Avkan ruun-Heshkari

Overview

Avkan ruun-Heshkari is the Basileus of Asgartha, having held office since 361 AC. Elected at age forty-one, he was seventy-two years old as of 392 AC when he delivered The Age of Rediscovery Proclamation. He hails from a distinguished noble lineage dating back to the founding of Asgartha, connected to House ruun-Heshkari and through it to the founding family of Bravos. His face is framed by a thick beard and bushy brows.

Background

Role

The Basileus, elected for a usual term of ten years, arbitrates the sessions of the Council. In cases of tie votes, the Basileus has the authority to decide the direction deemed most appropriate.

University Years

Avkan and Waru Toowoom met at university where they quickly became close friends and intellectual rivals. Despite disagreements and diametrically opposed views, they often gathered in evenings at a tavern in the Ruzzante to confront ideas. While Waru had a passion for history, Avkan had an interest in tales of great explorers.

For several years, certain indicators hinted at future troubles: growing population, limited resources, declining mines, rising animosities between Factions. Avkan was convinced solutions required looking beyond the Peninsula’s borders. One evening, Avkan likened Asgartha to a colony of mice that would irreversibly collapse upon itself—this analogy caused a rift, and Waru publicly slammed the tavern door. When they graduated, a chasm had irreversibly opened between them in public view.

Secret Pact with Waru

In truth, Avkan maintained secret friendship and political collaboration with Waru Toowoom spanning decades. While Waru publicly served as Avkan’s most notorious opponent, he actually functioned as Avkan’s most loyal ally working to enable the Rediscovery Endeavor.

Faction Negotiations

Convincing the Factions and various state organs to support the Rediscovery Endeavor required deploying considerable oratory and tactical skill. Bravos immediately praised his initiative. Axiom was won over by offering the opportunity to gather more Kelon. Ordis was convinced it was a societal necessity. Lyra was attracted by the prospect of rediscovering humanity’s lost children. Yzmir was interested in learning more about the secrets of the universe.

If aligned with any Faction, it would be Muna. Avkan believes that humanity and its allies have a role to play in restoring balance to the world, stabilizing it by restraining the Tumult winds.

Timeline

363 AC - Rediscovery Plan Development

Waru submitted Rediscovery Endeavor launch plan through official channels to Legate on Avkan’s behalf. Plan faced scrutiny identifying funding issues, budget cuts, and continuity concerns.

364 AC - Intelligence Gathering

Spy on Avkan’s payroll observed Waru’s meeting with Robin Hood at tavern. Waru deliberately stirred controversy about Rediscovery Endeavor to create controlled opposition.

365 AC - Waru’s Sacrifice

Waru was convicted of attempted corruption, threats, and kickbacks after trial. Prosecutor referenced Waru forcing Isura banking institution’s hand. Waru received immediate removal and expulsion for minimum three years, giving Avkan complete freedom to approve Rediscovery Endeavor launch while silencing protest.

367 AC - Historical Research

Waru conducted research at Sanctum and consulted with Quetzalcóatl and Thoth. He examined Baird y Idris’s logbook containing City of Scholars coordinates and translated Tumult Nomad memoir revealing the City’s significance.

368 AC - Extended Mandate and Council Ratification

Avkan requested an extended mandate to realize his grand project, having a decree ratified by four councilors allowing him to reign until the realization of the Rediscovery Endeavor. Waru theatrically opposed on auditorium floor while political allies berated Council. Avkan gave Waru a discreet nod while projecting arrogant disdain to hide gratitude.

386 AC - Exalt Appointment

Basileus’s seal appeared on proclamation nominating Waru as Exalt. Frog Prince authenticated document making Waru and Mack official Exalt.

Peregrine Museum Meeting

Avkan met secretly with Waru at Peregrine Museum. Before them stood an old map of the world as it was before; two friends vowed to affix a new map of current reality with Asgartha at center.

392 AC - Recruiting Temera Singh

Avkan personally recruited Temera Singh to lead the Expeditionary Corps. He outlined the need for an authority whose neutrality could not be questioned, capable of analysis, anticipation, and control—a hand firm enough to command respect while allowing everyone the ability to express their opinions. He described the role as walking the razor’s edge, framing the Factions’ participation and guiding their ambitions toward the common goal.

392 AC - The Age of Rediscovery Proclamation

Avkan delivered The Age of Rediscovery Proclamation, announcing the launch of the Rediscovery Endeavor and declaring the beginning of the Age of Rediscovery. Over twenty years earlier, he had promised to step aside once the Endeavor was launched, and he intended to honor that commitment.

393 AC - The White Lie Revelation

Avkan met secretly with Waru in a hidden chamber aboard The Ouroboros’s potable water reservoir, a place Esmeralda had told him about. Face drawn and tired, Avkan spoke of his upcoming retirement and his intent to let the Rediscovery Endeavor stand on its own. When Waru revealed what he believed was his orchestrated scheme—hiring forgers to authenticate fakes about the Source of the Tumult—Avkan shocked him with a revelation that even he had been “but a mere executor,” serving a higher power. Though Avkan suspected what lay at the City of Scholars, he did not have all the cards to be certain. Avkan stated the burden was far too heavy to bear, as his Eidolon manifested above him, draped in heavy chains.

Relationships

• Baird y Idris: Historical explorer whose logbook provided City of Scholars coordinates for Endeavor research (367 AC)
• Esmeralda: Informed Avkan about The Ouroboros’s secret places
• Frog Prince: Notary who authenticated Waru’s Exalt appointment with Avkan’s seal (386 AC)
• Hadrian: Alternative succession candidate rejected for insufficient Assembly influence
• Mack: Waru’s Alter Ego who gathered intelligence for Avkan
• Noya Kagama: Senator considered as potential successor but deemed too conservative (392 AC)
• Quetzalcóatl: University professor who showed Waru logbook advancing Endeavor research (367 AC)
• Robin Hood: Isura financier whose meeting with Waru was monitored by Avkan’s spy (364 AC)
• Temera Singh: Commander Avkan personally recruited to lead the Expeditionary Corps (392 AC)
• Thoth: Scholar who translated memoir for Waru revealing City of Scholars importance (367 AC)
• Waru Toowoom: University rival and lifelong secret collaborator spanning 23+ years (363-393 AC)