Preus

## Description

Preus is a successor kingdom of the ancient Monic Empire, situated in Western Seron. Preus is a imperial monarchy, ruled by Kaiser Otto Helmut von Hohenbaden. It was founded in 7,132 TA by Melchior Gottvald. It is, owing to its troubled history, composed mostly of humans, whereas non-humans are typically slaves or lower-class citizens. Sol Invictus is the main religion practiced in Preus, but it also boasts a large Watcher population. Its capital is Baden.

## Geography

Geographically, Spiremarch lays to Preus's west, as does Albion. Est is to its north, and to its east are the Worldspine Mountains. To Preus's south is the Silverwoods. Modern Preus holds lands formerly belonging to Lania, specifically in the Cologne region.

In terms of climate, it has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Preus is roughly half rural and half urban, with major urban population centers being supplanted by agricultural food suppliers.

## Government

Preus is an absolute imperial monarchy. Though there are nobles who hold positions of power over small towns and cities, all are answerable to the monarch, and they are not permitted soldiers or agents of their own, having to rely on the State for their military power.

There is a complex system for the hierarchy of Preus, which can roughly be summarized as follows

* Kaiser - The Emperor and Supreme Leader of the Preussen State
* Staatparlament - A coalition of nobility and military officials comprising a 50 man large national council, which is permitted to make executive decisions that may be either granted or denied by the Kaiser
* Fürst - A term meaning either 'Prince' or 'Governor', the leader of a major city such as Elbesmark or Greer, non-hereditary, rather it is a honorary position granted upon the retirement of a senior officer.
* Herzog - The leader of a small town with a population between 15,000 and 25,000.
* Graf - The leader of a village with a population below 15,000.

The titles of Herzog and Graf are hereditary, as is the title of Kaiser, but members of the Staatparlament or a Fürst are rather given their positions as a reward for faithful service. The hereditary positions are known as the Junker positions, and those who hold such titles are referred to as Junkers.

## Military

It has been stated -and not totally dishonestly- that Preus is a military with a state. A deeply ingrained warrior culture which holds combat and challenge to the highest degree of honor, the Preussens have what is often regarded as the finest military in the world. So great is their military, that often times Preussen veterans will form mercenary bands to be paid with excellent fare owing to the nation's reputation.

### Wehrmacht

The Defense Force of Preus is a several thousand strong force, numbering at an estimated 75,000 during peacetime. They are trained weekly and drilled to the point of excellence. It is a volunteer force, except in cases of invasion when conscription may be enacted. The Wehrmacht also act as reinforcements to local Polizei.

The average Wehrmacht soldier is paid 5 gp a month, and is given a spear, sword, shield, and padded leather armor emblazoned with the Eagle of Preus.

The Wehrmacht is split into Korps (15,000 men), Regiments (1,000 men), Kompanies (100 men), and Gruppe (10 men)

### Reichswehr

The Reichswehr is the traditional fighting force of Preus, recently the Reichswehr has adopted firearms and several of their number utilize them. There are an estimated 35,000 during peacetime. They are drilled weekly to the point of perfection. It is a volunteer force, though members of the Wehrmacht may be moved to the Reichswehr.

The average Reichswehr soldier is paid 15 gp a month, and is given a sword, chainmail armor, and a wool coat worn over it. Veteran soldiers are entrusted with fusils.

The Reichswehr is divided into Divisions (5,000 men), Regiments (1,000 men) Kompanies (100 men) and Trupps (10 men)

### Grenadierarmee

The Grenadierarmee, composed of the 4 Grenadier Divisions. During both peacetime and in times of war, its number remains a constant (or near constant) 20,000 men. They drill daily, and the Grenadiers are selected from aspiring candidates from the Grenadierakademie.

The 4 Divisions are:

Grenadiergarde: The elite Grenadier soldiers who act as guards to senior military officers, Junkers, or other important persons. Their uniforms are similar to the Reichswehr, with plate armor under a wool frock coat, wearing a bearskin on their heads.

Sturmtruppen: The elite assault grenadier soldiers, who charge headlong into combat storming enemy lines. The Sturmtruppen are excellent siegebreakers. Their uniforms consist of plate armor and smocks, with stahlhelms on their heads.

Heiligrenadier: These elite grenadiers are trained in clerical manners, acting as priestly soldiers. They frequently, in peacetime, guard churches and church officials, and they act as Chaplains in wartime. Their uniform consists of plate-armor, vestments bearing the insignia of Sol Invictus and Preus, and a mitre.

Rossgrenadier: The heavy cavalry of Preus, the Rossgrenadier Hussars are the closest thing that Preus has to 'knights'. Descended from the Ritters of old, they wield carbines specially designed for mounted combat. Their uniform is a fine cuirass and a helmet with a peak that covers the back of the neck.

The grenadiers are each paid 50gp a month. They are provided their respective uniforms and are typically are armed with fusils.

The Divisions (5,000 men), are also divided into Regiments (1,000 men), Kompanies (100 men) and Trupps (10 men)

### Kaiserlichegarde

The elite Imperial Guard of Preus are trained from 7 years of age day in and day out. Totalling 10,000 total, they are split into two Divisions

The Lebengarde: The traditional Imperial Guard which has existed since Melchior's reign, the Lifeguard are armed with pistols and halberds. They wear plate armor and burgonets over black clothing.

The Sturmgarde: A newer creation, formed during the Albonic-Preussen War, the Sturmgarde are the elite shocktroops of the Kaiser's guard. They wear plate armor underneath large trenchcoats, wearing pickelhaube and bird-shaped filtering masks designed to emulate Preus's national symbol; the golden eagle. They are armed with Bolt-Action Rifles and bayonets.

The Guard are paid 20gp a day, each provided their own residence and accomodations. They never drill as it could theoretically sabotage their mission of protecting the Kaiser. All applicants are selected from the Grenadierakademie, usually the top percentile of their class.