High King Valarus Vortigern

The High King has been reincarnated as part of a dark destiny. A peerless warrior and leader, Valarus Vortigern has ruled Deverenia with an Iron Fist for centuries.

In the story...

The High King Valarus Vortigern has been the main opposition to peace in the North West of the Accordlands. Constantly seeking to expand borders and wage war, the countries of Valadir and especially Tamalir have often clashed with the Black Armies of the High King.
Vortigern's most recent incarnation was an especially shrewd strategist, having a hand in fomenting the military build up and subsequent internal strife in Valadir. Additionally, his clashes with the Northern free lands were more aggressive than any previous lifetime. The people of Deverenia were very used to the public displays of force and constant border clashes caused by Vortigern's campaigns. Severe taxes and long draft periods were symptoms of his reign. However, these policies no doubt helped lead to the current Rebellion in the kingdom, as underfed and underpaid soldiers are never a good thing to have in abundance...
Some blame the inability to reconquer Tamalir as the cause, but recently the High King has stopped making public appearances, and no new decrees have been heard in the past two years. All guests have been barred except for his favorite of the Princes, Alhana Genecourt and Magnus Arcadis.

History

Vortigern has been reincarnated several times, living for about 80-100 years each time. Because of an old Fey bargain struck with the Winter King, the soul of Valarus Vortigern is reborn, meaning he differs wildly in appearance each time. The Black Tower was given the responsibility for divining where and when the rebirth of the High King would occur.
Originally, he was known as the Mercenary King. When the Accord was stuck, chaos was the law of the land as old kingdoms were sundered, great powers suddenly no longer existed, and the many followers of the Lords of Thunders found themselves without their Patrons. For an enterprising warlord such as himself, Vortigern quickly amassed an army and conquered as many small kingdoms as he could, essentially competing with the conquest frenzy of the future Emperor Tiberius of Valadir.
During this time he was known for his clever strategies, marvelous siege inventions, and cold pragmatic cruelty. Those that bent the knee were spared and swept up into his conquests. Those that did not were slaughtered and their bloodline ended. The more favorable scholars label him as acting out of "necessity" while most historical accounts cast him as a bloodthirsty warlord with a penchant for wanton destruction.
Vortigern founded the Kingdom of Deverenia centered around an entity known as the Black Sun - a great orb of darkness that radiates shadows instead of light. It is said the High King draws his power from this strange entity, but it has existed for so long that the people don't even question its existence. In his initial life; he sired many sons and daughters from a multitude of wives and concubines. Believing strongly that strength was required to rule; his children were constantly competing, plotting, and scheming, often leading to the untimely demise of many a descendant.
The bloodline of King Vortigern has evolved over time, with various individuals of all races and creeds adopted or married in. Only strength mattered. This policy no doubt was a reflection of his early start as the Mercenary King, as he was the first to quickly unite scattered Northrogg tribes, lost Dragonborne soldiers, and many other units that once had a strong species-based identity.

Titles

The High King of Deverenia. The Mercenary King. The Bloody Warlord.

Race

Currently Half-elf. Has been several races per his reincarnations.

Birth Year

Sometime before the Accord was struck.

Current Residence

Igros, capital of Deverenia

Aligned Organization

Kingdom of Deverenia

Position

The High King

Status

Alive, but has seemingly retired from public.

Relationships

Technically the ancestor of all Princes, but shares no blood due reincarnation.

Archmage Slayer the Unkind - trusted friend and advisor

Chancellor Agravaine - Highest appointed Regent

General Kurlin Vyre - Oldest friend in this incarnation

Alignment

Lawful Evil

Quotes & Catchphrases

Unknown

SIDEBAR: BOTTOM