Desht-i Qipchaq
Narration
“We people of the Cuman-Kipchak confederacy have thrived and endured in the harsh unforgiving Great Steppe for hundreds of years. Despite the disunity of our clans, we have managed to remain united by a common culture, religion, and a sense of kinship. Few years ago your father, Koncheck khan has united the confederation into a single entity. However this unity won't last for long, for there are those that are still cling to the old ways, unable to put aside their pitiful differences at the cost of a united khanate, but you great khan, will bring those unruly nobles to their knees, unleash great terror on them and remind them who is khan. Centuries ago we have displaced the cowardly Pechenegs who have fled west to the neighbouring kingdom of Hungary, indeed for the Pannonian Basin is a suitable pasturing region for nomads such as ourselves, perhaps we shall absorb it into our khanate to feed the horses of our ever growing armies. South of Pannonia lies the kingdom of Bulgaria and their primitive Vlach underdogs, we have fought alongside them against the invading Latins and they have proven to be most fierce in battle, however we can either continue supporting our “allies” for a large sum of plunder and loot, or take this pitiful conflict into our advantage and strike at both the Latins and Bulgarians, like a wolf preying on two brawling sheep. To the north lies the various Rus’ principalities, our relations with them have always been strained, but the lack of consensus between our clans and dissensions within the Rus’ own ranks have kept us from conquering them and they us. To the Northeast lies yet another nation of Bulgars, they dominate the commerce in the region and it is said that their wealth rivals that of the neighboring Rus’ combined, however their isolated position and hostile relations with the Rus’ will make them an easy target for our raids. To the south lies the kingdom of Georgia, a century ago the traitorous Otork took refugee to this cursed kingdom of mountain dwellers with thousands of his warriors, and now Otork’s successors form the bulk of the their cavalry, perhaps we should test their metal and remind them of whom they were, no body betrays the khanate!. To the southeast stretches Khwarezm, an empire of lies and deception, despite the recent marriage alliance between our peoples, the Khwarezmians aren’t to be trusted for they have persistently undermined many of our attempts to unify the various clans under one banner. And finally, to the east are the most worrisome of them all, a tribe of devilish savages that are said to be the scourge of Tengri himself, we don't know what they want or where they came from, only Tengri knows, though be wary great khan, it is sad their cruelty is unmatched, do not underestimate them. We live in uncertain times, though there are great many opportunities for us to thrive and ascend to greatness, and it is up to you to decide how to deal and approach the challenges we face, the fate of our people lies in your hand. Will we fall and become another nameless people like the Pechenegs and Khazars before us? Or will you lead us to greatness and make us a name to be feared across the world?”
General Information
During the early 10th century the Pechenge khanate was barely clinging its weakened grip into its holdings, moreover the mass arrival of a turkic confederation from the east known as the Cuman-Kipchak confederacy only hastened the end of their two hundred year long reign. The formation of this confederation will forever change the political and military structure of much of the eastern world for years to come.
Although militarily powerful, the confederacy was not an expansionist entity, however the various clans meddled in the affairs of the neighboring kingdoms by providing their military services, and even establishing dynasties through martial ties. Power was mostly held by a number of great clans and the khan’s own influence was mostly marginal, however the idea of a unified Cumania was nothing new, there were multiple attempts to reunite the khanate into a single entity, the first being by Boniak khan during the early 1090s, but his attempt only deteriorated the situation by dividing the khanate into two separate branches, West Cumania, and the more numerous East Kipchakia. An attempt during the late 12th century by Konchek khan was successful, he not only reunited the two branches, but also managed to introduce political reforms, establish central authority, improve foreign relations through martial ties, and inforce dynastic succession.This slow yet gradual development in the confederacy's tribal structure continued on to the year 1212 under the reign of Konchek’s son, Koten khan of the Terterids.
Like most steppe nomads, the core of the Cuman-Kipchak forces comprised mostly of lightly armed and armoured horse archers that excelled at ambushing and feigned retreat. The main line was made up of heavy lancers and Noger retinues that made up the bulk of their elite and professional troops. Foreign mercenaries and allies have also been reported to have fought alongside them, especially the Vlachs, and other Turkic tribes.
Early Era
Skirmisher Infantry Units:
Tribal Archers
Pechenge Javelinmen
Melee Infantry Units:
Tribal Spearmen
Cuman Tribesmen
Cuman Infantry
Noger Foot Guard
Skirmisher Cavalry Units:
Tribesmen
Tribal Skirmishers
Light Horse Archers
Subject Cavalry
Heavy Horse Archers
Uzdens
Shock Cavalry Units:
Jigits
Bekh Lancers
Cuman Royal Guards
Noger Lancers
General Units and Special Characters:
Bori (bodyguards) and khan
Koten Khan of the Terterids
Bachman Khan of the Olberliks
Medieval Kingdoms Total War: The Cuman-Kipchak Confederacy (Complete)
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Originally Posted by ndm659
