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Roger III of Conté was a member of House Conté and the King of Tortall in the 200s HE.(In some books he is listed as Roger II instead of III.) He ended slavery in Tortall in 249 HE, as a result of the kidnapping and enslavement of his only son, Prince Gareth. Roger's first wife was Princess Alysy of Galla, and his second wife was Princess Jessamine of Barzun; the latter with whom he had Prince Gareth. Roger had one younger brother, Prince Baird[2]., who conspired against him and was part of the plot that involved the kidnapping of Prince Gareth. Because of his ban against slavery, he is known as Roger "The Liberator".

Biography[]

Kingship[]

First marriage[]

Roger's first wife was Princess Alysy of Galla, whom he did not care for that much. He also did not care for politics and did not take an interest in what went on in Tortall during this time. His marriage with Alysy was an unhappy one. He let his brother and councils rule the realm through him, and had many love affairs. Gershom of Haryse was one of his old friends, and often helped him hide his women from Queen Alysy.[3] Queen Alysy died later of what would be breast cancer. She refused to tell anyone who would have helped her because her marriage was so unhappy.

Second marriage[]

Roger remarried in 245 HE, forging a marital alliance with Barzun. Jessamine was a princess of the southern country and was immensely beautiful. Roger fell smitten. Queen Jessamine gave birth to Prince Gareth in 246 HE, and the boy became the heir to the throne of Tortall. Queen Jessamine showed an interest in the affairs of Tortall, and Roger followed suit, becoming more involved with politics and the progresses of the realm. This upset many powerful people who had ruled in Roger's name in the past, including Prince Baird, as well as other nobles and mages.

This led to the formation of a conspiracy and plot to overthrow the King and kidnap Prince Gareth, led by Baird of Conté. In 249 HE, members of the conspiracy kidnapped the prince and made him a slave. King Roger and Queen Jessamine asked Rebakah Cooper and Matthias Tunstall to track down and rescue their young son. In that time, Ironwood of Sinthya was King Roger's personal mage.[4]

After Beka Cooper rescued Prince Gareth, the king and queen threw a celebration in the Guardswoman's honor. Roger also decided to end slavery in Tortall.

Physical description[]

King Roger is described by Beka as being handsome and tan. He had gray eyes and reddish-brown, curly hair. In his early forties he had already some gray hairs.[3]

Legacy[]

Roger's legacy among his contemporaries was marred by his many sexual exploits, and he received many pejorative nicknames for those times when he was unfaithful to Queen Alysy. Many stories, true or not, were passed around and it even made it so Beka Cooper couldn't look him in the eyes in 249 HE, because she was too busy thinking about the many stories she was told about him. His marriage to Queen Jessamine helped others approve of him, especially when he became more involved in legislation, instead of just leaving it to his brother while he slept with other women.

His legacy for future generations was remarkably good, especially since he did abolish slavery. This was likely his greatest achievement as king.

Appearances[]

He was mentioned in Terrier as well as in Bloodhound and appears in Mastiff. In all these books he is listed as Roger II. He is mentioned as Roger III in Tortall: A Spy's Guide.

Notes and references[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Tortall: A Spy's Guide, pg. 225-235
  2. Bloodhound, September 23, 247 II (pg. 519; Random House hardcover)
  3. 3.0 3.1 Mastiff, Chapter 2 (Saturday, June 9, 249 (I))
  4. Mastiff

See also[]

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