Ur-Bula, a man in his late fifties, is an emblematic figure of the feudal medieval Empire, his wealth and influence sprawling beyond the Empire's borders to encompass lands on both sides of the Great Sea. His fortune is not merely a testament to his lineage but a result of his cunning control over the sea trade. With a fleet of boats at his command and a privateer army of international mercenaries, Ur-Bula's grip on the maritime routes is ironclad, governed only by the ancient and often brutal Old Law of the Sea, to which he swears unwavering loyalty. This law allows him to engage in acts that would be punishable on land, yet on the sea, he is untouchable, a sovereign in his own right.

On the shores, however, Ur-Bula presents a stark contrast to his maritime persona. He dons the finest silk attire, his demeanor polite and humble, a mask that conceals his true ambitions. His goal is to ingratiate himself with the Emperor, to be as close to the throne as possible without directly challenging it. He never bids against the Emperor in the Arena, always supports the Emperor's suggestions in the High Council, a strategy that has earned him the disdain of fellow aristocrats who see him as a sycophant. Yet, his privateer mercenaries serve as a formidable deterrent to any who might wish to remove him from his precarious position of power.

Physically, Ur-Bula is in decline, never having been a warrior, he relies on his intellect and cunning. His face, lined with the marks of age, is often held high with a haughty air, a silent declaration of his status. Despite his physical frailty, his mind remains sharp, always plotting, always scheming, to expand his influence and secure his legacy. Yet, his life is fraught with conflicts; the resentment from other aristocrats, the constant need to maintain his fleet and mercenaries, and the delicate balance of appearing loyal to the Emperor while secretly undermining those around him.

Ur-Bula's unique quirk lies in his habit of always carrying a small, intricately carved wooden ship, a symbol of his dominion over the sea. This item, always in his hand or pocket, serves as a reminder of his power and ambition, a tangible connection to the Old Law that governs his actions.

As Ur-Bula navigates the treacherous waters of politics and power, his journey is one of manipulation and survival, a testament to the lengths one will go to achieve their desires in a world where loyalty is as fluid as the sea itself.