Beatrice Hapsteng

Countess Hapsteng is the daughter of Lord and Lady Nostra. Although she inherited only at title from her parents, she found favor in the Royal Court of Queen Aurora I. She was granted large estates in the Rakarian Valley including Gillywauk Lake and its forests within a days ride. In addition she was named a Countess of the Realm and given administrative control over the royal domain in the Rakarian Valley that are not contained within sight of Bornheim.

Although she has a large manor on the shore of Gillywauk lake, Countess Hapsteng spends most of her time at her residence in the High Mount district of Bornheim. In addition she has offices scattered about the city, including the Palace District, to oversee the royal domain she administrates.

Rumors swirl about that Countess Hapsteng is an magician and apostate of the temple_of_light, but most of the nobles believe these rumors to be lies spread by the faction of the local population that resents crown rule. It is well known that the Countess is a fervent supporter of the crown, from which she derives much of her influence.

• Ethnicity: Human, dakarians
• Parents: Lord Farweld (deceased) and Lady Emma (deceased) Hapsteng of Nostra.
• Born: Winter 428 AH
• Spouse: None
• Issue: None
• Title: Countess, Lady of Gillywauk Lake
• Description: Slighter shorter (162 cm) with a large build (58 kg). Her Long dark hair is fashionable and bright blue eyes draw the attention.

Countess Hapsteng inherited little from her parents with their title and lands going to her younger brother Alexander. With no dowry and little options she traveled to the Royal Court in Celinus and served as a Lady-in-Waiting for her uncle's daughter. With a few years she was noticed by the court and while her lack of means and uninspired looks drew few admirers - she was recognized by several ministers as a woman of sharp wit and keen intelligence. Her parents ensured that she did not lack for tutors and while she did not excel at poetry or stitchery, she had a command of several languages, history, and could do complicated sums.

She became a sought after clerk and assistant when the Queen made an off-hand remark about her skill with the quill and numbers. None of these increased her standing enough to prompt a betrothal, but Beatrice found that pleasing. Although Queen Aurora had several consorts, she was not yet with child nor favored any of them with marriage - Beatrice wished to copy her young Queen.

Eventually her star rose enough that she gained a personal position with in the royal court in 448. Already possessed of wit and intelligence, she became a whirlwind of trouble for any who sought to cheat the Exchequer from his due. She turned aside those who sought favor and ruthlessly denied the many nobles seeking to avoid taxes from even seeing the Exchequer. The coffers filled up and with the ongoing