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| - Marius Leitdorf, known most infamously as the Mad Count of Averland, is the late Elector Count of Averland and is counted one of the Empire's bravest if not most insane Generals within the Empire. Not many men can be said to have waged wars against forests, swarms of bees and half-imagined fishmen, so it is not without good reason that Marius Leitdorf is known as the Mad Count. Most knew Marius for his eccentrict and flamboyant nature; his bouts of screaming rage, his periods of melancholy and his mercurial conduct at court.[1b] Indeed, for it is common knowledge that he relied on the advice of his warhorse, Daisy Kurt von Helboring II, as much as any advisors. In fact, his outrageous behavior and roguish improprieties with the daughters and wives of the noble houses were such that few other counts welcomed him in their courts. One of Leitdorf's harshest critics was Kurt Helborg, who according to the Mad Count himself, he thinks "has a poor mustache, an even worse dental hygiene, and a horrible sense of humor to rival a Troll". On the last point, at least, Marius' judgement was correct, and the enmity between the two had since become legendary.[1b] However, Leitdorf's reputation did him a gross disservice, for while he is clearly "unconventional" in his manners and flamboyant in his clothing, he had an incisive mind. Indeed, he was an accomplished poet and an inventor of some standing. Furthermore, Leitdorf was an exceptional swordsman and military tactician who led his armies at the front with considerable flair and skill. In fact, a number of great victories are owed to his insane courage and uncanny insights, and Karl Franz counted Leitdorf amongst his most trusted allies.[1b]
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