Luca deSadar

Luca deSadar (born Luca Sadar Gulo in 705) is the Pasori ruler of the Northern Territories. He is best known for reunifying the Outer Territories with the primarily Santri state of Treston, and eventually assimilating the remnants of Old Mesda. While originally voted into office, during subsequent years in office he has dissolved his cabinet and all other checks to his power. He has a well-developed cult of personality and is generally considered to be a dictator. The Emperor is currently preoccupied with border disputes between the Territories and his neighboring country, Caris.

Early years

Luca Sadar Gulo is the 17th and youngest legitimate child of Sadar Duvida Gulo, legendary champion of the Pasori Gulo. The identity of his mother is unknown, but assumed to be one of Sadar's several wives. He would have been last in line for succession after his eight brothers. However, wartime circumstances led to his being his father's last living heir.

As far as it known, Luca never had any significant interactions with his immediate family. When asked by a close acquaintance if he had any memory of his parents, he is said to have replied, "They gave me a name, that is more than enough." (cite)

Custody controversy

Shortly after his birth Luca fell into the care of his aunt, Mazini Sadar Gulo. It is disputed as to whether or not he was abducted by his aunt or given into her care by either Sadar or one of his wives. The former theory is better supported, given the nature of Luca's reunion with his tribe. Mazini went into hiding and finally settled in the coastal town of Polisa. She changed her name to Mazie and Luca's name to Bezo. The two of them maintained a small store together until her death.

Childhood

Most of what is known of Luca's childhood comes from his official biography and interviews with his wife. From these accounts we learn that Luca (called Bezo), became highly skilled at identifying and collecting local flora and fauna. He also aided in upkeep of Mazini's shop, located at the front of the wooden structure they lived in. Luca mentions in his biography that he was not permitted to stray from his assigned tasks, which aided him in developing his incredible focus later in life. During this period he was also urged to speak Santri as much as possible as to rid himself of a Pasori accent.

Luca also met his future wife in Polisa. Personal accounts indicate that they did not always get along, though evidently his impression of her was long-lasting.

In 718 Luca was reacquired by his uncle, Ronbe Duvida Gulo. Ronbe or his associates murdered Mazini and burned the store. Remnants of the structure can allegedly still be found on the hill overlooking the now abandoned town.

Service

In 720 Luca joined the Mesdan army in a bid to gain citizenship. He received basic training at _____ and met his friend and future rival, Ulyer deRisma.

Records from the time period preceding the dissolution of Old Mesda are spotty at best, but according to sources Luca served a year at ________ and another in ________. Fighting was minimal for both locations. At that time the Santri army did not trust Pasori soldiers to follow orders correctly, and Caris was entering its last stage of withdrawal from the frontlines before the final seige. Luca's company were not needed until mid 723, when they were called upon to assist in the Southern jungles.

In May of 723 Luca was captured by Caris soldiers and endured 3.5 years as a prisoner of war. Other than that he suffered several injuries, nothing more is known from this time period. A year or two into his rule the Emperor ordered all enemy persons and documents related to his imprisonment to be eradicated.

Health

the Emperor suffers from several health issues due to inadequate childhood care and injuries inflicted while imprisoned. His most significant injury is that to his lower right leg, which is amputated midway below the knee. The foot and lower leg required amputation after gangrene developed in an untreated bullet wound. He suffers several broken fingers on both hands, mostly hidden from the public by gloves. He is also missing two upper incisors and wears dentures to mask the space.

From palace accounts the Emperor is a very heavy eater, consuming several large meals a day. His physician has made it clear that such gluttonous behavior can lead to undesirable health effects, although no noticeable weight gain has been recorded over the course of his regime. Because of this, some have surmised that the Emperor may be hiding a serious illness.

There is also some question as to the Emperor's mental stability. Early criticisms by his opponents during the 735 election often refer to nervous ailments and anxious behaviors. Admittedly it is difficult at this point in time to separate slander from truthful accusations as many of these opponents have since disappeared. It is also well known that the Emperor talks to himself, though this is regarded as more of a harmless peculiarity than an indication of madness.

Family

Luca married his childhood Santri friend, Phe deBetel, in 730. During that time interracial marriages were not openly supported by the majority of the population, so their union was not made public knowledge until two years later (although they had been living together for one year).

Luca has three children by Phe; Rana, Suda and Hyla deSadar. Luca is often portrayed with them in photographs as a strong father figure, further supporting his portrayal as a father to the country.

Religious beliefs

Two of the three major religions are supported by Luca's regime. The major religion of the Territories is Santri Christianity, followed by the regional religions of the Gulo tribes. It is forbidden to study the Invidgeon or invoke Carissi words under penalty of public humiliation or imprisonment.

The Emperor himself is supposedly religion-neutral, though it is obvious from speeches and public conversations with the people that he is well versed in all three.