PrepMo 2023 Day 13 Protag backstory

Background: Lord Malachar Shadowbane is the ruthless ruler of the current regime, known for his cunning intellect and iron grip on power. Born into a noble family, Malachar inherited the throne from his father, who was also a tyrant. He has maintained the regime's oppressive rule for decades, crushing any opposition and silencing dissent.

Motivations: Lord Malachar's motivations are driven by a combination of personal ambition and a warped sense of what he believes is the greater good.

1. **Power and Control**: Malachar craves power above all else. He sees himself as the rightful ruler, destined to maintain control over the realm. He believes that only through his absolute authority can he bring order to what he perceives as a chaotic world.

2. **Legacy**: Malachar is obsessed with the idea of leaving a lasting legacy. He wants to be remembered as the ruler who brought prosperity to his people, even if that prosperity comes at the cost of their freedom and individual rights.

3. **Fear and Control**: He rules through fear and control, viewing dissent as a threat to his regime. He believes that a strong, authoritarian government is necessary to maintain stability, and he is willing to use any means necessary to achieve this.

4. **Hatred of Magic**: Malachar has a deep-seated hatred for magic users, viewing them as potential threats to his rule. This is partly because he fears the unpredictable nature of magic and partly because he resents those who possess powers he can never attain.

5. **Opposition to Change**: Malachar opposes any form of change that threatens his rule. He sees Icera Frostbane, Ignatius Flameheart, and their allies as dangerous insurgents who must be crushed to preserve his regime.

Background: Malachar was groomed from a young age to take over the throne. His father, the previous ruler, was just as oppressive as he is, and he instilled in Malachar the belief that only through an iron fist could the realm be brought under control. Malachar's upbringing was marked by strict discipline and a lack of compassion, which shaped his worldview.

As he came to power, Malachar quickly consolidated his rule, eliminating political rivals and silencing any opposition. He built a network of spies and enforcers to maintain a tight grip on his subjects. His regime is marked by widespread corruption, inequality, and a disregard for the suffering of the common people.

Lord Malachar Shadowbane's reign has left a trail of suffering and despair in its wake, making him a despised figure in the eyes of those who yearn for freedom and justice. His motivations and ruthless rule serve as a central driving force behind the efforts of characters like Icera Frostbane and Ignatius Flameheart to overthrow the regime and bring about a new era of hope and liberty.
Lord Malachar Shadowbane refuses to allow magic in his kingdom for several reasons, which are closely tied to his motivations and the nature of his rule:

1. **Fear of Rebellion**: Lord Malachar is aware of the potential power that magic users possess. He fears that individuals with magical abilities could unite and rebel against his regime, posing a significant threat to his rule. To maintain his grip on power, he suppresses any potential sources of opposition, including magic users.

2. **Desire for Control**: Magic is inherently unpredictable and difficult to control. Lord Malachar values absolute authority and order within his kingdom. He sees magic as a disruptive force that could challenge his control over the realm, leading to chaos and instability.

3. **Perceived Threat to His Rule**: Lord Malachar may believe that magic users pose a direct threat to his position as ruler. He could see them as potential contenders for the throne or as individuals who could sway the opinions of his subjects against him.

4. **Historical Precedent**: Lord Malachar may be influenced by historical events in which magic users were involved in conflicts or uprisings against previous rulers. These events could have shaped his perception of magic as a destabilizing force.

5. **Ideological Beliefs**: Lord Malachar's ideology may align with the belief that magic is unnatural or heretical. He might view magic as a power that should be suppressed or eliminated to maintain the purity of his rule and the cultural values of his kingdom.

6. **Fear of Unpredictability**: Magic, especially in the hands of many diverse individuals, can introduce unpredictability into a structured regime. Lord Malachar may prioritize maintaining a strict and predictable order within his kingdom to consolidate his power.

Overall, Lord Malachar Shadowbane's refusal to allow magic in his kingdom is a strategic decision aimed at consolidating his control, preventing potential threats to his rule, and maintaining a sense of order and predictability within the Frostspire Dominion.