Valyr Helos

Valyr Helos, also known as "The Mad King", is the fourteenth emperor of the Celeste Empire. He was a tyrannical and violent king, and much of his term was filled with political unrest. Many believed that he was mentally unstable. He reigned for 52 long years until his sudden death from a rebel attack. He was succeeded by his daughter, Valyra.

Appearance
In his youth, Valyr was said to be a very handsome prince, with fair skin, bright amber eyes, and the signature Helos red hair. Despite this, some people noted a glint of madness in his eyes, and an uncanny smile when left to his own devices. He had the lean figure of a warrior, and was the tallest among his brothers.

Valyr lost many of his handsome charms throughout his years ruling as king, looking much older than he actually was. His hair developed white streaks early, and his eyes always had dark circles underneath them. He lost his warrior-like figure after the first decade of his rule, and became sickly thin, while his pale skin had turned a ghostly color. He never lost the crazy look in his eyes.

Personality
In his youth, Valyr was a charming young prince, who easily made good first impressions. Despite this, Valyr suffered from frequent mood swings, and had a short temper. He was easily jealous, and disliked being overshadowed by his older siblings.

Valyr only became more mentally unstable as he got older, especially after the deaths of his father and older brother (who he was rumored to have orchestrated). He had little regard for the people of Celeste, wanting the benefits of a king with none of the responsibility. He was quick to pick fights with his council and other nobles. Over the years, he only grew more paranoid, violent, and erratic. After the death of his oldest son, he began to whisper to himself like a madman.

Early Life
Valyr was the third and youngest son of the thirteenth emperor, Valor Helos IV. His mother died while giving birth to him. His older brothers Valor V and Verin were 12 and 9 years older than him, respectively. Because of this, he had difficulty getting close to his siblings, while his father often neglected him in favor of his oldest sons. He would often throw tantrums and outbursts when he didn't get his way.

His father, Emperor Valor Helos IV, died of an unknown illness in 629 AE. His older brother, Verin, died 9 days after from a carriage accident, just a week before his supposed coronation. Many have theorized Valyr's involvement in his father and brother's deaths, but nothing has ever been proven. Since his older brother Valor V had abdicated the throne many years prior, Valyr was crowned the next Emperor of Celeste.

Reign
Valyr ascended the Celeste throne in 629 AE.

Death
Valyr's official cause of death has been attributed to a rebel attack.

Legacy
Valyr left a very unstable kingdom and empire, which would take his heir Valyra decades to undo. He is responsible for many of the present day distrust in regards to the empire, with his long and terrible reign having revitalized the various rebel groups of Celeste.

Valyr had two children, Valen and Valyra, but only the latter would survive into adulthood and become empress.

Campaign 1
The next heir to the throne, Valerian Helos, is often compared to him, due to his similar violent outbursts.

Valyra Helos
Valyr was surprisingly protective of his youngest child and daughter, especially after Valen's death.

Valen Helos
Valen's death supposedly drove Valyr to further madness.

Valor Helos IV
Valyr did not have the best relationship with his father.

Verin Helos IV
Valyr did not have the best relationship with his brother.

Valor Helos V
Valor V was highly protective of Valyr.

Abilities
Valyr was said to be a capable warrior in his youth, though he preferred the use of small knives to more noble weapons. He was also said to be well versed in alchemy and herbalism.

Influence
As Emperor of Celeste, and monarch of Sol, Valyr was one of the most powerful people in Auros. He has supreme command over the Scarlet Guard, and all official affiliations of the Empire. He was said to have had a secret service of assassins and spymasters during his reign.

Quotes

 * "He's there. He's out to kill me. I won't let him." (frequent whispers)
 * "Valen. Please, I'm sorry. Valen." (frequent whispers)

Trivia

 * Valyr is inspired by the Mad King Aerys II Targaryen from ASOIF and GOT.