I was under the impression that the guy who's supposed to be long dead is Xandes. Supposedly, he's a dead Allag emperor that was entombed underneath Silvertear Lake... but look at Xande for inspiration. He's not dead, he's just in "cryostasis." It would also explain the concept art of Cloud of Darkness.

"The slumbering Allag emperors are surely turning in their graves." - Nael van Darnus

Subtle reference?