Kingdom of Hastoice

The Kingdom of Hastoice is a midsized country spanning from the southwestern edge of the Vizlean Basin to the Lombian Peninsula.

Foreign Policy
Hastoice maintains a neutral foreign policy, balancing the influence of its stronger neighbors. Hastoice also tends to take a neutral stance on the Kingdom of Light, which has served as both an ally and enemy to Hastoice. The Republic of Vizle seeks expanded trading rights in Hastoice, but this has largely been resisted. Some have also advocated that Hastoice claim Modia from Vizle, due to its proximity and strategic value at the Strait. Hastoice often hires out its army to foreign conflicts, gaining experience and bringing in significant cash. This is often seen as a way to compensate for the Kingdom's decreased ability to tax the autonomous Roshanbu region. Recently, Hastoice has increasingly intervened in Lombian affairs, seeking to increase its influence over the peninsula. Hastoice often counterbalances the influence of Midlo, a key ally of the Bartimean Empire in Lombia.

Internal Issues
Hastoice still faces internal division between the Elven northeast and the Human remainder of the country. There are occasional uprisings, which are typically handled internally by the regional governor of Roshanbu. Hastoice also faces small separatist movements in the Onioburg and Zrengate region, which desire independence or autonomy based on their separation from the rest of Hastoice by jungles and mountains respectively.

Rebellion
Hastoice originated in 1647 with a human rebellion from the City of Hastoice. In 1647, the Elven Kingdom of Roshanbu raised taxes over the majority human cities in its southeast. A local revolt in Hastoice overthrew the Elven governor and installed a human guard captain, Grir Kadov, as the new Governor of Hastoice. Grir attempted to negotiate with Roshanbu to no avail. Roshanbu raised an army and marched on Hastoice, triggering wide ranging uprisings in the human areas. Major revolt centers included Onioburg, Zrengate, and Tradehaven. As the Elves marched from Roshanbu to Hastoice, they encountered heavy resistance at Tradehaven, leading to a clash. During the brutal fighting, a fire broke out which consumed most of the town. Many survivors fled to the City of Hastoice, telling tales of Elven brutality.

Early War
In the aftermath of this alleged massacre, Grir Kadov was crowned King of the new Kingdom of Hastoice, which declared its independence from the Kingdom of Roshanbu. Grir allied with the Bartimean Empire, which rushed troops in to threaten Roshanbu. Although the Elves defeated the humans and captured the city of Hastoice, their capital of Roshanbu fell to Bartimea. Grir Kadov retreated to the south, gathering an army at Culcheth. After the fall of Roshanbu, the Elven Kingdom of Light joined the war against Bartimea, sending troops to aid Roshanbu. The campaign culminated in a massive battle near Iledo, where the forces of Bartimea and Hastoice routed the Kingdom of Light and Roshanbu. The fall of Iledo led to the liberation of the Zrengate region, consolidating and connecting Hastoice's control over the east.

Elven Peace Treaty
In 1652, with Bartimean armies threatening the Kingdom of Light, the sides agreed to the Treaty of Zrengate, which established the modern borders for Hastoice. Roshanbu was given high local autonomy, with the King of Roshanbu becoming a regional governor.

Bartimean Invasion
As Hastoice integrated Roshanbu however, Bartimea requested they accept vassalization. Grir Kadov rejected the offer, leading Bartimea to invade Hastoice. The combined Human and Elven forces stymied Bartimea's progress, bringing the Bartimean advance to an immediate halt. As casualties increased on both sides, Hastoice gained support from both the Kingdom of Light and the Orcish Confederation, which started an opportunistic raiding campaign against Bartimea. Still, as Bartimea committed more forces, Hastoice's forces fell back over time. By 1655, Bartimea captured Roshanbu once again. By mid 1657, Bartimean forces stood at the gates of Hastoice. Afraid of Bartimean conquest, Hastoice struck a deal with the Republic of Vizle: unlimited trading rights in the Kuvas River for a hundred years, in exchange for support against Bartimea. Vizle, along with the Duchy of Oakhewn, issued an ultimatum to Bartimea. Fearful of war with all of their neighbors, Bartimea concluded a white peace and withdrew from Hastoice. An estimated five percent of Hastoice's population died in the Wars of Independence, as did about one percent of Bartimea.