Kingdom of Styrias
Kingdom without a king
The Kingdom of Styrias lies West of the Black Forest, South of Seagard and North of the White Mountains and the Free Cities. Formerly the Kingdom of East Asturias, Frederick the Just renamed it to simply 'Kingdom of Styrias' after the West became the Kingdom of Aquitaine. The Eastern realm has recently seen a resurgence in conscription, rapid militarisation and the introduction of martial law due to tensions with Aquitaine.
The kingdom rules over a dozen or so barons and their towns or cities and another two dozen smaller towns within its borders. Its people are well known for their emphasis on academia and theoretical knowledge in their every day life, though as a kingdom it is slightly more fractured and lacking in unity than other states. Its cohesion is further hindered by the fact that currently, Styrias has no king. Frederick the Just has assumed command since the assassination of the late King Ormund III, however he has only appointed himself regent, not king. Good King Ormund never produced an heir, and now the entire nobility of Albion can smell the opportunity of an empty throne.
Military
The military of Styrias is famed for its advanced knowledge in tactics and strategy, and boasts some of the best generals across the realm of Albion. Its generals are vetted and educated in the Old Imperial College, where they are also taught magic and how to combat it during times of war. This is not only a rarity, but also a distinct advantage; so much so that even Styrias' rivals send their leaders and nobles' sons to study there.
Styrias also is the proud maintainer of one of the old Empire's Legions: The Invictis Legion. Numbering ten thousand strong, these heavy infantry are trained in sword, shield and spear and are the elite infantry of Styrias and its backbone during times of war. Beyond that, each village, town and city must raise its militias and levies in times of war, and during its last census numbered one hundred thousand strong. Finally, the Forlorn Keep in Kronburg is the nest of the Blackwing Paragons, famed griffon knights of the North. These knights and their mounts are few, but their very presence on a battlefield can inspire their allies and bring their enemies to rout.
Foreign Relations
The Kingdom of Styrias is currently locked in a bitter cold war with the Kingdom of Aquitaine, as both sides attempt to maneuver around each other both politically and in some cases militarily. Bitter resentment resides in both kingdoms due to the dual assassination of their respective regents, and both wish to control and influence the rich city of Arstal between them.
Styrias is on much warmer terms with the Kingdom of Livonia, however their separation via the Black Forest complicates both trades and diplomacy. Neither can respond to the other's aid in quick fashion, and both have their hands full with military matters: Styrias needs to posture its soldiers against Aquitaine, and Livonia is suffering from a goblin invasion.
The Free Cities are both a boon and a thorn in Frederick's side. The trade tax collected from the roads leading into Styrias provides a sizable increase for his coffers, but their neutrality is both dangerous and unpredictable if Aquitaine declares war. The mercenary armies of the Free Valley have fought against Asturias before, and Frederick knows they will do so again if the price is right.
Concerning the South of Albion, it is rumoured that Styrias has been sponsoring and influencing the Duke of Calabria to openly rebel against his lord in Aquitaine, but all evidence so far has been fruitless and no levies of his have been called. Bassano, Alba and Norvos have had little dealings with Styrias since Ormund III was assassinated, save for trade and the like.
"To each his own"
Founding Date
566AE
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Alternative Names
East Styrias, Kingdom without a king
Head of State
Government System
Dictatorship
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Traditional
Major Exports
Lothar Beer
Fine Leather
Steel weapons
Timber
Major Imports
Iron
Fine Foods
Horses
Official State Religion
Subsidiary Organizations
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Comments