Bill High-Hill

## William High-Hill

An older King Bill in his ceremonial attire, wielding weapons of multiple Gods.

### Child(ren)

Wilhelm High-Hill (Son), Warren High-Hill (Son), Wulfgrim High-Hill (Son), Eddie High-Hill (Adopted Son)

Bill High-Hill is a halfling warrior, King of The Highlands and head of The Guardian Council. Forced to grow up in the wilds of Forestsedge, Bill knew from an early age he would have to do all he could to try and restore peace to his land. Now, as one of the leading voices of freedom in all of Veiltouria, Bill can do just that.

## History

Born into the royal High-Hill family of The Highlands, Bill's earliest years were ones of comfort and love. Raised by his parents, as well as his personal tutor Marvira Spellsong, Bill learned the value of compassion. This was not to last, however, as darkness would soon descend upon High-Hill.

Following the tragic murder of both his parents, Bill was forced into, his elder sister Bellina was manipulated by the corrupt council of High-Hill into fearing Bill would try and claim the throne. In truth, Bill desired no such thing. Fending off his attackers, Bill was forced to flee, escaping to the wilds. He spent his time in exile travelling, gaining experience and honing his magic and speech craft. It wasn't until his conflict with Edward The Eighth and The Godfall Pact that Bill was forced to return home. What he saw when he arrived filled him with dread.

The Queen, Bill's sister, had fallen ill. In her place, a corrupt council had been formed that poisoned the very core of what The Highlands represented. With his guild, Twisted Fate, Bill set about removing the council. The Queen, seeing her folly, sacrificed herself and ensured her brother would be recognized as King. Upon claiming the throne, Bill immediately set about restoring The Highlands to their former glory. Festivals were held, alliances forged and the people rejoiced. While his people celebrated, Bill could not bring himself to join in on the festivities. A great darkness hung over his head, for he knew challenging times were ahead, for him and his people.

Bill and his allies set about clearing Forestsedge of as many evil doers and sinister organizations as possible. Monsters were driven back to the borders of civilized lands, while the cults and servants of the dark gods were forced into the shadows, their momentum halted for the time being. As a warrior, Bill has the keen cunning and quick wit typical of his people. Bill often relies on his silver tongue and commanding words to prevent a fight before it even happens. During his travels with Twisted Fate, he was forced to fight in battle when the need arose. In these situations, Bill relied on his trusted weapons, a Lightning Javelin and a Wand of Lightning.

When the need was truly desperate, Bill could call upon the lightning within his veins to transform into a powerful Avatar of Jornhelm. It was this form Bill assumed in the climactic battle against Edwardius, forcing the God from its mortal shell back into its own realm. In the process, Bill dealt the killing blow to Edward The Eighth, ridding Veiltouria of one of its biggest threats.

## After the War

Following the War of the Keys, Bill knew that more needed to be done to ensure the safety of the continent. With this in mind he set about forming The Guardian Council. Bringing together Amon Mordai, King Tyrak, Captain Jaeger Flamefeather and Silverfang, the young Silver Dragon that aided them in their battle against Edward and united them under one common cause.

After many days spent toiling over the finer details of what would be ratified in this great magical document, the council agreed on a series of laws and rules that would apply to not only the adventurers, but also to the signatory Kingdoms and Empires as well. These rules were magically enforced by their combined power and sealed within The Anvil, an ancient bastion of magic and power.

Once signed, the Guardian Writ was magically replicated and specialized, designed to be bound to a single adventurer until such a time as they no longer drew breath or wanted to be a Guardian no more. Great effort was then made to recruit young and old heroes alike, with the individual Writ's increasing the power of those who signed them. Soon, the numbers of the Guardians grew and grew. With that increase in protectors, the lands of the South became the safest they had been in centuries.

Ever the cautious King, Bill began preparing for the threats of the future. He turned his attention to forming new alliances in the South. Sending envoys to Barthum, Batia, The Olive Haven and Staghelm, Bill hoped to reinforce all of Forestsedge and stamp out the influence of evil.

Bill even began looking outside the lands of Forestsedge for allies. After encountering a lone Jotunn after being isolated and trapped in a dungeon, Bill and the warrior worked together to fight their way to freedom. Upon seeing the power just one of these warriors possessed, Bill offered the being an alliance with his people if they were willing. The Jotunn simply nodded and made his way back to the far Northwyld. Bill, thinking the encounter over, moved on and let it recede to the back of his mind. Much to his surprise some years later an envoy from the Jotunn ruler, known as The Winter King, requesting land in Forestsedge in exchange for his peoples sworn oath. Bill had found himself a new ally, helping to form the nation of Jornhelm.

## Sons of The King

Upon claiming the throne, Bill struggled to settle on one woman to be his bride. Ever a lover of the female form, Bill decreed that he would take multiple wives. But behind the perceived carnal nature of that decision, there was a more tactical motive. Bill elected to choose his brides from highly respected and tactically advantageous families within The Highlands. By marrying them into the crown, Bill gave them further status and tied their fate to the kingdom.

Currently Bill has four sons and heirs, these being:

### Warren High-Hill

Half Dwarf and half Halfling, Warren is Bill's eldest son and direct heir to the throne of High-Hill. A boastful, humorous and energetic warrior, Warren inherited his fathers loud and commanding nature, as well as his fierce desire to protect.

### Wilhelm High-Hill

Half Human and half Halfling, Wilhelm is the most magically gifted of Bill's sons. A King in his own right, Wilhelm rules Saschia and is a serious, but tactically brilliant leader who feels the weight of responsibility. He inherited his fathers keen intellect and magical prowess, as well as his love for freedom and peace.

### Wulfgrim High-Hill

Half Human and half Gnome, Wulfgrim is the youngest of Bill's blood children and the most enigmatic. Sullen, quiet and reserved, Wulfgrim battles most with trying to live up to his fathers grand reputation. He inherited his fathers defiance and determination, as well as his willpower and drive.

### Eddie High-Hill

Adopted son of Bill, Eddie is a Ghoul and true heir to The Eldritch Citadel. Raised in the grand halls of High-Hill, Eddie represents Bill's hope for a united Veiltouria. He inherited Bill's compassion and heart.