King Gurloes the Good

King Gurloes the Good was not always a king.  In fact, as a child, he was told that he was 53rd in line for the throne.  The King of his land (a small, but happy kingdom) was a weak man, afraid of death, and constantly in search of new unguents and salves to restore his youth.

One day, he sent for a wizard from a far off land, hoping that their magic would bring him health and vitality.  The wizard restored the king's youthfulness, but soon it was clear that it had been at a terrible cost.  The townsfolk were afflicted by a mysterious plague, growing pustules and buboes and grotesque mutations all over their flesh.  With the King the only man in the kingdom who remained unblemished, the people rose up and slaughtered the vain King and his family.  However, their brutality did not alleviate their affliction.  Young Gurloes had grown misshapen and deformed over the intervening months, vomiting bile daily, and weeping from his sores.  He had heard legends of a God of Plague, and sequestered himself in the library to learn their secrets.

When his studies were complete, he hobbled to the castle to inform the King of the power that would be their salvation.  But the castle was empty.  Gurloes was coronated by a hideous scullery maid, and they made their vows to Grandfather Nurgle.  

Since that day, he has joined the long crusade to free the people of the realms from the ravages of plague.  Each town he and his allies visit is struck with the mysterious plague, but he can cure them if they only accept Nurgle's love into their hearts.