Gorthbuk

Gorthbuk, called Gorthbuk the Guardian and Gorthbuk Double-Guard, was a male Massassi warrior from Kavez Massass. Widely regarded as a cultural hero and a living legend by his fellow Massassi, he served a full career in the Royal Army of the Golden Empire, retiring as one of the most highly decorated Massassi soldiers in history to serve an extraordinary five terms as Tribune of Kavez Massass.

Military Career
At the age of fifteen, Gorthbuk volunteered for and was accepted into service in a Massassi Cohort. Assigned to field duty in 119 ABY, he participated in the First Battle of Shel Du the following year and the Battle of Sanduluc seven years later. He earned valor decorations in both campaigns, along with a Sacrifice Medal. In light of his exemplary service record and consistently high ratings for combat proficiency, he was given a place in the Keltrayu's Tomb Guard, where he served for four years.

Rotated back to field duty, Gorthbuk served in the Conquest of the Chiss Ascendancy, where he received the Star of Valor for actions in the Battle of Naporar, along with another Sacrifice Medal. In 138 ABY he was given a place in the Massassi Guard, and served as part of Queen Rin Sakaros's personal bodyguard for three years. He returned to field duty in 141 ABY to fight in the Ssi-ruuvi Incursion. He participated in the Battle of Shest Minor, earning a second Star of Valor, which he received from the hand of Legate Breek Zagrev herself.

After The Tribulation, Gorthbuk returned to Kavez Massass to serve as a senior NCO supervising the training of new recruits for the Massassi Cohorts. He retired from service in 146 ABY with the rank of command sergeant.

Civilian Service
Gorthbuk's feats of heroism and numerous valor decorations earned him the respect of his fellow Massassi, but he was particularly esteemed for the rare distinction of serving in both the Keltrayu's Tomb Guard and the Massassi Guard; each was considered one of the most prestigious assignments available to a Massassi, and service in both was regarded as an enormous honor. In 147 ABY Gorthbuk was swept into office as Tribune of Kavez Massass by a landslide vote. He spent much of his Tribunate visiting the villages of Kavez Massass, encouraging martial training and learning the needs of his people. He won again in 149 ABY, and was integral in the negotiations that established a Shadow Massassi settlement on the planet; his personal prestige and support for those he viewed as having made supreme sacrifices to the goddess quieted many who expressed doubts about their mutated brethren. In 151 ABY Gorthbuk ran unopposed for a third term.

Though the law normally prohibited Tribunes from serving more than three terms consecutively, the Massassi begged Rin to allow them to keep Gorthbuk as Tribune, offering days of sacrifice at the Temple of Rin. Having already made an exception to the restriction for Shaydow Tynblade on Rykar, Rin eventually agreed to waive the term limit for Gorthbuk as well, and he won re-election in 153 and 155 ABY. At the conclusion of his term in 157 ABY, Gorthbuk himself announced his retirement despite numerous pleas for his fellows that he stay on.

Later Years
Gorthbuk retired to Kavez Massass's capital, but frequently visited the Massassi Cohort training camps. He was also a vocal proponent of programs which supported Massassi who had been wounded in action too badly to continue service.

Personal Life
Gorthbuk married during his military service; he and his wife had three sons and one daughter, all four of whom went on to serve in the Royal Army.

Behind the Scenes
Apparently Sakaros can imagine such a thing.