Library:Character Synopsis Velikoslavia: Nine Great Houses

House Ivanov

Alexis

Main article: Alexis V of Velikoslavia

Paul

Main article: Paul, Tsesarevich of Velikoslavia

Paul Ivanov, photo taken at the Mangana Palace in traditional Mesogeian garb

Paul is the eldest son of Alexis and Theodora and heir to the Sapphire Throne. He inherited the title Duke of Vostonov, a subsidiary title under the crown traditionally given to the heir. Though he is the oldest, Paul is is more reserved than his brothers Michael and Nicholas. He rarely puts himself out into the limelight at any social event, though his position means it usually finds him. He inherited his mother's Alcenian genes, granting him her family's more prominent nose and brown hair. His grandfather and father's blue eyes passed to him, though they are a much darker blue. Paul has fewer friends than his siblings, with his cloest being the Skandar Alrund whom also serves as his steward. When not attending school or performing a duty of his station, Paul can often be found in the Tsesarevich Pavilion where he typically invites his friends for long periods of time. His hobbies include sword fighting, gridiron, and producing digital art.

Unlike his siblings, Paul is much less comfortable in his station. Because of his more laid-back and reserved nature, he does not have full confidence in himself to perform his duty. This often colors his interactions with other royalty. However, he is still fiercely competitive with his little brother Nicholas. Even though in the back of his mind he thinks his brother might make a better ruler, and part of him wishes he could simply surrender his inheritence to his brother, his pride as the first born simply won't let him back down from his brother's challenges. The two often spar at swordsmanship practice. Each brother generally wins as many matches as he loses, Paul with his strength from being older and his brother with his speed and agility from his smaller, lithe body. Though competitive behind closed doors, Paul still defends his younger brother to in front of those who would speak against him. Though somewhat strained, both boys share a strong sibling bond and neither of them truly hate each other, they simply have differing opinions on many aspects of their roles and lives.

Though Paul has his flaws, he also has many good traits that his parents think will make him a good ruler. He is compassionate with others and does not use his station to lord over others. Though somewhat shy and reserved, he is an enthusiastic and likable person once you get to know him. He is close to his father who he greatly respects, though he doesn't always show it. He is wise in many matters of state that revolve around empathy and welfare whereas his younger brother and uncle take a harder stance on such things. Despite his nature, he is popular around the palace and with the people as he has shown off various aspects of his personality simply by performing the duties of his station. Those under him consider him to be kind and caring and he is also popular in his mother's court in Mesogeia. Though he doesn't see it in himself, many of those in government do not look poorly on him and think that he will eventually become a Tsar to be proud of. Most believe that age will bring clarity and help him grow into the man he needs to be.

Nicholas

Main article: Tsarevich Nicholas of Velikoslavia

Nicholas Ivanov, photographed in the gardens of the Velinov Palace

Nicholas is the second child of Alexis and Theodora and is second in the line of succession. He inherited the title of Count of Alborg for being born second in line. Nicholas has already shown himself to be headstrong and ambitious and is known to be well-behaved. He has shown the natural traits of leadership, taking center stage in his friend group and interacting well with other aristocracy of all ages. He inherited his grandfather's High Telerian blood lending to his light complexion and his mother's high Alcenian facial features, making for an attractive combination. He is of an average height of 5'1. When not attending school, he can often be found in the rose gardens of Velinov Palace with his friends, Harkon Repnin and Thorald Stenmær, his childhood friends. Some of his favorite hobbies include fencing, swordplay, and gridiron.

Nicholas is firmly of the belief that he deserves what he considers the "respect due his station" and instructs his staff to address and treat him as such, or, more specifically, his uncle instructed Nicholas on how to instruct them. He greatly respects his uncle August for his strong will and hard stance on the culture and values of their shared Telerian heritage. It is also rumored that August has a similar respect for Nicholas and he is well liked amongst the nobility among the conservative factions of the palace. Though expecting respect from those below him, it can at least be said he is respectful to those who are his elders. He is obedient to his father Alexis and his mother Theodora, though his opinion of some of his father's policies is poor.

Though he has many graces, Nicholas has many flaws as well. Some have referred to him as bratty due to his constant invoking of his station to gain what he perceieves as respect. He is often at odds with his brother, Paul, whom he seems to consider competition. Nicholas is acutely aware of his brother's personality, which he often refers to as "soft", and considers himself as much more suited to be heir. He is oftentimes jealous of his older brother and periodically attempts to challenge him on things he does and choices he makes, though not openly in front of his parents, who actively discourage the boys rivalry. Though rivals privately, Nicholas will still defend his brother vehemently from those who would speak against him, stating that it is "not the place of lesser men to speak against royalty." Many of the older nobles liken it to the childhood rivalry of Alexis and August.

August

August Ivanov, photographed on the balcony of the Velinov Palace in 2022