Character · Open
Astyral is Gilmoran by birth in Castali-controlled territory, but his allegiance and lands progressively shift toward Alshar across the series. The smh_chars nation field should be reviewed once his formal transfer is confirmed in the later books.
Astyral is consistently described in the books as a Gilmoran — a noble of the Gilmora region — and operates throughout the narrative in Alshari service. The apparent conflict between Castal and Alshar in his biography reflects a real historical complexity: the Gilmora region was once Alshari territory, ceded to Castal under the Second Peace of Barrowbell. Anyone born in Gilmora after that cession is technically Castali by birth-nation.
Astyral himself explains the nuance: his family were historical Alshari loyalists who accepted Castali rule only under duress, and many Gilmoran noble families retained cultural and political sympathies closer to Alshar. Over the course of the series he serves as military governor of Tudry under Alshari authority, pledges his troops to Duke Anguin, and eventually becomes one of the four most powerful magi in Alshar alongside Azar, Carmella, and Wenek.
My family were loyalists to Alshar – mostly. We only reluctantly accepted the Second Peace of Barrowbell, not that we had much choice. Despite the economic advantages that accrued to the nobles with the switch in allegiance, don't think it's without issues. There are plenty of old Cotton Lord families which would like to see themselves Alshari, not Castali.
Astyral, Court Wizard
The smh_chars nation field currently shows Castal, which is technically correct for birth-nation but misleading for his operational and allegiance context throughout most of the narrative. The field should be updated to Alshar once his formal land-transfer is confirmed in book 14.
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