![[ Picture ]](charles.jpg)
Charles
Charles the Great, Charlemagne
Description
Charles was tall for his time almost 5'8" tall. Brown eyes,
(Reddish-brown hair when it grows in). His build is heavily muscled like
that of an athelte or warrior. His eyes dart quickly, not missing
anything or anyone.
Biography
Born in 742 in Aachen, in the Carolingian Empire (what would
later become Germany). Died on Jan 28th, 814. (no listed cause of death)
Charles had no formal education, and was basically illiterate.
(He did however believe in education for certain servants of the empire;
clerics, clergy, members of court, etc). He most likely spoke several of
the local languages and dialects of the time. (old romance core
languages, parents of german, or french).
Charles was a military leader of the Holy Roman Empire, who brought
most of central and western Europe under one rule and spread christianity
throughout the realm. Charles was motivated by power and duty (and possibly
greed, although this is not clearly stated in any history). Charles was a
driving force in the expansion of christianity and was crowned emperor of
the holy roman empire by pope Leo III in ( I've forgotten the year).
Charles also succeeded in uniting many different cultures under a
single suystem of administration including standardizing currency and a
system of weights and measures. In many cases the local codes/laws
remained intact and some laws added to make the regions more identical.
He encouraged trade and mercantilism, and generally brought prosperity to
regions, although he did NOT bring peace.
Charles dealt swiftly and without mercy on insurrections and also
in battles for conquest of certain areas. He did not create his empire
without enormous loss of life, and without ruling with a tyranical fist.
Skills
Charles is excellent in combat, diplomacy, management,
leadership and strategy. The skills writing, reading, (of learned men)
have no appeal to Charles himself, but having information that he can use
through council with learned people is critical.
Personality Questions
-
Would your character prefer a game of chess or a game of football?
-
Charles would prefer football. It simulates war and prepares a
strategician (sp?)
-
If your character found a wallet in the street, would they return it?
-
The wallet, like spoils of war, belongs to the victor and to the
people of the street. Charles would take a portion of the money, then
divide the rest amonst the people of that street.
-
Would your character be more likely to be the life of the party or
to quietly observe the goings-on?
-
Charles would be the life of the party. It would be His party and
you would play by His rules. He was the Leader.
- Would your character be found on the top of a pyramid of people or
on the bottom?
-
At the top fo the pyramid is where Charles can be found. It is highly
likely that many of the people on the levels below him would be dead.
-
Pretending to be your character, rank the following statements in order
of truth. Leave out statements that are false about your character.
-
a. Other people listen to what I say
d. I notice my surroundings
b. I am physically above-average
c. I am clever with my hands