Leo III

Leo III (born Marcus Leo, 7 Flowertide, 980) is the current King of Kings and nominal monarch of the Gastrinian Empire. The eldest son of King Titos II of the Leonine Dynasty, he was raised in the royal palace and ascended the throne in early 1002. As a young man, he became involved in scholarly pursuits, but was thrust into the responsibility of leadership. Leo plotted with Flavius Brekakt to overthrow his tyrannical Mayor of the Palace, Orestes, which was put into place on New Year's Eve. Brekakt was named Leo's chief minister and head of the armies, powers he used on the King's behalf to end several revolts, counter maritime piracy, and restore peace and trade throughout Gestrin.

Leo has reigned since, with close collaboration with Prince Brekakt at rebuilding Gestrin's military and social welfare system. He is very popular in his own country, and historians and bards of the West have praised him for his measured and benevolent reign.