Oswald Oudescker was the duke of Oudescker during the War of the Sorcerer-King. He led a gawedi resistance against the Vertesk Dominion, and was afterwards rewarded for his efforts by becoming a close advisor and trusted vassal of the King of Gawed. Due to his son being killed during the war, his two grandsons, Peyter and Edric, were next in line for succession. Though Peyter was the oldest of them, he was weak and bookish, which led to many thinking he would be disinherited in favour of Edric, who in contrast was strong and charming.
In 1023 however, Edric died in a hunting accident, leaving Peyter as Oswald's sole heir when he died in 1024.