Prust

The Duchy of Prust is the youngest of the Sword Pact nations, having been founded only 45 years ago by Duke Iridan Ryker. Formerly a rich province of the Kingdom of Walston, Duke Ryker led a stunning war of independence against Walston's king, whom he considered to be corrupt and unjust. Despite a low population, meagre natural resources and few trained officers, Duke Ryker's campaign was a series of incredible victories that soon forced Walston's king to cede Prust its independence. Since then, Prust has been eyed hungrily by its neighbours, but has been kept safe by Duke Ryker's reputation, and more importantly, the perceived threat of the Ilumvir Empire. However, Duke Ryker is aging and has no children, and Prust's future is uncertain.

Structure

Prust is run solely by Duke Ryker. Its small size and separation from the traditional power structure of Walston mean that the feudal system has been largely left behind. Duke Ryker makes appointments based on merit, not lineage, with the result that Prust is well-run and stable. Prust has a large officer corps with a clearly defined hierarchy, and land is controlled mostly under the provisional command of the Viscount-Majors, personally selected by Duke Ryker. For the civilian population, the state exercises considerable control over farming and industry, though the people of Prust are kept content by the efficient and steady distribution of goods they enjoy.
Farming Corps Structure:

1. Private-Tiller
2. Plow-Corporal
3. Sergeant-Thresher
4. Captain of the Field
5. Viscount-Major
6. Duke Ryker

Defence Corps Structure:

1. Private-at-arms
2. Band Corporal
3. Sergeant
4. Captain of the Duke
5. Viscount-Major
6. Duke Ryker

Note: Contrary to common misconception by outsiders, the farming and defence corps of Prust are not distinct organizations, but really one organization with a dual mandate. Prustians believe that tactical ability translates easily between planning a campaign and a harvest, and a member of the Corps will rotate between farming and defence as needed. In this way, a skilled Captain of the Duke may be recommissioned as a Captain of the Field during a drought, for example.

Culture

Prustians were all Walstoners until relatively recently, and this is reflected in their culture. They share Walston's defensive tendencies, eyeing neighbours warily but quick to help their compatriots. Their garb favours shades of black and gold, the colours of House Ryker, showing the Prustians' deep pride in their famed leader. Prustian cuisine is infamous throughout the Sword Pact for being bland, boring and unappealing, consisting only of what meagre crops and livestock the Prustians are able to grow. A common joke is that Ryker "has put the whole duchy on half rations". Civilian life is heavily influenced by the military, with farming cooperatives run through a strict hierarchy. Nobility is given little emphasis in light of the pressing threats to Prust's existence, resulting in a society that some would almost call downright Jullandian.

Public Agenda

Prust's primary diplomatic concern is establishing their independence from Walston and gaining recognition from the other Sword Pact nations. Throughout his decades as leader, Duke Ryker has succeeded in gaining such recognition from every notable power except the Ilumvir Empire, and by extension, Ehr Nuvale.

Assets

Prust's primary economic resource is the gold mining settlement of Glintvale, set into the mountainside. More military fort than town, Glintvale is populated by miners and soldiers in almost equal measure. Access is fairly restricted, although Glintvale is always looking for more hands willing to swing a pickaxe. Glintvale gold can be found in coinage, jewelry and other items across the Sword Pact and beyond.

History

Before its secession, the Duchy of Prust had been ruled by the Ryker family since the founding of Walston. Iridan Ryker's father, Duke Einathar Ryker, had been primarily concerned with currying favour with the monarchy and maximizing the extraction of gold from Glintvale. Duke Einathar was thus very unpopular with the common people, and the first part of Iridan's story saw him struggling to rehabilitate his family's reputation.

Beware the lion on the high plains.

Founding Date

516 PCE

Type

Geopolitical, Duchy

Alternative Names

Ryker's Duchy

Predecessor Organization

• Walston

Demonym

Prustian

Leader

Iridan Ryker

Parent Organization

Walston

Location

Sword Pact

Neighboring Nations

• Jullandy

Related Historical Events

• 6124
  Secession of Prust from Walston