Vladimir Thies

**Admiral Vladimir Thies**, the unyielding military commander of the Settlement Defence Frontier (SDF), is a figure shrouded in both infamy and fear. As the driving force behind this empire of colonial insurgents from the planet Hades, he is determined to assert dominion over the entire Zatayni star system and bring his vengeance to bear upon Nexonia Prime itself.

He is scarred beyond belief. The only thing lacking is his skin to peel off his face given enough force.

## Biography

### Background

Born in the majestic city of Urbs Somnia on the planet Hades' capital, Maxim Vallis; Vladimir Thies was famous for his great charisma and ambition, while developing a deep loathing for the concept of freedom, owing partly to the SDF propaganda machine. During his time at SDF naval college, he became adversaries with now-vice-admiral Caleb Salienne, and he participated in a delegation to the NXSC naval college at Fritzhold, a journey that only solidified his pro-SDF ideas. Thies rose to prominence throughout the Zatayni System after receiving the Iron Sword, mounting the supervolcano Olympus Imperium to its peak, campaigning for the construction of the first superwarship, and coining the Front's infamous motto: "Death is no disgrace."

## Personality

   Vladimir Thies is an embodiment of ruthless ambition, an individual who has been forged in the crucible of Hades' militaristic society. His personality is a reflection of the uncompromising and relentless nature of the Settlement Defence Frontier's agenda, an entity determined to vanquish its adversaries and establish supremacy over the Zatayni System. His upbringing in Hades, steeped in the militaristic ethos of the SDF, has molded him into an individual who knows no bounds when it comes to achieving his objectives. He has internalized the core values of the SDF, a brutal and expansionist force that values control and dominance above all else.

Ruthlessness is a defining trait of Vladimir Thies. He is unwavering in his willingness to employ any means necessary to lead the SDF and accomplish its ultimate goal: the subjugation of the Zatayni System. This includes defeating both the NXSC and ULTIMA, and subsequently purging or enslaving the Nexonia-born inhabitants.

Thies is driven by an ambition that knows no limits. He has risen to become one of the most feared individuals in the Zatayni System, and his ambition is as relentless as his pursuit of power. There is no room for compromise or mercy in his quest for supremacy.

He is devoid of sympathy or remorse for the actions he takes. His ruthlessness extends even to his own subordinates, and he is not hesitant to use lethal force when it suits his purposes. Whether it involves eliminating those who expose him for treason or subjecting individuals to the cold, unforgiving vacuum of space, Thies demonstrates a chilling absence of empathy.

## Quotes

### The SDF's Mantra

> "Death is no disgrace"
>
>

* These words, spoken by Admiral Vladimir Thies, encapsulate the unyielding resolve and unwavering dedication that define the Settlement Defence Frontier. Thies, a leading figure within the SDF, emphasizes a core belief of the faction—that death in service to the Frontier is not a dishonor but a testament to one's commitment. This quote serves as a stark reminder of the regime's relentless pursuit of its goals and the sacrifices expected of its citizens and soldiers.

### Words of Wisdom

* *"In this vast expanse, only strength prevails. Weakness is a luxury we cannot afford."*
* *"Freedom is a fleeting illusion, a concept that blinds the feeble. In the SDF, we embrace order and power."*
* *"The stars bear witness to our might. Nexonia Prime will crumble before the indomitable force of the Olympus Imperium."*
* *"Death is no disgrace; it is the ultimate sacrifice for the glory of the Settlement Defence Frontier."*
* *"In the crucible of war, only the strongest emerge unscathed. The weakest become fodder for our relentless advance."*
* *"The Zatayni System will bow to the SDF's supremacy. We are the architects of destiny, and our will is unbreakable."*
* *"Fear is a weapon, wielded by those who understand its true power. I thrive on the fear sown in the hearts of our enemies."*
* *"Every victory is a testament to our strength. Every defeat is a lesson, and we learn quickly."*
* *"I am the embodiment of the SDF's will. Our enemies shall know despair as we paint the cosmos with their demise."*
* *"The universe is a canvas, and the Olympus Imperium is the brush that shapes its destiny. We paint in the bold strokes of conquest."*

## Trivia

### General

* Vladimir's personal flagship, the SFS Olympus Imperium, is always upgraded every 5 years. His main form of upgrade that he oversees is expending the vessel's size and becoming a dual-role ship, a carrier, and a battleship. But clearly, he wanted it to have more firepower.
* Vladimir Thies's most noticeable feature is his strikingly pale complexion, a result of a past injury that nearly left his face severely scarred. While most SDF personnel have varied facial features, hairstyles, and complexions, Thies's lack of hair and beard, combined with his distinct pallor, gives him an air of malevolence.
* Vladimir Thies reserves his deepest contempt for those who stand in opposition to him. He is unwavering in his pursuit of their destruction and is willing to employ whatever methods necessary to achieve this end.
* Thies's signature sidearm, the EMCB, sets him apart as a leader who values firepower and reliability. While other sidearms like the Mashimo A8 may be popular among SDF personnel, Thies finds the EMCB to be more to his liking. His choice of weaponry is a reflection of his preference for what he deems as effective and dependable.
* As an Admiral within the SDF, Vladimir Thies holds the highest rank within the organization. This rank grants him unparalleled authority and influence. It is essential to differentiate this SDF Admiral rank from the typical naval hierarchy, where "Admirals" on ships are equivalent to Captain ranks. Thies's role as an SDF Admiral places him in a position of immense power and command over the organization's activities.
* He uses women for his free time, the only people he does not treat as expendable yet he uses them for sickening pleasure.
* Thies is only a few years older than Salienne, but his facial features have deteriorated to the point that he resembles a bald, beardless old man.
* Vlad may have gone too far on the "functionality over style" doctrine of the SDF, including his own body.
* Intel points to friction between Thies and Salienne as they were identified as rivals at the SDF Naval College.
* His appearance, resembling that of Peter Weller in his iconic RoboCop role, adds to the villainous aura that surrounds him. His facial appearance serves as a physical testament to his experiences and relentless determination.