# NPC: Dmitri the Blood-soaked **The Great Knight Dmitri the Blood-soaked** is the current ruler of [[Region - Eldvale]], governing from the fortress-city of [[City - Ustraga]]. ## Title & Position In Eldvale, the **Great Knight** serves as a warlord king—the supreme military and political authority over the nation. Unlike hereditary monarchies such as House Garrik in [[City - Silverwall]], the position of Great Knight is won and held through martial prowess. Leadership changes frequently as rivals challenge one another for the mantle. Dmitri has earned his epithet through the violent means by which he seized and maintains his power. ## Personality - Ruthless and battle-hardened - Commands through fear and respect - Embodies Eldvale's core principle: **strength determines the right to lead** ## Domain Dmitri rules over: - [[City - Ustraga]] - The capital fortress-city - [[Region - Eldvale]] - The harsh northern nation - The **Black Army** - Eldvale's feared standing military force ## Political Context Under Dmitri's rule, Eldvale maintains: - A "frosty" cold war with the **Kingdom of Whitemist** (no open battle for forty years) - Increasing insularity as the rest of the world pursues global trade - A culture of **secret societies** that guard their knowledge fiercely ## Connections - Ruler of [[Region - Eldvale]] and [[City - Ustraga]] - Potential distant political figure for campaigns involving northern Auken - Represents a stark contrast to the guild-based governance of [[Region - Prosperia]]