Casimir Skiba

**Casimir Vladimastji Skiba** (46) Is a Rownin duke. He is the duke of Kazimitova, lord of Niedzica Castle, and current Czarnuch of the Sejm. He is considered one of the most powerful lords in the whole kingdom, boasting one of the largest armies in the region. His area is as well one of the richest region in the realm.

He is currently serving as Head Regent (along with Queen Anika Rozjemca) for the now kidnapped king Marek IV. He is as of now in Rzeka, planning with the Sejm and war council.

## Biography

### Early Life

Born in Niedzica Castle in 2953, Casimir was the only son of King Thavel of Rowniny and Queen Louisa. He was at a young age groomed to take over as ruler, training in riding, economy, military tactics, and politics. When he became 16, he would often take rule of the castle and its surroundings while his father was away. In tradition with his father, he married into Champirault Nobility, marrying Danielle Rouvorge, cousin of prince Claude of Champirault. Danielle died during childbirth 2 years later, and he married again to the lesser Duchess Sara of Kopernia. They have 3 sons and 2 daughters.

### Ascension to Power

In 2980, his father died in an hunting accident and Casimir took over as the next duke of Niedzi without opposition. Being seen as to young to take his father title as king, Pyotr Pieszko was chosen as the king of Rowniny. He quickly gained respect amongst his vassals and fellow dukes as a strong and determined leader. Along with several reforms, his area, already rich with minerals and timber, got richer. In the short lived Woda Crisis, Casimir showed himself as a brilliant commander, being able to defeat a larger, more disciplined Rogova army.

When the Anskirchen Uprising erupted in 2984, Casimir was one of the first lords who had mustered, and went quickly west to aid King Pyotr III. He again showed his prowess in the Battle of Drizni, though the battle ended with a Anskirchen victory. During the years of the war, Casimir stayed along king Pyotr, later becoming one of the kings advisors. Though most of the battles would result in Rownin defeat, Casimir showed himself again and again as a good leader.

In 2993 a hope of winning a decisive blow, King Pyotr amassed his armies and attacked the Anskirchen armies. The Battle of the Red Plains would be the biggest battle as of then in the uprising. Though with excellent leadership from Casimir and the other nobles, Anskirchens new army, now armoured and disciplined, were able to crush Rowniny with minimal losses. King Pyotr was killed during the battle and the armies were ordered back to Rzeka in order to elect a new king.

### Election of Marek

When they finally returned and were to elect a new king, many were certain that Casimir was to win the vote, but instead he lost to Marek Rozjemca, lord of Rzeka. Though bitter, he accepted the votes and was granted leadership of the Sejm. He was quick to side himself with the king in order to prevent fractions within the kingdom, and served as an important advisor to the young king. He as well was instrumental in gathering new forces and prepare for battle against the advancing Anskirchen force. Though loyal, he was skeptical by the alliance with The Rogova Basin, being one of the main opponents against the alliance.

His armies, lightly damaged due to his great leadership, played an important role in The Battle of Rzeka, serving as the main bulk of Mareks armies. He would lead the main central army, who were able to hold the line until the decisive flanking of the Beringrad Winged Hussars. After the decisive victory, Casimir, along with many nobles urged the king to give chase to the now retreating Anskirchen army and reclaim the land lost. Marek however refused this and instead brokered peace with Anskirchen, giving most of the occupied western territories to the new nation. Casimir was infuriated, but accepted the decision nonetheless, again in hopes of preventing internal conflicts.

Winter 2999, Marek was shot and later kidnapped by a assassin known as Amantus "Black Haired", with the help of an unknown dwarf and several mages. Casimir, along with Mareks wife, Anika, were appointed regents, though Casimir, being the head of the Sejm, wielded the actual power. He was one of those who believed that it was The Anskirchen Order who was behind the kidnapping. After the death of Ludwik Tadic by an Anskirchen envoy, he, with the support of a majority in the sejm, declared war, and called the banners. He has put himself as head commander of the Army with Artyom Stanislavovich, (at the behest of the queen), and Aleksy Pieszko as his second in command.