Nicholas Orlovsky bears the name of his adopted family, but few of the benefits. His adopted father, Victori, is an Orlovsky by a tenuous connection at best - a third-cousin twice removed. The marriage between Victor and Karia barren and distant, Victor adopted the nearly-teenaged Nicholas in a desperate bid to win back his estranged wife, to no avail. Karia leaving victor left him a bitter man, and he took it out on his newly adopted son, making it clear from the beginning that Nicholas would not inherit what little prestige he had. Soon Victor's bitter anger gave way to complete disinterest.
Essentially left to raise himself, Nicholas looked to find a way to earn his adopted father's love. Victor was an active participant in Skywatch politics, looking for ways to increase his meager power, and so Nicholas studied the politicians and noble of the city. He was particularly fascinated by the speeches often given by those of noble standing. The power of their words captured and intrigued him - not just how they strung them together to form stirring speeches, but the power and force individual words held. Take the most simple of words that most babes learn so quickly, "no." Spoken forcefully, it is a command. Spoke regretfully, a sigh of remorse. But not matter the inflection, no matter the tone of voice, the word itself holds so much meaning, so much power.
Absorbed by this line of thought, Nicholas threw his mind into studying words and their powers. From ancient tomes filled with pages nearly turned to dust, he learned words that, just by speaking them, had the power to destroy, and others to heal. To his great frustration, however, no matter his efforts, these words always sounded wrong to his ears when he speaks them, and no power issues forth. Still, he continues his studies, sure he can unravel their mystery with time.
When the call for adventurers came from the Swordlords, Nicholas at first ignored it. He was no adventurer. A talented speaker and researcher, yes. Somebody who'd managed to pick up bits and pieces of magic, yes. But a fool willing to confront bandits in their strongholds and attempt to wrest control of their lands? Not a chance.
That was before victor, speaking to his son for the first time in several months, ordered him to answer the call. "This is your chance. Remove the bandits from those lands. Make a name for yourself, and prove to me that I did not make a mistake in adopting you. Perhaps then, the power and prestige that are my due will finally come to me."
Nicholas, eager to at last earn his adopted father's love and approval, set off at once.
