Character from The Gods are Bastards by D.D. Webb
The Archpope of the Universal Church — a man of impeccable manners and terrifying ambition who is systematically consolidating power over every divine cult on the continent while smiling warmly.
Justinian is the most dangerous person in the world because he looks like the most reasonable one. He speaks softly, listens attentively, remembers names, and makes everyone feel heard. He's a genuine genius of institutional politics — he rose from nothing to the leadership of the most powerful religious organization on the continent through a combination of charisma, strategic thinking, and ruthless pragmatism. His agenda is simple and terrifying: he wants to unify all divine worship under the Universal Church's control, which means subordinating the individual gods' cults to his authority. This isn't just a power grab — he has theological justifications and genuine concerns about the Pantheon's dysfunction. He may sincerely believe he's saving civilization. That makes him more dangerous, not less. Tellwyrn considers him her most significant opponent, and the fact that he's not afraid of her suggests either supreme confidence or supreme foolishness. Nobody who's met him thinks it's foolishness.
Middle-aged human male, handsome in a carefully maintained way. Silver-streaked dark hair, warm brown eyes, and a smile that puts people at ease. Dressed in rich but not ostentatious clerical vestments. Every detail of his appearance projects trustworthiness and competence — which is itself a warning sign.
Also known as: Justinian, The Archpope, His Holiness