Vlad Ward

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Vladimir Ward
Character Profile
Also known as Vlad Ward
Born 3026
Died 3083
Affiliation Clan Wolf
Profession Khan


Vlad of the Wards, later Khan Vladimir Ward (trueborn 3026[1]), was a staunch Crusader and Khan of the reborn Clan Wolf.

History

While a Star Captain, Vlad captured Phelan Kell on The Rock only to discover that Phelan had a claim to the House of Ward. Phelan and Vlad fought each other during a Trial of Bloodright for a Ward Bloodname. Despite cheating with the assistance of Conal Ward, Vlad lost. Embittered, Vlad attempted to undo the Truce of Tukayyid by bringing down Ulric Kerensky by joining a Crusader attempt to slander him. Ironically, during the Refusal War, Vlad became awed and respectful of Ulric though he was a Warden. Enraged by Chistu's cowardly murder of Ulric, Vlad goaded him into a Trial of Grievance where he killed the scheming Jade Falcon. As a reward, Khan Elias Crichell undid Chistu's declaration that the Wolves had been absorbed and created Clan Jade Wolf. Vlad won a Ward Bloodname unopposed and became Khan of the new Wolves. He challenged Crichell's status as a warrior in the Grand Council when he was elected ilKhan in 3058 and killed him. Vlad re-created Clan Wolf and has since bided his time, rebuilding their strength. His actions during the Great Refusal made sure the Wolves were not bound by it. His Wolves are now the only Crusader Clan legally able to renew the war, once the Truce of Tukayyid runs out in 3067.

However, at the conclusion of the FedCom Civil War he traveled to Arc-Royal where Katherine Steiner-Davion was held prisoner and demanded that Victor hand her over to him. The novels imply some kind of relationship between Vlad and Katherine, which is the probable cause for this act. Vlad promised to attack if Katherine was not given to him, and in this manner managed to acquire her from Victor. It is not stated whether he did attack the Inner Sphere after that. By a strict reading of his words in the novel Endgame, he only promised to attack if denied; he never promised peace if his terms were met.

Katherine's presence within Clan Wolf and the apparent favoritism shown to her by Vlad Ward caused significant internal tension within the Clan, and resulted in Vlad Ward having to face several Trials over his conduct.[2]

Death

In 3083 Khan Ward led the Golden Keshik on a raid on Rodigo, in Clan Hell's Horses territory, declaring a Trial of Possession for the 53rd BattleMech Cluster. During the fighting Khan Ward was killed in his Timber Wolf by an enemy Hellstar. The enraged Wolves pushed for a full war against the Horses but were reigned in by new Khan Ivan Kerensky.[3]

Other appearances

Apocryphal Content Starts

The information after this notice comes from apocryphal sources; the canonicity of such information is uncertain.
Please view the reference page for information regarding their canonicity.

In the MechWarrior IV: Mercenaries computer game, Vladimir Ward makes an in-game appearance. One of the possible endings for the game is that the player recovers the location of Katherine's prison, and a Rabid Fox agent convinces him to take the info to Vlad Ward. The Khan's reaction is to order a Trial of Position pitting the player against five Clan Wolf MechWarriors. If successful the player joins the Clan as a warrior and Khan Ward carries out the rescue of Katherine. During the battle Vlad observes from his Dire Wolf but does not participate directly.

Apocryphal Content Ends

Quotes

We Clans talk much of honor. Nothing is more precious to a Clan warrior than his honor. How do I define honor? Success. - CCG Crusade edition, 3058

BattleMechs

Gallery

Titles and Positions

Preceded by Khan of Clan Wolf
30583083[4]
Succeeded by

References

  1. Masters and Minions, p. 116m "Vlad Ward Profile"
  2. Jihad: Final Reckoning, p. 114, "Clan Wolf"
  3. The Wars of Reaving, p. 180 - "Founder's Future"
  4. The Wars of Reaving, p. 180 - "Founder's Future"

Bibliography