KING HALBERD

(reigned 1445-1448)

(b. circa 1411) Little is known abut the early years of King Halberd. There are no references to the family name prior to 1445 when Halberd and a small army consisting of about 10 soldiers defeated French and later English forces numbering in the tens of thousands. Written accounts say that "Halberd harnessed the power of lighting itself" to defeat the overwhelming forces. Upon his victories, Halberd proclaimed himself King of France and England.

King Halberd ruled with an iron fist and showed favoritism towards those in the cat family. He was one of the most intellectual kings ever to hold the throne of either country. Halberd spoke several different languages fluently and enjoyed the challenge of a puzzle or game. He was an avid chess player and often challenged many in his kingdom to defeat him at the game. None succeeded.

In 1448, Halberd mysteriously disappeared without a trace. Rumors say that he was murdered by a resistance force, while there is some speculation that he grew weary of the monarchy and decided to leave to explore new lands. There is also a rumor of a secret manuscript that holds a collection of puzzles created by King Halberd that, if solved, will unlock the mystery.

After his disappearance, a small group of followers in Lyon, France created a religion based on King Halberd, worshipping him as a deity and awaiting his return. They were said to have possession of the manuscript, but after hundreds of years the cult dissolved and the manuscript was never found.