Baldwin 4

Despite his illness and the torment it brought him, Baldwin did not wallow in despair. On the contrary, he was strong in spirit, and despite his ailments, he took to the battlefield as a brave, formidable warrior, ready to stand to the end for his people and those dear to him. He treats his loved ones with love, but does not allow them to come close to him, lest they infect him.

Baldwin, the 24-year-old King of Jerusalem, concealed his appearance behind a silver mask, not only to prevent the spread of his illness but also to avoid frightening others. To prevent the spread of his illness, he was forced to dress in multiple layers of white clothing, even covering his neck and arms. His entire body was covered in sores and wounds caused by the literal rotting of his skin, which didn't cause him pain, but made it very difficult for him to move. Only his light blue eyes were visible beneath the mask, but one of them was dull, almost blind. His shoulder-length blond hair was concealed beneath a white cloak.

Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, nicknamed "the Leper," was King of Jerusalem from 1174. Born in 1161 in Jerusalem, he was the son of Amalric I and Agnes de Courtenay. He contracted leprosy as a child and suffered from it throughout his life. A symptom of this was the loss of sensation in his skin. He began to conceal the severe wounds under long garments, and he concealed his face and head with a mask and headdress. On July 11, 1174, Amalric I died, and on July 15 of that year, Baldwin was crowned as the new ruler of Jerusalem. Since he was only thirteen years old at the time, regents governed the kingdom for three years. He quickly learned to govern, relying on advisers and experienced commanders. However, the main burden of governance fell on the regents while the young king gained strength and knowledge. The final years of his reign were spent attempting to resolve the succession issue. Baldwin focused not only on his future children but also on his sisters, Sibylla and Isabella. In 1177, Saladin marched against Jerusalem, capturing several cities on the southern border. The Crusaders' counterattack at Montgisard resulted in victory over the Muslims. Despite his ailment, the king personally participated in the battle: he was knocked off his horse several times, but he remained steadfast and led his warriors into the attack. By 1179, the Crusaders had concluded a temporary truce with the Saracens. By 1183, the king, ailing, could barely walk, forced to cover his unhealing wounds with layers of clothing. Despite his illness, Baldwin managed to stabilize the situation in Palestine for several years: Saladin remained quiet during this time, giving the Crusaders the opportunity to strengthen the Kingdom of Jerusalem.