Kostov Coterie

Structure

At the head of the Kostov Coterie is Patriarch Maxim Kostov, who oversees the big decisions the Coterie must make for the people of Lyvsk. He is the real head of the country, but leaves enough freedom for Empress Katerzina Toropova to maintain a semblence of leadership. The Patriarch has a tight inner circle consisting of his brothers and sisters, who he calls his Generals who serve as a sort of council. The Generals' older children also generally work for the Coterie, and are referred to as Captains. Traditionally, only Kostov family members can serve as Generals and Captains. Under neath the Captains are a large army of Lieutenants, who oversee the general Soldiers. There are countless Lieutenants of varying importance, with the highest rank being First Lieutenant. First Lieutenants are incredibly loyal to the Kostov family, and are usually distant relatives. They oversee at least 10 Second Lieutenants, if not more, who then oversee even more Third Lieutenants. Soldiers make up the bulk of the Coterie, and are everything from the average enforcers that protect the streets of Lyvsk to dock workers, ship captains, even store owners who all swear loyalty to the Kostovs.

Public Agenda

The main goal of the Coterie is to ensure that its people are happy. They do this by regulating and maintaining clear trade routes throughout the country, from one region to the next. This makes it simple and easy for produce, game, fish, lumber, coal, and any other necessities to reach people, and keeps the costs low. Outside of Lyvsk, the Coterie are known to be the primary suppliers of all manner of illicit goods. Their ships are often stocked with illegal weaponry and ammo, alcohol, and occasionally drugs. The main goal of their international movements is almost purely monetary; outside of the major decisions made by Maxim Kostov and Katerzina Toropova, the Coterie tends to stay out of politics.

History

The Kostov family was always a powerful family in Lyvsk. They began as a merchant family who traded in luxury goods, usually between Lyvsk and Al-Mara, with stops in Messino where the highest paying families were, and even Hythe. Their wealth brought them close to the monarchy, and they always had a say in all politics. It is believed that their close proximity to the royal family was what eventually allowed them to succeed in the Liberation(s) of Lyvsk, as they were able to broker treaties much easier than other involved parties. No one is quite sure when the family adopted the name "Coterie", but it is widely agreed that they were formally formed in 5E 24, shortly after the First Liberation of Lyvsk, when the group was forced to unify or be crushed by forces from Messino. For the most part, the Coterie keeps to itself, with its main focus keeping its own people safe and well-fed. It also holds full control over the magical school known as the Pyavda, and it is rare for anyone a part of the school to leave it.