[hider=The Korczynian-Astaran Commonwealth]
[center][h1][b]The Korczynian-Astaran Commonwealth[/b][/h1]
[img]http://oi64.tinypic.com/2i1ozec.jpg[/img]
[i]The arms of the Kingdom of Korczyn and Grand Duchy of Astarac, respectively. The official arms of the Commonwealth combines the heraldry of both.[/i][/center]

[b][h2]Overview[/h2][/b]
The Commonwealth is a bi-confederation, consisting of the Kingdom of Korczyn and the Grand Duchy of Astarac. The dual state is ruled by a single monarch, who takes the formal title of King of Korczyn and the Grand Duke of Astarac. The bond of both nations, though formalized only in recent years, has been a de-facto unity since over two centuries ago. The Commonwealth is characteristically multi-ethnic and enjoys a high religious tolerance. Combined with a limited monarchy and largely autonomous, decentralized territories, the Commonwealth is atypical of other sovereign states.

[b][h2]Geography[/h2][/b][hider=Map Claim]
In red.
[img]http://i.imgur.com/6RU64dD.jpg[/img]
[/hider]

[b][h2]History[/h2][/b]
WIP

[b][h2]Government[/h2][/b]
A famous saying - “The king reigns but does not govern,” sheds a great deal of light on the role of the Commonwealth monarchy. The king's power is limited, compared to that of neighboring states, and he is obligated to respect his citizen subjects. Upon his coronation, the king vows to uphold a series of articles that constitute the political doctrine of the state. These essentially put him on even ground with the nobility, and under the scrutiny of parliament. The parliament, if it wishes, can veto most of the king's actions – legislation, foreign affairs, declarations of war, and taxation. It is made of representatives sent from both Korczyn and Astarac.  

The Commonwealth nobility is large for a state of its time. Ten percent of Korczyn's population can consider itself of this class, although the wealth of noble families varies considerably. Regardless whether one is among the well-to-do or nearly as poor as a farmer, all nobles consider themselves equals. This attitude – that the Korczyn state stands to serve the nobility – is a guiding element of the Commonwealth's political structure.

[b][h2]Race Description[/h2][/b]
WIP

[b][h2]Culture[/h2][/b]
WIP

[b][h2]Economy/Industry[/h2][/b]
WIP

[b][h2]Magic[/h2][/b]
The kingdoms of the Commonwealth have never been renowned for magical prowess, unlike the empires of Yore or Rune. For centuries, the flow of magic was thought to be naturally weak in this part of the world. However, study in recent years has shown this to be untrue. There is indeed some extra-planar force in the Commonwealth, although this sorcery is not the kind as the rest of the world knows. The Commonwealth's mages, rather than master the elements or conjure illusions, practice a unique school – Anti-magic. 
For reasons unknown, the winds of magic that ebb between Korczyn and Astarac repel the energies of other lores, like magnets with the same polarity pushing away from each other. This phenomenon is strongest the closer one gets to the heart of the Commonwealth, but can be replicated by years of study and practice. When unleashed, fireballs fizzle to sparks, storms scatter before the sun, illusions dissipate and the world reverts to its natural form.
As a result of anti-magic, Commonwealth's military revolves strictly around human skill, technology and mundane tactics. By negating magic employed by its enemies, the army ensures that battles are fought on even ground, between men, not wizards. 
One disadvantage to this doctrine is that no distinction can be made between benign and harmful magics. Arcane missiles may wither in flight, but the power to heal wounds and disease is also lost. Any medical procedures must be performed by hand.
 
[b]Name:[/b] Dispelling Aura
[b]Lore:[/b] Anti-magic
[b]Type:[/b] Aura, Debuff
[b]Short Description:[/b] Anti-magic dispels instances of other magics in the same vicinity. The naturally-occurring effect is gradual at the periphery of the Commonwealth, becoming stronger and more immediate closer to the center. When replicated by the Commonwealth's mages, the phenomenon can be instantaneous. Whereas other mages harness 'true' magic, anti-mages learn to imbue themselves with this unique energy. They do not cast spells in the traditional sense, but instead act as living conduits of anti-magic. Their bodies become vessels for the latent power of dispelling magic, and they can regulate the intensity of the effects. Their ability makes them valuable in military contexts, when the enemy is sure to trust in their own mages.

[b][h2]Military[/h2][/b]
The armies of Korczyn and Astarac are functionally separate entities, though technically both are under the command of the monarch. Both share near-identical tactics, organizational structure and equipment, though Astarac's numbers are often only a third of what Korczyn can field. Much of the armies draw recruits from noble volunteers, a result of the decree that no man may hold secular or ecclesiastical office without having served in the military. Other means include general levies or monetary compensation from the ecclesiastical or royal treasuries, and also the recruiting of foreign mercenaries or vassals.

The infantry of the Commonwealth is regarded secondhand to the cavalry, as chivalric ideals still resonate among the ranks of the nobility. Nevertheless, they are still required to do the dirty work of the army. They are recruited by rotameisters into troops of around 200 men, and armed with sabers, matchlocks and axes. The most reliable footmen fielded by the Commonwealth are raised from foreign sources. These volunteers are paid, and organized in styles similar to that of other human states – regiments of 600, divided into four companies and armed with muskets and pikes and led by a colonel. They wear munitions-grade armor of blackened plate and morion-style helms.

Cavalry is the dominant military arm of the Commonwealth, with the most prestige enjoyed by the Winged Hussars. Originating from foreign light cavalry and wearing no armor, they began to replace the dying knightly class and wear mail, helms and plate armor. The present-day hussars are employed as heavy cavalry, and each carries a lance, a saber and a pair of swords and pistols. Their most striking feature is their wings – wooden frames to which feathers of various kinds of birds are affixed. Famous both at home and abroad, these cavalrymen number some 4,000 and are organized into companies led by state officials. Each company is a highly individual fighting component, and has its own traditions and historic records that span decades.
Cossacks are recruited from all over the Commonwealth to form the army's light cavalry component. The vast majority of Cossacks are unarmored, though armed similarly to the hussars, and are used to great effect when their speed is combined with the firepower delivered by their guns. They make use of the caracole maneuver, whereby a deep cavalry formation approaches the enemy at a slow gallop, and each rank discharges their guns, moving to the rear of the formation to reload and clear the way for the next rank. 
Other cavalry is largely foreign in origin, and organized into conventional designations of dragoons and curiassiers.

Commonwealth artillery was once in poor shape, but reforms have brought it up to modern standards. Most artillery crews are foreigners, operating cannon of dwarven or Imperial design.   

[color=39b54a]
+ Strong cavalry
+ Well-trained and equipped army
+ Potent gunpowder weapons
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[color=ed1c24]
- No offensive or healing magic
- Lacks diverse infantry
- Negligible naval presence
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[h3]Units[/h3]
Tier 2:
[hider=Haiduk Infantry]
[b]Name:[/b] Haiduk Infantry
[b]Type:[/b] Light
[b]Short Description:[/b] The antiquated infantry of the Commonwealth infantry are the haiduks – men armed with arquebuses and equipped with sabers, sometimes spears and utility axes. Once the mainstay of the infantry, most of these men have quickly been retired in favor of more modern pike and musket troops. Some commanders still maintain units of haiduks as bodyguards, but their role has largely been reduced to a ceremonial one. 

[img]http://oi63.tinypic.com/15gzak3.jpg[/img][/hider]
[hider=Kulvar Horse Archers]
[b]Name:[/b] Kulvar Horse Archers
[b]Type:[/b] Light
[b]Short Description:[/b]From the west frontier of the Commonwealth come the Kulvar, a nomadic people. Their lifestyle revolves around their sturdy horses; the infants are tied to the saddle and learn to ride before they can walk. Forgoing armor, they are fast and nimble, and train all their lives to be excellent marksmen on the move. They wear a simple sheepskin coat and fur hat over their everyday clothes, carrying a bow and quiver of arrows, a sword, dagger and sometimes a shield. The heads of these arrows vary in design and function, and in some instances, may be poisoned. While archery is their primary forte, light horsemen can easily transition to hand-to-hand. When the enemy is sufficiently demoralized or crippled by arrows, the riders sheathe their bows and charge with blades drawn.

[img]http://oi66.tinypic.com/35at9mr.jpg[/img][/hider]

Tier 3:
[hider='Foreign-style' Pike Infantry]
[b]Name:[/b] 'Foreign-style' Pike Infantry
[b]Type:[/b] Light-Medium
[b]Short Description:[/b] The Commonwealth's effort to replace its aging haiduk infantry with more modern counterparts has seen recruitment of foreign soldiers, armed and trained in the Rhune style. These soldiers include musketeers and pikemen – a superior combination of troops, whose battlefield prowess is evident in Rhune's military victories. Both infantry types complement each other on the field; wings of musketeers screening and supporting formations with shot, while pikemen bring their 16-foot-long weapons to bear on the enemy. Though deployed together in close-ranked tercios, smaller elements can be pulled away to support each other and the main body.

[i]A pair of pikemen share a laugh alongside a musketeer (see below).[/i]
[img]http://oi67.tinypic.com/10wk2aa.jpg[/img][/hider]
[hider='Foreign-style' Musket Infantry]
[b]Name:[/b] 'Foreign-style' Musket Infantry
[b]Type:[/b] Light-Medium
[b]Short Description:[/b] The Commonwealth's effort to replace its aging haiduk infantry with more modern counterparts has seen recruitment of foreign soldiers, armed and trained in the Rhune style. These soldiers include musketeers and pikemen – a superior combination of troops, whose battlefield prowess is evident in Rhune's military victories. Both infantry types complement each other on the field; wings of musketeers screening and supporting formations with shot, while pikemen bring their 16-foot-long weapons to bear on the enemy. Though deployed together in close-ranked tercios, smaller elements can be pulled away to support each other and the main body.[/hider]
[hider=Winged Hussars]
[b]Name:[/b] Winged Hussars
[b]Type:[/b] Heavy
[b]Short Description:[/b] Regarded as the epitome of the Commonwealth's mounted soldiery, the hussars form the backbone of its heavy cavalry. Armed to the teeth with lance, saber, swords and pistols, they are more than a match for other cavalry, and their charge is devastating to infantry. They are protected by steel plate, mail and helms. Over their heads tower wings of feathers that rattle as they charge, creating a deafening murmur. It is right that they should be held in esteem – and feared – by any soldier opposite them on the field.

[img]http://oi63.tinypic.com/sxj8s0.jpg[/img][/hider]
[hider=Cossack Cavalry]
[b]Name:[/b] Cossack Cavalry
[b]Type:[/b] Light
[b]Short Description:[/b]Cossacks act as a versatile light cavalry element, able to supplement hussars in a mass charge, harass slower enemies, or run down fleeing troops. They wear little or no armor, but carry an arsenal comparable to the hussars. They use their guns to great effect, able to harry the ranks of enemy formations with shot and retreat to safety when necessary. They are fierce and independent, however, and the excitement of battle and the prospect of loot can make them difficult to control. Still, they are a valuable counterpart to the Commonwealth's hussars.

[img]http://oi67.tinypic.com/15ceb9j.jpg[/img][/hider]
[hider=Cuirassiers]
[b]Name:[/b] Cuirassiers
[b]Type:[/b] Heavy
[b]Short Description:[/b] Cuirassiers are recruited from foreign sources, and like the hussars, they fulfill the role of heavy cavalry. Lacking lances, they make greater use of firearms. They are armed with sabers and a pair of pistols, and sometimes carbines. Cuirassiers are versatile cavalrymen, capable both in melee and harassing foes at range. This they do with caracole maneuvers, and combine both elements by firing off their guns at point-blank during a charge. For protection, they are clad in three-quarter armor, from head to knee.

[img]https://deadliestblogpage.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/pappenh.jpg[/img]
[/hider]
[hider=Harquebusiers]
[b]Name:[/b] Harquebusiers
[b]Type:[/b] Medium
[b]Short Description:[/b] A significant portion of the Commonwealth's cavalry is equipped as harquebusiers. They carry a carbine, sword and a pair of pistols. They are armored lighter than reiters or the hussars, wearing a lobster-tail pot helmet and chest and back plates over buff coats. They fight much like curiassiers, although are lighter, and faster.     

[img]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/81/15/5c/81155cd0e2f0e0e4d4427969440c4d1a.jpg[/img]
[/hider]
[hider=Dragoons]
[b]Name:[/b] Dragoons
[b]Type:[/b] Light
[b]Short Description:[/b]Dragoons are essentially musketeers on horseback. Though classified as cavalry, they fight like infantry, using their horses to travel distances on the field and bring their guns where needed. They wear no armor, save for the officers. They are often used to protect flanks or guard positions ahead of the main body. 
   
[img]http://www.warlordgames.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/9781846030789B1_big.jpg[/img]
[/hider]

Tier 4:
[hider=Ordnance]
[b]Name:[/b] Ordnance
[b]Type:[/b] Heavy
[b]Short Description:[/b] The Commonwealth utilizes a range of calibers and makes of artillery, including dwarven and Imperial designs. Its artillery crews are usually recruited from foreigners. Ordnance is broadly divided into three types: siege guns, heavy field guns and light field guns. Each of these categories loosely describes artillery pieces of different sizes. Siege guns include mortars and cannons, heavy field guns are mostly culverins, and lighter pieces include falcons, minions or robinets. They are made of bronze or iron and are smooth-bore, muzzle-loading weapons.   

[img]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3a/16th_Century_Artillerie.jpg[/img]
[/hider]
[hider=Drabant Guard]
[b]Name:[/b] Drabant Guard
[b]Type:[/b] Heavy
[b]Short Description:[/b] The Drabant Guard, also called the King's Reiters, are an elite formation of foreign cavalry that have the honor of serving as the king's personal bodyguard. They number 1,000 in six squadrons, all gentlemen and veterans that are personally appointed. They wear blackened three-quarter armor, and carry two pistols, a sword and sometimes a carbine. While not in the field, a number of reiters act as personal guards and attendants, carrying halberds. 

[img]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/fe/62/dc/fe62dc5fa97d5b24a9f1f9e4139a611e.jpg[/img]
[/hider]
[hider=King's Footguard]
[b]Name:[/b]  King's Footguard
[b]Type:[/b] Medium
[b]Short Description:[/b] The King's Footguards are a regiment within the parent Royal Guard – a personal army funded by the king's household treasury, and raised independent of the state army. The Footguards are about 1,200 strong, composed half of pikemen and half of musketeers. To distinguish them from other pike units, they wear uniforms of blue lined with gold. Identical units exist for the queen and the prince; the Queen's and Prince's Footguard, respectively.  

[i]An arquebusier of the King's Footguard alongside a Court Hussar in classic ceremonial armor (see below).[/i]
[img]http://oi67.tinypic.com/dgt6c9.jpg[/img][/hider] 
[hider=Court Hussars]
[b]Name:[/b] Court Hussars
[b]Type:[/b] Heavy
[b]Short Description:[/b] The Court Hussars are a unit within the Royal Guard, comprised of young and eager nobles more concerned with glory than coin. Each nobleman provides a retinue of household troops, all dressed in the most splendid uniforms they can afford, and of any color. These men are a prominent feature of royal ceremonies, their gaudy clothing easily drawing the eye of onlookers.
[/hider]
[hider=King's Dragoons]
[b]Name:King's Dragoons[/b] 
[b]Type:[/b] Light-Medium
[b]Short Description:[/b] The King's Dragoons are a Royal Guard regiment consisting of mounted infantry. They are equipped as musketeers, with guns and swords. Being mounted, they can quickly deploy where needed to provide additional firepower. In a pinch, they can also hold their own as regular cavalry. They wear uniforms of red lined with gold. Most within the regiment are foreign soldiers.

[img]http://oi63.tinypic.com/2w6h4ck.jpg[/img][/hider]

[h3]Lords & Heroes[/h3]
[b]Name:[/b] Ladislav IV
[b]Title:[/b] King of Korczyn and Grand Duke of Astarac
[b]Powers:[/b] N/A
[b]Short Bio/Personality:[/b] Ladislav IV is the reigning monarch of the Commonwealth, having inherited the throne six years ago. He has recently celebrated his twenty-fifth birthday – still young in many respects, but he has shown himself to be a shrewd military commander and a well-learned scholar. His tactful demeanor has kept him in good graces with parliament and the nobility. However, he has not yet taken a wife. His delay in marriage and securing himself an heir gives his peers cause for concern; even an illegitimate son would be better than none. 
[/hider]