Montegro Montena

King of Ertland; Duke of Nero; Prince of Ertland; Lord of Montena.

Montegro was the son of Amaldi Thasson-Montena and the Lord of Montena. Eventually he was elected to become the King of Ertland by a Conclave in 802 following the War of a Thousand Traitors. As the last surviving direct blood descendant of the Royal House of Thasson, he unified the two House names into one dynasty, the House of Thasson-Montena.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Childhood (769-790)

Montegro was born during the War of a Thousand Traitors as the only son of Amaldi Thasson-Montena. However, his mother died the year after his birth. As her heir, his father kept him safe from her enemies though did nominally raise a banner in his name during the following twenty years of constant infighting, civil wars, banditry and butchery within Ertland. 
As Montegro grew, he showed very little aptitude for war and almost no desire to ascend beyond his station as heir to the Lordship of Montena. He and his father often quarrelled about this, as Montegro never identified with his mother's family or lineage at all. Montegro was studious and philosophical; almost melodic in his wavering and procrastinating. 

Lord of Montena & War for the Throne (790-802)

When Montena was sacked in 790, and his father killed, it spurred Montegro to action. He became a capable commander but poor warrior. Fortunately his calm and effete demeanour often won over the causes of moderates, who did not want more bloodshed or violence, and over the years he banded together a large army and diplomatic force. 
Montegro tried countless times to win over the insular House of Argo to his cause, but they refused for fear of risking their own assets. Instead the Duke of Argo called for the Kingdom of Red Veil to host a neutral Conclave whereby the nobles could elect a king. Montegro sensed a trap but had to agree because his whole platform was built on being as peaceful and merciful as possible.
During the Great Ertish Conclave, the King of Red Veil threatened Montegro with supporting another candidate unless Montegro promised to obey the advisories of Red Veil as King. Montegro soon had no choice, knowing he'd lose and most likely be assassinated if he did not win. He agreed. Red Veil and Argo supported his campaign and he was elected as King of Ertland in 802, ending the war for good. 

The Puppet King (802-840)

Montegro's reign was characterised by ceding greater authority and control to Red Veil. He joined them in wars, paid levy taxes to them and their 'guards', as well as routinely favoured Veilan citizens and immigrants in his policies. Montegro's first wife was poisoned at a feast, though no  culprit was ever found; Red Veil insisted he marry a Veilan lady as his next wife, which he obliged. He had three more Veilan wives before he died.
Montegro was increasingly sullen, foul-tempered and dissatisfied as king. He became a recluse towards his later years.  
In 1035 Montegro had one daughter with his third Veilan wife, Biacca. Montegro died of natural causes in 840, reportedly with his first and last smile of the century on his face.

Life

769 840 71 years old

Circumstances of Death

Natural causes.