Just a little bit of extra fluff today on some of my Bretonnian characters...
King Baldwin IV- the Leper King of Jeruga, Lord of the New World- is the Lord of the Kingdom of Jeruga, the sixth crusader king descended from the original Bretonnian crusades in their mission to conquer the New World. He claims overlordship of the entirety of the New World, including all realms and cities currently existence on its shores (though they do not actually pay much attention to him, he has no way to enforce his rule other than making proclamations). Does hold control over the crusader states of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, and all the princes and counts must swear fealty to him and serve as his vassals. Though he was an avid campaigner and led many expeditions into the jungles in his youth, he now is confined to a litter due to the advanced state of his leprosy, contracted on a long ago campaign. In the past he sent many expeditions into the jungles to find the fabled Fountain of Youth in an attempt to find a cure to his worsening condition, but in recent years has been forced to instead direct his armies against the growing threats of undead warriors, tribal incursions, pirates, and predators that swarm the borders of his realm. At the same time he is painfully aware that both his vassals and sons are consolidating their own private armies and maneuvering to seize power over the Kingdom after he dies. There is little he can do to prevent their growing independence without plunging the fragile balance of power into an outright civil war…
He has also recently been made aware of alarming reports of the large host of armed Lizardmen and beasts of war that are gathering along the borders to his realm, seemingly preparing for an invasion…
Unlike the kings of Bretonnia proper, the Kings of Jeruga no longer drink from the grail. This is a closely guarded secret, but the average peasant is too uneducated to notice. According to legend and the current discourse, the first king Godfrey was gifted a vision of the lady, but in truth he was never crowned king. The second king, Baldwin (I) was the first to declare himself the true king of Jeruga, but he was never given the grail. Since then each coronation ceremony has been held within the confines of the carefully guarded throne room of the king’s keep overlooking the great cenyote, paying lip service to their watery goddess but far removed from her presence.
Rumors abound that the current King has added vile hedge wizards to his court, instead of taking counsel from the handmaidens of the Lady. As is bretonnian law, all male magic-users are to be shunned, but who would dare question the king? Even now his small task force of hedge-wizards ply his kingdom to do his bidding. Some of the most secretive rumors amongst the nobility state that the king has even brought a necromancer under his fold to keep him alive even as his body deteriorates further due to the ravages of leprosy…
Prince Godfrey- King’s Heir, the Army Standard Bearer- Serves as the King’s Standard Bearer for the army. He is a great warrior but arrogant in the extreme. Has believed himself destined for greatness his entire life and therefore is not as great of a warrior as he really thinks he is. Attempting to marshal support to solidify his claim to the throne upon the death of his father, but because of his demanding style of leadership has few true allies save for his cronies, his childhood friends, and knightly companions at arms. Leads a lance of Knights of the Realm into battle, nominally owing their allegiance to the King but in truth are his own sworn vassals, preparing for his day to claim the throne of Jeruga.
Prince Robert the Templar- King’s Second Son, Knight of the Temple- The first King of Jeruga was a great admirer of the piety and chivalry of the Knights of the Temple. Aside from his generous monetary support, the first king decreed that the second son of all noble lords must be promised to the Knights of the Temple, to not only bolster the ranks of the knightly order but also to prove the piety of the nobles themselves. Due to this decree, upon his birth Prince Robert was sequestered away with the Knights of the Temple, much to the displeasure of King Baldwin. Prince Robert bears little loyalty to the King, viewing him as corrupt and suffering for his sins. He desires the Kingdom return to its righteous mission of conquering the New World for the Lady. Prince Robert is much admired by the nobility of the kingdom, who secretly whisper that he would have been a better heir to the throne than current heir-apparent.
Prince Baldwin- King’s Third Son, the “Mud Knight”- Due to being the Third Son of the King, he does not hold a claim to the throne. As a result he was given to the household marshal-at-arms and King’s Steward for his youthful training, and gained a solid education and respect for the common men of the realm who keep it functioning. Is greatly loved by the common folk of the kingdom. In battle he most often fights on foot with men-at-arms of the King’s household or other vassals of the King, earning him the scorn of his mounted knightly peers and his nickname, the “Mud Knight.”
Count Raymond- Count of Luon, Bretonnian Lord- Ruler of the County of Luon, which also holds claim to and nominal control over the Principality of Castol. This makes him the largest and most influential landowner in the entire Kingdom of Jeruga, save for the King himself. Is the King’s most powerful vassal. As a young page and knight was a companion to the King, but due to the King’s infirmity has grown more distant and independent. Has a great mistrust for both the King and his sons. He is the King’s brother-in-law due to the King marrying his sister, the late Queen Syballa; but since her death the two have become distant. In battle leads a lance of Knights of the Realm, made up of his own closest allies and all sworn vassals.
Prince Stefan- Prince of Zaragon, Bretonnian Lord Pegasus Knight- richest noble lord of the New World thanks to his control over several lucrative gold mines. So rich in fact he has imported several Pegasus mounts for himself and his most loyal vassals direct from the halls of Paravon in far Bretonnia.
Bohemund the Evangelist- Grand Master of the Knights of the Temple- a pious but greedy Noble Lord, he pledged himself to the knightly order at an advanced age, Bohemund quickly rose through the ranks due to his great skill as an administrator. Due to his influence and eventual promotion to the Grand Master, the Templars have grown from a minor influence within the realm to a dominating force both through sheer military numbers, but also due to their vast monetary wealth. Thanks to tariffs enforced in the dock cities, tolls along the guarded roads, and routine treasure expeditions deep into the jungles, the Knights of the Templar are perhaps the overall richest organization in the New World.
King’s Bastard- Lord of the Quest- a result of one of the King’s youthful romances with the tribal folk of the New World, was raised in the King’s household but before his coming of age was denied any claim to the King’s throne due to the birth of his legitimate brother. Deeply resents the slight of his birthright, has dedicated himself to winning back the king’s favor by swearing an oath to rid the New World of its deadly beasts that lurk within the jungles.