Name and Reputation
The name Pietas comes from the word "pieta," meaning "representation." A famous statue by Michelangelo called "The Pieta" represents a dramatic event in Christendom. Another word for "pieta" is "creation." Pietas was considered (at his birth to two supposedly infertile immortals) to be the highest creation, the epitome of success. His mother, Helia hid her pregnancy from all but a close circle of others, fearful of what might happen if humans discovered she was fertile.
A female child delivered only minutes after Pietas was considered a delight, and a good omen. They named her Dessy from the root word decet (dess-say) meaning good or proper. We know her today as Empress Rheyn Destoiya, or the Conqueror. She detests being called Dessy, so Pietas sometimes calls her that to annoy her.
Other names for Pietas in human history are Marauder, Impaler, Hammer of God, Soul Ripper, Destroyer of Worlds, Slayer of Innocents, and Hound of Hell.
The name "Impaler" comes from him having thrown a javelin at a cowardly king who fled the battlefield, leaving his troops without a leader. After the man's followers cheered his death, a quick huddle of officers promised fealty to Pietas on condition he accept the army's full surrender without further violence.
Command
Upon taking command, Pietas oversaw provision of adequate food and shelter for the starving troops. He then privately interviewed random soldiers, asking which enlisted should be promoted, and which officers warranted demotion and why. Once he had a consensus, he followed through on their suggestions. He had his aide research any officer considered unfit and determine if their actions were from ignorance, or arrogance. All were assigned a mentor. Those who "shaped up" were retained. A small handful of ne're-do-wells were given a choice to mend their ways or prepare for death. This method of dealing with conquered populations won him loyalty, even among humans.
Yet there was a never-ending list of those who refused to surrender. For them, he showed no pity, earning himself a fearsome reputation. That notoriety resulted in mostly peaceful surrenders throughout the Colonies of Man.
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Thanks for the fascinating backstory!
My brain is crammed full of these kinds of details. ;)
I’ve enjoyed many days reading these books
That is so cool to hear. Thank you!
Wonderful background into Pietas.
Thank you so much :)