Ivan Sladivgorod Andreievich Concept: wandering mystic/preacher/storyteller
Nation: Ussura
Religion: Ussuran Orthodox, leaning more towards the folklore side
Languages: Old Thean, Ussuran, Vesten, Avalonian
Ivan is about 30 years old, very very tall and broad-shouldered, and mostly bald but for a thick black beard. He wears a black robe and cap (typical of Orthodox clergy), walking boots, and a small backpack, and has a black smudge on the palm of his hand that he usually keeps hidden. Ivan enjoys telling stories about heroes and spirits and monsters from Ussuran legend (especially his favorite, an old Kazar sky god named Turå) to anyone who will listen. Habitually talks to birds; sometimes they seem to listen too.
Ivan was born to a couple of farmers on the rural outskirts of Sladivgorod, a large fishing/trading port on the shores of Ussura's inland sea. He was the youngest of many children, and the nickname "Little Ivan" stuck with him in spite of growing up to be head and shoulders above everyone else in town--which he attributes to "clean living, fresh air, good food, and boxing."
As a teenager, he traveled to Pavtlow to attend seminary, intending to join the clergy. While there, he spent much time studying old forgotten books of theology and folklore in the library, and just as much time chasing after half-true legends in the Molhynian mountains. He never quite fit in as a traditional Orthodox priest, in part because his philosophy tends towards "we common folk can no longer rely on the imagined good graces of gods and kings and hierophants; we must stand together and make our own way in the world."
When he felt there was nothing more for him to learn at seminary, Brother Ivan returned to his family's home in Sladivgorod and served as a local preacher for some time. As the years passed, though, he grew restless and desired to travel again.
Ivan has recently arrived in Carleon, capital of Avalon, aboard a Vesten trading ship. He is eager to learn more about the theology of this new Church of Avalon as well as the Sidhe who reportedly live in these isles.
