Miguel Fidalgo

Miguel Fidalgo was a popular King of Gonarundu, known for slowly improving his nation but having a general sense of stability and peace after his father brought it back to becoming prosperous. He is one of their longest reigning Kings.

## Birth

Miguel was born in **521PR** in the capital of Gonarundu, Ralom. His parents were King Zakaria Fidalgo of Gonarundu and Queen Helen Carto from the Carto Empire (though only a Princess in title there). He was celebrated as the alliance's child, since his parents were married in order to improve relations between the two nations.

## Early Life

From an early age, Miguel was always curious about things. He often visited his Grandfather, Emperor Alkis, in Helicules, but returned to Gonarundu when he had to start undertaking tasks as Prince.

When he reached the age of 14, he began his study at Carreiro College, finishing a course and expecting to go to the Octavian Institute. This dream was cut short when his father fell ill, forcing him to come to his bedside and prepare for a succession to the crown.

At Carreiro College a lot of his classmates revealed that Miguel never wanted to have the throne, wanting to become a scholar somewhere and learn history.

## Reign

On Jika 12 **538PR** King Zakaria Fidalgo died suddenly, placing Miguel on the throne. Normally, the council would act as regent for the time, but Miguel had already proven his capability to rule, taking control.

His first task was to keep up the good relations with the Carto Empire, opening discussions with his cousin, Altes. The talks went well and he felt confident enough that he wouldn’t have to worry about his Eastern borders for the time being.

### Council

Next, he had to choose a new council. While his father was smart and had picked good candidates, with his death they wanted to take power. In a difficult position he realised he needed to keep at least some of them to avoid a full revolt. So he resigned the positions he knew best about, removing the Minister of Defence, Education, Science and International Relations.

This immediately angered the former council members and ruined any relationship he had with the current standing. Even his mother, Helen, was confused why he made quick work of hurting his fathers legacy. Yet, he kept at it, raising any army under his own command just outside the city.

Unbeknownst to most of the individuals, the Minister of Defence, the Treasurer and International Relations were actually planning a coup to remove the crown from the throne. Miguel had discovered the plot with his contacts gained from his school and knew if he acted ruthless they would have to go ahead without being fully prepared, making their coup weaker and exposing the extent. Historians have called this a risky play, especially if he lost the support of the people.

### Revolt

By the end of **538PR** the Ministers were in revolt, gathering their followers near Hashin in an attempt to overthrow Miguel. In the Spring, Miguel and his army marched down to meet them in the Battle of Deyver.

When he returned the rest of the council swore their loyalty, the Treasurer being executed for his treason. The empty positions would be filled with loyal followers of Miguel, including promised nobles or students he met at school.

### Peace Times

After the revolt, most of his reign was simply peaceful for Miguel and Gonarundu. Their economy continued to grow with new advancements coming out of Carreiro College thanks to the improvements made by Zakaria.

Miguel even went about improvements in Lofty Castle and hiring Juan Munoz to construct both ‘Juan’s Complex’ a giant swimming complex and ‘Juan’s Theatre’ in Ralom. Most of his concern was placed domestically, making friends with the successors of each nation's leadership.

Cultural advancements made under Miguel included the better treatment of slaves, bringing them into the cleaner culture and giving out punishment for any slave beatings or muder. The restrictions initially met a bit of resistance but he managed to sway most of the people, keeping the nobles content with a lot of bribes.

### International Relations

In **566PR** Miguel visited the nation of Uhek, more specifically their capital, Gartaca. He was a welcome visitor, interested in their lifestyle and their restrictions on magic. He is one of the few monarchs that actually visited the nation, done with lengthy discussions between him and their council.

When he returned back to his nation he was troubled by the news of the Second Uhekian Mage War, offering his support to the council and more specifically Adrian Solomon who led them.

In **569PR** Miguel recognised Libertas as a legitimate religion, though still kept strong to his Novus values, the official religion of Gonarundu.

In **581PR** he entered an official military alliance with the Carto Empire, presenting a unified front to Ilaka, expecting the upcoming War of Revenge. In preparation he and his Defence Minister began training the army, lying by stating they would be attacking the tribes to the North and taking more land. At the same time he built a series of fortresses near the Ilakan border, protecting him from a counter-invasion.

The War of Revenge officially commenced in **583PR**, led by Carto Emperor Adonis Carto. Miguel Fidalgo left the forces in command of his son, Prince Daniel Fidalgo and his generals.

### War with Ilaka

In Mak **583PR** the Gonarundun forces crossed the Kunan River into Carto Empire territory, meeting with Adonis and his soldiers and beginning the Invasion of Ilaka and the War of Revenge.

While his son was away leading their forces, Miguel kept things calm at home. He made sure to monitor the news as it came in, using what military personnel he had remaining to silence any harmful rumours. One of these rumours he had to face was that Prince Daniel was slain in battle, forcing Miguel to make a public speech early in the war to give an update on their success so far (deliberately avoiding mention about the Battle of Kulak).

By **586PR** the people of Gonarundu had little interest in the war, with no major victories on either side. This made Miguel’s reign much easier, and he returned to normal, keeping his own tabs on the progress of his military.

When a treaty was made with the Ilakans after the Battle of Ayteran, Miguel made sure to host a large festival for the returning soldiers, making them feel welcome and hiding the fact they just paid a hefty sum of money to the Ilakans in order to gain peace.

After the war, the reign of Miguel was uneasy. While they had managed to get a significant victory in land, it was handed over to the Carto Empire instead, getting some money in reparations. This didn’t exactly go down well with the Gonarundun people, who were angry that their people died for Carton land.

In the 2 years following the war, Miguel managed to keep some handle on the happiness of the people.

## Death and Succession

In **588PR** Miguel was tending to his garden when he suddenly had a stroke, killing him before his servants could even arrive. The sudden death of the King left many suspicious but after employing the Aliquam Guild to investigate. After a short investigation they confirmed that it was simply a stroke, which was common at his age.

Going with the traditional succession, the crown was handed down to Prince Daniel without any problems, Daniel’s military power and influence too much for any to contend. Unlike his father, the council was able to remain with little issue.

## Marriage and Family

Miguel Fidalgo married Abril Maria in **548PR** in a grand wedding. The wedding was attended by people all around South-East Arlec, making a grandiose tale of his love for his wife. The story goes that they met in the streets when Miguel was on one of his walks, covering her up when it began to rain and forgoing his own coat.

In **551PR** the couple had twins, a son named Daniel and a daughter named Ainara. They would try for a third child the next year but had a miscarriage, the couple too sad to try again.

Abril passed away in **582PR**, having an accident that led to falling down the stairs. She was dead when the doctors and clerics arrived. Miguel was devastated at the loss of his wife, but proceeded to power on for the sake of the nation.

After his son returned from war, Miguel began grooming Daniel into becoming a worthy successor, but was concerned that the Prince's military influence might turn him autocratic. Ainara would go on to become an adventurer for the Barktree Lions, making a name in her own right.