Character Portrait: Augustas Mirriam
Imposing in stature and naturally inclined towards authoritarian methods, Augustas Mirriam inherited a legacy built on self-actualization and enlightenment. The vibrant culture ushered in by his parents, Lucas and Tyra, served to constantly remind him of the role each Sy’Arrian citizen played to ensure the prosperity of the entire race; a role he would take far too seriously, eventually leading the Sy’Arrians down a path of almost complete annihilation.
Born in 2446, with his sister Liara following 205 years later, Augustas exhibited a highly astute leadership acumen far beyond his peers, eventually garnering the attention of the most influential members of the Cri’lin Council. His focus on cultivating more offensive capabilities associated with Akasha was diametric to his father’s viewpoint of taking a balanced approach to potential conflicts. It would, however, resonate with his close friend, Bayne Thaddeous, when the moment arrived to develop the Sy’Arrian Warrior class. Both were followers of Sun Tzu’s, The Art of War, implementing the military treatise’s strategies whenever an opportunity presented itself.
Augustas often used his towering 2.19 metered height and 109 kilograms of thick muscle to intimidate those who opposed him, no matter the occasion; a ploy generally not utilized by a Sy’Arrian, much less by one hoping to lead the next Cri’lin Council in to a new era of discovery. It would be an encounter with the Mardrayons, the only bipedal race known to absorb Akasha, where his demeanor and vision for the future of all Sy’Arrians would change from one of expansion to eventual isolation.
When his father passed in 2730, the Sy’Arrian populace and existing Cri’lin Council unanimously appointed Augustas to the role of High Leader. He quickly put top Sy’Arrian scientists in charge of developing planetary defenses to ensure the Sy’Arrian home world of Hyprus could defend itself against potential invaders, which eventually lead to the design of a one-person fighter craft capable of integrating Akasha type abilities into its framework. Due to the complexities of implementing such technology, the concept did not come to full fruition in time to prevent the Sy’Arrian Massacre of 3087.
Not soon after his father’s death, James Striken approached Augustas and presented his vision of a prevalent Sy’Arrian fighting force, which could be used to quell any conflict and defend Hyprus against invasion. Augustas readily agreed and appointed James as the sole leader of the new Sy’Arrian warrior fighting force. Understanding such an endeavor could not be accomplished alone, James sought the services of Bayne Thaddeus, one of most highly trained and respected practitioners of Akasha.
When his son Lourous was born, Augustas had already mapped what he viewed to be the young man’s most logical path towards potentially becoming the new High Leader of the Cri’lin Council, which began by joining the Sy’Arrian Warrior class and receiving personal tutelage from Bayne. Although Lourous agreed to fulfill his father’s wishes, the young man continually questioned and called out hypocrisies in his father’s authority, which came of no surprise to Augusta’s life partner, Patrice.
Prior to his death in the Sy’Arrian massacre of 3087, two pivotal moments in Augustas’ leadership pointed to why his often-heavy handed approach to governance served to harm the Sy’Arrians rather than protect them; the withdrawal of Sy’Arrian support from its key allies among the various races and creation of the Segula, which lead to the disillusionment between Augustas and one of his only true friends, Bayne.
Despite his rigid, decision-making approach, Augustas inadvertently put Sy’Arrians on the correct path as it related to scientific endeavors. By researching and developing ways to channel Akasha through technological systems in a one-person fighter craft uniquely suited for Sy’Arrian warriors, scientists were able to uncover the chemical processes in Sy’Arrian physiology, which enable them to use Akasha in extraordinary ways.
In the end, Augustas had tarnished a legacy requiring little effort to continue propelling it into the future, while also redeeming himself by furthering pursuits serving to ultimately unlock the mystery of their unique abilities.
Feel free to post your questions or comments. I will respond, if need be, when I able.
Resources:
The Art of War:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Art_of_War
