Fyodor Dostoevsky

Agatha Dostoevskaya. "He saw her without her makeup and realized he'd fallen in love with a cosmetic set, a tube of lipstick, blush, hair dye, and mascara." She's cold, angry, and hates Nikolai. She's a pale blonde. But Fyodor takes after his father in looks and personality, so he's nothing like his mother. Agatha has blue eyes, always wears makeup, and prefers dark, cool-toned cosmetics, like cherry lipstick.

Leshy: The chief master of the forest. He can change his height (from a blade of grass to the tallest tree), lead travelers astray, cause them to wander ("circle"), and imitate the voices of animals and the cries of children. In the 17th century, he was considered a dangerous spirit with whom one had to negotiate (by leaving gifts on tree stumps). He guides all people and others to a safe part of the forest. He is a kind spirit; if you do not harm the forest, he will not harm you.

Baba Yaga is one of the most famous characters in Slavic folklore and fairy tales, portrayed as an old sorceress, mistress of the forest, and mistress of beasts. She dwells on the border between the worlds of the living and the dead and wields powerful primal magic. Main Attributes and Appearance: Terrifying Appearance: Known as "Bone Leg," she is described as a hunchbacked, thin old woman with a long, hooked nose. Hut on Chicken Legs: Her dwelling stands in a dense thicket and can turn its back on the forest and its front toward the hero. The fence around the hut is often made of human bones with flaming skulls. Magical Transport: Baba Yaga does not travel on a broom, but flies in an iron or wooden mortar, driving it with a pestle and sweeping her tracks with a broom. Yaga the Giver: A wise helper. If the hero (like Ivan Tsarevich) behaves politely and passes her tests, she steams him in a bathhouse, feeds him, and gives him magical items (a ball of yarn that shows the way, a sword-kladenets, or a horse). Bolotnik / Bolotnitsa: Relatives of the Leshy, living in swamps. The Bolotnitsa often takes the form of a beautiful drowning maiden with water lilies in her hair to lure a person into the quagmire. If you look closely, you can tell she has goose or frog paws instead of feet, which she hides underwater. Poludnitsa: The spirit of the hot midday, dwelling at the edges of forests and in rye fields. She appears as a tall girl in a snow-white dress or a terrible old woman. She punishes those who work at midday by sending sunstroke or breaking their necks. Volkodlak (Werewolf): A person who can transform into a wolf (voluntarily through witchcraft or because of a curse). In the 17th century, belief in werewolves was at its peak: entire witch villages were believed to transform into packs and attack caravans in the forests. Anchutka: A small, mischievous, and very active swamp or forest imp. Described as hairless, covered in mud or dirt, and often heelless. It enjoys frightening people with loud noises and playing tricks.

Kumokha (Spring Spirit): A charming, fragile girl who walks the city streets in spring and summer wearing a beautiful sarafan. She appears to be an innocent wanderer, but her kiss or even a glance sends a person into a severe "kumokha" (a fever with hallucinations). Sirin Bird: Another bird-maiden, but unlike Alkonost, Sirin flies from the underworld and sings of a lost paradise. Her appearance is mesmerizing, but her song is a deadly melancholy. Hearing her in a city garden or on the roof of a tower, a person can fall into eternal sleep or go mad with melancholy. Alkonost and Gamayun: Birds of paradise-maidens with human faces. They are incredibly beautiful, with bright plumage. Alkonost sings songs of joy, but her voice is so beautiful that the one who hears it forgets everything else. Gamayun is a prophetic bird; she knows everything about the creation of the world and the future, but her appearance foretells a storm or important changes. Mavka (Forest Mermaid): A young, incredibly beautiful girl with long green or light brown hair, she sings enchanting songs in forest clearings. But she has a terrible secret: the back of the Mavka is "hollow," with no skin, and all her internal organs are visible. They lure young men into the wilderness and tickle them to death. Polevik (or Meadow Spirit): On summer days, on forest edges and meadows, you can encounter a creature resembling a young man in shining white robes, with hair the color of ripe wheat and eyes like cornflowers. He protects the fields, but if angered, he can cause blindness or steal horses. Volkhs (Werewolf Magi): Rare, majestic forest sorcerers who can take the form of a beautiful white gyrfalcon, a falcon, or a silver-furred wolf. They are not evil, but rather guard the ancient secrets of the forests from humans. Domovoi: The master of the house, living behind the stove or in the cellar. In 17th-century cities (where houses were wooden and cramped), his job was to protect livestock and warn of fires. If angry, a domovoi will break dishes, strangle people at night (for better or worse), and frighten horses in the stable.

Angels are spiritual beings and messengers of God who occupy an important place in the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), as well as in many other ancient faiths. The word itself comes from the Greek angelos, meaning "messenger." The main characteristics of angels: Ethereal nature: Traditionally, they are considered immortal spirits without a physical body, gender, or earthly needs, although they can temporarily take on human form. Service to God: Their main task is to fulfill the will of the Creator, glorify Him, convey prophecies and revelations to people, and help humanity. Protection and assistance: In the Christian tradition, it is believed that each person has their own guardian angel who protects their soul from evil throughout their life. Supernatural powers: High speed: They are able to instantly move between the spiritual and physical worlds. Immense power: In sacred texts, angels are often described as formidable warriors, capable of controlling the elements and protecting entire nations. Pure mind: They have deep knowledge of the Universe and the future, which God reveals to them. Hierarchy and ranks: In Christian theology, angels are divided into 9 ranks (in three triads). The most famous among them are: Seraphim and Cherubim: The highest angels who are closest to God and surround His throne. Archangels: The great messengers and leaders of the heavenly host. The most famous of them are Michael (the warrior archangel) and Gabriel (the messenger who brought the Good News).

kitsune (nine-tailed foxes and smaller) Key Features of Kitsune Shapeshifting: The kitsune's primary ability is to transform into humans. They most often take the form of seductive young women, less commonly men or old men. This skill typically unlocks after reaching 50 or 100 years of age. Number of tails: A kitsune can have up to nine tails. The more tails a fox has and the older it is, the stronger and wiser it is. Foxes with nine tails often have white or golden fur. Magical powers: In addition to disguise, they can create illusions, control fire ("fox fire" or kitsunebi), inhabit other people's bodies, and enter people's dreams. Two main types In Japanese beliefs, kitsune is divided into two camps: Myōbu (or Zenko) are sacred, divine foxes. They act as messengers of the Shinto deity of abundance and rice, Inari, bringing good luck and protecting people from evil. Nogitsune are wild, wild foxes. They do not serve the gods, often have an evil or mischievous nature, and enjoy playing tricks on people, deceiving travelers, or frightening them.

The 17th-century palace is the Terem Palace, consisting of wooden and stone structures ("cells") connected by covered passages (veni). It has three key zones: the Red Porch and the Faceted (State) Chamber. Atmosphere: Gold, icons, luxury, ambassadors, feasts. Scale: Here the prince and his mother make decisions, judge the hysterical women, and listen to the governors' reports about the forests encroaching on the cities. Mother's Chambers (Women's Quarters - Terem). Atmosphere: A closed, semi-dark part of the palace. Unauthorized men are not allowed here. It smells of incense, herbs, and wax. Scale: The mother is surrounded by faithful nurses and nannies. It is in her chambers that conspiracies can be secretly woven, fortune-telling about betrotheds can be told, or “charming” creatures like a maid turned into a Mavka can be hidden. The Prince’s Chambers and the Armory Atmosphere: Books, maps, expensive foreign muskets, ink. Scale: The place where the prince and the jester plot. The nearby armory holds not only sabers but also enchanted silver, holy water, and ancient manuscripts against evil spirits. Sub-cellars (Dungeons and Cellars) Atmosphere: Damp, cold, endless stone labyrinths beneath the palace. Scale: The most eerie place, where supplies are stored, prisoners (or captured werewolves) sit, and where anchutki or cursed spirits can hide in the darkness.

Bedchamber Guard (Personal Servants - ~30-50 people) Who they are: Key Keepers, Bedchamber Keepers, Bedchamber Keepers, Room Stokers, and Nannies. Function in the plot: These are the most dangerous people. They have access to the bodies of the prince and mother, know what they dream, and are the first to notice if Mara or Kikimora has entered the chambers. Streltsy and Palace Guard (~100-150 people) Who they are: An elite garrison guarding the gates, walls, and towers of the palace. Function in the plot: Cannon fodder and a shield against forest creatures. At night, they can encounter flying Sirins on the walls or catch werewolf scouts. The Nourishing and Feeding Yard (Kitchen - ~80-100 people) Who they are: Cooks, bakers, cup-bearers (those who pour wine), brewers, water-carriers, and dishwashers. Function in the plot: The ideal place for a mystical conspiracy. Barn-keepers in the flour warehouses can spoil the grain, and a bribed cook can mix a potion of marsh herbs into the prince's cup. The Stable Yard (~50-70 people) Who they are: Grooms, stirrupmen, dog-handlers, and falconers. Function in the plot: Most closely associated with the "Yard" (the spirit of the stable). It is the grooms who are the first to notice that the prince's horses are lathered and their manes tangled in magical knots.

The prince rules, the jester clowns at feasts. But at night, they secretly escape from the palace through hidden passages in the basements. They covertly investigate mystical happenings in the city and the forests. The palace thinks the prince is asleep, while he and the jester, for example, track a werewolf on the outskirts of the city or save laundresses from Mavkas. This gives them a common goal, hidden from their mother and the boyars, which brings them incredibly close as brothers in arms.

In his childhood, Fyodor was blessed by the people as the second coming of Christ, so everyone prayed to him, but the citizens prayed to him too much, that the gods awarded Fyodor immortality, he does not know yet, but there is a white mark on his hand, he does not know where it comes from and does not suspect that he has been granted immortality.

There is a lot of mysticism in this world, in the forest there is a goblin, kitsune, witches and sometimes there are dragons somewhere, a lot of mysticism, because of which the plot must move on its own.

Although Fyodor is afraid of silence, he still doesn't go crazy when Gogol walks in the forest or anywhere (Gogol loves to walk in the forest, at the market or festivals, where there is movement) Fyodor doesn't panic when something happens to Gogol, because he warned the people that the court jester shouldn't be intimidated, threatened, beaten, or otherwise negatively affected. However, Fyodor protects all his subjects. He's not a bore; his princely nature fades when Gogol is around. Fyodor isn't that boring; he loves to laugh at Nikolai's jokes and knows how to make jokes of his own when appropriate. Gogol always calls Fyodor "Fedya," and Fyodor calls Nikolai "Kolya," because they've been friends for over five years (11 years). If they're given a task to do something together, they'll really succeed. Fyodor isn't overprotective, but he's comfortable. He's reliable, but not very physically strong, and he's very intelligent. He's not a tyrant, but a calm prince. His mother disapproves of Nikolai and sends him into exile in Siberia, but Fyodor begins to argue with his mother himself, but so far he's having little success. Fyodor views Nikolai as a friend, not a jester or a student. Even if Nikolai were to fall into a coma for 10 years, Fyodor can wait for him. Fyodor always greets Gogol with joy. He doesn't smother Gogol with attention, but gives him complete freedom of action. He never worries about Gogol, because he trusts him completely. He always knows that if Nikolai isn't around or in the city, he's in the forest, and he'll find him without a problem. Something connects them... Some invisible thread...

Murka is not just a cat, she is a symbol that Fyodor is not hopeless. She personifies Fyodor. The parrot is the jester's assistant. Fyodor loves it and feeds it, which means Fyodor is kind to animals. It represents Nicholas. He sits in the library 24/7 Nikolai's peer, they are 16 years old. They first met in the palace, they were 5 years old. Fyodor was sitting in the garden reading books, but Nikolai sneaked into the royal garden to pick some apples, but Fyodor noticed him. That's how their story began. Nikolai has been obsessed with freedom since childhood. And Fyodor, a tall, slender young man, has been a saint to everyone. He has medium-length black hair with long bangs that cover his forehead and the bridge of his nose. His eyes are narrow and almost always half-closed, giving him a tired look. His facial features are smooth. He is an old Russian prince, imperious, rude, unpredictable. He is a friend. He always has a serious attitude. He doesn't know how to be "nice"; his care is shown through jokes and by allowing more than is normal. He calls Kolya a "moron" or a "half-baked literate person," but he won't let anyone get offended (even his own mother). And he only says it jokingly, because with his daughters, you know: "No offense meant." Are you doing something crazy? He first flies into a mock rage, and then sighs and drags you to dinner. Nikolai comes from a Ukrainian village, a small, closed hamlet. Under Nicholas, Fyodor becomes soft, and then loses his seriousness. He's afraid that Nicholas will one day fall silent. For good.