The Vidarian Khanate

Leadership:

The Vidarians are led by the Great Khan Vidar. Serving directly under him as his lords are the Noyans and Beys (or lords). Below the Beys are the Tribal leaders called Dargas, in which each Darga is in charge of one or two clans. Each clan is lead by a chieftain. Vidar Khan also has a contingent of bodyguards known as Keshig.

Look and Feel:

The original Vidarians are mostly inspired by Turko-Mongol and eastern nomadic tribes(such as Huns, Scythians, Cumans, ect.), but due to taking in refugees and immigrants, their armies may be mixed in cultures. Many vikings have made their way into the Khanate. Most Khanate members wear red with their kit to show dedication to the Khanate, though it is not usually required. All members of the faction wear a red belt flag with a sword on it as their emblem.

What type of players/play style might enjoy this faction:

The Vidarians are made of fighters to protect and expand the Khanate and diplomats to deliver messages and gain support. All types of players are welcome, the Khanate it filled with both relaxed and dedicated players.

(Right: Khanate at camp)

Roleplay:

“One of our main focuses in roleplay is to keep it fun and immersive. Whether that be through combat, politics, and/or just a group to have fun with; the Vidarians are happy to help people get into the realm. Our other goals are to keep the game highly immersive through our kits and gear.”

Combat:

“Combat is one of our main focuses as many in the Khanate are warriors seeking fortune and glory. We take it seriously and make sure everyone is ready to fight for the Khanate.”

(Left: Khanate training)

Origins

As a child the Khan’s given name was Baidar of the Ayar clan, but was later changed to Vidar after being called that by other people on his travels. The Ayars were a small clan of the Merghits whose people struggled for generations. Vidar’s grandfather was one of the great leaders that fought in the great battle between the Arghans and the Merghits. For years they have been pushed to the brink of starvation, shunned by other clans and peoples who would not bat an eye to their suffering.

Seeing the suffering of his people, Vidar exiled himself to find answers to help his people. Vidar used his skills as a warrior to serve as a mercenary, even serving as a mercenary in the continent of Osterra for some time. It is said that he arrived in Osterra after falling through a latrine hole. After gaining riches from his time as a mercenary across the sea, Vidar decided it was time to return home and spent around a year to find a way to get back to his people. He returned to his tribe as a hero. Now wiser in the ways of leadership and the world around them, Vidar was ready to lead his clan as his ancestors did.

Gaining much renown, several clans either allied or pledged allegiance to the house of Vidar. Not just of his own culture; but of other faiths and cultures. He allowed other faiths and cultures to flourish in his lands as long as they prayed for the success of the khanate (kingdom). He states, “I care not for what gods a person worships in their yurt if I can hunt with them afterwards.”

Many tribes despise Vidar’s acceptance of foreign faiths, cultures, and ideals, saying that it would corrupt and anger some of the spirits, bringing unknown horror onto the lands. Other tribes are just jealous of the Vidarian’s wealth and power, raid around the lands of Vidaria in hopes to hinder the power the young Khan has.

The Wife’s War

After a series of skirmishes ending in defeat with the Vidarian Khanate against other tribes, several khans and noyans (leaders) from different clans banded together to fight their common enemy.

One clan leader, Bodam Noyan, happened to stumble upon a small caravan protecting one of Vidar’s wives. Bodam kidnapped the Khan’s wife, Cota, and defeated the caravan guards; he used this incident to show how weak the Vidarians were. It wasn’t until a few weeks later that news of this spread to the ears of her furious husband. Bodam sent insulting messages to the Khan, saying that he cannot even keep track of his wife.

It took a few months for Vidar to assemble an army large enough to combat the rival clan’s alliance. With his royal bodyguards, the Keshig, the khan set out to meet his foe in battle. In their march they yell their battle cry, “The call has been cried, by the sound of the horn. On horses we ride, the Vidarian horde. Respect all, Fear none.”

So rode the Vidarians into plains in which they will meet their foe. For several days they rode to the Khusagaan mountains. On the 3rd day they were ambushed by the Allied hordes. Outnumbered two to one, Vidar Khan was forced to retreat back to his capital. The enemy hordes gave chase in order to finish what they started, for two days they gave chase. However, only a small fraction of their warriors chased after Vidar. Thinking that the fight was over, some of the Noyans left the army and returned home. Other chief’s, like Bodam, were blood hungry and wanted to continue their war on Vidar's territories. Vidar, realizing that the cohesion of the enemy has split and become disorganized. The Khan turned his warriors back to face the oncoming foe.

The great khan charged his cavalry straight into his enemy. The vanguard of the chasers were overrun and many had tried to retreat from the Vidarian horde, only to run into their allies smashing into one another. Vidar used this confusion to surround the enemy and pick them off. After a few hours of fighting later, Vidar emerged victorious with high losses on both sides. The other chieftains were captured and were asked by Vidar where his wife was before being slain. Bodam, however, was executed without being asked a question. The non-aristocrats of the alliance were invited to join Vidar’s ranks and allowed capable people to join his tribe, despite fighting against him.

Vidar spent the next few weeks searching for his wife and chasing down the noyans and khans who were allied with Bodam. The Khan still searches for his wife.

Year of the Ox - 2021

Oct - In the sprawling steppes of the Vidarian Khanate, Vidar Khan aimed to unite nomadic tribes. An alliance was struck with the Ariankai, sealed with the city of Kharaat. Discord arose with Ezen, son of the chieftan of the Ariankai, leading to his demise by either the Khan's enforcer or by outlanders. Whatever the case, his death led to the birth of the Ezenids. Vidar claimed Kharaat, marking a shift in alliances.

Nov - Vidar Khan pursued the Ezenids, culminating in a clash on the open steppe. Despite tactical prowess, the Vidarian forces faced defeat, prompting a strategic retreat. The nomadic conflict continued, leaving the steppe scarred by echoes of battle.

Dec - 3012 (nomads) Against the winter backdrop, Vidar Khan planned a second clash. His forces, adept in icy terrains, encircled the Ezenids, securing victory and solidifying Khanate dominance in the frozen steppe.

Year of the Tiger - 2022

Feb - 3013 (nomads) Near the Tian Shi Sea, nomadic forces clashed in a fierce battle. Vidar Khan's strategy and determination prevailed, leading to victory and the retreat of the Ezenids. Peace settled over the nomadic territories.

Aug - 3013 (7 nomads) The Sasagaan Mountains became the refuge for the Ezenids, launching raids. Vidar Khan assembled a warband, penetrating the treacherous terrain. The clash unfolded in the mountain passes, marking a critical battle for the stability of the Khanate.

Sept - 3013 (7 nomads) Vidar Khan dispatched another war party into the Sasagaan Mountains to eradicate the Ezenid threat. Ambushed in the rugged peaks, the Vidarian forces faced challenges, leading to a strategic retreat. The mountainous conflict echoed with the sounds of warfare, as the fate of the Sasagaan Mountains hung in the balance.

Honor war with the Elves

In the annals of history, a feud ignited between the Miskri elves and the formidable Vidarian Khanate, the spark emanating from the construction of Chugol village and mills near the sacred Tian Shi lake. The High Elven court, vehement in protest, voiced their disdain. As the seasons turned, grim tidings reached the Khan—a tale of lumber workers vanished within the enchanted woods, believed to be claimed by the wrathful elves. The Khan, perceiving it as a harbinger of conflict, mustered his armies.

Amidst the frigid winds and the New Year of the Rabbit, a momentous gathering unfolded—a parley between the emissaries of Elven high council and the Khan, accompanied by his stalwart Beys, Ulfric and Vargyr. The discourse faltered, plunging the Khanate into the shadow of impending war. Alarmed by the prospect of strife between erstwhile allies, the Osterran factions convened once more, this time at the hallowed grounds of the Tree-Tea party.

Under the ancient boughs, Vidar Khan, flanked by his Beys, negotiated with elven council members and the impartial Lady Althea. After hours of deliberation, a pact emerged—an offering of wood tribute from the elves to the Vidarians, binding them to the sacred promise that Khanate warriors would not trespass deeper into their arboreal realm. A pact, an honor, instead of blades clashing in bloodshed.

As drums thundered and throat singers chanted, ancestral spirits rallied the Khanate warriors for the impending clash. War horns echoed, marking the onset of the confrontation against the elves. The Khanate, allied with Grimfrost, The Court of Ashes, and nomadic orcs led by Major Drunn, faced the pointed ears of the Miskri. Arrows unleashed by elven archers were thwarted by a fortuitous gust, ascribed by many to the hand of spirits.

Giants hurled boulders at the elves, sowing discord within their ranks. The Vidarian shield wall charged, met with elven magics disrupting their formations. Frenzied, the elves compelled a giant to crash into the Vidarian lines. Desperation drove the elves to necromancy, turning fallen warriors to their spectral allies. In the throes of brutal combat, both sides teetered on the brink of exhaustion. As the elves sought refuge in their ward, the sorcerer Zio shattered it, allowing Vidarian warriors to vanquish the remaining foes. In the end, the victory belonged to Vidar Khan and his Khanate, etched in the tapestry of time.

Footage of event: https://youtu.be/1W1QCmumXcA

War with Nuln

Link here for: Full history with the war on Nuln

In the Second Year of the Ox (2021), the Principality of Nuln, notorious for its lawless privateers, unleashed pirate raids on coastal towns and disrupted shipping lanes between Nova Regnus and Vetus Mundi. Led by the disgraced Pirate Captain Rory, who had been exiled by his own brother, King Aethelred of Valon, the pirates rebelled against Valon's tyranny. Seeking an alliance, Valon parleyed with the Great Khan Vidar, uniting their tribes to defend against the pirate threat. Nova Regnus ships arrived, greeted by the Great Khan, who convinced some to aid Valon. Caravans carrying weapons and supplies were sent to bolster coastal defenses, but corsairs ambushed them, leading to clashes with the defenders. This marked the beginning of a series of confrontations with Nuln, as more pirate raids plagued Ekh Oron in the following months.

In the Summer of Rabbit (2023), following the death of Pirate Captain Rory and his mysterious resurrection, King Aethelred ordered Rory's return to continue his role as the Second Son of Valon. Rory was held captive in the Bronze Tower, a former Nuln fortress turned prison. Vidar Khan and the White Ravens, allies of Valon, arrived to transport Rory north. The pirates, under the cover of fog, approached the stronghold. When discovered, a battle ensued with defenders, including a shield wall and archers. Despite initial success, pirates infiltrated the tower through hidden tunnels, leading to a retreat and Rory's escape. Humiliated, Vidar Khan planned a retaliatory invasion into the Principality of Nuln, commissioning Dwarven engineers for siege engines.

In autumn of the same year, tensions escalated as the city of Nuln prepared for war, with the Khanate and White Raven factions setting up camp and siege equipment in Nuln territories. Emissaries from each faction, including the Khan himself, convened at a neutral location to discuss the reasons for their conflict. The White Raven and Khanate delegates accused the Nuln people of being pirate marauders, while the Nuln corsairs claimed to be mercenary contractors, denying any coastal raids. The situation took a violent turn when assassins attacked the Khanate and White Raven delegates, revealing the true nature of the pirates. Simultaneously, a few miles away, pirate marauders raided the Khan's main base, seizing valuable resources. Despite this setback, the Khan regrouped and initiated a strategic campaign, utilizing nomad tactics and the onset of winter to gradually weaken the Nuln garrison through raids on villages and supply trains.

In the Year of the Dragon (2024), the Khanate waged their campaign upon the pirate scourge that infested the once-proud city of Nuln. For countless moons, the Khan and his allies, the Blackthorne Company, Cult of Tharros, and Court of Ashes, laid siege to the pirate stronghold. The Northern gate, Western Gate, and Southern docks; were all assaulted by the Ordu (army).

With trebuchets hurling stones and arrows into the heart of the city, and aided by the mystic powers of bardic magics and a towering giant, the Khanate horde descended upon Nuln's gates like a tempest unleashed.

Amidst the chaos of battle, a valiant band of warriors, with the blessings of the gods, stormed the docks and commandeered a pirate vessel, turning its cannons against its former masters. Yet, the city was not easily won, for it was defended fiercely by pirates and undead, led by the notorious Captain Rory.

In a moment of dire peril, the skies darkened as the great dragon Vertrimax descended upon the Khan's army, wreaking havoc with fiery breath and thunderous wings. But even as chaos threatened to engulf them, the Khanate troops pressed on, wielding a mighty battering ram to breach the city gate.

As victory seemed within their grasp, Captain Rory, the cunning leader of the Pirates of Nuln, fled with his ships, seeking refuge upon the open seas. Yet, the White Ravens, stalwart allies of the Khanate, intercepted the fleeing pirates, though Rory narrowly escaped. 

And so, with banners flying high and the sound of victory ringing through the air, the Vidarian Khanate emerged triumphant, having vanquished the pirate menace and claimed the city of Nuln in the name of their mighty Khan.

 In a chant from Tazz Darga on the siege of Nuln: 

Crazy and Wild,

Vidar Khan, 

Used Wolf and crow,

To smash through the pirates,

Through the gates we went,

Arrows and spears.

Stabbing, hacking, slashing,

Fighting through their men,

Until we took, 

The hold they held, 

And burned it to the ground

The Khan-Slayer’s Blade

It was to be a trial.
A reckoning.
The traitor Ulfric Bey, bound in irons, brought in disgrace before the throne of Vidar Khan, ruler of the steppe and unifier of the Great Ordu.

Dawn had not yet broken when the High Counsel of the Khanate gathered within the Skyfire Throne Hall. They expected to find judgment waiting—spears at the ready, the flame of law to be kindled.

What they found was silence.
A silence split by flickering lantern light… and the smell of blood.

There, at the foot of the Great Throne, stood Ulfric—unchained, eyes wild, clutching a dagger slick with red guttering against the cold stone.
Beneath him lay Vidar Khan, lifeless, his armor soaked and torn, his gaze fixed toward the high banners of his people.

Ulfric turned to the shocked gathering and shouted:

“Follow me now—the new Ruler of the Khanate! Together, we will create CHAOS!!”

Some among the counsel, fearful or seduced by promises of power, knelt and bent the knee.
Others stood defiant—and vanished in the nights that followed.
Vargr, blood-brother and shield of the Khan, escaped the city before the purges began, fleeing into the wilds with those still loyal to Vidar’s name.

⚔️ The Aftermath

Word flew like ash on the wind. From the smoking tents of the Eastern Steppes to the distant courts of Nova Regnus, the tale passed in whispers and wails:

The Khan is dead.
The Khanate is broken.

The banners no longer fly in unison. Clans war among themselves, chieftains tearing one another apart for scraps of what once was an empire. The Great Herds scatter. The drums of unity now beat the march of civil war.

🕯️ A Mourning Proclamation to the Realms of Osterra

To the Realms of Osterra, and all who ride under open sky — hear this!

The Khan is dead!

Vidar Khan, Falcon of the Steppes, Storm of the Vidarian Banner,
He who united the scattered tribes beneath one sun and one standard —
Has fallen by treachery!

Struck down not by foreign blade nor enemy horde,
But by the hand of his own Bey — Ulfric the Resplendent, Oathbreaker and Khan-Slayer!

The sacred earth now drinks the blood of brother against brother.
The Vidarian Khanate is shattered — its heart pierced, its voice silenced.

Now, smoke rises from the yurts of the east to the peaks of the west.
The drums of civil war echo across the steppes.
Tribes once bound in honor now turn tooth and claw upon each other,
Each chieftain grasping at a crown made of bone and ruin.

The wind no longer sings with one song. It howls with many — and they are angry.

Beware, Osterra.
A storm rides from the west, born of betrayal and blood.

— Delivered by the hand of Jagand the Swift,
Herald of the late Khan,
Under the mourning banner of the Vidarian Khanate

🐎 "All Hail the Khan..."

All hail the Khan. Deathless in name.
Eternal in spirit. Unbent by flame.
Though his body returns to soil and sky, his voice rides with every wind that cries.
The Great Hunt has only begun.