Ivan Valeriki Kolarabinikov is the new Duke of Praag, popular amongst both the local nobles and commoners despite being a Gospodar appointed to the position by the capital.[1a]
History[]
After the third attempt by the city of Praag to secede from its southern rival, its Ungol rulers were permanently replaced by a Gospodar representative of the Tzar, answerable only to the monarch of Kislev. This individual has the title of "Duke of Praag" and resides in the New Palace of Praag. The choosing of the duke is a difficult task, as a Kislevite loyalist will be uniformly despised by his people, while a favourer of Praag will defeat the purpose of the position.[1a]
The newly appointed Duke Ivan is well-thought of by the noble classes because, although he has no great military distinction, he makes almost no effort whatsoever to get involved in politics. The exception is his dedication to maintaining his popularity among the lower classes, and he not only pays for the help wagons but has been known to hand out the bread rations personally. He is also a great lover of art and fancies himself a painter. It is not unusual for a traveller through Windlass Square to discover half the royal household dressed as kossars at the Longest Charge, while the duke furiously dabs at his canvass. However, the duke is spectacularly awful at his chosen art form, and among the artistic circles of Praag he is secretly known as "Ivan the Terrible."[1a]
Trivia[]
The nickname Ivan the Terrible is a reference to the real-life figure of Ivan IV Vasilyevich, the first man to bear the title of Tsar of Russia. This is meant to be an ironic name since the real Ivan the Terrible was known to be both a cunning politician who reduced the power of his noble vassals and a cruel ruler, while Praag's Duke Ivan is charitable towards his subjects and posses no threat towards the lower nobles or their interests.
Tzar Igor the Terrible is another Kislevite character created as a reference to Ivan the Terrible, one who matches the stereotype far better than the ironically-named Duke Ivan.[2a]