Thomas Reich

Thomas I
Thomas outside of the Ministry of Defense, 2008
Monarchy of Aquitayne
Reign	12 February 1989 - 19 December 2012
Predecessor	Sugard I
Heir apparent	Liam, Prince of the Northern Isles
First Lord of the Treasury	James Zaier
Born	(1950-08-16) 16 August 1950 Royal Palace, Telora, Aquitayne
Spouse	Lorain Reich (m. 1987)
Issue Detail	Samuel, King of Aquitayne Jacob, Emperor of Symphonia
Full name Thomas Sugard Reich
House	House of Reich
Father	Sugard I, Lord of the Northern Isles
Mother	Mariah I

Thomas Reich,UC ( 16 August, 1950 - 29 December, 2011) was the King of Aquitayne. He succeeded to the throne on the 12th of February, 1989, after his father, Sugard Reich, abdicated the throne due to illness in old age. As heir apparent to the throne, he previously bore the title of Prince of the Northern Isles, and had his coronation when he was 49 years old. Thomas Reich quickly became the face of the monarchy throughout the region and was seen as a steady and respected leader. He was narrowly beaten in 1998 for the Astyrian Peace Prize by Lucius Blackhelm, and was never awarded the honor which both his father and son, Samuel Reich, have been awarded. In late 2011, Thomas suffered from a sudden and severe heart attack at his desk, and was found not long after.

Birth and early life

Thomas was born at the Palace of Vernoir in Telora on the 16th of August, 1950. In his infancy, Thomas contracted whooping cough, but was kept in good health afterward. During his youth, Thomas travelled across the nation and reportedly had an affinity for the outdoors. He never attended traditional school, rather, he was taught by a private tutor hired by the monarch to educate the future king in matters of state. Thomas later commented during an interview that, "my education was very different than that of what a normal child in Aquitayne receives. Instead of maths, I learned the constitution. Instead of geometry, I learned foreign affairs."

Indeed, Thomas never formally received a diploma for graduation from primary school, but was admitted to the University of Telora irregardless. There, he spent four years receiving a bachelors in International Affairs, and would, in 1973, join the Royal Marines as a Lieutenant. Thomas served as an infantry officer during his career, and would be deployed in direct engagements such as the ___. Thomas ended his military career in 1985 after 12 years of service to focus on duties of state as the health of his father was rapidly deteriorating. He is still widely seen as a military leader and Head of State, and was widely respected throughout the armed forces.

Family

Thomas was married to Lorain Reich, and with her had two sons: Samuel Reich and Jacob Reich. Thomas was the eldest of two siblings, his younger brother Christian Reich and his younger sister Elizabeth Stonebridge. The family spent much of their time in Telora, at the center of the nation's political and social stage.

Thomas' brother Christian was married to the sister of Thomas' own wife, Lorain Reich. Together they had two children, Timothy and Veronica. Thomas' sister, Marie, married the King of Aswick, Marcus Stonebridge, and currently has four children together. Thomas' second child, Jacob, is currently married to the Empress of Symphonia.

Reign (1989-2011)

South Lorecian War

Main article: South Lorecian War

2011 Embassy crisis

Main article: 2011 Aquitaynian embassy attack

Military service

Dates of rank

Promotions

Rank	Date
File:Marine 1LT Rotated.png Second lieutenant	1973
File:Marine 2LT Rotated.png First lieutenant	1976
File:CPT Rotated.png Captain	1978
File:MAJ Rotated.png Major	1984

Awards and honors

Aquitaynian military decorations Urimanus Cross, First Class with swords (UC) [Enter date of Operation], "in recognition of gallantry in action and disregard for one's own personal safety and life in the defense of their comrades.". Royal Marine Naval Cross [Enter date of Operation], "for outstanding personal sacrifice and leadership during combat. Awarded for gallantry in action and selflessness in the face of mortal danger." Order of the Legionnaire, Grand Commander 12 February 1989, the Monarch of Aquitayne is always the Grand Commander of the Order of the Legionnaire. Order of the Griffin 7 October 1990, "in recognition of His Majesty's selfless service to this nation, its people, and his service to the Armed Forces of Aquitayne." Gallantry Cross (GC) [Enter date of Operation], "in recognition of gallant action in the Battle of Corvus in leading men and subduing the enemy through superior bravery and willpower.". Conspicuous Combat Action Medal [Enter date of Operation], "for bravery in the face of overwhelming odds, and keeping composure in battle to lead his men to victory." Meritorious Service Medal (Marines) 15 April 1985, "for a long service of sacrifice and dedication to His Majesty's Armed Forces and Royal Marines." Order of the Most Revered Patriots [Enter date of Operation], "for wounds sustained in combat in Corvus fighting the enemy." Navy Combat Action Medal With clasp [Conflict] National Defense Service Medal 1973 Foreign Service Medal For deployment to [Conflict, year]. Foreign awards Imperial Order of the Dragon, Blackhelm Confederacy - 1995