King Thirfinn

King Thirfinn serves as the elective monarch and senior arbiter of the Kingdom of Skyss. His role is defined by the maintenance of constitutional harmony between the Council of Electors and the various administrative arms of the state, including the Board of Trade. Within the narrative of 774 AM, Thirfinn functions as the ultimate judicial authority, legitimising the emergence of new Heroes and providing the state-level recognition required to resolve blood prices and diplomatic disputes.

Thirfinn is an average height man characterised by his white hair and beard, both of which are worn in elaborate plaits. He typically wears a blue tunic decorated with nine gold coins, representing the crest of Skyss, with a plain gold circlet held in place by his hair. Physically, he carries himself with a “mischievous” air, possessing eyes that sparkle with amusement even during formal state functions. He is known for a deep, room-filling laugh that often ripples across the Great Hall of the King's Palace.

As the senior arbiter, his temperament is defined by a blend of pragmatism and traditionalism. While he enjoys testing the wits of those who petition him, his judgements are absolute. He is deeply aware of the political instability caused by the emergence of Heroes and works closely with Old Bjorn and Lady Helga Trollslayer to ensure such individuals serve the interests of the Crown rather than destabilising trade.

Thirfinn was elected to the throne by a two-thirds majority of the Council of Electors, as per the constitutional requirements of the Skyssian State. Upon his election, he relinquished any prior offices to serve purely as the impartial head of the realm. He resides within the palace park in Kronstadt, where he oversees the daily administration of justice.

In the late summer of 774 AM, Thirfinn invited Yngvild the Fierce and Noren to dinner to welcome them to the capital. During the subsequent petition session, he demonstrated his judicial mastery when confronted by the widow of a man killed by the sentient sword Jafnadr. By declaring the death a divine judgement directly from Fafnir, the King successfully neutralised a potential legal crisis and protected the new hero from the requirement of a blood price.

• Yngvild the Fierce: The bearer of Jafnadr whose heroic status the King formally recognised.
• Council of Electors: The body of nine primate officials to whom the King is ultimately accountable.

• King's Palace: The King's official residence and site of his Great Hall.
• Kronstadt: The primate city of the realm and seat of his power.
• House of Justice: The administrative centre for the legal judgements the King oversees.

• Blood Price: The legal debt the King has the authority to waive in cases of divine judgement.