### **King-Regent Noleski Surtova** *A ruler clinging to his throne through cunning, coercion, and careful diplomacy.* --- ![[DALL·E 2025-02-23 16.58.18 - A regal and calculating man with sharp features, neatly groomed black hair streaked with silver, and cold, unreadable eyes stands in a dimly lit thron.webp]] ### **Basic Information** - **Name:** King-Regent Noleski Surtova - **Race/Species:** Human - **Class/Profession:** Noble, Politician, Strategist - **Alignment/Morality:** Lawful Evil (Believes in maintaining order, but primarily for his own benefit) - **Age:** Late 40s - **Gender & Pronouns:** Male (he/him) - **Appearance:** A regal man with sharp features, neatly groomed black hair streaked with silver, and cold, calculating eyes. He wears dark, richly embroidered garments with the Surtova crest, a sapphire-encrusted signet ring, and an ever-present ceremonial rapier. His face is often unreadable, maintaining an air of quiet menace. --- ### **Personality & Traits** - **Personality Summary:** Noleski Surtova is a master manipulator, ruling through a mix of political maneuvering, strategic marriages, and ruthless suppression of dissent. He presents himself as the rightful ruler of Brevoy, though few believe his claim is anything but opportunistic. His patience is legendary—he plays the long game, never acting hastily, but always ensuring that the scales tip in his favor. - **Strengths & Skills:** - **Master Strategist:** Rarely makes a move without considering five possible outcomes. - **Coldly Charismatic:** Can turn enemies into uneasy allies through carefully crafted words. - **Political Manipulator:** Plays noble houses, mercantile factions, and military leaders against each other. - **Well-Protected:** Has a formidable personal guard and an extensive spy network. - **Weaknesses & Flaws:** - **Paranoid:** Sees betrayal everywhere, making it difficult for him to trust even his closest allies. - **Illegitimate Rule:** His claim to the throne is weak, and many in Brevoy resent his control. - **Fear of Losing Power:** Will go to any lengths to remain in control, even if it means making dangerous concessions. - **Mannerisms & Speech Patterns:** - Speaks slowly and deliberately, with an air of condescension. - Never raises his voice in anger—his quiet disappointment is often more terrifying. - Prefers veiled threats over direct confrontation, often leaving rivals guessing at his true intent. --- ### **Background & Story Role** - **Backstory Summary:** Noleski Surtova was never meant to be king. His family ruled Issia for centuries, but when the Rogarvia dynasty vanished, he seized the throne as "Regent," claiming stewardship over Brevoy until a true heir returned. That was over a decade ago. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to consolidate power, knowing full well that if he falters, his enemies—both external and within Brevoy—will tear him apart. - **Current Motivations:** - **Maintain Control Over Brevoy:** Every action he takes is meant to secure his grip on the throne. - **Crush Dissent:** He keeps close watch on [[House Orlovsky]], [[House Aldori]], and any noble family that resists his rule. - **Monitor the Stolen Lands:** He sees kingdoms like [[Rivermarch]] and [[Varnhold]] as potential threats if left unchecked. - **Seek Legitimacy:** If he cannot find a way to make his rule undisputed, he may turn to drastic measures—such as forging an alliance through marriage, finding a puppet heir, or eliminating rival claims entirely. - **Connections & Relationships:** - **Allies:** - **[[House Surtova]]** – His extended family, though not all of them are loyal. - **[[Pitax]] & King [[Castruccio Irovetti]]** – Maintains a fragile alliance, though he does not fully trust Irovetti. - **Loyalist Nobles** – Those who benefit from his rule and fear instability. - **Enemies/Rivals:** - **[[House Orlovsky]]** – Openly refuses to acknowledge his rule. - **[[House Aldori]]** – The swordlords of Restov threaten to undo his grip on southern Brevoy. - **[[Rivermarch]] & [[Varnhold]]** – While not outright enemies, he watches them closely, wary of their growing strength. - **Neutral/Uncertain:** - **Dame [[Sarrona Lebeda]]** – He relies on House Lebeda’s mercantile influence, but she is difficult to control. - **Various Mercenary Bands** – He often employs hired swords, though he sees them as disposable assets. - **Factions or Allegiances:** - **House Surtova:** The ruling family of Brevoy—though its support is not as strong as Noleski would like. - **Brevic Loyalists:** Those who prefer stability under his rule over the chaos of rebellion. - **Secret Police & Spymasters:** Keeps extensive records on potential threats and traitors. - **Notable Items or Equipment:** - **Surtova Signet Ring:** A symbol of his authority, carried at all times. - **Ceremonial Rapier:** A finely crafted weapon, more for appearances than battle. - **The "Black Ledger":** A secret document containing blackmail, debts, and weaknesses of Brevoy’s nobility. --- ### **Additional Notes** - **Recurring Themes:** - Power through control, rather than strength. - The struggle of maintaining rule when no one truly believes in your legitimacy. - The weight of paranoia and constant betrayal. - **Player/GM Notes:** - Noleski is the ultimate schemer, never revealing his true intentions unless it serves him. - He is not invincible—his paranoia and reliance on political manipulation can be exploited. - He may offer Rivermarch diplomatic recognition in exchange for loyalty, though his "support" always comes with a hidden cost.