Manfred Reinhardt

Manfred Reinhardt is the former Archduke of Highreach and its current embattled King, the beginning of his reign punctuated with a violent secession from the Stahlheimian Empire that has lead to civil war. He has long been a controversial figure in Estoria despite being only 19, well loved among his people for his exploits but disliked by the Imperial Body for a history of frequently pushing for further rights for Highreach and opposing the nobility. He currently leads his armies in the field against Stahlheim, fighting for his people and his homeland's existence as a kingdom.

Appearance
Manfred is by most means considered a handsome man, boasting sharp features common among those with noble blood and piercing blue eyes. His hair is a golden crown and neck length, his beard large yet well groomed and complimentary to his countenance. It is clear that his nose has been broken once before, though in such a way as to simply give him a more manful appearance. His features have made him a favorite among the court painters in Highreach, heroic portraits decorating the halls of the castle at Gryphon's Roost.

Manfred is in the prime of his physical strength, muscles clearly defined from years of training both from horsebackand on foot consistently. He is widely considered one of the few leaders throughout Estoria that could truly best most of his political opponents upon the field of battle or in a duel, but as of yet this boast has not been tested. Though in court he dons the fine silks and patterns befitting his rank, more often than not he sees to his business in a full set of armor. His plate is exquisitely crafted, steel with the sigil of his house inlaid. His cloak bears the same design and is hung over his shoulders as much from tradition as protection from the cold. Though he rarely finds cause to wear it, his helmet is heavily stylized. The visor is fashioned after a gryphon's beak, and from the crest of either side a gryphon's wing rises high above. In battle he wields the ancestral blade of his house, a bastard sword dubbed 'Valorheart'. It's crossguard is in the style of a set of spreading wings, and it's pommel is a gryphon's talon grasping a sapphire.

Personality
Though the Emperor of Stahlheim would sooner have his constituents believe Manfred to be a fiend and a traitor, he has long been considered a fair ruler even by his foes. Having risen to leadership of his house at the age of 17, the relative innocence that initially led to a mediocre reign eventually gave way to an experienced and forgiving ruler. He is steadfast in protecting the rights and traditions of his people, always ready to have his bloc of voters in the Imperial Body vote against legislation that might lessen their independence. This has made him well loved among his people, though his streak of favoring more lenient punishments for criminals has turned hardliners against him. Those that consider him too soft a ruler are wise to keep quiet, however, as Manfred has proven most staunch when faced with questions about his capability.

Manfred is not considered a strong negotiator, the machinations of court often boring him too much for him to provide much useful insight. He is not a fan of politics though over time has grown adept enough at it to avoid much outside assistance in his rule. He prefers leading soldiers, at his best when giving a speech to the men that serve under him or directing formations in battle. Though his advisers dislike what they see as undue risk put upon himself, none can convince him to rule solely from the throne of Gryphon's Roost.

History
Manfred was born the sole son of Archduke Viktor Reinhardt in the year 955 4E, and thus from birth was protected from harm and prepared in every possible way to take his father's throne upon his death. He spent the majority of his youth being taught the merits of ruling and the laws of Highreach, though more often than not he tried to evade these lessons in favor of sparring or bonding with his gryphon. He always preferred tales of valor from heroes long dead to tomes that offered insight into ruling over courtly matters. This attitude persisted well into the beginning of his rule, and though he has curbed his dislike of politics greatly it sits with him still.

At the age of seven Manfred was put under the tutelage of Sir Johan Hartmann, a famed Knight of the Roost who served as his mentor until his ascension to Archduke. Sir Hartmann greatly influenced Manfred, sparring with him daily and teaching him everything he could about the virtues of knighthood as well as the talents that made them such a valuable asset in battle. His tutelage proved to form Manfred's outlook on life as well as his dedication to excellence in combat that is seen among few rulers.

Manfred came to power at the young age of 17 due to his father's early death, one still laced in controversy due to the possibility of the valiant leader being poisoned. These rumors are never spoken of publicly, especially not in front of Manfred, though there is a small minority among the nobility who suspect natural causes had nothing to do with Archduke Viktor's passing. His rapid ascension required him to adjust to much he wasn't used to, and in the years that followed his ability was challenged many times by th nobility of Highreach. He eventually proved adept at ruling, however, and has since become beloved in the eyes of his people.

Manfred's secession from Highreach came with the near universal support of the nobility and common folk. Highreach had contributed much to the Empire in its struggle against Almeron in the Six Years' War, bringing far more gold and troops to the table than any other Stahlheimian province. The Empire's failure to win the war coupled with a broken promise by the Emperor to repay Highreach brought about widespread outrage. Upon Manfred's threats of secession, the Emperor declared that to do so would mean a traitor's death for him and any who supported him. The following day, he spoke to the nobility of Highreach in what has now become a widely available speech throughout the Kingdom. The so-called Declaration of Sovereignty was followed by Manfred's coronation the very next day, and he has led Highreach through war against Stahlheim ever since.

Manfred has remained unwed the entirety of his reign, a concern often brought up by his advisers and one he will likely have to address during the course of the war.