The Usurper had a complex relationship with Fergus var Emreis. Initially, he served in the army during Fergus' reign, even managing to transform Fergus' orders into brilliantly executed maneuvers. However, the Usurper viewed Fergus as a weak ruler and plotted to overthrow him. In the 1230s, the Usurper led a successful revolt against Fergus, usurping the throne of Nilfgaard for himself. After the coup, the Usurper tortured Fergus in an attempt to force him to acknowledge the Usurper's rights to the throne. Fergus resisted and was ultimately killed.