“The time is dark, but there is a light at the end of all of this.”
- - Loda'Gadem
Loda'Gadem is the Supreme Lord of the Gardeili within the Mirusian Theocratic Congregation and one of the leaders within it's prophet council. A warrior driven by the pursuit of knowledge and faith, Loda was once a crusading zealot, as his father had raised him. However, when his father was killed by the Prophet Council of the Unified Nations of Spode, Loda took over. He did not know why his father of all people had committed heresy, but soon learned why...
After taking command of the Nations, and destroying the Prophets of Hun'gora, Loda has taken steps to lead his people into a less zealous, brighter future. This also involved joining his people with the Brotherhood of Spode, leading to the creation of the Mirusian Theocratic Congregation, unifying his dispersant peoples, and helping create a force that would not only spread Spodeism, but also help protect minor and lesser religions that can not protect themselves, and helping bridge gaps between religions, as a repentance for what he has done in his past.
Currently, Loda is part of the Covenant of Mirus, and with the upheaval caused by the Great Xonexi Schism, and how many where lost during the battles, Loda now has complete leadership of the Church, for now. He is described as having a foot in both doors, on one hand, not trusting the Xonexi, but on the other, wishing to see the galaxy brought peacefully together. This represents the ultimate conflict between the Church itself, some supporting the Covenant, others believing the Xonexi cannot be trusted in any form. While he loathes the Xonexi, like his friend, Barda Clett, he cannot bring himself to totally remove himself from the Covenant itself, realizing it would split the Church in twin.
History
Early Life
Loda's life began in a minor family in Aathonpia State, seeming forced into obscurity by foul fortunes, as though Spode himself desired for the family to not rise to a position of power. This would change, when his father assisted a Gardeili Warlord on the run. This warlord Zenir'Kallipid sought to reunify the Gardeili states once more, and lead them into space. Zenir, however, was a notorious gambler and drinker, and had gambled most of his holdings to a rival away, and was now on the run with only his closest allies with him. Loda's father, Naji, assisted in Zenir's escape, and even provided him food and drink. Zenir, though brutal and short-tempered, was loyal above all else, and swore to come back for his friend. He fled into the state of Sarpatia, to gather allies, as the Gadem Household was imprisoned and suffered losses in territory and wealth for their betrayal. Loda spent many a night going hungry, his mother forced to work the stables of the household, and, Loda suspected, through sabotage, came to suffer an infection similar to Tetanus. Loda was only 4 at the time, and his mother's last words were for him to go out and make a destiny for himself, for even Aathonapia was too little for him.
Their suffering ended when Zenir'Kallipid returned, and conquered the states of Aathanpia, and countless others, coming to power, and united Gardelios, though placed the various heads of each state on a council, so all would have equal say, and withdrew to a military position. From here, the Hierarch-most-high was Holar'shalir, who had Zenir lead many campaigns. Loda was quick to learn his ways, but developed a habit of drunkenness and revelry, never taking anything seriously, and was regarded as ill-chosen for leadership, though still more liked then his uncle Shrk'Gadem. During the battles, Loda briefly served alongside Ajaar'Magnos, the two growing to respect each other, Ajaar the greatest frontline leader, Loda the most capable strategist, despite his liking for alcohol.
Following the deaths of Holar'Shalir, Zenir briefly took command, and, when contacted by missionaries from a distant Empire, Zenir meet with them, and spoke many hours with the Radeon Missionaries on their deity. Impressed with their many supernatural essence powers, and the glory of Spode, Zenir accepted, converting, as his whole race, witnessing their abilities and the glory of their empire, also accepted, believing that the stars in the sky were arranged in such a way as to foretell greatness to the Gardeili if they converted.
Enlightenment War
Alliance of Enlightenment
Traits
Personality
Loda is a patient man above all else, willing to hear from all sides before he makes his decisions, but absolute in all regards. Though he listens, he ultimately only uses these advisors as weights, through which to judge against his own personal morality and see to it that the best compromise is reached. However, Loda is not indecisive, and when decisions have to be made, he will make them, regardless of if the Priests and the like enjoy it or not. While he sees himself as just a simple warrior, Loda is also noted to be kind, compassionate and honest above all else, doing his best to make sure all within his realm, be they believer or non-believer, are comfortable, especially the latter, despising the idea to kill others over such a petty thing as devotion to a deity. So long as this deity is a source of strength, honor and purity, all can be welcomed and accepted.
He is a strong, fiery speaker, able to inspire his followers regardless of what happens, and it is said that he is impassioned that the clouds in the skies themselves move on his command, and that his words are blessed by Spode with the ability to strike his foes down. Despite his high position, he is of simple tastes, preferring the most basic of alcohol to slick his thirst and wearing simplier robes and armor on all occasions.
Loda, since the death of the Prophet of Truth, and the near destruction of the Church of Spode, has been left uncertain of his position, and not knowing where to take his people. The fact he must now lead the Church by himself also leaves him worried that his position is too absolute. Despite the issues, his people still respect and admire him above all else.
Loda is most of the time silent, and prefers only to speak when his allies need something from him.
Abilities
Loda's chief weapon, is not the fleets he commands, nor the weapons he can yield, but his mind and body. He is regarded as the greatest speaker and unifier of his kind, swaying Clans, Houses and States alike to follow him without having to use the sword, as is common amongst battles for leadership among his people. Though he could easily fight his way through any issue, Loda prefers to speak and talk down his enemies before pulling out his blade.
Still Loda is not to trifled with on the battlefield. He commands great respect with the sword, and his skill with it has been the end of many enemies, both of his kind and of the Bachyeon. The Mendel especially respect his abilities, as his swordsmanship ended many of their best in fair and open duels. He also a commendable marksmen at range.
Loda dislikes essence, and despite having some ability, he feels it beneath him and his warriors, preferring true and honest fighting versus the sorcery used by some other species, even not trusting those used by such races as the Radeons.
Equipment
Loda often carries a Precision combat rifle, the one used by his mother, capable of firing piercing energy rounds at targets, and his both of his adopted and blood father's energy blades.
Loda wears ornate, protective powered armor, among the best his species can create. The armor is purple in color with violet lights and markings.
Appearance
Being Lord of his people, Loda is confident and proud in appearance when he speaks with them or outsiders. He is focused on everything, and never appears weak, believing he must always be strong for the Gardeili and the Church. His body has been aged a tad, both thanks to the many battles he has survived, the scars he has acquired, and the telepathic mind attacks by Bachyeon controllers. Still, only in private does the façade fall, and he lets his weariness overtake him.
Loda is described like a rock or stone, strong, firm and solid. His body is heavily built, even for a Gardeili, and the one thing that has allowed him to survive all of his battles and rack up all his scars. No matter what, Loda is regarded as the most firm leader among the UAE's leaders, as few could ever miss him, and it is said no one ever does.
Relations
Allies
I am with you.
Neutral
I will observe.
Disliked
...
Enemies
Dance with death itself.
Quotes from others
- Add your own!
“He is a wise leader. His people respect him rightfully.”
- - Barda Clett
Notes
- Loda is based on a variety of sources, mostly Sultan Saladin Ayyub, Suleiman the Lawgiver of Turkey and Alexander the Great.