![[DALL·E 2025-02-23 17.00.21 - A tall, imposing nobleman in his late 50s stands in a grand study, surrounded by shelves filled with ancient tomes and maps of Brevoy. His graying hai.webp]] ### **Basic Information** - **Name:** Lord Poul Orlovsky - **Race/Species:** Human - **Class/Profession:** Noble Lord, Political Leader - **Alignment/Morality:** Lawful Neutral (Believes in honor and duty but opposes tyranny) - **Age:** Late 50s - **Gender & Pronouns:** Male (he/him) - **Appearance:** A tall, imposing man with graying hair and piercing blue eyes. He wears a finely tailored military-style coat embroidered with the Orlovsky crest. His face is weathered, showing both wisdom and the weight of responsibility. Often seen carrying a silver-tipped cane, though his posture suggests he hardly needs it. --- ### **Personality & Traits** - **Personality Summary:** Lord Orlovsky is a man of unyielding principles. A scholar of history and a skilled diplomat, he navigates Brevoy’s fractured political landscape with measured patience. He despises tyranny and views House Surtova’s rule as illegitimate. Despite his noble demeanor, he is fiercely protective of those loyal to him, valuing honor above all else. - **Strengths & Skills:** - **Master Diplomat:** Trained in negotiation and alliance-building. - **Tactical Thinker:** Experienced in political and military strategy. - **Respected Leader:** Commands the loyalty of many within House Orlovsky and beyond. - **Historian & Scholar:** Well-versed in Brevoy’s history, particularly its founding and the disappearance of the Rogarvia dynasty. - **Weaknesses & Flaws:** - **Stubborn to a Fault:** Will not compromise on certain principles, even when strategy suggests otherwise. - **Limited Military Control:** House Orlovsky is not a militaristic house, relying more on diplomacy than force. - **Under Surveillance:** Surtova agents keep close watch on him, limiting his ability to act openly. - **Mannerisms & Speech Patterns:** - Speaks with a deep, measured voice, often pausing before responding. - Uses precise language, never over-promising or making reckless statements. - A slight northern Brevic accent, common among Orlovsky nobility. - Often begins discussions with historical parallels to emphasize his point. --- ### **Background & Story Role** - **Backstory Summary:** Lord Poul Orlovsky grew up in the aristocratic traditions of House Orlovsky, taught from a young age that duty to one's house and people is paramount. When the Rogarvia family vanished, he initially supported unity but quickly came to see House Surtova’s power grab as a betrayal of Brevoy’s traditions. While other noble houses bent the knee or sought personal gain, Orlovsky became the last significant holdout against Surtova’s rule. - **Current Motivations:** - **Oppose House Surtova:** He views their rule as illegitimate and seeks ways to resist their power. - **Restore Stability to Brevoy:** He is willing to support alternative rulers—provided they respect Brevoy’s legacy. - **Seek Allies:** Understanding his house's military weakness, he values diplomacy, seeking alliances with groups like [[House Aldori]], [[Varnhold]], and possibly [[Rivermarch]]. - **Connections & Relationships:** - **Allies:** - **[[House Aldori]]** – Shares a common interest in resisting Surtova. - **[[Maegar Varn]]** – Has exchanged diplomatic messages with the Lord of Varnhold. - **[[Rivermarch]]** – Sees the emerging power as a potential ally against Surtova. - **Enemies:** - **[[House Surtova]]** – The current ruling house, which he refuses to recognize. - King **[[Castruccio Irovetti]]** – Though distant, Irovetti’s ambitions in the Stolen Lands concern him. - **Neutral/Uncertain:** - **Other Brevic Nobles** – Some sympathize with him, but most fear Surtova’s wrath. - **Factions or Allegiances:** - **House Orlovsky** – His primary allegiance, dedicated to resisting Surtova. - **Traditionalists of Brevoy** – Quietly supports noble families and groups that seek to return to pre-Surtova rule. - **Anti-Surtova Coalition (Unofficial)** – Corresponds with like-minded nobles and adventurers to undermine Surtova rule. - **Notable Items or Equipment:** - **Orlovsky Signet Ring:** A symbol of his house, used to seal diplomatic letters. - **Silver-Tipped Cane:** A concealed weapon, useful for both self-defense and a symbol of authority. - **Personal Library:** A vast collection of books on Brevoy’s history, law, and military strategy. --- ### **Additional Notes** - **Recurring Themes:** - The weight of tradition versus the need for change. - Political intrigue and the cost of defiance. - The struggle to maintain honor in a world of treachery. - **Player/GM Notes:** - Lord Orlovsky can serve as a crucial political ally or a challenge for PCs who wish to navigate Brevoy’s politics. - His resistance against Surtova means he is constantly at risk, requiring secrecy and discretion in his dealings. - He may offer resources, information, or safe passage to those who aid his cause.