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Benevolent Archduke

The feature character in the ELotH: TES - Pen and Paper RPG Expansion Pack Plunder of the Barrenlands, the inspiration for this individual came from the title given to noblemen who administered the lands surrounding Castle Whitecrag during The Sundered Era. In the history of Battal the title of Benevolent Archduke was bestowed upon many noblemen during the years that the Royal Commission held power in the region, the recipient usually being a man of loyalty and integrity but surprisingly little intelligence. This provided the Commission with the outward appearance of localised, devolved power while in reality ensuring that their vision could be impressed upon their lands.

The Plunder of the Barrenlands pack does not mention the name of the specific Archduke, presumably in order to keep the atmosphere intact for the player as it is you who assumes the role of the Archduke in the game, but since it is based on genuine historic occurrences, it is not difficult to discern. In order to preserve the atmosphere of the game we shall avoid mentioning it here and instead list some of the previous nobility to hold the title:

• 15,507 - Angrold the Cow Tipper is briefly given the title, which passes rather rapidly on due to some rather predictable complaints from farmers
• 15,509 - Harold the Half-Bastard*
• 15,534 - Harold the Total Bastard**
• 15,538 - William the Conkerer***
• 15,543 - Gwrain the Terrible Womaniser****
• 15,548 - You take up the reigns of Archdukedom, little knowing the fate that is soon to befall you...

* His mother thinks she knows who the father is, but doesn't want to say in case she's wrong.

** Despite being a perfectly legitimate child, this particular Harold was rather disagreeable.

*** So kind was this Archduke that he often strung conkers for children personally.

**** He often left out the "womaniser" part at parties. Depending on the type of party, obviously.