"It is a shame that blood has been spilled tonight, for this was to be a night when wounds were healed instead of opened. I say now, so that all of you may hear me, that the troubles and anxieties which have plagued Zaragoz for many generations are laid to rest. Though the news was to be sent abroad at midnight, I see no reason to wait. I ask you to rejoice for my beloved son, Tomas diAvila, who is this night betrothed to the lady Serafima Quixana, and to rejoice also that their marriage will put an end forever to the enmities which have been the bane of all our lives. Rejoice, I say, for the future Duke of Zaragoz, and for the future of Zaragoz itself!"
- —Duke Marsilio diAvila during the Night of Masks[1b]
Duke Marsilio diAvila was once the reigning lord of Zaragoz, Estalia. Son of Ruffino, the duke is a handsome man, surprisingly youthful for his age. Having fathered two children into adulthood, you would assume him to be middle aged. Yet were you to put both his son Tomas, and daughter Veronique in Marsilio's arms, you would think they were siblings rather than father and children.[1a] Marsilio was also a skilled swordsman.[1b]
Duke Marisilo's chief advisor and magician was Semjaza.[1c]
He met his death in his castle during the pernicious events of the Night of Masks.[1d]