Cossacks

Coming from the steppes of Ukraine and southern Russia. This hardy people have been forged by a landscape as hostile as their neighbours. Living in land marked by scorching summers and freezing winters. The grasslands of Ukraine are not well suited to agriculture, with little rain to be found crops wither all to under the summer sun. While the flat, almost featureless terrain makes it perfect for moving large bodies of men, such as armies, around. In the last few centuries alone the Cossacks found themselves fighting: Poles, Russians, Turks, Tatars, and many man others. However their hardy nature served them well in these conflicts. The quickly gained, and have held ever since, a reputation as fine riders and vicious raiders. Taking advantage of the Cossack conflicts with Poland, the Russian Empire spent much of the 18^th century integrating the Cossacks, and their lands, into the Empire. In the years since they proved themselves as fine allies as well as terrifying enemies. Though still with a fiercely independent streak, it was a Cossack army that led to the independence of Ukraine during the Russian civil war after all. These people know what it takes to survive and even thrive in difficult circumstances, and have the will to follow through on such needs. Cossacks are not a nomadic people, despite this being the norm among those who find homes on the steppes of Europe and Asia. Instead they tend to live in small settlements scattered around eastern Ukraine and Southern Russia. From where men seeking adventure can easily find it in service with the Russian, or, more lately, the Ukrainian Armies. That said. Many have now embraced modern life, living in towns and cities, much as other peoples do. Though they still hold proudly to their history, and can easily cause the trouble necessary to prove their credentials.

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