Gabriel the Blind

King of Larian Gabriel "The Blind" of House Percival

Gabriel the Blind was the first King of Larian and the second King of the Goths (however this was only as a claimant). He began his reign in the year 4260 after the assassination of his brother Percival. His reign ended with his death at the hands of his Arch-Magistrate, Augustin Souris, in the year 4282.

History

Early Life

Gabriel was born in the year 4230 to his mother Percivia, the Queen of Gotha, and his father Odo. He grew up along side his older brother Percival and his older sisters Belle and Joanne. He was trained in the way of the sword and how to govern. As his mother ruled the Kingdom of Goth, he was expected to inherit the lands of Vine, while his brother would become King of Larian. He grew jealous of his brother. However, often his mother put him in his place, telling him, "do not be so hasty Gabriel. Ruling as a king is not an easy task. You shall rule the lands of Vine and Courtia in relative peace, and be grateful for that."
However, also within the court was an occasional visitor, his "bastard sister" Ieasbreda, who also expected a portion of the lands. Percivia stated she would get none. Gabriel, long accepting he would get little, tried to console Ieasbreda. But Ieasbreda rejected Gabriel's help, and stated she would not be satisfied until she became a queen in her elder days as well.
Eventually, Queen Percivia died in 4250, and the crown of Gotha was passed to Percival and the lands were to be partially divided. King Percival however failed to give Gabriel the Dukedom of Courtia. Gabriel spoke against his brother for this. King Percival then gave his brother the lands of Courtia in fear of rebellion in the lands. Prince Gabriel reconnected with his brother afterward, trying to be a close advisor in his court. Eventually, he began to uncover a plot to kill him and his brother in the year 4260. Gabriel, concerned because he knew his brother had no sons yet, quickly went to warn him. However, the assassination attempt commenced quickly, with Gabriel being attacked on the road by his assailants. He fought them off with his guards. Gabriel's eyes were slashed by a sword, blinding him permanently. Gabriel, however, escaped towards Fenestein. In the city he learned that his brother Percival was killed, and that Ieasbreda was declaring herself the Queen of the Goths.

Reign as King of Larian

Blinded and in danger, Gabriel was quickly coronated as the King of the Goths. Minor skirmishes by loyal supporters of Ieasbreda managed to take control of the lands around Halfia. The dukes of Larian, however, remained loyal to the House of Percival, rallied their hosts against Halfia. In 4262, battles took place in the city of Courtia, but Gabriel lost the city and was forced to declare a white peace between himself and Queen Ieasbreda. In the white peace, Ieasbreda was temporarily recognized as Queen of Halifa, and Gabriel was considered the King of Larian.
As king, Gabriel tried to strengthen the cities in Larian and had a chronicle written of the history of the Goths. However, he ran low on money in his construction projects and was forced the tax the people of Larian. This led to a rise in banditry and independent rangers refusing to pay taxes in the land. Tensions continued to rise in the year 4281, as another battle between Larian and Halfia commenced. The Battle of Agin lasted 9 days, but ended in a stalemate, and the armies returned home. But this would not be the end of the battles.

Events of "The Crusade of Larian"

Evidently, Augustin Souris, his arch-magistrate, conspired against him in the year 4282. Augustin had King Gabriel's son Philippe kidnapped, and instigated a false rescue for the prince to distract the nobles while Augustin used enchantment magic to control King Gabriel. When the Prince and his rescuers were trapped in the Shadow Realm, Augustin, being a vampire, drank from the blood of King Gabriel, eventually killing him, and then Augustin took his visage to disguise as the king for himself.
Thus, King Gabrel died a slow and painful death, and the crown of Larian was stolen from him. Ieasbreda his half-sister was the next claimant to the throne, but Augustin sent war after her. The title of King of Larian would be passed down to his son Philippe.

Alignment

Lawful Good

Species

Humans

Life

4230 ME 4282 ME 52 years old

Gender

Male

Appears in...

• The Larian Chronicle - Gerome Delaunay's Writings