Athanasius Isaurian

Athanasius the Immortal (1222-1223) was the former Basileus of the Calradic Empire. He was the fifth Calradic Basileus belonging to the Isaurian dynasty, and part of the third generation of Isaurians. He was the son of Viator Isaurian.

Early Life
Athanasius was born as the only son of Viator and Alba Isaurian. Immediately after his birth, the newborn was paraded around Zeonica by Viator, being praised and showered with gifts. When Athanasius was three however, the Velucans rampaged through Zeonica on the first Tuesday of March, which is now known by the Calradics as 'Black Tuesday.' While Athanasius and his parents managed to escape the enduring chaos, protected and escorted by the Sturgic Guardsmen, Viator's mental state rapidly deteriorated from the collapse of half of his empire, and moreover the sudden death of Alba shortly after they fled to Halmar. Throughout his entire childhood, Athanasius was spoiled and pampered, being given whatever he wanted when he wanted, which led to his future narcissistic and entitled mentality. He even acquired the nickname 'Little Boots' from the citizenry, for his elaborate and expensive boots. When Athanasius became a teenager, he was taught by his father on rulership and swordsmanship, and also developed an intense interest in the history of the empire, learning of Alixenus the Great and reading extensively on the horrendous 'Apocalypse' which brought the empire towards the very brink of extinction over a century ago. On his 19th birthday, Athanasius was given the town of Narra after the death of its previous despotes.

Despotes of Narra, Prince of the Calradic Empire
Athanasius' faced an onset of problems soon after he became Despotes of Narra. The former Despotes of Uhhun burnt the yurts of the nomads in Narra, which were protected under the banner of the empire, to which Athanasius responded by blinding and castrating the noble, whom died of blood loss in the process. Shortly after that, he nearly lost his life at the hands of steppe bandits as he was riding about the nearby steppes, whom were mistaken for Uhgar warriors. Meanwhile, in this disorder, Athanasius bonded closely with Marshal Lycus of Narra, and gave him command of the Narranriotai, an elite unit of nomads under the banner of the Calradics. The ability of the Narranriotai were tested when Athanasius ultimately assaulted Malayurg Castle, in retaliation of the perceived Uhgar hostilities, and ended with a Calradic victory.