# #### **Basic Information** - **Name:** Marius Surtova - **Race/Species:** Human - **Class/Profession:** Military Commander/Duke - **Alignment/Morality:** Lawful Neutral - **Age:** Mid-40s - **Gender & Pronouns:** Male (He/Him) - **Appearance:** A tall, imposing figure with the characteristic Surtova features—sharp blue eyes and dark hair streaked with premature silver. His face bears the weathered look of a man who has spent years in military campaigns, with a strong jawline and perpetual stern expression. He carries himself with rigid military posture, dressed in the black, silver, and deep blue colors of House Surtova, typically wearing finely crafted but practical armor during official duties. A silver pin in the shape of House Surtova's ship emblem is always prominently displayed on his cloak or uniform. #### **Personality & Traits** - **Personality Summary:** Marius embodies the disciplined, pragmatic face of House Surtova's power. Unlike some of his more openly scheming relatives, he presents himself as a straightforward military man, valuing order, efficiency, and results. He approaches problems with methodical precision, preferring direct solutions to political maneuvering—though he's certainly capable of the latter when necessary. Beneath his stern exterior lies a complex man torn between absolute loyalty to his house and occasional doubts about their methods. He maintains a public persona of unwavering dedication to Brevoy's stability, which he genuinely believes House Surtova provides, even if through harsh means. - **Strengths & Skills:** - **Military Strategist** – Expert in both naval and land-based warfare tactics - **Disciplined Leader** – Commands respect and loyalty from those under his command - **Political Pragmatist** – Understands when to use force and when to negotiate - **Keen Judge of Character** – Quickly identifies potential threats and valuable assets - **Skilled Swordsman** – Trained in traditional Brevic military techniques - **Weaknesses & Flaws:** - **Rigid Thinking** – Sometimes fails to adapt when situations require flexibility - **House Loyalty Conflicts** – Occasionally struggles with orders that conflict with his personal code - **Underestimates Subtlety** – Can miss nuanced political maneuvers, preferring direct approaches - **Family Blind Spot** – Has complicated feelings about his half-brother Lucian that sometimes cloud his judgment - **Mannerisms & Speech Patterns:** - Speaks in clipped, precise sentences with a commanding tone - Stands with perfect military posture, hands often clasped behind his back - Unconsciously touches the Surtova emblem on his uniform when making difficult decisions - Uses naval and military metaphors in everyday conversation - Rarely smiles, but when he does, it transforms his severe appearance momentarily #### **Background & Story Role** - **Backstory Summary:** Born into the main branch of House Surtova, Marius was raised from childhood to serve as the military arm of the family's ambitions. While his cousins Noleski and Natala were groomed for political leadership, Marius was sent to train with Brevoy's finest military commanders, learning warfare on both land and sea. He distinguished himself during several border conflicts, earning genuine respect from the soldiers under his command. When House Surtova seized power after the Vanishing, Marius played a crucial role in securing military support for their claim. He personally led the forces that occupied the Ruby Fortress, and subsequently crushed several minor rebellions against Surtova rule. His reputation as an effective but relatively honorable commander has made him one of the few Surtovas respected (if not liked) by the common people and rival houses alike. His relationship with his illegitimate half-brother Lucian remains a complicated aspect of his life. Publicly, he condemns Lucian's piracy and has even led expeditions to capture him. Privately, the two occasionally cooperate when their interests align, with Marius sometimes using Lucian's network for operations that require deniability. - **Current Motivations:** - Maintaining order throughout Brevoy, particularly in regions showing signs of unrest - Strengthening House Surtova's military position against potential threats - Monitoring the growing power of Rivermarch with concern - Secretly investigating rumors of Rogarvian heirs - Balancing family loyalty with his personal sense of honor - **Connections & Relationships:** - **[[Noleski Surtova]]**: His cousin and king whom he serves with unwavering public loyalty - **[[Natala Surtova]]**: His cousin whom he respects but privately fears for her ruthlessness - **[[Lucian Surtova]]**: His illegitimate half-brother with whom he maintains a complex relationship - **[[Orvin Malthis]]**: A corrupt noble he tolerates but dislikes for his dishonorable methods - **[[Ilyana Daryov]]**: House Surtova's spymaster with whom he has a professional rivalry - **Commander Alexei Vronsky**: His trusted second-in-command and longtime friend - **Factions or Allegiances:** - **House Surtova**: His primary loyalty and identity - **Brevoy's Royal Navy**: Commands significant portions of the kingdom's naval forces - **The Northern Garrison**: Elite military units personally loyal to him - **The Ruby Fortress Guard**: Soldiers under his direct command protecting the seat of power - **Notable Items or Equipment:** - **"Winter's Edge"**: An heirloom sword passed down through military leaders of House Surtova - **Commander's Seal**: Grants him authority to requisition resources throughout Brevoy - **Naval Charts**: Detailed maps of the Lake of Mists and Veils with strategic annotations - **Family Signet**: Marks official communications and orders from him - **Enchanted Breastplate**: Provides protection while bearing the Surtova emblem #### **Additional Notes** - **Recurring Themes:** - The tension between duty and personal honor - Military precision versus political flexibility - Family loyalty tested by questionable methods - The burden of maintaining order through force - **Player/GM Notes:** - Can serve as either antagonist or potential ally depending on circumstances - Represents the more honorable face of House Surtova's power - More likely to respect strength and directness than political maneuvering - Could be a valuable contact for characters with military backgrounds - Might be turned against his house if presented with evidence of truly dishonorable actions