Vorder Enclave

Vorder enclave (or just "Enclave") is a country on the Imperial north-west border. It is highly industrialised, focused on technological discovery and naval power.

After the end of the 2nd Succession war, Vorder enclave stood unconquered by Imperial armies. Since the conflict depleted resources of both belligerents, they have maintained the status quo ever since. Nobody has any illusion that there will be a future conflict in the name of the unification. However as of today, Vorder enclave still enjoys its freedom.

History
Founder and first ruler of the enclave was Nicklas Vorder. He claimed the Imperial throne after late emperor Woldermar I. Franke. Vorder was the Emperor’s first born son and by this right he claimed he was the successor. Emperor Woldemar I. married again after his wife Lisa (Nicklas’ mother) died of a heart attack.

Emperor's second wife, Klara Louisa, gave birth to three children - Louisa, Frederik, and Utte. Frederik, as the only men of the three, always considered himself to be the rightful heir.

Emperor Woldemar I. never said openly who is to take over the throne, should he die. Many have heard him saying that this is the issue for when he is old.

Witnesses agree that Woldemar I. gave his attention to both, Vorder and Frederik, and in the same amount. It was inconclusive who was his favourite and till these days there are disputes over this matter. Fact is, after the Emperor’s death, there were two young men claiming the throne.

Vorder stated that he is the firstborn son of the Emperor's rightful wife. Frederik pointed out that the Emperor married Klara Louisa, therefore Frederik is the son of the Emperor and Empress at the time of Emperor’s death, so he has a better claim.

Both sons quickly started to gather supporters and prepared for the war. Frederik was still in the capital city of Rasshaven, while Vorder went north to Rotskreek. This was the capital city of the region Nortsee from which Vorder’s mother came. And this was the city that should become the capital of the Vorder enclave.

In fact, the war started immediately after Vorder crossed the border to the Nortsee. Frederik quickly killed all known or reputed supporters of Vorder. He gathered his armies and set marching to Nortsee. He acted quickly and mercilessly. Many suspected it was his mother’s doing, but no valid sources could be found to support this.

As the killing in Rasshaven began, so was Vorder’s column attacked on the border by general Pansitski's forces. Nicklas Vorder managed to turn half of Pansitski's soldiers to his cause and succeeded in defeating the other half afterwards. This is where the prominence of Jakov Dulogi started. Dulogi, who was under Pansitski's command, and his lancers were ordered to attack Vorder’s bodyguard and Vorder himself, who was commanding the battle from the front. However, on the last second raiders raised their lances and Dulogi shook hands with Vorder. Seeing this, many other soldiers started to cry out Vorder’s name. This was the most important moment of that battle, as combined forces had the easy task to kill the rest of Pansitski's army, killing the general in the process.

Vorder then reached Rotskreek, proclaiming himself the Emperor. People of Nortsee looked up to him, as he always proudly acknowledged his Nortsee heritage. Nortsee folk was always different in their culture and customs, when compared to the heartland of the Empire. These strong feelings of uniqueness never disappeared completely, despite many Emperors trying to subjugate these proud people. And so common folk rallied around Vorder and just like that, the province of Nortsee proclaimed itself an independent land. Their target was clear - march towards Rasshaven, defeat false Emperor Frederik, and unify both Empires under Nicklas Vorder.

Two Succession wars followed.

1st Succession War
The 1st Succession war was an immediate result of the aforementioned events. Both armies clashed several times without any clear outcome. Vorder’s relatively small forces were strong at range combat, but usually retreated once Imperial soldiers closed the distance. Frederik’s soldiers were somewhat protected in their armour against most of Enclave’s bullets, but were too cumbersome to chase enemy’s light infantry.

The area of southern Nortsee was devastated by months of small battles and activities of raiding and foraging parties. Soon enough both Emperor’s reached a logical conclusion - a duel. Duel that should decide the faith of both lands, just like in the Old days.

There are many accounts of the fight that took place outside of the small city of Langeman. As different as they might be, all agree on one. After Vorder stabbed with his dagger into Frederik’s neck and pushed his dead body on the blooded soil, he then turned towards his beloved soldiers. After Nicklas Vorder made four steps, he fell to the ground. His body gave way to the wounds he suffered during the fight.

With both Emperors dead, armies were unable to decide what should be done next. So it happened hostilities ceased and a few weeks later truce was signed. Morale in the Enclave was low after Vorder’s death and people started to look for a way to prevent further suffering, as Enclave’s government was in turmoil. Empire, on the other hand, entered two years period of betrayal and murder in the Imperial palace, as various factions tried to usurp the empty throne, rather than to leave it to Frederik’s sisters.

2nd Succession War
The 2nd Succession war started once Utte, youngest of Woldemar’s children, secured her position on the throne, being just the sixth woman in history to sit on the Imperial throne. She plotted together with Willeroy van Terger, Enclave’s industrialist and rumoured Utte’s lover. Their plan was to start a new war, in which van Terger’s gun factory would supply Enclave’s soldiers with faulty weapons. He would become rich and Utte would have no troubles to defeat Enclave and force them again to become part of the Empire.

War indeed started as planned. What Empress Utte and van Terger did not know was that Enclave’s secret service, known as The Hoods, was well informed about van Terger’s treason. Hoods managed to get proper weaponry to the front lines and let Utte to start her war - Vorder’s Enclave was ready.

It was a short affair in which Imperial commanders fatally underestimated Enclave’s ability to defend its territories, partially because of Utte’s promise to them that the enemy would not be able to mount a proper defence. After the Massacre at Ville, where Enclave's newly formed Guard companies proved themselves, and when Utte learned about van Terger’s imprisonment, she finally asked for peace. Ever since, Vorder’s Enclave is a thorn in the Empire's heel that is still waiting to be painful enough for the Empire to deal with it.