![[factions_banner.webp]]
`Nov. 26, 2025` · [[Horseapple]] · #Fragment #Factions #Bannerlord
> [!quote-custom]+ [[3-spcultures-(Bannerlord)]]
> “The Sturgians come from the northern woods, just south of the icy Byalic Sea. For centuries they lived an isolated existence in the dark forests, their numbers kept in check by the deadly winters. *(…)* Great towns sprung up on the network of bays and lakes that joined the Sturgian lands to the outside world *(…)* The princes and boyars of this land have now begun to turn their eyes outward, earning themselves for a reputation for their warlike approach to business and their businesslike approach to war.” **~ TaleWorlds**
![[sturgia-banner.webp|left|150]]**Who are they, What do they believe, and Why?** The descendants of foreign tribes, who colonized the forests and mountains of northern Calradia, are collectively called Sturgians. [^14] Those tribes being conquerors and colonists from two places: One is the northern woods, just below the icy Byalic Sea, [^15] also known as the Gray Sea, [^9] who came for the riches of the south. Second being the cold edges of the dark marshes and foothills of snow covered mountains. Three words come to mind when describing Sturgians: “Efficient”, “resilient”, and “colorful”. [^22] They are good hunters and wanderers, travelling far in search of opportunities both for trade and for plunder. [^14]
> [!tip-custom]- Clans
| **Clan <br>Banner** | ![[gundaroving.webp\|50]] | ![[kuloving.webp\|50]] | ![[vagiroving.webp\|50]] | ![[vezhoving.webp\|50]] | ![[ormidoving.webp\|50]] | ![[togaroving.webp\|50]] | ![[isyaroving.webp\|50]] | ![[Kostoroving.webp\|50]] | ![[ubroving.webp\|50]] |
| :-----------------: | :-----------------------: | :--------------------: | :----------------------: | :---------------------: | :----------------------: | :----------------------: | :----------------------: | :-----------------------: | :--------------------: |
| **Name** | [[Gundaroving]] | [[Kuloving]] | [[Vagiroving]] | [[Vezhoving]] | [[Ormidoving]] | [[Togaroving]] | [[Isyaroving]] | [[Kostoroving]] | [[Ubroving]] |
| **Tier** | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| **Leader** | [[Raganvad]] | [[Olek]] | [[Godun]] | [[Vashorki]] | [[Yorig]] | [[Vyldur]] | [[Fafen]] | [[Dakhila]] | [[Tovir]] |
| **Wealth** | ![[denar.png\|15]]8000 | ![[denar.png\|15]]1600 | ![[denar.png\|15]]2400 | ![[denar.png\|15]]900 | ![[denar.png\|15]]3900 | ![[denar.png\|15]]4700 | ![[denar.png\|15]]2300 | ![[denar.png\|15]]1300 | ![[denar.png\|15]]1100 |
> [!tip-custom]- Settlements
| **Banner** | **Name** | **Town(s)** | **Castle(s)** | **Villages** |
| :--------------------------------------: | :-------------: | :---------------: | :-------------------------------: | :-----------------------------------------------------------------------: |
| [![[gundaroving.webp\|50]]](Gundaroving) | [[Gundaroving]] | Varcheg · Balgard | Mazhadan-Castle · Nevyansk Castle | Rodobas · Kargrev · Safna · Marabrot · Mazhadan · Forin · Nevyansk · Dnin |
| [![[kuloving.webp\|50]]](Kuloving) | [[Kuloving]] | Omor | *none* | Chornobas · Skorin |
| [![[vagiroving.webp\|50]]](Vagiroving) | [[Vagiroving]] | Tyal | Urikskala-Castle | Visibrot · Bukits · Urikskala · Alov |
| [![[vezhoving.webp\|50]]](Vezhoving) | [[Vezhoving]] | *none* | Ov-Castle | Ov · Ferkh |
| [![[ormidoving.webp\|50]]](Ormidoving) | [[Ormidoving]] | Varnovapol | Vladiv-Castle | Borchovagorka · Omkany · Yangutum · Vladiv |
| [![[togaroving.webp\|50]]](Togaroving) | [[Togaroving]] | Revyl | Ustokol-Castle<br> | Korsyas · Karbur · Ustokol · Zhemyan |
| [![[isyaroving.webp\|50]]](Isyaroving) | [[Isyaroving]] | Sibir | *none* | Kvol · Radakmed · Alebat |
| [![[Kostoroving.webp\|50]]](Kostoroving) | [[Kostoroving]] | *none* | Kranirog-Castle | Kranirog · Ismilkorg |
| [![[ubroving.webp\|50]]](Ubroving) | [[Ubroving]] | *none* | Takor-Castle | Takor · Dvorusta |
Sturgians are a hardened people. In Sturgia, there’s a tradition. If two people have a dispute and there’s no witnesses to back one side or the other, then it call comes down to one man’s word against that of another’s. And so they settle their differences by iron. If one man doesn’t like to fight, they may hire another to do it for them. [^19] Although, Sturgians can also be honorable. When you’re accepted as a sworn follower of the Principality of Sturgia, and your clan becomes one of them, you’re promised a warrior’s due: A Warm hearthfire by the ruler, the bread from their fields, as well as gold for your valor. You promised that your rights, under the laws of Sturgia, will be upheld. That if you or any of your kin fall in battle, it shall be avenged, just as if they were the ruler’s own blood. [^20]
For centuries the Sturgians have lived an isolated existence in the dark forests, their numbers kept in check by the harsh and deadly winters of the north. [^15] This may have cultivated the Imperial rumor that Sturgians are half-wild man-bears. [^21] While false, the Sturgians certainly fight ferociously, just as bears would. They specialize in axe-and-sword warfare. [^10] More, the Sturgians fighting prowess is equally as strong as that of their commercial ethic. [^11] In Sturgia, they bring a business-like approach to war, and a war-like approach to business! [^15]
So while the forests and terrain is unforgiving, forbidding, and cold [^12] — within Sturgia lies great wealth. Wild honey, bog iron, and most valuable of all fur. Fox, ermine, rabbit; some brave traders ventured into Sturgia to make deals with the “man-bears” of the North for these furs. Sturgia's great river port-towns push shipments of furs, honey and other goods to faraway lands. [^23] And so, as the Calradian Empire expanded eastward, those few brave traders became a flood. Soon fortune-seekers began to arrive in Sturgia in droves. Some from the coasts, some from the steppe, but most were from Nordland. [^11]
As the Calradian Empire expanded into Sturgia’s cold forests, the Sturgians found a ready market in the Imperials for the luxurious furs of woodland animals whom they traditionally hunted and trapped. Thus, Sturgian chieftains became princes, vying for pre-eminence with the help of the Nord mercenaries who migrated into their realm. [^14]
Despite Sturgia’s current ruler (Raganvad) having a Nordic mother, [^16] father, and grandfather, Sturgia, despite descending from the Nords, [^12] have only ever really been merely influenced by the sea pirates, as well as many others. Likely the Khuzaits, Vakken, and Battanians. Thus, Sturgia is not a vassal of Nordland, and not a Viking-state. [^11] Sturgia’s banner is a perfect example of this Nordic influence and heritage, the Viking shield, sword, and torc being obvious indicators. This includes the dark blue used for the banner as well, symbolizing the harsh and cold environment as well as the seas which they travelled to arrive in northern Calradia. [^12]
Moving on, when great towns sprung up alongside the rivers, bays, and lakes of Sturgia, local tribal leaders and tribe elders forged marriage pacts and developed alliances with the Nordic newcomers and other adventurers. Sealed with wedding vows and their share of trading profits. Hiring these mercenaries to help subdue their neighbors and other tribes. [^18] [^11] One tribe which may have helped are the Vakken tribes (Vanni woodspeople). [^17]
No one knows who came to Sturgia first. Whether it was the Vakken or Sturgians. But for as long as anyone could remember, the two peoples intermingled. Traded, fought, just like the Aserai and bedouin of the Nahasa desert. [^21] The sometimes-hostile, sometimes-friendly peoples of the woods worship their gods and ancestors in the sacred oak trees of the Ircara Wildlands’ forests. The primeval peace of those woods is considered a holy site for the forest tribes. [^17] One day, when the Nords founded the town of Balgard, they arrogantly demanded tribute from the Sturgian and Vakken tribes, in turn they formed an alliance and drove the Nords back to their ships. But the two tribes had a falling out over the left-over spoils. This is when Gundar landed and volunteered to help fairly divvy up the weapons and armor of his dead kinsmen. Thus, the residents recognized Gundar’s lordship over the region and his descendants. Of whom intermarried with the Sturgians forming 1084’s princes of Sturgia. [^17]
Another stronghold the Nords were kicked out of was the town of Varnovapol, with the illustrious reputation of possibly being the most conquered settlement in Calradia. The Nords were removed by the Alkit tribe from the eastern steppe of the Devseg Plateau. Varnovapol briefly served as the capital to a small khanate. Only to fall the the Sturgians. [^17] Varnovapol sits on the lower shores of Minador, or Mynad Rhyfal as the Battanians call it. This region of Sturgia is a particular hotspot for debtors, the oppressed, escaped slaves and fugitives. [^8] [^17]
At first, Sturgia became a collection of principalities, then a kingdom, then a great powerhouse of northern Calradia. [^11] This confederation of small kingdoms, which is now the Principality of Sturgia, is purported to have come into existence only a century ago, in 984. [^18] Although, another says it was founded exactly in 1002. [^9] More yet, another piece of lore states Sturgia entered into their covenant, elevating one prince above all others and developing this principality, two generations ago (~50 years – in 1034). [^9] Regardless of the truth, Sturgia was forged after the princes and boyars began to turn their gaze outward, [^15] the Sturgians began to feel under pressure form the Calradian Empire and elected a prince to lead them in war. Warlord Gundar was chosen for this, making him the first Grand Prince. Gundar united the fractious colonies of Sturgia and eventually the Empire granted him the title of: “Warden of the Marshes”. [^9]
But eventually this Grand Prince office became a hereditary one, being passed down father to son, and this never sat well with the independence-minded Sturgians. Thereof, the potential for rebellion sat smoldering; an ever pervasive force in Sturgian politics. [^18] Nevertheless, Gundar’s reign continues with his progeny; of clan Gundaroving. Raganvad’s father, Old King Vadinslav, was the previous ruler of Sturgia. Said to be a brave man, who led the Sturgians at the Battle of Pendraic of 1077. [^26] Amidst the fighting, the Imperials fled inside of some ramparts, and while darts, rocks, and their special fire rained down, the Sturgians were climbing the ladders up the walls. Vadinslav died with a mace blow to the head, and so his son, Raganvad, was the new Grand Prince. [^25]
Upon the death of Emperor Drosios Neretzes, it was Olek the Old who pried free the Dragon Banner of Calradios from his grasp. Then, Raganvad, who hadn’t even drawn his sword throughout the battle, claimed the banner for himself. Olek the Old laughed at him, and in turn, Raganvad struck him. And so Olek snapped the banner over his knee and threw it in the prince’s face. [^26] Later on, the Battle of Pendraic must have continued. Possibly in pursuit of Arenicos Pethros as he and his amassing survivors were escaping. The Sturgians might have chased them. But instead of Raganvad leading from the front, as many Sturgians say he should have, it was Olek the Old of clan Kuloving. There, Olek the Old perished. [^25]
Now in 1084, Raganvad is formally recognized as Grand Prince of Sturgia, and for the time being the Sturgians clans obey him. [^16] Raganvad is a man with a minimal sense of humor, who treats his family coldly. [^24] He is harsh and uncompromising. A man centralizing Sturgia’s power into his control. [^9] Believing he has the right to command the boyars in all things, not just warfare. [^16] This lust for dominance may derive from his father, Vadinslav. The Old King disrespected a town council once. These councils are known as the Vech (or Veche). The bronze bell in one town, which is used to call a meeting in the market place of the Vech, was melted down Vadinslav. He decided the bell would be better off melted into bronze helmets for his Druzhina bodyguard. [^27] In Calradia, there are stories of harsh rulers murdering their brothers, and sorcerer-king’s reigning through tyranny, Raganvad is cut from these molds. Knowing how to punish, but not how to reward. Putting to test the old dictum: “it’s better to be feared than loved”. [^11]
**How does their economy and military work?** First, the policies immediately active for this faction are: *Lawspeakers* (Refers to the Norse practice of appointing independent elders to remind the council of the law and past precedents. This tends to favor those with the education to make complex legal arguments) and *Precarial Land Tenure* (Land grants are considered to be temporary offices rather than the rightful inheritance of lords. In practice heirs tend to take over their family fiefs, but it's easier under Depositions to remove them).
See list below counting villages, from the `Cultures > Economy` #fragment
> [!economy]- Sturgia Economy
| ![[production.png\|17]] | ![[cattle.png\|25]] | ![[fish.png\|25]] | ![[fur.png\|25]] | ![[grain.png\|25]] | ![[horses.png\|25]] | ![[iron.png\|25]] | ![[flax.png\|25]] | ![[hardwood.png\|25]] | ![[sheep.png\|25]] | ![[hogs.png\|25]] |
| :---------------------: | :-----------------: | :---------------: | :--------------: | :----------------: | :-----------------: | :---------------: | :---------------: | :-------------------: | :----------------: | :---------------: |
| (#) | **7** | **6** | **5** | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
1. `Sturgian Warrior` / `Sturgian Woodsman` **“Voi”** *(light infantry)* Every village and town in the Sturgian lands supplies a force of Voi, or militia, to the boyars and princes. They support the druzhina in battle, and if they distinguish themselves, can hope for promotion into its ranks. [^8]
2. `Varyag` *(heavy infantry)* The Varyags are handpicked from the best mercenaries and adventurers from the north, and are household troops of Sturgian princes. They serve as bodyguards and are considered to be one of the best heavy infantry in the whole of Calradia. [^8]
3. `Sturgian Line Breaker` **“Berserkers”** *(shock infantry)* The Berserkers are elite northlander mercenaries that wield great two-handed axes and other fearsome weapons, with simple wolf skins to cover them. These agile warriors are famous for fighting in reckless abandon to serve as shock troops to break the enemy line. [^8]
4. `Sturgian Brigand` *(skirmishers)* The Sturgian frontiers have often attracted fugitives and escaped slaves who prefer to live free beyond the reach of any boyars' authority. These desperate men and women, who traditionally fight with javelin and axe, will still frequently enlist in the boyars' armies for a few silver coins and the promise of loot. [^8]
5. `Sturgian Hunter` *(light archers)* Every Sturgian community has hunters and trappers who bring back the luxurious furs of the north to be traded for goods from warmer lands. In wartime, they will often enlist as archers, trackers, and scouts. [^8]
6. `Sturgian Horse Raider` *(light cavalry)* A handful of the wealthier inhabitants on the Sturgian frontiers own their own horses, and many have learned the riding skills of the nearby horse tribes. They are much valued by boyars as scouts and screeners for the main force. [^8]
7. `Sturgian Druzhinnik Champion` *(heavy cavalry)* Sturgian boyars are always on the lookout for skilled warriors to bring into their druzhina, or personal retinue. Kept loyal with gifts of gold, equipped with the best weapons and horses, they form the shock force of any northern army. [^8]
When it comes to the faction’s suspected army size, the Principality of Sturgia could roughly raise 1,750 soldiers in 1 month.
> [!tip-custom]- Army Size Estimate Breakdown
> - Every clan income put together would be ![[denar.png|15]]26,200 total daily income.
> - While a well-rounded army has all 4 types of troops (ie. infantry, archers, horsearchers, and cavalry) each one, noble-born or commoner, actually costs the same at tier 3.
> - Also, despite there being 5 - *sometimes 6* - tiers in a troop tree, let’s choose tier 3 as it’s closest to the middle.
> - Each tier 3 troop costs ![[denar.png|15]]100 denarii to recruit, and ![[denar.png|15]]5 more in daily wages. That’s ![[denar.png|15]]105.
> - ![[denar.png|15]]26,200 / ![[denar.png|15]]105 = 250 total army size
> - Thus, the they could amass: 250 tier 3 troops each day.
> - In Bannerlord, 7 in-game days = 1 month.
> - The Principality of Sturgia could roughly raise 1,750 soldiers in 1 month.
**When did this faction begin?** Founded in 1002 by the warlord Gundar, who united the fractious colonies established by raiders in the forests and bogs of the north. The Empire granted him the title 'Warden of the Marches.' Its people are a mixture of northern colonists and the tribes of the cold woods south of the Gray Sea. [^9]
**Where are they located?** Between the Kachyar Peninsula and the Portages of Iltan lies the lands of the Sturgians.
Map from `Geography > Maps > Toponyms`
![[sturgia_region.webp|center|700]]
>   <br> [![[Encyclopedia_Calradica_Logo_2.png|center|400]]](Calradica.md)<br>
>“A massive **Mount & Blade** wikipedia!” <br> [— About Calradica](Calradica.md) <br>[— About Project](Project.md) <br>[— About Author](Horseapple.md) <br>  
[^8]: [[3-multiplayer_strings-(Bannerlord)]]
[^9]: [[3-world_lore_strings-(Bannerlord)]]
[^10]: [[Blog_7_Imperial_Declines]]
[^11]: [[Blog_36_Sturgia]]
[^12]: [[Blog_54_Faction_Banners]]
[^13]: [[Blog_62_Q&A_Omer]]
[^14]: [[3-module-strings-(Bannerlord)]]
[^15]: [[3-spcultures-(Bannerlord)]]
[^16]: [[3-heroes-(Bannerlord)]]
[^17]: [[3-settlements-(Bannerlord)]]
[^18]: [[3-spkingdoms-(Bannerlord)]]
[^19]: [[3-std-wanderer-strings-xml-(Bannerlord)]]
[^20]: [[3-std_taleworlds_campaignsystem-(Bannerlord)]]
[^21]: [[3-Travels-in-Calradia-(DLC)]]
[^22]: [[3-Digital-Companion-Faction-Descriptions-(DLC)]]
[^23]: [[3-std_common_strings-(Bannerlord)]]
[^24]: [[3-spclans-(Bannerlord)]]
[^25]: [[3-heroes-(Bannerlord)]]
[^26]: [[3-std_story_mode-(Bannerlord)]]
[^27]: [[3-Travels-in-Calradia-(DLC)]]