Srdan, the eldest son of the late Dervan, a revered Slavic pagan tribal leader, has carved his own path distinct from the legacy of his father. Now in his early thirties, Srdan's ambition drives him to reshape the tribal dynamics under the banner of the Empire. His father's death marked a turning point for Srdan; he abandoned the traditional ways of simple living, farming, and peace that Dervan cherished. Instead, Srdan embraced the imperial ethos of conquest and expansion, a decision influenced by his status as an imperial ally, vassal, and legion commander.

Standing tall and broad-shouldered, Srdan's presence commands attention. His dark hair is often tied back, accentuating his sharp, angular features and piercing blue eyes that seem to look right through a person. He dresses in the finery of the Empire, donning ornate tunics and cloaks, a stark contrast to the simple garments of his tribal brethren. This choice of attire is a deliberate statement of his allegiance and his rejection of his father's legacy.

Srdan's leadership style is a blend of persuasion, coercion, and relentless initiative. Unlike his brother, a fearsome warrior, Srdan relies on his oratory skills and a fierce aura to sway the tribes. His charm and striking good looks aid him in negotiations, as does his love for gold, which he sees as a means to an end in his quest for power.

Assigned by the Emperor to expand the Empire's reach northward, Srdan faces the challenge of convincing or compelling the tribes to join this imperial venture. His ultimate goal is to ascend among the nobility, a dream fueled by his willingness to sacrifice anything and anyone to achieve it. Yet, this ambition places him at odds with the traditionalists among the tribes and his own brother, who remains loyal to their father's pacifist ideals.

Srdan's journey is fraught with internal and external conflicts. His drive for power and recognition within the Empire challenges the very fabric of tribal unity and peace his father worked to maintain. Yet, it is his cunning and persuasive nature that allows him to navigate these turbulent waters, slowly but surely pulling the tribes under the Empire's banner, even if it means resorting to force when diplomacy fails.