Miguel Baztan

Miguel was a famous Gonarundun hero, seen as one of their greatest generals who defended their lands from the Ilakan invaders. Since the rise of the Carto Empire, he has become a popular figure in their culture too.

## Early Life

Miguel was born in the city of Ralom in **386PR**, to a very wealthy family that had allied themselves with the Noble Torres family.

When he was of age, he became a student at the Gonarundun School of Higher Learning.

## Fame with the People

Miguel quickly became popular with the people, speaking with them not as a noble or wealthy individual, but rather on their level. After his wealth continued to grow, he chose to give back to the community instead, hosting festivals and giving a huge boost to the economy of the medium and lower class.

Miguel would later make lots of public speeches improving the morale of the people, giving them gifts in some cases. He later announced his plans to become a general, which the people heavily supported. Too many times the Gonarunduns were sent to war under a noble they never knew, or didn’t care about their lives. Miguel would be different. The outcry of support meant that King Augustin had no choice but to give him command of an army.

## Helicules War

*See: Helicules War*

Miguel is best known for his role in the Helicules War. As a general prior, most of his time had been spent fighting the raider tribes across the river, giving him a good sense of his tactical ability and the movements of an army. So, when Ilaka began preparations for their invasion of Gonarundu, starting the Helicules War, King Augustin Fidalgo of Gonarundu was forced to send Miguel and his soldiers to help aid the city of Helicules.

In a perfect world, King Augustin would not have sent Miguel but instead someone else, having a small distaste for the would-be legend.

### Helicules

*See: Battle of Helicules*

When Miguel arrived at the city in **414PR**, he immediately took over. Rather than wait for the siege, he would prepare himself, training the Garrison, increasing their supplies and adding to the defences of the city. Tunnels were later made after one of the garrison troops came to Miguel with the idea, using them to hit the enemy supply lines when they arrived.

#### Siege

In **415PR**, General Minos and his 18,000 Ilakan troops crossed the border and besieged the city of Helicules, using a detachment of naval ships under the command of Agapios Argyrotis to block the other side.

Miguel continued to make his famous speeches to the city, keeping morale high and letting the people know that whatever happened, he would be by their side. The victory of the tunnels continued to help influence their position, hurting the supply lines of the besieging Ilakan troops.

#### First Battle

Believing the time was right, Miguel led his army out of the Southern gate of the city,  charging into the Ilakan Camp commanded by Apollon.

Knowing that there was still an enemy force behind them, Miguel made sure to leave a third of his soldiers under the command of Dario as reserves, letting them turn and block the Ilakans under Minos if they chose to cross the river.

Miguel himself chose to lead in the battle from his elite cavalry, letting him get a good view on the battle and move himself to the places of threat. His first action was to advance his troops into the enemy, charging on the flank with his cavalry. Having such an overwhelming number, he was easily able to beat Pavlos back and gain an opening.

Forcing the opportunity, Miguel and his cavalry charged straight to Apollon, breaking through the spearmen meant to block his attack. The other cavalry detachment he had was used to hit the enemy from the side, alleviating some of the pressure on the Gonarundun right. When Apollon and his HQ tried to retreat, Miguel caught up to them, piercing the Ilakan general through the chest, killing him.

#### Second Battle

As the first battle came to an end, the second group of Ilakan forces approached, this time under General Minos. Miguel decided to leave the defence in the hands of his officers, while he tried to deal a decisive blow to the retreating Apollon soldiers.

When he returned from his chase, Miguel immediately began issuing orders. Seeing that some of the Apollon troops were now turning around for another fight. Some Andres’s second line was to form up and face the enemy coming from behind, while the rest were to move around the new enemy on the right and hit them from the side. On the left, he commanded his archers to fall back and form a second line, slowing down the flanking Ilakan cavalry by any means necessary. In the centre, he requested they push with everything, sending Dario to improve morale.

He himself would turn and fight the returning Apollon infantry, charging for a second time.

Eventually, Miguel’s orders were the deciding fate of the battle, forcing the Ilakan left to fall. When it fell, and his charge hit the remaining Apollon troops, they retreated. It didn’t take long for the rest of Minos’s army to fall. Against a superior foe and fighting two armies in a single day, Miguel had won.

### Return to Ralom

When Miguel returned to Ralom to announce his victory a few months later, he was paraded around as a hero and legend. Being so popular with the people, it was to no surprise that a statue was soon in the works to be made in his design, showcasing the decisive victory he just attained.

Alongside Miguel were Andres, Dario and Isaac, who were similarly recognised for their efforts as heroes. Even King Augustin, a critic of Miguel, had to announce his pleasure and thanks for the Gonarundun commanders efforts.

A week later, he fired Dario Bacque after finding out the man was an addicted gambler who accumulated some debt.

Giving his troops some rest, Miguel had a meeting with the King, discussing his ideas about following the enemy into Ilaka and defeating them there. Though the two argued, King Augustin wanted the Ilakans to come to him for a peace treaty, where he could forge the terms. After an argument, Miguel stated that Augustin would lead to the death of the Kingdom and could no longer be his general, resigning on the spot.

Later, he would make a series of public speeches announcing his resignation from his position, citing the reason as the King. He would only return as General if it was the Gonarundun people that asked him too, not the crown.

## Death

*See: Miguel's Death*

On a Tuesday morning, Miguel was found dead by his loyal servant. His death was later declared a heart-attack from a Post-Mortem Report conducted by Helena Ruiz.

His death has caused a number of conspiracy theories to surface, with the people believing that the King somehow played his hand in his death.

## Legacy

Miguel is seen as a legend and hero in Gonarundun culture, being the man who stood against the King, fighting for what was right. He was also one of, if not, their best general ever to exist. As a populist, Miguel had an informal festival dedicated to his life.

In the Carto Empire, who has the capital Helicules, he is seen still as a hero and legend. Defending their people from the Ilakan invaders and even trying to save their lives by fighting back again in their own lands. The incident gave the Carton’s good reason when they chose to later invade Gonarundu, citing that the Fidalgo monarchy was weak and corrupt.