Philippe Percival

King of the Goths Philippe Percival (a.k.a. the Bard-King)

King Philippe 'the Bard' Percival, once known as the Bard Prince, was the third King of the Goths, beginning his reign in the year 4282 after the death of his father Gabriel and the abdication of his aunt Ieasbreda of Halfia.

History

Prince Philippe by Paradox Entertainment

A young Philippe, when he was the Crown Prince of Larian.

Philippe Percival was born in the year 1A 4259 to his father Prince Gabriel and his mother Annabelle. He was Prince Gabriel's only child he ever set his eyes upon, for in the year 4260, he was blinded by an assassin. Thus, when Gabriel became King of Larian, he cherished Philippe dearly. Gabriel swore that his son would learn to be a greater successor, and thus put much funding into making sure Philippe got a proper education and knew how to handle a blade.
So Philippe learned the ways of magic under Blondel the Bard, the king's closest advisor. He was taught the magic of music and placed that skill into his blade. Philippe focused on the magic of Sword-Spelling, and learned how to use his bardic abilities to encourage his fellow soldiers. When he reached the age of 16, Philippe graduated from the teachings of Blondel, and soon began to lead some of his father's armies across the lands of Larian, as the Blind King himself could not do it.

Events of The Crusade in Larian

During the beginnings of the year 4283, Philippe began to notice a strangeness in his father's court. Augustin Sourin, arch-magistrate, had been drawing incredibly close to his father, and noticed his father starting to be affected by charm magic. Philippe suspected the arch-magistrate and began to investigate.
However, in the late August of 4282, the Prince was riding his horse with his men around the borders of the Vine river. He was suddenly bombarded by a powerful spell. The powerful transmuter, Augustin, had attacked them with some Halfian soldiers. Philippe attempted to use his magic against the wizard, but Augustin countered it, and then placed polymorphed Philippe and his men into frogs and other animals and imprisoned them into his Castle Odo. Augustin kidnapped Prince Philippe and brought him into enemy territory against his will, to be a political bargaining tool by Queen Ieasbreda of Halfia.
By mid-September of the year, however, Philippe was finally rescued by five valiant heroes who slew the dragon Byldrax (who was his prison keeper). They were transported to the Shadowfell, however. Amelie Dumas, one of the rescuers of Philippe, dispelled the polymorph on Philippe, setting him free. He told the adventurers that Augustin was behind the plot, which shocked Amelie. Then they departed Castle Odo, travelling through the Shadow Realm to find an exit. During this time, his father died, making Philippe the new King of Larian. Eventually he escaped the Shadow Realm with his rescuers. When he returned he learned his aunt Ieasbreda became queen. He would be crowned the King of the Goths in opposition, and in the following week took the capitol, Fenestein, practically unopposed as Ieasbreda gave up the crown. Thus, Philippe became the King of the Goths legitimately.

Philippe in the Garden by Paradox Entertainment

An older Philippe Percival, within his garden in the palace at Fenestein.

After the year 4282, King Philippe married a fair maiden by the name of Claire, who sung him songs within his court. In 4284, Queen Claire birthed a son, whom Philippe named Gabriel in honor of his father. Philippe had many other children, including a daughter Ieasbreda, named after his late half-aunt.
Long was the reign of King Philippe I. Until his death in 4340 (at the age of 81), Philippe proved to be a strong-willed and righteous king for a period of 50 years. From his experience among the common folk at a young age, he regularly visited his lessers and learned from his earls and mayors on fixing the problems of the realm. For instance, he lowered taxes for his vassals, and kept a closer eye on the threats toward his kingdom on an internal level.
In remembrance of Sunjar-Navi, Philippe gave more liberties to the dwarves of the land. He revoked the law that required them to cut their beards, and allowed further religious freedom, to worship their god Boldur in peace. Though trials came between the race of men and dwarves, Philippe showed wisdom (and a hard hand) in bringing peace.
Another law enacted, not so popular with the nobles, was to expand the lands of Halfia and give the Halflings more autonomy to govern themselves as republican vassals. Mayors and governors were thus appointed in the Halfian lands, loyal to King Philippe who watched their realm carefully.
In the later days of his reign, Gotha was raided by Danen forces, to which King Philippe repelled through negotiation rather than through might. As Oswulf of Albion threw Ormulf into a snake pit, Philippe was appalled by the cruelty, and warned the men of Albion that, “the Danen are a vengeful people. They will not forget this act. Keep your arms prepared, lest you be overtaken by them.”
Philippe did not live to see the fate of Albion, dying from his old age in the year 4340. He was succeeded by his elderly son, Gabriel II.

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Sources:

• The Larian Chronicle, by Gerome Dulaney. Date of Writing: Around First Age 4263.

• The Crusade of Larian, by an anonymous author. Date of Writing: Possibly the 43rd century.

Philippe Percival, restored King of the Goths. He was known as the Bard Prince before his father passed.

Alignment

Lawful Good

Species

Humans

Honorary & Occupational Titles

The Bard Prince, the Duke of Fenestein, King of Larian, King of Halfia, King of the Goths.

Age

23

Birthplace

Fenestein

Current Residence

Fenestein

Gender

Male