County of Hausen

The County of Hausen is a feudal society founded and currently ruled by Count Konrad von Hausen. It is the sole nation that practices and leads the Kroskan Orthodoxy.

## **History**

### Founding

The County of Hausen was founded by Konrad von Hausen following his arrival in Sykrovia in 972, residing in the northeastern region of the land. With the region beginning to be settled by his followers, Konrad declared himself Count of Hausen.

## Reign of Konrad von Hausen (972 - Present)

### Early Years

Following the creation of the County, Konrad began the construction effort of the seat of House Hausen, Odenburg, which was to become a castle upon a hill which overlooked Odenburg Village. The construction took around 4 months to complete most of the stonework, allowing the castle to begin use as a home for Konrad. At the same time as the construction of the castle, the construction of the surrounding village and fields began to take place, as a home for the subjects of the County.

During the construction, more settlers had begun to arrive into the region, settling nearby Odenburg. Konrad allowed them to construct their homes in his lands for the time being, however. As construction began to finish on the castle, Konrad put more of his efforts into projecting his power into the region. In hopes to prevent any resistance from the recent settlers, Konrad hired the services of Klodzko Mercenaries to set up a camp at Odenburg to provide extra men to his cause. By the next month, the settlers had sworn fealty to the County of Hausen.

### Sallian Expansion

In early 973, settlers began to arrive on Ostenshore, east Sallia. The settlers were from the Kingdom of Novus which began to build small houses. Learning of this, Konrad mustered his retinue of Hausenite Ritters and Klodzko mercenaries and marched eastward, surrounding the settlers. After encircling the settlers, Konrad rode westward to meet with King Aegeus Athan-Agthangelou IV of Novus and settled the matter. With the Treaty of Ostenshore, Novus would relinquish all claims on Sallia to the Hausen, and deconstruct their houses.

### War of Kroskan Unification

*Main Article: War of Kroskan Unification*

In early 975, Voivode Sokół Aleksander Ledóvowski III rode to Odenburg to discuss with Count Konrad a proposal. This proposal was the prospect of the unification of the two Kroskan nations, with the Konrad swearing fealty to Ledovowski III. Konrad rejected such a proposal, offering an alternative of a religious pact between the nations, however Ledovowski III refused and following a breakdown of negotiations declared war upon the County of Hausen. Ledovowski attempted to march is armies across Volmar Bridge which lead to the defining battle in the conflict, the Battle of Volmar Bridge, which was a decisive Hausen victory. After the battle, Konrad had no desire to invade Ledovowski's lands and offered him a white peace with the only terms being Ledovowski withdraws the statements he made following the start of the war which Konrad considered slanderous, and that the Voivodeship of Zykoszyn and the County of Hausen would enter a two year non-agression pact, to which Ledovowski agreed, ending the War of Kroskan Unification.

### Ledóvowski's War

*Main Article: Ledóvowski's War*

In early 979 A.E., following 3 years after Ledóvowski's death, Count Konrad I von Hausen declared war upon the Regency of Greater Arklysija on the pretext that Regent Mindaugas Dominykas III failed to uphold his duty as a nobleman and retrieve the body of Ledóvowski from the Duchy of Holwick following his death. (to be continued)

## Culture

Hausenite culture is a largely feudal society that adheres to strict social classes, religious values, and martial prowess. Ruled by the Noble class, Hausenite Serfs have very little say in the matter of governance in the realm. Regardless of position within the social hierarchy, many Hausenites live their lives dutifully in accordance to the tenets of their faith.

## Military

The military of the Count of Hausen is led by a noble class of heavy cavalry, known as Ritters, who form the elite core of the Hausenite army. These noblemen are expected to provide and maintain their own equipment, in addition to their levied subjects, whom they are also expected to provide with arms and armour during times of war. These levies are most often equipped with mediocre arms and armour, often only having padded garments and old or looted weapons.