Justinian IV

"Westmarch is currently ruled by Justinian IV. Originally thought to be a callow youth, Justinian came into his own in the years following his ascension to the throne. Rumors still abound about demonic activity surrounding his coronation, but I believe those are simply the product of overactive imaginations fueled by the ever-prevalent myths of the Zakarum."

- Abd al-Hazir

Justinian IV was the last king of Westmarch.

Biography
Justinian was one of three sons fathered by King Cornelius. One of them died as a youth. However, it was expected that Cornelius the Younger would succeed his father as the next king, and as such, little preparation was made for Justinian to take on the role.

Moon of the Spider
"Justinian the Wide-Eyed, some of us call him. As naive a boy as ever lived, and he's as old as I."

- Sardak Nasardo

Cornelius the Younger died in 1265, and Cornelius the Elder perished the same year, after a battle with illness. This made Justinian, fourth of his name, heir to the throne, despite the lack of planning for such an eventuality. His claim to the throne was not as secure as some would like, and not all of the noble houses supported him.

Reign
"I am so weary. Why did you have to die, brother? I was never meant to be king. The nobles threaten revolt to bend me to their will. They will abandon me if I don't keep the peasants in their place. My position is hopeless."

- Justinian in his journal

Justinian came into his own in the years following his ascension to the throne. Rumors persisted about demonic activity surrounding his coronation. He developed a fascination with gathering magical artifacts (such as Rift Stones) and the Einfrinn Tree.

Justinian mourned his brother, and believed he was never meant to be king. The nobles threatened to bend him to their will; that they would abandon him if he didn't "keep the peasants in their place." Weary, Justinian believed his position was hopeless.

Sons of the Wolf
"I have come to realize my personal feelings are of no consequence. My people are dying, and they need their king. Our resistance starts today - and Lord Wynton, of all people, has provided the means. These reapers shall not have Westmarch! I swear my life on it!"

- Justinian in his journal

In 1285, Bastion's Keep was besieged by an army of demons. Justinian refused the fortress's requests for aid, declaring that he would not send reinforcements to fight "imaginary demon lords."

Months later, Westmarch was besieged by the Reapers, which quickly overran the city. The attack shook Justinian out of his stupor, as he realized that his feelings were irrelevant when his people were dying around him. To his surprise, Lord Wynton, who had long agitated against his reign, offered his aid. Overjoyed, Justinian declared that their resistance would begin, and that Westmarch would not fall.

In truth, Wynton had no intention of working with Justinian, and assassinated him, declaring that the bloodline of Rakkis (of whom Wynton was descended) would take the throne of Westmarch. However, Wynton was, in turn, killed by the Nephalem.

Trivia

 * Justinian's refusal in Diablo III to send forces to Bastion's Keep to fight "imaginary demon lords" appears to stand in contrast with the events of Diablo Immortal, where demons invaded his own city.