Gorgo Asther: fifth Domin Regas of the Asther line. Said to turn his enemies to stone with fear by the simple act of stepping onto the battlefield. Known as The Red King, Gorgo expanded Amaya to incorporate three territories that stood at its border, in whole or in part. Feared and respected as a ruler and a conqueror, Gorgo is also known for his behavior as a man, which matched his actions on the battlefield for brutality...
— A History of House Asther by Sage Eiryen of Astrum
 

Overview

A close-up of Gorgo Asther.

For thousands of years, Amaya's destiny has been inextricably linked to the will and whims of Samael Asther... yet the territory itself is far older than Samael himself, as is the bloodline that shaped it. Indeed, long before Samael rose to power, a fierce ruler and terrifying warrior sat the Eternal Throne - the Red King, Gorgo Asther.

Early in his rule, Gorgo was renown for his strength and his ruthlesness... and revered for his excellent leadership. Under Gorgo, Amaya was expanded, and the Asther family's prominence soared as he stood beside the rising Imperator, Abrazus Zozket.

He was, to that point, the most successful and popular of Amaya's rulers.

Yet, despite the light that shown upon Gorgo, there was a darkness inside him - a sickness of the mind that festered and worsened through the centuries... until it finally snuffed out the light entirely. In the end, Gorgo was finally destroyed by his own son and heir - the one living being who had suffered the most under his judgment, and his fists.

History

Gorgo Asther was born to rule. The favorite son of the second Asther Lord, Imael Asther and his third wife Kalina Asther, it was assumed that he would be named Legat and groomed to serve as Imael's second and heir... which he was. Imael could not have guessed that the very qualities that made Gorgo the chosen heir would also doom both Imael and Gorgo alike.

Gabriel's Notebook

I wonder what he was like, that old king of Amaya.

No one really talks about him. I guess that makes a lot of sense, since he's been dead for a really long time. At the same time, he was also the current Lord's father, so it feels like he should be more relevant?

Even so... looking the statues and paintings of him, I can get something like a sense for the kind of person he was. ...maybe. Well, a few weeks ago Isis got drunk and said something about Lord Samael taking after his father more than her. She probably meant his personality; he definitely looks just like her.

Also, they called him the Red King, but he was blue-skinned and wore black armor, so it's not hard to figure out what that meant.

Still, it seems like the older demons think pretty well of him.

I guess that says a lot about this place, right?

Gabriel

Legat Regalis

Lord Imael Asther had several wives- sometimes simultaneously, and sometimes not. Even so, it was known that his favorite of them was his third wife, Kalina, for whom he had eventually put aside his first two consorts. Her short life seemingly immortalized her in Imael's eyes, as she was lost in childbirth, taking the child along with her. That left only two children born to Imael and Kalina: Gorgo and his twin brother, Balvar Asther. Gorgo and Balvar were Imael's favorites, likely due to their parentage, and this preference only intensified after Kalina's passing.

Though both Gorgo and Balvar were favored by Imael, it quickly became evident that there was a difference in their natures... in both positive and negative ways. While Balvar was cool-tempered and hedonistic, Gorgo was far more focused... and more ruthless. Balvar spent his time on the pursuit of his personal interests, while Gorgo spent his concentrated on strengthening himself and improving his battle skills. This made Gorgo the obvious choice as Legat Regas.

Being chosen as legat regalis, however, did little to sate Gorgo's growing ambition. Though named heir, there was no guarantee that he would actually hold Amaya's rule - for the immortal, there is no guarantee of inheritance. This being the case, he began to pursue greater influence and responsibilities... and eventually began subtly undermining confidence in Imael among the aristocracy of Amaya.

The Three Cycle War and Its Aftermath

Despite his impatience to expand his influence, Gorgo managed to stifle his hungers at first. At the time, the Three Cycle War had been raging for over 30 years, but Amaya had thus far remained neutral. Eventually, however, Imael chose to throw his lot in with Abrazus Zozket, then the challenger to the Imperator of the time, Bellos Nykythan of Siku. This choice brought both Imael and Gorgo into the war directly, with the Crimson Legion at their backs.

Gorgo Asther as a young man.

During the war, Gorgo dedicated himself to acclimating himself to military leadership, and to the brutality of war - an experience said to have shocked Gorgo, despite his prior tendencies toward violence. From this point forward, Gorgo's already difficult personality began to darken. In the coming years, Balvar would confide that Gorgo had become angry, and occasionally erratic, in the aftermath of his experiences at the frontline.

Despite warnings that his chosen successor had become difficult -- perhaps even dangerous -- Imael remained blind to Gorgo's disturbance to the end.

That end was reached during the final cycle of the Three-Cycle War. Gorgo, Imael and Balvar took advantage of the peaceful moment to go on a boating trip across the Lonely Sea. Though the three set off together, only the brothers returned. Balvar never spoke of whatever it was that happened on that ship, but Balvar would often say that the Three Cycle War stripped what there was of warmth in Gorgo and made a beast of what remained.

Gorgo Asther's Reign

Date of Reign

27855Y to 28976Y

Style of Rule

Personalist Dictatorship

Relationship with Subjects

Initially positive, but over time it deteriorated. Gorgo was not one to interact with the people, and ultimately came to terrify the citizenry with his erratic behavior and violent temper.

Highlights

Helped to overthrow one Imperator and install another. Incorporated parts of two nations and the entirety of another into Amaya. Early on, Gorgo improved the availability of education for those interested in entering the Crimson Legion.

Lowlights

Later in his reign there were quite a few likely unjust executions driven by Gorgo's paranoia. He also came close to disastrously provoking th Imperator and had to be talked down by Balvar.

End of Reign

Killed by Samael Asther in self-defense.

Gorgo finished out the war, negotiating the annexation of parts of Donuhaka and Oku, and the annexation of the entirety of the floating island, Fon (now known as Malduior). Amaya began to flourish, and Gorgo was, in the early days, considered a capable and fair leader.

However, trouble soon began to rear its head.

Rise of the Red King

As his twin predicted, the newly instated Lord of Amaya quickly proved to be a far more brutal and authoritarian figure than Imael had ever been.

He immediately set about "managing" his lesser status siblings, having them killed, disowned, or imprisoned, leaving only himself and Balvar. His increasingly brutal and merciless ways earned him the epithet The Red King, and he spared no kindness even for those who became close to him.

Indeed, when he discovered that two of his closer companions had a son called Ilan who had a rare gift for transportation magic - the ability to effortlessly create pathways, bridges and doors. Seeing the military advantage, Gorgo had Ilan's parents assassinated and took the child in to be raised by servants and courtiers.

In pursuit of a strong heir, Gorgo took several wives - a practice that eventually settled into the Hari Suum/siv hari suum/masi hari system still in use within Amaya to this day.

It was within that system that he found his two most significant consorts. His original favorite, Perswyn, became mother to Raum and Taladan Asther. But it wasn't until he chose Isis, a renown beauty even among the succubae, that his destiny was set into motion.

A Darker Red

Gorgo & Balvar

Basics

Nature of Relationship: Twin brothers
Mutual Acquaintences: Most of the Court. Also, Gorgo's wives and children.

Beneath the Surface

What they Shared: History and hearts. For most of Gorgo's life, Balvar was his closest ally, his anchor and his friend. Because Balvar never turned on him despite Gorgo's cruelty, that cruelty did not touch Balvar... and because Gorgo believed that Balvar was always on his side, Balvar was the only one Gorgo would listen to. However, as time went on and Gorgo became progressively destabilized, he began to perceive Balvar's attempts to rein him in and keep him stable as attacks, ultimately resulting in Balvar's "sudden death." Losing Balvar was the final straw for Gorgo's sanity.
What Gorgo Hid: Balvar is the only death Gorgo ever regretted.
Balvar's View of Gorgo: Balvar loved, respected, and feared Gorgo. The proportion of each varied greatly over time. By the end of his life, Balvar had come to fear Gorgo more than he loved him. Within weeks of his eventual death, Balvar told his lover at the time, Brinlevy, that he believed the time when he could restrain his brother was coming to an end... along with his life.
Gorgo's View of Balvar: Gorgo loved, relied on, and trusted Balvar... until he didn't. Despite what he perceives as a betrayal, Gorgo genuinely mourned Balvar. However, that love and grief was mixed with resentment for Balvar's having "forced" his hand. To the end of his life, Gorgo claimed that Balvar betrayed him, and he had no choice... yet it was never clear what, specifically, Balvar had done.

As his children grew, Gorgo's grew frustrated with Raum's relative pacifism. When the time came to declare his initial LegatRegas, he instead chose Taladan, who had a far sharper - and more ambitious - mind. Despite her designation as heir, Taladan would not find her father any warmer or more fond of her - indeed, as time went on, he would increasingly view both Taladan and Perswyn as potential traitors due to their clear route to power if Gorgo were to fall.

Unsurprisingly, Gorgo proved as brutal and cruel to Perswyn and Isis as he was to his subjects, or to his siblings. Perswyn eventually passed away under "questionable" circumstances, leaving Isis and Balvar alone to manage Gorgo's instability and violence. Though they were relatively successful for some years, the inevitable could not be held back for long.

Shortly after the birth of his final child, Samael, Balvar "disappeared" after a particularly heated argument with Gorgo. Perhaps the last scraps of Gorgo's heart vanished with his other half, but from this point forward there would be no respite from his all-consuming darkness.

Ultimately, Taladan would be replaced as Legat Regas by Samael, who showed signs of his potential even as a young boy. This did not prove any more beneficial to Samael than it had to Taladan, however. At this point, Gorgo lived forever straddling the line between the desire to prepare his heir and the desire to crush potential competition - a drive no doubt worsened by his own memory of having betrayed Imael.

Torn between these drives, Gorgo did have Samael prepared for leadership by means of the best available educators in all areas, as well as comprehensive training in battle technique, strategy, and the diplomatic and leadership skills...

...but, by the same token, Gorgo also set about trying, semi-consciously, to crush Samael's spirit through the infliction of ever escalating emotional, mental and physical violence on the boy. When Isis attempted to protect him, she was either treated similarly or, worse, sent on long "diplomatic" trips and "vacations" intended to remove her from court and leave Gorgo to deal with his most formidable child. These trips would sometimes last years or, in extreme cases, even decades.

Bridge to The End

Given the way he lived, Gorgo was almost certain to fall.

The Tomb of Gorgo Asther.

Ultimately, his end would be similar to that of his father in spirit if not in detail.

Eventually, Ilan discovered the truth about his parents' deaths and attempted to take revenge. After stopping an attempt or Raum's life, Gorgo sent Samael, along with his closest friend, Astaroth Dracothis, to recapture Ilan. However, he did not anticipate the effect learning the depths of Gorgo's cruelty to others would have on his son.

When Ilan was returned to Court as demanded, Gorgo had his memory wiped of his discoveries - and of his parents entirely - in order to enforce a return to unquestioning loyalty. This was the final breaking point.

Until this point, Samael had spent much of his life striving to gain Gorgo's ever unreachable approval. No more.

From this point on, Samael began to resist Gorgo's aggression. Gorgo attempted to regain control by escalating his abusive actions... but no pressure, no violence and no fear could tame Samael once unchained.

For the last several years of Gorgo's life, Samael began to physically fight back to protect himself, his siblings and his mother. Eventually, Samael reached the limit of his tolerance and cut Gorgo's throat with Desolation.

And so the Red King of Amaya fell into history.

Legacy

Today, Gorgo is remembered as the Red King of Amaya, among demonkind's most dangerous and brutal rulers, brought down by his own cruelty, and his hubris in believing that he could break the child most like his own unbreakable self. His corpse lies within the vault of Asther. Despite their "difficult" relationships, both Samael and Isis have been seen speaking to his tomb from time to time. What they are saying is anyone's guess.

Gorgo and The World

The Official Portrait of Dominus Regas Gorgo Asther.
Gorgo makes uses of the Kuvarut-Rem. The left hand was unfinished due to Gorgo's impatient departure.

Education

As the son of a royal house, and the chosen heir to said house, Gorgo had a world-class education. That said, the defining difference between himself and his brother lie in the weight of their interests, and this began to manifest during their schooling year.

Gorgo learned all the same music, the same ballroom dances, the same but he did not take to them the way his brother did. Instead, he focused on the tools and art of war, and the skills needed for leadership. No doubt he could play an instrument if he needed to, but only at a medicore level since he did not pursue it beyond competence. He was, however, excellent with politics, strategies, combat and languages.

Employment

Due to his status, Gorgo's employment history was fairly sparse. He spent his youth first as a student and then as frontline commanding officer in the Three Cycle War. From the end of the war until his death, he served as Dominus Regasof Amaya and Head of the House of Asther.

Notable Accomplishments & Failures

Gorgo gained significant prominence in Incaendium politics through his excellent performance during his time at war. Through his alliance with Abrazus Zozket, he was also able to expand Amaya's borders. For much of his rule, he was a genuinely competent ruler - his primary failings were personal ones, as he was extremely abusive to everyone in his family from his brothers to his children and his wives. Eventually this did end up infecting his performance as a leader, as well, but it took some time.

The Memories Left Behind

There is a schism amongst scholars on the question of Gorgo Asther. Was he a madman broken by his experiences at the frontlines of the Three Cycle War... or was he simply tyrannical and violent by his own nature? It is hard to know for certain, particularly given that those close enough to know him tended to disappear or die. However, while researching the Red King, Eiryen of Astrum was able to locate (and given access to) documents contemporary with Gorgo Asther's actual lifetime. Some excerpts follow.

 

Soon I will bear my third child of two pregnancies. Imael is pleased, though I find him, at times, difficult to read. Still, my greater concern is not my love, but rather my sons. They each seem... standoffish is, perhaps, the best term for it... but while Balvar is merely dismayed, I am more concerned about Gorgo. His eyes burn when he looks my way. He is only a child, you know... and yet sometimes his rage is as dangerous as that of a full grown archdemon. That, I fear, is the nature of a boy born with all the strength of Imael and none of his experience, or self-restraint. Still, he is but a child. I choose to believe whatever darkness lurks inside will find its balance, in time.

— Kalina Asther, weeks before her death

 

My brother rages. This has become all too common. When the battle turns, Gorgo rages. When the enemy is too long in coming, he rages. When the enemy stays too long, he rages, too. 'There is little remaining to him now aside from that rage,' is what I'd like to say... but in truth, I wonder now whether there has ever been anything within him, but rage and appetite. When the night grows heavy and the warcries die down, he looks to our allioes, and I swear I see knives in those eyes.

—

Balvar Asther, from the frontlines of the Three Cycle War.

 

Since returning from the war, I have given him significant responsibilities, and he has handled the lot of them with admirable grace. This past week, Gorgo and Balvar returned from the south with Dominus Dracothis at his back - that most difficult of incubi lords has now chosen to swear his fealty to the House of Asther. I remember well my mother's attempts to secure their alliance, as I have also done... yet it was my son who brought them to heel, at last. The question remains, however, how did he manage it? For all his brilliance and talent, for all his focus, I would not say Gorgo has ever been especially silver-tongued.

I do wonder whether he is truly the one to strike that deal... or if he left it to Belvar. The two of them will make a fine team one day, should the throne truly fall into their hands: Gorgo the sword, and Balvar the voice. Yet, though there is naught to trouble oneself over with regards to such an arrangement between brothers, I am troubled to think of this potential dishonesty. I wonder, as well, whether the greater leader in a post-war nation would be the voice or the blade.

It's just as well. Next week, we set out for a day of leisure. There, apart fromt he potential dishonor of such an admission, I will speak to the boys of this question and arrive at whatever conclusion must be arrived at.

—

Imael Asther's journal

 

Greetings to The Newly Annointed Dominus Regas, the Honorable Gorgo Asther! Our Great Lord Asther has risen to the throne with the untimely disappearance - and likely demise - of the Second Lord Asther, Imael Asther. A great war hero and diplomat, Lord Gorgo is renown for his role in the Three-Cycle War, where he and his brother, the recently ascended Legat Regas Balvar Asther, were responsible for routing the Armies of Siku for the final time. It was Lord Gorgo as well who brought peace with the long rebellious House of Dracothis. Though we grieve Lord Imael with the heaviness of death, our hearts are light with unfettered joy at the rise of Dominus Regas Asther the Fifth, the Great Gorgo! Long may he stand upon the bones of his fallen!

—

The Herald's Speech repeated in the square of every Amaya settlement.

 

Yes, Gorgo broke my bones countless times, though that's nothing at all compared to what became of Perswyn, or his father, or his brother. I wouldn't doubt I might have come to the same fate, were Samael less his father's child, or less mine. Did my husband take pleasure in pain, however...? Perhaps. It was a means to an end, for him, I think - though what end was served only Gorgo could say. To shine his ego, to control all in his domain... to bring all things into that domain. Gorgo called for pride and tyranny, but blood and greed were no less relevant to him. It's said that he went mad... but he was hardly a gentle man before his mind began to wander. Who is to say whether the cruelty or the madness was the tail?

— Isis Asther's journal, written shortly after Gorgo's death.
 

Of course I remember Gorgo. No one in Ruavine who lived for a moment before he died could ever forget him. He was a mountain of a man, you know - well, a volcano is a better description. Aside from that, I remember all too well the way he treated Samael back then. I might have cut the bastard's throat himself, were I not so fond of my wings. ...you know. Most believe it was Gorgo who brought my people to court all those millennia ago... but Father always said that was bullshit. Only in private, you understand, but it's true. He would say the one who really talked him down was-- well, I'm sure you can figure it out. Not that it matters now - they're all dead, even my father. quoteright]

— Astaroth Dracothis

 

I remember it, yes. The heat of his blood and the Desolation cutting through bone. It was the first time I had ever killed something I loved... or something I hated. Now? ...I do not miss him, no. I would kill him again, if given the chance.

—

Samael Asther to Eiryn on a brief research excahnge

 

Presentation

Young Gorgo in casual clothing.

The Dominus Regas in a rare casual outfit.

Gorgo in light armor.

Gorgo was over 7 feet tall with a muscular build. His skin was roughly the color of blue tourmaline, and he kept his dark grey hair long and wild. His eyes were a deep red, and glowed like fire in the dim light. Though he was clean-slaven in his youth, for most of his life he sported a beard of some kind - a goatee as a young man, and a full beard and mustache in his later years.

Gorgo was able to "grow" red and black wings from his back at will, and would frequently appear with massive wings extended in formal occasions. It is unknown whether they were capable of actually supporting him in flight, as he never attempted to fly in anyone's presence.

It's said that he was attractive, but had somewhat rough features, perhaps from the occasional broken bone suffered during wartimes.

Finally, Gorgo had two large, black horns - one on either side of his head. They were typically kept polished, and though he could presumably retract them at will as many archdemons can and do, he was never seen without them in some form.

Apparel & Accessories

Gorgo typically wore armor on every public occasion, and would only be seen without it in the privacy of the royal wing. He had several suits, however, and would switch off depending on the occasion and the needs of the day. For example, he would typically wear light armor on social or casual days. It should be noted, of course, that "light" is a relative term and Gorgo was one of the most physically powerful demons of his time.

Typically, the armor would be made of black metal with complicated filigree carved onto its surface - "look" of the Asthers. Blue or red runes would typically be embedded in the metal as well, and would often glow, lending Gorgo an unearthly appearance.

In combat, Gorgo would wear full, heavy plate armor - still engraved with filigree textures, still glowing from the runes on its surface. In his full armor, he also wore a heavy black cloak; he eschewed the use of helmets.

Special Equipment

His signature weapons were oversized black warhammers and axes, often enchanted with blazing blue or red runes.

Gorgo was also adept at most melee weapons, and full-sized longbows and, as Dominus Regas of Amaya, had access to a full armory of both mundane and magical weapons.

 

Ability Inventory

Physical

In his time, Gorgo was undeniably one of the most physically powerful demons in all of Incaendium. His unusual size and heavily muscular build provided him with extraordinary strength and durability, and his speed was surprisingly high for someone of his build, as well. Gorgo could easily absorb significant physical "damage" without difficulty. Moreover, during the throes of combat, he seemed immune to pain, often fighting with broken bones unnoticed and unacknowledged for hours. Fortunately for him, he also tended to heal quite quickly, allowing him to continue pushing himself without breaking even through extraordinary trials.

I am ashamed to admit that, yes, the day was lost... though the battle went well until near dusk. It seems Zozket has gathered another ally... though I wouldn't have thought it would be Amaya... nor would I have thought such an addition would be so disastrous."

"Much of that disaster can be attributed to two warriors - I gather it was the Dominus Regas and his son, the Legal Regas... or so I've been told. The two of them fell upon the frontlines like a guillotine and they were, it seemed, just as impossible to stop, when they fell. The father was worthy of his reputation - a master combatant, yes. But it was the son that made the ranks scatter.

"It was not... his strength, great Imperator, though yes, he was strong. It was his wildness. The son was like a natural disaster. He cut apart everything that came within his vicinity, and those things that he could not cut apart, he trapped in cells of stone and suffocated with the dirt. He is large - even taller than Imael Asther himself - and he fights with two handed weapons - a reach only a Nephilor could hope to overcome. And he is strong as well... perhaps even moreso than the Gi-Nuherunsi.

I implore you to believe me: the two may not be superior to Abrazus Zozket, but I feel they may linger dangerously close to being his equals.

—

Brulgadem, Unit Commander in the Three-Cycle War, reporting to Bellos Nykythan

Overall, it's fair to consider Gorgo a Vallus level physical power.

Magic

Gorgo actually quite disliked using Magic, as he preferred to be directly and physically confrontational. However, being the Legat Regas, he had substantial training in void-dancing. Due to his particular personality, he excelled in battle (external war) magic, as well as empowerment, manifestation and deconstruction. In these areas, he was generally considered a Vaham level power.

Generally, he struggled a great deal with fields of magic that would tend to avoid, interfere with, or mitigate confrontation - for example, illusions, summoning, etc all seemed unnecessarily passive to Gorgo's mind. He was seemingly completely incapable of using magic related to communication or charms of any kind - a result of his distrust of others forming a block in his mind that would not permit his mind to touch that of others.

Psionics

Gorgo had substantial Psionic potential, and in his youth made effective use of, in particular, abilities that enhanced himself physically (strengthening, speeding healing, etc) and force related abilities like psychokinesis. At this height, he had a Vaham level mastery of such abilities.

However, as his mental state deteriorated, he lost the ability to focus and discipline himself and so his ability to call on Odic abilities also declined, leaving him at about a Modu level.

Elemental

Out of all the supranormal abilities at Gorgo's disposal, his favorite by far was his Elemental Affinity to Earth. As a Vaham level Earth Elementalist, Gorgo made frequent and creative use of his abilities. On the battlefield, he would use them to route enemies and force them into specific areas. As a ruler, he was known to construct cells of stone to hold those who displeased him. He also utilized the ability to assist in movement, raising or lowering the ground at will, for example, when he wanted to reach something overhead or beneath him.

Skills

Gorgo Asther and Balvar Asther

In Life

Despite his many personality problems, Gorgo was a skilled leader both on and off the battlefield... though he was exceptionally combat-and-war-focused as a generality. He was extremely intelligent and insightful in matters regarding to the functioning of the nation, and had a surprisingly even hand with justice and mediation - though his punishments were extremely harsh.

He was also an accomplished ballroom dancer - a fact that he used effectively when courting a potential consort.

As is the case with most things about Gorgo, these abilities deteriorated over time. By the end of his life, his brutality had reached unparalleled levels, and his erratic moods made dealing with him on official matters harrowing at best.

Gorgo & Himself

Gorgo's Self-Perception: Besieged and hunted. At war with the world. Fighting for his survival. Unappreciated by his people, his family, his children. Misunderstood by the same.
What He Shared: His ambitions and vision for Amaya. His love for conflict, his relentless willpower and unbreakable mental "spine."
What He Hid From Others: His fear. His isolation. His paranoia. The feeling that the walls were closing in on him. The rage he felt at those he perceived as pushing those walls closer.
What He Hid From Himself: It was his own destructive tendencies that catalyzed others to distance themselves from him - and it was that distance that gave birth to his paranoia that he was hated. Which he may have been. But if so, the cycle of hate and violence began with his actions, not theirs.

In Battle

Unsurprisingly, battle is where Gorgo truly shone. His mastery of two-handed hammers and axes combined with his incredible physical power made him a terror on the battlefield. He was also highly skilled at most other melee weapons, with an emphasis slashing or blunt force two-handed weapons such as two-handed swords. Though he generally disliked ranged weapons, he was nonetheless an exceptional archer with a full long bow.

Gorgo was not the most strategic fighter - though he could be when he needed to be. He was, instead, highly aggressive - so much so that his ability to intimidate others often caused them to spiral into fight or flight mode - and once that happened, they were certainly doomed.

General Combat style

One could easily take Gorgo for a berserker-type fighter, as his battle style was, in a word, savage. It was not unusual to find him dropping into the center of a battalion and start working his way out from there, leaving broken bodies and crushed bones as he went. Once set off, Gorgo was impossible to stop until he had finished what he set out to accomplish, or had exhausted his hunger for destruction. It is for this reason that he was so feared by all opposing forces.

However, despite his generally physical approach, he also made extensive use of his supranormal abilities - or, more specifically, of his Earth Affinity, though he did tap into magic or psionics when absolutely necessary.

Threat Assessment:

Gorgo's abilities were significant, though they had a relatively narrow focus on direct physical destruction. He was also exceptionally intelligent, but has a tendency toward tunnel vision in combat, and paranoia off the battlefield, both of which tend to limit his effectiveness to some degree. That said, he did have near bottomless resources in terms of money, troups and magical gear and a thorough willingness to use it. He was also impossible to intimidate and nearly impossible to stop without killing him, which was exceptionally difficult.

With all these things considered, Gorgo Asther would have been considered a Vallus level threat at his prime... but, with a slight deterioration due to his instability...

He would have been considered a Vaham+ by the time of his death.