Campaign Lore: The Crowning of King Lihan the Mad
Originally posted to my Patreon page.
Lihan was the fourth king of Carasa, also known as South Solde. He hoped to distinguish himself from his father, Ovdeil, by being seen as fair, as "one of the common folk". As a prince, Lihan mingled amongst the people, often dressing as a commoner, and hearing the plight of the citizens of Carasa firsthand.
During one of these outings to the city, Lihan went into the The Wisher's Well, a tavern of moderate reputation - hardly an upper class establishment, however respectable. It was there that Lihan met Caila, the barkeeper's daughter. It was there, that they fell in love.
Rumors spread quickly, of course, and after several wonderful nights with his love, Ovdeil demanded to see the prince. He told Lihan that he could not be with a commoner, and forbade the prince from ever seeing her again. He warned his son that if he were seen with her, she would be arrested and imprisoned. Lihan was furious, and tried to strike the King, however the guards intervened.
Ovdeil first wanted Lihan executed, which broke something inside Lihan. Lihan was Ovdeil's only son, and the only heir to the throne. When the king's advisor reminded him of that, he ordered the prince to go north, and not return while he was alive. He then demanded Caila's head be placed on a pole at the entrance to the city.
Lihan reached Caila before the guards, and helped to disguise her - by taking down a guard, and stealing his armor. Together they escaped, and travelled north.
For five years, Lihan and Caila lived a peaceful life, and Lihan opened a tavern. They had three children, the first was named Lihas. Lihas seemed a troubled child, always rebellious, never focused. Lihan believed in his son, even when everyone else was hopeless. Not only was Lihas the second-in-line for the throne, but...he was Lihan's son.
The news came one day that Ovdeil had fallen from his horse, and was on his deathbed. He wanted to speak with his son. Fearing a trick, Lihan sent his family into hiding while he traveled south. His fears were not to pass, as Ovdeil broke down at the sight of Lihan and begged forgiveness. For all his anger at his father, Lihan managed to forgive him - but did not tell him about Caila and the children. That night, the king died.
When the king's advisor learned of the death, he informed Lihan that he was now the king. That the crowning would begin the next day. Lihan had a different idea. He told the advisor to wait, and he would be back in three days. Lihan left to find his family, and he shared the news to Caila - it was over, and they could come home.
On the third day, the news got out, and the arrangements for the crowning were already made. Lihan was met with adoring crowds, who cheered "the commoner king". At the ceremony, Lihan made a demand - first, before the coronation, there had to be a wedding. He told everyone present that he would not take the throne without a queen at his side. And so the coronation of King Lihan was also the wedding of Lihan and Caila.
So began the reign of King Lihan the Mad.