Influence in Brevoy

One night, of thunder storms and earthquakes, about ten years ago, three unexpected events took place that threw the whole of Brevoy into turmoil - and the effects are still being felt today. Page updated Jan 2023

1) Urzen Rogarvia (King of All Brevoy) and all of his blood relations, no matter how distant, just suddenly disappeared over night. One night they were there, next morning they weren't. Anyone who could trace their heritage back to Choral the Conqueror (even babies and children) just disappeared overnight. There have been a couple of claimants, who were disproved etc - but basically, the whole of the Royal Family disappeared mysteriously over night.

2) The Golka Clan of Dwarfs who formed a partnership with The Garress family just disappeared. Their underground strong hold disappeared from view amid a night of thunderstorms and earthquakes - and has not been seen since. There have been expeditions etc … But there is no sign of the Golka or even their stronghold. It is like they never existed.

3) Sky Watch, a city built around an ancient and arcane tower in the north east of the country, has sealed itself off with powerful magics. No living creature can enter it and none has been known to leave.

None of the Mages, Clerics or other wise folk have been able to resolve any of those issues - even though they tried. They haven't even worked out if the three are linked, or how. The effect has been to throw the whole of the country into turmoil. Surtova tried to move into the power vacuum but doesn't really have the strength and power to fully seize control. And no one else has enough power or influence to send him packing. The country hasn't resolved the issue over ten years. Surtova claims to be King. At least one house (Orlovski) only recognise him as Regent. New Stetven, the capital, hasn't gelled under him. Everything sort of staggers along, and the nobles plot.

Even the colonial ventures (such as Drelev, Middlemarch and Varnhold) are probably just a part of those machinations.

This table ranks SOME of the nobles, or their houses, that are influential across Brevoy. It does not list every Noble or Aristocrat in Brevoy, but I think it includes all the families and people that I have used as examples - as well as a few that aren't. Below 10 influence points and you probably won't be recognised as 'properly aristocratic' in influential circles. This is also a snap-shot, taken fairly soon after Midmarch and the other colonies were founded - don't be surprised if it isn't completely accurate :)

Descendants of Choral the Conqueror and his hostage wife Myrna Rogarvia (Nee Surtova), they held the throne of Brevoy for 200 years. Their influence spread (Violence for those who opposed them, titles and rewards for those who supported them) until they controlled New Stetven, its surrounds, and the North Eastern Rostland plains. Until King Urzen Rogarvia and all of his blood relatives disappeared about ten years ago.

There was a hiatus for a while, and then Noleski Surtova moved to claim the throne for himself, first as regent and then as King. However, he did not have the financial or military strength to impose his will on the capital, and the networks that King Urzen had controlled.

Rogarvian control had been built on minor nobles houses controlled by sons (directly) and daughters (indirectly) of the blood – and when these blood nobles disappeared the network started to fall apart. In many cases husbands of Rogarvian wives assumed control and started to build their own alliances. But many wives of Rogarvian husbands lost their property and position, as rents and taxes fell due and there was no family machinery to support them. Many property and businesses reverted to their original owners, and fell out of the 'network' all together.

House Rogarvia had controlled the Rostland plains – They married into some families and made sure that they made sure that all the Viscounts and Governors were members of the family. On that fateful night, most of those senior officers disappeared overnight – leaving the region in Chaos. In some places one lordling or another took control of their small area, and while some of these new leaders claimed Rogarvian connections, others had never been strong supporters of the Rogarvia.

Surtova has never had the resources to keep control of Port Ice, make a play for New Steven and control Rostland. Now the area is splintered with little real leadership or direction.

Originally pirates and Traders from the far side of the Lake of Mists and Veils – originally Port Ice was just a safe port for them on the west side of the lake – a place to over winter, take loot and rest up before trade and pirate trips down the Sellen. Originally the ruling family were worshippers of Gorum, although as they ventured down the Sellen elements of Hanspur worship crept in. They were already powerful, but under Chorale their recklessness was tempered by the wisdom of Abadar - and they became the most powerful house in Brevoy. Intent on defending themselves both at sea and on land, the Surtova train both heavy-blade and light-blade warriors.

Well-ordered, strong and powerful - they are prepared to fight for what is theirs, what they think is theirs and what they think ought to be theirs. This has long lead to tensions with the Lodkova who share their cold watery domain, and the Orlovski’s, their inland neighbours. Their younger and less powerful members still raid and harass Lodkova on the water and Orlovski inland.

The Surtova stronghold of Port Ice and its surrounding area are very strong and secure, while their ships control the Western end of the Lake of Mists and veils - and this, maintained by the King's Uncle, the Count of Port Ice. The Surtova also have a respectable presence in the capital, New Stetven - Noleski Surtova has claimed the throne and Ruby Fortress (The Palace) and taken over the City's administration. While they are not strong enough to dominate the capital in the same way as the old king and his family, the Surtova are still the most powerful house in Brevoy - by quite a long way.

One of the main merchant / noble houses in Brevoy, they are considered to be the Brevic noble family that epitomizes Rostland. Only formed after the conquest, they have a significant amount of Taldan blood, an appreciation for fine things, and a love of sword fighting. There are Rondello and Light Blade duelling schools in their stronghold of Silverhall, while it is seen as desirable for aristocrats to know Rondello, most of their combatants are taught light blade skills suitable for use on their trade fleet.

While they control a lot of land, the Lebeda are primarily a Merchant House with a fleet of trade vessel that work around Lake Reykal, along the East Sellen River, through Lake Hookentongue, to Mivon and beyond. So much so that they have taken Abadar as their primary patron deity.

The Lebeda have a strong presence in New Stetven, and control a lot of the water bound trade that the city depends on. Overall, they are one of the richest and most influential of the noble families, second only to the Surtova. However, their position has weakened recently. Always a difficult passage, the East Sellen river has become particularly difficult, with monsters in Lake Hooktongue as well as river pirates lower down the river. To make it worse, a new trade route between Mivon and Restov, due to the opening of the Vallani Canals, has affected their trade as well.

Located between the Gronzi Forest and the Icerime mountains - the Medveyd are a bit of an anomaly among the Issian noble families. They are more interested in the land and tradition rather than in fighting, skirmishing or making money. Their people are farmers, hunters, trappers and woodsmen – good solid stay at home folk with simple tastes and few pretensions. Their patron deity is Erastil, and their warriors tend to be archers or axe-men. The house was only formed after The Conquest, and the region was under the conrol of many small lords, who were more closely aligned to the Rostland Aldori than the other Brevic families. Erastil had a large influence over both groups, and the Aldori used the road between the mountains and forest to connect their two strongholds - Rostland and Skywatch.

They house is well distributed - while Lord Gurev rules the family from Stone Climb, most live in small villages and lordships spread across their lands. Tower Houses are common by the mountains and fortified manors close to the forest.

While they trade for metals, weapons and some materials, they are pretty much self-sufficient in respect of food, basic clothing, building materials etc. Which all means, although they are one of the mid-strength houses, they are able to stay above much of the trade based politics of the other noble houses.

Lodkova – A Fishing and Merchant house based high up in the Lake of Mists and Veils. They came originally from just the other side of Claw Point, the families that make up the Lodkova clan are primarily fishermen – who aren’t above a bit of Free Trade or piracy. Their current base of Winterbreak eventually became bigger and more important than the holdings on the Iobarian side of Claw Point – although many people still have family who live over that way.

Unlike some of the other houses, Lodkova rose to prominence, before the conquest, through the desire for a common purpose (and a common defence against the Surtova) among the local fishing, pirating and trading houses in the region. Like most of the other ‘Issian’ houses, the Lodkova revere both Gorum and Abadar, which helps maintain the tradition of skirmishing & raiding (particularly with the Surtova across the Lake) whilst helping them to maintain the fishing and trading concerns around their islands. They prefer light combat styles that are suitable for shipboard fighting.

One of the mid-strength Great Houses they maintain fairly good relations with both House Orlovsky and House Medvyed who are trading partners to the south. While their island base is secure, and their ships agile – they only have a limited presence in New Stetven, the capital.

Originally ‘settlers’ from the city of Orlov, the traditional capital of Iobaria. Once here, they feuded and scrapped in a friendly way, amongst themselves, as they oppressed the local population. Before Choral the Conqueror came, they banded together and sorted themselves out, to face down the Surtova. They tend to consider themselves to be a bit more sophisticated than their neighbours and (to some extent) above politics. They try and keep themselves to themselves – although they defend their borders against Surtova hotheads assiduously.

They were also great supporters of the Rogarvia, and have (so far) refused to accept Noleski Surtova as king. To them he is acting as regent on behalf of the true Rogarvian king. Like most of the other Northern Houses, they balance worship of Gorum and battle with worship of Abadar and trade. Because of the mountainous terrain of their home territory, they tend to favour skirmishers rather than other types of combatant - although there is a tradition of training most of their nobles in some elements fencing and pretty sword play.

Their mountain stronghold has no great source of wealth, and they have limited access to trade routes - a small river to the Lake of Mist and Veils in an area controlled by the Lodkova and a long overland route to Lake Reykal. They have a limited presence in New Stetven and are the smallest of the Great Families..

House Garess had become organised before the advent of Choral the Conqueror, although they payed a regular tribute to their 'allies', House Surtova. Their burgeoning relationship with the Golka clan had shown them the value of mutual protection and working together – before it became clear to the other houses. Originally worshippers of Gorum, first Torag and then Abadar crept into the mix. They still value those who can fight to defend themselves or their interests, but they were one of the least aggressive of the houses. Their military strengths are based on heavy armour and the heavy-blade fighting techniques that work so well in defence.

Since the Golka Clan were lost, House Garess have struggled. They still have access to some minor supplies of ore, but their main source of income was lost at a stroke. Since then, Garess have been on the lookout for new sources of metals and ores.

House Garess have become inward looking – more concerned with themselves than with outsiders. A lot of their income was lost along with the Golks and while they are still strong on home territory, their influence has waned significantly, and now they are one of the weaker houses.

The Rostland Aldori are, perhaps, the original group of the Aldori ‘Super Family’, led by the indomitable Lady Jamandi Aldori. A true descendent of the original ruler and the First Sword Lord she has started to use the title of baron again. These are the Aldori who stayed in place after their conquest by Choral the Conqueror, but did not really accept his rule. They are based in the eastern most parts of Rostland and the city of Restov.

Recently, they gained control over much of their original land, although they are still subject to King Nikolai Surtova, although they have significant holdings in the city of Restov as well. Like many other members of the ‘Super Family’ they are renowned Duellists, Fighters and Mercenaries. Unlike many other Noble families, each new generation has to be adopted into the family afresh. Very few don’t ask to be adopted, and very few are rejected – but they are continually refreshed by people loyal to the cause of the Aldori.

The Khavortorov family are a hot-tempered family that has produced knights for many generations and are a branch of the Aldori ‘super family’. They accepted Rogarvian rule, prospered by providing paid military support to the Rogarvian kings, and were awarded a barony for their services. They are based in New Stetven and their barony to the east of the city.

Their wealth and influence comes, primarily, from a top quality, Aldori Style, sword school in New Stetven and a set of mercenary barracks. Baron Khavortorov rules the family from a small castle in his barony. Like many other members of the ‘Super Family’ they are renowned Duellists, Fighters and Mercenaries. They have a good working relationship with House Ventus.

Lady Carmela Rogarvia-Green, Viscount Skywatch controls the area around Skywatch. The city itself might be sealed, but in the surrounding countryside life goes on. The Lady Carmela was married to the Rogarvian Viscount who marshalled the troops that kept the Skywatch countryside in order. When the Viscount ‘disappeared’ one of his officers tried to take command - however, Lady Carmela used her house troops to put down that rebellion. Others rallied to her cause, and (with their help) she took control of the region and claimed the role of Viscount for herself, although she stated publicly, that she is holding the title in lieu of her ex-husband and will answer to the Count when Skywatch is reopened. She is a formidable diplomat, who employs good commanders and loyal soldiers. However, her position was confirmed as part of the treaty between the Nobles and King Surtova, after the 'Almost War'.

Carmela has married again (one of her local lords) and rules the local countryside as its Lord. She commands a sizeable army and has a number of minor lords and lordlings who support her. She makes the old patriarchal lords uncomfortable - particularly as she has declared her young son to be her heir. She is a formidable diplomat, and her new husband is a good soldier.

New Stetven - Capital of Brevoy
The population of this northern metropolis is impressive - large enough that if they should ever find their voice you would want to listen. Fortunately, they generally settle for grumbling loudly about problems, rather than facing them head on. However, the New Stetven City Watch and Militia could be a significant political force – if their commander (Captain Flamane) thought it was in his interests.

House Rogarvia controlled New Steven by controlling the city's administration. Tax collectors, weights and measures, licencing officials, court officials (all sorts of posts) were staffedby low ranking Rogarvia and their supporters, and all of the senior post-holders had Rogarvian blood ties. This allowed them to keep a tight grip on the city and its finances. When those leaders disappeared along with the rest of the Rogarvia, the system coped because people promoted themselves and moved up the chain - but it broke the one-family monopoly and domination of the system. There are still some Rogarvian spouses and supporters active in the administration, but they ten to keep a low profile. Others lost their income, some lost their home and some lost everything. With no strong force or guiding principles to hold them together these Rogarvian Survivors have splintered into small factions and have little real political influence any more. Lady Gray, described below, is a good example.

They consist of new money families, refugees from abroad and old families that didn’t make it big - all sorts. Many own enough land, property or businesses in, or around, New Stetven to keep a large manor house or a small estate – and there are enough of them that, when they band together, they have a voice. Some Examples include …

• House Cartan - led by, the almost legendary, Lady Luna Cartan. She wears a black formal robes decorated with black stones and walks with a silver topped cane. They are based in New Stetven, and many of the wealthier city districts in New Steven boast a Casters Tower, or Exotic Artisan’s Workshop that is owned by House Cartan.
• House Ventus - are an aristocratic house comfortably situated in New Stetven - the head of House bears the title ‘Master of the North Wind’. A title conferred on them by House Rogarvia for their help in managing New Steven and Brevoy as a whole. The street rumours are that their fortunes are all based on a genie’s kiss, they are characterised by Blonde Hair and light blue eyes. House Ventus are a family of gifted sorcerers - who provide mercenary spell services. They tend to be fairly skilled combat sorcerers and are accustomed to working closely with House Khavortorov.
• House Ragoon – once held land out near Skywatch, but conceded their ownership to the Rogarvia very early on. In return they were given a minor title, allowed to keep most of their possessions and permitted to move to New Stetven. The years haven’t been good to them. At one point a family member was suspected of planning a coup against the crown, and only just managed to buy themselves out of being sent into exile. Just as bad, one Lord Ragoon was an addicted gambler and almost lost all of the family’s fortunes. But they are fighting back again. This time in the mid-scale hospitality market.
• House Chamenda – Of part Vudran Ancestry, they are importers of Spices, Fine Teas and Exotic Liqueurs – as well as restaurateurs.
• The Cullertons – A minor part of the ruling family that was expelled from Lambreth by Dictator Kamdyn Arnefax, in 4675. This branch of the family, currently led by Flora Cullerton, managed to escape with a few family heirlooms, then sold those to buy a single tenement building in New Stetven. Then, over the years they expanded. Most of their current wealth comes from a series of rented properties – Tenements and apartment houses.
• Lady Gray - Was married to an influential (and fairly sensible) Rogavian before the disappearance. Among other things they invested in a small merchant business, with mule trains serving the local area. Now in her mid 40s, she is not a rich woman, and lives at The Merchant House where she oversees operations personally. She maintains contact with many other Rogavarian Survivors and is one of the most influential of New Stetven's Small Merchants.
• Lord Flame – is now a lonely old man. He once held quite a senior officer in the New Steven Local Government – but his work took all of his time and he never married. Now he survives on his pension and lives alone (apart from his servants) in a small mansion house in New Stetven.
• Captain, Sir Richard Flamane – Captain of the New Stetven Militia. Once married to a (now disappeared) Rogarvian wife. He was a commander in the Rogarvian Military, and arranged his own transfer (and promotion) to the militia in the days immediately after the Rogarvian disappearance. In his late 40s – he is still the senior officer in the Militia.
• Amelie de leMaistre - She came to New Stetven from Ustalav, a generation ago (about 4688) and set up as a small local merchant house. She is the younger sister of The Master of Feldgrau, a house that lost their land and menfolk in The War without Rivals. She led the family to re-establish themselves, as merchants working along the New Steven – Restov trade route. Now Henry (the oldest surviving male of the line) has started to establish the family in the new colony of Midmarch. The family goal has always been to reclaim their aristocratic status. Amelie is one of the most influential of New Stetven's Small Merchants.
• Poran al Gorka - he is the leader of New Stetven's dwarves. Initially fragmented, under Poran's guidance the dwarves are starting to work together as a community. As always, they are among the best smiths and stone workers, and make exquisite jewellery.

South of New Stetven the banks (on both sides) of the East Sellen river is dotted with villages, farms and fishing hamlets. Jetties allow boats to stop and load (or unload) cargo – and they carry Fish, Grain, Raw Linen and Hemp up the river to New Stetven. These settlements run right down to the Brevoy Borders – and their residents are a tough and fierce lot. The lordlings of these villages are descended from the leaders of Choral’s original horde – and while they were loyal to the Rogarvia - they are less loyal to the Surtova and are somewhat unpredictable. Note Farmers in this context means the lordlings who own manage and control the farming villages and communities. The equivalent of Lords of the Manor or Country Squires. Telgar Gurov Leads the South Steven Farmers. He was never much of a farmer (he leaves that to the rest of clan) and is seen by many as a throwback to his ancestors. Telgar is somewhat of an intimidating leader - but it seems to work well enough among his rough and ready people. ===== Restov ===== The Free City of Restov
Restov is an independent city, with its own City Guard and Militia - but it also has a leader in the shape of its Lord Mayor. Restov is the place to go if you want to learn sophisticated swords play, with more duelling schools that any other city in Brevoy (including New Stetven) and its Guard and Militia are amongst the best trained troops in the region. It is surrounded by small independent lordlings and and estates that look to the city for leadership. It is also where you find most of the hot-heads and rebels. It needs a good strong Lord Mayor to keep the city in check – but still get some political leverage in the rest of the nation. While all of the major Noble Houses, and many of the minor interests, have a representative here - The Rostland Aldori are the most influential. Some examples include … * Lord Mayor of Restov – Ioseph Sellemius is the leader of the City of Restov. The city is so far away from the capital that it has become a magnet for dissidents, and hotheads - but also home to the Aldori, a number of sword schools and other businesses. It is one of the largest cities in Brevoy. The Lord Mayor of Restov about 95 influence points. * Lady Jamandi Aldori - First Swordlord and chief of the Aldori, has about 80 Influence points - although much of her influence stems from East Rostland. * Lettson of Restov - Councillor Thonat Lettson, an ex-adventurer, is a merchant based in the Riverside district (where he grew up) of Restov – and is a member of the City Council. He is seen with affection in Riverside and is the district’s unofficial leader. Thonat Lettson has 27 Influence points. * Sir Ferdinand Ledkno – Holds land outside of Restov and is recognised as the best horse breeder /trainer in the region. He lives in a village with a Fortified manor, and has two ranches (based on Fortified Villas) in the same hex. His troops include a unit of light cavalry based at his home village. Sir Ferdinand has 26 influence points. * Goffin of Restov - Honourary Sword Lord Goffin, Leader of the Southern Schools, is a member of the City Council. He only arrived in Restov five or six years ago, but is a wealthy man and has proven himself to be an excellent Modern Style duellist. He has small investments in all sorts of things and it is difficult to pin down precisely where his financial interests lay – however he always seems to have a ready supply of cash – and 21 Influence Points. * Alston of Restov - A minor house from the city of Restov, who have had a boost since Advocate Jenessa Alston was appointed to the Council of Restov. Janessa, and her family, have 18 influence points. * Honourary Sword Lord Horatio Lebeda-Berain – Runs the Northern Sword Schools in Restov and is a City Councillor. He has 14 Influence Points. ===== The Colonies ===== Recently there has been a push to colonise the areas south of Brevoy. Four charters were issued - to: Baron Drelev, Henry leMaistre, Maegar Varn and The Iron Wraiths. Unfortunately, The Iron Wraiths have not been heard of recently … ==== Fort Drelev ==== * Baron Drelev – Hannis Drelev has been tasked with securing the Hookentounge Slough and making ensuring safe passage for merchant vessels travelling along the East Sellen River. His rewards will be dominion over the town or city that he builds. Baron Drelev has 52 Influence Points. * Lord Terrion Numesti – Serves Baron Drelev as a Military commander. He has 13 Influence Points. ==== MidMarch ==== Midmarch is the main game setting and you find details of the most influential people here. Henry leMaistre is the Governor of Midmarch. This is the full House leMaistre Influence breakdown House leMaistre – lead by Henry leMaistre, came to New Stetven from Ustalav, a generation ago (about 4688) and set up as a small merchant house working mainly between Restov and New Stetven. Henry’s mother was the younger sister of The Master of Feldgrau. The land and menfolk were lost in The War without Rivals – Henry is the oldest surviving male of the line. They have managed to re-establish themselves, as merchants working along the New Steven – Restov trade route. However, their family goal has always been to reclaim their aristocratic status. 33 Influence points.++

There are a number of other aristocrats that wield some influence. These include …

• Baron Varn of Vin controls a small estate that abuts Lady Carmela's increased holdings. As an outlying estate towards the Icerime mountains, he is part of the old county of Skywatch, but fell outside the control of the Viscount. However, he is on good terms with Lady Carmela and is supportive of her claim - if only because it keeps the other local lords under control while maintaining Varn's independence. Carmella, on the other hand, realises that Vin is a buffer between her claims and the Medveyed - which means she is less likely to be seen as a threat. One of his sons is Maegar Varn, was Lord of Varnhold, before the arrival of the lich, Vordakai. Influence points.
• Mayor of Brundeston - The mining town of Brundeston in eastern Rostland is the new 'spiritual' home to the dwarves of Clan Golka. Most dwarves throughout southern Brevoy and the northern River Kingdoms have relatives from here, and gem, ore and metal traders from Brunderton can often be found peddling their wares along the Sellen's many tributaries. While there are Dwarf 'outposts' in Greyhaven, New Steven and Restov - Brundeston is their primary stronghold.
• Rowle of Smallhurst - Thomas Rowle, Master of Smallhurst, lives in a well-fortified keep on the Great North Road. The keep has a village built inside its palisaded bailey and provides a safe over-night stop for trade caravans and travellers of all types.