It's tough to continue to come up with backgrounds for the subjects that can say something about them and don't take to long to paint. I was a little worried about using the "blood" imagery but I think it describes him best. I also liked the idea of having the black feathers aroung his neck as an indication of vultures, who also love death.
My model is a dear childhood friend who, if he ever decided to use his charismatic talents for evil, could very well become king of the Lamanites.
Amalekiah