Denis de Bar
Denis de Bar (20th of Malin's Welcome, 1494 – 11th of Snow's Maiden, 1570), was a Savoyard statesman, political figure and the son of Adrian de Bar.
Though his Savoyard kin had signed the Treaty of Metz recognizing John I as Holy Orenian Emperor, Denis de Bar still held feelings of resent towards the Crown, resulting in several instances of tension and disobedience, the Ashford blaming the Horen administration for the assassination of his mentor and uncle, Guy de Bar. The efforts and actions of Denis were divisive, his stubborn commitment inspiring to his countrymen but only causing frustration for the Emperor. He eventually grew venerable in his Peremont estate, unaffected by and indeed deliberately excluded from the shifting political landscape. The emperor at once stage endeavored to include him in government by appointing him to the position of High Magistrate and though while he accepted this position, he obstinately refused to fulfill any of its work and duties. Accordingly, he was stripped of rank and dishonored, sent into an early retirement. Amused by his adversary's spite, John was heard to famously jest that 'it is not useless titles that make men useless, but useless men that make titles useless'. Despite the remarks of John I, Denis managed to create the Brotherhood of the Golden Crozier, a savoyard miltary order and spiritual successor to the Order of Saint Amyas that was fairly successful for a period of time.
His reputation was never particularly prodigious at court or anywhere in the country, and it plummeted especially after his presumed involvement in the Taxman's Conspiracy and failed funding of the anti-crown Jackal insurgents. His own colleague and ostensible ally, Augustus d'Amaury, was heard to describe him as 'the most inveterately incompetent man this side of the Vieran'. Once again, while despised by some, Denis served as one of the last figureheads of Ashford, providing hope for those under him until his county's activity slowly died out with his age. Mysteriously, he was assassinated by what appeared to be hired blades at the age of 76.
He was known to have four legitimate children - two daughters and two sons - Aurelia, Lucia, Richard and Guy. Aurelia would be wed to the Emperor's second son the Duke of Marna, Lucia would elope with Rhys Roke and Richard would perish without issue. Guy, however, would live on and continue Denis' patrilineal line.
