Leomir R. "Lionheart" Barov
From RavenholdtWiki
| Leomir Barov | |
|---|---|
 The Earl of Stormwind | |
| Guild | Order of the Lion / Order of the Lion |
| Race | Human |
| Class | Paladin |
| Faction | Alliance-Kingdom of Stormwind |
| Profession(s) | Miner/Blacksmith/Weaponsmith |
| Age | 97 |
| Player | |
April 12, 71 B.I. (Before Invasion) - August 26 A.I. (After Invasion)
(See Official Blizzard Warcraft Timeline in External Links)
Contents |
[edit] Physical Description
The whiteness of this man's hair seems to make sense with his age, even though not many know (for few are old enough to remember) that his hair was of the same color even 70 years ago following a shocking near-death experience involving red dragons. The deep green eyes, oftentimes decorated with a monocle, can no longer see as well as they used to but they can still tell more than any large foliant from the Royal Library. His face covered in scars, received in multiple conflicts of the last few decades. Despite the simple average height, this old man may seem much taller at times. He likes to dress simply but with style, rarily wears armor while inside the city walls, and always, no matter where or in what situation he wears two humble rings: a gold wedding band and a silver glistening ring.
[edit] History
[edit] Early History
Years -71 to -58
Born almost a century ago in Tirisfal Glades into a rich landowning mafia family of Barovs, Leo was taught by the principle of survival of the fittest. "Each man is created to fight his way up. We, Barovs are the best. Like your grandfather, and his grandfather, you will one day become the head of our clan. You will eliminate the enemies, you must give them no mercy. Do not listen to kind words and talk about virtues and love. They weaken men like us." his father told him.
The Barov family used their servants and personal guards for racket to spread fear among their neighbors with an ultimate goal of gaining greater wealth. Similarly, the Dalson family who lived in the same region did the same and the two families would often get into physical battles somewhere in the forests and fields of Tirisfal. With each new casualty, the hate of the two families grew and young "Master Leo" was expected to lead the clan to victory over the neighbors one day. But that is not what Leomir had planned for himself.
[edit] Adolescence
Years -58 to -52
Unlike the rest of his family, Leomir was not interested in criminal world or clan dominations. In fact, the more he was taught about it and the higher family expectations grew, the more the young man loathed it. He would often run to an old hermit up in the mountains and talk with him about the world, the far off lands, about nature, and the harmony of things. Leo preferred laying on his back in the forest, examining the sky, listening to the birds sing. One day, while exploring the forest, he saw a dark-haired girl in a blue dress sitting under a magnificent oak, reading a book. When he came up to her they began talking. She told Leo her name was Primella, and he could call her Prima. Her family, much like his, seemed evil and greedy so she found a sanctuary in the forest. Soon, the two would meet at the same place, below the branches of the great oak, every day after the noon studies. The girl introduced him to literature such as poetry and to activities such as singing, dancing, and playing the lyre. Just a few years later, at sundown of the longest day of the summer, they secretly wed under the mighty tree that has seen generations before them, and were united for all eternity with a kiss that would change the couple's lives more than anything else.
[edit] Adulthood (Year -52 to Present)
The troubles were not over. Everything had just begun. Primella was a Dalson which meant a mortal enemy to all Barovs back then. If their families caught the pair, both would be dealt with in the most merciless and vile manner. Taking nothing but a few gold coins and the dearest of things, Leo and Prima, under the cover of night, left their family manors never to come back again. The couple each left a suicide note saying they drowned in the ocean in their rooms to prevent search parties from following them. Their destination was the Lordaeron Capital City where no member of the warring clans ever went (the Barovs and the Dalsons felt more comfortable in their manors where they were kings for themselves and no one could get to them).
Beginning a new life in the city, Leo and Prima had to rent a small dusty apartment. Leomir joined the military while Primella found a job as a cook in the Palace. By the year 40 B.I. (Before Invasion), Leomir quickly rose in ranks to become a member of the Royal Guard of Lordaeron.
The Lion's Tale
One time after a long and cold winter, the King went off on a hunt alone, taking only two guards with him. He came to Hillsbrad Foothills, at the bottom of the Alterac Mountains. There was not much prey considering the harsh winter so the King insisted on going deeper into the unknown places. Finally, the trio came to the top of a tall mountain with only one low slope on the north side and cliffs on the south, west, and east sides. While the King and his guards were enjoying the view, a family of over twenty starved, rabid lions quietly neared them from the north side. When the men noticed the animals it was too late, they were betweem fire and flame. One of the guards, reluctant to be torn into pieces by two dozen predators, chose a quick death by jumping off the cliff and hitting solid rocks at the bottom. The King and Leomir decided to stand and die honorably, without surrender.
While the King gained stance in preparation for his last fight, his guard, without waiting for the animals to attack first, launched himself at the angry beasts with cry "Long live the Monarchy!" and so began a symphony of bones cracking, guts ripping, and blood flowing. The King could not tell human from beast and was somewhat afraid to penetrate the center of the fight with his sword, due to possibility of killing Leomir by that action. After over half an hour of roars, claws landing, and golden fur flying up from the massacre, a sudden silence came. The King saw the remaining three lions running away and when he neared what was an epic battle just a moment ago, he saw the leader of the lions, a three-hundred-fifty pound chief laying dead with his chest ripped open and a human being, completely red from blood next to him, holding a still beating heart that, the King guessed, came from the lion chief's chest.
It took Leomir over eight months to once again be able to walk after the incident. All the healers of the Kingdom were amazed by his stamina and ability to live after all the diseases and wounds he received. Official reports from Lordaeron doctors stated Leomir received 333 wounds and should have died from blood loss by the time he was brough to the city by the King.
When he returned to the King's court, Leomir Barov found, to his surprise, that he became a national hero and celebrity. His way was laid with flower petals and he was greeted with cheers and applause from both the peasants and the nobles. But surprises did not end there.
Leomir was escorted by twelve most noble knights of the kingdom to the King's throne where His Majesty not only dubbed him a knight but proclaimed him Leomir, the Duke Lionheart. He was given land, money, and an honorary place at court.
The Call of Faith
In general, the life of Leomir, his three children, and his wife was from that time on carried by a wave of worldwide events, when in the first year A.I. (After Invasion) the Great War began. Leomir alongside heroes such as Uther and Lothar went on crusades, leaving home behind for months, and sometimes even years. But one event had greater significance for Leomir than many others - the building of the Church of Light and the spread of its philosophy.
The new faith taught that the power should not come from an external source, that all the power is gathered inside each and every one and through good, true, and faithful heart one can weild it to both heal and fight. Although the fight with the lions was long before the teachings spread, Leomir knew that the Light helped him back then. It helped him not only come out victorious, but to come out alive.
By the time the First War started, Leomir was already a member of the Holy Order of Northshire Clerics and after the first great war, he was among the first to follow Uther the Lightbringer and become a new sort of fighter - a Paladin.
His faith carried him through the waves and storms of the next twenty two years, and finally brought him and his family to the shore of the Kingdom of Stormwind alongside refugees such as the future Archbishop Benedictus, then known as Faol.
Life in Stormwind and the Creation of the Order of the Lion
In Stormwind Leomir quickly developed a loyal friendship with King Varian Wrynn and in year 25 of the new age he was proclaimed Leomir, Duke Lionheart, the Earl of Stormwind.
The newly elevated Earl then created a secret organization with a mission to protect the Monarchy, the Kingdom, and the Church of Light called the Order of the Lion on October 21, year 26 of the new age. This was a paladin-only knight order of twelve human nobles whose names are still a mystery to the public.
In February of year 28, the Order of the Lion became a public organization that accepted a wider variety of members, going first from a Church organization that banned warlocks, for instance, to a society of all kinds of races, classes, and faiths. The Order is still undergoing major liberal reforms now to keep up with the times.
Leomir Barov has created a great economic and political empire throughout the years (see two sections below).
Mysterious Disappearance of Family
Recently, rumors began to form about the unexplained disappearance of the Duke's wife and children. Only one thing is known for sure - they no longer live in Stormwind. The Duke refused to comment on where and why they went.
[edit] Personality
Almost always friendly and with a smile on his face this man does not hold grudges for no reason. To have him as your friend means to have a faithful, true ally and to have him as your enemy means no jokes. He will readily forgive but he will never forget.
Leomir Barov enjoys arts, music, literature, cooking, blacksmithing, and most of all fishing. He sometimes gets tired of pompous banquets and formal meetings but you should not get too familiar with him without his permission. He hates ever being called Leomir by anyone and prefers being addressed as Leo by his closest friends while most others usually call him Mr. Barov, Your Highness, or simply Sir. Leomir also never calls anyone by their first names without their permission.
Leomir's faith is the first thing in his life, followed by the Monarchy of Stormwind and his family. Over the years he learned to be tolerant of most kinds of peoples even though he still disrespects the users of dark magic and loathes the Blood Elves for using corrupt energy and manipulating the power of the Light until just recently.
Some unknown, dark things from the past left a mark on Leomir's behavior and life. Still not willing to admit anything, he will sometimes stand on the top of a mountain, or on a bridge in Stormwind and stare into space, remembering or, maybe, reliving the past.
[edit] Political, Social, and Economic Empire
Over the years, Duke Lionheart has engaged in a wide variety of political, economic, and social activities over which he directly, or indirectly, holds certain power and authority.
[edit] Political & Social
The Holy Church of Light
Close friend of the Archbishop Benedictus, Leomir insists on the followers of Light to be united and to accept mild reforms. His belief that unity and compromise are crucial comes from observations made after the recent split between the Holy Church of Light and the Heretics of the Holy Light. The Duke is a member of the Inquisitional Court of the Church.
Stormwind City Police Department
In case of emergency, the officers of the SCPD will come to the rescue. Unofficial information says over half of the members are somehow linked to RIA.
Royal Intelligence Agency
The Earl of Stormwind is the founder and the head of, possibly, the largest information trading organization ((On Ravenholdt in any case)). Created to protect the Stormwind Monarchy, RIA has its secret agents lurking all around the world with only one person having complete access to the legendary RIA Library.
The Court of Law
Leomir Barov is a renowned judge, famous for making decisions based on facts and evidence even if his decisions go against his personal beliefs or views. His judicial authority can be used in almost any dealings on the territories of Alliance.
Order of the Lion
Sometimes diplomacy just won't do. The army of faith and hope, it can be used as a powerful weapon against a stubborn opponent. Order of the Lion is not simply a guild, honorary members of the Order can be found in many other organizations, ready to combat the enemies side-by-side with Leomir's knights.
The Stormwind Tribune
Although not directly responsible for the content of this newspaper, Leomir is the patron and sponsor of the issue.
[edit] Economic
Lion's Trade Inc.
Lion's Trade Company is the largest merchant corporation of Azeroth ((On Ravenholdt, in any case)). Being a primary source of the Duke's income, this may be the second most successful organization he ever created (following the RIA). All of its meetings and business done behind the closed doors, it is impossible to tell who are the members and what exactly they do. LTC is a V.I.P.-only business machine running quietly but smoothly, controlling the prices to stay balanced and steady. Each member of the organization has a weekly "Ducal Tax" to send to the Earl, ranging from 5 to 20 percent of the income, depending on the individual.
Thorlamor Silverbeard
A good friend of the prominent Mr. Silverbeard, Leomir has quite an economic advisor at his side. Silverbeard - a controversial businessman is, arguably, the richest person of Alliance. Still no information is present on how the dwarf made his gold but most agree that the Duke played some part in it.
The Two Lion's Tavern
Most popular tavern of the realm, owned by Mr. Turudes Arestin, is sponsored by Leomir Barov whose name appears on all advertisements.
[edit] The Artifacts Controversy
For many years rumors have been following the Duke, saying he spends his free time collecting relics from different cultures and ages. According to these rumors, Leomir's greatest interest are the artifacts (in particular weapons) that once belonged to human heroes from the Great Wars. Some claim to have seen him carrying a few of these with him in public. Reasons behind the Earl's hobby are still unknown. The most celebrated of the artifacts Duke Lionheart supposedly owns is "Quel'Zaram" - The High Blade - sword of Anduin Lothar. Eyewitnesses say they saw Leomir enter the RIA headquarters with the blade attached to his leggings soon after his return from a long dragon hunt with six other nobles.
[edit] The Middle Name Controversy
No one knows what Leomir's middle name is. If anybody does know, they won't admit to it but for now, the "R." in his name remains a mystery.
[edit] Awards and Titles
~Year 35 B.I. - Duke Lionheart
~Year 05 A.I. - Member of the Holy Order of Northshire Clerics
~Year 07 A.I. - Knight of the Order of Silver Hand
~Year 14 A.I. - Defender of the Faith
~Year 21 A.I. - The Bane of Heretics
~Year 22 A.I. - Member of the Inquisitional Court of the Holy Mother Church
~Year 22 A.I. - Honorary Member of SI:7
~Year 23 A.I. - Earl of Stormwind
~Year 23 A.I. - Member of the House of Nobles
~Year 24 A.I. - Grand Master of Order of the Lion
~Year 24 A.I. - Cavalier of Order of Light, I Degree
~Year 25 A.I. - Professor of Scholars' Society
~Year 25 A.I. - CEO of Lion's Trade Inc.
~Year 25 A.I. - Magister of the Court of Law
~Year 25 A.I. - Grand Commissar of the Royal Intelligence Agency
~Year 25 A.I. - Honorary Officer of the Stormwind City Police Department
~Year 25 A.I. - One of the Seven Dragon Slayers
~Year 26 A.I. - Honorary Graduate of the Stormwind Academy
~Year 26 A.I. - Patron of The Stormwind Times
~Year 26 A.I - Deceased
[edit] External Links
The Stormwind Times ~Ravenholdt~
The World of Warcraft Chronology/Timeline for All Those Who are Still not Sure About it
