Grand Duke Gysbert van Noye

Grand Duke Gysbert van Noye (a.k.a. The Spider)

Gysbert van Noye is the Grand Duke of the Duchy of Roste in central Vreya. A shrewd schemer and negotiator, Duke Gysbert has earned the nickname "the Spider", being known to have plans within plans, like a web, to ensure his success. He is very draconian in dealing with noncompliance and loose ends, and as a result, his subjects greatly fear him, yet also admire him due to his just nature. He is widely respected in the Empire due to his competence and skill in intrigue, as well as other matters involving the management of the realm, military and social pursuits.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Born in Pijnen, Roste, to the ruling van Noye dynasty, Gysbert was brought up in a world of opulence and splendour; he could have anything good or gift within the Empire that he could've possibly desired, yet instead grew up quiet and stoic, seeing over indulgence of niceties as a personal weakness. As a child, he was educated along with his first cousin and current Emperor, Otto von Kirk. The two boys became adults together and formed a strong bond with one another, as they were sent back to their respective realms in preparation of ruling family lands. Following the death of his father when he was twenty two, Gysbert quickly found himself thrust into the position as Grand Duke of Roste.
Initially unprepared, disaster occurred with uppity and dissatisfied nobles rising against him, not wanting to be led by a welp of a ruler who had little clue the importance of his actions in their affairs. A violent civil war broke out in Roste the same year, and listening closely to his marshal, "Stille" Willem van Bismarck, Gysbert was able to steal victory from the cusp of defeat and put the rebellion down. Following this time and up until van Bismarck's death, Gysbert closely learned the intricacies of warfare and the value of well disciplined force.

Education

Gysbert, much like Otto von Kirk, was educated a man named Frank von Kampel. The wise old man taught the two boys how to read and write, and imparted much wisdom regarding spiritual and social affairs into them both, as well as basics they would need in order to be lords

Relationships

Grand Duke Gysbert van Noye

first cousin (Vital)

Towards Emperor Otto von Krik

5

5

Frank

---

Emperor Otto von Krik

first cousin (Vital)

Towards Grand Duke Gysbert van Noye

5

5

Frank

---

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.

Grand Duke Gysbert van Noye

Associate (Important)

Towards Mairwyn Nic Asgaill

2

1

Honest

---

Mairwyn Nic Asgaill

Associate (Important)

Towards Grand Duke Gysbert van Noye

1

3

Honest

---

History

Political in nature, the two became acquainted upon the Elf's ascension to the throne of her homeland two years ago. Roughly similar in their political approaches, to an extent, and with little reason for outright hostility, relations appear to be on friendly terms.

Commonalities & Shared Interests

Both consider stability within the Empire and Vreya as a whole as something of great importance and, as such, share common interests in this. Likewise, both share recreational interests such as hunting.

Shared Acquaintances

Various political figures throughout the Cimborian Empire.

Lennaert van Noye

Younger brother (Vital)

Towards Grand Duke Gysbert van Noye

4

3

Dishonest

---

Grand Duke Gysbert van Noye

Older brother (Vital)

Towards Lennaert van Noye

1

-2

Frank

---

History

As the younger brother of Gysbert, Lennaert shares close ties to him, with the two often speaking candidly at length on various topics and affairs. As a child, his older brother tutored him in the various arts and proper noble etiquette, which Lennaert took to heart, and naturally uses to his own gain.

Shared Acquaintances

Both men share various contacts throughout the social web of the Empire; from informants on the ground, to high ranking members in Imperial political society.

Alignment

Lawful Neutral

Current Location

Opijnen

Species

Man

Year of Birth

1457 AC 43 Years old

Birthplace

Opijnen, Roste

Spouses

Siblings

Current Residence

Opijnen, Roste

Eyes

Brown

Hair

Brown

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Pale

Height

178 cm

Aligned Organization

The Grand Duchy of Roste