Portia Agricola’s Family and Dynasty in Icosahedron: A Legacy of Revolution and Resilience
The Agricola family of Icosahedron represents one of the most extraordinary stories in the mermaid world—a dynasty born from rebellion, forged in sacrifice, and dedicated to the principles of freedom and self-determination. Their journey from farmers to rulers, from victims of discrimination to architects of a new nation, is a testament to the power of conviction and the resilience of the human spirit. At the heart of this dynasty is Portia Agricola, a young woman whose leadership reflects the strength and determination of her family’s legacy.
Aunt Ligia and Uncle Lucius: The Revolutionary Founders
The Agricola dynasty begins with Aunt Ligia and Uncle Lucius Agricola, the revolutionary leaders who organized their people and fought for Icosahedron’s independence from Atlantis. Their success culminated in victory, but their triumph proved tragically short-lived—both were killed during a brief parade in the capital, their deaths serving as a painful reminder that freedom comes at a terrible cost.
Ligia and Lucius’s vision for Icosahedron was rooted in the belief that the people of the outer ring deserved self-determination. Their experience of systematic discrimination under Atlantis’s unjust policies toward outer regions had shaped their convictions. They understood that freedom was not a gift but a right, one that had to be won through sacrifice and struggle.
Their deaths, occurring just as their victory was complete, left a legacy of unfinished work. The nation they had fought to create was still fragile, its institutions still forming, its people still uncertain about their future. The burden of completing their work fell to their niece, Portia, who inherited not only their title but their vision for a better world.
Portia Agricola: The Young Ruler
Portia Agricola, at just eighteen, carries the weight of her aunt and uncle’s legacy. Her journey from a former farmer to the ruler of a newly independent nation reflects both her family’s determination and the challenges facing Icosahedron. Her salmon-colored tail, dark brown hair in circular braids adorned with flowers of red, orange, yellow, and white, and amber-green eyes reflect her heritage and her connection to her people.
Portia’s background as a farmer leaves her feeling inadequate for the role of ruler, yet she demonstrates determination through her work writing speeches to uplift her nation’s spirit. The novel opens with her crafting her “11th Speech For Uplifting The Spirit Of The Icosahedron Nation,” which discusses the Atlantis² War and uses Antemidia as an inspirational example. This dedication to her people, her willingness to speak to them directly, reflects her commitment to building a nation worthy of the sacrifices made to achieve it.
Her partnership with Amelia Quintana is one of mutual respect and shared purpose. Both are young women thrust into positions of power, both are determined to prevent the war that destroyed so many lives, and both are willing to risk everything to achieve their goals. Portia’s involvement in the Destiny’s Theater project, her willingness to confront Atlantis directly, and her determination to build alliances demonstrate the leadership necessary to guide her nation through its challenges.
Justus Agricola: The Protective Brother
Justus Agricola, Portia’s older brother at twenty-four, serves as a protector and support. Despite being a prince, he retains his athletic build from working fields before receiving his title. His dark yellow tunic and sharp-edged sword announce his role as protector, while his darker amber-green eyes reveal the burden he carries.
Justus’s relationship with Portia is warm and trusting. He is six years older and fiercely protective, worrying about spies and assassins in the capital. He agrees to keep watch while Portia meets Tikalie at the museum, demonstrating his trust in her decisions even when he is uneasy. This trust reflects the strength of their bond, forged through shared struggle and mutual support.
His practical resourcefulness is invaluable. When Amelia, Portia, and later Augustus and Silas need to travel undetected, Justus arranges for smugglers to help them board cargo trains and chariots. He is also trained in merman hypnosis—a skill he uses to convince Samantha that discovering Amelia and Justus in her wardrobe is only a dream, allowing them to escape the palace.
In the pit, Justus chooses to fight alongside Amelia, using his combat skills to knock out guardians and help them climb three floors to freedom. This willingness to risk his life for his sister and her allies reflects the depth of his commitment to the cause of freedom and the principles that define the Agricola dynasty.
The Legacy of Discrimination
The Agricola family’s revolutionary convictions are rooted in their experience of discrimination under Atlantis rule. Portia was denied university admission solely because of her origin, a rejection that shaped her understanding of the injustice that defined the empire. Justus, despite his qualifications, was refused work in the inner ring, a rejection that fueled his commitment to the revolutionary cause.
This experience of discrimination is not just a personal wound; it is the foundation of the family’s political identity. The Agricolas understand that freedom is not just a political concept but a personal necessity, a requirement for dignity and self-respect. Their determination to build a new nation is driven by the belief that no one should be denied opportunity because of where they were born.
The Division Treaty: A Legacy of Liberation
The division treaty from Atlantis, which granted Icosahedron independence, includes a mutual defense clause requiring signatories to support Icosahedron if Atlantis invades. This clause is a crucial protection for a vulnerable new nation, a recognition of the international support that made the revolution possible.
The treaty reflects the international alliances that the Agricola dynasty has built. Antemidia’s support for Icosahedron’s independence, expressed through its vote in the referendum, is a demonstration of solidarity between nations that have both suffered under Atlantis’s imperialism. This alliance, based on shared experience and mutual respect, is a foundation for the future.
The Icosahedron Nation: A Legacy of Struggle
Icosahedron itself is the Agricola dynasty’s greatest legacy—a nation built from the ashes of empire, a testament to the power of determination and the resilience of the human spirit. The nation’s territory, once the “breadbasket” of Atlantis’s other districts, is now a sovereign kingdom, its people carrying the memory of their hard-won freedom as both a burden and a source of strength.
The kingdom’s capital, Icos, embodies the paradox of the nation’s existence. Chosen hastily and lacking the splendor of Atlantis’s magnificent cities, it yet possesses an understated elegance that reflects the nation’s character. The main square’s pink marble paving and magnificent geometrical garden reflect the nation’s name and its commitment to order and beauty despite limited resources.
The geometric layout with numerous squares and boulevards creates an orderly cityscape, while buildings made of “cheap-looking marble” with large dark cracks testify to the nation’s limited resources. Yet despite its poverty, the city leaves “quite a positive impression” on visitors, a reflection of the nation’s determination to build something beautiful from the ruins of empire.
The People of Icosahedron: A Legacy of Resilience
The people of Icosahedron, like their rulers, are defined by their struggle for freedom. Most citizens still work in the countryside, tending to the farms that sustain the nation. This reflects the kingdom’s agricultural foundation and the practical priorities of a people who value substance over urban splendor.
The citizens’ experience of discrimination under Atlantis rule has shaped their identity. Their willingness to fight for independence, to risk everything for the chance to determine their own destiny, reflects the resilience that defines the nation. They may be poor, but they are free, and their freedom is the foundation of their pride.
The Future of the Dynasty
The future of the Agricola dynasty is uncertain, but the signs are hopeful. Portia’s leadership, her determination to build alliances and prevent war, reflects the best of her family’s legacy. Justus’s support, his willingness to risk everything for his sister and their people, demonstrates the strength of their bond.
The nation’s international relationships are growing. The alliance with Antemidia, the support of the Bermuda Triangle, and the connections with other kingdoms across the Atlantic world, all suggest that Icosahedron is building a network of support that will ensure its survival.
Yet the challenges remain. The threat of war with Atlantis, the nation’s underdevelopment, and the ongoing discrimination faced by its citizens all require continued attention. The Agricola dynasty’s future depends on its ability to meet these challenges, to build a nation worthy of the sacrifices made to achieve it.
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