The Krov'yan Horde

### Leader(s)

Khan Hegedüs Horváth (658 A.E. - 661 A.E.)Khan Radovan Korda (662 A.E. - Present)

### Preceded by:

Kingdom of Kordon

The Krov'yan Horde is a nomadic tribe who pride themselves on their light cavalry and distinct way of life. They are descended from the Kordonians on Askalar, seeking to return to the ancient traditions of the Kordoskan peoples prior to the settling of the tribe. Currently they are lead by Khan Hegedüs Horváth.

## **History**

### Founding

The Krov'yan Horde's origins begin on Askalar, within the Kingdom of Kordon. During the period of instability following the Year of Two Emperors, discontent amongst some Kordonians began to emerge, as they were discontent with the continual erasure of their tribal traditions over both the reign of Emperor Alexandre Televara and Alfonso de Luna. A traditionalist movement began with Asander Vidovich at the helm. Seeing the movement as a threat to the status quo, Asander was captured and killed, hoping it to end the movement. However, it further drove people to the movement and in time the nobility began to violently repress it. Fleeing the cities, the traditionalists began to roam and rove around Askalar, taking up a new name for themselves, the Krov'yan Horde.

## Reign of Khan Hegedüs Horváth (658 A.E. - Present)

### Early Reign

Khan Hegedüs Horváth's reign began in 658 A.E., following the Horde's arrival onto the new land he was the only one to put himself forth as a candidate to become the Khan.

### Krov'yan Crisis

*Main Article: Krov'yan Crisis*

The Krov'yan Crisis was a tumultuous period across the entire realm, it was a period that was marked by widespread fear of the Krov'yan Horde following certain incidents. It began first when a slave from the Krov'yan Horde escaped and fled northwards, to the Republic of Valdieri. One of the riders of the Horde, in search of the slave, went to Valdieri and while speaking with a representative saw the slave in their settlement. When confronted, the representative lied to him saying that it was not their slave. Riding back to Hegedus, the rider reported his sighting to him and the Khan gathered 200 riders to confront the republicans.

## Reign of Khan Radovan Korda (662 A.E. - Present)

* Elected following the siege of Northholm and the death of Khan Hegedus Horvath
* Commissioned the construction of the first Krov'yani fortress
* Captured and sold the Duke of Aurvenheim
* Led the Horde to victory as mercenaries against the Kingdom of Katheria

## Government

The Krov’yan Horde is ruled by a Khan selected from his peers through the gathering of all male Horde members known as a Bahattya. During this meeting, members of the Akihari warrior caste may present themselves before the Horde as a candidate to become the next Khan. Once all potential candidates have presented themselves and given their position on why they should become the next Khan, the Horde debates and eventually votes on who is to inherit leadership. Bahattya’s may take several hours or even several days as candidates attempt to rally support amongst their peers by proving themselves through strength and or past accomplishments.

Royalty is nonexistent within Horde society, instead, the practice of meritocracy ensures that the Horde is lead by only the most qualified, mitigating incompetence and corruption amongst the leadership. Power and status is viewed as something that is earned, not given by birth or blood, therefore, anybody of the Akihari warrior caste able enough can rise to power within the Horde.

Although the Khan has final authority over many Horde decisions, such as when and where to migrate, most decisions involving the Horde are openly discussed and debated before a final decision is made.

## Culture

Krov’yan culture revolves around a semi-nomadic, equestrian way of life with a deeply ingrained warrior culture and ethos. Sedentary life is shunned, as it is associated with complacency, decadence and a moral transgression upon one's ancestors and tradition. A clan within the Horde is expected to be self-sufficient and able to independently handle most internal affairs and local external threats. Clans who cannot provide or fend for themselves are therefore viewed as a burden upon the Horde as a whole, and typically fade into obscurity or are absorbed by other clans in exchange for servitude, whether menial or martial. Physical and mental fortitude, strength, bravery, duty, honor and spiritual harmony are highly regarded among the Horde. These traits, among some others, are expected to be upheld and followed to the best of each individual's ability in order to honor one’s ancestors, uphold tradition, and to live a good, respectable life while residing within the Middenfold.

Herding livestock and horse husbandry are crucial aspects of Horde society. In the vast grasslands of the steppe, a steadfast steed is necessary for everything to hunting, travelling and raiding. Whereas livestock such as sheep and cattle provide hides, wool, milk and meats. Horsemanship and horse husbandry are therefore fundamental within every tribe and clan within the Horde.

Although feared for the speed and fierceness of their raids, warriors of the Horde can also be seen commonly serving as mounted mercenaries for neighboring lords and their feuds, for the right price.

The Horde practices slavery, often during raids able bodied men and women are taken back to the Horde's camp and forced to labour for them, or they are sold to other nations/interested parties.

## Military

The Krov’yan Horde is composed almost entirely of light cavalry, a swift and nimble force that is well suited to raids, skirmishes, and field battles. The Krov’yan Horde can often find itself doing mercenary work for the various vying powers in the realm as they serve a crucial role in harassing and denying the enemy of key resources. Full-time warriors within the Horde belong to the warrior caste known as the Akihari, meaning, “he who fights”.

## Settlements and Titles

Kirov - Semi-permanent main camp and acting capital of the Horde

Kordoska Fortress - A border fortress located at the most north-western point in the steppe