Antlered One

Looming atop his spectral steed, a ghastly figure seems to glide through the wilds of Pictland. He is the deliverer of the Pictish tribes, their answer in their hour of need against the iron-backed warriors of Rheged. Atop his head, he is adorned with the forest's crown, chosen by the Elk King. He is the Antlered One, and all the tribes shall kneel before him...

Physical Description

Facial Features

Under his hood there is no face, but a human skull surrounded by shadow.

Identifying Characteristics

Two antlers that are perched and adorn his head like a crown.

Special abilities

The Antlered One is a master of many magical abilities. He has the skill to commune with animals and wild beasts, light his spear ablaze, and climb up trees as if he were one of the forest creatures himself. His mere gaze can cause those around him to cower in fear. Those who have survived their encounters with him, have reported him letting loose magical beams of energy, draining the life from enemy soldiers, calling down lightning, controlling the weather, and evening summoning the very trees and nature to do his bidding.

Apparel & Accessories

The only items the Antlered One has been seen with has been his dark cloak and spear that never leaves his hand.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

The wilds of Pictland are a harsh and unforgiving place. Pictish tribes are scattered, and often fight amongst themselves rather than a common foe. They often like to attack and raid the dwarves of the Iron Mountains and the lands of Rheged. With the Rheged they share a long and bloody history of ceaseless conflict and violence. With the Rheged and Iron Mountain Dwarves in a protective/military alliance against the Picts, the Picts have become ever fearful. But in Pictland's hour of need a savior came to them. They simply call him the Antlered One. Demonstrating his prowess of war, strategy, and battle, the Antlered One gained a following; quickly becoming a warlord. This has resulted in him scoring many victories against the armies of the Iron Mountain Dwarves and knights of Rheged. His renown has grown to the point where the Picts consider him to be a demi-god.
The Antlered One would soon be challenged to single combat by a group of adventurers known as the Guardsmen. They were comprised of a human paladin named Kuonrad, a firbolg blood-hunter named Kaolin, a hill-dwarf monk known as Vladimir, and the elven druid, Theo. Unbeknownst to the Pictish warlord, they had been sent by Rheged's king to try and eliminate him. Having no other option than to meet them, rather than lose his honor and have his strength and power challenged, the Antlered One picked three of his greatest champions and war chiefs to aid him in battle. They were Allcallored of the Sea-Horse Clan, Kanstantin of the Eagle, and Breth of the Red Bear & Black Wolf. Together, they'd face off against the Guardsmen at a location known as Dun Aeg-Ethel. A holy site to the Picts where they won a great victory against the dark elves after the events of the Calamity. 
As the battle took place, it was clear the Guardsmen would claim victory as they felled each Pictish champion. Kuonrad's sword eminated divine might and wrath as he struck down the Antlered One in single combat. Some ven say they saw Wotan (Odin) himself, guide the sword to strike down his foe. When the Antlered One was decapitated and his mask removed, it was revealed that he was an elf. In discerning the strange warpainted patterns on his face, it came to be known that the Antlered One belonged to a group of elven spectral riders known as the Wild Hunt...

Accomplishments & Achievements

In his time as a Pictish warlord, the Antlered One seems to have done what no other Pictish chief has done before--unite most of the major Pictish Tribes together in a common cause and against a single enemy. That enemy being the Rheged and their allies. Under the Antlered One's leadership, he has been able to unite the major tribes of the Elk King, Bull, Eagle, Sea Horse, Black Wolf, and countless others. 
He has also been able to win numerous victories against Rheged and its allies through raids on numerous border villages and towns, as well as battles and skirmishes by utilizing guerilla tactics. Deploying his warriors in ways that the Rheged knights and Iron Mountain dwarves cannot utilize their soldiers to their greatest capabilities. He is an elusive fox that has caused them great embarassment.

Intellectual Characteristics

For those who have met the Antlered One and live to speak of it, they say he is cold, calculating, and tends to be two or three steps ahead of anybody who is around him. Enemies and allies included. He must show that he is the smartest and the most intelligent in the room, and is willing to display that through any means necessary. He is always on his toes to make sure his mind is working to out think and outmaneuver any surprise.

Morality & Philosophy

The Antlered One has been waging his war against the Iron Mountain Dwarves and Rheged for nearly two decades. To him, he will achieve his ends in any way he sees fit. Since the Picts adhere to him as a great victor and demi-god, in his mind he can do no wrong. Anything he does is for the betterment of his people, even if it is through violence, bloodshed, and the slaughter of innocence. If you are not with him then you are against him. Violence is a means to an end, and if innocent lives have to be sacrificed for his "greater good," then so be it.

Personality Characteristics

Motivation

To unite all of the Pictish Tribes into one nation with himself as its king. Once he has become the King of Pictland, he aims to forever drive the Rheged and Iron Mountain dwarves away from Pictland's borders. He may even harbor dreams of conquest, but that has yet to be seen.

Current Status

Deceased

Age

Unknown

Date of Birth

Unknown

Date of Death

November 7, 1334 A.C.

Circumstances of Death

Slain by Kuonrad

Place of Death

Dun Aeg-Ethel

Gender

Male

Eyes

Yellow

Hair

None

Height

5'10"

Weight

165 lbs.

Known Languages

• Common
• Pictish
• Druidic
• Elvish
• Sylvan

Character Prototype

The Horned King, Arminius, Vercingetorix