Who is The Patrician from Men at Arms: A Novel of Discworld and what is their importance?

The Patrician Vetinari is described as a mysterious, shadowy figure who rules the city of Ankh-Morpork with a velvet and iron glove. He is ruthless, devious and calculating, but he nevertheless, exhibits a of code of principles, which favour of the over-all harmony of the city above all things.