Francis Leopold III

King of Brisland, Duke of Brisburgh (a.k.a. The Gentle Lion)

King Francis Leopold III is the ruler of the kingdom of Brisland and the duchy of Brisburgh. He is a fair and benevolent ruler, although he is less interested in the day-to-day affairs of the kingdom than he is in more entertaining diversions such as reading, horseback riding, hunting, and the games-militant. He would not be considered an overly pious man, but his respect of the Temple of the Divines is well known and he is a friend to the Arch-Speaker of Brisburgh.

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

Francis is a healthy and athletic man, even in his middle-age. He has remained active in training in war craft, participates regularly in the games-militant, enjoys time on horseback, and goes hunting regularly. Despite time spent in his parlor reading, these other activities do much to balance his physically idle time. He eats a healthy diet and does not over-indulge at meals. Although he does drink almost daily, he rarely does so to excess.

Body Features

Francis has an athletic build, although he does show some softness in his abdomen from a privileged lifestyle. He is that match for many men and is an accomplished swordsman both on foot and on horseback. He bears a few scars from training over the years, and some hunting accidents, but nothing that would be considered out of the ordinary considering his martial occupation.

Facial Features

The king has a stern countenance, noted by some as being imposing despite his gentle demeanor. He keeps a short-cropped beard that has - in recent years - become peppered with grey. He has the hooked nose, strong jawline, and broad chin of his father and other Leopolds before him.

Physical quirks

As a man who tends to bore easily, Francis is known to fidget when otherwise idle. Should he be holding court and subject to listening to a lengthy presentation that does not hold his interest, it can often be noted that he will entertain himself examining the grain of the wood on his throne's arm or fidgeting with the steel fittings of his belt.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Francis Leopold III was born in 798 I.R. to Francis Leopold II and his wife Lizbeth. He was the middle of three sons, and therefore was not in line to inherit the crown. He was expected to accept a title either as a Duke upon coming of age, or if no Duchal titles were available that of a Count. His older brother, Sebastian, was the eldest and therefore the heir to the crown. In a breaking of tradition, Lizbeth wished to name her first child after her own father, and Francis Leopold II consented to this. Wishing to still pass along his own name, he named his second son Francis.
During a particularly harsh winter, Sebastian fell ill. No amount of treatment from the court apothecary or prayers from the Temple speakers could cure him, and he soon died of a fever. Francis, then found himself next in line to wear the crown at the age of fifteen. By this time, he had already resigned himself to a life of simple luxury and idyllic diversions. Now being groomed to take over the entire kingdom, he found that he resented the loss of liberty involved in such a massive responsibility.
Francis III took his own wife in 830 I.R., marrying Glenda Colburn, daughter Duke Jaelich Colburn of Riverton. Thus far they have had three children: a son - Sebastian - born in 832 I.R., a daughter - Helene - born in 834 I.R., and another daughter - Marissa - born in 838 I.R.
Despite his reluctance, he took the thrown in 842 after his father died of a wasting illness. His mother passed soon after, some say from grief. He has been a benevolent ruler in the eight years since he took the throne, although he spends most of his time in recreational diversions and relies upon magistrates appointed by his father to oversee the daily operation of the kingdom.

Education

Francis was educated within his father's household by a series of Speakers from the Temple of the Divines, as is custom among the nobility of Brisland. His early education involved learning to read an write, local laws and customs, and the management of a land-holding; all in preparation for his anticipated role as a future duke or count. When his older brother Sebastian died when Francis was fifteen, he was quickly educated in grander matters of statehood, diplomacy, and military tactics by both Speakers and Magistrates of the king. He was also trained from a young age in horsemanship and the arts of war by the master-at-arms of the royal household.

Mental Trauma

Losing his older brother when he was a teenager was a crippling blow for young Francis. Not only did he lose a friend and role-model, but he found himself suddenly forced into a life of responsibility beyond what he had been preparing for. He still mourns the death of his brother, and pines for a simpler life of lackadaisical reflection and the pursuit of entertainment. He has taken his role as king seriously and genuinely cares for his people, but to this day he fills that role reluctantly.

Intellectual Characteristics

Francis is well-read, taking a liking to books of all sorts at a young age. He is versed in histories from many realms in addition to reading dramatic prose and poetry. He had dabbled in writing poetry himself, although he never did find a liking for his own work. When the pursuits of the mind do not sate his boredom, he likes to take to the field on horseback, plan hunting excursions, or participate in the games-militant. He despises having idle time, but would rather engage himself in diversionary pursuits than matters of state.

Morality & Philosophy

Francis is considered by most to be a humble, moral, and empathetic man. He cares for his subjects and works to see to their overall well-being. He is fair in his legislation and the enforcement of those laws, sometimes to the point of being too lenient. He despises doling out punishments for crimes, and often leaves these tasks up to his appointed magistrates. He carefully oversees their activities, however, to ensure that his people are not being treated unfairly.

Honorary & Occupational Titles

King of Brisland, Duke of Brisburgh

Year of Birth

3152 H.E. 45 Years old

Birthplace

Brisburgh

Current Residence

Brisburgh

Gender

Male

Eyes

Brown

Hair

Short, brown, peppered with grey

Height

5'10"

Weight

225 lbs

Ruled Locations

• Brisburgh