The much-feared ruler of the militaristic nation of Khazymska. Preaches, enforces, and seemingly believes that strength only comes from suffering. Keeps his people in constant poverty to fuel their growth and funnel money towards his military force.
- Gender
- Male
- Hair
- Dark Brown, Grey
- Height
- 7'1"
- Weight
- 250lbs
Generally, what one might hear of Velgrade as a ruler is the extent of his cruelty; he forces his subjects into poverty through the enforcement of egregious taxation. He doesn't just quell revolts, he systematically hunts down their members and their families. Accounts of his actions in Sarov, a small Khazymskan city-state that had become independent a couple decades before he took power, were abhorrent. Velgrade executed Sarov's leaders and government officials, torched the city's infrastructure, and continued to break any attempt at restoring order for months. By the time he left, assigning a governor to oversee rebuilding, there was hardly a city left to speak of.
However, rumors circulate that may paint Velgrade in a different light; it is believed that Velgrade himself lives a very harsh lifestyle, not too unlike that of his people. On top of that, Khazymska mandates government-sponsored feast days after major national accomplishments. Word even circulates that Velgrade himself has never started his wars himself; that the victims of his conquest were actually the initiators. Whether it's all just propaganda, a reflection of his commitment to progress, a bizarre code of honor, or perhaps a religious commitment is highly speculated upon, with no clear answer in sight.
Regardless of the truth behind the conqueror, one thing is certain: the threat posed by Velgrade weighs heavily upon the minds of his country's neighbors, especially in the wake of the fall of Velhym.
Appearance
Body Features
Thick, white- and grey-streaked brown hair, brushed back in messy clumps.
Facial Features
Large, disheveled, white- and grey-streaked brown beard which reaches to his collarbone; shaved below the nose and just around the mouth, heavy sideburns. Broad forehead; prominent, bushy eyebrows; sunken eyes.
Apparel & Accessories
Velgrade's "signature look" consists of heavy armor plating over a long, heavy royal robe. His robe reaches almost to his feet, and is a deep green color, like the undergrowth of a thick forest. The green is broken up by a thick crimson band, which runs down the center of the garment, and has a runic-patterned patch below the collar, which covers a clasp which keeps the robe tightly closed below the neck. A mantle of thick, longhaired fur partially covers the robe around the neck and shoulders, and is tucked under the armor.
The armor itself is a relatively simple heavy steel breastplate with large pauldrons and tassets. The center of the chest has two secondary plates, with one large center piece covering the sternum. While all of the armor has a polished steel base, the center plate, pauldrons, and tassets are plated with coarsely brushed gold. The lower part of his body is still armored, but this armor is all worn over a simple cloth base, below the robe. The armor includes steel sabatons to cover his feet, and while they are mostly covered by the robe, his legs are well protected by heavy greaves, cuisses, and poleyns. Finally, he wears heavy vambraces with exaggerated cuffs to cover his forearms, leaving his hands exposed.
Specialized Equipment
Carries the Enoch Blade Vel'káytskrv (Great Conqueror's Blood)
Social
Honorary & Occupational Titles
Dictator-King of Khazysmka, Untouchable Shieldbreaker, The Incorruptible