High Paladin Gnaeus Sallustis is of the House of Embers, The Grand Master Paladin of the order of Basilean paladins. Riding atop a massive lion called Nakir, enemies that see him are consumed with dread, for legend has it he has never lost a battle he has led.
Biography
Early Years
Gnaeus was born to Valnar Sallustis and his Elohi mother, and it is rumored he is a decendant of Oredorus who founded the first Paladin order.
His mother encouraged Gnaeus to follow his dreams which led to him to join the order of Paladins at aged 12 which he had an uncanny talent beyond his years. Gnaeus was the youngest novice to ever be sent an initiation quest at the age of 14 and when he returned he was riding a young Basilean Lion called Nakir and was immediately sworn into the order.
Gnaeus was outspoken against the Basilean Hegemon, mainly in the matters of war. Gnaeus belived that Basileans only purpose was to destory the Wicked Ones and their followers, refusing in being involved in any aggression towards non-evil forces and despises the politics of the capital of Golden Horn. The Order of Basilean Paladins hold Gnaeus in high regard and Gnaeus is known to us the influence of the order to sway political decisions that he felt were wrong or self-serving.
Gnaeus would often take personal and secretive quests, disappearing for months or even years, claiming these quests were in service to the Shining Ones which some in the priesthood question.
3850
Edge of the Abyss
During the Edge of the Abyss, after discovering a desecrated monastery in the mountains north of Basilea, Gnaeus along with Vaelleri and some of his Basilean forces journeyed south through the Halpi Mountains and towards the snowy Mountains of Abkhazla in Abercarr to find those responsible. Over the next few days and weeks, his forces battled through the invading Forces of the Abyss reaching the point of exhaustion, with Gnaeus becoming confused while talking to Vaelleri who became concerned his mind was compromised. Gnaeus insisted he wasn't influenced by the Wicked Ones and if there was some kind of corruption taking place, he would uncover it.
Suddenly a great roar pierced the night with all their soldiers drawing swords and arming themselves. Gnaeus saw a deep red glow from the edge of this vision and the roars began to come closer with Abyssals appearing from every direction and he knew his force was too depleted to take them on. Vaelleri then revealed a trapped door underneath the snow and encouraged the men to smash it open to escape. Gnaeus, Valleri and the rest of the force entered the tunnel through the trapdoor and began to make their way through, lightning their way through with touches and trusting Gnaeus' guidence through.
They contiuned on for many hours, or even days, with the paths opening up as they travelled and sometimes they would see daylight ahead, only to find the path blocked by walls of coal-black rock. Over time, Gnaeus' forces started to fall, and others would eventually grow too tired to drag their comrades along with them resulting in the fallen being left behind. Gnaeus would find himself wondering if they had even had truely been there or had just miscounted. Eventually they would reach a great door bound in brass set in a wall of carved stone, however only Gnaeus and Vaelleri remained at this point.
Gnaeus asked Vaelleri about the reset of the party however did not know what he was talking about. Vaelleri told him this was the lair of Zhortan, the demonologist and to prepare himself. Gnaeus pushed his doubts down, drew his sword and entered the chamber through the door. Gnaeus came upon a vast plain, the air around him shimmering with heat, scorching his flesh and the sky overhead burned with liquid fire with the sounds of battle echoing all around him and Vaelleri had vanished, making him wonder if she was ever there to begin with.
Gnaeus called for Zhortan however the reply came inside his mind, taunting him. Eventually Gnaeus brought the sword down on Zhortan which dispersed him in a great flame and continued to slash at the other fiery abyssals around him, evenutally being victorious and sinking to one knew. Eventually Vaelleri told Gnaeus that they shouldnt linger in the snowy ruins.
3854
Gnaeus attended his cousin, Baraeus Sallustis and Celeste Sallustis funeral after they were attacked and killed by abyssals during the end of the War against the Abyss. While present there, their surviving daughter Alanis Sallustis approached Gnaeus and pleaded to be trained by him then join him on the battlefield to get her vengeance.
Gnaeus told her that she was the last in the Sallustis line and that that Basilea cannot risk her life in battle, instead he sent Alanis away to train to become a [War Priest
Kings of War Appearances
- 1st Appearance - Kings of War 1.1 - Basilean Legacy
- 2nd Edition - Kings of War - 2nd Edition Rulebook
- 3rd Edition - Kings of War - 3rd Edition Rulebook
1st Edition
Gnaeus Sallustis is the Grand Master of the order of Basilean Paladins. His appearance on the battlefield is bad omen for the enemies of Basilea, as no army he has lead has ever lost a battle. He rides into battle atop his gigantic Basilean lion, Nakir, cutting swathe through the enemy ranks to reach his ultimate objective, a final confrontation with the enemy general.
Supremely pious and devout, yet a terrifying warrior and cunning tactician, Gnaeus epitomizes every aspect of what it means to be a Paladin. It would seem his life was destined for a higher calling, because he is the offspring of the extremely rare union between man and Elohi. Gnaeus’ father, Valnar, was a paladin of great renown and was rumored to actually be a descendant of Oredorus himself.
From a young age, Gnaeus often claimed to be granted visions by the Shining Ones in his dreams. His Elohi mother encouraged him to follow his dreams, which eventually lead him to join the order of Paladins when he was only 12. As a novice, Gnaeus showed uncanny talent and piety beyond his years. He was the youngest novice ever to be sent on an initiation quest at the age of 14. He was immediately sworn as brother and became a full paladin when he returned from his initiation quest riding a young Basilean Lion.
Gnaeus is outspoken and often at odds with the Hegemon, in particular on matters related to war. Gnaeus believes it is the Basileans’ purpose to only seek out and destroy the Wicked Ones and their minions. He outright refuses to participate in aggression that is not directed against ‘Evil’ races and despises the politics of the capital. The Order of Paladins hold Gnaues in the highest regard and Gnaues has been known to use the influence of the order to sway political decisions that he felt where unrighteous or self-serving.
On occasion, Gnaeus undertakes personal and secretive quests where he disappears for months or even years. He claims these quests are granted to him directly by the Shining Ones and serve their purpose only. No one really knows where he goes and what he does on these mysterious ventures, but many Basilean priests believe the Shining Ones are using Gnaeys to pursue their agenda of becoming re-unified with the Wicked Ones. These whispers have earned Gnaues more than one enemy in the priesthood and other politically-minded individuals who do not want to see the status quo disrupted.
2nd Edition
Gnaeus Sallustis is the Grand Master of the order of Basilean Paladins. His appearance on the battlefield is bad omen for the enemies of Basilea, as no army he has lead has ever lost a battle. He rides into battle atop his gigantic Basilean lion, Nakir, cutting swathes through the enemy ranks to reach his ultimate objective, a final confrontation with the enemy general.
3rd Edition
Gallery
-
Gnaeus Sallustis Model -
Gnaeus Sallustis Art -
Gnaeus Sallustis 1st Edition Rules -
Gnaeus Sallustis 2nd Edition Rules -
Gnaeus Sallustis 3rd Edition Rules
 This wiki is not an official Mantic Games publication. |