Strategikon (Medieval Sandbox) Always open

[Imperialisium]

NationStates Name: Commonwealth of the Union princes
Nation Name: Duchy of Lotharingia
Capital: Aachen
Government Type: Feudal
Head of Government: Ottokar von Degurechaff
Dynasty/Family Name: von Degurechaff
Population: 900,000
Eligible Military Population: 72,000
Territory: Upper and Lower Lorraine
Territorial Claims: Holland, Flanders, Frisia
State Religion: Roman Catholicism
Dominant Religion: Roman Catholicism
Minority religions: Judaism
Religious Information: Despite being integral in Lotharingian society, the overall influence of the Pope is lesser compared to France and the Italian states.
Economy Information: Agricultural focus but income is also gained through trade and taxation of urban centers
Military Information: 800 knights and 1,200 mounted horsemen, and 6,000 men-at-arms and 10,000 peasant soldiers
History: The Duchy of Lotharingia was destined to form Ottokar's father married the Duchess of Upper Lorraine in 992. When his father died due to illness in 1010, Ottokar became the new Duke of Lower Lorraine at age 18 until his mother died 3 years later from the same illness that took his father. As such, Ottokar revived the old title of the Duchy of Lotharingia upon his ascension.

(need not be exhausting, just some details so we can get a bit of your nations past and heritage)


Ruler's Name: Ottokar von Degurechaff
Ruler's: Age: 26
Ruler's Personality: Ambitious, Strict, and Martial
Physical Appearance: Young, firm, and tall with blue eyes and brown hair
Ruler's Family Information: Wife: Duchess Maria of Lotharingia, Daughter: Tanya
Ruler's History: Born in 992, became Duke of Lotharingia in 1013, been working tirelessly trying to sway the Elector Counts to elect him as the next Holy Roman Empire.


Anything I should know about you player wise?:
I like the idea of forming Empires but the problem is that I'm a very defensive mentality and sometimes don't take the initiative. I play nation RPs like the to get a sense of waging war but I end up being very peaceful and focusing more on economic growth. So hopefully I won't die from my mistakes and actually learn to do warfare for once.

Accepted

May the odds be in your favor.

[Union Princes]

What are the mechanics on getting elected Holy Roman Emperor?

[Krugmar]

What are the mechanics on getting elected Holy Roman Emperor?

Not sure about solid mechanics but since this is before the 13th century, when it started to become more standardised, I'd guess that it'd mean gaining the votes of anyone important enough (i.e likely ducal, or those also marked as electors by the Pope or previous Emperors) either through alliances, intimidation or most likely outright bribery. Then there's the chance that others could contest the results of the election and would require subduing or killing.

[Historikal]

I am going to try something out of my comfort zone and app for the Fatimids.

[Union Princes]

What are the mechanics on getting elected Holy Roman Emperor?

Not sure about solid mechanics but since this is before the 13th century, when it started to become more standardised, I'd guess that it'd mean gaining the votes of anyone important enough (i.e likely ducal, or those also marked as electors by the Pope or previous Emperors) either through alliances, intimidation or most likely outright bribery. Then there's the chance that others could contest the results of the election and would require subduing or killing.

okay, but what about the mechanics for unifying the Empire?

[Krugmar]

Not sure about solid mechanics but since this is before the 13th century, when it started to become more standardised, I'd guess that it'd mean gaining the votes of anyone important enough (i.e likely ducal, or those also marked as electors by the Pope or previous Emperors) either through alliances, intimidation or most likely outright bribery. Then there's the chance that others could contest the results of the election and would require subduing or killing.

okay, but what about the mechanics for unifying the Empire?

Don't really know of mechanics, but I'd say it's improbable albeit not impossible. The emperor faces the same problems the king of France does though upon a far greater scale. The nobility in what is now* modern-day France, Germany and Italy are very entrenched and it would take a very strong monarch to overcome them and enforce centralisation. The power of the French monarchy over France for example fluctuated greatly until the nobility was finally subdued in the mid-17th century.

As emperor I'd say it'd be more worthwhile focusing upon increasing your own domain and taking steps to increase the power of the office of emperor. If you move too fast then one defeat can spiral into losing the office and any chances of regaining it.

[Union Princes]

If that's the case, then is it possible to subdue the nobility, put them on the leash and them make them vote for me as Emperor? Is it even possible to conquer the HRE from the inside out?

[Historikal]

If that's the case, then is it possible to subdue the nobility, put them on the leash and them make them vote for me as Emperor? Is it even possible to conquer the HRE from the inside out?

How would one subdue the nobility as a part of that nobility? If the Emperor sees a threat to his authority, or a threat to the succession depending on his plans, he will not let you live long.

[Union Princes]

Good point. I could try binding my dynasty to other royal families like what the Habsburgs did

[Imperialisium]

What are the mechanics on getting elected Holy Roman Emperor?

In the 11th century the stages for becoming Emperor where by election. Ancestry was of course taken into consideration but generally it was by vote of the powerful Ducal lords. Since this is before the historical Golden Bull of 1356 which laid out the exact proceedings and defining powers of the electors whoever had a vote was whomever had control of a Duchy.

Becoming King of Germany was typically first, then Italy (if not made king of Germany and Italy at the same time), then travel to Rome to get crowned Holy Roman Emperor. Naturally given the politics of the time it was possible to have the empire divided between two or more claimants. As such there could be rival Kings of Germany/Italy or even someone who is Emperor fighting against someone who is claiming the title as King of Germany for example.

In 1000AD historically there were six Stem Duchies which provided the territorial divisions of Germany, however with Lotharingia being present in this timeline as combined Lorraine I will replace those two historical duchies with the latter: 5 votes
Duchy of Saxony
Duchy of Lorraine
Duchy of Franconia
Duchy of Swabia
Duchy of Bavaria

There was also the Duchy of Bohemia which had a vote

Then the duchies of the Kingdom of Italy: 3 votes
Duchy of Lombardy
Duchy of Spoleto
Marquisate of Tuscany

Grand Total of 9 votes, you may vote for yourself to give an incumbent advantage if you are a voting noble.

As for centralizing and unifying the empire it will be a long and difficult road. Numbers wise your vassals outnumber you heavily and out economy you. To unify the empire into a centralized state will require tact diplomatically and martially. Generally speaking successful Emperors historically were ones who could get a sizable backing behind them and successfully play the opposing political factions of the empire off each other to maintain dominance. Of course players are free to try whatever route they wish.

[Union Princes]

In the 11th century the stages for becoming Emperor where by election. Ancestry was of course taken into consideration but generally it was by vote of the powerful Ducal lords. Since this is before the historical Golden Bull of 1356 which laid out the exact proceedings and defining powers of the electors whoever had a vote was whomever had control of a Duchy.

Becoming King of Germany was typically first, then Italy (if not made king of Germany and Italy at the same time), then travel to Rome to get crowned Holy Roman Emperor. Naturally given the politics of the time it was possible to have the empire divided between two or more claimants. As such there could be rival Kings of Germany/Italy or even someone who is Emperor fighting against someone who is claiming the title as King of Germany for example.

In 1000AD historically there were six Stem Duchies which provided the territorial divisions of Germany, however with Lotharingia being present in this timeline as combined Lorraine I will replace those two historical duchies with the latter: 5 votes
Duchy of Saxony
Duchy of Lorraine
Duchy of Franconia
Duchy of Swabia
Duchy of Bavaria

There was also the Duchy of Bohemia which had a vote

Then the duchies of the Kingdom of Italy: 3 votes
Duchy of Lombardy
Duchy of Spoleto
Marquisate of Tuscany

Grand Total of 9 votes, you may vote for yourself to give an incumbent advantage if you are a voting noble.

As for centralizing and unifying the empire it will be a long and difficult road. Numbers wise your vassals outnumber you heavily and out economy you. To unify the empire into a centralized state will require tact diplomatically and martially. Generally speaking successful Emperors historically were ones who could get a sizable backing behind them and successfully play the opposing political factions of the empire off each other to maintain dominance. Of course players are free to try whatever route they wish.

Wait, am I an Elector Count when you said I could try voting for myself? That doesn't add up right

[Imperialisium]

In the 11th century the stages for becoming Emperor where by election. Ancestry was of course taken into consideration but generally it was by vote of the powerful Ducal lords. Since this is before the historical Golden Bull of 1356 which laid out the exact proceedings and defining powers of the electors whoever had a vote was whomever had control of a Duchy.

Becoming King of Germany was typically first, then Italy (if not made king of Germany and Italy at the same time), then travel to Rome to get crowned Holy Roman Emperor. Naturally given the politics of the time it was possible to have the empire divided between two or more claimants. As such there could be rival Kings of Germany/Italy or even someone who is Emperor fighting against someone who is claiming the title as King of Germany for example.

In 1000AD historically there were six Stem Duchies which provided the territorial divisions of Germany, however with Lotharingia being present in this timeline as combined Lorraine I will replace those two historical duchies with the latter: 5 votes
Duchy of Saxony
Duchy of Lorraine
Duchy of Franconia
Duchy of Swabia
Duchy of Bavaria

There was also the Duchy of Bohemia which had a vote

Then the duchies of the Kingdom of Italy: 3 votes
Duchy of Lombardy
Duchy of Spoleto
Marquisate of Tuscany

Grand Total of 9 votes, you may vote for yourself to give an incumbent advantage if you are a voting noble.

As for centralizing and unifying the empire it will be a long and difficult road. Numbers wise your vassals outnumber you heavily and out economy you. To unify the empire into a centralized state will require tact diplomatically and martially. Generally speaking successful Emperors historically were ones who could get a sizable backing behind them and successfully play the opposing political factions of the empire off each other to maintain dominance. Of course players are free to try whatever route they wish.

Wait, am I an Elector Count when you said I could try voting for myself? That doesn't add up right

Yes, if you are in a position to vote you can vote yourself in as a candidate. This leaves 8 other votes to be cast by the other eight regional powers making up the Empire currently. So you need to secure 4 other votes to win the majority.

[Historikal]

NationStates Name: Historikal
Nation Name: Fatimid Caliphate
Capital: Al-Qahira
Government Type: Iqta Feudalism
Head of Government: Caliph Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah
Dynasty/Family Name: Fatimids
Population: ~8 Million
Eligible Military Population: 1% of 8 million is 80,000, 5% is 400,0000
Territory: https://i.imgur.com/7AfTJBH.png
Territorial Claims: Sicily, Cyprus, Krete.
State Religion: Shi'a Islam
Dominant Religion: Shi'ite Islam
Minority religions: Sunni Islam, Christianity, Judaism,
Religious Information: While the official religion of the Fatimids and the main court of the Caliph is Shi'a Islam, the Fatimids were well known for their tolerant and meritocratic views. Other religions were free to worship openly, and some minorities even served in Government. The current Caliph, Al-Hakim, is a pious man, and views his actions as divinely inspired.
Economy Information: The Fatimid Caliphate is very wealthy, controlling the vast majority of the eastern and southern Mediterranean. It's fertile lands in Egypt and North Africa produce plenty of food, and there are resources in the inland hills. Ports like Alexandria and Acre bustle with merchants and products from all over the world, and the Caliph's court is known for its opulence and extravagance. The Fatimid Caliphate is also renowned for its art and its intellectualism.
Military Information: The Fatimid Army was highly organized, and primarily divided along ethnic lines. Due to the breadth of the Fatimid realm, the army included Berbers, who largely acted as skirmishes and light cavalry, turks, who served as horse archers or heavy cavalry, and a mix of arabs, native egyptians, syrians, and africans, who were most commonly employed as heavy infrantry and foot archers. This system drew on the great multicultural strength of the Caliphate, and allowed for each culture to contribute its own specialty.

While the Fatimid Army was strong, it's navy was the pride of the Mediterranean, and formed one of only three standing navies of the time. The Navy was large, and organized, rivaled only by the Imperial Fleet of the Byzantine Empire. At some 75 dedicated warships, the Fatimid Fleet proved to be a force to be reckoned with. It's primary base was at Fustat, on the Nile, where it as harbored within the Arsenal there. The fleet was made up of several different kinds of vessels, all generally modeled around the Byzantine Dromon. In tactics and strategy, the Fatimids primarily used the fleet to ensure the survival of their holdings in Palestine and Syria, while also forming a shield around Egypt and North Africa in order to hold back any christian fleets from landing in the heartland.
History: The Fatimid Dynasty began in Tunisia, originating from the Berber tribes of that region. Growing rapidly in the 10th century, the Fatimids engaged in near constant warfare with the nearby Sicilian Kingdom. Seeking more expansion after already taking most of the coast of modern day Tunisia and Algeria, the Fatimids looked east, to the weakening Abbasid Caliphate. While the Caliph there was the technical overlord of the Islamic world, in truth his writ carried little weight outside of Mesopotamia. Egypt was conquered by the Fatimids in 696, and they built a grand new capital at Al-Qahira. Around this time, the Fatimid Amir challenged the authority of the Abbasid Caliphs, directly staking a claim to leadership over the Ummah, and taking the title of Caliph for themselves. After this, the swift expansion into Syria and Arabia prompted increased concern by their neighbors, and the Fatimids and Byzantines found themselves at war for a great part of the remaining century.

With the treaty signed in 1000 with the Byzantines, the Fatimids turned inwards, focusing on their economic, and cultural health. This period of peace was cultivated by the young Caliph Al-Hakim, who had assumed the throne at a mere 11 years of age. Enlightened and peaceful, Al-Hakim kept the Fatimids out of any foreign wars for almost two decades. During this time, Egypt was extremely prosperous, and the court at Al-Qahira was renowned for its extravagance and beauty, with intellectual discussion and tolerance being preached. This period of extended prosperity allowed for the treasury to grow fat and by 1018, the Fatimid state was in a powerful position, being well funded, and with a powerful army. Caliph Al-Hakim still rules, though in recent years he has become more prone to religious intolerance.


Ruler's Name: Al-Hakim
Ruler's: Age: 33 (Born in 985)
Ruler's Personality: Al-Hakim is not a warrior, but rather a scholar. Intelligent, and pious, he is deeply devoted to the islamic faith, and is more suspicious of religious minorities than his predecessors. Despite his scholarly disposition, he is a ruthless politician, and is not afraid to be violent if need be. He is an advocate of increased trade through the empire.
Physical Appearance:

Ruler's Family Information: The only one I can find is Ali az-Zahir, his son, born in 1005.
Ruler's History: The son of the previous Caliph, al-Hakim became the Fatamid ruler after his father died of illness while touring Syria in 996. A young al-Hakim was only 11, and so power was vested in a number of regents. For the next four years, al-Hakim was a pawn in other mens games, and he found himself dangerously weak. After his Vizier was murdered in 1000, he decided to take the reins of power fully, aged only 15. At this young age, he ordered a political purge, killing many of the Fatimid power players that had dominated his regency. Much of al-Hakim's reign has been focused on internal development and strengthening the current Fatimid dynasty, rather than engaging in foreign conquest. Despite this, there has been an intense friction with both the Abbasid Caliph in Baghdad, and the Byantine Emperor in Constantinople. While al-Hakim has avoided open war, he has also kept the military well provisioned, especially in Syria and Palestine. As Caliph, al-Hakim has promoted the arts, learning, and science, and has maintained a cordial relation with most religions in Egypt, though, in recent years, he has begun to exert more control over them.


Anything I should know about you player wise?: I have played in many Historical RP's before, but this time period, and this culture, is not my area of expertise, so please bear with me!

[Imperialisium]

NationStates Name: Historikal
Nation Name: Fatimid Caliphate
Capital: Al-Qahira
Government Type: Iqta Feudalism
Head of Government: Caliph Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah
Dynasty/Family Name: Fatimids
Population: ~8 Million
Eligible Military Population: I am not sure how to calculate or find this.
Territory: https://imgur.com/a/tYVsPh4
Territorial Claims: Sicily, Cyprus, Krete.
State Religion: Shi'a Islam
Dominant Religion: Shi'ite Islam
Minority religions: Sunni Islam, Christianity, Judaism,
Religious Information: While the official religion of the Fatimids and the main court of the Caliph is Shi'a Islam, the Fatimids were well known for their tolerant and meritocratic views. Other religions were free to worship openly, and some minorities even served in Government. The current Caliph, Al-Hakim, is a pious man, and views his actions as divinely inspired.
Economy Information: The Fatimid Caliphate is very wealthy, controlling the vast majority of the eastern and southern Mediterranean. It's fertile lands in Egypt and North Africa produce plenty of food, and there are resources in the inland hills. Ports like Alexandria and Acre bustle with merchants and products from all over the world, and the Caliph's court is known for its opulence and extravagance. The Fatimid Caliphate is also renowned for its art and its intellectualism.
Military Information: The Fatimid Army was highly organized, and primarily divided along ethnic lines. Due to the breadth of the Fatimid realm, the army included Berbers, who largely acted as skirmishes and light cavalry, turks, who served as horse archers or heavy cavalry, and a mix of arabs, native egyptians, syrians, and africans, who were most commonly employed as heavy infrantry and foot archers. This system drew on the great multicultural strength of the Caliphate, and allowed for each culture to contribute its own specialty.

While the Fatimid Army was strong, it's navy was the pride of the Mediterranean, and formed one of only three standing navies of the time. The Navy was large, and organized, rivaled only by the Imperial Fleet of the Byzantine Empire. At some 75 dedicated warships, the Fatimid Fleet proved to be a force to be reckoned with. It's primary base was at Fustat, on the Nile, where it as harbored within the Arsenal there. The fleet was made up of several different kinds of vessels, all generally modeled around the Byzantine Dromon. In tactics and strategy, the Fatimids primarily used the fleet to ensure the survival of their holdings in Palestine and Syria, while also forming a shield around Egypt and North Africa in order to hold back any christian fleets from landing in the heartland.
History: The Fatimid Dynasty began in Tunisia, originating from the Berber tribes of that region. Growing rapidly in the 10th century, the Fatimids engaged in near constant warfare with the nearby Sicilian Kingdom. Seeking more expansion after already taking most of the coast of modern day Tunisia and Algeria, the Fatimids looked east, to the weakening Abbasid Caliphate. While the Caliph there was the technical overlord of the Islamic world, in truth his writ carried little weight outside of Mesopotamia. Egypt was conquered by the Fatimids in 696, and they built a grand new capital at Al-Qahira. Around this time, the Fatimid Amir challenged the authority of the Abbasid Caliphs, directly staking a claim to leadership over the Ummah, and taking the title of Caliph for themselves. After this, the swift expansion into Syria and Arabia prompted increased concern by their neighbors, and the Fatimids and Byzantines found themselves at war for a great part of the remaining century.

With the treaty signed in 1000 with the Byzantines, the Fatimids turned inwards, focusing on their economic, and cultural health. This period of peace was cultivated by the young Caliph Al-Hakim, who had assumed the throne at a mere 11 years of age. Enlightened and peaceful, Al-Hakim kept the Fatimids out of any foreign wars for almost two decades. During this time, Egypt was extremely prosperous, and the court at Al-Qahira was renowned for its extravagance and beauty, with intellectual discussion and tolerance being preached. This period of extended prosperity allowed for the treasury to grow fat and by 1018, the Fatimid state was in a powerful position, being well funded, and with a powerful army. Caliph Al-Hakim still rules, though in recent years he has become more prone to religious intolerance.


Ruler's Name: Al-Hakim
Ruler's: Age: 33 (Born in 985)
Ruler's Personality: Al-Hakim is not a warrior, but rather a scholar. Intelligent, and pious, he is deeply devoted to the islamic faith, and is more suspicious of religious minorities than his predecessors. Despite his scholarly disposition, he is a ruthless politician, and is not afraid to be violent if need be. He is an advocate of increased trade through the empire.
Physical Appearance:

(Image)

Ruler's Family Information: The only one I can find is Ali az-Zahir, his son, born in 1005.
Ruler's History: The son of the previous Caliph, al-Hakim became the Fatamid ruler after his father died of illness while touring Syria in 996. A young al-Hakim was only 11, and so power was vested in a number of regents. For the next four years, al-Hakim was a pawn in other mens games, and he found himself dangerously weak. After his Vizier was murdered in 1000, he decided to take the reins of power fully, aged only 15. At this young age, he ordered a political purge, killing many of the Fatimid power players that had dominated his regency. Much of al-Hakim's reign has been focused on internal development and strengthening the current Fatimid dynasty, rather than engaging in foreign conquest. Despite this, there has been an intense friction with both the Abbasid Caliph in Baghdad, and the Byantine Emperor in Constantinople. While al-Hakim has avoided open war, he has also kept the military well provisioned, especially in Syria and Palestine. As Caliph, al-Hakim has promoted the arts, learning, and science, and has maintained a cordial relation with most religions in Egypt, though, in recent years, he has begun to exert more control over them.


Anything I should know about you player wise?: I have played in many Historical RP's before, but this time period, and this culture, is not my area of expertise, so please bear with me!

May wish to double check your territory link. I get an error code for it when I try to look at it telling me it doesn't exist.

Otherwise everything looks good.

For eligible military population the same rules apply for Iqta based realms. The Royal Levy is instead the core force under the direct control of the Caliph or Sultan. The Feudal Levies are replaced by the regional levies of the various Emirs and other Muslim nobles. The stats for both are the same as their Christian counterparts to not over complicate the RP.

[Strala]

NationStates Name: The Working states of Strala
Nation Name: The Swiss canton of Schwyz
Capital: Town of Schwyz
Government Type: Feudal
Head of Government: Wilhelm Von Radnitz
Dynasty/Family Name: Von Radnitz
Population: 80,000
Eligible Military Population: 7,000
Territorial Claims: Uri, and Unterwalden
State Religion: Roman Catholicism
Dominant Religion: Roman Catholicism
Minority religions: Judaism
Religious Information: By the reign of Heinrich Von Radnitz (987-1009), the Swiss canton of Schwyz has slowly lost its devotion in the church. This brought on by the isolation of the canton and due to the fact that they have no direct connections to the church. The church has been deemed as the reason by they are still part of the Holy Roman Empire. The Jewish population of the Canton has also been granted amnesty and are protected by the law. The pope has little to no control in the Canton.

Economy Information: The Canton's economy is comprised of timber and agriculture. Selling out mercenaries is also a way the canton makes although this only accounts for a small portion for most swiss mercenaries are not lent by the Von Radnitz family. It tends to trade with the nearby cantons of Uri and Unterwalden, and occasionally with nearby duchies in Holy Roman Empire. The villages of the canton have seen almost no change while the towns have been slowly rebuilt and the army is undergoing a reform.

Military Information: The Canton's military has seen no fighting unless you count fighting against deserters of nearby Duchies or bandits. The Canton's current ruling family the Von Radnitz have changed the military structure. The structure of the military is highly normal for a nation of the time. The canton's military backbone is the peasant levies that make up over half of the canton's total army. The standing elites of Canton's military are not men-at-arms nor knights but rather a new breed of soldiers. They are the 400 or so professional soldiers that make up the Von Radnitz family's personal guard and main projection of power. The 400 soldiers are split into companies of 100 with each company having 5 crossbowmen, 15 longbowmen, 20 guisarme, 40 pikemen, and 20 pavises. The general set up for the defense was for the pikemen and guisarme to form a square and have the pavises, archers, and crossbowmen in the center. When attacking all the pavises, archers, and crossbowmen were sent to skirmish and then the pike walls and halberds were sent in. The armor of each soldier varied from their roles. Pikemen, pavises, and guisarme often used chainmail hauberks with leather armor protecting the legs and arms. They used mail coifs and nasal helmets for head protection. The archers and longbowmen used mainly leather armor and lucky they could loot dead enemies for better armor and equipment. Calvary was virtually non-existent in these formations or in the Canton's military in general. The Von Radnitz could also levy around 800 men.

The allies of the Von Radnitz family combined had around 800 men at arms and could levy around 2000 men if they were called apon. The Von Radnitz family also made sure that unless they had married in with one of their so-called allies they couldn't have more than 50 men at arms and 80 levies. If the Von Radnitz family had married one of their allies' ancestors they were allowed around 150 men at arms and 200 levies. This currently has helped curb dissidents and rebellious families and nobles.
History: The Von Radnitz family started as a family of disgraced nobles from the duchy of Austria. They minor nobles that had once owned a serfdom that could provide for their family and could allow them to buy two sets of chainmail armor. By the year of our Lord 850, they have been disgraced and their territory was forcibly taken by the Duke of Austria and was given to another noble family. They would leave Austria and head to the Canton of Schwyz to live with the branch family. The Branch leader of the Von Radnitz family was the third younger brother of the head of the household of the main Von Radnitz family. In the year of our Lord 800, the leader of the branch family died without a male heir. The next leader would be the heir of the main house Himmler Von Radnitz. He would marry his uncle's daughter and would unite the branch and main house.

By the reign of Heinrich Von Radnitz, the Von Radnitz family had made itself one of the major noble families of the Canton of Schwyz. Heinrich was an ambitious young lad and instead of following-year-old traditions of feudalism and instead of using men-at-arms as his main force, he would replace them with his own professional soldiers. They were recruited among the peasants that showed great loyalty towards the Von Radnitz family. Among those that passed were recruited into this band. They would train for 4 years before being allowed to serve Heinrich and instead of heading back for tending the fields or overlooking the serfs their sole purpose was to serve the Von Radnitz family as soldiers. In the year of our Lord 1000, Heinrich would ally himself with some lesser noble families and started a conquest on Schwyz. In the following five years, the professional soldiers that the Von Radnitz family fielded showed great promise. Winning most engagements that they were facing, being able to defeat numbers that were over three times as large. The Von Radnitz army, however, did lose 40% of their professional soldiers and it would take them nearly a decade to restore the ranks.

By the time of Wilhelms ascension to the throne, the Canton of Schwyz was already unified by the Von Radnitz family for over 4 years. Instead of assigning his own younger brothers important positions, he left important positions to the talented. In the uprising of 1013, Wilhelm showed his prowess as a military commander by crushing the rebellion in just four months. The Von Radnitz family has been ruling for over 13 years now and yet some nobles are still unsatisfied and his younger brothers are unsatisfied by the position they are given.


Ruler's Name: Welhiem Von Radnitz
Ruler's: Age:18
Ruler's Personality: Welhiem is a bold and intelligent fellow. He could be described as hardworking and stubborn also. From a young age, he had tended to seclude himself from the family's matters and bury his head in books. He wasn't trained for combat as well as other young heirs of the time and compared to other lords he could be considered weak and where he lacked muscles his brain made up for it. When certain of a victory or a win Welhiem would use bold tactics and when he was uncertain he would be cautious in his procedures. He would often fall into a cycle of conceitedness before one of his ministers reminded him. Instead of putting nobles into important positions in his retinue and government he would instead add the talented. It didn't matter if they were peasants or part of the gentry.
Physical Appearance: Welhiem stands at around 5 "9', being one inch taller than the average adult male at this time, holding up a frame of about 130 lbs. He has a slightly muscular build and has broad shoulders. He has a high cheekbone and a high nose bridge. His yellow hair reaches his eyes, and his eyes are bright blue
Ruler's Family Information: Himmler Von Radnitz-first head of the household of the combined Von Radnitz family, Heinrich Von Radnitz-father of Welhiem Von Radnitz and the unifier of Schwyz.
Ruler's History: I talked about this in the nation's history and the ruler's personality. He has also been trying to make the Canton of Schwyz an autonomous region of the Holy Roman Empire.


Anything I should know about you player wise?: I have a weird schedule and if I'm inactive for a long time I don't mind if you kick me out or take control of my nation

[Imperialisium]

NationStates Name: The Working states of Strala
Nation Name: The Swiss canton of Schwyz
Capital: Town of Schwyz
Government Type: Feudal
Head of Government: Wilhelm Von Radnitz
Dynasty/Family Name: Von Radnitz
Population: 80,000
Eligible Military Population: 7,000
Territorial Claims: Uri, and Unterwalden
State Religion: Roman Catholicism
Dominant Religion: Roman Catholicism
Minority religions: Judaism
Religious Information: By the reign of Heinrich Von Radnitz (987-1009), the Swiss canton of Schwyz has slowly lost its devotion in the church. This brought on by the isolation of the canton and due to the fact that they have no direct connections to the church. The church has been deemed as the reason by they are still part of the Holy Roman Empire. The Jewish population of the Canton has also been granted amnesty and are protected by the law. The pope has little to no control in the Canton.

Economy Information: The Canton's economy is comprised of timber and agriculture. Selling out mercenaries is also a way the canton makes although this only accounts for a small portion for most swiss mercenaries are not lent by the Von Radnitz family. It tends to trade with the nearby cantons of Uri and Unterwalden, and occasionally with nearby duchies in Holy Roman Empire. The villages of the canton have seen almost no change while the towns have been slowly rebuilt and the army is undergoing a reform.

Military Information: The Canton's military has seen no fighting unless you count fighting against deserters of nearby Duchies or bandits. The Canton's current ruling family the Von Radnitz have changed the military structure. The structure of the military is highly normal for a nation of the time. The canton's military backbone is the peasant levies that make up over half of the canton's total army. The standing elites of Canton's military are not men-at-arms nor knights but rather a new breed of soldiers. They are the 400 or so professional soldiers that make up the Von Radnitz family's personal guard and main projection of power. The 400 soldiers are split into companies of 100 with each company having 5 crossbowmen, 15 longbowmen, 30 halberds, 30 pikemen, and 20 pavises. The general set up for the defense was for the pikemen and halberds to form a square and have the pavises, archers, and crossbowmen in the center. When attacking all the pavises, archers, and crossbowmen were sent to skirmish and then the pike walls and halberds were sent in. The armor of each soldier varied from their roles. Pikemen, pavises, and halberds often used chainmail hauberks with leather armor protecting the legs and arms. They used mail coifs and nasal helmets for head protection. The archers and longbowmen used mainly leather armor and lucky they could loot dead enemies for better armor and equipment. Calvary was virtually non-existent in these formations or in the Canton's military in general. The Von Radnitz could also levy around 800 men.

The allies of the Von Radnitz family combined had around 800 men at arms and could levy around 2000 men if they were called apon. The Von Radnitz family also made sure that unless they had married in with one of their so-called allies they couldn't have more than 50 men at arms and 80 levies. If the Von Radnitz family had married one of their allies' ancestors they were allowed around 150 men at arms and 200 levies. This currently has helped curb dissidents and rebellious families and nobles.
History: The Von Radnitz family started as a family of disgraced nobles from the duchy of Austria. They minor nobles that had once owned a serfdom that could provide for their family and could allow them to buy two sets of chainmail armor. By the year of our Lord 850, they have been disgraced and their territory was forcibly taken by the Duke of Austria and was given to another noble family. They would leave Austria and head to the Canton of Schwyz to live with the branch family. The Branch leader of the Von Radnitz family was the third younger brother of the head of the household of the main Von Radnitz family. In the year of our Lord 800, the leader of the branch family died without a male heir. The next leader would be the heir of the main house Himmler Von Radnitz. He would marry his uncle's daughter and would unite the branch and main house.

By the reign of Heinrich Von Radnitz, the Von Radnitz family had made itself one of the major noble families of the Canton of Schwyz. Heinrich was an ambitious young lad and instead of following-year-old traditions of feudalism and instead of using men-at-arms as his main force, he would replace them with his own professional soldiers. They were recruited among the peasants that showed great loyalty towards the Von Radnitz family. Among those that passed were recruited into this band. They would train for 4 years before being allowed to serve Heinrich and instead of heading back for tending the fields or overlooking the serfs their sole purpose was to serve the Von Radnitz family as soldiers. In the year of our Lord 1000, Heinrich would ally himself with some lesser noble families and started a conquest on Schwyz. In the following five years, the professional soldiers that the Von Radnitz family fielded showed great promise. Winning most engagements that they were facing, being able to defeat numbers that were over three times as large. The Von Radnitz army, however, did lose 40% of their professional soldiers and it would take them nearly a decade to restore the ranks.

By the time of Wilhelms ascension to the throne, the Canton of Schwyz was already unified by the Von Radnitz family for over 4 years. Instead of assigning his own younger brothers important positions, he left important positions to the talented. In the uprising of 1013, Wilhelm showed his prowess as a military commander by crushing the rebellion in just four months. The Von Radnitz family has been ruling for over 13 years now and yet some nobles are still unsatisfied and his younger brothers are unsatisfied by the position they are given.


Ruler's Name: Welhiem Von Radnitz
Ruler's: Age:18
Ruler's Personality: Welhiem is a bold and intelligent fellow. He could be described as hardworking and stubborn also. From a young age, he had tended to seclude himself from the family's matters and bury his head in books. He wasn't trained for combat as well as other young heirs of the time and compared to other lords he could be considered weak and where he lacked muscles his brain made up for it. When certain of a victory or a win Welhiem would use bold tactics and when he was uncertain he would be cautious in his procedures. He would often fall into a cycle of conceitedness before one of his ministers reminded him. Instead of putting nobles into important positions in his retinue and government he would instead add the talented. It didn't matter if they were peasants or part of the gentry.
Physical Appearance: Welhiem stands at around 5 "9', being one inch taller than the average adult male at this time, holding up a frame of about 130 lbs. He has a slightly muscular build and has broad shoulders. He has a high cheekbone and a high nose bridge. His yellow hair reaches his eyes, and his eyes are bright blue
Ruler's Family Information: Himmler Von Radnitz-first head of the household of the combined Von Radnitz family, Heinrich Von Radnitz-father of Welhiem Von Radnitz and the unifier of Schwyz.
Ruler's History: I talked about this in the nation's history and the ruler's personality. He has also been trying to make the Canton of Schwyz an autonomous region of the Holy Roman Empire.


Anything I should know about you player wise?: I have a weird schedule and if I'm inactive for a long time I don't mind if you kick me out or take control of my nation

Accepted

[Strala]

So how many elector counts are Rpers and how many are NPCS

[Imperialisium]

So how many elector counts are Rpers and how many are NPCS

1 is a player, other 8 are NPCs so far

[Strala]

So how many elector counts are Rpers and how many are NPCS

1 is a player, other 8 are NPCs so far

okay I'll ally with the player if they give me autonomy

[Imperialisium]

1 is a player, other 8 are NPCs so far

okay I'll ally with the player if they give me autonomy

this'll be interesting

[Strala]

okay I'll ally with the player if they give me autonomy

this'll be interesting

yep the Canton of Schwyz gains autonomy at least 200 years ahead of actual history lol

[Danceria]

What's the status of the Abbasids? I'm thinking of being the Fatamids in Egypt...

[Strala]

oof my forces currently would be vulnerable to archers and ranged troops, but against infantry and calvary it shouldn't be that bad

[Imperialisium]

What's the status of the Abbasids? I'm thinking of being the Fatamids in Egypt...

Fatimids are already taken.

The Abbasids are fractured into autonomous dynasties with the most powerful being the Buyids who have taken the mantle as the protectors of the Baghdad Caliphate. The Buyids are taken by Krugmar.

[Danceria]

What's the status of the Abbasids? I'm thinking of being the Fatamids in Egypt...

Fatimids are already taken.

The Abbasids are fractured into autonomous dynasties with the most powerful being the Buyids who have taken the mantle as the protectors of the Baghdad Caliphate. The Buyids are taken by Krugmar.

Ah, backup time.