Tito Phoenix

Tito Phoenix is a nobleman who first gained status in the nation of Rohel. In Rohel Tito would gain notoriety through his managing of the finances in the city of Moonburg, first as a subordinate to the Steward and later in his own capacity as Treasurer. He would go on to perform the same role in the Rohelian refuge of Elknir. Additionally Tito has played an active role in the Rohelian military fighting in both the Moonburg Independence Raid and Rohel-Kartek war as well as a number of foreign conflicts. While still in Moonburg, Tito alongside his brother Komui, would form House Pheonix and together assert significant influence over Rohelian politics to this day.

Early Life
Tito would be born in the village of Constans in the far east of Sparwood, five years after his brother Komui. The two however, were only linked by their father as Komui's mother, of Tatsuhoshan origin, would tragically pass away during childbirth. Tito's father would go on to marry Bojana, a Burgamerian who fled as a refugee from Polaris. Together the two would have Tito, his fathers second child. Growing up, as his brother worked with his father at the blacksmith table, Tito would spend many of his days accompanying his mother exploring caves for rare minerals. Tito on these exploration would regularly return with random materials and ingredients which he would keep safe for his his visits to uncle, an established brewer. Together with his uncle and cousins Tito learned the basics of brewing as well as how to keep a bar. As he got older Tito would, alongside his brother, receive a formal education from Soleannen missionaries, though it would not be until his migration to Ecclesia that Tito found his faith in Ambrose. He would do well in school but often yearned for the dangerous excitement of exploring caves or the interesting characters he would meet working at his uncles bar.

By age 13 Tito had put to work what he learned selling the minerals he found in caves, and haggling with customers in the bar, to progress towards an education in finance. Finally finding a passion in his studies, Tito would read ravenously, trying to learn everything possible about economics and trade. His desk and shelves would overflow with books on everything from The Great Golden War to Market 55. Tito yearned one day to have a bar of his own to put to practice what he had learned and a library that would never run out of space for his many books. Sadly his education was short lived. At age 14 his village would be raided and his parents slaughtered only a few meters from him. Tito and his brother narrowly survived only by hiding in the depths of a cave near their village, which Tito and his mother had regularly explored. Following this tragic event Tito and his brother would wander from village to village lost and broken, taking up odd jobs, often for little more than a meal and a stable to sleep in. After a few years the two would part ways hoping to each make something of themselves and put their tragedy and loss behind them. Sadly this would only be the beginning of tragedy for the brothers, yet emboldened they marched on into the unknown and before long their paths would cross again.

Arrival in Moonburg
At age 20 Tito received a letter via raven from his brother telling him that he had found a place for them. A place with with strong walls, ample houses, and and even democratic council elections. The city was Moonburg, in the nation of Rohel. His brother saw opportunity there and so did Tito. He would send word to his friends and cousins of his departure and invite them to travel there with him. Upon arrival Tito would be greeted by Stefanano and given a house to stay in. Unsure of what to do, Tito would do what he did best, explore caves. In the early days of his time in Moonburg Tito would build a reserve of coal, iron, diamonds, and even some gold. Haunted by the memory of his mother and father he would also join the town guard, determined to this time stand and fight rather than hide should his new home be attacked. Many of those who had joined Komui and Tito would also enter into the town guard, as well as take up other important occupations such as builders. Together the group formed a strong community in the city and would go on to grow in notoriety both in Moonburg and the broader Rohel.

Merging with Kartek and the Frosymyre War
Before Tito had even fully settled in Moonburg the political winds began to shift. Rohel, an independent nation at the time of Tito joining, announced it would be merged and reintegrated into Kartek. Tito not fully aware of the political situation unfolding across Sparwood initially payed little mind to the development. Before long however, he would be drawn more closely into the event due to a brewing conflict between Kartek and Frosmyre. Tito was made aware that upon the reformation of Kartek they had been instantly met with resistance from Frosmyre leading to a declaration of war on Kartek. Seeing Kartek judged so harshly and immediately for their past transgressions upset Tito and his brother. They agreed that it was wrong to annihilate a nation simply for existing. Thus both brothers saw their sympathy and support for Kartek grow. This support would soon be challenged however. Kartek, while still at war with Frosmyre would make the decision to declare war on Solea-Audal. This move troubled Tito greatly, he could not help to think how many would just like him, lose their mothers and fathers in the brutality of the unnecessary war that now lay ahead. Tito saw the move as overly aggressive and expansionist, yet his loyalty to Kartek remained, and with his brother would enter into an open meeting with Kartek and other allied officials. Tito hoped to heat a strategy and also a plan for the post war treatment of conquered villages that would guarantee they would not suffer the same fate of Constans. He would hear none of this. Instead he would listen to boisterous declarations of a guaranteed victory. He heard claims that Solea-Audal would collapse before their advance and nothing could stand in the way of total victory. When his own brother alongside others would challenge this idea of a guaranteed victory they were shouted down and told that the enemy would simply fall apart before them. Frustrated with this lack of organization and planning Tito grew more fearful for the war ahead but nonetheless prepared to do his sworn duty and fight for Kartek.

The Independence Raid
Still anxious over the war, Tito would in the mid morning of November 24th. 2021, be called to a meeting of the town guard. There Nico Nagaheart, standing in for Marshal Manji Thornrose who was ill, would deliver shocking news. There Tito, his brother, as well as another member of the town guard and a close friend Senator, would hear the news that before the end of the day Rohel would declare independence from Kartek. Tito, initially relieved that he would no longer need to fight in Kartek's war against Solea-Audal that he did not believe in, would quickly be struck by the realization that an attack from Kartek could be imminent. His brother would voice this concern leading to the town guard being put on high alert. Again Tito feared he would see his home attacked, this time however, he would not hide, he would fight. He rushed home and grabbed his gear, which could be best described as sub par, and took a position on the wall. Meanwhile his brother frantically arranged defenses as word reached them that a raid was indeed coming. Facing internal calls to surrender and hide away Tito alongside the town guard made the decision to stand their ground, no matter what came at them.

It was Philomena Aurus who first caught sight of the raiding forces at the west gate facing the old Shwaize Fortress. Bopra, an advisor to the duke would then ring alarm bells and signal the guard that the attack had begun. Komui would take charge of the guard ordering them to the west gate where a skirmish of arrow fire would begun. Being his first battle. Tito was nervous but fought with determination against any of the raiding forces who ventured beyond their makeshift defenses. The battle raged on between the Arexellan garrison of Shwaize and the Moonburg town guard, but the call was put out on both sides for reinforcements. Soldiers from the nearby Rohel city of Roseport would begin to arrive to bolster the defences. While the guard initially kept the raiding force at bay, the arrival of Norsk would shift the tide of battle against Rohel. He would singlehandedly decimate most of the town guard while reinforcements from Thalassi entered the fray as well. Next the Frosmyrian leader Kelz would join the fight attacking both sides. Out matched and depleted the town guard would retreat to safety and before long the raid was abandoned. While a tactical defeat the raid was a straegic victory in the hearts of most Rohelians. Much of their gear was recovered after the battle and they had managed to withstand the first assault on their independence. Some time after this raid a treaty would be signed at Shwaize, with Tito and some other in attendance, recognizing the Independence of Rohel.

The Nine Knights Tavern
No longer anxious about being drawn into foreign wars Tito began to think about his next steps. What would he do with himself now? It was around this time that an old friend Offsetnightfall (Fall), a skilled builder and architect, had arrived in town. Tito had in previous conversations with King Vashonn Thornrose discussed the idea of opening a sort of tavern-library hybrid. When discussing this idea with Fall the two quickly found themselves deep in planning to bring this idea into reality. The two would apply for plot as co-owners, and upon hearing the unique idea for such a business, the builders guild was quick to award them a large plot in the Moonburg southern expansion. Fall would quickly draw up a design for the building. It's striking blue roof and stonework would go on to influence the architecture of the entire southern expansion. The interior, every bit as striking as the exterior, would see each floor exude its own unique character. The main bar floor would spout large windows, a fireplace, and a rustic bookish atmosphere with library shelves and barrels littering the walls. The second Library floor would possess a more academic and natural character with vines, leaves, and shrubs decorating the space between shelves. On this floor the office of the Night Knights chief editor Philomena Aurus would also be built. Philomena would spend many hours here both writing her own literature and reviewing literature submitted to the Library. The bottom basement floor had a minimalist and industrial atmosphere. Large barrels, brewing stands, and vats would fill the space. Here Tito would brew hundreds of drinks for the many citizens of Moonburg. The upper levels of the building contained two private residences for Fall and Tito, though sadly Tito never got the chance to move in. The bar would serve a variety of drinks ranging from ale and beer to scotch and wine. On special occasions such as during the winter festival, thanks to the efforts of dedicated patrons such as Manji Thornrose, the bar would even sell out of all of it's drinks. The winter festival would also serve as the Nine Nights grand opening event. Tito would work closely with Nico Nagaheart to run events and games durring this festival that would be enjoyed by both Rohelian and Kartek citizens. The library would match the bars success featuring a catalogue of books from both local and foreign authors. Due to Tito's interest in supporting authors and the production of literature the full proceeds of each book sale would be returned to the authors so that they could profit from their work. The Nine Knights proved to become a central cultural building for Moonburg and Rohel. The dream Tito had since before his parents died was finally realized in this business, which he and his good friend Fall cheerfully co-owned and operated.

Rise to Moonburg Treasurer
With Tito's status as a major business owner in Rohel he would begin to become more involved in the Kingdoms economic affairs. Following the brief succession of Arxella from Kartek he would be apart of the team which would attempt negotiate a trade deal with Arxella. Sadly these negotiations stalled following the reintegration of Arxella. Regardless Tito had proved that he had a handle on the economic affairs of the Kingdom. It was his brother that first suggested Tito take up this role in a more official capacity. Komui would successfully convince the town Steward, Stefanano, to hand over the economic responsibilities of the role to Tito. Around the same time the upper level Rohelian government would hand over economic responsibilities to Zecare. Coinciding with these events Tito had also developed a friendship with the King, as the two spent many nights talking about Kingdom affairs while fishing at the docks. Tito, during one of these fighting trips, would suggest to Vashonn separating the economic responsibilities of the Steward into a new official council role of Treasurer. Vashonn agreed with the idea and would quickly amend the the constitution to create the official role of treasurer. Now Tito found himself with an official role in the Moonburg government. He was a man of influence, a man with opportunities and responsibilities. This was more than he could have ever expected just a few years ago when him and his brother would spend many nights starving and cold. Now Tito get to work attempting to put together the finances of the Duchy and create a plan for it's economic future.