Ordywyt was born the son of a minor noble, holding no real power except for the scraps of a name left from grander generations. It did not help Ordywyt was the 6th son, and as such his inheritance, in his own words, was no more than a peasant’s. Despite his education and upbringing, the future was bleak - he would be no better than the rest of the rabble.
Perhaps it was his overcaring father that brought this sense of self-entitlement, or simply Ordywyt’s jealousy of his older brothers that turned to pride. It hardly mattered to Ordywyt: he only needed to find what to do next to prepare for the future. Ordywyt first moved subtly, attempting intrigue to gain influence in the upper ranks, but his measures proved impossible, his words holding no weight considering his position. Ordywyt became more and more desperate, secluding himself in attempts to find any idea of power he could use.
It was in this private study Ordywyt stumbled across a book, bearing nothing on its cover but a red pentagram. Ordywyt realized it as it was soon after - a prayer book of Asmodeus, speaking his doctrines, reason, and authority. Ordywyt considered burning the book: all the teachings of Mitra rejected the cruelty of Asmodeus. But yet, Asmodeus promised something Mitra could not, personal power, that seemed all the more alluring as Ordywyt read.
In secret Ordywyt took upon himself to worship the Dark Prince, carving an unholy symbol out of wood. His prayers grew more extravagant, devoting more time and resources to his secret lord. His family and friends began to ignore him, finding him reclusive and strange. Ordywyt thought nothing of it, doubling down on his faith. Soon, he considered, Asmodeus would grant him strength for his service.
And it did. Ordywyt grew with divine power, gifted with a measure of subtlety to keep the nature of his religion secret. But it was not enough, never enough. His worship only continued, more and more eager from seeing results.
But not all was meant to be. He was discovered by his father shortly after, who in his worries of passing from age wished to ensure his sons would be safe without him. Visiting Ordywyt last, his first sight was a makeshift shrine in Ordywyt’s room, with his own son kneeling in prayer in front of it. The Mitran inquisition was called, on grounds of blasphemy - the punishment, as for all who worshipped Asmodeus, was to be death.
Ordywyt was wrapped in chains, to be transferred to Branderscar within the week. His father, overcome with grief, fought the passage for some time.. But the word of Mitra was absolute, and with Ordywyt bearing no remorse, the journey began without major incident.
The caravan holding Ordywyt was struck on the first night out, Ordywyt not able to see through the walls of his carriage but hearing the sounds of battle. Silence at last came, as the doors opened and he was released. His saviors garbed themselves in black, but one thing was clear: they bore the mark of Asmodeus. When they beckoned for Ordywyt to follow, he did without question, eager to join with those of his ilk.
Ordywyt considered the rest of the Asmodians to be those wishing for only strength as he did, until he met Thorn. In his eyes, Thorn was different, a beckoning signal of exactly what Asmodeus wished - strength in the form of law, an undeniable authority. As he spoke, Asmodeus’ word and Thorn’s seemed to be one, both granting power for service. Ordywyt swore fealty without hesitation, feeling a sense of purpose emanate from the man.
Ordywyt began to pride himself less as a master than as a servant, a tool of both the Dark Prince and the Cardinal to fulfill their ends. Sometimes he amused himself with the prospect that he would be better in the role of Cardinal, but never followed through. Thorn’s rule was to be expected, with his strength, and Ordywyt was more than palpable in helping him. Asmodeus spoke through Thorn’s will, and Ordywyt would be a fool to not follow.
