Crozier Family

The Crozier Family or Crozier Dynasty is the ruling family of the Duchy of Dolomieux, and serving vassals to their rival Du Fleur Family of the Kingdom of Yalamara. Headed by Rolin Crozier, the family is segregated into a Main Family, and Branch Family. The current heir is Remi Crozier.

Hierarchy
The Family is organized into 2 separate groups based on their direct relation to the heir. The Main Family being the direct lineage of the Dynasty Head, whilst the Branch Family is composed of his siblings' lineage. Every child of the head is apart of the Main Family, but eventually congregate as apart of the Branch Family if they are to not birth the Family's Heir. The Heir is decided by speed and chance, as the Firstborn Male birthed to any of the current heir's male children will become the family heir. Children born to the heir's female children are considered extensions of the branch family regardless of when they are born, and gender due to hailing from their father's dynasty as apart of a patrilineal marriage. Separate, the title of Duke of Dolomieux is usually passed along to the heir of the Crozier Family, but if an heir is not of age, it will be passed onto the oldest living male or female under age 50 until the heir comes of age.

Military Hierarchy
Military positions are held on a mandatory basis by Awakened members of the Crozier Family, regardless of gender they are expected to be Magical Forces capable of leading military operation. These ranks are as follow:


 * Supreme Commander - Highest military powers under the Duke. Generally considered the most powerful member of the army. Current Holder:
 * Arsene Crozier
 * Field Commander - Leaders of military divisions, can undertake leadership of entire fronts or theaters. May be stronger individual combatants than the Supreme Commander. Current Holders:
 * Silvain Crozier
 * Seth Crozier
 * Adrienne Crozier
 * Field Captain - Battalion leader; the weaker members of the Crozier dynasty. Current Holders:
 * Task Force - Crozier Family members that are better suited for specialized warfare such as espionage. They may still hold other positions such as Field Commander. Current Members:
 * Silvain Crozier

Culture
Crozier are born with a majority percentage Awakening rate, with a 100% Mage Awakening probability. Croziers are blessed with extremely potent Magical Energy, or Mana and natural combative prowess compared to the common crop of Awakened. This is a passive effect attributed to the Curse of Mirghan by its members. As of the continental academy's opening, the family's greatest performing member is sent out following their coming of age. In the past it had been considered taboo to ship the family's heir to the Academy, but with the current generation, head Rolin Crozier has taken to sending his heir: Remi off for the first time in the family's history. This change came on account of both Rolin's scorn towards his son, as well as his bitterness towards the success of his nephew Seth Crozier, who had significant success at the academy. Although every Awakened child is trained in the art of combat, not all are expected to become Legionnaire, nor Military Police, but rather Field Commanders for Dolomieux and Yalmara.

Curse of Mirghan
The Curse of Mirghan is a magical constant that flows through the blood of every Crozier. Upon the formation of the Family, Razo, its founder would undergo an ill-advised expedition to Purgatory in where he'd undergo countless perilous encounters leaving him on the brink of death. Bleeding out, he'd be approached by "Mirghan, the Dragon God of Blight". Mirghan would offer the dying man all the power he'd ever need, a blessing he cited as a disease. In exchange of Infallible Magical Energy, Mirghan pledged that if Razo were to ever tell of this deal, that he'd come to him, and take back his power. Although he only ever manifested in a gaseous state, Mirghan was considered one of the most powerful beings that took asylum in the chaos of Purgatory, Razo knew better than to mess with such a deity-like being.

From that day, Razo reigned as one of the most powerful Mages of his time, eventually taking on the Crozier name, he never spoke of his secret. He'd soon find out the properties of this curse, it was passed on to his firstborn son, alongside Monstrous Magical Energy and natural Combative Prowess. With the curse onto his child, he finally had someone he could share this secret with. This continued for generations, with the heir to the Crozier family holding the same curse and being forbidden from telling any other of it. This eventually struck fear into the Crozier, which eventually led to a total 'ban' of speaking for the Heir outside of his immediate family completely, a precaution that they were willing to take in exchange from the powerful energy that flowed through their blood.

History
The Crozier family was founded by Razo Crozier. He was the brother to the Du Fleur Family founder, the families would eventually separate completely and even grow an absolutely massive rivalry as the Crozier's would hold the Duke/Duchess title under the liege of the Kingdom of Yalmara.

Familial Notes
Future reference for dynamics and relationships Remi and Rolin have a hard work and natural talent dichotomy. Rolin holds his son to extreme standards and generally holds a sense of jealousy towards his son who with his half elf blood is a naturally talented mage. Though, this was Rolin’s plan, he hadn’t accounted for his heir outclassing himself.

Silvain and Rolin have a relationship that has essentially mirrored one another. As children Silvain held his brother in a great light, and highly respected him while Rolin looked down upon him for his position as an eventual branch family member. In adulthood, Silvain has a secret resentment for his brother for his treatment. On the other end, Rolin heavily respects his brother as a political and military advisor and trusts his judgement and expertise in all fields. He trusts Silvain to undertake extremely important missions for the Duchy on account of his aptitude for espionage. Siblings and cousins can fit into the dynamic in a number of ways.

Rolin and Seth have a relationship bound by jealousy. Rolin views Seth as the ideal heir, he believes that he’d have what he’d consider a perfect son to entrust the Duchy too. This comes in contrast to his views of Remi as he sees Remi’s strength in magical arts as “not being earned”.

Remi and Adrienne have no real relations as Remi was not allowed to converse with the branch family. Despite this, Adrienne sees him as the heir to the Crozier Dynasty and thus would serve him with her life as any other Field Commander would be expected. Can have differing feelings and commitment to action by other family members of similar status.

Rolin and Remi’s Mother is a forced marriage in where love is shared in either direction. After birthing Remi, Rolin would go on to take several other wives in her stead. Main family children are half siblings to Remi.