Rurik Halfdansson
Rurik Halfdansson is a Rover, and a boyar in the service of Prince Vladimir Sviatoslavovich of Ladan'. Rurik is ambitious, trying to advance at the Prince's court while accumulating substantial wealth in the process. He has been in the lands of the Golden Labdy for a dozen years. Around two years ago, he converted to the True Confession in order to marry Anastasiya Sviatoslavovna , the prince's daughter.
Over time, Rurik demonstrated exceptional skill in negotiation, combat, and leadership, making him a natural choice for forging alliances and managing local affairs. Rurik seeks to expand his influence over trade routes that pass through Ladan', leveraging his Viking connections and understanding of both Eastern and Western markets. He is particularly interested in controlling the flow of valuable goods such as furs, honey, amber, and slaves, as well as securing access to imported silver and luxury items.
Rurik's base is a fortified estate called Bychii Brod. He also owns four smaller villages - Novoye Selo (a prosperous farming community) Berezhki (a village of trappers), Zaozerye (a fishing village), and Staraya Sloboda (a hub for smiths, potters, and weavers).
Despite his public conversion, many in the Gaalite community, including clergy and devout nobles, remain skeptical of Rurik's sincerity. One, a boyar named Dmitri Yaroslavovich, is an old noble from one of the oldest families in Ladan'. Dmitri has long-standing ties to the local prince and the Gaalite Church, views Rurik as an outsider and a threat to the established order. Another rival is Bishop Feofan, is also skeptical of Rurik's conversion and sees it as merely a political maneuver, and strives to make sure Rurik fully embraces the Gaalite faith. Rurik is especially concerned that they may be spying on him to try to produce evidence of the insincerity of his conversion. Rurik has expressed interest in acquiring an icon or relic that will reaffirm his piety, and perhaps draw pilgrims to his estate.
A different problem is constituted by Yelena Vladimirovna, a wealthy widow, who, according to rumor, regrets the missed opportunity to marry Rurik and harbors jealous feelings toward his wife. Rurik is concerned that she is spreading rumors about him at the prince's court.
Perhaps Rurik's biggest headache is a mercenary captain named Sigurd Karlsson. Unlike Rurik, Sigurd has not converted to the True Confession. He is a leader among the Rover mercenaries. Sigurd openly challenges Rurik's decisions, accusing him of abandoning their heritage for personal gain. Ever since Rurik converted, Sigurd has raised the price for his services, at least as far as Rurik is concerned. Rurik therefore looks for competition to Sigurd, if only as a way to get Sigurd to lower his prices.
Rurik's other concerns:
Someone seems to be moving in on his amber suppliers. It is unclear who it is, but Rurik wants to protect his source;
He is oath-bound to fight for the Prince against the Prince of Luzhinsk, so he must leave shortly, leaving many things undone;
Novoye Selo is late paying tribute to him - he needs someone to go there, and take some captives to teach them a lesson. He's not sure he can trust Sigurd;
There have been animal attacks at his various villages - livestock has gone missing, and several people have been frightened;
Prior to his untimely demise, his son, Oleg, was two years old, but already sickly. This was a source of concern for Rurik prior to his departure on the expedition.
At present, Rurik is on campaign with Vladimir Sviatoslavovich against the forces of the Prince of Luzhinsk. He has been made aware of the party's capture of Miro, and has sent word that the prisoner should be kept in the pit until his return (likely around the start of the rainy season).
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