Ataman.
"You have this Gospodar merchants coming from the south, thinking they know it all, thinking it's the Tzarina of the Orthodoxy that rules this land. But it' not either of them. It's the Atamans. Without them the stanistas would fall and Kislev would follow."
- —Arkuls "the Wise"[3]
Most oblast communities are led by Atamans (female: Atamankas).
Overview[]
Gospodar atamans are normally druzhina whose families have ruled locally for generations. By comparison, most Ungols elect their atamans or select them according to obscure (often martial) traditions, for most of their noble bloodlines were wiped out by the Gospodars long ago.[1a]
Atamans bear great responsibilities, for all important local matters are decided by them, especially those concerning security and law. Further, if there are no local priests, atamans also take on the responsibility for the spiritual well-being of their people, leading religious rites and ceremonies.[1a]
Responsibilities[]
An ataman is responsible for more than just the safety and well being of their village. They must also preside over many of the daily activities of their people. It is said on the oblast that if it is important to the village then it is important to the ataman.[2a]
Judgment[]
Frequently, an ataman must act as judge and jury for his people. Determining guilt and dishing out punishment. This is where a good knowledge of his people is vital, so that he might weight the person’s worth against the crime. This is why it is always a good idea to stay on the ataman's good side.[2a]
Ceremonies[]
An ataman is always present and sometimes involved in all naming days, marriages and funerals within his village. Though if there is a priest on hand they will usually perform the ceremony it is up to the ataman to make sure it all runs smoothly. Such is an ataman's influence that few within his village will consider a marriage without his blessing.[2a]
The Hunt – At the start of each year it is considered a mark of great fortune for the ataman to lead the village's hunters. The honour of the first years kill then falls to him and many within the village believe that the animal brought back by the ataman says much about what the new year has in store.[2a]