Eirik I, Duke of Valwyck
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Eirik Matyas Baruch (Common: Eric Matthias), known formally as the Duke of Valwyck, or referred to simply as Eirik, was the sixth Duke of Valwyck, succeeding his father. He was the first and only son of Duke Ruslan Baruch and Marjorie Baruch. He was the thirty-second Lord Palatine of Haense, assuming the position in 1849.
Early Life
Eirik Matyas Baruch was born on the 10th of Horen’s Welcome, 1825, as the firstborn child of Ruslan Baruch and his second wife, Marjorie Ruthern. He was the only son of his father, and the second child out of four. He had an older half-sister, Eleanora Baruch, from his father’s marriage to Elisabeth Novellen, and two younger sisters, Margot and Annabel.
Eirik had a comfortable upbringing in Valwyck, primarily based around his tutors, whilst also having time for leisure activities, such as fishing. Regardless, this childhood was primarily known for his friendship (or rivalry, depending on the source) with Princess Anastasya Bihar, this culminated in the announcement that the two would be betrothed in 1837.
While the specifics of it are unknown, Eirik entered a period of isolation during the years of 1837 to 1842, where he was believed to been in a state of deep depression, barely leaving his bed or his chambers, and devoting what little time he spent outside of it to the study of history and finishing his tutoring.
He returned to public life in 1842, around the same time that it was revealed that his father had cancer. Despite the fact that no declaration of regency was issued for the period, it was Eirik who managed the day-to-day affairs of the Duchy, and also oversaw the 1842 session of the Royal Duma on his father’s behalf (Rhys var Ruthern, the future Lord Speaker, oversaw the 1843 Royal Duma session). Ruslan died in 1844, and Eirik succeeded him as Duke of Valwyck, becoming the sixth Duke of Valwyck.
Duke of Valwyck
Inheriting the Duchy of Valwyck at the age of 19, Eirik began the process of settling into his new responsibilities as Duke. Having had a passion for architecture since his youth, he began making renovations to the family keep of Lichtestadt, overseeing the construction of a ballroom extension in 1844, and having the entire main keep expanded further in 1850.
He also founded an ABA team, the Valwyck Bears, who currently play in the Amateur Division, finishing 2nd in their first season.
Lord Palatine of Haense
Having served as the Deputy Palatine to Kaustantin Baruch since 1845, Eirik ascended to the position in late 1849 upon his predecessor’s resignation, though he was not officially bestowed the Golden Bulava until early 1850.
Upon the time of his ascension, the realm was mainly plagued by matters of foreign diplomacy, the downfall of Emperor Philip II and the succession of Philip III to the Imperial Throne, followed by the combined effort of Oren and Savoy to overthrow High Pontiff Everard VI. Eirik was personally present during the schism attempt, and ordered the successful evacuation of the High Pontiff.
Personal Life
Eirik had been betrothed to his childhood friend, Princess Anastasya, since 1837, and the two married in the Basilica of St. Henrik in 1847, ten years after their betrothal. Before their wedding, they had gone on an international tour, visiting Oren, Urguan, Nevaehlen, Elysium, Yong Ping, and Vortice.
Issue
| Name | Birth | Death | Marriage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isabel Alexandra Baruch | 4th of the Amber Cold, 1848 | Alive | Unwed | Firstborn daughter. |
| Saoirse Aila Baruch | 11th of the Sun's Smile, 1850 | Alive | Unwed | Secondborn daughter, twin to Margrait. |
| Margrait Floireans Baruch | 11th of the Sun's Smile, 1850 | Alive | Unwed | Thirdborn daughter, twin to Saoirse. |
| Eileen Marcella Baruch | 24th of the Grand Harvest, 1852 | Alive | Unwed | Fourthborn daughter, twin to Freya. |
| Freya Lyall Baruch | 24th of the Grand Harvest, 1852 | Alive | Unwed | Fifthborn daughter, twin to Eileen. |
