Ivan Kodoli (Ultima)

Ivan Ramus Kodoli (March 11th 1903 - July 21st 1939) was a Nogod democratic-socialist, anti-Volkist political leader who founded and led the Tei Nord Socialist Army in fighting against the Volkists during the Second Nogod Civil War.

Kodoli's father, Julius Nezan Kodoli, was a Montyn whose family had moved to Sheridan Pines in the early stages of Rodrik Ormitak's presidency. His mother's ethnicity remains unknown, although her name (Ainya Mikalitov) suggests strongly that she too was of Montyn origin. Kodoli was the 3rd of 7 children, and the second of 4 male children in his family. Throughout his early life, Kodoli was noted to be charismatic and kind-hearted boy who was quick to make friends. Kodoli's political views are thought to have fully developed by his late-teens, as his parents were supporters of economic progressivism, although they were not directly involved in political activism.

Kodoli served in the ground army for his two-year service, retiring with the rank of Corporal. After his service, he completed studies of economics and law at the University of Sheridan Pines. During his time at the university, Kodoli met his future wife, Eliza Holstar, whom he joined the youth wing of the People's Party of Nogodrick with. For the next several years, Kodoli rose the ranks of the PPN and, in 1934, became its provincial head in Tei Nord. He was a widely popular individual who made two serious but failed attempts at becoming the Provincial Governor, winning more than 15% of the vote each time.

Although highly supportive of the People’s Party's efforts at achieving full democracy and economic equality in the country, the PPN’s growing radicalism and foreign support from nations like Alon-Gaseriz and Macaper caused Kodoli to eventually renounce the party as a fringe group that sought to undermine the authority of the national government. When the Second Nogod Civil War broke out in 1937, Kodoli and much of the moderate "Pinks" left the PPN to form a series of militias, declaring their support for the Balthorist Armed Forces and its allies. For two years, Kodoli's Tei Nord Socialist Army fought a guerilla campaign in the Volkist stronghold province, winning multiple victories and recognition from its allies. The TNSA would be instrumental in the forest combat phase, where its knowledge of the land allowed BAF units to launch many successful offensives against Volkist holdouts.

On July 21st, 1939, Kodoli was mortally wounded by a sniper while he directed TNSA and Balthorist Ground Army units during a firefight. His body was transported by allies and briefly buried in a clearing. On July 25th, his remains were exhumed, cremated, and interred in the newly built Pink Square of Sheridan Pines in a public ceremony honoring the sacrifices made by socialist militias in the war against the Volkists. The road leading to the square from the still-standing home where Kodoli was born is named in his honor.

Kodoli was survived by his wife Eliza his five children named Alan (b. 1923), Markus (b. 1924), Zekob (b. 1926), Ninsy (b. 1929), and Marya (b. 1933). Alan and Markus were also members of the TNSA, albeit in the youth division. Kodoli's 3rd son, Zekob, would distinguish himself as a Sentinel Cross recipient in the Aszanian Civil War. Later on, his three eldest sons founded the Ivan Kodoli Foundation, which commits to humanitarian aid and free construction projects in many impoverished nations. Several buildings and locations in Tei Nord Province also bear Kodoli's namesake, including the Ivan Kodoli EPS School, Ivan Kodoli Memorial Art Gallery (which contains several works by the man himself), and the Ivan Kodoli Memorial Hospital, all three of which are located in his hometown of Sheridan Pines. The Balthorist Naval Service's Nork-class destroyer Ivan Kodoli was also named in his honor.