![[DALL·E 2025-02-22 16.23.42 - A noble heraldic crest for House Orlovsky, one of Brevoy's great noble houses, featuring a proud white griffon soaring against a sky-blue field, symbo.webp]] ### **House Orlovsky** - **Motto/Sigil:** *“High Above”* / A **white griffon on a sky-blue field**, wings spread in watchful vigilance. - **Region & Holdings:** House Orlovsky rules from **Eagle’s Watch**, a fortress high in the northern mountains of Brevoy. Their lands are **cold, rugged, and defensible**, situated near the **Lake of Mists and Veils**. - **House Colors:** **Sky blue and white**. - **Societal Standing:** **A powerful but politically neutral noble house, respected for its honor and independence.** - **Primary Industry:** **Agriculture, livestock, and defensive military strategy.** Orlovsky produces **grain, fine horses, and trained griffon-riders**. --- ### **House Structure & Leadership** - **Current Head of House:** **Duke [[Poul Orlovsky]]** – A dignified and **cautious ruler**, known for his **sharp mind and reluctance to engage in reckless conflicts**. - **Heirs & Family Members:** - **Lord [[Evander Orlovsky]]** – A skilled diplomat, favoring **Brevoy’s unification over division**. - **Lady [[Lysara Orlovsky]]** – A renowned **griffon rider**, leading their elite **Skyguard knights**. - **Loyal Retainers & Advisors:** - **Captain [[Sergei Varkov]]** – The **commander of Eagle’s Watch**, a brilliant strategist. - **[[Isolde Vesna]]** – A **mage-advisor specializing in wind magic and long-range communication**. - **Notable Ancestral Figures:** - **Grand Duke Gavril Orlovsky** – Once led Brevoy into its **golden age of peace and prosperity** before House Surtova’s rise. - **Dame Anya Orlovsky** – A legendary **griffon knight**, whose tactics are still studied in military academies. --- ### **Politics & Influence** - **Alliances & Rivals:** - **Ties with House Medvyed**, sharing similar values of tradition and honor. - **Dislikes House Surtova**, viewing them as **usurpers and manipulators**. - **Wary of Rivermarch**, watching to see how its leadership develops. - **Political Ideals:** **Orlovsky values neutrality, stability, and sovereignty**—they oppose unnecessary wars and outside influence. - **Reputation:** **Honorable but distant.** Known for **calm judgment, measured responses, and strategic patience**. - **Enemies & Feuds:** - **House Surtova considers them a threat**, as Orlovsky refuses to recognize Surtova’s absolute rule. - **Rebels and exiles sometimes seek refuge in Orlovsky lands**, angering other houses. - **Military Power:** - **Highly disciplined troops**, specializing in **defensive warfare** and **aerial combat using griffon riders**. - **Strong fortifications** make **Eagle’s Watch nearly impregnable**. - **Magical Affinity:** - Focuses on **wind and sky magic**, enhancing **scouting, aerial combat, and battlefield coordination**. --- ### **House History & Lore** - **Founding & Origins:** - House Orlovsky began as **guardians of Brevoy’s northern border**, protecting against **raiders and foreign invasions**. - **Greatest Triumphs:** - **Defended Brevoy against Issian warbands** during the early years of the kingdom’s formation. - Maintained **neutrality during the Vanishing**, preventing Brevoy’s collapse into full-scale war. - **Darkest Secrets:** - **Rumored to shelter Rogarvian loyalists**, possibly even aiding in a secret heir’s survival. - Some believe Orlovsky **possesses ancient maps** leading to forgotten Brevoyan treasures and ruins. - **Current Struggles:** - **Pressure from House Surtova** to swear fealty or risk being seen as **rebels**. - **Divisions within the house**, as younger nobles push for **more involvement in Brevoyan politics**. --- ### **Culture & Traditions** - **Core Values & Customs:** - **Honor above all.** An Orlovsky’s word is **binding**, and deceit is **deeply frowned upon**. - **Aloof, measured diplomacy.** They rarely act without extensive deliberation. - **Preferred Fighting Style:** - **Aerial warfare, griffon cavalry, and defensive tactics.** - **Archers and lancers dominate their ranks**, using the **high ground to their advantage**. - **Religious Affiliations:** - **Iomedae, goddess of honor and justice**, is widely worshiped. - Some venerate **Gozreh**, believing their control over wind and storms helps their aerial dominance. - **Symbols of Power:** - **The Skyward Lance** – A legendary **griffon knight’s spear**, used in aerial jousts. - **The Orlovsky Windstone** – A magical **navigation tool**, ensuring safe passage through treacherous mountain paths. --- ### **Additional Notes** - **Inspiration & Vibe:** - **Imperial Russia meets Medieval Aerial Knights**—proud, **isolationist warriors with a code of honor**. - **Potential Story Hooks:** - **Orlovsky might aid Rivermarch** if convinced that its **independence is just.** - **Surtova may attempt to crush Orlovsky**—forcing them into an **alliance or exile**. - **A hidden Rogarvian heir might seek their protection**, dragging them into conflict.