Nikolai Krichevskoy Rybalt IV

## Early Life

Born in 952, Nikko was the youngest brother of the ruling Rybaltian family. Fated never to receive the crown, this never bothered the genius boy. Instead, he was free to pursue his own interests without focusing on statecraft. There has arguably never been a more gifted genius than he.

At 10 he was out smarting his teachers. The only man who could teach him any was a friend of the Rybalt Kings, Remus Elderean Darkfall, also known as "Red." Out of love for the boy, Red held back great knowledge knowing brilliance does not equal maturity. Frustrated by this, Nikko sought out a new teacher, a deadly teacher. He sought out the legendary night hag Baba Yaga. All hags have maternal instincts and desire to be mothers. Tragically, all children are delicious and they always end up eating their children. Nikko being so brilliant and interesting, and occasionally able to outsmart her, was able to live with Baba Yaga for 5 years. Constantly in danger and under threat of death, Baba Yaga always wanted to consume Nikko but they truly loved each other as mother and son. Nikko learned a great many things, specifically about Vecna. I would love to tell you Nikko is unique. He only survived because of Baba Yaga's second surrogate child: Maera. Another one of a kind child, matching Nikko's dazzling intellect with bewildering wisdom.

The siblings survived together and eventually escaped together. Though they both became Hexbloods, Maera strongly takes after her mother. It is unknown to the realm but the two of them secured the hand of Vecna. Though powerful dark magic that Nikko could not hide, he was stripped of his kingship because his brother Riccio had mysteriously gone missing during the years he spent with Baba Yaga. After losing so much he had gained infinitely more, for he had secured the hand of Vecna and became the first living Lich.

The assistant of Maera, they stopped the necropsying process of his body. His left arm is dead because of being a living Lich NOT because of the hand of Vecna. This burned the bridge between him and King red who had the eye of Vecna hidden in a groove which Nikko tried to steal. Red and his wife, Mary, always had a grandparent-like love for the boy, too much damage had been done and the Gentleman's War had begun.

1151, after his exile from Vella, Nikko was traveling through Dresdia and made an important arcane discovery. This discovery afforded him a grant form the government and opened a school after gathering a team. The school only existed to fund his experiments, over time he has grown to love his students and school. Nikko will fight gallantly to protect his students and his school. Though originally being a means to an end, he adores being a true headmaster.

## War of the Way

During the War of the Way, Nikolai became involved on the side of Dresdia and his involvement would change the tides of the war. He swiftly brought the war to a standstill, but refused to continue his push never trying to invade Ninova and was nearly killed by Ezeakiel Stormcast, samurai and mage slayer. Unbeknownst to one another, General Ezeakiel Stormcast and Nikko both pushed for peace and were key in getting their nations to meet at the table and agree on a treaty. This great respect convinced Stormcast to join the academy as a professor and keep an eye on Nikko. Though friends, Nikko is aware of Zeak's intentions.

## Red Raven Academy

In 1252, on sabbatical, Nikko battled a death tyrant who was attempting to study the same ruins Nikko was. Learning about beholders and how they are cursed to exist with reality shaping anxiety. Nikko created a pharmaceutical drug to help keep the death tyrants anxiety in check. The two quickly fell in love together. They found a way to shift form beholder form and Death Tyrant, mirroring the line of death and undeath that Nikko walks. Assuming a Half Brass Dragon form she works as the assistant headmaster assuming the name Orthaxnia Vraz Karna.

Currently, the un-aging headmaster of the Red Raven Academy and has become a doting professor who loves his students and teaching. He has forbidden the practice of necromancy.

As of the Red Raven Academy Arc in 1302, Nikko has secretly secured the Sword of Kas. Also, during a mission to Rakums Cove the Crimson Guard found the spirit of centaur named Artaxia who had long died in the cursed bog. They brought the soul to Nikko who constructed her a new body and now Artaxia truly is Nikko's adopted daughter.

## Trivia

\*Nikko is not secretly Vecna nor a final villain. Vecna was killed by Kas and his spirit unmade by the Gods.

\*Nikko is the patron of the Gravewalker Warlocks