King Ardem IV

### Other Family

King Timmothy II (grandson, deceased 949), Princess Alicia Kirt (granddaughter, deceased 959), King Ardem III (grandfather, deceased 851)

## Allegiance

### Title

King Ardem IV of House Kirt, 19th Monarch of the Kingdom of Althea

### Occupation

King of the Kingdom of Althea (863-885, 22 years)

**Ardem IV** was the ruler of the Kingdom of Althea from 863 AV to 885 AV, and is remembered as one of the most malevolent and sadistic rulers in Venthalia's history. His reign was marked by tyranny, cruelty, and a disregard for the welfare of his subjects. Born during the reign of his mother, Queen Leonora I, Ardem IV was the grandson of King Ardem III, the father of King Harmen II, and the grandfather of King Timmothy I. His marriage to Loria Harrison, daughter of Lord Montgomery of House Harrison, in 870 AV, resulted in the birth of their only son, Prince Harmen Vitani Kirt, in 871 AV. Ardem IV's reign ended abruptly in 885 AV when he was assassinated by an unknown culprit.

## Early Life

Ardem IV was born Prince Ardem Bastion Kirt, in the bustling harbor metropolis of Althea Prone in 854 AV, to Queen Leonora I and Prince Bryan Swornsword. Ardem IV was raised amidst the grandeur of the royal court. His early life was marked by privilege and luxury, shielded from the hardships faced by the common people of Venthalia. Despite his royal upbringing, Ardem IV developed a reputation for cruelty and sadism, traits that would later define his reign. Ardem IV ascended to the throne at the youngest age of any Venthalian monarch, at 9 years old, following the death of his mother. His rule was marked by a sharp departure from the diplomatic and benevolent leadership of his mother and grandfather. Ardem IV's reign was characterized by a ruthless pursuit of power, a disregard for the welfare of his subjects, and a propensity for sadistic cruelty.

## Reign

Ardem IV's reign was marked by a series of brutal policies and actions that earned him the reputation of one of Venthalia's most evil kings. His rule was characterized by heavy taxation, forced prison labor, and a brutal suppression of dissent. He showed little regard for the welfare of his subjects, focusing instead on consolidating his power and wealth. One of the most notorious events of his reign was the "Night of Tears," where in 867 AV, he ordered the execution of hundreds of nobles who he perceived as threats to his rule, including his own father and his entire noble house. This event sent shockwaves through the Kingdom, instilling fear and obedience among the nobility.

Ardem IV also exploited the labor of his subjects for grand construction projects, reminiscent of the brutal practices during the construction of Althea Prone. His most infamous project was the "Tower of Vitani," a massive fortress built entirely by prisoner labor. The tower, intended as a symbol of his power, was instead a grim reminder of his cruelty. Despite his tyranny, Ardem IV managed to maintain control over the Kingdom of Althea through a combination of fear, manipulation, and strategic alliances. His marriage to Loria Harrison, the daughter of a powerful lord, helped to secure his position. Ardem IV's personal life was as tumultuous as his reign. His marriage to Loria Harrison was marked by strife and discord. Despite their turbulent relationship, they had one son, Prince Harmen Vitani Kirt, who would later become King Harmen II.

## Death and Legacy

Ardem IV's reign came to an abrupt end in 885 AV when he was assassinated by an unknown culprit. His death marked the end of one of the darkest periods in Venthalia's history. Despite his brutal reign, Ardem IV's impact on the Kingdom of Althea was significant. His actions led to a period of reform and change, as his successors sought to distance themselves from his tyrannical rule.