Fraic Astil

Astil sporting his iconic beard that covers his eyepatch, ca. 1736

 -Fraic Astil, Rise of Freind 2

**Fraic Astil** (Anglicized: **Frick Astley**), also known as **Kool,** is a Scottish clansman, cutthroat, warlord, crusader, savant, emperor and freelance war criminal. He currently rules over the Scottish Empire and works for the shadow organisation DJPsilon.

## History

### Background

Born into poverty in Stirling in 1684, he initially resorted to petty crimes as a teenager before forming a notorious gang that terrorized the entirety of Britain. This unruly group eventually transformed into a fearsome militia, leaving a trail of chaos in their wake. Astil's quest for defiance took an unexpected turn when news of the unification between England and Scotland reached his ears.

### Rise and fall of the Scottish Empire

Main article: Empire of Scotland

Consumed by rage, he and his troops barricaded themselves in the crumbling English fort of Gainsthorpe, engaging in an epic standoff against the English forces for 40 long days. Emerging triumphant after he and his army slaughtered over a thousand English troops, Astil boldly proclaimed Scotland as an independent sovereign nation. Yet, adversity struck again when, just weeks later, the capital city of Falkirk fell under siege from royalists. Astil, showing unparalleled valour, commanded the populous to flee to Aberdeen while he and his most loyal of followers valiantly defended Falkirk for nine restless hours. Eventually, forced to retreat, Astil and his dwindling group of soldiers found themselves lost in Fife, relentlessly pursued by the English.

#### Journey through Europe

Once in the port town of Cellardyke, Astil and his soldiers split up and Astil stowed away on a trading vessel bound for the North Sea. On the voyage, however, the ship was attacked by a band of French pirates; the following skirmish left Astil’s eye injured. Ever the master of persuasion, Astil managed to convince the pirates to allow him to join their ranks. For three weeks, he drank, stole and pillaged his way across the Mediterranean sea until he was finally dropped off in the rebel town of Occi on Corsica, the last refuge of the French people after being driven from their homeland by W0ltzorian forces.

Thirsty for revenge against the English rebels who had deposed him, Astil chartered a boat to mainland Europe and landed in the plague-swamped town of Toulon. From there he embarked on a treacherous 17-day trek through the civil-war-torn lands of W0ltzoria, spanning over 600 miles, to reach the port city of Dunkirk. Undeterred by the arduous journey, Astil's unwavering determination pushed him to swim the remaining 80 miles across the North Sea, landing at Langer Fort. Although apprehended in the dock, he swiftly escaped, embarking on a perilous journey up the eastern coast of Britain. Battling English forces at every turn, Astil fought his way back to the Scottish border, only to be ambushed in Berwick. In a radical display of ferocity, he slaughtered his attackers and commandeered a horse, continuing northward towards Aberdeen.

Cornered once again by English forces, Astil made his final stand on the summit of Bennachie, emerging victorious and descending the mountain to rejoin his loyal subjects in Aberdeen after enduring four gruelling months. After securing Scottish independence and the ensuing British civil war, Astil went on to bestow Fife upon military genius and close personal friend Angus McFife as a symbol of Fraic's gratitude and allegiance.

### The DJPsilon

It was while destroying Hadrian's wall that Astil encountered a wealthy businessman named DJ. Their encounter led to a fortuitous alliance, with DJ offering Astil a considerable sum of 600 doubloons and 50 wine jugs. Astil, blinded by greed, gladly accepted and formed a cabal between Scotland and the DJPsilon.

Once the last remnants of English resistance were extinguished, Astil redirected his efforts towards aiding DJ. They ventured to the capital of W0ltzoria, where DJ would assume the role of advisor to W0ltz. Astil and his levies lived a life of opulence within the royal palace for several weeks. However, their respite was short-lived, as new orders beckoned;

#### The Battle of Hammerfest

Astil and 150 Scottish troops were dispatched to Hammerfest, Norway, on a mission to find a man named Oofio. Tragically, they were met with a devastating ambush, resulting in the slaughter of Astil's men. However, Astil managed to narrowly escape by hiding in an ale-filled barrel. After the battle was over and Oofio had been located, Astil quietly returned to his homeland while maintaining his connections with his employer.

Astil focused on solidifying Scottish independence and expanding his empire for the next while. He set his sights on Ireland and England, swiftly conquering regions and claiming them as his own. Astil's army grew in strength and numbers, establishing his rule with an iron fist and subduing any opposition that dared to challenge his authority.

## Character

### Personality

Astil can be described as an audacious individual with a rebellious and defiant spirit. He is driven by a thirst for liberty and a desire to challenge conventions. Astil exhibits remarkable bravery and leadership, as demonstrated by his ability to lead his followers in epic standoffs against formidable forces. He possesses a strong sense of national pride and fought and continues to fight passionately for Scotland's independence.

Astil is best known in the **RoF** series for his merciless cruelty towards his enemies, and his prowess in battle.