William the Silent's Helmet

Origin
William the Silent was born into the House of Orange, aligned with the Spanish Habsburgs. He was sent from an early age to the Low Countries around northern France, receiving a royal education until he was appointed stadtholder (governor) of Holland. He slowly began to oppose the regime instituted by Emperor Charles V, where Spaniards controlled the political landscape, imposed Catholicism and brought their Inquisition with them. The atmosphere was especially hostile to Protestants such as French Calvinists, who did not win over any hearts by destroying Catholic iconography. King Philip II responded by sending the Duke of Alva to punish the dissidents, during which William was declared an outlaw for his financial support of Protestants. The most common explanation for his moniker “The Silent” is likely from a conversation with the French king, where William convinced the king that he knew of Alva’s upcoming plans, when he actually did not.

William raised a contingent of mercenaries, pirates and soldiers to harass the Spanish, but accomplished little due to their lack of structure and payment. He continued to raise more armies to reassert the autonomy of the Dutch people, where he was welcomed into any town for safe refuge. William morphed from an imperial favorite to freedom fighter for the Netherlands, helping secure independence in 1581 and adopting Calvinism. Attempts to fully unify the Netherlands were less successful, as only the north was in his control. By the time conflict began with the south, Burgundian and Spanish loyalist Balthasar Gérard managed to capture William’s trust enough to assassinate him at close range.

Effects
The wearer will become vehemently opposed to the ideals supported by their superior, mentor or higher-up. The buildup is slow and logical, as they will only be fully pushed once they experience a polarizing moment. All of their dislike is communicated very publicly, through whatever medium or organizations they can find. However, when trying to speak to their friends and companions, they will feel a tightening in their jaw and their speech is suddenly disabled.