Aldrik I of Jerovitz
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Aldrik Otto Kortrevich, born Lukas Kortrevich 'The Usurper' (Common: Aldrick Otto Kortrevich), known formally as The Count of Jerovitz, or referred to simply as Aldrik. He was the seventh patriarch of House Kortrevich, succeeding his brother Vladrik in 1857. He was the second born son of Count Jan and Tatiana Kortrevich. He is regarded as the sole perpetrator of the Kortrevich succession crisis in the mid 1800s.
Contents
Early Life and Young Adulthood
Aldrik Otto Kortrevich (1832-1861) was born to Jan and Tatiana (Ruthern) Kortrevich, alongside his five siblings, three sisters, and two brothers within the County of Jerovitz, Haense. As the second-born son, the inheritance of his House was left to his elder brother, Vladrik. From an early age, Aldrik grew up vastly different from his siblings as he was captured by a group of bandits at the age of two. His parents worked tirelessly, hoping and praying for his safe return. Despite this, an unidentifiable corpse of a young child arrived outside Jerovitz one day, quickly killing any hope that there was. In actuality, he was dropped off at the village of Norbor just south of Karosgrad.
In stark contrast to his siblings, he lived a rather impoverished life bearing no surname; only the name Aldrik. Naturally, having had no parents or family growing up, he searched for answers. To aid in his search, he possessed a gold crusted bull pin that he kept since his capture. At the age of twenty-two, he traveled to the Royal City of Karosgrad and spoke with a blacksmith. It was then revealed that the pin belonged to House Kortrevich.
Count of Jerovitz
In 1854, he arrived in Karosgrad with the desire to discover his parentage. Quickly, he identified where his pin came from, which directed him towards the County of Jerovitz. Upon his arrival, he requested to speak with the Lord of the House, though was later greeted with the Count’s mother Tatiana. While speaking to the Countess-dowager, he first asked if his pin truly belonged to the House, which it did. Secondly, he spoke of his childhood growing up. And before he could raise his last question, the woman was left aghast as she quickly pieced his story together. In doing so, the woman was revealed as his mother and he as her lost son. In a moment’s notice, Aldrik’s life was altered, as he was no longer standing inside a foreign keep, he was standing inside his own keep. Upon revelation of his return, his siblings doubted the legitimacy of his birthright. Being that his father, Jan had passed eight years prior, the legitimacy of his birth relied on Tatiana.
During this time, House Kortrevich grew stagnant within the Kingdom as his brother, Vladrik was leading the House with no vigor, nor enthusiasm. Beginning in 1854, Aldrik expressed his coveted desire to take over the House for his brother. However, his siblings contested that wish as they were still doubtful of both his legitimacy and intentions. From 1854 to 1857, a succession crisis began within the household as many backed his younger brother, Nikolay to succeed Vladrik, whereas few backed Aldrik to succeed Vladrik. For three years, Aldrik incessantly petitioned Sigismund III to force an abdication upon Vladrik. Though, many still questioned his legitimacy and more importantly his intentions. Oftentimes, he publicly expressed his desire to forcibly take control of the House, “[...] I could cease the House’s existence altogether.” On the other hand, he publicly expressed, “[...] It is my birthright to succeed, so that I could return the House to its former standing.” Many believe these contrasting manifestations were a result of a mental disorder.
Nevertheless, in 1857, Vladrik reluctantly abdicated to Aldrik which casted the family’s future into further doubt. His siblings declared his claim illegitimate and proclaimed Nikolay as the true patriarch. For three years, Aldrik led from afar as he entrusted control of his house to the House’s steward. By 1861, his whereabouts became unknown, prompting the Crown to declare his death. As a result, Nikolay succeeded Aldrik as the eighth patriarch of the House.
Later Life and Death
Following the declaration of his death, his whereabouts remained unknown until a traveling blacksmith recognized his presence in a village just south of Karosgrad. The same blacksmith he encountered several years prior. A few weeks after his spotting, it was revealed that Aldrik took his own life. News made its way to the Kingdom several days later putting to rest the succession crisis befallen onto House Kortrevich.
Titles, Styles and Honors
Titles and Styles
- 1857-1861: The Right Honorable, Count of Jerovitz
- 1857-1861: The Honorable, Viscount of Krusev
- 1857–1861: His Lordship, Baron of Koravia
Formal Title The formal title of Aldrik is: Lord Aldrik Kortrevich, Count of Jerovitz, Viscount of Krusev, Baron of Koravia.
