The Runic Knights
Overview
The Runic Knights were the legendary advisors who formed the first Trusted Council, serving Rune, the first Kuningas of Asgartha. This group of eight individuals became the mythical founding heroes of the nation. Their descendants became the Old Nobility—the aristocratic class closely associated with power throughout Asgarthan history.
Composition
The Runic Knights consisted of both Rune’s original allies who helped prevent civil war and the former opposition leaders who reconciled after the Phoenix’s divine choice.
Original Allies
Reconciled Barons
- Balram Kasun (Tribe of the East)
- Cilistro Tighe (Tribe of the West)
- Ainara Aldana (Tribe of the Lower Banks)
This composition demonstrated Rune’s commitment to inclusive governance. By appointing both allies and former enemies, he ensured the Trusted Council represented all survivor communities rather than just a victorious faction. This act of reconciliation became a founding principle of Asgarthan unity.
Role and Authority
The Runic Knights advised the Kuningas on all matters of state, with the authority to challenge his decisions if necessary. Their wisdom and diverse perspectives helped establish the early policies, structures, and principles of Asgarthan civilization.
The Vanishing
Three of the Runic Knights—Aksoy, Aldana, and Heeren—vanished alongside Rune in 42 AC in the mysterious event known as The Vanishing. The surviving Knights continued to serve subsequent rulers, though the formal organization’s status after Rune’s disappearance is unclear.
Legacy
The Runic Knights’ legacy endures through their descendant houses: ruun-Heshkari, ruun-Caellach, ruun-Tamrat, ruun-Aksoy, ruun-Heeren, ruun-Kasun, ruun-Tighe, and ruun-Aldana—eight of the nine patrician dynasties known as the Old Nobility. The ninth house, ruun-Aysun, descends from Rune through his daughter.
Relationships
- Rune: First Kuningas, founder who appointed the Runic Knights (1 AC)
- The Trusted Council: Governing body the Runic Knights comprised
- Heshkari: Original ally, champion, founded Bravos
- Caellach: Original ally, founded Ordis
- Tamrat: Original ally
- Aksoy: Original ally, vanished with Rune (42 AC)
- Heeren: Original ally, vanished with Rune (42 AC)
- Balram Kasun: Reconciled Baron of the Tribe of the East
- Cilistro Tighe: Reconciled Baron of the Tribe of the West
- Ainara Aldana: Reconciled Baron of the Tribe of the Lower Banks, vanished with Rune (42 AC)
- The Vanishing: Event in which three Knights disappeared with Rune (42 AC)
- Old Nobility: Aristocratic class descended from the Runic Knights