Horde of the Heavenly Sky

The Horde of the Heavenly Sky (Traditional Mongolian: , Modern Mongolian: Тэнгэрийн Орд, Anglicized: Tengeriin Ord) is a non-sedentary empire from the regions of Kheer, Goldo, Tawen, and Derja. They are the largest empire by landmass, occupying nearly half of Asurin and a quarter of Erebin.

Following the Divine Invasions, the population of the Steppe peoples was reduced by about 40%, greatly weakening the once feared warriors. Mongke Khan of the Tal Kheer would come to unify the hundreds of smaller hordes through trade, military alliance, and marriage. To avoid internal struggles, Mongke offered each khan autonomy in exchange for suzerainty with him as Khagan. Tribute would be evenly distributed to the various nomadic cities in hopes to strengthen their forces as a whole. Family members of other khans were also appointed as military, religious, and other court officials.

Upon the completion of the capital Tsaizkher in Kheer, the now unified Horde renewed their invasions into Zhakria, quickly recovering previously lost lands from their historic enemies, particularly the weakened Tianxia Empire. Most of their attacks into Zhakria come from Kheer, while the less powerful khans raid into other kingdoms' heartlands.

They are currently ruled by Altan Khagan, the great-great-grandson of Mongke.

## History

### First Era

The earliest records of nomadic warriors in Kheer comes from the Kurul Empire, who encountered them on several occasions. During one such instance, a Kurul officer ordered his men to follow after a raiding party that had kidnapped a member of his family. The detachment of troops followed for over a month before returning without news. This prompted the Kurul to begin domesticating the horse as pack animals and war mounts. Similar stories were recorded by the early Zhongren people who fought them on their expansion into Gokoyeo and during the Twelve Warring States Period, and the Thrakans who suffered major territorial losses to the mysterious warriors.

The Derjo, a loose confederation of nomads who settled into Thrakan territory inspired many of the myths that the people of Erebin believed for over a thousand years. Their sudden strikes and withdrawals, along with their lack of known range, led many to believe the warriors were sent by their gods to punish the wicked.

Some scholars believe that the earliest nomads began settling in Tochia, and the various Tochian peoples are descended from them.

### Second Era

By the Second Era, many of the nomads, particularly in Goldo and Derja, had established trade and military relations with the peoples around them. Warriors from Goldo served as mercenaries in the Eastern reaches of the Drivene Empire, and trainers for the shock cavalry of the Selafi Empire.

In Erebin, the Derjo Khan Busir led a brutal campaign against the Drivene, but a lack of success after his death restricted his people to the Mazan territory. Assimilation forced them into a semi-sedentary lifestyle, and many joined the Drivene Empire as mercenaries or auxiliaries in its Eastern reaches.

In Asurin, the Gol warriors played a heavy hand in the affairs of the Selafi Empire, who developed a heavy cavalry to combat them. Warriors from Goldo were largely considered the greatest masters of the horse, and began training the Selafi Cataphracts in horsemanship.

The various Dynasties of the Tianxia Empire varied in their ability to keep the Kheer tribes at bay. The Warlord Ehesugan from the Xia'nou was well rewarded by the Shu Dynasty for defecting, and was granted the title of General Who Pacifies the Nomads. Following his clan's extermination during the Shu's decline, the Xia'nou, Liang, and Rucheng tribes each established their own Kingdoms upon sacking the North.

In Tawen, tribes were unable to use horses for warfare, and the uneven terrain made them poor pack animals. Sedentary Taw tribes maintained trade of foodstuffs with the tribes of Kheer, while some nomadic ones maintained trade with the tribes in Northwest Tochia, often items like coinage, weapons, and armor.

### Third Era

#### Forming the Empire

As millions from all over the world flocked to Zhakria during the Divine Invasions, the fragmented Hordes stood little chance. While used to a constant state of warfare, their tactics of quick raids and intimidation became less and less effective as the villages quickly became fortified towns, castles, and cities. From strategic defeat to starvation, the hordes suffered extreme attrition, with an average 40% of their numbers dying. Some of the smaller hordes were exterminated entirely.

The Khara Confederation in Kheer became the dominant faction within the Hordes, as trade relations with the Tianxia Empire reduced their fighting on several fronts. The Xia'nou, Liang, and Rucheng sought refuge with the Khara Khagan, Mongke. Having seen the destruction that most of the Steppe had suffered, Mongke welcomed them on the condition that they aid him in rallying the other tribes into a single empire to challenge the strength of the other empires and kingdoms to their south. Hundreds of envoys were sent out to the hordes, offering military assistance, trade, and court positions. Knowing the smaller hordes made up thirty percent of their potential soldiery, tribute was promised to be evenly distributed, with no favoritism to the stronger tribes.

The majority of envoys returned successful, often returning with voluntary political hostages as a sign of trust, or the khans themselves hoping for a position in the Khagan's court. Most of the hostages were married into Mongke's family or those of other court officials to strengthen relationsips with the tribes, and khans were well rewarded for their voluntary services.

Not all envoys were successful, however, most notably one sent to the Mazan territory. The Mazyir Khan Rukil had the envoy, one of Mongke's nephews executed, and returned his head. The success in other tribes proved its worth immediately, as Dengi Khan of the Argam launched a series of devastating raids, ending in the capture of Rukil and his family, who were sent to Mongke while he was building the future capital Tsaizkher. Mongke offered Rukil the choice of what would happen to his family - execution, imprisonment, or to be released. Rukil chose exection, stating, "No family of mine would dare bend the knee to a lesser khan." Informed of the choice, his family begged for life. Mongke forced Rukil to witness them swear fealty to him, with a response, "It seems you have no family to judge, lest you accept that you are the lesser khan," before ordering Rukil executed and his severed head gelded and mounted on the throne. Rukil's family was separated, his wife taken as a concubine by Dengi, and his two oldest daughters taken by Mongke himself. His many sons were deployed as junior officers in the armies on the front, and his younger daughters held at the capital and married off when they came of age.

#### Early Successes

With the completion of Tsaizkher and consolidation of power complete, Mongke turned his sights to the captured Xia'nou, Rucheng, and Liang territories. The Xia'nou Prince Khaidu was appointed as the supreme commander of the Southern Army, and quickly proved himself with rapid gains against the invading Amateru Shogunate and the strongpoints of the Tianxia Empire. In less than six months, all lost territory was restored. Less than a year later, Khaidu captured the Zhongren scholar Fu Ren, who safeguarded the recipe and oversaw the production and distribution of gunpowder, making a new weapon available to the Tengeriin Ord, and stripping it from their rival the Tianxia Empire.

Fulfilling a promise to his first allies, Mongke felt safe to advance against the Ar-Rashid Caliphate that bordered Kheer and and the Basilians that challenged them in Derja. Dengi's son Tarkhan led the invasions, restoring control of other lost lands. Intimidation and fear were once again weapons under Tarkhan, who ordered the execution of over a dozen Basilian Nobles, and putting three whole towns to the sword. He contributed greatly to the use of biological warfare, intentionally exposing prisoners to highly contagious diseases and releasing them into towns. This was also used to poison food supplies by infecting captured pigeons with deadly diseases that would kill off the avian populations of cities.

#### Death of Mongke and the Succession Crisis

While on a victory tour alongside Khaidu, Mongke asked for a demonstration of the new firepower in the Horde's arsenal. Tied to a post, the captive Prince Han of Kuai, the younger brother of Guan Emperor Xie, cursed Mongke before being hit directly by the Horde's new fire lance. After a night of heavy drinking, Mongke collapsed before reaching his bed, and struck his head against a table, killing him.

With no named heir, let alone any close to being of age, many feared a civil war that would cripple the new empire. Most likely to seize the throne were Khaidu and Tarkhan. Both lords having great respect for Mongke, however, proposed the Empress Kula choose the next Khagan, and swore to protect and raise the child while halting expansionist campaigns. Tarkhan and Khaidu wed each other's sisters to solidify the bond between them. Much to the court's disapproval, Kula chose the three-year old Batu, the son born to Rukil's second daughter Reka, citing that "Rukil's head showed their strength, Rukil's daughter showed their mercy," and that there would be no greater insult to "Rukil himself."

Internal struggle soon followed as various court officials planned to poison the the young Khan and his mother, in hopes their family members would be chosen in place. Khaidu's brother Temujin was involved in one such plot that was brought to light. Upholding his promise to Kula, he personally executed his brother and had his head paraded around the streets as a threat to those who would undo Mongke's house. In thanks, his firstborn daughter was promised to Batu as the future empress. All threats to the ruling house ceased.

#### Reign of Batu Khagan

Under the guidance of Khaidu and Tarkhan, Batu became a great military mind, and upon reaching the age of eighteen, renewed the expansionist campaigns into Shande, Zhongbu, Gorliyang, Derja, and Zhakria. Against his advisors' judgement, he often commanded from the front, always staying just beyond bowshot until the battle was certainly won.

Shande fell almost entirely, the defensive walls on which the whole region relied proved unable to withstand the new gunpowder bombs utilized by the Horde. Troops of Heaven's Sanction, also wielding gunpowder, were able to keep the Horde at bay, but the withdrawal of elite troops from Zhakria caused a massive loss in territory and forced the inclusion of the Kingdom of Shui and the Sun Family, the last resort of the Tianxia Empire, into the fight. The Gorliyo were forced to ally themselves with their rival, the Kita, to stand a chance against the onslaught.

Basilian troops in Derja were completely overwhelmed, not expecting the renewed campaigns and having their forces centered on Zhakria and the the West. Only with the arrival of their Beliy and Cherniy allies were they able to hold out, which greatly weakened the Basilian position and forced the Basilian capital to be moved to Mosak in Beliskva.

#### Gila Khagan

Batu died of illness at the age of forty, frustrated by the lack of success in his campaigns. Empress Moda, Khaidu's daughter, had given birth to seven children, only the first being male, Gila. Gila was the natural choice of the court, and favored greatly by his parents. While he wasn't much of a strategist, Khaidu and Tarkhan having passed early on in his life, he was deeply spiritual. As tribute slowed with lack of success, and the Horde seemed to fracture, he relied on the shared faith of Esegism to rally the tribes under a religious cause, as their ancestors once did. Under his reign, culture rapidly evolved, unifying the Horde once more.

His grandson Altan Khagan is the current ruler of the Horde.

## Government

The Horde of the Heavenly Sky is a semi-nomadic empire, ruled by a semi-elected Khagan, chosen from the previous Khagan's family by the various Khans. The Khagan is responsible for the duties of the empire, particularly settling territory disputes, and ensuring the proper distribution of tribute to the tribes. For these, they are assisted by court officials, who may advise decisions, or be delegated to handle the affairs themselves. The Khagan is free to send out envoys for trade and expansion, and may call for mass mobilization in the event of hostile action taken against them. In order to maintain power, the Khagan is responsible for the defense of the capital Tsaizkher as the only city fit to handle the necessary departments of state, such as maintaining a treasury, minting coinage, and upholding an armory.

The Khans, as vassals of the Khagan, are expected to handle tribal affairs, such as upholding laws, managing personal disputes, and maintaining their own strength by way of training, raiding, and food production. Once a year, the Khans convene in Tsaizkher called Kuraltai to discuss larger issues, such as declaration of war and establishing new laws. Emergency Kuraltai may be called in the event of the Khagan's death, or if war is declared upon them. It is acceptable for a Khan who is engaged on the front lines to send an envoy, however many will end their campaigns and arrive to remain in the Khagan's favor.

Sons of the Khagan, referred to as Princes, are expected to serve in the military as subordinates to the Khans, in order to learn warfare and small level statecraft, usually learning from the most prestigious Khans. When the Khans feel Prince is ready to lead their own force, they are appointed as an officer of a prestigious unit based on where the Khan they learned under feels they should be placed, such as the Capital Guard or Kheshigs.

Daughters of the both the Khagan and the Khans are called Princesses. A Princess of the Khagan will learn statecraft from the Khagan himself, and train under the Maiden Guard, an all female force tasked with protecting the Empress and the Khagan's concubines, before being married into the households of the Khan of their choice. The Princess of a Khan will be married off early into another tribe to strengthen bonds, or will be given to the Khagan as a concubine to increase the Khagan's favor, where they will undergo the same learning as the other Princesses.

## Society

The bow is a staple of the regions the Horde occupies, and the horse a required asset to the tribes of Derja, Goldo, and Kheer. Most tribes teach their children to ride and shoot at an early age, no later than four and six, respectively.

### Religion

All within the Horde believe in Esegism, with variation in the practice. Things such as shamanistic ceremonies, burial practices, and details of the afterlife all differ with each tribe. The core belief that all share is that the valiant and virtuous will be welcomed into Heaven for a lifetime before being reincarnated to earn their place again.

### Economy

The currency of the Horde is copper coinage called an Azar, minted in the capital Tsaizkher. There are six values of Azar coins, 1az, 5az, 10az, 25az, 50az, and 100az. 1az weighs 2.21 grams, the weights of the others being directly proportional, so that five 1az coins weighs exactly the same as one 5az coin.

### Laws

Laws are very relaxed at a state level, though crimes such as murder and rape of someone from a different tribe was punishable by death following a brief investigative hearing. Lesser crimes, murder, or rape of a fellow tribe member would be enforced by the tribe's Khan.

### Roles of Khans

Khans are required to perform manual labor alongside their tribe under penalty of death. Early on in the Horde's existence, several tribes were plagued by dereliction of duty, mutiny, and outright rebellion. The Khans passed the law at Kuraldaan, realizing that if their neighbors were weakened from this ongoing issue, there would be no one to help them repel attacks. If a Khan refuses to do their duties to their tribe, the people of the tribe may petition the Khagan to step in. If the Khagan chooses to do so, the Khan would be executed, their family sent to another tribe, and would be replaced by the Khagan's appointment following a trial of would-be claimants to the title.

### Roles of Women

Society of the tribes that comprise Horde of the Heavenly Sky has changed very little from their first references in the First Era, having always been viewed as mostly egalitarian. Thrakan and Drivene writings from early on in Erebin's development acknowledged that one Derja tribe's women were just as capable on horseback and with a bow as their men. With a reduced population, the Horde was encouraged to embrace women in the ranks of their combat lines, and men are expected to be skilled in crafts like tanning and weaving to keep a household functioning and able to contribute to the war effort if one parent were to die on campaign.

## Military

### Organization

The Horde's military structure varies to the size of a Khan's tribe, but is consistently organized to allow multiple tribes to have easy integration with each other.

#### Individual Tribes

When not mobilized, tribes are expected to handle their own defense and raiding parties. For defense, all adults are expected to fight to bolster numbers in a fight and possibly scare off an enemy entirely. For raiding, each household is expected to raise one warrior when called. This usually comes as a draft, with 10-100 households be called upon at any time for raids. 10 warriors makes up a squad, the most experienced being put in charge of discipline and training. 100 warriors makes up a unit. 1000 warriors, typically the largest non-mobilized force is called a Mingghan, which is led by the Khan.

#### Mobilized Forces

When war is declared and a force needs to be deployed, the Khagan will issue out a decree for each tribe to organize at their local muster station, which are small fortresses protected by three units from the surrounding tribes. Each muster station has the capacity to support 10000 troops, called a Tumen. The tribes are expected to follow a Tumen for the duration of the mobilization. Once the mobilization is complete, the warriors may return to their households and the tribes may split up. There are 2 permanent Tumens, the Capital Guard, who go through a rotation via draft, and the Kheshigs, who accompany the Khagan on tours and campaigns.

### Equipment and Technology

Spanning the most territory, the specific equipment of each warrior varies based on their personal preference and the loot found scavenging the battlefield. The only commonality is the use of the recurve bow, which permeates all levels of the military structure. It would not be surprising to see one soldier in Beliy scale, a Zhongbu helmet, and wielding an Awari saber.

#### Horses

Horses form the backbone of the Horde's might. The horses are as tough as they are quick, allowing for effective hit-and-run tactics, including feigned retreat with parting shots. They allow for excellent harassment and skirmishing techniques. Lancers often ride straight into enemy formations, a testament to their resilience. Most tribes rely on horses as pack animals, so each of these households will typically own three horses, in case one dies of sickness or in battle.

#### Gunpowder Weapons

Stolen from the Tianxia Empire, the Horde makes effective use of gunpowder in the form of fire lances and bombs. These tools have helped keep them a formidable force against tightly packed formations and castle walls of their more sedentary rivals.

#### Siege Weapons

Most of the Siege weaponry the Horde possesses was stolen from their enemies the Basilians and the Zhongren, often using captured troops to man them with deadly accuracy on the promise of freedom after three successful battles.