Surcount Sampo VIII of Sjolund
Sampo Laspura, born into the high nobility of the Surcounty of Sjolund, would be a controversial figure of his time. Though many would see him as a pious and ambitious man, his eventual conflict with his nephew, Grand Duke Tapani VII, would cement a villainous reputation for him across Doria.
Sampo's father, the towering Surcount Samu IV, was among the most powerful men in Doria of his day. As such, he was greatly admired and sometimes referred to earnestly and derisively as the Little Duke. He would expect no less a distinguished reputation for his son. Sampo would be granted the estates of Saltovala at the ripe old age of five. He would be sent to these estates under the custodianship of his father's trusted chaplain, Chaplain Aarto, where he would be expected to manage and live off the fruits of his labour. Naturally, this method of upbringing left its mark on Sampo, who his Chaplain custodian regularly abused, however, it would make an imposing and confidant leader of the young man.
On the verge of his fiftieth birthday, Sampo would join the Grand Duke in aid of their Toranian allies for the Reclamation of Redcrest Territories. During his service during the conflict, Sampo served as an advisor to his liege's forces, as well as conducting independent operations in the southern hills to secure supplies and quell attempts by local redorians to join resistance groups.
The rivalry Sampo held with his former ward and now Grand Duke would come to a head shortly after the young Tapani's coronation. On return from the market at Laurisport, he would be apprehended on the road by the newly appointed Grand Marshal, Harvor Laijoen. Sampo, a hulk of a man nearly a foot taller than each of the Grand Marshal's party that wished to capture him, did not go without a struggle. Though he and his small company were bested, he landed a killing blow on a young squire of the Grand Marshal, a young boy of the House Woljoka.
Sampo was sentenced to death upon arrival in Canyndor. He would be beheaded in Alter Square before the Kirk of Jala. It was long reported after his death his final words, muttered under the din of the large amassed crowd, were "You prove yourself a true ruler today, my dear cousin. I am very proud." His death, though widely acknowledged as just, brought a coldness between the Grand Duke and the Surcounts of Sjolund that lasted for several years before the Great Tourney of Pilkala - 7592 where it is largely claimed the grievance was ended amicably.
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