Prince Baran was a ruler of Madripoor. His "royal" family originated in a group of pirates that laid claim on the island prior to the 20th century. Baran received payment to allow illegal or otherwise covert activities on his island. Patch/Wolverine stubbornly refused to play by the rules, resulting in the Prince holding a grudge against him. Baran was assassinated by his traitorous ally General Nguyen Ngoc Coy. His death left  a vacant spot at the leadership of Madripoor, eventually covered by Viper.