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Character Inspiration

One of primary aims of Sundergard is creating great characters—particularly, comrade-companions. We have a small team that works hard to craft the kinds of characters players will appreciate. As we continue to develop Sundergard, I recall some of our earliest efforts were in developing a list of 50 or so characters for future development. Because we were rooting Sundergard to specific periods in history, it made sense to see “who” was out there. It turns out history is full of some wildly interesting folks—some familiar, others less so, but many very worth a close look. Here are just three…

Robert the Bruce was King of the Scots for several decades in the early 14^th century. He was considered one of the greatest warriors of his day. While he is no household name to most of us, he was depicted in the movie Braveheart as one of many conniving characters interfering with the efforts of William Wallace, whom he earlier supported. He was more recently seen, portrayed by Chris Pine, in the Netflix film The Outlaw King.

Robert I was a patriot believed responsible for Scotland’s independence and a treacherous murderer often at odds with other Scots. He was, at times, both despised and beloved in his own country. His rise to the throne was the result of the murder of John “the Red” Comyn, a rival. He beat England decisively at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, though war continued long after. Peace and Scottish independence were achieved in 1328 with the Treaty of Northamptom. Robert died the following year—it is believed from leprosy. At his request, his heart was removed before burial and taken to Spain on crusade. Strange.

Sunzi, better known as Sun Tzu, authored The Art of War. It is the earliest known work on military science and has also long been read by the best minds in business for its brilliance on grand strategy. The work can be summarized by this famous quote: “If you know the enemy and yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.”

Sun Tzu was a general and war strategist in the State of Wu (China) in the 5^th century BC. Prior to Sun Tzu, war was waged only as conditions permitted and with consideration of agricultural impacts and the like. This often led to battlefield stalemates. It wasn’t until the rise of the professional soldier that chivalric conflict gave way to total destruction. Sun Tzu saw war as a political reality and was concerned, then, with winning it when it came but with some restraint (he shows surprising concern for prisoners of war and civilians and their property). The pinnacle of military achievement, according to Sun Tzu, is to defeat a foe without violence; however, the art of war “is a matter of life and death, a road to safety or ruin….” Wage war, then, well and wisely. It is, otherwise, an utter waste of everything.

Empress Theodora (c. 497-548 AD) is considered the most powerful woman in all Byzantine history and the most trusted advisor of Emperor Justinian. She had been a prostitute and actress before meeting the future emperor. She became his mistress, and they were subsequently married—after changes in law made their union possible. Though not officially a coregent, she certainly acted as one receiving envoys from other kingdoms, having her name ascribed to laws, and engaging in a variety of state affairs. She was a fierce advocate of the rights of women and saw to changes in various laws to protect them. When her husband’s rule was threatened during the Nika Revolt. Much of Constantinople was ravaged and rioters saw an opportunity to overthrow the emperor. Theodora urged him to fight rather than flee. The revolt was quickly ended, and the throne saved. She was also involved in rebuilding of the capital city post-revolt. She, as well as her husband, were canonized in the Orthodox Church—quite a feat for a former prostitute.

It turns out that where gaming is concerned, history doesn’t only teach, it also inspires… in this instance, great characters who may aid in your battlefield success across the realm of Sundergard. You won’t find Robert the Bruce, Sun Tzu, or Theodora in Sundergard, but it is likely that something of them is reflected in those who are found there.