A Vistani native to the Zarovich Valley, Velikov was born at the Tser Pool encampment but grew up traveling across the valley. He was known for his easygoing temperament contrasted by a fierce sense of justice, and was uncommonly honest. When the Count Strahd von Zarovich made an ultimatum with the Elven natives of the Svalich Woods and left them under the eyes of the Vistani Camp, Velikov stepped up to welcome them.
As the camp's Captain, he made permanent homes for the elves on the hill, and grew close with both the elves' young leader Kasimir Velikov as well as his older sister, the archmage Patrina Velikovna. Velikov eventually gave Kasimir his Ring of Warmth as show of faith and a gesture of goodwill. Out of respect for his fairness and kindness, both elves adopted his name in the Barovian tradition, having been barred from their true names by Strahd.
Velikov was killed by the merciless Fighter Zandros in a disagreement over loyalty to Strahd, for which the Count made him Captain.