Surcount Antero IV of Siltala

Antero, the fourth of his name, was born to his father, the Surcount of Siltala, in the year 7574. He would be born in the capital of the Grand Duchy as his parents were guests of Grand Duke Urho II, celebrating the birth of his firstborn son, the future Grand Duke Tapani VII. Antero would have the honour of celebrating his Declaration Day in the Kirk of Jala, the grant painted ceilings and arched windows a grand backdrop as the young babe discovered his guardian to be Olankuu, God of Defiance and Ardour.    As he grew, Antero would prove to be among the most ambitious of young men. Seeking prominent roles within his father's court and often travelling back and forth from the capital, not only would Antero prove a competent administrator by bolstering his future holding by buying off indebted minor nobles for their estates, turning a fine profit, he would also have lofty goals for his future heir. Tyyni Ilkitala, sister of Tapani VII, was the subject of deep infatuation from Antero. In an effort to impress his muse, Antero would attend the Great Tourney at Pilkala in 7592, competing in the melee, duels and joust. Unfortunately, Antero was no master swordsman and failed to impress in the melee and duels, failing to qualify for the latter. The joust, however, suited his talents to a great degree, an ambitious young man who never took his eyes off his goals, and who never flinched in the face of danger.   He would win impressive victories over Illpo Ilkitala and Kaari Luonahtola, both experienced knights and favourites to have won. Antero would have even won the joust, his lady Tyyni watching on if it were not for Vesa Lampasuuri, hailed as Altti reincarnate, greatest young knight in all of Doria. Unfortunately for Antero, Vesa was very handsome in addition to his knightly skills, a combination which drew the attention of Tyyni in droves.   Antero would eventually take a wife, a young lady from the house of Tumoluki. Though a shrewd marriage, it would not be a happy one. Their daughter, firstborn, would die an infant of a nasty fever that gripped the region. Their second child, a son, was born disfigured and crippled. Antero, being of great ambition, was thoroughly disillusioned with life by the time his third child and second son was born. Young Markko would grow to be a fine young man, much like his older brother, but more to the taste of Antero, though indeed Antero would die by the time the boy turned eight.