Sftd Lore: God King Tristan
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One of the most revered and controversial leaders of Alavesh, God King Tristan’s name is one that still holds sway to this day.
The immediate predecessor to current God King Leinhelt, Tristan ruled Alavesh for decades under what was considered to be a most prosperous era. Imbued with the power of Eadred as all monarchs in Alavesh are, it is commonly believed that Tristan was responsible for the great fortune that helped to cement Alavesh as the influential power amongst the kingdoms that it is today. Rich soil meant that food was plentiful, trade and export were high, and children were born to optimal health with few instances of defect or premature death.
King Tristan also made the most public appearances of any of his predecessors. The God Kings and God Queens are particularly known for being reclusive upon their appointment to the monarchy, content to let The Tribunal decide most small matters within the kingdom. In the 105 years that he reigned, King Tristan appeared nearly a dozen times, often for major festivals in the capital city. This did a great deal to help his popularity; the general consensus was that he remained in touch with his humanity in spite of his power and responsibility, seen as charismatic and humble by those that he met.
The controversy surrounding King Tristan arose in his later years of rule, during The War of the Red Crown. It was during this time that a great and powerful necromancer, Eskra, laid waste to Alavesh with her undead army, tormenting the Alaveshi with her dark machinations for years. The end came at the gates of the capital, where King Tristan made his final public appearance and engaged Eskra directly. He laid waste to her undead army, and destroyed Eskra herself, wielding Eadred’s power in ways never seen before. His interference to this day is divisive; some see him as a hero, while others consider his actions to be sacrilegious and unforgivable, putting at risk the very balance of the world itself.
Even in Eskra’s death, the public demanded action. In yet another controversial move, God King Tristan declared through The Tribunal that all necromancers in Alavesh were abominations in the eyes of the Crown. Any necromancer, including any child who showed an aptitude in undead magics, was to be put to death immediately.
Despite the turmoil and mistrust this caused within the kingdom, Tristan’s decree remained in place until years after his death, when King Leinhelt took the throne. The law was seen as antiquated and barbaric by the new God King, who moved to abolish it, despite strong protests from the public who still saw necromancers as a very real threat.
While an uneasy truce still exists now between Alavesh and necromancers, there are still those out there who would see King Tristan’s will continue to be done...
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