Boyar's Hasta

Overview

The Boyar's Hasta were raised by Senate motion proposed by Aleksandr Zoravich Novosad, then Senator for Karsk, during the Winter Solstice 386YE. Mustering completed in just six months, shortly before the Summer Solstice 387YE. The former senator for Karsk named the army after the weapon once commonly used by schlacta, and endorsed the army's focus on wagon raiders and sell swords.

The third Varushkan General leads the Army of the Boyar's Hasta, and is appointed (or re-appointed) at the Spring Equinox each year.

History

In the dark months that followed the loss of the Iron Helms, the Varushkan people resolved that their strength would not falter. Boyars and group leaders from every region and vale sent word to Anvil: a new force would rise, and it would march beneath a single banner before the year was out.

That vow might have remained only a hope, had it not been for the tireless groundwork of senators, vales and notably, Cabal Lyktan. Through their mastery of ritual magic, they called strength from every corner of the nation and within two seasons, the Boyar’s Hasta stood ready to march.

Yet such unity within rank did not come easily. Proud schlacta, veterans, and vale dwellers were asked to bear arms alongside wagon raiders and sellswords; individuals they had long been warned to distrust. These raiders and sellswords were judged and held at arm’s length, often lighting their own fires away from the main encampment.

In the Hasta’s first campaign, General Semenov and her captains laboured to build bonds of loyalty among the disparate bands, to convince the fighters that all were welcome and part of the hearth. They began with stories around the fire, urging all to speak of home and the roads that had led them there. Slowly, that distrust grew into kinship. Bonds were forged in Prosperity, and those wary soldiers came to see that while raiders and sellswords may raise their blades for coin, that coin is never idle; it becomes bread for the nation’s children, warmth for its hearths, and strength for its people.

Delighted with the outcome, Semenov decreed that a portion of every spoil won in their tenure was to be gifted back to the vales - to rebuild roads, schools, and halls - knowing that if the people shared in the rewards of war, they would stand ready to share its burdens as well. That promise turned wary cooperation into pride.

After victory in the Sarangrave, that pride was recognised across the Empire. Senators offered to commission an edifice to mark the union between raiders, mercenaries, and the nation: a hall that would stand as both symbol and promise. The Hounds Hall, raised by Sirka Parakgoosier Bashnya, Senator for Karsk, as a place where those who wished to fight in Varushka’s service might find welcome, fair pay, and a story by the fire. It honours the bond that forged the Boyars Hasta, that strength may come from many hands, but Prosperity can make them kin.

Now, the Boyars Hasta marches as an army born of family and faith, a host that carries the scent of woodsmoke, the sound of wagon wheels, and the warmth of every hearth that kindled its creation. Any who can raise a spear in defence of Varushka, or a voice to lift the hearts of its soldiers, will find welcome among its ranks.

Recent History

TBC

Traditions

The Festival of the Loom is one of the Boyar’s Hasta’s most important observances. At the summit, a single long strip of fabric is created and marked with the names of those who fell in service, a symbol that the fallen still march beside their kin, and that the army’s strength is woven from remembrance.

At Anvil, the General of the Hasta often gift stories, songs, small charms, coins, or ribbons to those who have shown the Hasta loyalty and service. Each carries a message of thanks, ensuring all gain something for their service.

When away from Varushka's borders, the Hasta may offer its service to other Imperial campaigns, often with a fee requested. This selling of the spear is considered by the army as an act of Prosperity, not profit: payment supports the vales, the cabalists, and the roads that bind the nation together.

A great ledger travels with the army, but at Anvil it rests near the hearth where all are invited to write letters, poetry, sketches, and tales. At the end of the summit, it leaves for the campaign and is read aloud around the fires, the contents reminding fighters of home and that each march writes another line in the Hasta’s legend.

Composition

TBC

Serafina Semenov, General of the Boyar's Hasta

Army Quality : Sell Sword

The army has experience working with and integrating mercenaries and other independent military units, mostly but not exclusively from Varushka. They take advantage of the expertise they need when they need it through carefully negotiated contracts. The general may employ ruthless hunters, cunning wardens, experienced wagon raiders, armoured guards or veteran schlacta, but each group can only be employed once each year. The ability to use a specific quality "refreshes" in the season where the general would be elected.

Summit	Elected
Summer Solstice 387YE	Serafina Semenov

Recent Elections

This title is currently held by Serafina Semenov; it will be reelected at Spring Equinox 388YE. The table to the right shows the citizens who have been elected to hold the title of General of the Boyar's Hasta in the years since Empress Britta died.