| “ | Shev: How many people had to die to give that boy a golden hat? Vitari: Exactly the necessary number. |
” |
— Shevedieh and Shylo Vitari
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Jappo mon Rogont Murcatto is Grand Duke of Ospria and Visserine, Protector of Puranti, Nicante, Borletta and Affoia, not to mention King of Styria. He is the only son of Grand Duchess Monza Murcatto of Talins, and officially Grand Duke Rogont of Ospria, who was himself crowned sovereign of all Styria, albeit briefly. However, his true father is Caul Shivers. Jappo's preference for male lovers is well known.
Appearance and Personality
| “ | Jappo: If it helps, I don’t only fuck men. Sometimes I’m fucked by them. Look at it this way—if you needed advice on horses, you wouldn’t go to someone who never rode a horse. Leo: What? Jappo: How could someone who never had a cock really know what’s best to do with a cock? I’ve debated scholars the world over and no one’s been able to give me a satisfactory answer on that point. |
” |
— Jappo Murcatto and Leo dan Brock
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King Jappo has dark curly hair and a handsome face, but in a strong-boned, broad-jawed sort of way. His skin is surprisingly pale; he looks more like a Northman than a Styrian. His skin thus suggests that he is Shivers' little boy, while his hair is more suggestive of Rogont. His body is sinewy, with a muscular stomach, complete with a streak of thick black hair.
Jappo is openly and unashamedly homosexual, and delights in playing the lazy, indolent hedonist. The less open minded would call him a "degenerate". But behind this mask lies a shrewd mind and a good judge of character; a man who uses his image to put others off their guard. He appears rather less warlike and more political than his formidable mother, in whom he still has a fierce pride.
History
Jappo mon Rogont Murcatto was born some months after the end of Best Served Cold. Grand Duke Orso of Talins had killed his uncle Benna Murcatto, and very nearly killed his mother Monza. Then his mother killed Grand Duke Orso, his sons, and half the nobility of Styria, to usurp the duchy of Talins. In the years that followed, Monza cowed or crushed every other city-state in Styria, except for Union-controlled Westport and neutral Sipani. In the short story collection Sharp Ends, Jappo is seen being crowned King of Styria before a jubilant crowd at seven years old. In the intervening years, King Jezal of The Union, encouraged by Queen Terez, fought three wars in Styria for the sake of his own son's birthright to the Duchy of Talins. Monza defeated the Union Army in the field on each occasion.
The Trouble With Peace
King Jappo is now in his mid-twenties, and rumoured to be keen to step from his mother’s shadow. Although King of Styria in name, Grand Duchess Monza still wields considerable power. Meanwhile, in The Union, certain members of the Open Council seek to overthrow the Closed Council and take power for themselves. One of the key conspirators, Leo dan Brock, travels to Sipani to seek the help of King Jappo. Forewarned of the threatened rebellion by Rikke, King Orso of the Union makes the journey to Sipani too.
Leo and Orso meet Jappo on the same night in Cardotti's House of Leisure, though both wear masks and do not recognise one another. In his meeting, Leo makes no effort to hide his disgust at Jappo's lifestyle, and struggles to communicate with the man. He unenthusiastically explains his righteous cause, which Jappo gently mocks. In return for Styrian support, Brock offers to stop supporting Sipani independence and relinquish any claim to Talins by The Union. Jappo makes no commitment either way. At the next meeting, Orso is entirely at ease with Jappo, giving him a respectful bow, removing his masks, and helping himself to drink and Chagga. They have a frank discussion about the troubled history between The Union and Styria, with Orso admitting he doesn’t really care about his claim to Talins. The two kings gradually find that they respect one another. When Orso brings up the subject of the rebellion, Jappo admits he's been approached by the "Young Lion", and confirms all the information from Orso’s anonymous friend. On the topic of Sipani, Orso refuses to abandon the city ruled over by his sister's husband, Chancellor Sotorius. Once again Jappo makes no commitment either way, but, more or less, promises to stay out of it.
Later, Styria plays no part in the Battle of Stoffenbeck on either side, effectively resulting in Orso's side winning.
The Wisdom of Crowds
To be added