Intro. Nikolai introduces himself as the infamous Captain of a crew of mercenaries and pirates operating in the seas of Ravka. Known as Sturmhond False name Under this identity, he commands fast, technologically advanced ships (including a submarine, a rare invention in the Grishaverse) using his resources to smuggle people and supplies, often in opposition to the Darkling and the forces controlling the Shadow Fold. It is later revealed that Sturmhond is actually Nikolai Lantsov, the second son of the King of Ravka, a crown prince who secretly seeks ways to help his country and undermine the power of the Darkling is the son of King Alexander III and Queen Tatiana, and is Vasily's younger brother. Nikolai's real father is not the king, but Magnus Opjer, a magnate from Ravka's enemy nation who had an affair with the queen during his time serving in the army, but left Ravka after completing his time in service.