Introducing The Combatants

Sicoran Empire

After losing its continental territories to Cieland, Sicora has been relegated to their home islands and overseas territorial possessions. They are still a significant player in the political sphere with colonies spread across the globe.  Their grudge against Cieland burns deep in their chests.  For his entire reign the King has ended all public speeches with, "Ceiland will be destroyed." regardless of the speech's subject.  He is determined to return Sicora to its former glory.  

The Sicoran military leads the world in artillery development.  The Sicoran general staff view artillery as a force multiplier to overcome their comparatively small population.  A small but well-disciplined Sicoran infantry corps is augmented by conscripted auxiliaries drawn from throughout the empire.

Cieland

Cieland's history is defined by its rivers.  Early in its history, raiding parties used the rivers to travel upstream to sack religious sites and other undefended targets. As power centralized and peace spread, the rivers became the lifeblood of Cieland.  Trade barges floated down the rivers towards the delta in the fall with the grain from the fertile uplands. Cieland's nobility are accustomed to being able to import luxury items from across the globe, but the average citizen lives with few luxuries.  Those who can afford transportation to New Cieland stand to earn lucrative wages working for the New Cieland Trading Company.  Some are desperate enough to enter into long-term labor contracts with NCTC in exchange for transportation.

Cieland's nobility has a proud history of fighting from horseback.  Although the role of cavalry has diminished drastically with the advent more accurate rifled muskets, Cieland continues to mount as much of its military as possible.  Local dragoon units served with distinction in the previous wars with Sicora.  In peacetime the dragoons serve as constables and deliver the post, keeping their horsemanship skills sharp.  

    

New Cieland

During the Second Age of Exploration, Cielandic explorers encountered many novel plants and animals, but only one has had as much impact as Cieland Spice. To manage the massive import demands, Cieland authorized the creation of the New Cieland Trading Company.  New Cieland's governor oversees spice plantations, processing houses, and the ports that send Cieland Spice back to the home country.  Since its inception the NCTC has had issues with pirates capturing and ransoming spice transports.  Rumors abound that the pirates may be being encouraged and paid by the Sicorans. The Cielandic crown has been threatening military occupation and charter revocation if the governor cannot put an end to the piracy problem.  

The NCTC Guard exists to defend the spice plantations, processing, and shipping operations of the company.  Because it is intended to be a purely defensive force, the company charter severely limits its size and composition.  The vast majority of allowable artillery pieces are mounted on the transport ships.  The few remaining pieces are scattered throughout the region in small garrison forts.

The background of the three major combatants will continue to expand as necessary to provide interesting encounters.