Ataman
An Ataman is a settlement chief who controls most stanitsas in Kislev. [1]
They are charged with discharging most functions of government including enforcing the law and settling disputes, although in Ungol settlements they are supported by two other judges. [1]
Few in a stanitsas have the ability or desire to challenge them, usually only the priests of the gods and Wise Woman providing a counterweight. Many are also the rotamaster and few where they are also a priest. [1]
Female atamans are called atamanka and make up roughly a quarter of the total.[1]
Appointment
Although the Tzarina states that all atamans serve at her pleasure and are appointed by her, in most cases she merely issues proclamations that confirm a current holder of the position. [1]
In a Gospodar settlement, many ataman's are nobles and inherit the position with matrilineal inheritance being common. Some however favour the old tradition of having rival candidates duel for the honour, usually to first blood but occasionally to the death. [1] Ungol atamans are often voted into position as very few Ungols are nobles since the Gospodar invasion. [1]
Quotes
| Follow the horsemen, don't leave their tracks. You don't want to be lost in the oblasts, boy. The Motherland protects us all but she does not coddle fools! If you do get lost know that at least the cold will get you before the other things.
~ Ataman Borius Kasskoff.[2] |
Sources
- 1: Realm of the Ice Queen: Atamans and Stanitsas, pg. 23
- 2: Total War Warhammer III
