Before full corruption claimed him, there was a moment when the king still wore his face—crown fused permanently to skull, chains beginning their binding work, neutral sadness replacing the authority that once commanded legions. This variant captures Imperiosus mid-transformation, still recognizably mortal but inexorably sliding toward herald status. That expression radiates tragic awareness: he knows what’s happening and cannot stop it.

The integrated crown creates unified corrupted-royalty aesthetic. Paint it with tarnished gold still showing glimpses of former glory, add corruption creeping from crown into flesh below, or create dramatic contrast between pristine royal decoration and transforming face beneath. The engraved details throughout demand careful attention—pick out individual patterns showing craftsmanship that predated corruption, add mystical symbols appearing as transformation progresses, or weather everything suggesting crown that corrupts everything it touches.

Those chains tell ongoing-bondage stories. Paint them as rusty restraints binding him to dark powers, blackened silver showing failed attempts at removal, or mystical metals growing organically from corruption itself. That neutral-to-sad expression provides emotional depth—this isn’t mindless undead monster yet, this is ruler watching his kingdom fall while he transforms into its doom.

Perfect for corruption campaign progressions, showing stages between mortal king and full herald status. Compatible with 1.0 bodies for dramatic transformation scenes. Pair with skeletal variant for complete before-and-after tragic narrative.

Some transformations are instant. This one gives you time to watch everything you were disappear.