Coalition Horde of 7-640

Report of captain Yanven to the Senate of Taergaled regarding the power and resources of the newly formed Coalition, dated 7-640 Early Spring. Sirs, madams You have sent me a liaison to the Beryl Harkgan, and requested any and all relevant topics concerning the purpose, long term and short, of said army, especially in terms of what 'threat' said force would pose to the established government South of the Fringe-- I venture to say at once, that this army is built with the sole intention of waging wars of conquest at extreme prejudice, determination and intention to not only occupy, but colonize. Following is a brief description of the resources of yon Coalition. Manpower: from 55 000 to 130 000. Unclear, as some of the men dwell in the woods, being drilled constantly. Reports show a full division being armed each fortnight, at the very least arms are being purhcased in an extremely rapid rate. Finances unknown. Quartmaster General very rude upon being coerced into betraying the number of boots purchased since last winter. Lord Rüyavi held an exhibition for tourists at the artillery plant. At least eighteen full forges for gunnery present. Specifics unclear. Archaic models. Show no signs of having been heated since Tvbéra. Being used at all? Neither officers nor enlisted men are under the influence of bub whilst in duty, and conduct in a bizarre manner whilst off. Very few men have bruises on yon comeline, nor signs of a broken nose. Strict rules deny both carousing and brawling. Men are offered fighting circles, and ranks non-commissioned and above required literate. Commanders very busy. Had tea with yon L'ostav. No longer refers to himself as 'the Victor'. Sees himself a Coalition officer. The Army is in possession of at least thousands of barrels of grey-powder. These are stacked in a place unknown! I suggest fortification efforts in the Khaerlemmen side of Fringe. Lady herself possibly under the influence, or somehow enthralled, as her reply to a possible threat of invasion was an utter evasion. Beryl Harkgan unavailable. Was last seen in the academy grounds, which has most of the students at arms. He is not to be under-estimated. The army is modern, well able to match the Royal Forces, and supported by Tigers and detachments of Raq'huemean cavalry, as well as Tvbéran mercenaries. The army speaks one language, command, control and intelligence, all. They are well armed, and preparing for war. They pose an extreme threat, but as of now, it is unclear whether said threat is aimed at his Majesty. Lord Harkgan is yet 'clothed in smoke'. I am removing myself from danger, and pray to God that these bayonets shan't find themselves in the Summer Palace. Please dispose of this report, as Coalition intelligence has likely compromised yon exchange either way. Propose silence henceworth.

The Pietikha

The letter is marred by the stamp of Coalition command in the middle, with a bolbdly written statement at the bottom: 'Preposterous! Coalition intelligence does not engage in sifting through personal correspondance!'

Structure

Ducal High Command under the Grand-Duke of Issqar, Beryl Harkgan Below him, Lord Lamkonn, Lord L'ostav, Marshal of the Fringe Malmüth Arhukk-tar, as well as liaison officer General Ryüavii and the Striped Tiger of Tvbéra

Public Agenda

Professional army under the direct command and superivision of the Duke of Issqar. As the standing army of Issqara, the Coalition Horde was eventually composed of some half-dozen cultures, as well as several tongues: the purpose of the army was not defence, but elimination of threats on foreign territory, arrogant invasion being the preferred overall strategy.

Assets

The entire Issqaran economy, population, as well as support of virtually all Kiri lords in 7-640. Druidic support, with a virtual carté blanche to do what must be done to secure the Harnothi-speaking nation state. Coalition Horde of the time was the most modern, best lead, extremely well suppllied army able to crush opposition and effectively occupy large swaths of land with little trouble.

History

Coalition Horde of 7-640 saw the 1st War of the Coalition Horde. Officially, it had existed since the Khórr Rebellion several years before, yet under different name, and different commander. Thems'k Khórr-tar was a famed commander who felt the Kiri, with their aggression and martial prowess, ought to abandon diplomacy and instead seek to conquer buffer zones and destroy those lords and states hostile to her. Harnothi-speakers were to form a grand host, trained extensively, armed in a modern manner and be commanded with meritous officers, even if common. Noble officers were to earn their position: indeed, during Harkgan's tenure as the Grand-Duke, well over half of all officers sought retirement, many of whom were outright fired for being incompetent. The Coalition Horde structure and philosophy were examples of an intelligent man seeing what his enemies were doing and thinking, destroying them, and taking their ideas for his. Lord Harkgan eventually gained the favour of Taergaled, as well as their trust-- he applied the thoughts of his foe, Khórr, but only *allied* to Taergaled, the natural enemy, looking to beat them in their own game of vassals and feudal oaths...

Disbandment

Officially disbanded by Empress of the Kiri in 7-674 in the New Army Act, leaving only the flag company of the Duke and several honorary regiments to serve in the Issqaran state owned properties as guards. Most veteran officers alive remained in the Empress' army in the mainland, the most trusted of them were sent abroad to train colonial forces and 'comitatentes and liimay' in places like Vegrenk-ara (Western Mihur) and the Sarlükkan Reach far in the south... 'His to take' remained a greeting of sort, a salute á la 'Yours to take'.

Demography and Population

Coalition Horde was a marching city-state, thus she needed services. Some 50 000 servants and hands of all sort followed the army as camp personnel. Prostitutes, peddlers, farriers, unsavory types to introduce something of questionable legality to somebody's body-- Washing women, barbers, cattlehands with their beasts and licenced scavangers, the works - as well as *their* servants, if they had any. All in all, in 7-640, the army to leave Issqar in Spring numbered around 200 000, all in all, every person to deal with the Coalition on the field. There was a running gag in the Haraerlans. "Know what the largest city in Kiri-ara is? Our army, camped. Second largest? Their army, camped."

Territories

The Issqaran Duchy (and by extension, the Coalition Horde) began with virtually no land outside of the core Harnothi lands, yet captured virtually everything east of the border river Poeorec by the War's end. By this time, agreements had been made between the Duke and 'his' King, that the Mihurite lands be tithed between Issqar and Taergaled, and the region of Heartland Mihur, or the former capital of the Republic be made a free city. Harkgan did not participate in the negotiations beyond agreeing to the initial, five-year exception to monetary tax for any and all local nobility, as they needed to rebuild their holds. However, levy was agreed early on, as the Coalition required a great deal more men to garrison the captured lands, as well as prepare for further warfare which was sure to come--

Military

Coalition Horde forces followed a modified Royal Standard doctrine, and organisation-- however, light elements, as well as Vaerg-varan units were often very different in that many noble, or otherwise notable colonels were suffered to do with what material they had what they pleased, expecting they followed general guide-lines of the High Command. With men like L'ostav and Ryüavii for inspectors, no colonel expected to half-arse matters and remain as regimental commander. Regiment, and then division, were the critical units in Coalition doctrine. Smallest unit was yet the sixty, or a segment of any line, light or heavy. Still, all regimental commanders were expected to remain in their posts in combat, and if necessary, venture into the line and with their presence inspire confidence and ferocity. Regiments generally had their own light artillery, as well as recon elements. Dozen regiments would form a division, commanded by a general officer responsible directly to Harkgan, with the Corps command being mainly interested in seeing to supply and statistics.

Technological Level

The very top of what Kiri universities produced. Pucklers (a type of sniper rifle) were seen as the most advanced practical weapons yet in 7-640. Advanced light artillery was in use virtually all units: these would be fired virtually right from behind the advancing line, as ordered by battery commanders who in turn received frequent communication from company commanders. The thought was, that any battalion of four companies would have a dozen light cannons to support advance, as well as mortars and guns as heavy as Taergaledian 16 - punders, and petard-guns in reserve-- All in all, Coalition technology was practical, durable and familiar to, at the very least,the NCOs, even before the war. Organisation and doctrine were extremely modern. The focus on breaking an enemy line in depth, and not wearing it out in a protracted exchange of musket fire was a revolution. Coalition forces would do battle in startlingly shallow formations (thin lines of 3 men) with apparently alarmingly weak reserves (Battle of Mangyn saw roughly 80% of all regiments rotate all units in the line.) However, the weight of fire brought to bear against any opponent, with light artillery support and excellent scouting, training (physical, academic and mental alike) and communication meant any regiment, or division, could react faster to advantages and breaks in the enemy line. Coalition Command had expertly delegated command, and used every possible advantage: virtually every message from Command to division, to battalion and forward was delivered in a timely manner. Coalition Horde of 7-640 was level to most armies in Terran history in 1920, except in sheer industrially created firepower.

Religion

Coalition Horde had ministers from virtually all religions, even if most of them merely liaisons and advisors. Officially, Mihurites referred to the Kiri faith as 'Eastern paganism' or 'Druidic animism' and the druids, the 'ministers' of the Kiri, seldom traveled with the army. Harkgan had contacts, however, to advice and keep tabs on the mystics and other elements back home-- Harkgan *was* deemed by many the God of War. What this meant was difficult to pin-point, yet it was clear this was due to his 'aura' and not only his achievements. Tens of thousands of Mihurites flocked to his banner, many of whom professional soldiers, and even Republican draftees. There was a personality cult around Harkgan - as long as he never lost a battle, he was deemed infallible. Harkgan was well aware of the problems inherent to such a position.

Foreign Relations

Harkgan was quick to establish communication with every last possible noble in the Mihurite lands, hostile or not. Kuqtharag, the enemy commander in 7-640, had trained pidgeons sent to him in order to send a plea for peace, if not surrender. He, himself, was quick to have the birds for dinner. The Lioness of Mölqara, Belixha Dugqar, one of the formidable champions of the Imperial Court received several bolts of Taergaledian silk to create a wedding dress should she wish to marry into Kiri nobility after Qaran defeat-- apparently, she grinned at the thought upon receiving the shipment, and dug up Lord Harkgan's measurements from intelligence, and had several fine Imperial doublets prepared for the Coalition commander, with the message embroidered unto the sleeves in Tuarkiri: 'I politely refuse matrimony, sir. Consider this garb come battle, for upon defeat, we will know whom to send to the pens, and which one to the Emperor in a gilded cage. - The Lioness' The Mihurite forces, scattered and fighting a losing guerilla war, were contacted and communicated with, even if the goverment in exile remained silent out of fear-- what to make of this new development? The Chancellor of the Republic was, as of 7-640, unaccounted for, yet none of his servants or belongings were found in the wrecked city, and his palace had been cleaned of all archives and intelligence well before the Siege-- Thus, Harkgan went to the surviving priests of the city upon liberating it, and informed them of the Mihurite state being subservient to the Issqaran Duchy. 'I expect you not to serve. In fact, I expect nothing of you, but to accept the role of citizen, for the Temple houses now to nobles or Gods, but common men of flesh and blood. Keep thine faith, but yon time a judge of earthly men is past. What remains of yon library is possession to the Coalition. Remaining tomes will be earned back via oaths and acts of loyalty. And yes, I know of the evacuation, and where the original scriptures were sent.' Several priests tore their garb, and wept upon hearing this. Some were rumored to commit suicide upon Harkgan's word becoming law, plastered upon Temple gates, and much of their property - as all nobles either un-accounted for, or refusing to submit to Issqaran rule - seized to fuel the war effort. Very quickly the Mihurite lands became part of the Kiri-ara, as Harkgan was true to his word and what tomes he did possess, he let back to the priests with time. Some had been 'lost' and remained in Khaerlemmen's hands, who studied with interest the thus far forbidden apographa of the Orthodox and Mihurite, and many priests knew *this* was the musket aimed at their heads... Tergaledian nobility was behind the Coalition come campaign. They had fairly few men and officers in the main army, and several noble liaisons terrified of venturing into combat zone further from where they had ever ventured in peace-- The succesful campaign came to them an utter shock. Other Harnothi states had representatives in the Coalition, Tvbérans especially. They provided banking and communication, as well as horses and right cavalry, as well as eight well trained and equipped batteries of heavy artillery. Tvbéran Tigers, the archaic swordsmen of the former House-lands, were used in shock combat effectively even in later wars to come. Diplomatic corps, whence it came to the early Coalition, were mainly Tvbérans, as they were known and trusted in most parts of the world. All in all, Hargkan had a formidably well connected army and nation, noble connections, diplomacy, intelligence, all.

Agriculture & Industry

Coalition Horde was able to feed and supply itself on the march. They only ceased pursuing the Qaran army upon reaching both the end of their supply chain, as well as the lands previously scorched by the Qaran forces. Food and resources were mainly procured from Mihurite levies, who would often grudgingly part with what turned out to be a good harvest in 7-640.

Trade & Transport

The Coalition was quick to see the importance of pioneers and roads for supply and mobility. In late 7-640 they formally created a Corps of engineers, who were tasked to seeing to roads and bridges. Harkgan had had an incident before the Battle of Mangyn, which saw Haraerlans sneak in during the pre-dawn dark, and destroy a pontoon bridge with explosives, and another bridge with a ferry loaded with gunpowder. This denied Harkgan a flanking maneuvre, and left him an 'honorable' battle, which he did win, but decisively only by L'ostav arriving in the Afternoon. The Coalition had been weak in pioneers, and unable to make best use of roads, and was, indeed, able to cross rivers with improvised means, yet artillery could not pass. The woods and forests of the Capital Region of Mihur were far less dense, and thus less subject to Harnothi lights, and their dominating effect in snow, mud and virtually non-existant visibility. By 7-641, the Corps Engineer allowed the Coalition to handle a great deal of supply, and high mobility for artillery, communication, security and supply, which increased in size and volume, yet the light infantry attitude remained. Far-patrols could well function in the wild, which was not the case for most of Haraerlans.

Education

All ranks above NCO were literate. This was by law.

DISBANDED/DISSOLVED

His to take

Founding Date

7-634

Type

Military, Army

Alternative Names

Temesanes, Harkganites

Training Level

Professional

Veterancy Level

Recruit

Demonym

Temesani

Leader

tar-Harkgan, Duke of Issqar

Government System

Monarchy, Constitutional

Power Structure

Semi-autonomous area

Economic System

Mixed economy

Currency

Being an extremely large and complex beast, meant to be able to operate overseas decades if required, the Coalition Horde carries several currencies, with agreements with most banks on the continent to exchange and loan against salvaged goods, or even prisoners of war. Pieces of eight, gold, silver and bronze are used, and are minted in a manner which makes is absolutelty clear they are Issqaran in origin.

Legislative Body

Coalition Horde has its own legal sets, as the army is the second largest city anywhere in Harnoth it camps-- Traditional law based on druidic lore and military discipline is enforced based on precendents, which are archived by the Baroness of Rotovera, Tallasvi. All in all, strict military discipline, as well as judicial practice. Flogging and at times execution - quite common.

Judicial Body

Depending on the breach, men would be either judged by the sergeants, battalion commanders, or higher echelons in cases of murder or spying. Lady Tallasvi was known to walk with her military 'police' as well as her bloodhounds where the recruits were welcomed to the army, with a bullwhip and a hang-man's noose hanging from her uniform, and often have thieves or insubordinates whipped, and or humiliated, before the eyes of new personnel. Other then Harkgan himself, the much feared and a little hated 'Rotoveran Sir Bitch-dog' was in charge of seeing to keeping in check 'crime'. One would do well to remember, that Kiri differ in legislation from, say, Mihurites, in that they see 'murder' as killing the 'wrong' man, for example purposefully cracking someones skull in an improvised ring of honour - fair game. The other man was weaker. Would not have passed battle, either way. Shooting a drunk man in the back for matters of honour-- e.g. a thegn looking to use his position to get away with killing his wife's lover. This is considered murder in Kiri law, as election whence it came to strength at arms, or cunning, were nulled by firearms and alcohol. These matters belong in the ring-- What happens in the Ring is business to the combatants, and them alone. It is an extremely poor idea to slay a commanding officer in order to inherit his position, as Wolfpacks sometimes did, as the new 'CO' was now seen himself 'fair game' and likely himself killed by another ambitious, likely noble officer. Attempts happened frequently. Officers dueled for command. This was seldom hindered by Harkgan or the Baroness, as threat of having have to defend ones life kept officers aware of their subordinates, and their swordsmanship up to date...

Official State Religion

Druidic Faiths of the Orient

Location

Slëmonoch, the ancient seat of Issqara

Official Languages