Götz Von Steeltalon

## Physical Description

A tall and exceptionally tall griffon at that, Götz stands as a virtuous model of the strength and pride of all griffon kind. Brandishing well pruned body and wings carrying creamish feathers and plumage before a covert of dark Espresso-brown and scapular feathers. His hind legs and tail presenting a to that of an ocelot or snow leopard rather than that of a lion

## Götz Von Steeltalon

-Known around the world for their chivalry and bravery. Using enchanted armour and weapons, Griffon Imperial Knights can square up even against some armoured vehicles.

## Clothing Description

Seldom seen without it. His armor is enhanced with as much merit as himself. The Gothic plate armor offers great protection against sword and pike alike. But, gone are the days of sword and pike. One may think it serves no more than a show piece on today’s battlefield. Götz was not just a die-hard traditionalist. But an exception. Though his kind lacks the magical forte of ponies. What they surpass in, is honing their magic for incantations. And as such, his armor comes enchanted and more resistant than standard plate armor. The combination of rounded curves and fluting design further maximizes its protective capabilities. Without it, he would've been flying in the heavens long ago.

## Weapons & Tools

He carries a Podewing-Lindners Rifle - A percussion capped rifle that, despite seeming archaic at best and infeasible at worse. He had grown accustomed and attached to every principle of its use and construction, and its ease of logistics in that he has learned how to craft ammunition for it. It fires a 13.9mm calibre breech-loaded cartridge Originally designed as a high-caliber hunting rifle. This has been modified with an improved sight picture thanks to illuminated crystalline sights - Along with improved ballistics in general thanks to a hardered magical crystal barrel. But the greatest advantage in its outlandishness is its ability to accept crystals like ammunition at the breach, giving it the capability to cut through armor with precision like a bullet to butter, or send a burst of incendiary particles on contact.

Such is carried along with his Greatsword, “Rammstein” and Diavolo Main Gauche parrying dagger. Both enchanted, but the element of their incantations lay with esoteric griffon practices that have yet to be properly studied. Though likely, the handling of the blade's edge is improved through it.

## Strengths

From tireless training, unwavering devotion and genes from noble birth, and lots and lots of time spent in a life of mercenary knight work. Be it squashing eastern-pony tribes of Griffonia, or expeditions to Zebrica. Götz is nothing less than perfect in physique that extends to his training. Allowing him to fly faster, fight harder, and go further than most, even despite the weight of his armor. But most importantly, Teach others how to do so too. He also Also maintains an extensive knowledge on weaponry and armor, being himself well-versed in enchantments - Allowing him, if the resources are presented. To even 'Bless' the arms of his allies. If only, for a time.

## Weaknesses

The downfall of many griffons before him, Pride is still a great challenge for him overcome. But it is nothing compared to guilt he sustains when failing those who had trusted him. This makes those close to him in itself - A Weakness... Water and Lightning are also particular threats to him. Should he ever be drowsed in water, combined with his armor. It would leave him practically flightless. And Lightning his highly conductive with his armor. He has met such a cruel experience through both before.

## Combat Strategy

A Thorough Planner, and harbouring both vast experience with defensive and offensive doctrines. But also one that is reckless with his own distinction, Harbouring a fanatic belief that a good officer needs to lead from the front. Perhaps, that would be true in the archaic battles of his homeland fought with little over sticks and stones. But here, if it wasn't for his armor. Leading charges across the frontline would've led to his much-deserved death long ago. But, while most can doubt the ability for this Griffon from a far-away culture to fit into the Solar Empire's 'Power and Glory' doctrine. What isn't disputed is he is a natural born strategist and an infantry leader - Not asking anything from his troops that he wouldn't do himself, and he is able to adapt to the dynamics of a battlefield covered in shell craters. And Survive. Something most Solar Sergeants cannot say.

His tactics resolve around care and meticulous planning, just long enough to fully exploit potential weaknesses, and short enough to not be too complicated to perform for the conscripted soldier. Following rapid assaults and unrelenting pressure focused on pinning the opposing force in order to devise an encirclement and force the opposition to surrender. Ambushes are rarely committed to, but if so. It is done with an open confrontation just beforehand. As there is no 'honor' in stabbing your foe in the back.

## Personality

A Dispirited Griffonian Knight. Little ‘Personality’ shines through his hardened armor. Having completely pledged himself to the former rational leader of Equestria, Daybreaker- To do her bidding.. Such.. Does come at the cost of expressibility. He is rarely, if ever seen relaxed. And never prides himself in anything. While, Griffons were known as a prideful race. It seems, all this pride had simply been sucked out of him.. But yet, towards those he can trust. He displays pure virtue, merit and honor towards. It comes at some relief, to keep his inner conniptions beneath steel. steeling himself from hysteria. And drowning himself in self-loathing for his mistakes.

## Historical Background

Born in 966 A.B, on the 21st of April into a upper-middle class family in the home of Boreas' most loyal servants - Romau, an independent city-state located in the Imperial Herzland. Götz lived a rather stable life, As the son of a Romauan Legionnaire or “Legionärskohorte Großgriffonien” reformed in the shadow of the Romanu Legion that had been disbanded by Grover ll over 700 years ago. This Legion supported the Empire’s military activity against turbulent times of the Republican revolt or coup attempts. His home was largely spared the ravaging effects of war. However, hearing of his father’s tales of battle against revolutionaries, this left quite an impact on the young Götz, who heard about the destruction war could cause too due to the wars in Equus, via newspaper delivered by imperial courier network. It spurred his interests on what laid outside of his little city-state of Little Romanu. But by far his greatest imposition of his hardened personality was from his father.

In spite of his more harmonist aligned mother - Emmie Weißerflügel , a poet and writer who discreetly protested the more authoritarian actions of the Griffonian Empire and it’s xenophobic qualities to all who were not not Griffins or, “Honorary Griffins” in the terms of the Dogs of Bronzehill. Also intensively coddled his two brothers and two sisters. Should he of festered with such, he likely too, would become a poet or politician. Something his father deemed unacceptable. He would not have his kin restrained to a honorless desk-job. Thus, He received much of his teachings from his father - Georg von Flammenfeder. Who in stark contrast, taught him little other than the bible, and how to fight. Particularly training him in the art of sword and spear combat in sparring. and with the skill of shooting with percussion rifles. As flintlock weapons and cannons proliferated. His father taught him the art of the breach-loaded Adlerbuchse “Eagle Rifle” Model 960. Otherwise known as the Podewing-Lindner Rifle. An expensive but more reliable weapon when compared to the prolific and anarchic flintlocks of the period. Praised for its quality production within Romanu workshops, its long range, ability to load by trained shooters mid-air, And the large caliber of its projectile. Few griffons, armored or not, could survive 13..9mm. And even fewer ponies, granting security in the kill.. It was a weapon he would attach himself to with magical enchantment that further enhanced its accuracy.

But, equally as much as his teaching in combat, was his teachings of the faithful word.And he would memorize many scriptures in his adolescence that he would follow for the rest of his life to the letter.  And as his life progressed, his faith has developed into keening his skills of enchantment on his faithful weapons in the names of the 3 praised Griffon gods Boreas - Who gave them Intelligence, Arcturius - God of War who gave them Strength, and Eyr - Who gave them bodies. It is said his faith is what led to his larger than average size.

Like many young Romanu griffons, Steeltalon grew up with tales of the country's enigmatic founding as a (mostly)free and wealthy city-nation. And the young griffon devoured all of the famed exploits of the ancient Roman Legion. As soon as he reached 18 his father would acknowledge there was little more than he could teach Götz under the cover of his wing. And instead enlisted him with his political power to the ranks of the

Griffenheim Garrison. A covenant rank whilst, not so knightly. Would more than show him the experience he needed in order to tap into his true potential. His father selected this in particular, not because garrison work was ‘harder’ than simply assigning him to be the squire of a knight, but because it was dangerous.

Griffon politics were always cut-throat. And the greatest threat of assassination would always linger near the crown. Though even the most radical wouldn’t dare to kill the King… Political Opponents were a different matter. And thus he would serve just 2 years within the Griffenheim Garrison. And within those 2 years within the guard where the mortality rate marked up someone of his age to last just a meager 2 months in. He had averted dozens of coup and assassination attempts. Even personally getting a commendation and blessing by an Achon and a mark of distinction sent to him for his actions by the King himself. It was during these days that his formidable stature would be noted as he became notably taller - And Stronger than most Griffons. Though he carried on names like “The Brute of Griffenheim” by some. Many came to respect the name of ‘Götz’. And in 986 he formed his own company of knights. Selling his services to various nobles of Herzland.. Only for just a year later, the Republican Revolution of 987' would take place that torn his homeland asunder. From which the previous nickname dubbed upon him would truly gain traction due to his brutality in the assault to retake the capital from Republican traitors. It is said he beat dozens of Griffons with just his bear claws once both his swords became too drenched in blood to effectively be used. Whether or not this is true or not. He surely did use beak and claw there. *Hopefully because he had too.*

However, in 990. He would find himself opposed to a particularly ‘rowdy’ university of the technocratic leaning Yale Rectorate. One for measure, that refused to cease their ‘ground-breaking research’ that was deemed heretical by a religious Archon. Frankly, this was all the information he needed to heed the call and begin a siege around the school of impudence as an ultimatum was given by the Archon that they had 10 days to surrender their research, and cease further extrapolation within the degree of science that was left unspecified to Götz himself… Or face an Imperial Ban and would lose their Imperial Immediacy. Meaning that they lost all their rights and anyone was allowed to sack them without legal consequences. Though Götz had no faith they’d continue their dissent to this point, as so far they were treated like disobedient children in need of a show of discipline. But still, he wouldn't hesitate to slew these 'students' like cattle…

And thus, in absolute insolence to their rightful rulers from the voice of Boreas and the will of the Grover lineage. The students continued their opposition. And Götz was forced to act upon them, and crush this student insurrection. . . But how hard could it possibly be to win over entitled fledgelings who think their technology is a fair replacement for tradition? It would be no different from disciplining an insubordinate child…

Atleast, Such is what Götz had thought as he marched on the university with his company of knights. No insurrectionist force had halted them before, and under no means did they think students who likely would cower from any fight could put up a threat. And how wrong they were.. As the students had special preparations for coming up against knights clad in armor. He had been here before, invited by his sister and brother with their constant mockery of the fact he still uses a sword as his primary weapon along with a ‘crude and ineffective’ percussion rifle that particularly ticked him off because it was blessed and passed down to him by his father. And had slain many who believed the same thanks to its enchanted large caliber of rounds.

Once they had entered the courtyard. Several trap doors along the fountain-covered yard began to open up in front and around them. And the first chuckle of a humorous farce by a trap activated too early was swiftly displaced  with confusion by the fact that large metallic towers quickly arose from these hatches. These large skeletal coils were partially alien to the knights which were still familiar with shot and pike formations and early gunpowder rather than electronic warfare. A moment of silence would reside before a shock of energy surged to the oval shaped tops of these tesla coils. Before it immediately shot towards the largest Griffon in the formation, Götz. . . It was, Excruciating. And the electric was highly conductive with his metal armor so that it spread throughout his entire body. Like he was completely set alight, but the flames were just invisible. And a similar fate was met by those around him as the lightning chained over to the knights he knew as close friends. Practically cooking them alive as the energy output was steadily increased.

In fact, the only reason Götz himself did not fall perished too from the torrent of lightning. Was only because of his developed fortitude … And the face that these weapons were highly experimental, and their shared power supply combusted after peak output was reached..

Once he ‘recovered’ from the ***Significant Emotional Event*** of being hit by nearly 3000 volts of energy. He came to see many of his trusted colleagues brutalized in quite possibly the most desecrating way. Though many also survived. And those that survived harbored the same rage and resentment to the heretical scientists that did this. Just as blood boiled, it would have to spilt under equal quarters. ‘

It was a battle clouded by smoke and pure enmity. It matters not where they choose to die. He and his men would hunt them down! No mercy was shown to his electrocuted colleagues. And No Mercy would be shown to them. It was an eye for an eye! And the security the university deployed was quickly overwhelmed by the ferocity of his knights. As the technocratic cowards deserted their posts, they had nowhere left to run. Simply scattering like cockroaches in the light!

The accounts for such events were vague at best. All that is truly known to result from it. Was the university was entirely burned to the ground. But Götz was there, leading the assault. And he, Would Know Better. There was no sense of chivalry in this matter. Scientists and Medical practitioners alike were shot in the front, in the back, in the head. Just as long as they were dead. The fields surrounding and the university itself was left to burn down to the ground, many trapped to be reduced to ash along with the very research they held so dear. And Götz?.. Would seem to relish in the slaughter. He has seen many of his friends die at the claws of this vermin.. And they deserved everything they got… And More.

As the smoke settled and the students were dispersed. He’d take aim, and release one more 13.9mm round towards a fleeting one. It was just like his days of hunting quarry. And, upon coming up to check his prey… He saw his sister. Only then. Did he find remorse in his actions… It was difficult for him to accept this. To take responsibility for his actions. So, he blamed one of his technocratic brother’s for this. Of course she was left to fend for herself as he fled. He was a Coward, a Traitor.. **A Heretic**. And it would be his rite to put him to death. And at his sister’s funeral, he swore in ten days he would do so.

And for ten days he would ruthlessly search for his brother throughout the Yale Rectorate. Leaving a path of destruction behind him littered with the bodies of those who refused to cooperate. He saw much that disgusted him. Heretical arts practiced, and even disgraceful non-griffon races being harbored as heads of ‘Science’. When they should have heads of faith. Although, the ponies would actually end up helping his pursuit, likely out of fear. So his xenophobic qualities subsidized in accordance with the help they offered. They were much less quarrelsome than his kin.

And on the tenth day. He finally found the residence of his traitorous brother. Using a great deal of intimidation and brutality to get there. But he was sure it would be worth it… Under normal means, the Imperial Court would have him banned and marked as some insane bandit. But, he was blessed by the Archons for his ‘Crusade against the technocratic heretics’. So he was in fact, empowered and supported. Unknowingly being used as a political assassin in order to keep the students of Yale in line with the Grover lineage.

Storming into the residence with a bloody close-quarters battle where magical weaponry fought face to face with swords. Götz was battered and bloodied by the toils of his crusade. But from willpower and faith alone. He continued. Eventually confronting his brother where, Unexpectedly. He’d challenge him to a duel. Götz was obliged to accept. In fact, he was more than just ‘obligated’. He felt great fervor and to it. This was fated.

But of course his coward of a brother would leave this offer as a trap. And the moment Götz stepped forth to charge sword-in-claw towards him. Several explosives detonated beneath him. Though to any ‘normal’ Griffon, it would likely leave them dead. But Götz, was not normal. Just, with scarred and deformed. With his right talons being blown to smithereens by the blast. In no less than disbelief, his brother gave him one last chance to ‘surrender’ and stop his ‘crazed killing spree’. But in response, Götz plunged his greatsword right into his chest. Because he had trained with using both his right and left claws in the sword. While he practiced ‘science’.. How well that did him when he was laying in a pool of his own blood. And Götz left him to die as the building collapsed. Stone By Stone. It would become his home forever.

As the sun set before him. Götz felt… Empty. He had achieved what he sought to do. But still, he felt so incomplete. As if the killing of his siblings did him no good. Was this just one of Boreas’ many challenges before him? Did he still have more set forth? Was he forsaken by his actions? Was it the blood loss-

Götz would awake in his hometown. With his father and his knights being the only one by his bedside as he’d have to recover. He would find himself with replacement talons made from steel. And the fulfillment he had not just won the respect of his father. But as an Archon personally visited him to bless him for his efforts for the church. He was empowered and given new insight to his cause as a religious defender of Griffenheim, to shine in the light of Boreas true and unquestioningly. And At Any Cost.

But, he would hear however. As his mother developed a harsh sickness, to the point where he could not see him. Nor his surviving brother or sister for.. Some Reason. Also the family being barred from the best medical practitioners in Yale for.. Some Reasons. He could not simply let her die. And would have to do the very best to keep what’s left of his family intact. As he was not to see yet another one he held dearest die.. Certainly not by his hand. And he would find some relief when he was given a pardon written by an Archon who noted his unease. With this pardon, he would take his sickly mother and remaining sister to Equestria. Seeking the best in medical magic as he had no other choice.

Landing in one of the very few places that was still neutral and accepting towards his.. Stature. Even past the natural xenophobia to Griffons as they were seen as Greedy, Rude, Uncivilized and Brutish. It would seem this larger Griffon would exemplify this stereotype. But contrary to popular belief. He was rather well mannered to the significantly smaller ponies. And despite never going without his steely armor, sword, and bible of gods that WEREN’T Equestrian. He wouldn’t cause much trouble. Mainly due to the fact, no one had the balls to challenge him. For now, atleast…

But, there were those who knew of his ‘exploits’ in Griffonia. And those that did had extremely radical views towards him. Of which, it was between; “**GET HIM OUT GETHIMOUT, GET HIM OUT OF HERE!!!**” and ***“WE NEED HIM!”***. The more that was looked into him, the more of his tactical prowess and deadlines on the field was noted. Of which, could be greatly used by the Pegasi of Las Pegasus against the coming threat of Discord, the Lord of Chaos, Mad God of the Chaos Hordes who had captured the nearby Vanhoover and was undoubtedly going to come for them next.

After the staff-office plan by nearly the entire Las Pegasus governing system Götz was given an ultimatum. Either help to train their troops against the coming threat, or leave. . . It was certainly not the offer he was expecting to get by the so-called ‘land of harmony’. But, he really had no choice with his family on the line. And would become a military trainer for the Air Force. Many initially dismissed his teachings, as what could an anarchic griffon who still used ancient weaponry teach technologically superior ponies?

The answer lies in the fact that many races sought flying machines as an opportunity- a peculiar vehicle used to reach places they couldn't before. Griffons, sought them as an extension of themselves. And he could train their pilots to be much more skilled as a consequence. At first he would break his new recruits with odds, tests and challenges that were seemingly impractical. His training would lead to great observable danger when faced with the standard curriculum and it seemed as if he was teaching the Pegasi aces training with him everything they COULDN’T do. The military was contemplating sending him into exile after seeing this.

Atleast, until a breakthrough was made. While the higher-ups disapproved of his antics and aggressiveness in his harsh training. What he did right next to his harshness was instill a sense of brotherhood. He wasn’t simply training Pegasi. But earthly Ponies, Unicorns, Zebras, Hippogriffs and Deer. All from different nations and continents here for different reasons and clauses. But they were all Equestrians. Outside, many would experience discrimination based on species or creed. He instilled the aspect of covering the backs of those next to you. Just as they would cover yours. Regardless of what shade of color or shape they were. And what name they called their gods.

Their higher-ups had misunderstood his training. Though he was harsh, he set the standard. Telling his soldiers what to do, but leaving it to them to do it themselves. He put them up against unorthodox events, and tested to see how they would react. Preparing them against the true unpredictability of battle that no course could prepare them for. Being a resource as well as being a teacher. That's the point of a leader. The buck stops with you. You set the standard and, if someone falls behind, you show them where they're going wrong and then leave it up to them to do it. He knew each and everyone of his trainees personally. And helped to push them, and how to hold out just a little further. Three Strikes, and they were not out. For there was always something more they could do. Taught them not to think, but to do. Not to hesitate, but to perform. To trust their instincts. And Eachother. Whether that was against seemingly impossible odds. Or the forces of gravity itself.

It was a  Brotherhood that no one else could ever understand.

Once the training had ended. It had come to see if his squadron of 12 could outperform the 11 other squadrons in the annual Annual Equestrian Las-Pegasus competition called “Top Gun”. Traditionally, only squadrons complete with Pegasi ever won. Even with the advent of aircraft. And many believed diversity to be the Greatest Weakness of his unit. But instead, their differences only brought them closer together. It was their Greatest Strength. The team would come out on top, beating their gloat opposition who ridiculed the aspect of them being a hodgepodge of different species cooked up by a sword-wielding bird. And with this success, he would finally be offered the medical assistance he needed to restore his mother to good health. The single reason he came here in the first place.

He had come here, hearing of Equus to be a land of ‘peace and serenity’ - Whatever THAT is supposed to mean. But clearly, as of recent events. That was not true. Especially with the civil war erupting in Equestria. But while he could be ignorant to the inner politics involved, having done his duty of training an elite force of fliers to utilize the newest inventions of monoplanes. As terms only got worse could no longer ignore the rampant ruler of the Solar Empire…

He had heard of “Celestia” before, and scoffed at the idea of worshiping a glorified pony… But Daybreaker? Was a whole different breed. Hearing of his recently acquired radio. He had begun to pay close attention to the fleeting reason in Equestria’s leader just until. She Snapped.

News of her eradicating her entire general staff got out. And of the foredooming winters all around Equestria. However he could refuse that Celestia raised the sun. He had found himself trapped in Equestria. He had found the government of Las-Pegasus that were at first somewhat hospitable to his presence be replaced by complete disdain,turning him away from acquiring transport back to his native homeland after they shredded his passport due to his inability to declare who their god was. And from that point on, he lived in constant threat of Asasination. Even surviving a few rifled attempts himself.. But, while he didn’t carry worry nor fear for his own well being… There was a much more vital weak point present. A chink in his armor, per-say.

Family. His family was the only thing that could truly break him. And as Daybreaker looked into the trainer of one of the most decorated squadrons of Pegasi under her, who brought the head of a Lunar Republic official to her hooves and had stalled the onset of Chaos forces via a secret raid on Vanhoover with a magical weapon that destroyed a major industrial complex, temporarily halting their advance. . . . But when she saw a Griffon in charge. It enraged her how a brutish, uncultured, bird could ever teach a pony how to fight. As she sent off her inquisition to purge this avian imperfection in her ‘perfect’ nation.

But, where was the fun in simply killing the armored turkey? When she could assert her dominance over the prideful griffon race too? Daybreaker could use this for a much bigger political flex, and to frankly, gloat her sadistic sense of power over others. So, one day. As Götz returned from training the few that he could call friends. And treated him without enmity. He came to see his home in shambles. And his Mother, younger Sister and Brother gone. He frantically looked around for them. Only to find the weapons of a squad of inquisition members pointed at them. Though under normal means, he wouldn’t hesitate at all to cut them down… They warned him of the fate of his family if he acted on such impulses… Under normal means, he’d never lay his blessed weapons down. But, they had him by the tail. And he had no choice but to yield in order to be transported to where his family was being held. What, just so happened to be chancerlot. . . Oh Deer.

He woke up covered in chains from head to paw. And blindfolded, and - for good measure. With his wings trapped in a locking device. It was meant to make for an infeasible escape for dragons. And for a Griffon? Maddening. He wondered if he was simply being brought to death. He wondered what crimes he committed. He wondered if Boreas had forsaken him… But his answers would be clarified as he was brought to a halt and to his knees with a sharp slash as his blindfold was removed.

It was a hearing with Daybreaker. In her chambers. And she sounded nearly ecstatic to the sight of a defenseless griffon before her, as the very first words he had to say before the God-Empress of the Solar Empire was: **“Where Is My Family?”**

She laughed hysterically. Before calmly explaining how that was not how it was going to work out. As, she found his continued resistance against the inescapable and magically bound snares along with his declaration that he would ’not’ be bound **‘‘Never’’** bow down to her despite the fact he was already being forced to do so- Albeit by 8 inquisition ponies pushing down on him quite comedic, so still had use for him. And explained the terms he would have to play in order to see the ‘Family’ he held so dear again. That is, if she didn’t simply decide to kill off them out of boredom.

He would have to sign off his sword to her, along with his body, and his soul. Practically indebting himself to her. For All Eternity. (And No ‘But’s!). A purposefully inconceivable proposition for any honorable Griffon as himself. So, in order to clarify what she meant by her ‘terms’. She would bring in a live-performance.

His sister, Erica Weisses was forced into the room. Too, bruised with a blackened eye he couldn’t bring himself to look at her for long as he was left speechless. But just as his sister went to fill the void with a call out to the safety of Götz, she was hit in the face again with the butt of a shotgun that cracked her beak. And before her a firing line would begin to formate. A instead, Daybreaker filled the void with a countdown from 10 to 1. With the simple statement of. *“You Have Ten Seconds To Comply”*

It didn’t even reach 7 before he begged her to stop. But she continued to count down. Finding great pleasure in watching the aloof, the “Mighty” Griffon begged for mercy up until the cry from Götz shook the room.

**“I YIELD!”** - A word that would echo for the rest of his life as he submitted to her terms. And the weapons were slowly lowered from his sister, now having declined into a low sobbing as she was ‘escorted’ out of the room. And a weep from the Griffonian knight was the only thing that parted the room between her and him.

Lifting up the sword so-kindly given to her by Götz. She’d mimic a formal knighting motion that a king would normally do as she lifted up the heavy greatsword. Admittedly it was a little to do even with her magic. Before patting both of his shoulders and lifting his head up so he could get a good look at who he was absolutely subservient and broken to. He didn’t see life in those eyes.. But for what he did see, he had no say in.

Later on he would be forced to serve as her field marshal within her general staff that was wiped out. Leaving what remained to take their place with relatively little in terms of actual experience with leading. Though one might consider this a ‘Outstanding Promotion’ deserving of ‘Great Merit’... Poor Götz couldn’t feel any worse. Death was truly a much preferable fate to this subserviency he was forced into. He would take his own life, If only. Those he held dearest weren’t close to follow. … But he was already forsaken. And he punishes himself everyday with lashes and fire… For in the fire, he can find himself some repentance for fire purified the soul..

As a Field Marshal, under the pretense his effectiveness was always being watched, A Solar Field Inquisitor from the Congregation of Holy War always at his side, watching him to check and moderate his behavior. But he never extends far, with the knowledge he could be purged at any time for inadequacy.. Or more likely, His Family. He performed exceptionally well. Perhaps even admirably. Especially considering, he was specifically sent to lead his forces in-person towards the most demanding battles. But with the onset of his sister first on the chopping block, he would fight with fervor unmatched by any pony before him. Knowing retreat was never an option, his treatment of his subordinates were… Even harsher than before.

No more could he adopt the ‘passion’ of being like a father figure to those under him. All he could show them was how to achieve their strategic objectives. Or how to die. And it just so happened, the latter was likely for most. But, to those that could survive long enough by his side, and earned his respect.. A little piece of his chivarious nature and personality could shine through. Just a little past the corruptive guilt absorbing him for bringing his family all into this. He had thought he helped his mother.. But everytime he failed to achieve one of Daybreaker’s personal ‘Edicts’ which served as secondary-objectives in his brutal operations. That ranged from stealing a precious artifact to decorate her personal halls.. Too brutally massacring an entire town simply because it was the hometown of a Lunar-Republic officer. And he would have to do it personally each and every time. With his own claws. Without a hint of mercy… Should he fail, A quill or few feathers from his family members were sent. Sometimes, with no further context. And sometimes the bloodied quills were for no real reason. Perhaps, she just liked to see him in anguish. As each detached feather was a strike at his heart.