Gaiseric was a legendary conqueror of yore who, through sheer force, brought order to the war-torn lands of the ancient world and created the first continental empire in human history.
Quick Answers
Who was Gaiseric?
What was Gaiseric's role in the 'age of warlords'?
How did Gaiseric create the first continental empire in human history?
Is Gaiseric the same character as the Skull Knight?
What is the connection between Gaiseric and the Kingdom of Midland?
Background[]
Approximately a millennium ago, in lands that would become the Kingdom of Midland, small city-states and tribes were in constant conflict with one another — a period known as the "age of warlords". The entrance of Gaiseric, whose prior history remains unknown, marked the conquest of these warring factions and the establishment of order. With an army seemingly raised from nowhere, Gaiseric subjugated the numerous factions under one banner, creating the world's first empire.[1]
Legend says that Gaiseric, referred to as the "Skull King" due to the skull helmet he wore in battle, forced laborers gathered from across his empire to construct a large capital city named "Midland", symbolizing a "land in the middle of nations". The Skull King lived a life of luxury while imposing increasingly heavy taxes on his people, turning the capital into a hub of feasting and pleasure. According to the Holy See inquisitor Mozgus, a sage imprisoned by Gaiseric in the Tower of Conviction ceaselessly professed the Skull King's sins amid every possible torture until an angel was finally sent down.[2] Similarly, the "fairy tale of the Skull King" states that four or five angels descended upon the imperial city at the behest of a displeased "God", resulting in natural calamities that destroyed the city in a single night. The remains of Gaiseric's capital city ultimately fell deep into the ground, buried beneath the Tower of Rebirth in an attempt to hide Midland's shameful origins.[1]
Legacy[]
"Then let us build it. A territory for humans. A second empire."
Stories of Gaiseric's legendary conquest live on through the "fairy tale of the Skull King",[1] as well as through accounts from the Holy See.[2] Approximately a millennium after the rise and fall of Gaiseric's empire, the capital city of Falconia is created. The archmage Gedfring reveals it to be Gaiseric's fallen imperial city risen anew.[3] Furthermore, Griffith, a champion of comparable esteem to Gaiseric, cites Gaiseric's empire as a precedent for the "second empire" he aims to establish.[4]
Notes[]
- Among the remnants of Gaiseric's imperial city deep beneath the Tower of Rebirth, innumerable corpses bearing the Brand of Sacrifice can be witnessed.[1]
- It is believed that the Midland royal family is the only family in the world carrying the Skull King's blood,[1] making Charlotte the last living descendant of Gaiseric.
Trivia[]
- Gaiseric is a historical figure who established the Vandal Kingdom and reigned from 428–477 AD. His most well-known accomplishment is the Sack of Rome in 455.