Karadzic Principality
A newly-founded principality that controls the northern regions of Gränsland, the Karadzic Principality is one of the three warring principalities seeking to control all of Gränsland.
Structure
Like the other principalities in Gränsland, the Karadzic Principality is led by a Prince or Knyaz, who possesses the most wealth and the largest army of all the lords within their domain.
Under the Prince there are only lords, some greater and some lesser than others. The lords of Great Houses have the highest ranks within their regions of the Principality, typically holding cities and several smaller fiefs, and are subordinate only to the Prince. Lesser lords may control towns, or even villages, and are subordinate to whichever Great House controls their region. It each Lord's responsibility to govern his lands, keep the peace, enforce law and justice on local matters, and ensure that taxes due to the Prince are collected.
Culture
Most northmen are directly descended from the First Settlers, and are considered to be the "purest" Gränslanders due to their relative lack of intermarriage with other races native to Gränsland such as Leshon. Knowledge of the Old Tongue - once widely spoken in Geroia before the emergence of the Common Tongue - is most common in the north.
The near-constant cold and brutal winters set apart northern Gränslanders from those of the south. Native northmen place less emphasis on courtly ritual and culture, but more emphasis on religious matters and personal honor. Most northmen hold the goddess Morena of the Rodnoveru faith in much higher regard than other Gränslanders, as well as Perun and Simargl.
The north's long history of civil war and raids from Jomne has resulted in a much more martially-capable populace compared to the south; most northerners hold skill with a battleaxe and shield or a longbow, and most towns and villages have some form of militia capable of running off small threats to the community.
Compared to the south, law in the north is considered to be much harsher with far more punishments entailing death.
History
The Karadzic Principality was formally established in the year 502 against the backdrop of the Siege of New Severgrad. In the early years of the War of Three Thrones, the Turov Principality was the fastest to rally its lords to arms, and in the year 501 an army of 60,000 warriors laid siege to New Severgrad in an attempt to quickly force House Karadzic out of action by robbing it of one of its largest and most valuable cities. In response to this, Lord Velizar Karadzic rode about the Northlands seeking to gather enough men to break the siege, and seeking to secure the allegiance of the most powerful noble houses in the north.
After the siege was broken in the winter of 502, the lords whose armies participated in the battle against the Turov forces formally swore their allegiance to Lord Velizar on a freezing, snow-swept hill overlooking the bloody aftermath of the battle. In the midst of a brewing snowstorm Velizar, still in his blood-covered armor, was crowned before his lords and declared the Knyaz of the Karadzic Principality. His coronation earned him the nickname "The Prince of Winter".
Following his official coronation, the Karadzic Principality was formally established as a sovereign nation. In the years leading up to the present, the Karadzic Principality has grown rich from trade with Jomne, and the natural defense of the Northern Shield which makes up its southern border has given the Karadzic Principality a solid defensive line against its rivals. However, internal political strife and rebellions have prevented the Karadzic Principality from fully capitalizing on its advantageous position.
Demography and Population
Despite controlling vast swaths of land, the population of the Karadzic Principality is the smallest of the three principalities. As much of the land is barely arable, and the winters long and harsh, the population of the Karadzic Principality is concentrated around the fertile south and around towns. The population of the Karadzic Principality is estimated at around one and a half million in total.
Military
The standing military of the Karadzic Principality is known for its elite heavy infantry, who make use of war axes and heavy shields much like the warriors of the Kingdom of Jomne. In times of war or conflict, it is the responsibility of each Lord to gather a number of armed, trained troops according to their means.
Additionally, most northern Lords have household guards, or Svita. These Svita guards are full-time bodyguards and warriors who serve their lord, and typically make up the elite fighting force in an army. Unlike the knights of the south, who must go through a knighting ceremony, are given lands, and take oaths of loyalty, Svita guards are not typically given lands to administer, and have the right to leave the service of their lord and join that of another. This gives the lord more motivation to treat his men well and ensure their true loyalty to him, rather than loyalty through oaths and ceremony which have too often been broken.
Family, Faith, Freedom
Founding Date
502
Type
Geopolitical, Principality
Training Level
Semi-professional
Veterancy Level
Veteran
Demonym
Northern Gränslander (informal)
Leader
Head of Government
Government System
Oligarchy
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Market economy
Official State Religion
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
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