Katherine Steiner

Katherine Steiner - (Born 2367 - Died 2446) - Lyran politician and the 3rd Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth.

Character Description

Katherine Steiner was a German-Scandavion descendant, who's family originally came to the Protectorate of Donegal as employee of Marsden family's Donegal Freight and Goods transportation company. In her thirties, she was tall, blonde, athletic woman, whom was considered to be very beautiful. She was Courageous, shrewd, and possessed considerable amount of detemerination. She also had respect for others emotions.

Character History

Early Life

Katherine was a associate professor of military history at Tharkad University. In 2399, she had been hired by Lyran Military High Command to give lectures to their staff when she meet Archon Alistair Marsden. They developed friendship shortly after their meeting, finding they shared same views on many things. During her courtship with Alistair, she handled limelight of being love interest of the interstellar state with calm, confidence and courtesy. She married Alistair in 2405, where their marriage was celebrated thought the Commonwealth. However, it was bright spot as war that erupted through the Inner Sphere.

In early 2407 her husband setup off on military campaign to counter invasion of the Draconis Combine. During this period, she was pregnant with their first child where she gave birth in December. However, her husband died during the tank offensive against Combine stronghold on Menkent month later. Alistair's body is returned to Tharkad, where she gives a moving eulogy and his distaste what conflict cost her.

Archon of the Commonwealth

In March of 2408, Katherine changes her & sons surnames from Marsden for her maiden name. Then she proclaims herself Archon, that her son would be Heir-designate to the throne. By this act, she became first of the Steiner dynasty to take throne. However, the Dukes of Tamar & Skye had lost much their political power after ascendance of Alistair's bother, Robert. They decided to meet with Katherine and late Archon's uncle, Timothy Marsden, offered their support but in exchanged greater policy-making powers. Timothy balked at two Dukes suggestions, cited Archon was supreme ruler, which Katherine immediately agreed as well.

In April, she was confirmed by the Estates General, where she was official recognized as new Archon. During the meeting she had assembled her advisors whom would help her govern the Commonwealth. She then designated Duke Devon Reynolds of Fatima, as head of Lyran military on Combine Border. She dispatches former Archon's second command to Meachem where he routes Kurita forces from the planet. The leaders of the Tamar and Skye regions supported move to entrust region's defense to the Duke.

During her early reign as Archon, conducted series of changes to the Commonwealth's make up. Showing her ability to gain affinity of the masses and its rulers. In special meeting of the estates general, she has her infant son brought into the meeting wearing a tiny military uniform. Using it her son as a example to of wishing her son grow up only playing soldier and not having to become one. By doing so, she also expressed her wishes to the Commonwealth that she wishes it her people's nation would become peaceful instead of being plunged into self-conflict. She later re-organized the Commonwealth in economic structure, where she cut the red tape that hampered trading between provinces.

She became one of the signers of the Ares Conventions in 2412, strongly believing in civilizing warfare so civilian population would not suffer as harshly as it had in the past.

In 2413, She signs into law the Bradenberg Edicts that has the military re-organized adding the title of "Duke" and has the military become more unified into what became modern Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces known in later times. The non-inheraitive titles duke and other titles, are only bolster her military's egos and leaving no real power behind them. Also part her acts, she creates the Commonwealth Scout Corp during the same year. The organization, consisting of specially modified JumpShips help to establish new colonies within the Commonwealth. As well, as adminstered social make up changes to the Commonwealth, adding germanic stylizes to its culture, including adding enacting the . She such changes included; replacement of Greek three-stringed lyre with German like gauntlet of her royal house.

By 2414, with the Commonwealth in folded in multiple conflicts of the Age of War, she has her political enemies out her way. Such as her step Uncle Timothy Marsden sent to lead Free World League military front and perish in the fighting. Katherine enjoyed happier times, such also marrying Duke Deven Reynolds on Fatima. Where she and he have child together, but signs agreement that their child would not be able assume the throne of Commonwealth. Katherine is faced with political challenges by her own House of Representatives, where they begun attempt to force her to setup down from office. However, she deploys the Royal Guards to "safe guard" the representatives in a political ploy prevent citizenry from harming them for their inflammatory statements.

Her happiness is disrupted however when her second husband is killed in assault to re-take world of St. John from Draconis Combine in 2443.

During her later years, she attempts to send her LIC to try acquire plans for the Terran Hegemony's new BattleMech designs. However, when her son Alistair attempts to raid Hegemony the plans, she ensure that he is called else where.

After 37 years on throne, she resigns her post due to her failing health in 2445. She dignity, has her son Alistair take throne and quietly leaves public life. She retires to Gallery where she last days on estate there writing her memoirs and riding horses in dark forests of the planet.

Family & Legacy

With her marriage with Alistair Marsden, she has her son Alistair Marsden Steiner. Later with her brief marriage to Duke Devon Reynolds produces her second son, Michael Reynolds.

Bibliography

• House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)
• Handbook: House Steiner