# #### **Basic Information** - **Name:** Raston Selline (Mayor of Rivermarch) - **Race/Species:** Human - **Class/Profession:** Politician/Administrator - **Alignment/Morality:** Lawful Neutral - **Age:** Mid-50s - **Gender & Pronouns:** Male (He/Him) - **Appearance:** A stout, balding man of average height with a meticulously groomed salt-and-pepper beard that compensates for his receding hairline. His face bears the weathered look of someone who has spent years navigating political challenges, with deep laugh lines around his eyes that contrast with the stern set of his mouth. Despite his age, he stands remarkably straight, projecting an air of dignity and authority. He dresses in well-made but practical clothing, favoring dark blues and grays with subtle embroidery that signals his position without appearing ostentatious. His most distinctive feature is his penetrating hazel eyes, which seem to evaluate everything in terms of political advantage or liability. He carries a ceremonial staff of office during formal proceedings, though he rarely needs it for physical support. #### **Personality & Traits** - **Personality Summary:** Raston embodies pragmatic governance—a man who values stability and order above all else. Years of administrative experience have made him adept at finding workable compromises and navigating competing interests. To the public, he presents a carefully cultivated image of steady reliability, though those who work closely with him know he can be ruthlessly efficient when necessary. He approaches problems methodically, preferring incremental solutions to radical changes. While not particularly charismatic, he compensates with a dry wit and genuine concern for Rivermarch's prosperity. His greatest strength is his adaptability; he has survived multiple political shifts by positioning himself as indispensable to whoever holds power. - **Strengths & Skills:** - **Administrative Expertise** – Exceptional knowledge of governance systems and bureaucratic processes - **Political Acumen** – Skilled at identifying and navigating complex power dynamics - **Diplomatic Negotiation** – Able to broker compromises between competing factions - **Financial Management** – Practical understanding of taxation and resource allocation - **Institutional Memory** – Comprehensive knowledge of Rivermarch's history and precedents - **Weaknesses & Flaws:** - **Risk Aversion** – Sometimes misses opportunities due to excessive caution - **Moral Flexibility** – Will compromise principles for what he perceives as the greater good - **Bureaucratic Thinking** – Can become bogged down in procedures and regulations - **Favoritism** – Tends to rely on a small circle of trusted advisors - **Stubborn Pride** – Reluctant to admit mistakes or change course once committed - **Mannerisms & Speech Patterns:** - Speaks deliberately with carefully chosen words, rarely raising his voice - Habitually straightens his clothing before important meetings - Steeples his fingers when considering difficult decisions - Refers to historical precedents when justifying current policies - Uses bureaucratic terminology to obscure controversial decisions #### **Background & Story Role** - **Backstory Summary:** Born to a family of minor merchants in Rivermarch, Raston worked his way through the administrative ranks through a combination of competence and careful political maneuvering. He began as a tax collector, where he developed both a practical understanding of the city's finances and a network of connections throughout the merchant community. His ability to increase revenue while minimizing public discontent caught the attention of the previous mayor, who appointed him as an advisor. When political upheaval threatened Rivermarch's stability, Raston emerged as a compromise candidate acceptable to multiple factions. His tenure as mayor has been marked by pragmatic policies that have maintained Rivermarch's prosperity, though some criticize him for prioritizing stability over justice or progress. He has survived several challenges to his authority by positioning himself as the steady hand needed during uncertain times. The recent growth of Rivermarch and increasing tensions with neighboring powers have tested his administrative abilities, forcing him to adapt his cautious approach to more dynamic circumstances. - **Current Motivations:** - Maintaining Rivermarch's political stability amid regional tensions - Securing his legacy as a successful administrator - Balancing the interests of established merchants and newer settlers - Protecting Rivermarch's autonomy while navigating relationships with larger powers - Grooming a successor who will continue his policies - **Connections & Relationships:** - **[[Varrin Dulcova]]** – Dwarven merchant with whom he maintains a mutually beneficial relationship - **City Council of Rivermarch** – The governing body he carefully manages - **[[Character Cards/Gnomes/Marcela Vassari]]** – His chief administrator and most trusted advisor - **Various merchant guild leaders** – Important supporters of his administration - **[[Darren]]** – His nephew whom he has positioned in the city administration - **Factions or Allegiances:** - **Rivermarch Administration** – The bureaucratic apparatus he controls - **Merchant's Consortium** – Powerful economic interests that support his governance - **Moderate Political Faction** – Those who favor stability and incremental change - **Brevoy (nominally)** – Maintains diplomatic relations while preserving autonomy - **Notable Items or Equipment:** - **Mayor's Seal** – Official symbol of his authority - **The Ledgers of Rivermarch** – Historical records he consults for precedents - **Ceremonial Staff of Office** – Carried during formal proceedings - **Family Signet Ring** – A reminder of his merchant origins - **Collection of Maps** – Detailed charts of Rivermarch and surrounding territories #### **Additional Notes** - **Recurring Themes:** - The tension between stability and progress - Pragmatic governance versus idealistic principles - The personal cost of public service - Legacy and succession planning - **Player/GM Notes:** - Can serve as a quest-giver for missions that benefit Rivermarch - Represents established authority that players may work with or against - Useful source of information about local politics and history - May become more ally or antagonist depending on players' actions - His network of contacts makes him a valuable connection for politically-minded characters