Thread:MonsterknightMCA/@comment-24664052-20150728070543/@comment-24664052-20150729072232

Backstory: How Ivan transformed from a gentle boy into a bloodthirsty tyrant (to help you familiarize with Ivan)

The first Civil War was fought between Ivan's father and rival claimants to the throne, supported by nobles who disliked his policies, with the result of Ivan's father being killed and Ivan succeeding the throne in a young age. But his father's supporters have agenda of their own, poisoning Ivan's mother in order to replace her as regent and influence Ivan so that he favors whoever gets to take care of him, resulting in the free-for-all second Civil War between rival nobles. When Ivan was captured by a noble who wants to marry him off to the noble's daughter, that man threw Katya out and since then, Ivan suffered alone, witnessing many horrible things about how the war destroyed his home because of his subjects' greed and about how force became the only thing that makes things done. Even some people attempted to kill him as well, causing Ivan's paranoia in the years to come.

The gentle, innocent boy gave way into a brutal, scheming, cunning and heartless warrior who will stop at nothing and will destroy who and whatever threats him at any cost.

As he grew up, he began asserting more of his power to himself, making the nobles cower before him. Those who never cowered before him were relentlessly hunted down by Ivan and his fanatical loyalist army, the Oprichniki. Due to his brutal, inhuman way of waging war such as impaling rivals and devising many methods of gruelling torture, he foughit his way back into his throne, asserting control of the throne again.

As with any dictator, Ivan stamped out enemies and threats. Executions became common and friend, foe and innocent alike. But during this time, Ivan also made many reforms that revitalized the nation such as economy, military, infrastructure and health care, getting much-needed funds from the riches he confiscated from his enemies. He also became ruthless against criminals and for the first time, the nation faced zero bandit attacks in its territory.

Also during this time, he managed to get Katya back, but she was disheartened at how brutal he came to be. She tried to save what was left of the "good" Ivan, but another threat is looming as Ivan sees, threatening to kill off the last of his goodness.

If you have questions, ask me.