Nikephoros Megalos

Nikephoros Megalos is the Grand Domestic of the Calradic Empire and one of Ioannis' most loyal companions. He is known for his zealtory, patriotism and military competence.

Early life
Nikephoros was born in Almaros several years after the Calrads conquered most of the empire. The Megalos family was landless and impoverished back then, however because of their loyalty to Viator, they managed to take back their lands. Basil Megalos became a senior officer, while Nikephoros would be sent to live in the imperial capital, where he would be tutored and educated. It was during his long stay in the capital that Nikephoros gradually became close with Ioannis and Horatius, almost becoming part of the imperial family. Meanwhile, Basil and Alexios Stavros became fierce rivals after a broken marriage and alliance. Instead of marrying a Stavros', Nikephoros instead married the daughter of a priest. By the time Horatius was assassinated, Nikephoros was in his late 20's and commanded a unit of horsemen. With Horatius leaving no heirs, the Stavros and Megalos soon battled over who would take Makrinos. Luring the Stavros army into a narrow pass, Nikephoros dealt a decisive defeat on 800 Stavros, killing Alexios II Stavros in battle, winning the entirety of Makrinos for his father.

Ioannis' Reign
During the turbulent co-rule of Ioannis and Alayne, Nikephoros and Basil were some of Ioannis' few allies. After Alayne was deposed and killed, Ioannis led the imperial army further east than it has ever been in decades. Nikephoros distinguished himself to Ioannis during their battles against the Khergits. The Calradic army even reached the walls of Tulga itself, before Ioannis was forced to turn back, with dwindling funds and abysmal morale. It was not long after that Ioannis converted to Corism, a move which outraged many members of the court, including Nikephoros. While Nikephoros was never able to forgive Ioannis for his conversion, he continued to loyally serve him, putting down the great riots which ensued with brutal force, seeing 5,000 rioters killed. A tense compromise was eventually reached by the unionists and the anti-unionists, resulting in a dual patriarchate. Meanwhile, news of a vicious Stavros' resurgence in Makrinos demanded Nikephoros' attention, resulting in another internal war where the Megalos' were dealt a decisive defeat. Makrinos was plundered, while the Stavros' executed all of their prisoners, save for Basil who they had blinded and paraded. Nikephoros' was devastated and retired for a couple years, before returning to the imperial court.

Grand Domestic
After several years, Nikephoros became Grand Domestic, outraging Asylaion Aronios, who also sought such a lucrative position. Nikephoros' command of the army saw a general improvement in the training and condition of the army, however it was not without some controversy. Many personal rivals actively oppose and undermine Nikephoros, withholding funds and manpower, as well as accusing him for corruption. The disastrous defeat of Tigridasos in September has recently struck Nikephoros with despair and pessimism.