General Myklos

 

General Myklos, the Spear of Mists

 

History

General Myklos was born in 1279 New Era in Cothussiph, to one of the most respected Aj'Snaga noble families on the D'Hroha Peninsula. From an early age, he demonstrated iron discipline and a natural inclination for war, qualities that quickly made him a rising star in the ranks of the Scaled Phalanx. His superiors remember him as a young man who showed no hesitation in facing danger, nor indulgence in the weaknesses of his comrades.   His training was long and ruthless: it is said that at just fifteen years old, he was left with other young aspirants to survive the frozen wastes of the north. There, he survived for three days among hungry beasts and desperate adversaries, emerging as the sole survivor, an event that still fuels his legend today.   His military rise was rapid. He became captain of the Aj'Snaga legions at just twenty-six, distinguishing himself during the repression campaigns against the Tritons on the eastern coast. His brutal treatment of prisoners made him feared, while his tactical prowess earned him the trust of the royal family.   Today, at thirty-five, Myklos is Supreme General of the forces stationed in Cothussiph and the queen's right-hand man. Queen Arafdalia has tasked him with annihilating the rebellious slave followers of Izlafeth, thus freeing troops and resources for her campaigns of conquest. Myklos sees this mission as a test of his worth and as the decisive step towards securing a permanent place on the queen's council.

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Character and Personality

General Myklos embodies the essence of Aj'Snaga command: discipline, coolness, and a ruthless conception of power. He firmly believes in the superiority of his race, viewing every non-Aj'Snaga creature as fodder to be exploited, tools to be used, or obstacles to be eliminated.   He is not, however, a blind fanatic. Myklos is pragmatic: if he sees talent in an enemy, he is not above turning them into useful tools. He is capable of forging temporary alliances, but always with the ultimate goal of strengthening his position.   His charisma is icy. He doesn't shout orders, but delivers them calmly, and his soldiers obey without hesitation. His authority is based as much on fear as respect. He tolerates neither failure nor weakness: commanders who err are punished on the field, often in exemplary ways.   On a personal level, Myklos is obsessed with glory and the immortality of his name. He believes that posterity will remember him as the conqueror of the Sea of Mists and the savior of the Aj'Snaga crown. Behind this steely armor, however, lies a mind tormented by the memories of the cruel trials of his youth: the blood of his comrades sacrificed for his rise still haunts him in dreams.

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Relationships and Conflicts

With Queen Arafdalia: Myklos is the Queen's lover. Though their relationship is not public, he loves and admires her as a relentless leader, and shares her political and military goals. He sees in her the possibility of attaining the eternal glory he seeks, but fears he will remain merely a expendable instrument in her hands. It is whispered that he aspires to become the next king, ready to replace the queen should she show weakness.

With Lady Voluptia: The two respect each other, but are divided by a subtle antagonism. Voluptia represents intrigue and manipulation, Myklos represents strength and discipline. They cooperate when necessary, but both know the other would strike from behind if the opportunity permitted.

With Brother Kadren: Myklos openly despises the monk for his compassion toward the lesser races, viewing him as a living weakness. However, he recognizes Kadren's charisma and influence among the people, which is why he dares not eliminate him openly.

With the rebels of Izlafeth: Myklos hates them with a personal fervor. Not only because they threaten the stability of Cothussiph, but also because they symbolize what he despises most: slaves who dare rebel against the fate the gods have imposed on them. His campaign against them is fueled by a desire for total annihilation.

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Abilities and Powers

Myklos is a general feared not only for his tactical prowess, but also for his individual martial prowess.  

Master of the Scaled Spear: His fighting style with the ceremonial spear is legendary. He is capable of single-handedly taking on multiple opponents and breaking enemy formations with surgical precision.

Aura of Command: His presence on the field bolsters the morale of his troops. Soldiers who fight under his gaze hold out longer and with greater ferocity.

Iron Discipline: He is virtually impervious to fear and pain. He can fight even when severely wounded, and his mind does not falter under pressure.

Military Knowledge: He is an expert strategist. He knows how to exploit terrain, how to set ambushes, and how to subdue his enemies through logistics and hunger, as well as with the sword.

Bonding to the Mists: Myklos is said to have developed a special sensitivity to the Sea of Mists. Some swear he can read the shifting mists and use them to cover his military movements, almost as if the spirits of the sea itself were his allies.

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Possessed Items

The Scaled Spear: A weapon forged from shards of glowing crystal and reinforced with bones from the sea monsters of the Sea of Mists. It is a symbol of his rank, capable of piercing even enchanted armor.

Black Basalt Armor: Ceremonial and battle armor, inlaid with runes in an Arcane Tongue. It is as durable as it is imposing, a symbol of his authority.

The Seal of Cothussiph: A black gold ring that represents his authority as the city's military ruler. It grants him the right to speak for the queen in martial matters.

Strategic Scrolls: He guards ancient Aj'Snaga war manuals, some of which contain forbidden tactics and rituals to weaken enemies through superstition and fear.

Rival's Skull: He carries the skull of an ancient Triton commander, set in silver. It is a symbol of victory, but also a talisman that he believes protects him from the perils of the sea.