Note: Won't make any sense unless you read the rest. Names are assigned in game.
The families of Rufus and Robert
After Robert's death, there were many arguments over who would be the next king. This was the first time a situation like this had occurred in English history. The throne was technically supposed to pass to the oldest son of the King, and if he was too young, it would be the kings brother. However, there were a few problems since Robert was never supposed to be king. His deceased older brother Rufus had had two children before his death, George and Edgar. The law was unclear about whether George should reclaim his rightful place as King of England. Another issue was that when the crusade had started, Walter had been too young to become heir, so his adopted cousin had been chosen as a successor for Robert until he returned. But now that he was old enough, shouldn't he take his father's crown? Finally, there was prince Paul, the chosen heir. He was not related by blood, but of the three he was the only one who had actually led an army and commanded any authority. Thus, with Henry's support, he was able to wrest control of the crown from his adopted cousins and was crowned King of England.
Being passed over again had an undeniable effect on George, eldest son of old King Rufus. he was not even aware that his uncle Robert had died until he was invited to come to Crown Prince Paul's coronation ceremony. George became even more introverted than before. He was already cold hearted from losing his father at an early age. He had turned inward and was a quiet man, which turned him into a poor speaker. He never showed any emotion and it seemed like he wore a stone mask over his face. His predicament in life forced him to become an underhanded and severe man in order to maintain any power he possessed, an action he personally despised. A religious yet rational man, he patiently waits for an opportunity to present itself and get his vengeance on the rest of his family, especially the bastard usurper Paul. The worst part is that despite the talent for combat he inherited from his Grandfather, his French mother makes others question his loyalty in the war on France. He feels utterly alone, since his brother Edgar is almost his opposite.
Edgar never had to deal with the same issues as his brother, as he was never a candidate for the crown. He shares his brother's knack for command. He discovered that he was gay at a young age, and grew deeply ashamed. he represses his feelings, which turn into an uncontrollable rage which he tries to control with alcohol. When he he governs, he does so with an Iron fist and a lack of justice, punishing everyone. He shares his brothers reputation as people to be feared. Edgar is friends with his Brothers in law, Davy and Aston. Nobles promoted to the Royal Family, they are loyal and grateful to their new family. Aston took over the governing of London and the rest of England after Auncell's death due to his excellent bureaucratic skills, while Davy commands a task force in southern France in the name of the king.
While the "sons of Rufus" all get along reasonably well, the same cannot be said of Robert's immediate family. King Robert took his immediate family with him when he departed for the crusade. Along the way, young Walter came of age, while his older sisters married to Jasper and Michell, two men who greatly aided Robert in his Crusade. In fact, Robert treated Jasper like a favoured son, which instilled some jealousy in Walter. Jasper was obviously an idiot who got by on being brave in battle and having an extraordinarily intelligent wife, who happened to be Walter's sister. Jasper was so well liked by the king that he was left to govern Marseilles when the rest of the army departed. Michell, on the other hand, acted as Robert's personal assistance seeing that his will be done in the cheapest manner possible. Even if he did not respect the man, he was still very loyal.
Walter had always tried to follow his father's legacy of chivalry and battlefield prowess, and in fact had become an expert at defending against sieges. He had always wanted to impress his father, and was incredibly angry when Jasper was chosen as governor of Marseilles rather than him. Still, he acted as a charismatic gentleman. He excelled at social events and speeches. Walter was always able to acquire money from his Father's entourage to pay for extravagant and expensive tastes.
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