Matyas I, Duke of Valwyck

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Matthias
MatyasBaruch.png
"The Scyfling", c. 1807
High Justiciar of Hanseti-Ruska
Tenure: 1806-1814
Predecessor: Lauritz Christiansen
Successor: Tatiana Ruthern
Duke of Valwyck
Reign: 1783-1814
Predecessor: Petyr II, Duke of Valwyck
Successor: Ruslan I, Duke of Valwyck
Born: 1767, Valwyck, Haense
Died: 1814, Karosgrad, Haense (aged 48)
Spouse: Charlotte Amador
House: Baruch
Father: Peter I, Duke of Valwyck
Mother: Sofiya Vanir

Matyas Aleksandr Baruch (Common: Matthias Alexander Baruch; Ayrian: Maiteas Alistair Baruch), known formally as The Duke of Valwyck or Matyas "the Scyfling" (1767-1814) was the fourth Duke of Valwyck upon his brother's abdication, and later became the eighth High Justiciar of Hanseti-Ruska. Despite this government position, he is perhaps best known for his attributions to the Ayrian culture. Notably, through fashion standardizations in his court (kilts, tartans), as well as scholarly writings on the Ayrian history and way of life which rejected modernist reforms and promoted Ayrian and highlander individualism. Overall the subculture was greatly expanded on during his reign, and made more relevant for his successors and people within the lands of Valwyck.

Early Life

Born as the second son to Peter I of Valwyck and Sofiya Vanir in the successful House of Baruch, much would be expected of young Matyas. However, he was captured in a Scyfling raid on Valwyck during the Scyfling Invasion of Hanseti-Ruska at the age of four, and remained interned until the age of twelve, ruining his development as a child. It was noted that his father Peter, who was infamous for his poor relationship with his family in his later years, was fond of Matyas, and his capture set him over the edge into insanity.

Instead of the usual development of a Haeseni nobleman, Matyas learned only barbarity and war at a young age. After his return, he never settled properly. His actions kept a mildly barbaric undertone even years after being settled into the normal Haeseni climate, and he remained mildly paranoid throughout his life. The real effects of this stunt in his younger years were not felt until he was much older.

Reign

Matyas Baruch ascended to rule the duchy in 1783, at the age of 16, just four years after his return to Valwyck. His brother, Petyr II, was forced by the majority of his family to abdicate to Matyas after a relatively poor early reign. Petyr would illegally take the name "Wick" quickly after, which forced Matyas to disown him as one of his first orders of business. He also wed his sister, Isabel of Valwyck, to Joseph I of Haense in his waxing years, walking the woman down the aisle to see her become the first Baruch Queen of Haense.

A young Matyas Baruch upon ascension to Duke of Valwyck

Many were critical of Matyas' early reign as the boy was hardly educated. Matyas would have to spend much of the dawn of his 31-year reign catching up to the average nobleman: He spent an immense amount of time at his study, reading histories and literature, studying arts, law and language, as well as learning how to be an administrator, and by the middle part of his reign (as the descendants neared the end of their time on Arcas), Valwyck was flourishing again. Matyas had found his wife, Charlotte, who'd he remain married to until her death. He had four children who he treated with genuineness. Matyas could then be noted as somewhat charitable and kind during this time. Events were put on, rural fisherman were made happy, and the Baruch family internally recovered from the brutality that was Peter I. Exemplifying this was the Duke allowing an influx of refugees into Valwyck territories from the devastated New Reza just before the flight to Almaris.

The Ayrian culture, which is the culture of those from the lands of Ayr and Valwyck, was written on, expanded and appreciated by Matyas as well.

Soon after Matyas brought the Baruchs to Almaris, though, his mental state slowly declined. Although still excelling in his profession that was law, he became more easily paranoid, distressed, and detached from family matters. He often disregarded his children. He became a prodigal instead. He would only be seen in expensive jewelry and clothing in his limited appearances, and built the most grandiose castle the Baruchs had ever seen, 'Lichtestadt'. Its construction was prolonged and expensive, and led to the deaths of many inexperienced construction workers from Valwyck. Despite this, he became the Justiciar of Haense, succeeding his mentor Lauritz Christiansen and finding himself on the Aulic Council.

His tenure as Justiciar did not have a good effect on his mental health either: many knew him as a lunatic by the end of his years after the death of his wife. He'd be lost in the past, claiming himself to be a Scyfling war-hero and general in the current Scyfling war; all of which being nonsense. Despising all of his children, he deferred to his youngest child Ruslan to succeed him as Duke. Notoriously, he showed up to his final trial as Justiciar intoxicated.

High Justiciar of Haense

Matyas ascended to the position of Justiciar in 1806, succeeding the long-tenured Lauritz Christiansen. As Justiciar, he'd do many of his cases on his own, keeping a small department. Notable cases he competed in were Krawn z. Black Crow, and Krawn z. (Alric) Ruthern.

Matyas's legal philosophy was harsh and iron-fisted, believing in the necessity of law and order. He agreed with harsh penalties and sentences for any violators of the monarchy's law. He instilled this in Haeseni youth, as he was a professor in the Royal Academy of Saint Charles for a time during his tenure.

The majority of his time as Justiciar would be spent fighting the 'war on drugs', or so he called it, as the use and distribution of illegal substances soared throughout urban Haense. He applied his normal philosophy to this, vowing to crush any of those who partook in it. The main perpetrator, 'Matthew' (who was also an arsonist and assailant; a feared terrorist), eluded him however, which only plunged Matyas into a deeper madness.

Final Years and Assassination

Overbore with stress and madness, Matyas completed the case 'Krawn z. Ruthern' victoriously. Regardless, he was last seen exiting the courtroom early, visibly upset. Moments later, he was found dead, stabbed countless times on the streets of Karosgrad. In time, his assassin was revealed to be none other than his elusive nemesis Matthew. His titles were passed to his named successor, Ruslan.

Issue

Name Birth Death Marriage Notes
Petyr Marus Baruch 1792 Alive Vasila of Vasiland Firstborn son to Duke Matyas and Charlotte of Mondstadt.
Otto Voron Baruch 1794 Alive Unwed Second-born son to Duke Matyas and Charlotte of Mondstadt.
Adryana Rozalina Baruch 1796 Alive Unwed Firstborn daughter to Duke Matyas and Charlotte of Mondstadt.
Ruslan, Duke of Valwyck 1797 1844 Marjorie of Vidaus Third-born son to Duke Matyas and Charlotte of Mondstadt. The successor to Matyas.