Kaiser Otto von Kirk
Otto von Kirk is the current Emperor of the Cimbormen Empire, and the 16th Duke of Ithalia now called Ithalia-Sondar after the addition of North Sondar to his realms. He is an ambitious man with ambitious plans for the empire he rules. A man with a keen eye for strategy and the grand game of diplomacy within the empire he is known to have both a silver tongue and a vivacious vigor that transcends his age. He rules over his own lands with a softer fist than other lords within the Empire, treating those he rules more like his children than tools to be used. This has earned him the love of his people, and indeed the respect of many people outside his personnel lands. This does not however mean he isn't beyond using tyrannical mean to achieve his designs.
Mental characteristics
Born in the Imperial Summer Palace in the southern reaches of Ithalia Otto would spend most of his early life living away from Ithalia. Instead, he was raised, along side his cousin Gysbert van Noye, in a humble house by the standards of Vreyas nobility nested near a mountain village in norther Ithalia by a minor lord named Frank von Kampel. Here he would come to know his cousin as a brother, he would learn how to ride a horse, to use a sword to read and write and how to properly speak. The Lord Von Kampel would also teach Otto some very important things, how to lead men, the ways of war and how to get the leaders of other duchies on his side. From Von Kampel Otto would earn his silver tongue, but it would be from himself that he would find the fiery ambition that has defined his life.
As it happens Otto became a man. He had learned all he could from books and lectures and it was time for him to leave the tutelage of Von Kample and go to take the lessons of the real world. He would return to an Empire in chaos. The Emperor Johan von Klept had died and the Electoral Diet had meet. The Diet had elected by a narrow margin the Duke of Thelian, Herman von Dier. However this ill suited the runner up. Augustus von Vermet, Lord of Morfurt believed he had been cheated out of the election.
On a hot summer day the event that would see Otto on the path the Emperor would happen. It was the coronation day of Hereman von Dier, in the City of Silisa, nearly every noble in the Empire was in attendance, Otto included. As Hereman walked to the alter of the Silisan Cathedral a shot rang out and the sound of blades leaving there scabbards echoed in the hall. Augustus had come to claim what was his. The day was violent and bloody and many great men fell, amongst them Ottos father, killed by one of Augustus's men. The war that followed would last to year, Hereman von Dier had escaped with his life and had found shelter in Ithalia. Otto, bent on avenging his fallen father went on the offensive.
For two years he campaigned aggressively, always pressing the attack and never giving up the initiative. In the year 1481 the war would finally be over. Augustus would fall in battle, meanwhile Hereman would be shot in the chest. With his last breath he willed the Duchy of Thela to Otto and died. A new Electorial Diet would be called and it was Otto von Krick who would become master of the Cimbar.
first cousin (Vital)
Towards Emperor Otto von Krik
first cousin (Vital)
Towards Grand Duke Gysbert van Noye
History
The two men, while cousins, are of similar age and political stature. They were raised together, ate together, educated together, and spent their early lives together in a manner more akin to brothers than cousins. As a result, they built a close-knit friendship established on mutual trust and understanding of one another. Whilst political rivals, neither man bears ill-will towards the other and is always concerned with one another's well-being.
Commonalities & Shared Interests
Both men see the success of the Empire as a whole, and not just their respective regions, as tantamount to bringing much-needed stability to Vreya. And too, they know if the Empire as a whole is well, so are their domains within it. Gysbert and his cousin Otto share many similar recreational interests as well, such as playing wargames together, sparring with weapons, and hunting.
Shared Secrets
Due to the closeness of their friendship, Gysbert is aware that one of Otto's bastard half-elf children is the heir to the throne of Ithalia. Likewise, he is aware of Otto's eleven mistress he keeps as a secret away from his court.
Shared Acquaintances
Both men know other dukes and counts within the Empire, of varying levels of friendship and acquaintance.
Cousin (Vital)
Towards Emperor Otto von Krik
Cousin
Towards Lennaert van Noye
History
Lennaert is a cousin to the Emperor himself, and as such, knows him quite well. Lennaert finds the often jovial nature of Otto when he is amongst family and friends to satisfy his hedonistic behaviours more than his brother. When in more informal situations, the two often share wine and food.
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