Origin[]
The Nirali, by their own written history, were originally from a long-forgotten land far across the eastern ocean. Fleeing an unknown calamity, they were led by a man named Niras on their exodus, eventually finding a new home on the continent of Odenseye. Niras founded a centralized but feudal nation ruled by around a dozen Korals; contrary to most territories under feudalism, the Nirali culture of preservation and brotherhood led to an era of cooperation between these kingdoms. Helping in this cooperation were a shadowy group of assassins known as The Observers, who were founded by Niras to watch the powers that be and kill any who would threaten Nirali unity. After the unification of Elysia into an Empire in year 0, the Nirali rulers quickly convened and appointed an Emperor, an influential Koral named Svennes Yviri, joining their forces into one to avoid being conquered by the formidable new Empire to their west.
Imperial History[]
After unifying, the Nirali quickly militarized and established standard training for their troops. The Yviri dynasty, at its beginning, was an effective and bold set of leaders that oversaw an exploding birthrate and a subsequent industrialization to match with that of Elysia. Whether soldier or smith, each Nirali served their nation with love and brotherhood, dedicated as much to each other as they were to their nation. They conquered the northern pieces of their homeland, finding many riches of metal and minerals in the vast hills and forests, before turning their attention to Elysian territory. In NY 280, the first major war between these nations began, but resulted in no major gain or loss either way. It did, however, lead to the creation of the walled city of Marakerlan in the newly disputed Marchlands province, and this settlement would become a primary flashpoint in their wars for centuries to come.
Overthrow of the Yviris[]
Between NY 670-680, a crisis developed in the Imperial family. Then-Emperor Ranvaig became ill and infirm, leaving his eldest son Bergthyr as the Imperial Regent. Ranvaig's youngest son Wergeland, however, had developed a lust for power, and had spent many years befriending a rising star of a Nirali officer named Karsus. Together, the two rallied enough support to shift the balance of power. In a bloody coup, Wergeland's supporters killed all of those who were loyal to Ranvaig and Bergthyr before storming the chambers of the infirm king. Wergeland made his father watch as he killed his brother Bergthyr, before forcing a painful death upon Ranvaig by making him drink a toxic concoction known as Nirali Green Tea. As of that day, any heir to the Yviri line save Wergeland was dead, and so the crown was his.
Wergeland's rule was short lived. Attempting to start another war with Elysia, he sent the newly appointed General Karsus to invade and retake the city of Marakerlan, passing down orders that any Elysians found in the city were to be locked in their homes and burned alive. Karsus, however, was the true holder of the loyalty of the military; when he received the orders to kill innocents, he sent his own order back to the home garrison, having Wergeland captured, transported to Marakerlan, and burned alive at the stake in the city.
Karsus returned to the city of Niralan and, having more than enough support from the wearied population, declared himself Grand Marshal, ending the reign of the Yviri Dynasty.
Military Doctrine[]
Tactics[]
The military tactics of the Nirali are fairly novel. Instead of focusing on traditional ideas of combat, where an entire army is commanded by a single General, the Eastmen instead delegate authority through an officer corps and various non-commissioned officers that can assume command if required. This leads to greater effectiveness, as Nirali training ensures that tactical maneuvers are known by all in their military and can be performed without the need for approval or direct communications with other military units.
Code of Conduct[]
The Nirali military demands respect for all, even opponents. Extrajudicial executions are strictly prohibited, and any committing the crime of rape are killed on the spot. Women are allowed to serve in all capacities. Nirali military units cannot quarter in private dwellings unless given permission by the army commander, typically a General.