Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska
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The Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, or known as the Kingdom of Haense, was an independent dualistic state technically composing of two kingdoms- the Crown of Hanseti and the Crown of Ruska, ruled by a singular monarchy known as the King of Hanseti and Ruska. It was the northernmost country on the central island and was composed of a Highlander-majority, with the state itself claiming to be the Realm of All Highlanders. While each kingdom (Hanseti and Ruska) have existed for centuries, the actual union of both titles did not come till 1578, when Emperor John III granted Duke Peter the royal pedigree after successfully uniting a majority of the northern lands under his banner.
Haense was an autonomous realm of the former Holy Orenian Empire, and a staunch loyalist party to the Empire in the Coalition War. However, following the disastrous Battle of Goldfields, the kingdom, along with fellow loyalist vassals such as the Duchy of Mardon and the military garrison of the Westerlands, formally seceded, and was an independent realm. It continued to maintain its independence until its defeat in the Great Northern War, where the crown itself was disbanded and its lands absorbed into the expanding Kingdom of Courland.
Contents
Name
The official name of the state was the Dual Monarchy of the Kingdoms of Hanseti and Ruska (Hansetian: Kongzem Edaeleo ag Kusoraev; Raevir: Krolovesto Hanzeja i Ruski; High Imperial: Regnum Edelae et Raevii), which was mainly used in official documentation and legal edicts. The most common forms used were the High Imperial form and its Hansetian form, while the Raevir form was rarely if ever used. Other names include The Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, used by other historians and outside figures, the Kingdom of Haense which was widely used by its own inhabitants, or just simply Haense when used in mundane conversation.
Less regarded names include Jrotheo Kongzem (literally, Joren's Kingdom), denoting the kingdom's claim as a successor of Joren Horenson's canonical northern realm and the Lands of Exalted Sigismund, an early Imperial name given to the northern lands under Emperor John I.
History
Pre-formation
- See also: Northern question
Formation
The Carnatian League's victory in the Riga War had united all the northern peoples under one banner. Upon Lord Peter Barbanov's rise to Duke of Carnatia, he enacted multiple reforms, eventually forming the Duchy of Haense, a reference to the old realm of Hanseti and due to the great presence of Hansetian culture within the Duchy. After the Hetmanate's defeat in the Krajian Rebellion, Raevir strelts fleeing the war took refuge within Haense, being given homes and permission to exercise their culture.
Because of the Duchy's massive population and size, Duke Peter requested the royal title from Emperor John III of both Hanseti and Ruska, citing Exalted Godfrey and Exalted Sigismund's similar deed, and the large presence of both Raevir and Hansetian culture and peoples within the Duchy. Given Haense's status as the Empire's first defense against the Grand Kingdom of Urguan, and as a large contributor of men and arms to the Imperial Army, Emperor John III, despite political pressures from his Southern nobility, granted Duke Peter with the royal pedigree, naming him the King of both Hanseti and Ruska.
Deep Cold Uprising
- Main Article: Deep Cold Uprising
Culture and society
The Kingdom of Haense revolves around the Highlander culture, this was reflected in the appearance, language and uses of its citizens.
Demographics
Language
Religion
The Church of the Canon was the official religion of the kingdom.
Politics
Privy Council
Unlike the more modern councils of the south, Haense retains the traditional privy council of the monarch, performing specialized duties to each role as seen fit. While the overall positions of the council can change overtime, the typical privy council consists of the Lord Chancellor, head minister of both the kingdom and the council itself, the Lord Treasurer, minister of the treasury and wealth of the kingdom, the Lord Constable, the chief lawyer and judge, and the Lord Steward or Chamberlain, head of the household. The Privy Council acts as the monarch's first advisers on matters of both the internal and external affairs, and it was normal to see the monarch consult the council before declaring a course of action.
Military
The Kingdom of Haense has adapted and changed the structure of its military forces to fit those of the Holy Orenian Empire since the Kingdom's formation. However, following the Deep Cold Uprising and the weak state that it left the Kingdom in, it has abandoned the central army style of the Empire, and returned to a traditional levy system. After the start of the war with the Kingdom of Courland, it was again decided that a centralized Royal Hansetic Army would allow for greater organization and distribution of resources. The current Royal Army consists of a centralized force, made up by the various companies and levies of the many fiefs of the realm. The army was headed by the King, with an appointed General maintaining full time command of the Army. Nobles who used to command their own levy forces are given officer positions in the Army, with the ability to create a regiment should they wish.
Succession
The Kingdom of Haense follows a strict primogeniture succession, similar to that of the Holy Orenian Empire, in that only males and sons of females may inherit. The son of the current King would be next in line to the throne. Should the firstborn bear no sons, then the secondborn's sons shall inherit. If there are no males left in the dynasty, then the sons of females would inherit. However, females may not inherit the crown.
The succession of the Royal Throne was constricted to the House of Barbanov from the figure King Peter I, whom derives his line from Emperor Alexander I, son of Emperor Tobias I, and therefore the direct line of the Prophet Sigismund.
Geography
The Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska lies to the frozen north of Tahn, where snow was experienced nearly all year round, bordering the Grand Kingdom of Urguan to the east, and the Crownlands of the Holy Orenian Empire by way of a narrow tunnel through the southern mountain ranges. The impassable Greyspine Mountains surround the kingdom, with the only access points located through the sea to the eastern border and the narrow passage (called the Alexandrine Pass} that was guarded by the mountain-fortress of Metterden to the southern-most tip. The capital of St. Karlsburg was the most northern settlement in Axios, and one that does not shy away from its concentrated highlander culture. The mountain section surrounding the capital was known as Otto's Spine, and the section of mountain surrounding the mountain-fortress of Metterden was known as Ivan's Spine.
Within the center of the valley between the Spines lies the forests of Rothswood, as well as the giant tundra plains called the Grendin Fields. Lake Burkhart was located to the south west of the kingdom, and was overshadowed by the shear rock face of Mount Moegun. Perched on the mountain are the ancient ruins of previous settlers.
Coat of Arms
The royal coat of arms consisted of 16 quarterings and symbolises the two kingdoms under one king, and its roots. The iron crown and shackles depicted recognises the roots from Saint Joren of Paradisius, the first King of the Highlanders, who was locked away by his brother Harren to claim his land. Houses Kovachev and Carrion are also depicted, with Carrion being the parent house of Kovachev. The golden crow on black represents Tuvic, a link to the Holy Orenian Emperor Alexander I, further highlighting the strong connections between the Holy Orenian Empire and the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. Other arms depicted include those of Ostrovic, Rovin of Ayr, and Hanseti.
The royal blazon was as follows:
- Quarterly, first and fourth quartered: first and fourth Sable a crow Or (for Tuvic); second Gules a crow Sable (for Carrion); third reversed party per pall: first Gules a phoenix Argent (for Ostrovic), second Sables two griffin rampant Gules (for Kovachev), and third Or eagle Sable with Argent bend (for Rovin of Ayr). Second and third party per pale: first party per fess: first Or a eagle Sable (for Ayr), second Argent a teutonic cross Sable against Or (for Hanseti); and second Azure a circlet Argent above broken shackles (of Saint Joren of Paradisius). For a crest, a circlet Or, jewelled with five breeches of bear or oyster plant leaves, three shown, with Lorraine cross Or and gems Azure on points Or inserted (the Hanseti-Ruska royal crown). For supporters angels Argent.
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