Horst Hillegas

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Beset with every ill but that of fear:
The Scourge hunt, all mocking for a prey;
They swarm around you, and you stand at bay.

Lord **Horst Hillegas** was the late father of Burchard Hillegas and the previous Duke of Zollern. He led a valiant defense against the Scourge during the Fall of Lordaeron, though beset on all sides by the Undead and tainted grain, and was killed on the shores of Karumetsa.

## Personality & Beliefs

Horst was regarded as a just ruler. He was firm and fair with his denizens, never being much one to take advantage of one's situation for his own benefit. He often acted as his own executioner, and quite frequently was known to personally oversee military training and even leading on the frontlines during small skirmishes, as his homeland was not at active war when he ruled. Like most in the Duchy of Zollern, he worshipped nature with the crude Shamanism beliefs of old, despite not being able to wield magic of any sort like a Druid or Shaman might.

Despite his reputation as a just ruler, Horst was every bit as rigid as the iron wrought as weapons around him. His faith was inflexible, his word stern. Once his mind was set upon something, none had a chance to dissuade him. This became most prevalent during his last decision he ever made, where he had forced the remnant of his family to flee with what few survivors were gathered on the shore, while he and his ducal guard made a last stand to buy them time, leading to his demise.

## Description

The late Lord Horst was not as tall as his son, probably only standing at an even six feet, if not an inch or two shorter. His hair was as jet black as Burchard's but with a few streaks of grey beginning to show. he had sideburns finely groomed, though his hair was naturally curly, so it was cut short. Like his son, Horst preferred to wear green colors, often complimenting the earthy colors of Zollern's naturalistic surroundings.

## Biography

Horst was born to Valemar and Brunhilda Hillegas, becoming their firstborn son. He eventually had two siblings, both brothers, Jason "Jace" and James "Jamie". Being the heir, Horst was raised to learn statecraft, with only a secondary focus upon military teachings. However, that was his passion and once he was a grown man, Horst sought out a knighthood and often practiced martial arts. He became a lauded strategist and duelist, often winning sparring matches and wargames against his fellows.

Five years before the Fall of Lordaeron in 613 K.Y., Horst became the Duke of Zollern when his father died of natural causes. In these years, Horst introduced Burchard to peers of the realm to prepare him for statecraft and eventual leadership of his own one day, while also taking care to keep up rigid military discipline. Eventually, Zollern received some of the shipments of plagued grain, and it was quickly spread throughout the duchy. Zollern has forever been reliant on trade for most crops, thus allowing the taint of the Scourge to spread so rapidly. As neighbors, friends, and family turned on each other in such a sudden and visceral way, Duke Horst attempted his best efforts to rally a defense and fall-back position. The never before impregnated fortress-city of Starkfeste was rendered useless, as the sickness was behind it's walls already.

After rallying with what little survivors could flock to the eastern coast of Zollern, Horst sent away the injured, the children, the women, and all others who weren't already soldiers and members of his ducal guard to the last ship left in harbor. After imparting some loving words to Burchard, Horst went with his meager forces to confront the approaching Scourge menace, battling them in a valiant last stand to hold off the horde while the survivors got the ship sailing away. Fortunately for Horst, the survivors managed to sail away quicker than he thought, and was spared the shame of allowing them to see him fall in battle.

## Titles

### Duke of Zollern

Horst was the eldest son of Duke Valemar Hillegas and thusly the heir, becoming Duke after his passing. He reigned within the Duchy of Zollern for about five years until the Scourging of Lordaeron came, whereupon he made a valiant and noble last stand with a few brave defenders, allowing most of the survivors of House Hillegas and their denizens to flee to safety. His actions led to the posthumous nickname of 'the Valiant' for House Hillegas records. It was not until 634 K.Y. that Burchard Hillegas, his only son, could reclaim their lost duchy and become Duke of Zollern again.

## House

Horst was the last Duke of Zollern of House Hillegas for over two decades until Burchard could reclaim their ancestral home. He was a just man, though rigid and firm in his beliefs. He kept up the familiar militaristic ways of House Hillegas inherited from the years, though even his strict training and disciplined troops could not withstand the might of the unholy Scourge.

## Relationships

Horst was married to Paulina Anderson, who underwent combat training and survival skills to better understand the harsh and militaristic way of life people of Zollern often lived. Together, they had just one son, Burchard, who was named after an ancient ancestor of House Hillegas, Burkhard. He was close to his brother Jason Hillegas the most, rather than the youngest brother James. Their father was a good man and never too busy to bond with the three sons, and so Horst had a good relationship with his father, as well.