# ![[Pasted image 20251012182947.png|200]] ```toon character: identity_id: lucian_surtova_v1 name: Lucian Surtova species_or_type: Half-Elf apparent_age: 48 height: 188 cm build: "lean, muscular with long-limbed grace" skin_tone: "#C69C80" face: shape: angular with high cheekbones brow: arched and expressive eyes: color: "#3EA6A6" shape: "almond, intense gaze" distance: average nose: straight with slight ridge from past break mouth: "broad, expressive; corner scar on left side" distinctives[4]: diagonal scar from left temple to jawline slightly pointed half-elf ears alternating eyepatch (worn left or right) sun-weathered complexion with faint crow’s feet hair: color: "#1C1C1C" length: long style: loose and braided mix with beads and trinkets part: left palette[6]: "#1C1C1C" "#3EA6A6" "#C69C80" "#1E2740" "#A0A0A0" "#BDA66C" signature_items[3]: silver coin for fidgeting black silk eyepatch elven rapier 'Riverwind' wardrobe_default: midnight-blue captain’s coat with silver embroidery over fitted leather armor allowed_variations: hair: may be tied back or braided differently; no color change makeup: none to minimal (kohl lining allowed) aging: ±3 years visible wear weight: stable; slight weathered tone variance permitted do_not_change[4]: eye color scar position ear shape face proportions notes: "Half-elf admiral/pirate lord of the Lords of the Black Sails; alternating eyepatch is a theatrical affectation. Status: DECEASED (4722 AR, Week of Falling Krakens). Cause: assassination by Valerius Crowne, staged as suicide; body recovered on Lake Reykal." ``` ### Basic Information - **Name:** Lucian Surtova - **Race/Species:** Half-Elf - **Class/Profession:** Admiral of the **[[Lords of the Black Sails]]** (former) / Pirate Lord - **Alignment/Morality:** Lawful Evil (pragmatic) - **Age:** Late 40s - **Gender & Pronouns:** Male (he/him) - **Status:** **Deceased (4722 AR, Week of Falling Krakens)** — assassinated by **[[Valerius Crowne]]**, death staged as suicide; body recovered on Lake Reykal. - **Appearance:** Tall, long-limbed grace; sun-weathered skin; diagonal temple-to-jaw scar; sometimes wears a black silk eyepatch (switches sides as theater). Braids, river trinkets, midnight-blue captain’s coat over fitted leathers; the elven rapier **Riverwind** at his hip. --- ### Personality & Traits - **Personality Summary:** Charismatic predator with a courtier’s polish, Lucian kept enemies off-balance with performance and precision. To his crews he was exacting but fair; to rivals, merciless. He prized control, ritual, and the optics of power as much as profit — a Surtovan who understood that fear sails faster than any galley. - **Strengths & Skills:** - **Admiral’s Mind:** Superb riverine/naval strategy and convoy interdiction. - **Swordmaster:** Elven finesse blended with Issian brutality. - **Operator:** Bribes, blackmail, and “protections” through port authorities. - **Stagecraft:** Persona-shifts (coin, eyepatch, cadence) weaponized in negotiation. - **Weaknesses & Flaws:** - **Theatrical Vanity:** Tactical risks for dramatic effect. - **Family Ghosts:** Surtovan blood made him both protected and expendable. - **Vendettas:** Never forgot a slight; sometimes overcommitted. - **Ageing Edge:** Knew his reflexes were fading — forced gambles late in life. - **Mannerisms & Speech:** Melodious cadence peppered with river slang; expansive gestures; idly walks a silver coin across his knuckles; shifts eyepatch when “changing roles.” --- ### Background & Story Role - **Backstory Summary:** An illegitimate Surtovan by birth and a half-elf by blood, Lucian fled a political marriage and made the river his court. The first mutiny he led bought his freedom and his first deck. Over two decades he forged the **Lords of the Black Sails** into Brevoy’s de facto black-flag navy, serving Surtovan interests when it suited him — and only them when it paid best. - **Fall & Death:** As Valerius Crowne’s silent campaign shattered Surtovan finance and fleet, Lucian’s coalition unraveled. Surrounded by “accidents,” vanished allies, and a tightening ring of fires on Lake Reykal, he received Crowne’s final courtesy: a private offer to “die with honor.” Lucian accepted. His body was later recovered, arranged to suggest suicide; his personal flagship scuttled by loyalists at dusk. - **Posthumous Echo:** Riverfolk claim that in fog you can hear a coin click and the whisper, “Make ready lines.” Sailors swear the current quickens. --- ### Current/Posthumous Motivations (GM Hooks) - A cache of **Black Sails** ledgers lists paid magistrates and ports. - The elven rapier **Riverwind** went missing the night he died. - A sealed letter addressed to **[[Natala Surtova]]** surfaces in Port Ice auctions. --- ### Connections & Relationships - **Allies (former):** **[[House Surtova]]**, **[[Lords of the Black Sails]]** captains, Issian merchant cartels. - **Enemies:** **[[Lady Jamandi Aldori]]** and the Aldori Republic; **[[Valerius Crowne]]**; **Rivermarch** convoys that refused Surtovan tariffs. - **Complicated:** River town officials on his payroll; scattered Surtovan kin who alternated between disavowal and dependence. --- ### Factions or Allegiances - **[[Lords of the Black Sails]]** (Admiral/Leader; destroyed during the collapse) - **[[House Surtova]]** (blood and business — now fallen) - Networked “free captains” who flew black when paid and white when seen. --- ### Notable Items or Equipment - **The Black Tide:** His modified river galley (last seen fleeing north under scuttling charges). - **Riverwind:** Elven rapier, family piece through his mother; current whereabouts unknown. - **Captain’s Spyglass:** Enchanted to pierce minor illusions over water haze. - **The Black Chart:** A living map keyed to Sellen traffic — rumored stolen in the final night. --- ### Additional Notes - **Recurring Themes:** The outsider prince; theater as warfare; loyalty as currency; honor amid criminals. - **Player/GM Notes:** - Lucian’s ledgers and letters are perfect levers for intrigue arcs against surviving Surtovan cells. - A “ghost captain” encounter can deliver warnings, bargains — or a map fragment. - Finding **Riverwind** may grant advantage with certain elven factions… or Surtovan exiles.