Emperor Skarsizek

Male Solomani Fighter (appears to be in his mid 60's) - The former emperor of the fallen empire.

Skarsizek was a wealthy noble, favored by Emperor Malgreth. He was one of the first to learn of the emperor's betrayal in the invasion of Hell. Despite his wealth and status, he pooled his resource in starting a rebellion against the Betrayer. In doing so, he gained many allies outside the capital city, but was ultimately discovered, losing his wealth, his status, his home, and his family. Aided by his allies, he overthrew Emperor Malgreth, who cast himself into oblivion to escape.

Skarsizek then led the remaining armies of the empire into battle against the forces of Hell. Within four years, he defeated the devil armies, beating them back to the great portal on the outskirts of Zenith. Unsatisfied with this victory, he then lead his most elite and loyal troops into Hell itself, battling his way across the landscape, carving a path of destruction littered with slain devil soldiers and foul machines of war. A six month campaign ended when Skarsizek and company stormed the castle of the arch-devil in command of the invading forces. Skarsizek decapitated the arch-devil, but was mortally wounded by the blade of his foe, which shattered into splinters that pierced Skarsizek's ribs and leg. Unable to remove the fragments, he carried them throughout the rest of his mortal life.

Though reluctant to do so, Skarsizek allowed himself to be crowned as the new emperor, creating a royal cabinet of both friends and political enemies.

* Skarsizek only wore his crown when dictated by protocol or ceremony. The only piece of jewelry he favored was a tarnished gold wedding ring.
* The emperor consumed between four and six healing elixirs a day to just remain alive, the fragments of the arch-devil's weapon constantly cutting him from within.
* Overall, the emperor was well-liked by the population. Banners depicting the emperor were hung throughout the cities in the fallen continent. These were not commissioned by Skarsizek, but instead by his most loyal supporters.
* Emperor Skarsizek sought the Liber Hereticus Malfectorum, believing that he would be able to use the power of this artifact to permanently protect the people of the empire after his death.
* Skarsizek rejected the concept of "good" and "evil" magic. He believed that the essence of the spell had no such alignment. Instead, the intent and outcome determined if an action is truly good or evil. He would cite the common "Cure Wounds" potion crafted by alchemists as an example, with it's ability to heal both a champion and a villain alike.
* The emperor was considered an agnostic. He knew that the gods existed, but believed that they provided no real benefit to the empire, only giving their blessing to their selected few under only very specific conditions. For this reason, no churches or temples were permitted within the the capital or outer wards. These buildings were only permitted outside the walls. This decree caused a non-insignificant drop in his popularity late into his rule.

It is generally suspected within the party that Emperor Skarsizek would somehow become the god of black magic, Skarsizek.