the group, including Desdemona, through an underground passageway into Remonton where the group soon found themselves the target of the Proninist Party which had taken over the city only a few days earlier. The arrival of a man claiming to be Marcus Sarillius, the king of Remon, just made things more confusing, and Desdemona eventually learned that Belial had been captured by the Proninists. As soon as Desdemona saw Marcus and realized from Ax's reaction that the man was in fact the true king of Remon, she immediately began plotting. A marriage with Marcus would serve both her and the Order's needs, and she tried to figure out how to lure Marcus in.

The Totenkopfs, led by Jacob Seneron, appeared a moment later and released an ice elemental which immediately began destroying the city and killing the people. Desdemona suggested a retreat because she could immediately see that the group was no match for the beast. However, another reason was that she could divert the heroes' attention elsewhere while she waited for the Totenkopfs to make their true move. To her delight Ax agreed with the idea, and the group proceeded towards the Palace of Justice where Belial was held in.

Everything proceeded exactly as Desdemona had assumed. Zenobia appeared and "kidnapped" her and Mordecai while everyone else was busy fighting against the elemental. Desdemona returned after the battle was over and managed to make everyone believe that she had escaped from the Totenkopfs. She was surprised how easy it was to fool the heroes, and she delighted in the idea that eventually the Totenkopfs would make an antidote for Mordecai and the two of them could be together again.

[edit] A Game of Deception

The group spent a year in Remonton, slowly rebuilding it and helping Marcus in his quest to unite Remon. Belial did his best to convince Marcus of a political marriage, but Marcus was rather reluctant. Desdemona did not give up even if her uncle had failed, and she continued spending more time with Marcus, and the two grew closer. She stayed in the background when the representatives had lengthy negotiations about the forming of the new Grand Alliance.

Desdemona was surprised when she heard that Marcus had been kidnapped the following night. She immediately volunteered to come along with the rescue party although Ax was rather suspicious that so many people wanted to tag along. Desdemona was rather amused when she realized that the Master of the Totenkopfs followed the group. She kept her mouth shut so that she would not blow the Master's cover, and she admired the way how no one seemed to realize that their greatest threat was travelling next to them. The group departed for the Ruined Kingdom while a fake Marcus was set up to lead the forces of the Grand Alliance to Maar Sul's aid.

[edit] Echoes of War

Desdemona aided Ax and the others rescue Marcus in the Ruined Kingdom. They faced many traps along the way, most notably the Soap, and Desdemona was surprised that the ruins were swarming with Totenkopfs. She also found it interesting that Marcus's kidnappers had actually been members of the Grey Cult: Xerathas d'Zarnagon and Varalia Earthhaven. She sensed the magic in Xerathas and realized that she had to be more careful from now on because the mage might blow her cover if she figured out the taint of shadow magic in her.

The group ended up facing Nergal, the God of War, who revealed to the group that they had traitors in their midst. Although Nergal was beaten, the group grew increasingly paranoid, especially after Xerathas and Varalia joined the group as prisoners. Belial's schemes were also revealed, and Desdemona worried if Belial would act too hastily and ruin everything that she had been planning. She had a private chat with the Master when no one was listening, and he instructed her that they would take care of Belial once they would arrive at Maar Sul City.

[edit] A Crimson Dawn

"You... too?"

"Farewell, uncle."

"That was the first time you ever called me... uncle. I'm so--"

—Desdemona and Belial de Ardyn, before Belial's death

The group reunited with the Grand Alliance army and switched the decoy Marcus, Ronove, with the real Marcus. The army did not meet any resistance worth speaking of as it marched to Maar Sul City where it was welcomed with open arms. Desdemona did not attend the ball, claiming that she was sick, but she was actually getting prepared for the next phase of the Totenkopfs' plan.

Koschei Dravaris eventually lured Belial to his tower by claiming to have news about Mordecai's whereabouts. Belial managed to defend himself against Koschei, Gloriana and even the Master, but he was unprepared for a fourth enemy who turned out to be Desdemona. Although he was shocked by the betrayal, he died with a cryptic, blissful smile on his face as Desdemona pushed him off the tower.

The funeral was held later, and everyone was invited. When one of Belial's servants, Awar, began reading the will, Desdemona assumed that all of Belial's fortune would go to her because Mordecai was missing and thus she was the sole heir of Belial present. However, she was shocked when the will stated that Belial's possessions would go to his servant, Khalid al-Saif, who was in fact an exiled emir from the Sultanate of Karaganda and the son of Belial. Desdemona was furious about this "betrayal", but she soon calmed herself down and used the opportunity to make Marcus escort her to her quarters.

Desdemona used the infamous Dread Garlic of Mind Control in the tea which she offered to Marcus. She knew that Marcus would have to drink it many times, but she hoped that she could drug Marcus and have sex with him, which would eventually result in a baby which would strengthen Desdemona's hold of the throne of Remon.

She figured out that Marcus had feelings for Ax, but she did what she could to convince Marcus that Ax was not interested in him. She used the excuse of Refan's flirting with Ax as well as Ax's ubringing as a means to make Marcus see that the romance would be doomed. Her schemes were interrupted by the arrival of Ax and Nymgrock Sigiln, but Desdemona did not mind; she had already taken the first step of taking over Marcus's mind. The somewhat drugged Marcus kissed Desdemona who retreated to her quarters.

Khalid approached the Order of the Black Rose the following day and stated that he was not ready to lead the Order, not while his people, the Sarquil were suffering in the sultanate. He gave Koschei Dravaris control of the Order and left to get ready for the journey to Libaterra. Desdemona was not pleased about Khalid's bossy attitude, but the Master ordered her to take care of Marcus and leave Khalid to the other Totenkopfs.

When Marcus prepared to go back to Remon to counter a possible threat posed by Dylas Rin Theron, Desdemona accompanied him. She was not glad to see Marcus's advisor Shyralis tag along, and she realized that Shyralis would be a dangerous opponent that she had to deal with sooner or later for her scheme to work.

[edit] Aliases and Nicknames

Des 

Used fondly by Belial and Mordecai de Ardyn.

Old Maid 

A derogatory nickname given by Axikasha Keiran.

[edit] Appearance

Desdemona is tall, dark and beautiful. She wears clothes with a mix of black and gold, and she is often seen wearing a golden headpiece that signifies her position as the Countess of the House of Ardyn. Her eyes have a red tint to them which sometimes make her look rather menacing. She has a slender figure.

[edit] Personality and Traits

Desdemona is rather cold most of the time, although she has shown anger on her face occasionally. The only people she has ever warmed up to have been her half-brother Mordecai and King Marcus Sarillius. She is also rather intelligent and quiet, speaking only when necessary.

[edit] Powers and Abilities

Desdemona is a skilled black mage who knows above middle-level spells. She has yet to master the dark arts, but she is patient. She is rather weak physically, though, so she prefers to rely on her magic.

[edit] Relationships

[edit] Belial de Ardyn

Belial loved Desdemona as a daughter he had never had. The girl was beautiful and intelligent, and Belial was pleased that she learned magic more easily than he had. Despite Belial's best efforts Desdemona never quite returned these feelings, and it troubled Belial slightly but he never dared to ask her a reason for such cold demeanor. He tried to joke around her maybe a bit too much, but he never succeeded in breaking her icy exterior. When Desdemona revealed herself as an agent of the Totenkopfs only a moment before Belial's murder, Belial was shocked at first. However, when he heard Desdemona use the word 'uncle' for the first and final time, he felt that he had sicceeded in establishing a connection between himself and his niece. When he fell down the tower, he did not feel anger; his mind was totally calm in the last seconds of his life. Desdemona did not feel the same way, though, as she had always considered her uncle a weak fool. She felt that Belial's death was a necessary step in order to make the Order of the Black Rose grow stronger in the guidance of the Totenkopfs.

[edit] Koschei Dravaris

Desdemona's relationship with Koschei is rather formal. He was one of the first Totenkopfs she met and acted as her connection to the higher-ups within the Totenkopfs. She respects Koschei's wisdom and wants to learn as much from him as possible. Koschei sees Desdemona as a promising student who he hopes to use for his own gains. The two play a dangerous game, juggling deception and trust, but so far it has been profitable for both of them.

[edit] Marcus Sarillius

Marcus and Desdemona seemed to bond almost as soon as they met. There was something about Desdemona that reminded Marcus of Ax, and that made him warm up to her. Marcus was still insecure of how he really felt about Ax, but Desdemona guided him gently and eventually managed to push his emotions to the right direction. He cares for Desdemona as a person, and the fact that she is a noblewoman is also something to be considered, because he realizes that a marriage with her would be a politically wise move that could save Remon from further chaos. Desdemona, however, considers Marcus as a mere pawn who she plans to use to take over Remon.

[edit] Mordecai de Ardyn

Desdemona had three roles in Mordecai's life: mother, sister and lover. The two understood each other really well and hardly ever had to speak to know what the other was thinking. Their relationship had to remain hidden, because rumours of incest could have not only ruined their reputation but also the Order's. Although Mordecai's feelings seemed to calm down after he had been exposed to the Blood Fever, he nevertheless cares about Desdemona even though he understands that their relationship can never be public and that he will likely never be able to father children due to his ravaged condition.

[edit] See also

• House of Ardyn
• Koschei Dravaris
• Marcus Sarillius