Northmarch

Northmarch is a small Mark in the far North of the Eastern Kingdoms held under the rule of the Kingdom of Gilneas. Northmarch is an expanded territory that consists of two jarldoms, Ebonridge and Morschelschire, and four baronies therein, Wolfwood, Manchester, Fellowgrave and Fithilbrooke. Northmarch hosts the Ninth Brigade of the Gilnean Army (Formerly, the Fourteenth Brigade before the Fall of Gilneas). The incumbent Marquis of Northmarch is His Most Honourable Ozymandias Jormirson.

Historically, Northmarch has been the bulwark of the North. It was a heavily militant border territory that marked the line between safety and the wilds. Though, the Mark was abandoned shortly after the erection of Greymane Wall. The Marquis of the time, Gervald Evanshroe, withdrew from the land and never reoccupied the territory in 6 ADP. The lands were re-established in 36 ADP by the late Jormir Evanshore, Gervald's son.

History of Northmarch:
The history of Northmarch stretches back circa 1000 years to its founding in 1013 BDP. The Mark has expanded from humble beginnings.

A History:
The first inhabitants of the area, the founders of Wolfwood, were warlords who were expelled from the Kingdom of Arathor. This was around 1500 years Before the Dark Portal (BDP). These colourless and flagless warlords roamed the Northern reaches of Lordaeron for a long time nomadically. Though, the true history began some centuries later when the warlords found a plot of land they wanted, but was occupied already. In the year 1013 BDP, the chief of this warlord clan was a giant woman named Veretha. Her ancestry was more Vrykul than the rest her folk and her lust for violence was well known. Her control over the group brought them further and further North, on the way to her ancestral home, where she thought she might find salvation for her people.

Though, what they had not expected to find was a Troll village untouched by the Troll Wars. Fuelled by old blood feuds, the warlords and their people conquered the Trolls there and destroyed their shrines. One particular shrine sat elevated and was quite clearly the centrepiece of the village. Within its small ritual pillars, held on an altar of stone was a skull from a great direwolf. The skull was believed to be a relic used to communicate between the Loa and the mortals. As a show of power, Veretha used the skull as the first brick of their fort. The fort known today as the Wolve's Den, it was completed in the year 1003 BDP.

As the small fort quickly became enriched with the plunder of the Trolls, the warlords sought to reconnect with the Kingdom of Arathor. The Kingdom, which at the time was mostly the remnants of Strom, accepted their offer and commissioned the land as a Barony in the year 1000 BDP. The Barony in response supported Strom's weakening endeavours as a defensive territory, and watch on the Northern colonies - it was known as the Barony of Wolfwood. Yet, less than 100 years later, as Strom was forced to commit to internal struggles, the Barony moved away from their fealty towards the independent city-state of Dalaran. This occurred officially in the year 929 BDP, in the rule of Lord Dragek the Blood-drinker.

It stayed under the rule of Dalaran for a long time. It kept growing with riches though. In the span of a couple centuries it moved from a small defensive territory into a large and prosperous bulwark of the North. Dalaran was forced to notice its strength and to appease the Lords of Wolfwood, dubbed it a Jarldom - The Jarldom of Ebonridge. But, just like Arathor, Dalaran eventually became secluded and the Jarldom was forced to open up new roads. This time with Gilneas.

Gilneas was fond of the Jarldom. It admired its strong sense of independence and especially appreciated its military prowess. Gilneas agreed to allow the land to fall under its rule in 396 BDP, eventually assimilating into their bustling Kingdom. The Jarldom got the support they desperately needed from the Kingdom, and in return for keeping their Northern border safe, they were showered with even more praise. The Jarldom was celebrated in the history books for quelling many foreign armies before they got close to the Kingdom. One such celebration was that for Fithilbrooke Ardenseer.

Fithilbrooke was a mighty war hero who gained popularity throughout the Northern Kingdoms for his valour. His rise occurred circa 231 BDP. He was known as the Beheader for his ornamental horse's display of foreign skulls. He was famous for the sheer number of times he went off on campaigns to drive out foreign armies. The Jarl of Ebonridge at the time, Lord Lellion Melgrove, was rather suspicious of Fithilbrooke and feared that he would usurp him. So, the Jarl sent Fithilbrooke out to a Troll Island and promised to send a supply convoy in the rear -- though, the Jarl neglected to send the supplies.

Surprisingly, Fithilbrooke returned from the campaign with the majority of his troops. He had been victorious, having kept his men alive off of seaweed and fish - so the story goes.

Ironically, it was this treason that caused Fithilbrooke to usurp the Jarldom. No one protested the change. Not Gilneas, not the people. The former Jarl's wife even took to Fithilbrooke, birthing many sons. Fithilbrooke Ardenseer's line moved down the annals of history, the name slipping from the crude tongues of the poets to Ardenshore and eventually, Evanshore. The usurpation occurred in 229 BDP.

The Mark of Northmarch, as it stands today, was created for His Most Honorable Manchester Evanshore in 15 BDP. It was commissioned by the Kingdom of Gilneas for the land's continuing loyalty, and it had expanded to such a size that it truly encompassed two Jarldoms and required a feudal upgrade.

Manchester was considered the wisest and most beloved ruler of the Mark in its long history. Under his lordship, it enjoyed the grandest span of wealth and victory. He was a military genius and a good father and grandfather. Though, upon his death, shortly before the Second War, it passed to his son Gervald Evanshore (officially 4 BDP). Gervald was a coward by all accounts. More concerned with personal safety than duty. With the erection of Greymane Wall, Gervald decided that for the first time in a thousand years the lands would be abandoned. This was a despised decision by all of Gilneas and all who came to trust in the Evanshore name. He retreated behind the wall into safety in the year 7 ADP. A safety that would betray him.

The House fell into obscurity since Gervald abandoned the Mark. In 36 ADP, with the Legion invasion, Jormir Evanshore took up his father’s mantle. His sights were set on rebuilding the Mark and restoring his family name to the Kingdom of Gilneas. Lord Jormir did just that. He rebuilt his people's homelands and ushered in a new age for Northmarch. An age of hope.

Hope is not without despair. A darkness stirred in the land. A darkness caused by a cursed master. A cowardly man who sought to take back his lands and rule from beyond the grave. This was Jormir's own father, Gervald Evanshore. Jormir was later killed by the resurrected deathcult of his father's making. He sacrificed his life to save his closest family and friends. He was a true hero. He died in 37 ADP and left the Mark to his son, Ozymandias Jormirson.

Ozymandias took on his father's name and announced Jormir to be the last of House Evanshore. This new house would be House Jormirson, in honor of the man who gave so much for his people.

The Line of Wolfwood:
The peerage of the land known today as Northmarch is over a millennia old. To accurately understand the dates and scale of the rulers, it is best to use all Lords of the Barony of Wolfwood as the factor. This is to ensure all rulers are counted, as the Jarldoms and the Mark were not established until much later in the history.

The list provides the full list of titles and peerages of the Lord/Lady in question and the date of their rule in brackets, all given in reference to Before the Dark Portal (BDP) and After the Dark Portal (ADP).

Reign of the Warlords (1013 BDP - 700 BDP)

- Lady Veretha the Femur-Eater, Baroness of Wolfwood and High Warlord of the Council of Exiled Axes (1013 BDP (Barony officially commissioned in 1000 BDP) - 966 BDP )

- Lord Ul'thuk the Woodman, Baron of Wolfwood, High Warlord of the Council of Exiled Axes and Poet of the Gods (966 BDP - 930 BDP)

- Lord Dra'gek the Blood-drinker, Baron of Wolfwood, High Warlord of the Council of Exiled Axes (929 BDP - 914 BDP)

- Lord Dra'gek II the Lord-killer, Baron of Wolfwood, High Warlord of the Council of Exiled Axes (914 BDP - 888 BDP)

- Lord Dra'gek III the Brother-killer, Baron of Wolfwood, High Warlord of the Council of Exiled Axes (888 BDP - 855 BDP)

- Lord Percival of the Dark Forest, First Jarl of Ebonridge, Baroness of Wolfwood, High Warlord of the Council of Exiled Axes (798 BDP - 741 BDP)

- Lady Lucivil, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baroness of Wolfwood, Baroness of Manchester, Last High Warlord of the Council of Exiled Axes (741 BDP - 700 BDP)

Reign of House Drannonshire (700 BDP - 601 BDP)

- Lord Fitherwin Drannonshire, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron of Manchester (700 BDP - 666 BDP)

- Lord Tineal Drannonshire, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron of Manchester (666 BDP - 664 BDP)

- Lord Mannus Drannonshire, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron of Manchester (664 BDP - 662 BDP)

- Lord Mannus Drannonshire II, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron Manchester (662 BDP - 644 BDP)

- Lord Mannus Drannonshire II, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron Manchester (644 BDP - 601 BDP)

Reign of House Milgrave (Melgrove) (601 BDP - 229 BDP)

- Lord Malleus Milgrave, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron of Manchester (601 BDP - 578 BDP)

- Lord Yrall'thar Milgrave, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron of Manchester (578 BDP - 563 BDP)

- Lady Delliwyn Milgrave, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baroness of Wolfwood and Baroness of Manchester (563 BDP - 511 BDP)

- Lady Dawn Milgrave, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baroness of Wolfwood and Baroness of Manchester, First Jarl-Mage of Ebonridge (511 BDP - 488 BDP)

- Lord Krieger Melgrave, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron of Manchester (488 BDP - 455 BDP)

- Lord Marius Melgrove, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron of Manchester (455 BDP - 421 BDP)

- Lord Janut Melgrove, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron of Manchester (420 BDP - 399 BDP)

- Lord Fitherwyn Melgrove, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron of Manchester (399 BDP - 396 BDP)

- Lord Marius Melgrove II, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron of Manchester and Brigadier General of the Fourteen Brigade of the Royal Army of Gilneas (396 BDP - 366 BDP)

- Lord Marius Melgrove III, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron of Manchester and Brigadier General of the Fourteen Brigade of the Royal Army of Gilneas (366 BDP - 300 BDP)

- Lord John Melgrove, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron of Manchester and Brigadier General of the Fourteen Brigade of the Royal Army of Gilneas (300 BDP - 272 BDP)

- Lord Lellion Melgrove, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron of Manchester and Brigadier General of the Fourteen Brigade of the Royal Army of Gilneas (272 BDP - 229 BDP)

Reign of House Ardenseer (Evanshore) (229 BDP - 37 ADP)

- Lord Fithilbrooke Ardenseer, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron of Manchester and Brigadier General of the Fourteen Brigade of the Royal Army of Gilneas (229 BDP - 196 BDP)

- Lord Fithilbrooke Ardenseer II, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron of Manchester and Brigadier General of the Fourteen Brigade of the Royal Army of Gilneas (196 BDP - 177 BDP)

- Lady Javia Ardensore, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baroness of Wolfwood and Baroness of Manchester and Brigadier General of the Fourteen Brigade of the Royal Army of Gilneas (177 BDP - 173 BDP)

- Lord Marius Ardensore, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron of Manchester and Brigadier General of the Fourteen Brigade of the Royal Army of Gilneas (173 BDP - 145 BDP)

- Lord Marius Ardensore II, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron of Manchester and Brigadier General of the Fourteen Brigade of the Royal Army of Gilneas (145 BDP - 111 BDP)

- Lady Vartha Ardenshore, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baroness of Wolfwood and Baroness of Manchester and Brigadier General of the Fourteen Brigade of the Royal Army of Gilneas (111 BDP - 102 BDP)

- Lord Varian Avenshore, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron of Manchester and Brigadier General of the Fourteen Brigade of the Royal Army of Gilneas (102 BDP - 91 BDP)

- Lord Kreer Avenshore, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron of Manchester and Brigadier General of the Fourteen Brigade of the Royal Army of Gilneas (91 BDP - 66 BDP)

- Lord Gernon Evanshore, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron of Manchester and Brigadier General of the Fourteen Brigade of the Royal Army of Gilneas (66 BDP - 35 BDP)

- His Most Honorable Manchester Evanshore, Marquis of Northmarch, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron of Manchester and Brigadier General of the Fourteen Brigade of the Royal Army of Gilneas (35 BDP (Marquis from 15 BDP) - 6 ADP)

- His Most Honorable Gervald Evanshore, Marquis of Northmarch, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron of Manchester and Brigadier General of the Fourteen Brigade of the Royal Army of Gilneas (4 ADP - 7 ADP)

- His Most Honorable Jormir Evanshore, Marquis of Northmarch, Jarl of Ebonridge, Baron of Wolfwood and Baron of Manchester and Brigadier General of the Ninth Brigade of the Royal Army of Gilneas (36 ADP - 37 ADP)

Reign of House Jormirson (37 ADP - present)

- His Most Honorable Ozymandias Jormirson, Marquis of Northmarch, First Jarl of Morschelshire, Baron of Wolfwood, Baron of Manchester and Baron of Fithilbrooke and Brigadier General of the Ninth Brigade of the Royal Army of Gilneas (37 ADP - present)

The Ninth Brigade:
Northmarch, the Mark of the Northern reaches of Gilneas, has always had a small armed force despite its critical holding. This is mostly due to climate and proximity to enemies. Its military budget has always vastly over-equipped and over-trained the personnel. For this reason, it has been well-regarded through history as a fighting elite. Each unit of the Northmarch military is a specialist of some description.

The forces of Northmarch, known currently under the formations of the Grand Alliance as  The Ninth Brigade of the Gilnean Royal Army  (pre-invasion as the  Fourteenth Brigade of the Gilnean Royal Army ) once bolstered an estimated troop strength of 5000 soldiers. This number was drastically decimated following the Fall of Gilneas to a mere 573 soldiers. The numbers fall every year as more flee South to the shelter of the larger Kingdoms. It is now comprised of only two (2) Battalions, divided into six (6) companies.

=== Troop Strength - February Year 37 A.D.P.: High Command: ===
 * Lord Ozymandias Jormirson
 * Constable Othya Greenwood

Field Command:
 * Major Fenrissah Ravenguard


 * Knight-Captain John Lightsguard

First Battalion:
First Infantry Company:
 * Officer:  Major Fenrissah Ravenguard (Seeking Junior Officer)
 * Footsoldiers:  170 soldiers
 * Medics:  5 medics
 * Heavy Infantry:  40 soldiers

Second Infantry Company:
 * Officer:  Major Fenrissah Ravenguard (Seeking Junior Officer)
 * Footsoldiers:  72 soldiers
 * Medics:  3 medics
 * Heavy Infantry:  26 soldiers

Third Marksman Company:
 * Officer:  First Lieu. Eandonoray Stonefist
 * Riflemen:  75 riflemen
 * Medics:  2 medics
 * Archers:  15 archers

Second Battalion:
Fourth Heavy Cavalry Company:
 * Officer:  Lord Ozymandias Jormirson (Seeking Junior Officer)
 * Heavy Cavalry:  50 horses

Fifth Reconnaissance Company:
 * Officer:  First Lieu. Hada Kiel
 * Pathfinders:  25 pathfinders
 * Intelligence Officers:  10 analysts

Sixth Castle Guard Company:
 * Officer:  First Lieu. Isillian Longstride
 * Cannoneers:  2 Heavy Cannons (5 men ea.), 15 Light Cannons (2 men ea.)
 * Guard:  40 guardsmen

=== Ranks and Hierarchy: ===

Non-Commissioned Officers:

"'You salute the office, not the man,' - Ozymandias Jormirson"
 * E-1 Recruit -- No Lead --- (0 men)
 * E-2 Private -- No Lead --- (0 men)
 * E-3 Bannerman/Marksman/Pathfinder --- No Lead --- (0 men)
 * E-4 Sergeant --- Patrol Lead --- (2-5 men)
 * E-5 Master Sergeant --- Squad Lead --- (5-15 men)

Commissioned Officers:


 * O-1 Second Lieutenant / Knight -- Platoon Command -- (10-50 men)
 * O-2 First Lieutenant / Knight-Lieutenant Company Command  (25-220 men)
 * O-3 Major / Knight-Captain --- Battalion Command (100-350 men)
 * O-4 Commander -- Brigade Command --- (500-5000 men)
 * O-5 Brigadier General - High Command --- (Entire Mark)

Order of the Northern Sun:
The Order of the Northern Sun  is the hereditary chivalric order of Northmarch. It is a knightly order that focuses on upholding the Holy Light in the lands of the Mark and its neighbours. Recently, due to the rampant plague and raging torrent of undeath, its focus has largely shifted to restoring rather than championing. "If man is a piece of art devised by the Holy Light and fate's sharp edge, than the Knight is the masterpiece of that art," - Knight's Code '' ''

History of the Northern Sun:
The history of the Order dates back to the earliest days of the Barony of Wolfwood. In those days, there was not much of an emphasis on the Holy Light in the region. Instead, the name 'Northern Sun' dates back to the sacking of Sesh'Keiki in 962BDP. Sesh'Keiki was a fortified encampment of remnant Amani Trolls plaguing the early years of the Barony. The Sesh'Keiki Trolls engaged the humans in skirmishes, which were easily mitigated by the warlords of Wolfwood. Though, when Veretha, the half-Vrykul warlady and first ruler of Wolfwood, died, she left a power vacuum in her stead. She was arrogant in her late years and thought no one was fit to lead her people, consequently, the Baroness failed to name a successor before her death - she fell from the ramparts (the tale goes she fell and hit her head on the wolf's skull-brick that she'd laid as the first foundation). It was not customary amongst the Northern warlord's tradition to accept hereditary succession, but appointment by merit. Moreover, her children were not well regarded amongst the councils and warlords.

The trolls, cunning as they were, heard of Baroness Veretha's death and decided that it was the opportune moment to strike. On the day of Veretha's funeral in the Spring of 966BDP, the Trolls rode into Wolfwood on their raptors and raided the small gathering. Vrkyul funerals, however, are not devoid of weapons. There was a push-back but ultimately the Trolls drove the people inside the Wolve's Den and were quickly laying siege to the walls.

It was the most disastrous and mournful night of the young barony. The humans managed to hold out the trolls for many hours. Though, scouts saw the siege engines approaching in the morning darkness. It was then that the unlikeliest of men, Ul'thuk, poet of Veretha's sagas, a young cripple with a wooden leg, made his stand. He hobbled out of hiding from within the Keep's deeper recesses. He stood in the centre of the main square, where Veretha's body had been moved in the havoc. He took her sword from out her dead fingers and hobbled forward to the stairs of the ramparts. Slowly, the poet's describe, slowly he climbed them. Once he ascended the stairs, he turned to his people who'd gathered to witness this marvel, and spoke. "Now, is the time. Rise Brothers! Rise Sisters! Rise Wolves! Now is the time for the Darkness to be broken and the rise of the sun!" In those moments, those delicately fated moments, the sun made itself known over the trees, illuminating Ul'thuk and his predecessor's sword. "Take up arms, open the gates and take back the dawn!"

The grey and veteran warlords of Wolfwood did as commanded. They came forth, seeing the fire of Veretha in Ul'thek and pledged themselves to the young man. Ul'thek noted in his memoirs that it was in those pledges that the Order was born. The warlords did what they did best. They gathered men and women and eldest children and armed them all. Ul'thuk brought hope into their hearts and rode out the gates first, barely able to ride. The Trolls were so shocked that they didn't even fight back. The trolls had not expected a counter-attack from the feeble showing of the previous night, especially one led by a cripple. Their folly was their downfall. It was a sweeping victory. In fact, they were pushed back all the way to Sesh'Keiki, where the warlords pursued them in the ensuing months, sacking the encampment.

From then on, the military leaders who pledged their entire souls to the Marquis, were the Knights of the Order of the Northern Sun. It was only centuries later, when the Holy Light became prominent, that the clergy was established. Lord Yrall'thar, Jarl of Ebonridge, a notoriously weak ruler, eventually made the faithful authority (The Pillar of the Northern Sun) the leader of the Order under the Marquis in 570BDP, for fear of usurpation from a powerful Knight.

Knight's Code:
If man is a piece of art devised by the Holy Light and fate's sharp edge, than the Knight is the masterpiece of that art. The Knight is not a regular man. The Knight is not a brute, nor a coward. The Knight is the one that holds the shield at dawn and at dusk. Through evening, he replaces it for books and merry conversation, both equal armour against darkness. The Knight treats all with respect, even enemies. The Knight knows the difference between justice and mercy. The difference between truth and tolerance. The difference between necessity and scarcity. The Knight shelters the weak, feeds the hungry, clothes the naked and heartens the hopeless. The Knight is humble even adorned in gold and with name chanted by masses. The Knight is good and cares little for greatness.

Creed of the Order:
The following is the creed of the order, it is the single passage from which all the regulations and oaths are drawn:

O'Holy Mysteries, Shape me as a weapon of peace, Whomever sheds hatred, allow love to grow back thicker, Whomever sheds injury, allow pardon to grow back thicker, Whomever sheds doubt, allow faith to grow back thicker, Whomever sheds despair, allow hope to grow back thicker, Whomever sheds darkness, allow light to grow back thicker, Whomever sheds sadness, allow joy to grow back thicker, O'bountiful and true Light, See me give counsel before seeking counsel, See me love before seeking love, See me forgive before seeking forgiveness, See me understand before seeking to be understood, For there is no gifts to be had without giving first, O'grand ancestors, Show me the way to respect, Show me the way to protect the innocent and the weak, Show me the way to lay down my life for love, Show me the way home.

Circle of Magi:
The Circle of Magi  are a specialist group within the scope of Northmarch. They are a non-military organisation whose goal is to conduct research on magic and magical artifacts for the security of Northmarch. The group is also charged with conducting vital experiments and research into new technological advances.

The Circle operates as an internal governing body for magical affairs. The Circle of Magi is just that, a Circle. As such, they operate as a forum and a place to determine the future of Northmarch's magic. All members of the Circle are allotted one vote when motions are raised and are all given equal rights to participate and to speak in the forums. All members of the Circle are also compelled to find apprentices and continue the profession for future generations.

Customs:
Customarily, the Circle of Magi helps to maintain the scholarship of Northmarch. The Circle is responsible for handling delicate documents and archiving history and happenstance. They often work in conjunction with the clergy of the Order of the Northern Sun in maintenance of artefacts of historical or spiritual value.

The Circle is also expected to maintain a dignified presence in the Mark. They are to be held to a higher standard than commoners. Moreover, they are expected to be punctual to meetings and clean in their work-spaces, as far as being clean is possible for a mage.

There is also a tendency for the Chief Arcanist to recruit magi of each school of magic, or at least as many as he/she can. The purpose of this is to give a well-balanced perspective on the magical narrative of Northmarch's future scholarship.

The Circle is also customarily invited to comment and participate in the construction of political and military agendas. The high-ranking members are often brought onto the High Council of Northmarch and into high-ranking military positions too, if they are members of the Ninth Brigade. There have been many battles won by the ingenuity of the magi of Northmarch.

The Library of Ul'thuk:
The Library of Ul'Thuk  is the great library of Northmarch. It is a tall tower filled with books. The Circle of Magi are charged with maintaining the priceless documents within. They are also devoted to upholding the legacy of the great Lord Ul'thuk in tracking the history of major world events, and minor ones too.

The Library is also home to the Circle meetings. It is usually cramped, but there is a magical connection to the rocks there. Some Magi claim a ley-line frayed from Dalaran Crater and split off, resting at the base of the library-tower.