King Stagsworn XIV

King Bau Stagsworn XIV is the current ruler of Vescania. He is known for his military prowess, his unmatched skills in combat, his compassion for his people, and his firm belief that Astagua is destined to be civilized by his rule. Rumors suggest he was a part of the most recent assault on the Rock Plains in 864 2E. Though he sacked Westwatch, an assault led by a group of mercenaries routed the fortress and returned it to Astaguan control.

Early Life and Princehood

King Stagsworn XIV is the eldest of three children and the only one with the family name. His siblings, Prince Fulhin and Princess Eyla, are three and five years his infant, respectfully. Lauded as a loving but firm older brother, he attended Academy beginning at age five and continued pursuing and excelling in education through young adulthood. His studies encompassed many topics, though he showed a particular interest in warfare, religion, and the history of The First World. Once he reached 12 years old, he began studying and practicing martial combat with the knights of Vescania's courts. By 16 years old, he was one of the best swordsman in the country. At 17 years old, he was the best.
King Stagsworn delighted in challenging any he deemed worthy of his skill and his travels across Valskar have left him well-learned in the styles of combat found throughout the world. Though he excels in the performance of violence, King Stagsworn insists it should always be used as a last resort. In keeping with his mantra, he insists on using religious persuasion to accomplish his goals and, according to the High Priestess Izalla of the Church of Murkyl, King Stagsworn is one of the most accomplished missionaries in history.
King Stagsworn began commanding soldiers for the quarterly war games at Wargame Fields upon returning from his international studies at 18 years old. His understanding of combat, morale, and the subtlties of war have rewarded him with a near-perfect record: 63-1. His only loss in the lethal games was the first time he commanded, where his father insisted he command from the rear. After suffering the loss, and against his father's wishes, King Stagsworn XIV joined the frontline for every war game since. King Stagsworn XIV became King of Vescania at 28 when his father died mysteriously to an ailment believed to have originated in the Crimson Forest

Accomplishments

Since coming into power 8 years ago, King Stagsworn has made a number of notable changes to Vescania:

Grave of the First World

His first order as King was to establish the Grave of the First World as an international heritage site. Though the energies emanating from the mystical location prevent even the strongest-willed man from performing violence, King Stagsworn wanted to ensure that the descendents of The First World felt welcome at the only remaining scar of their ancestors.

The Word of Murkyl

King Stagsworn's intimate familiarity with death has emboldened his faith in Murkyl, the God of Death. He frequently attributes this faith to his survival in the war games as well as the success of Vescania as a whole. As a result, he has mandated that the Church of Murkyl have a solid foothold in every town, city, or village with more than 100 people. Though his religious indoctrination is met with some skepticism, few resist the conversion for long.

Anti-Astaguan Propaganda

Another one of King Stagsworn's accomplishments is his mandate that education be available and affordable to all who seek it, including the slaves that make up "The Enemy" (the term used for the forces the Vescanian military trains against once per quarter during the War Games). The most developed portion of the education is a list of war crimes and barbaric rituals permitted in Astagua. The graphic, possibly exagerated, stories of the horrific acts serves to feed the existing hatred for their neighbor.

Sculpted Battlefields

The most recent accomplishment of the King is his use of wizards and sorcerers to sculpt The Warfield into places eerily similar to defensive strongholds in Astagua. Where King Stagsworn or his magical architects are getting this information is unknown, but the last 9 war games have taken place in replicas of Westwatch, Highburg, and Borderwood among others.

Species

Human

Other Ethnicities/Cultures

• Celorian

Age

36

Date of Birth

12 Ekeasus

Birthplace

Poria

Family

Stagsworn Family

Sex

Male

Gender

Man

Presentation

Masculine

Eyes

Dark blue

Hair

Wavy brown hair

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Fair-skinned

Height

6' 2"

Weight

190 lbs

Belief/Deity

Myrkul

Other Affiliations

• The Organization