Uther

**Uther** *Gorlassar ap Custennin* was born in Wales in 436 AD.

## Biography

Uther was born on the estates of his father in 436 AD. After the Romans left (380-410), influencial politicians and warriors rose up as kings. Uther's father was one of these: Custennin ap Magnus Maximus. Named Eutherius, he was a bastard son, his mother being an impoverished British noble. Custennin complied with her not to baptise Uther, and to let him be a pagan. She died in childbirth.

He was raised alongside his brothers Ambrosius and Constans. They felt no enmity towards him, but his father did feel guilty. Uther's step-mother Iustinia came to accept him with time, accepting that her husband made a mistake, and eventually deciding that Uther was not to blame in any way.

In 429 AD his father was deposed. Though his brother Constans took over, Gworthigern, his father's old advisor, decided to take the crown for himself. He assassinated Ursicinus in his own orchyard and took over the Empire of Maxima Caesariensis.

Emmrys and the 9-year-old Uther escaped, fleeing first to Cent, and then to their distant cousin Aldrien in Arföryg, Brittany.

Though Ambrosius became a warrior in Aldrien's retinue, Uther was still too young, and was educated and raised as Aldrien's ward. He came to view Aldrien as a foster father and befriended his twin sons Iudicael and Maxent, who were four years his elder.

In 450 AD, opportunity struck. Gworthigern's sons rose up in rebellion after he ousted the rightful king of Ceint, Gworangon, and gave his kingdom to the Saxons he had invited as mercenaries. A year later, in 451 AD, Ambrosius and Uther sailed back for Northern Britain.

The Gododdin Tribes in the North were seemingly their best choice for allies, and Emmrys met with their leaders and explained his situation. Though they were suspicious of his Imperial blood and upbringing at first, they quickly realised he was a true Briton in their eyes, and made Uther the first King of Gododdin. Gworangon's son Gwyamad was given the Northernmost part of Gododdin, Manau Gododdin.

Emmrys died quite soon in the 60's, of pneumonia. Some suspected the Saxon doctor and monk Eopa of poisoning him after failing to save him, and he was tried and executed. His lands were split between his sons.

Uther sought revenge against Pasgen, who had recruited the exiled king Gilliman (ousted for his weakness and christianity) as a foederati. He defeated the two at Menyw where Gilliman had been settled and Pasgen was visiting him, killing Pasgen and taking Gilliman prisoner. He offered Pasgen's body to [Vortimer] but kept Gilloman's head as a trophy. He earned the scar on his brow from Pasgen himself.

## Appearance

Uther has slightly tanned skin from his Roman heritage. He has shoulder length brown hair and eyes, and a thick beard. He has a scar above his right eye from a sword blow Pasgen gave him before Uther killed him. He has many other scars on his body. Another Roman trait was his hooked nose. But his wavy hair was unmistakably Celtic.

Though dark brown, it later streaked slightly with blonde, before it all became grey. His beard stayed brown a bit longer than his hair but also eventually veered towards grey.

## Relationships

### Uncles and Aunts

**Anwn:** Anwn predeceased Uther.

**Peblig:** Peblig predeceased Uther.

**Gratianna:** Gratianna predeceased Uther.

**Cormac:** Cormac predeceased Uther.

**Tudwal:** Tudwal predeceased Uther.

**Severa:** Severa predeceased Uther.

**Gworthigern:** Uther hated Gworthigern with a passion. Not only did he murder both of Uther's brothers, but he also is the cause for the Saxon invasion and the destruction of Britain.

**Magna:** Uther never met Magna, though knew of her existence, and vaguely that of his cousins Flavius Constantius Felix and Ennodia. She lived in Rome, which is why he never met or contacted her.

### First Cousins

**Gwrthefyr:** Uther allied himself with Gwrthefyr to defeat Gworthigern and the Saxons.

**Pasgen:** Uther resented Pasgen deeply for killing his brother. He avenged him by killing Pasgen in combat in a shield wall.

### Friends

**Brastias:** One of Uther's most trusted Teulu members, and a close friend. Also advisor and usually overseer of Gododdin.

**Iudicael:** As foster-brothers and distant cousins, Uther and Iudicael were good friends.

**Maxent:** As foster-brothers and distant cousins, Uther and Iudicael were good friends.

**Merfyn:** A druid and staunch supporter during Gwrthefyr's rebellion, Uther and Merfyn remained on good terms.

**Ulfius:** One of Uther's most trusted Teulu members, and a close friend.