The Margraf of Rji-Fluss

This region is a Vassal of the House Cassian, and their Empire. Founded centuries past by the then-Emperor, who empowered one of his Generals to 'Bring peace, order and civilisation to the savages in these parts', the Vassal has stood as a Margraf of the Southern Lands of Rjillund for a great many centuries, holding back the barbarian horse over the river - and engaging in conflicts with the Kingdom of Alendron alongside its masters. On the Rjiluund side of the river, they control large tracts of farm and tennant lands, but long for the days when their lord will allow them to claim their land beyond the river.

Land and Area

The official status of the region is dual, controlled by the one who wields the central rank of Margraf. By law, a Margraf is one of the Border lords, who are trusted to defend the most important lands along the Rjillish countryside, with autonomy to act with required force should the safety of Rjillund lay in jeopardy, provided their actions do not violate existing treaties or peace agreements.
As such, much of the land is very rural, and this is reflected in the setting of the land - which is rich in farmland.

Beneath the Margraf their exist numerous Jarldoms, and dozens of Grundherrs who control small villages and landholdings. All owe homage and fealty to their Margraf, currently held by House Varos. Much of the land is home to horse-breeders as well, which can be seen reflected in the armed forces of the realm.


It is the Military of this region that has thus far enabled it to cope and weather the storm of the near-constant seasonal raids that spread from the badlands across the border. By Law, each holder of land is required to raise sufficient men to protect it, and every single holder of land must also keep a horse and train with the sword by ancient law. Whilst the local lords and vassals of the Margraf can raise and muster men themselves - and indeed are required to do so during the raiding months of the year, there exists a central army, that is commanded by the Margraf himself.

This army is a key instrument of state and is split into the troops that the Margraf brings from his own direct holdings, and then from levies of local lords and lordlings. The central instrument of the army, professionals all, are drawn up into the Southern Muster a strong force of Cavalry some 4,000.00 strong and supported by some 6,000.00 lighter cavalries. It is this element of the army, and this alone that serves as the main force of the army and is always at muster.

The Southern Muster - Broadly speaking this group is split into two clear 'Types' of men - Heavy Cavalry and Light Cavalry who form into groups under the command of those appointed by the Margraf. The Heavy Cavalry, who form up under the banner of the 'Schloss Guard' adorn themselves in distinctive armour, with metallic horns adorning their helms. Standard equipment for them tends to be heavy-plate with swords, maces and shields - Lances on the charge and barded war-horses. The Light Cavalry known as the 'Fluss Guard' wear chainmail and normally fight with spears and swords, although bows are becoming more commonplace. It is important to note that only those of noble birth are permitted to serve in the Southern Muster.

The Margraf Guard - A small force of 2,000.00 men serving as the personal guard to the estates and personage of the Margraf, as well as an internal 'special forces' unit for rooting out interior traitors. These men form up into Greatswords armed with their signature two-handed weapons, and daggers, with Halberdiers also available, similarly armoured yet with their signature weapon changed.

Supporting the Muster in times of war, the Levies are drawn from local towns, with the Jarls of these towns permitted to avoid service in the Muster in return for tax and equipment supplies to go with their men. Some 48,000.00 can be drawn in short order, and are often viewed as fodder by the nobility, after all in the words of the Margraf himself "They breed like vermin, so treat them like Vermin.". 

The Levies - Leaving much to be desired, the levees are poorly trained peasants split into two categories - billmen and bowmen of a roughly equal number. Bowmen are simple armed with daggers and a bow, whilst Billmen take to the field with bills, and chain - with helmets commonplace. They do not use swords, simply due to the fact the fact they cannot afford them.

Without exception, the entire army is focused around the nobility, and it is deemed an offence to speak out against an officer, or to question their instructions. To this end, the Officer Corp is restricted to the sons of Noble Houses - and it is only due to the fact the Nobles get their power from the army, that it has remained so key to the realm. Much of the army is very very undisciplined, with only the elite core being able to hold the line without being screamed at by an officer. It is important to note that the Officers tend to view the commoners as little more than 'Offal' before the foe, and thus many of them are undertrained, underfed, and under moral, and require constant supervision.

Economy

Much of the realms economy is formed on the backbone of three core areas - River Trade, Tithes and Peasants. With a river bisecting the realm directly, it is thus not uncommon for trading barges to make their way up and down the rivers, and the Principality makes a small amount from the provision of supplies and the levying of port tithes on those vessels. Tithes come in the usual feudalistic method, whilst raiding is often used as a means to levy additional income to the treasury when required.

Alongside this, they are very protective of the borders, and their position as a nexus between the Ettinlands, Rjiluund and Alendron Kingdoms; and are known to enforce tithes on all - bar the Cassian Monarch - who would seek to make passage through their land. Almost all their resources are expended on defence, with additional support for other matters coming from the crown directly.

Resources come mostly in the form of livestock and cereal products, with the region known as something of a 'Breadbasket' within Rjiluund for its wide plains and fields.

Noted Locations

Due to its status a border settlement, the Margraf is known for its fortifications, which are split into several areas. Along the banks of the river, over which lies the Badlands there lie a series of 'Border Forts', which is mirrored on the Alendron Border. These forts are small and intended as the first line of defence in a major attack.

Further inland, there are some small forts that look after the considerable farmland within the realm, the most noted of which is the Summer Residence of the House Varos. There exist two large settlements, Glivuundron, and Riskellion, both of which are controlled by Jarls.

Aside from this, there exists one large fortress on the Badlands Border, and one on the Alendron Border. The Vigil lies on the Alendron Border whilst the seat of the realm, the Dragons Nest lies on the badlands border. Both are used to hold large troop holdings.

Each Fort is well stocked, and could last around 5 months in a siege.