YMMV / I Am Skantarios

• Alternate Character Interpretation:
  • Is Skantarios a champion of the Roman way of life and everything the Roman Empire stands for? A morally questionable Machiavellian dictator who just wants to restore the Byzantine Empire and who is only doing what he has to do to achieve his goals? A ruthless, diabolical Roman supremacist who has no qualms against exterminating whole towns and murdering all who cross his path to bring back an empire that is supposed to be dead?
  • Genessios's rebellion: Is it Genessios trying to put a better emperor on the throne due to Vasileos being in his eyes a Sketchy Successor? Or is it him rebelling against Skantarios's own wishes for the late emperor's blood family to have the succession?
• Funny Moments: Skantarios's attempts at gardening.
  • In August 1524, Skantarios hears of a peasant uprising in Germany and has this to say:
    "I can't blame them. If I were a peasant in Germany, I would be revolting, too."
  • The "duel" between Skantarios and Pope Nicolaus IV in 1532. Skantarios's diary says it best:
    "I would like to say that this was an epic combat; that we fought for hours in a well-matched duel of heroes; the combat going back and forth with the outcome in doubt until the last second. Nicolaus playing the role of Hector to my Achilles. I would like to say that Nicolaus fought well and bravely. That he was fired with holy righteousness and struck mighty blows with the power of Heaven behind him. I would like to say those things; I really would. It would make for a far better story. Unfortunately, the reality was that Nicolaus was a 76-year old man who had never served on campaign. He could barely wield his sword, was a poor rider, and I believe soiled himself after my first blow. I am sure there is a man in this world who can best me in combat; but that man is not some damn priest. It was over quickly."
• Heartwarming Moments: Skantarios adopts Genessios Ksiros, the commander of his bodyguard, as his son.
• Moral Event Horizon: Skantarios probably crosses this, but it's unclear when he does. Is it his raid into Egypt? Is it the destruction of Muslim holy sites? Or is it his butchering innocent Italians without a hint of remorse? There are many potential moments to choose from.
• Nightmare Fuel: The "personal notes" in Skantarios's diary will send shivers down your spine.
  • In particular, his Badass Boast following the re-conquest of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Dome of the Rock:
    "Who am I?! Who am I, you pathetic, little man?! I am Nemesis! I am the Muslim Apocalypse! I am Armageddon for the lands of the Prophet! The sound of falling minarets is music to my ears. The screams of dying Muslim soldiers are my concertos. The pleas of your women are like a gentle sonnet. I am the holy fire that will cleanse the land of this disgusting heresy. Our trumpets are the clarion call of your doom. Let all Muslims know, I am their enemy… and I am coming. I am Skantarios!”
• Spoiled by the Format: Battle Reports start by saying who sent it. If it reads "reports from survivors" or an officer who's not the general, you can bet the battle went wrong.
• Tear Jerker: The death of Emperor Theodoros.
  • The death of Umayyah al-Khawalani, left to defend Acre with only his 25-man bodyguard against 739 besiegers. Betrayed by agents within the city, he initially tries to flee to the keep, before deciding to try and ride out. He reaches the gatehouse, only to see that he is the only one to survive the ride there, his men cut down by arrow fire from the walls. He slowly trots out from beneath the gateway to join his men in death. Even Skantarios is saddened by this.

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