Not to be confused with Marauder Horsemasters.
- “A good horse and a fine woman are all a man really needs. But only trust the horse.”
- —Anonymous Horse Master.[2a]
A Horsemaster.
Horsemasters are responsible for the well-being, training, and breeding of horses, and they hold positions of importance in all levels of Kislevite society.
Overview
Amongst the Steppes Nomads, the Horsemaster is often second only to the Ataman, as his skills guarantee the continued survival of his community. No Horsemaster holds more power in Kislev than the Koniushy, the Ice Queen’s own Master of the Horse. This influential Boyar maintains not only the Tzarina’s stables but her kennels as well. Thus, his office has access to a sizeable portion of the Ice Queen’s treasury, all to train and equip her animals to the best possible standard.[1a][2a]
Notable Horsemasters
- Yuri Kovalenko – Having had enough of war and adventures as a Horse Archer in the armies of the Tsarina during the great Storm of Chaos, Yuri simply wants to be left alone with his horses. He breeds some of the finest Kislevite warhorses in the land and is proud of his stock. The name “Kovalenko” holds a great deal of prestige in certain circles, but such fame means little to this proud Horsemaster.[2a]
- Dimitri Shirkov – Members of the clan of Shirkov have been Horsemasters and Horse Copers for as long as any can remember. Still leading a nomadic existence, they move from settlement to settlement, town to town, leading their herd and trading for everything they may require. Such travelling bands have a terrible reputation for harbouring Thieves and cheating their clients, but the truth is that the House of Shirkov is nothing of the sort. Patriarch Dimitri Shirkov demands honour and honesty from his entire clan. They trade in premium horse flesh and home-made kvas so strong it will remove paint, and their prices are very reasonable for those who treat them with respect. Furthermore, Dimitri is a man who values loyalty and friendship far more than law. If you ever get in trouble and need to be smuggled out of a dangerous city, Dimitri (and his wagons with their concealed compartments for dodging the taxes on kvas) is a good man to know.[2a]