Corsyra -Nation-
Pirate Kings of the South Seas
History
Early History
Although the founding of the first settlements of Corsyra predate most recorded history, it is fairly widely accepted that the first settlers on the island where Cal-Atheran sailors, who found the island in the early ages of the world. It was after the events of the Shattering when the island was largely forgetten by the Heartlands during the chaos that followed. During the population of the island wanned without the support of the mainland, until stabilizing at roughly a quarter of the initial population. That was until the island was rediscovered by Coastal traders, seeking new routes between the city states of Athera, and the Southrald.
Coastal Invasion
First Corsyran Rebelion
Southrald Invasion
Second Corsyran Rebelion
Atheran Occupation
Corsyran Independence and the Current Era
Military
With its long history of occupations, the military of Corsyra has had many influences which have shapped their tactics, equipment, and organizaition. Drawing upon many of the strength of their neighbors, but keeping a distinct identiy of their own. The military of Corsyra itself is rather small, with a very limited population in comparison to their geopolitical rivals. As well the geography of the island, and limited grazing lands has greatly restricted the use of cavalry within the main military of Corsyra. It is noted however that the island's nobles do often fight from horseback.
With its seafaring culture and limited man power, Corsyra focuses on irregular forces like privateer fleets, and mercinaries to exert their will on the surrounding areas. With the old kings of Corsyra having long recognized that the islands best defense are the strong walls of their fleets; most of their fighting men and women serve aboard these pirate and privateer vessels. These privateers bringing revenue back to the island can harrassing any threats before they ever reach the shores of the island nation. These sailors are usually lightly or unarmored, wielding smaller hand weapons like their curving hacking blades or hand axes. With ballista and bow the sailors will engage from range, before closing in and attempting to board the enemy vessel. In close combat the sailors and pirates of Corsyra have a reputation for being skilled bladesmen, deft of foot and blade. While the swashbuckling rogue is certainly associated with the sailors of Corsyra, it is by no means the rule there are many who are far more brutish of fighters. Fighters who engage with deck hammers, and are little more than common thugs. It is the nature of such a proffession which draws a wide range of types of people.
The military does have a small semi-proffessional core of infantry which defend the cities and countryside. Made up of typically light or medium infantry, the army of Corsyra is at full muster no more than a couple thousand individuals. These numbers are augmented by large numbers of mercinaries, both local and forgien who fight for coin. The army itself is outfitted much the same way as the armies of the Southrald. With the infantry wearing a mix of mail, scale, or quilted armor and carrying broad but light shields of whicker. Wielding shields that can be typically used with one hand, they also are found of swords in the style of the Southrald. Long curving sabers, shotels, kopesh, and hacking blades like a falx or falcata. The archers of the island use shortbows of native wood which are easy to use from the field or the deck of a ship. Although these light bows struggle to penetrate thicker armor (like that of the Atheran's) their size allows most sailors to also carry a bow along with their usual kit. As a nation focused on utility of their warriors, having their soldiers cross trained into many different roles is esential to the defense of their island.
King's Guard
Although much of the island's defense is left in the hands of the sailors and marines, there is a core guard of elite warriors who guard the capital and King. No more than five hundred strong, the King's Guard are a knightly order of sorts. Quartered in the great Atheran fortress. These guards bare heavy armor and shields. The elite soldiers of the guard serve as the King’s personal bodyguards. These bodyguards are outfitted in highly detailed plate armor and wield greatswords. While the main body of the guard are outfitted in somewhat lighter armor, decorative and designed for the heat of the island. They wield Ranseur when in crowd control and sword and shield while fighting in formation. These Ranseur are ornate and highly decorated weapons that reflect the station of these elite warriors. These soldiers are also often tattooed to show off their station.
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