County of Rustridge

<font="5px">This article is part of a series on; The Rostkammyr;
	Lands, Castles and Cities
	Principality of Rostkamm · County of Rustridge · Duchy of Greyhallow · Duchy of Morundwald · Kingdom of Varland · Mactírainn · Ravynstadt · Talonstadt · Kingdom of Varland · Greyhallow Peninsula
	Organizations and Religions
	Greyhallow Demi-Brigade · Greyhallow Fleet · Greyhallow Provincial Guard · Rostkammyr Military · Furstgard · Furstrat · Baurrat · Magi Orders of Rostkamm · Ranger Orders of Rostkamm · Rostkammyr Paganism · Diocese of Greyhallow · Rostung
	Nobility and Peerage
	Rostkammyr Peerage · House of Smith · Ironwolf Clan · Noble Houses of Rostkamm
	Banners and Heraldry
	Rostkammyr Heraldry · Cross of Vannesyr
	Notable Events
	Battle of Rusuzarg's Landing · Rostkammyr Rebellion
	See also, Rostkammyr (Language), Rostkammyr Calendar, Currency of Rostkamm, Heeryndeltyr

County of Rustridge
; Flag	; Coat of Arms
	Motto ; "Skhmydyr vyn Blut" ; ("Forged by Blood")
	Anthem ; Dyr Hymn vyn dyr Rostkammyr ; (The Song of the Rustridgi)
	;
Cities and Towns
Capital	Redstone-by-the-Lake
Largest city	Talonstadt
Major Settlements	Sylbergrad; Weeper's Town; Greyburg
Minor Settlements	Thorn Hill; Ashenburg
Demographics
Population	60 000
Density;	160 per square mile
Culture	Rostkammyr
Language(s)	Common; Rostkammyr; Dwarven
Ethnic group(s)	Rostkammyr Ironwolf Clan
Demonym	Rustridgi; Rostlander; Rostkammyr
Religion(s)	Church of the Holy Light; Rostkammyr Paganism; Cult of Belore
Government
Type	Hereditary Monarchy
Countess	Vannesira Smith
Heir;	Wylhelm Smith
Lord Steward;	Geoffrey Smith
Legislature	Rostrat
Geography
Location	Greyhallow Peninsula, Bay of Stormwind
Area	575 square miles
Land;	375 square miles
Water;	200 square miles
Economics
Currency	Stormwind Coinage Gold Sovereigns; Silver Groats; Copper Pennies;
Imports	Food Grain; Wine;
Exports	Minerals Iron; Dark Iron; Coal; Rubies; Wood Ironwood;
Emblems
Flora	Rose
Fauna	Raven
Gemstone(s)	Ruby
Metal(s)	Dark Iron
Colour(s)	Red; Black; Grey
Other
Allegiance	Grand Alliance Kingdom of Stormwind;
Status	Active

((Work in progress))

The County of Rustridge, also known as the "County of Rostkamm" or simply "Rustridge", is a county located in the mountains that form the eastern border of Elwynn Forest. Along with the Duchy of Greyhallow and the other fiefdoms of the Greyhallow Peninsula, it was formerly part of the Principality of Rostkamm, but was reformed as a county after the Rostkammyr Rebellion in 415 K.C.

Currently, Rustridge plays a major role in supporting the Stormwind Army with its supplies of metal, the most common of which is iron. Indeed, there is a large enough amount of iron in the mountains that make up the county that the plants and water of the area as been discoloured, causing them to be a rusty orange to blood red color.

Aside from supplying the Stormwind Army with arms and armor, the County also raises both land and naval forces for the Kingdom. Known as the 6th Regiment and the Rustridge Naval Squadron respectively, these forces are based in Rustridge and are used to provide assistance to the army when needed.

Geography[]

County of Rustridge — Map of Rustridge *(Made by Vannesira)*

Rustridge is primarily made up of two major areas, Bloodwater Bay and the Rustridge Valley.

Bloodwater Bay[]

Located at base of the Rustridge Valley, Bloodwater Bay consists of the peninsula known as the Talon, the large island of Ashenwald and the smaller islands of Greater Turm, Lesser Turm and Crow's Eye.

The bay gets its name from the colour of its water, which appears streaked with blood due to the Bloodrush River emptying into the bay. Bloodwater Bay is the most heavily populated area of the County, consisting of about one-third of the land in the County and over half the population.

Weeping Valley[]

Formed by the Bloodrush and Weeping Rivers, the Rustridge Valley takes up the remaining two-thirds of Rustridge. Snaking back and forth down the valley are the Weeping and Bloodrush Rivers, which together provide the main form of travel through the valley and have combined length of approximately 60 miles.

Much of the valley aside from the rivers is marshland, causing the majority of the population to live in the mountains on each side of the valley. Due to the lack of agricultural land caused by the majority of the terrain being mountains or marsh, the population is forced to survive on imports of food from Bloodwater Bay or other areas of the Kingdom, such as Westfall. What little agriculture does take place is generally centered on goat herding, with the small amount of farmland being centered on the Redstone Plateau in the Barony of Rustridge.

Major Geographical Features[]

Redstone Mountain[]

The main geographical feature of Rustridge, and one that stands out for miles around, is the mountain known as Redstone. A former volcano from before the Sundering, the mountain of red and grey rock towers into the air above the valley. Although it hasn't erupted since the Sundering 10,000 years ago, there is still enough heat left in the mountain to warm the area around it, and the ancient volcanic activity has formed deposits of Dark Iron, from which the County gets much of its wealth.

Redstone Plateau[]

A fifteen square mile plateau that makes up half of the Barony of Rustridge, the Redstone Plateau was the former site of the Rotwald, one of the forests of Rustridge. However, the forest was chopped down and the land cleared thousands of years ago during the time of the Kingdom of Rostkamm, so the land could be used as farmland.

The Redstone Plateau now forms one of the only major areas of farmland in the county, and the only main area of farmland outside of Bloodwater Bay. Most of the food produced on the plateau is used to feed the populations of the Baronies of Rustridge, Thornwald and the Weeping Wood.

The northern border of the is formed by a line of hills known as the Redstone Hills. While the southern edge of the is rather low, with a number of goat tracks leading up into the higher parts of the hills, the northern edge drops down sharply to plummet into the Weeping Gorge, which separates the hills from the Sylbersteyn Plateau to the north.

The Redstone Hills continue east for about five miles from Redstone Mountain before they curve south, forming the border between the plateau and the southern parts of the Weeping Marsh. At the point where the hills curve south, the only passage through the hills, known as Blackbone Pass, is located. From Blackbone Pass the hills run south for another six miles before reaching the Weeping Falls and the town of Blood Crossing.

The south-western border of the plateau is a medium cliff that has been cut out of the rock by the Bloodrush River, which flows beneath it. On the other side of the river from the plateau is the northern edges of the Thornwald.

Sylbersteyn Mountain[]

Also known as the "Broken Peak" or "Silverstone Mountain", Sylbersteyn Mountain is believed to have originally been much the same as Redstone Mountain, but was partially destroyed when it erupted during the Sundering, causing much of the peak to be destroyed and replaced by a large crater.

Unlike Redstone Mountain, which contains large deposits of Dark Iron ore, Sylbersteyn Mountain instead contains large amounts of silver, which is where it gets its name from. The mountain's silver is mostly mined by the Silverwolf clan, a sub-clan of the Ironwolf Dwarves who make their home in a fortress buried in the mountain.

Sylberstone is also the source of the Weeping River, with the Weeping Falls pouring out of the lake in the mountain's crater and into the stream that forms the source of the river. The Weeping Falls are named for the fact that they are made up of two separate streams the flow out above the mouth of the cavern that leads to Silverwolf Hold, making it seem like there is a weeping face carved into the mountain.

Sylbersteyn Plateau[]

Located north of the gorge that separates it from the Redstone Plateau, the Sylbersteyn Plateau is the larger of the two main plateaus in the county, with a total size of about ninety square miles, six times the size of the Redstone Plateau.

About half of the plateau, on the eastern side, is covered by the Weeping Hills, a grouping of steep hills and cliffs that holds much of the Viscounty of Sylberwald and Barony of Moorkamm's silver mines. The western half of the plateau is mostly covered by the Sylberwald, a large pine forest that holds a number of lumber mills and the town of Sylbergrad.

The western edge of the plateau drops off in a series of high cliffs that lead down to the waters of Turm Cove, the northern part of Bloodwater Bay. Due to the greater exposure of the plateau to the storms of the Great Sea compared to the other parts of the county, the plateau is commonly blasted by rain and snow, with blizzards being common.

The northern edge of the plateau is formed by the uppermost parts of the Weeping River and Sylbersteyn Mountain while the eastern and southern edges are also formed by the Weeping River.

Ironstone Mountain[]

Although not as large or high as Redstone Mountain, Ironstone Mountain is an important landmark in Rustridge, as it is the location of Ironwolf Hold, the home of the majority of the county's dwarven population. Named for it's wealth of iron bearing ore, the mountain has provided the source of most of the Ironwolf Clan's wealth, and is one of the few holdouts not to have fallen in the First War.

Ironstone Hills[]

Providing the southern border of the Barony of Rustridge, and the northern border of the Barony of Thornwald, the Ironstone hills are, like Ironstone Mountain, named for their wealth of iron. The hills start at the southern slopes of Redstone Mountain, running directly south before reaching Ironstone Mountain and splitting, with a small are of the hills angling to the west, to run past the town of Greyberg, while the rest of the hills run direct east, to cut the Thornwald in half before ending at the Bloodied Falls, the waterfall created where the Bloodrush River drops down to the lower part of the valley.

Thorn Hills[]

Located at the southern edge of the county, the Thorn Hills run along the southern part of the Thornwald, provide a barrier between Rustridge and the Duchy of Westridge. The hills are cut in half about halfway across the county, where they allow the Thorn River to cut through them before continuing to form the border between Westridge and the Barony of the Weeping Wood.

Ashenstone Mountain[]

The highest point on the island of Ashenwald, Ashenstone Mountain is a notable point of the county as it was formerly the site of Ashwolf Hold, the home of a sub-clan of the Ironwolf Dwarves known as the Ashwolf Clan. Ashwolf Hold was destroyed in the Third Bloodied War by the Arathorians, who used their magi to crush most of the fortress inside the mountain.

Forests and Marshes[]

Sylberwald[]

Located on the Sylbersteyn Plateau, the Sylberwald ("Silver Forest" in common) is the coldest of the forests of Rustridge, located at the highest altitude. Most of the forest consists of Ironwood pine trees, with the rest of the forest consisting of other types of pine. Covered in snow for much of the year and rain and mist for the rest, the Sylberwald is sparsely inhabited, with only a quarter as many people per square mile as the rest of the county.

The two main villages of the Sylberwald are Sylberhalten (or "Silver Hall" in common) and Val Hugel (Or "Wolf Hill" in common), along with the town of Sylbergrad. Located in the north-western part of the forest, Sylberhalten is a mining town ruled directly by the Silverwolf Dwarves, instead of being ruled by a Knight like most of the other villages of the county. Meanwhile, Val Hugel is located in the center of the Sylberwald, with the villagers main livelihood coming from the settlement's lumber mill, which mainly harvests the forest's ironwood for use by the Stormwind Military.

Thornwald[]

Located in the lowest part of the Weeping Valley, near the mouth of the Bloodrush River, the Thornwald, also known as the Dornwald or the Forest of Thorns in common, is one of the smaller forests of Rustridge, covering aproximately 35 square miles. The forest is split into two parts, with the northern part bordered by the Ironstone Hills and the Redstone Plateau, while the southern part is bordered by the Thorn Hills, the aforementioned Ironstone Hills and the southern reaches of the Weeping Marsh.

Like the rest of the Rustridgi forests, the Thornwald is mainly made up of Ironwood Pines, although a number of the trees are Elwynn Oaks due to the lower altitude of the forest. The wood is also choked with a strange type of large, thorny vine-like plant, much like the homes of the Quillboar or the Blackwald of Gilneas. These plants, along with the roses that grow throughout the forest, give the Thornwald its name.

The Thornwald contains three main villages, Sudenweg (or "South Pass"), Dornweg (or "Thorn Pass") and Talrand (or "Valley's Edge"). Sudenweg is located at the Wanduke Pass, the southern entrance to the county, Dornweg is located at the end of the Thorn Pass, which leads to Elwynn Forest and Talrand at the bridge where the Iron Road crosses the Bloodrush River to meet the Wanduke Road. Sudenweg is largely a mining town, while Dornweg and Talrand are based around the lumber industry like most of the hamlets of the Thornwald.

The Weeping Wood[]

Also known as "Weynenwald", the Weeping Wood is located in a bowl-like area in south-eastern Rustridge, the Weeping Wood is unique among the forests of Rustridge as, like the Weeping Marsh, the main trees are Weeping Willows. Although not a swamp like the rest of the Weeping Marsh, the Weeping Wood is still a rather damp environment, mainly due to the Grey River.

Like the Sylberwald, the Weeping Wood only contains two main villages, along with the town of Weeper's Town. The village of Weynenhalten, or "Weeping Hall" is located at the northern edge of the woods, while Graubrunnen or "Grey Spring" is located near the source of the Grey River. Both the villages are based around lumbering.

Ashenwald[]

Covering the island the bears its name, Ashenwald, also known as Askhenwald or Ashen Forest, is a large pine forest located on the island of Ashenwald in Bloodwater Bay. Unlike the forests of the rest of the county, the Ashenwald has not been affected by the same rust-like effects that turns the trees red, making the forest a welcome sight of green for some of the people of the county.

Much like the Thornwald, the Ashenwald contains three main villages, along with the large village of Ashenberg (or "Ashen Castle"). The village of Graumoor, located in the southern marshes of the forest, is mainly focused on fishing, while the village of Neugrauwakhe (or "New Greywatch") is located on the eastern side of the forest and island, near the Talon Strait. Finally, the mining village of Askhhalten (or "Ash Hold") is located at the base of the Ashenstone Mountain.

The island and forest also contains the Ruins of Grauwakhe (Greywatch), the former town and seat of House Greytyde. Grauwakhe and its castle formerly served as the defense point for the Talon Strait, much like the Turm does for the Bloodied Strait. However, Grauwakhe was destroyed by the Arathorian Legion during the Third Bloodied War.

Weeping Marsh[]

Located at the base of the mountains the form the Weeping Valley, the Weeping Marsh is a large, half-frozen swamp that makes up much of the county's land area, although it is no where near as large as the Grey Marsh of Greyhallow. The marsh mainly consists of areas of swamp filled with Weeping Willows and large expanses of peat bogs, used by the peasants of the marsh for fuel.

Largely avoided by those who don't live there, the Weeping Marsh is known for its large population of trolls, most of them members of the Shadefyre Tribe. The trolls of the marsh pose one of the many hazards to travelers, due to their hatred of humans and dwarves, who they consider "invaders". Aside from the trolls, the marsh contains the standard dangers found in any swamp, along with the more rare dangers of rogue magi and necromancers and feral undead.

Turmwald[]

The smallest of Rustridge's forests, the Turmwald or "Tower Forest" is located on the island of Greater Turm, covering only twenty square miles in total. Much like the Thornwald, the Turmwald is also choked with the thorny vines the fill the Thornwald, although unlike the other forest, the Turmwald is almost completely made up of Ironwood pines and other conifers.

Rivers[]

Weeping River[]

Bloodrush River[]

Ashen River[]

Grey River[]

Thorn River

Flora and Fauna[]

Flora[]

Ironwood Pine[]

Forming the majority of the trees in the higher areas of the valley and the Barony of Thornwald, the Ironwood Pine is named for the strength of its wood. Commonly used for the construction of ships, buildings and shields, Ironwood forms one of Rustridge's major exports, second only to its metals.

Rustridgi Willow[]

While the Ironwood Pines grow in the heights of the valley, the Rustridgi Willows are what grows in the marshes below. Known for their hanging strands of leaves that make them appear to be weeping, the Rustridgi willows have given there name to both the Weeping Rangers, the Barony of the Weeping Wood and even House Weeper.

Ironroot[]

Believed to be related to Snakeroot plant of Pandaria, the Ironroot's roots entwine themselves around the minerals in the ground and pull them up to the surface. They have recently begun to be cultivated as a possible alternative to mining.

Askheblatt[]

Known as "Ashleaf" in Common, the Askheblatt plant is a waterweed that only grows in heated springs, generally those near the base of Redstone Mountain. Cultivated by the Ironwolf dwarves since their settlement in Rustridge, and grown by the humans once they arrived, Askheblatt is prized for its leaves, which when chewed give the body a sense of warmth, which can be invaluable in the cold climate. The leaves are also made into paste and used on wounds to ward off infection. However the most common use for the leaves is to make a type of drink known as "Bloodtea", a strange tea that tastes of blood and metal.

Some of the population has also taken to brewing the plant's fruit into wine or cider. The brewing of the fruit has proved tedious however, as the fruit is liable to explode randomly, the chances of which only increase when it becomes warmer.

Rose[]

One of the most common flowers in Rustridge, roses are common in the lower areas of the valley such as the Thornwald. Rustridgi roses come in three main subspecies:

Bloodthorn Rose - The most common of the three roses, the Bloodthorn rose is named for the red stains on its thorns and its red petals.

Grey or Ashthorn Rose - The least common of the three, the Ashthorn rose has grey petals and a weak poison in its thorns.

Mudthorn Rose - The Mudthorn rose has brown petals.

Cavernwood[]

A species of giant, woody mushroom that lives underground, Cavernwood is sometimes harvested for lumber.

Fauna[]

Rustridge Mountain Horse[]

One of the few animals of the region that is not native to it, the Rustridge Mountain Horse was introduced by the humans when they arrived. Formerly native to the island of Skhatenskhpytthen, the Mountain Horse is well adapted for the cold climate of the mountains and is easily distinguished by it's red mane and grey coat.

Mountain Goat[]

The main livestock of Rustridge, goats are raised for their hair, meat and milk.

Sheep[]

Found in the lower areas of the valley, sheep are raised for their wool and meat.

Skhafthyege[]

A strange animal that appears to be a cross between a sheep and a goat, the Skhafthyege is raised for its wool, meat and milk. Rustridgi farmers continually debate on whether it is a sheep or a goat as, considering that most crosses between the two species are either stillborn or can't reproduce, it is believed it cannot be some form of hybrid.

Cattle[]

Another of the introduced species, cattle were also brought in by the Human. Although they can't live higher up in the mountains, cattle are raised in Bloodwater Bay.

Raven[]

The most iconic animal of Rustridge, ravens are found almost anywhere in the valley. Types of raven in the county include the Common Raven, the Marsh Raven (a grey feathered type from the upper valley), the ravens relatives such as the Crow and the Blood Rook (which has red feathers on its head and wingtips) and the mysterious Ghost Raven.

Ashen Deer[]

Although there were deer native to Ashenwald before the arrival of the humans, the Ashen Deer was one of the animals brought over from Skhatenskhpytthen. Due to interbreeding with the common deer of the valley, the modern Ashen Deer has the brown horns and general build of the common deer, but the flat nose and grey coat of the Ashen Deer.

Rustridgi Wolpertinger or Rehehase[]

Believed to be related to the Wolpertinger of Khaz Modan and possibly having been introduced by the Ironwolf Dwarves, the Rehehase inhabits the woodland areas of the county. Unlike the Common Wolpertinger, the Rehehase lacks wings and is only distinguished from the average rabbit or hare by its antlers and fangs.

Sentient Races[]

Humans[]

The main inhabitants of the county, humans have lived in Rustridge for over 3,000 years. Due to the majority of the human population originating from the refugeees of Skhatenskhpytthen, the County's humans generally have black, dark brown or red hair and grey, black or red eyes. The current human population of Rustridge is around 45,000.

Dwarves[]

Another of the main inhabitants of the valley, the Ironwolf Dwarves currently number at around 300 members.

Trolls[]

Believed to be the largest non-human population in the county, the Shadefyre Tribe are a mysterious group of dark trolls who live in the Weeping Marsh. Identified by their black or purple skin which normally has red moss growing on it, the Shadefyre trolls were the original inhabitants of the valley, only to be pushed into the more isolated areas by the dwarves and later humans.

Normally considered hostile, the trolls have started multiple uprisings in an attempt to reclaim their lost lands. The most recent of these uprisings was during the First War, where they allied with the orcs and began ruthlessly invading the settlements of the Rustridgi.

Kobolds[]

Found in the mines and caverns of the county, Kobolds are considered a pest by most, and the local militias are forced to lead multiple expeditions to clear out infestations from the mines. However, due to the Kobolds love of candles, some mine owners have begun to "employ" the creatures as miners, paying them in candles and using them in favor of more expensive human miners.

Murlocs[]

Generally encounted on the banks of the Bloodrush, Grey and Ashen rivers, Murlocs are not considered much of a threat, as they are only able to fashion basic weaponry and tools. Unfortunately, due to their dark red or grey scales, they easily blend in with the river and are able to ambush and drown unsuspecting travelers.

Satyr[]

Not having been confirmed to be sighted in the county in living memory, a tribe of Satyr was once believed to have lived in Rustridge, due to reports by the early humans of "goat men". Even though believed to be long extinct, tales abound among the inhabitants of the Weeping Marsh of shadowy warlocks attacking travelers, causing some to have theories of a small number of Satyr still living in the marsh.

Other Races[]

Aside from the main inhabitants of the county, members of other races are known to live in Rustridge, with the highest population of these being Elves. Having come to Rustridge with the Bellayns after their exile, the small elven population of Talonstadt lives in the Cathedral Ward and most are heavily involved with the local clergy.

History[]

People and Culture[]

Language[]

Religion[]

Architecture[]

Rustridgi architecture is a unique mix of dwarven, vrykul and human architecture. Most Rustridgi houses are simple one and a half storey house made of stone with a peaked ironwood or slate roof. Depending on the age of the building, anything from before c. 300 P.C will be made of a single piece of fused stone instead of stone blocks. Most of these buildings are partially buried to conserve heat.

Most Rustridgi hamlets consist of around ten houses, a storage barn, a large hall that serves as a inn, tavern and town hall and normally includes a watchtower at one end, a blacksmith and a lumber mill, watermill or mine clustered around a central, paved courtyard and surrounded by a low wall. These hamlets are typically built on the geysers and heat vents that dot the county, as it allows a source heat to keep warm a boil water for drinking (which is required due to the rust and other minerals in the water). The hamlets also have many rooms below ground, connecting the buildings together with tunnels and cellars.

Generally only one family and its extended relatives inhabit a hamlet, with around fifty people in each. Small villages are then made up of around five of these courtyard hamlets that have been built next to each other and connected. Villages also include manor for the local esquire or knight, along with a militia barracks. The names of many hamlets in the county end with "halten", which is the Rostkammyr word for "hall, manor or hold" and is used due to the hamlets consisting of a single hall and family. Meanwhile, many village names end with the word "hugel", the Rostkammyr word for "hill" or "keep", which comes from the fact that many keeps or manors are built into hills and that the villages are known to resemble ant hills when built on a rise.

Rustridgi towns and the city of Talonstadt differ from most human cities in that they are more like giant buildings than towns, as the buildings and streets have been built on top of one another, causing the settlements to be a maze of enclosed alleyways and streets, with only the top levels open to the sky. Rustridgi towns typically end with one of two words: "grad" which is the Rostkammyr word for "town" or "berg", which is the word for "mountain" or "castle", which is given to towns and some villages that have castles.

Government[]

The Rostrat[]

Since the Rostkamm Rebellion of 415 K.C, Rustridge has been ruled by a council made up of the County's Barons, Viscounts and Doges. In addition to this, the current head of each of the "Great Families" is given a seat on the council, even when, in the case of the Darkfyres and Kralles, they are only landed knights or, in the case of the Ravyns, they have no titles.

The council also has a number of major positions, much like the House of Nobles, that are given to members or appointed representatives not from the council. Such positions include:

Countess of Rustridge - The ruler of the County of Rustridge and leader of the Rostrat, the current Countess of Rustridge is Lady Vannesira Smith.

Lord/Lady Steward - The right hand of the Countess, the Lord Steward is generally involved with minor rulings and the running of the County while the Countess is unavailable. The current Lord Steward is Baron Geoffrey Smith.
Lord/Lady Justiciar - The Lord Justiciar serves as the head of the County's magistrates and is required to be a senior magistrate. The current Lord Justiciar is Baron Waldyr Natyr.
Lord/Lady Treasurer - The Lord Treasurer serves as the council's adviser on financial matters. The current Lord Treasurer is Baron Corvan Fykhe.
Fleet Commander - The leader of the Rustridge Naval Squadron, the Fleet Commander serves as the council's adviser on naval matters. The current Fleet Commander is Rear Admiral Kathan Greytyde.
(Lord/Lady) Marshal - The commander of the 6th Regiment, the Marshal or Lord Marshal serves as the council's adviser on the military and militia. The current Marshal is Vyktor Forge.
High Archmagus - The High Archmage of the Bleeding Eye serves as the adviser on magical matters. The current High Archmagus is Lady Samantha Smith.
Lord/Lady Chaplain - The Lord Chaplain of Rustridge is the leader of the County's Clergy. The current Lady Chaplain is Lady Antona Bellayn.

Social Pyramid[]

Noble and Knightly Ranks[]

Count/Countess - The ruler of the County of Rustridge, the Count of Rustridge is granted the land by the King or by inheritance. Just as the King of Stormwind grants fiefdoms to the nobility of the Kingdom, the Count of Rustridge grants parts of the county to the other Rustridgi nobility, with the viscounties and baronies of the county returning to the count if the house ruling them dies out and there is no line of succession.
Doge/Dogaressa - Also known as "Stadtgraves" in Rostkammyr, the rank of Doge is given to the ruler of the City of Talonstadt, with the current holder being Macques Bellayn.
Viscount/Viscountess - Unlike the rest of Stormwind, where Viscounts are typically a simple courtesy title, Rustridgi Viscounts generally hold a area of land larger than a barony under their rule. This is due to the title of Viscount having replaced the Rostkammyr title of "Vyzegrave" when Rustridge became part of Stormwind. Vyzegraves generally acted as a more important version of a Baron in the Kingdom of Rostkamm, having started off as the title of a family who also held the title of Grave (Count) and latter becoming more common due to some families controlling mutiple baronies and being raised in rank. The two Viscounts of Rustridge rule the Viscounties of Ashenwald and Sylberwald.
Baron/Baroness - The most common nobles in Rustridge, and the lowest rank of nobility, Barons rule small areas of land that range in size between twenty and fourty square miles. Most baronies are centered around a large village, although the baronies of Rustridge, the Talon and the Weeping Wood are centered around towns.
Baronet/Baronetess - Members of the Stormwind Order of Baronets, Baronets serve much the same roles as Landed Knights, but are considered more prestigious.
Knight/Dame - Knights and Dames of the county are generally split into two groups: Landed Knights, who rule a small area of land and a village for their baron or viscount and Knights, simply fight for their noble ruler and sometimes may own a manor. Landed Knights form a major part of the county's government, as all villages that are not ruled over by a noble are ruled by a Landed Knight or an Esquire.
Esquire - Known as a "Gutsherr" in Rostkammyr, Esquires are rulers of a small village who serve under a baron or viscount. Each Esquire (or Landed Knight) rules an area not based on land, but on the number of people in it, with the current number of people under an Esquire being set at around 750. This means that the size of an esquire's land varies greatly, with the Esquires of the Redstone Plateau ruling around two and a half square miles while the Esquires of the Sylberwald rule around twenty square miles. However in both these cases, the Esquires only actually own their manor and a small amount of land around that, while the rest of the land is only administrated for the noble the serve. This practice of basing an Esquire's land on the number of people in it has seen issues in the past, as many Esquires have been known to resist any development of villages and hamlets in their land, as it would cause them to eventually have to secede the land to another.

Other Ranks[]

Lord/Lady Mayor - The elected ruler of the City of Talonstadt, the Lord Mayor serves as the head of the city's council. Although elected, he must be approved by the current Doge of Talonstadt and can be dismissed by the Doge at any time. The current Lord Mayor of Talonstadt is Kathen Greyfall.
Mayor - The elected ruler of one of the County's towns, Mayors are much like the Lord Mayor, in that they lead the town council, however they cannot be dismissed by the local baron or viscount, due to protections afforded by the town's charter.
Elder - The leaders of villages and hamlets, Elders are not elected, instead being the oldest people of the village. Although not specifically required, Elders normally will be Yeomen instead of Peasants, as due to their better conditions, Yeomen will normally live longer and have more freedom.
Yeoman - Unlike Peasants, who are bound to their master, Yeomen or "Free Farmers" (known as "Freybauers" in Rostkamm) own their land, therefore not being required to pay rent to the local noble, although they still must obey the county's laws. All townsfolk are also considered Yeomen, due to their town's charter. When a Yeoman joins the Sixth Regiment, they are commonly inducted as a Footman as unlike Peasants they have the money to pay for a footman's equipment. Some Yeomen are also inducted as squires if they have the money for a horse.
Peasant - Indentured to their lord, peasants are the lowest class in the county. Although not slaves as many believe, peasants still have little freedom, as they do not own their land and must pay rent to their lord. This rent is normally paid by service to their lord, as members of the peasantry rarely have the money to pay rent. This service is generally served by working on the noble's land, in their mines and/or by giving them some of their harvest, although it is also served via fighting in the Rustridgi Militia. Peasants who join the Sixth Regiment are generally enlisted as Armsmen due to their lack of ability to pay for a footman's equipment, serving as Pikemen or Crossbowmen instead.

Houses of Rustridge[]

Noble Houses[]

House of Bellayn[]

House Bellayn — The Bellayn Coat of Arms *(Made by Vannesira)*

The Doges of the City of Talonstadt, the Bellayns are unique to Rustridge as they are descended, not from humans of Stormwind, but from an ancient High Elven family of Quel'thalas. Formerly known as the "Kal'Belore"s (or Sun of the Night in Thalassian), the family was exiled from Silvermoon almost three hundred and fifty years ago for a reason they refuse to speak of. After their exile, they took the name "Belore'layn" or "Sun Fallen", which latter became Bellayn

Originally serving as the Stewards to the Princes of Rostkamm, the first Bellayn later married the daughter of the Prince, and the family were granted the title of Doge and Talonstadt after the Rostkamm Rebellion.

The Bellayn coat of arms displays a grey tree silhouetted against a golden sun on black. The sun is believed to represent "Belore" or the Holy Light and, along with their motto of "The Light that Heralds the Dawn", demonstrates the Bellayn's extreme, and sometimes fanatical, devotion to the Light. This devotion has led many of the family to become members of the clergy since their exile, and the majority of the current house are priests, paladins or monks.

The Bellayn's appearance displays their elven heritage, with members of the family generally inheriting the tall statue and slightly pointed ears of half-elves, along with red-orange hair and blue or gold eyes.

The current head of the house is The Serene Lord Macques Bellayn, Doge of the City of Talonstadt.

House of Ashen[]

House Ashen — The Ashen Coat of Arms *(Made by Vannesira)*

One of the six "Great Families of Rustridge", the Ashens have ruled their island realm of Ashenwald as Viscounts since the War for Stormwind's Independance six hundred and twenty five years ago and, as House Askhen, ruled Ashenwald as Graves (Counts) when it when it was part of the "Furstentum (Kingdom) of Rostkamm" in the time before Arathorian Settlement.

Currently, the Ashens are the rulers of the largest single area of land in the county, with the Viscounty of Ashenwald covering 54 square miles of land, most of it forest. However, Ashenwald also has the lowest population density in the county, with only 3,000 people living on the island.

The Ashen coat of arms shows a grey stag with brown antlers passant upon a field of green. The source of their motto, "Rising from the Flames", is unknown, although it is believed to come from wherever they got their name.

Members of the family tend to have looks that differ from other Rustridgi. Although they keep the pale skin common among people of the county, they have brown hair instead of black and green or grey eyes.

The current head of the house is Lord Alfryd Ashen, Viscount of Ashenwald

House of Valravyn[]

House Valravyn Alt — The Valravyn Coat of Arms *(Made by Vannesira)*

Also known as the "Wolf-ravens", the Valravyns are the rulers of Viscounty of Sylbergrad, the largest and northernmost holding in Rustridge. Known for its silver mines, Sylbergrad has been ruled by the Valravyns for generations.

The House itself is a cadet house of the now landless House of Raven and the Ironwolf Clan. Their name, "Valravyn", is a combination of the ancient Rustridgi words from "Wolf" (Val) and "Raven" (Ravyn). Although active for many years in Stormwind politics, the Valravyns have remained distant since the Second War and are believed to be attempting to rebuild their county and wealth.

The Valravyn coat of arms is a modified variant of the Raven coat of arms and shows a black raven on a yellow or gold field. The motto "The Wolf and the Raven" refers to both the family's name and its heritage.

Valravyns tend to have the general Rustridgi traits of pale skin and black hair, but with yellow-gold eyes.

The current head of House Valravyn is Lord Valus Valravyn, Viscount of Sylbergrad.

House of Smith[]

The current rulers of the Barony of Rustridge and the former Princes of Rostkamm, House Smith, also known as House Smith of Redstone, is the most well known house of Rustridge.

Another of the Houses descended from the Ravens, House Smith is unique as it descends not by marriage into another house or by a younger son, but from the last Furst (King) of Rostkamm, Vannesyr the XIII's bastard, Fredryk Skhmyd. As Skhmyd, which translates to "Forge", is used as a name for children with no family name in Rustridge, Fredryk used the alternate translation of his name, which was Smith, when he was made Prince of Rostkamm after he supported Logan Wrynn I in the War for Stormwind's Independance.

As Princes of Rostkamm, the Smith's prospered from the mining profits of their land and the effective self rule granted to them as Princes. However, they also began the habit of marrying other members of their house in an effort to "keep their blood pure". This led to increasing instances of mental and physical illness in the members of the family, which concluded in Prince Vannesyr Smith "the Mad" declaring himself to be both a god and the new Furst of Rostkamm. The resulting rebellion ended in the defeat and execution of Vannesyr, the re-ordering of Rostkamm as the County of Rustridge, and the loss of all the titles and lands of House Smith except for the Barony of Rustridge.

The Smith coat of arms is a variant of the ancient Raven arms, displaying a black raven perched on an anvil on a red field. The raven represents House Raven, while the anvil represents the fact that the founder of the House bore the name "Forge" before becoming a noble. The words of the House, which are "Forged by Blood", demonstrate that both the rise (and later the fall) of the House have been caused by war. They also are taken to mean "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger". The arms were latter amended to include three red blood drops on black at the bottom of the shield following the marriage of Prince Vyktan II to Kathyna Greytyde in 194 K.C

Members of House Smith generally have the standard pale skin, grey eyes and black hair of the Rustridgi, which differs from the black eyes of the Ravens.

The current head of the House is Lady Vannesira Smith, Countess of Rustridge. Other current members of the House include Baron Geoffrey Smith, who serves as the Lord Steward of Rustridge and is Baron of Moortal, Vyktor Forge, the current Marshal of the 6th Regiment, and Sir Wylhelm Smith, a Captain in the 6th Regiment

House of Bloodthorn[]

Another of the six "Great Families of Rustridge", the House of Bloodthorn serves as the rulers of the Thornwald, a area of forest at the end of the Rustridge Valley. Although one of the poorer Nobles Houses of Rustridge, the Bloodthorns still manage to make a significant income through the logging of the Thornwald's Ironwood trees, which are used to provide wood to construct the ships of the Rustridge Naval Squadron and the rest of the Stormwind Navy. The Thornwald's logging operations are also required for the production of the charcoal needed to fuel of the Rustridgi steel industry.

Unlike the other noble families of Rustridge, House Bloodthorn and their cadet houses practice female-preference primogeniture, where female children inherit before males. The reason for this custom is believed to be due to the House's founder being female.

The coat of arms of the Bloodthorns displays a red rose with black thorns upon a brown field. The rose in question is a Bloodthorn rose, which is one of the native roses of Rustridge. Although many believe that the family is named after the rose, the truth is the opposite, with the first member of the family to land in Rustridge having injured their finger while picking the roses, and giving them the name "Bloodthorn", as at the time, the family was simply called House Blood. The motto of the House, "Beauty has its Thorns", means that beauty is not entirely good, and that something that is beautiful can also be bad or dangerous. This motto, like their name, comes from the Bloodthorn Rose.

Members of the family tend to have dark red eyes and hair, from which they got their original name. According to family legend, the first member of House Blood had black hair and eyes until they were drenched in dragon's blood, although the truth of the matter is unknown.

The current head of the family is Lord Karl Bloodthorn, Baron of Thornwald, Lieutenant Commander of the Stormwind Army and the current Second-in-command of the 6th Regiment's 1st Battalion.

House of Greytyde[]

The sixth and youngest of the "Great Families of Rustridge" and a cadet house of the Ashens and the Ravens, House Greytyde rules the Barony of the Talon, a barony situated on the Talon Peninsula in Bloodwater Bay. Formerly known as House Grautyde, they originally ruled as the Baryns (Barons) of Graumoor, the southern area of Ashenwald. After their lands and castle were ruined during the First Bloodied War (the wars between Rostkamm and Arathor during the later's settlement of Azeroth), the Grautydes moved their seat to the newly built port of Grauberg, which would latter be renamed to Greyberg after the Arathorian Conquest.

Throughout their history, the Greytydes have been a long line of seafarers. Originally serving as the "Uber-Admyrals" (High Admirals) of the Rostkamm fleet, they later served as the Lord-Captains of the Rustridgi Naval Militia during the early years of the Kingdom of Stormwind and finally the Fleet Commanders of the Rustridge Naval Squadron after the establishment of the Stormwind Navy.

The coat of arms of the Greytydes shows a black anchor on a grey field strewn with red blood drops. The anchor is used to symbolise the sea-based nature of the Greytydes, while the blood-drops were added after they settled in Rustridge to symbolise Bloodwater Bay. The motto of the Greytydes, "Relentless as the waves", is used to mean that, like the waves and the tide, they will never give up.

Greytydes generally have grey or black hair and eyes.

The current head of the house is Rear Admiral Kathan Greytyde, Baron of the Talon and Fleet Commander of the Rustridge Naval Squadron.

House of Weeper[]

Rulers of Weeper's Town and the Barony of the Weeping Wood, and founders of the Weeping Rangers, House Weeper, formerly House Weynen, is one of the older houses of the county.

Formed during the conquest of the Upper Valley by the Ravyn kings, House Weeper was granted rule of the Weeping Woods, a small forest of 40 square miles on the eastern border of Rustridge.

The Weeper arms display a grey Rustridgi Willow above red waves on a black background. The meaning of the Weeper's motto "Tears of Blood" is unknown, although it is believed to have something to do with the colour of the Rustridgi water.

The current head of the Weepers is Lord Fredryk Weeper, Baron of the Weeping Wood and Captain of the HMS Talon.

House of Krahyn[]

One of the many families descended from the Ravens, House Krahyn, or House "Crow" in Ancient Rustridgi, are the Barons of Moorkamm and are generally considered to be one of the poorest noble houses in the county.

Much of the details surrounding the creation of the House are a mystery, although it is documented that they were created after the Rostkammyr (Rustridgi) colonisation of the upper valley and that they are descended from House Raven, it is unknown how or when exactly they gained their title. However, like many of the noble families of the former kingdom, they kept their lands after the creation of the Principality of Rostkamm.

The Krahyns are believed to descend from either the Ravens and the Bloodthorns or to be Raven bastards, due to the fact that their arms appear to be a reversal of the Raven arms. However, they have never been acknowledged as a Bloodthorn cadet house and history books state that the Smiths are the only Raven bastards to become a noble house, so the ancestry of the Krahyns remains unclear.

The Krahyn coat of arms is another variant of the Raven arms, with the raven having been changed from black to red and the background having been changed from red to grey. The meaning of the Krahyn motto, "On Bloodied Wings", is, like their ancestry, unclear.

Krahyns generally have grey hair, red eyes and an extremely thin build.

The current head of the house is Lord Commander Frynz Krahyn, Baron of Moorkamm and Commander of the 2nd Battalion of the 6th Regiment.

House Smith of Moortal[]

The most recently created noble house, House Smith of Moortal is a cadet branch of the main line of House Smith. Formed near the end of 625 K.C by Geoffrey Smith the Elder, the house was created due to its founder's inheritance of the Barony of Moortal.

Although the Baronies of Rotmoor and Moortal originally passed to Lady Vannesira Smith, due to her being the closest relation to Baron Gasyn Edelthyge, she immediately abdicated as Baroness of Moortal, while remaining the ruler of Rustridge and Rotmoor. This caused Moortal to pass to her uncle and form House Smith of Moortal.

The coat of arms of the Smiths of Moortal display the standard Smith arms, but with the red blood drops having been replaced by two sets of crossed keys, symbolizing Lord Geoffrey's position as Steward of Rustridge. The words remain the same as the main branch of the House.

The current head of House Smith of Moortal is Lord Geoffrey Smith, Baron of Moortal. Other members include Lady Samantha Smith, Baroness of Moortal and High Archmagus of the Bleeding Eye; along with Samantha and Geoffrey's children: Sir Vyktan Smith, a Cornet in the 6th Regiment; Lieutenant Samantha Smith, a Lieutenant in the Rustridge Naval Squadron; Vyktora Smith, an Apprentice of the Bleeding Eye; and Kathyna Forge, Geoffrey's bastard daughter and a former member of the Weeping Rangers.

House of Fykhe[]

One of the richest houses in Rustridge, House Fykhe (pronounced "Fish") rules the Barony of Crow's Eye, a small island outside the southern entrance to Bloodwater Bay.

Due to Crow's Eye being the only area of Rustridge with gold mines, the Fykhes have managed to become one of the richest families in the county, being matched only by the Bellayns (due to their control of Talonstadt) and the Smiths (due to the Dark Iron trade).

The coat of arms of the Fykhes shows a bronze pyke on black, while their words, "Money is Power", refer to their control of the Rustridgi gold mines. Members of the house tend to have copper coloured hair and black eyes.

The current head of House Fykhe is Lord Corvan Fykhe, Baron of Crow's Eye.

House of Natyr[]

A cadet house of House Darkfyre, House Natyr holds the Barony of Greater Turm, a area of twenty square miles on the island of the same name. Bitter rivals of House Towyr, the Natyrs are know for their mercilessness and lack of honor, along with their inheritance of the Darkfyre traits.

The Natyr coat of arms displays a red serpent on pink, from which they take their name, "Natyr" being the Ancient Rustridgi word for "Serpent". The Natyr's words, "With One Strike", reference the Bloodadders of their barony, which have enough poison to kill in a single bite.

Members of the family have inherited the Darkfyre purple eyes and the Bloodthorn red hair. The current head of the Natyrs is Lord Waldyr Natyr, Lord Justiciar of Rustridge.

House of Towyr[]

One of the oldest houses of Rustridge that isn't a Great Family, House Towyr, formerly known as House Turm, are the Barons of Lesser Turm, the smallest of the islands in Bloodwater Bay.

Assigned as guardians of the Bloodied Strait, the northern entrance to Bloodwater Bay, by Furst Vannesyr Ravyn II, the Towyrs have been at odds with the Natyrs ever since, due to the fact that the Natyrs resented one of their vassal houses being promoted above them.

The Towyr coat of arms displays a blue tower on a red field. The tower represents their castle of Turm, a large tower made out of blue stone that guards the entrance to Bloodwater Bay. The tower existed before the colonisation by the early Rustridgi, and its origins are unknown. The Towyr words "Guarding the Strait" are a reference to their role as the defenders of the Bloodied Strait.

Members of the house have blue eyes and red hair. The current head of the house is Lord Petar Towyr, Baron of Lesser Turm and Guardian of the Strait.

Knightly Houses[]

House of Kralle[]

House Kralle — The Kralle Coat of Arms *(Made by Vannesira)*

The fifth of the "Great Families of Rustridge", the Kralles formerly ruled the "Barynskhaft (Barony) of Rotsteyn", which was a ancient Barony located in what is now the Barony of Rustridge. After losing their land when the Arathorians conquered the area, the Kralles were reduced to Landed Knights and now hold a small area of land along with the Village of Blood Crossing as vassals to House Smith.

The House of Kralle began as cadet house created when the first member of House Raven, "Vannesyr dyr Ravyn", gifted his sword "Kralle" (Talon/Claw) to his second son, Edan. After that event, the descendants of that son inherited both the sword and the name "vyn Kralle", meaning "of Kralle".

The Kralle arms display a passant brown boar on a white or grey field. The boar is used to represent both strength and the first time Edan used Kralle, which was to kill a boar that attacked his father during a winter hunt. The white field represents the snow of winter. The motto, "Leading by Example", refers to the fact that many Kralles believe it is better to show something than explain it.

Members of House Kralle generally have black hair and eyes, much like the Ravens.

The current head of House Kralle is Sir Edun "Bloodeye" vyn Kralle, Captain of the Blackbirds (the Smith Household Guard) and Defender of the Crossing.

House of Darkfyre[]

House Darkfyre — The Darkfyre Coat of Arms *(Made by Vannesira)*

The fourth of the "Great Families of Rustridge", the House of Darkfyre is a minor noble house who make their home at Skhatenfyre Keep in the Weeping Marsh. Commonly thought of as the "Black Sheep" of the county, members of House Darkfyre have a tendancy to be scheming and always looking out for how they can benefit.

Formerly the Barons of Weeping Crossing, the Darkfyres had their titles stripped from them following the Rostkamm rebellion. Since then, they have remained in their remaining castle of Skhatenfyre and have been largely withdrawn from society.

Members of House Darkfyre tend to have black hair and purple or silver eyes.

The coat of arms of the Dakrfyres displays a black and silver flame on a purple field. The Darkfyre's motto, "What is dead can live again", refers to their history of necromancy.

The current head of House Darkfyre is Archmagus Wylhelmina Darkfyre

House of Forgethorn[]

House Skhmyddorn — The Forgethorn Coat of Arms *(Made by Vannesira)*

Formerly the youngest of the Rustridgi noble houses, House Forgethorn was formed in 622 K.C following the marriage of Geoffrey Smith the Younger to Wylla Bloodthorn.

The Forgethorns have since been granted the village of Forgefield in the Barony of Rustridge, and have grown in wealth from holding one of the few areas of food production in the county, along with a small silver mine.

The coat of arms of House Forgethorn shows a brown and red rose on black, combining the colours of the Smiths and the Bloodthorns. Their motto is "Thorns of Steel".

The current head of House Forgethorn is Sir Geoffrey Forgethorn, the current Justiciar of the Barony of Rustridge. Another member of the House is Wylla Forgethorn, the current Chamberlain of the Barony.

Miscellaneous and Extinct Houses[]

House of Raven[]

House Raven is the first of the "Great Families of Rustridge" and once ruled as Fursts of Rostkamm. A family that contained many magi, the Ravens were eventually defeated by the Arathorians in the Third Bloody War.

The founder of the House was a Arathi shaman, and later mage, known as "Vannesyr the Raven", for reasons that are not entirely known. Rumored to be one of the Hundred, Vannesyr was known for his slaying of the black dragon Sanguion (Also known as Bloodwing) along with his companions Karla the Bloodied (the ancestor of House Bloodthorn), Vyktor Darkfyre (the Darkfyre ancestor), Kathyna the Ashen (the ancestor of House Ashen) and Kathan the Grey (the ancestor of House Greytyde).

The other important member of House Raven was Vannesyr Ravyn, later known as Furst Vannesyr Ravyn I, a blood mage during the outlawing of blood magic in the Empire. Along with his followers, he was alienated by the outlawing of Blood Magic and along with the other six great families and their followers, left the empire and eventually colonised Rustridge.

The Raven coat of arms shows a black raven on red. The raven represents the name of the first member of the House while the red field is believed to represent blood. The meaning of the motto "Darken the Sky" is unknown.

Members of House Raven tend to have deathly pale skin and black hair and eyes, which some believe is the source of their name. Many ancient members of the House, including both Vannesyr the Raven and Vannesyr the First, have been depicted with large raven wings attached to their back, much like a Val'kyr's would be. This has caused some debate among Rustridgi scholars as to its meaning. While some like to dismiss it as pure artistic licence and others believe it could be due to some sort of cloak, a small number believe that a form of proto-druidism could be the reason. For now, however, they have not reached a conclusion.

The current head of the house is unknown, as the Ravens have sunk into obscurity ever since the death of the Last King of Rostkamm.

Ironwolf Clan[]

Also known as the Eysenval Clan, the Ironwolf Clan is a clan of dwarves who make their home in Ironwolf Hold, a dwarven fortress in the mountains at the south-west corner of the Barony of Rustridge.

According to some stories, while many of the dwarves went north to what was to become Khaz Modan, the Ironwolf Clan are believed to have traveled south, through what would become Redridge and Elwynn. However, other stories state that the clan did initially travel north with the rest of the dwarves, but were latter exiled.

Unlike the majority of the dwarves, who worship either the Titans or the Holy Light, the dwarves of the Ironwolf clan have a more primative form of worship, which revolves around the elements and a "wolf-god" known as "Ferrus". Believed by some scholars to be some aspect or primitive form of Goldrinn/Lo'gosh, Ferrus is depicted as a large, black wolf with powers over earth and iron. Shaman who worship Ferrus are known as "Valkynn", and generally focus on the element of earth and powers such as Ghost Wolf form.

Members of the clan typically have dark black hair, pale skin and red eyes. The Ironwolf banner and coat of arms depicts a black wolf, who represents Ferrus, on a brown field. The motto and battle cry of the Ironwolf clan is "For Ferrus".

The current chieftain and thane of the Ironwolf clan is Ferran Ironwolf.

House Edelthyge[]

Another of the cadet houses of House Raven, House Edelthyge (pronounced ee-del-zig) were the former rulers of the baronies of Moortal and Rotmoor. Their name translates to "Noble Goat" in Ancient Rustridgi.

The coat of arms of the house displayed a black goat rampant on a red field. The house's motto of "Strength in Numbers" proved to be ironic as they were always one of the smallest noble houses of the county.

The former head of the Edelthyges was Lord Captain Gasyn Edelthyge, Baron of Rotmoor and Moortal. The house is now extinct following Lord Gasyn's death on Draenor in 625 K.C.

House Smith of Talonstadt[]

House Smith of Talonport — The Talonstadt Smith Coat of Arms *(Made by Vannesira)*

Formerly the main branch of the Smiths, House Smith of Talonstadt were the Princes of Rostkamm and Doges of the City of Talonstadt until their extinction in 415 K.C.

The coat of arms of the Smiths of Talonstadt originally displayed the arms of the current Smiths. However, by the time of their demise, they had modified their arms due to a marriage to the Darkfyres.

The modified arms displayed a silver raven and anvil on purple, above two silver and black flames on black. Their words remained as "Forged by Blood".

The House has no current members.

Family Weapons and Heirlooms[]

Many of the Rustridgi noble families have a family heirloom, which is generally a sword, that is passed down from heir to heir. A list of the main ones follows:

Kralle - A dragonbone greatsword originally created by Vannesyr the Raven, Kralle is the current weapon of House Kralle and is currently wielded by Edun vyn Kralle
Askhenfyre - A dragonbone bastard sword, Askhenfyre is one of the three sister weapons to Kralle and was created from the bones of the same dragon. It is the heirloom of House Ashen and is currently wielded Alfryd Ashen
Skhnytter - Translated to "Reaper" in Common, the bastard sword Skhnytter was the third weapon to be made of Sanguion's bones and is the current weapon of House Darkfyre. It was lost during the Rostkamm Rebellion.
Dorn and Totynaug - Translating to "Thorn" and "Deadeye" respectively, the bastard sword Dorn and the longbow Totynaug were the last weapons created from the bones of Sanguion and were made for Karla the Bloodied. They are the Heirlooms of House Bloodthorn and are Dorn is currently wielded by Karl Bloodthorn, while Totynaug is wielded by Karla Bloodthorn.
Vannesmalhyr - Translating to "Wingbane", Vannesmalhyr is a dark iron bastard sword forged for the Ravyns by the Ironwolf Dwarves after the former colonised Rustridge. The blade later passed to the Smiths, although it has now been replaced by a new blade called "Forgefyre". It is currently wielded by Wylhelm Smith.
Forgefyre - The current heirloom weapon of House Smith, Forgefyre is a dark iron bastard sword forged by Fredryk Smith and was based on Vannesmalhyr. After being warped by arcane energies when it was used at the battle of Theramore, it has since been recovered and is now used by Vannesira Smith.
Belore'serrar - "Sun Blade" in High Elven, Belore'serra is a truesilver and truegold longsword wielded by the current head of the Bellayn Family. Its current wielder is Macques Bellayn.
Graugager - Translated to "Grey Hunter", Graugager is a dark iron cutlass and the weapon of the Greytydes. It is currently wielded by Kathan Greytyde.

Major Settlements[]

Talonstadt[]

Talonport — A Map of the City of Talonstadt from 625 K.C *(Made by Vannesira)*

The former capital of Rustridge when it was the Principality of Rostkamm, Talonstadt is the largest settlement in Rustridge and its largest hub of trade. Originally known as "Krallehafen", the name of the city was changed via translation to Talonstadt when the Arathorian Empire took over Rustridge.

The city is built on what was originally a man-made island in Bloodwater Bay, although it is now partially surrounded by the areas of reclaimed land in the bay. Unlike many human cities, and like the other towns in Rustridge, Talonstadt is almost entirely enclosed, with only the streets on the upper level being open to the sky, making more like a giant building than a city.

The city has been destroyed and rebuilt four times, the first time being when it was sacked during the Greyhallow Rebellion, the second when it was burnt down by the Gurubashi trolls during the Rostkammyr-Gurubashi War, the third when the Arathorians invaded and the fourth during the First War.

Districts:[]

Trader's Quarter - The main center of trade in the city and the home of the majority of the lower class population, the Trader's Quarter occupies the south-east quarter of the city.
- Trader's Square - The main square in the district, Trader's Square is formed where the Keep Road meets the Grey Road, in the north-east of the district.
- The Sun and Tree Inn - Named after the sigil of the Bellayn family, The Sun and Tree Inn is the city's main inn.
- Trader's Docks - Built into the eastern wall of the district, the Trader's Docks are the point of call for trading ships to Rustridge, and are always bustling with activity.
Cathedral Ward - The district in the north-east of the city, the Cathedral Ward is home to Talonstadt's middle class and clergy.
- Goldfyre Cathedral - Built to replace the ruins of the park known as the "Garden of the Gods" when the Arathorians captured the city, Goldfyre Cathedral stands in the center of the district, and its bell tower is the second highest point in the city. The front of the cathedral faces north-east, looking onto the central square of the Cathedral Ward and down the road to the Talonstadt Barracks. The majority of the current cathedral dates back to 600 K.C, due to requiring significant rebuilding after its destruction in the First and Second Wars.
- Talonstadt Barracks - Situated the north-eastern corner of the Cathedral Ward, the Talonstadt Barracks serves to house the members of the 6th Regiment. Originally constructed to house only 400 soldiers, the Barracks has been improved over the years and can now house up to 1,800 soldiers and 300 horses, along with required arms, armor and supplies.
Habour Ward - Partially abandoned since the decline of the city, the Habour Ward contains the city's secondary harbour, with most of the ships from up river and fishing craft using the district while the larger traders use the Trader's Docks.
Old Harbour - The city's first harbour, the Old Harbour was abandoned with the decline of the city and the construction of the Trader's Docks.
- Grauravyn Bridge - The largest bridge in the city, the Grauravyn Bridge was created by the first of the Grauravyn kings. Unlike the rest of the western city, the bridge is still in use, as it connects the city to the western parts of the Talon.
Rooktown - Originally a small town near the city, Rooktown eventually became a bustling residential district after the expansion of Talonstadt. However, due to the city's decline, the district is now abandoned, with only beggars and squatters living in the ruins.
Magyr's Terrace - Formally the city's main middle class district, the Magyr's Terrace is now a crumbling ruin, destroyed after the plagues of the Grey Era.
- God's Eye Tower - The ancient headquarters of the Order of the Bleeding Eye, the God's Eye Tower was destroyed with the rest of the district. Now only have the tower remains, with much of the remnants gradually rotting away and the rest inhabited by a number of magical creatures and undead
Raven Court - Housing the upper class citizens of the city, the Raven Court is divided into two halves by the channel running from the bay into the inner harbour.
- The Ravyn's Arms - Named after the original rulers of Rustridge, the Ravyn's Arms is the city's second most popular inn. While most of the population uses The Sun and Tree, the Ravyn's Arms caters to merchants and other upper class members of society.
- Vannesyr's Square - Named after the founder of the city, Vannesyr's Square is Talonstadt's main square. Positioned at the meeting place between the Keep Road and the Talon Road, the square is home to the richest members of the city's population along with The Ravyn's Arms and the Town Hall.
- First Queen's Bridge - Named after Furstyn Vannesyra I, the first queen of Rostkamm, First Queen's Bridge is a 222 yard long bridge that connects the two halves of the Raven Court. The center of the bridge contains a lifting mechanism, allowing larger ships to pass under it and access the Bloodrush River.
Talon Keep - The seat of power for House Bellayn, Talon Keep is positioned on a island in the center of the city. Linked to the Raven Court and the Trader's Quarter via drawbridges, Talon Keep is the most defended area of the city.
- Tower of the Flame - The most iconic part of the city, the Tower of the Flame is the highest tower of Talon Keep and indeed the city. At its summit it bears a large spire formed in the shape of two raven wings, with the center holding a burning torch, allowing the tower to serve as the city's lighthouse.

Gates:[]

Grey Gate - Named for the Grey Road, the Grey Gate is the city's south-eastern gate.
Talon Gate - Named for the Talon Road, and also known as the Raven Gate, the Talon Gate is the gate in the north-west of the city.
River Gate - Named for the Bloodrush River, the River Gate is positioned in the south of the city.
Crow Gate - Named for the Crow Road, the Crow Gate is in the south-western corner of the city.

Roads:[]

The Grey Road - Exiting to the south-east of the city, and sharply curving north-east, the Grey Road runs to Greyberg from Vannesyr's Square.
The Talon Road - Exiting to the north-east, the Talon Road runs along the dykes up to the Talonwatch Lighthouse from Vannesyr's Square.
The Wanduke Road - Exiting at the River Gate, the Wanduke Road travels south-east from the city and leads to the town of Wanduke in the Duchy of Westridge.
The Crow Road - Exiting from the Crow Gate, the Crow Road runs directly south to the island of Crow's Eye.
The Keep Roads - The names of roads that connect Vannesyr's Square and Trader's Square to Talon Keep.
The Parade Road - The name of the road that connects the Talonstadt Barracks and the Goldfyre Cathedral.

Redstone-by-the-Lake[]

A Map of Redstone from 625 K.C *(Made by Vannesira)*

The current capital of Rustridge, Redstone, formally known as Redstone-by-the-Lake and also known as Rustridge Town or Rotsteyn, is built beside a lake within a large cavern inside Redstone Mountain. One of the few areas in the county to not require significant rebuilding after the First and Second Wars, due to its defensible location inside the heart of the mountain, Redstone has grown since the Great Wars, and is well on its way to becoming the second largest town in Rustridge.

Districts:[]

Merchant's Terrace - The northernmost district of the town, Merchant's Terrace serves as its center of commerce and houses the majority of the upper class population
- Redstone Inn - The town's main inn, the Redstone inn is located in Fredryk's Square.
- Fredryk's Square - Name after the first Prince of Rostkamm, Fredryk Smith, Fredryk's Square is located near the center of the district, where the Iron Road and Thorn Road meet.
- Merchant's Docks - Located at the south side of the district, the Merchant's Docks serve as the unloading and loading point for goods that pass through the town
Fisherman's District - The southernmost district, Fisherman's District hosts the towns fishmarket.
- Fisherman's Docks - While the Merchant's Docks serve as the unloading point for goods, the older Fisherman's Docks are used to unload the local fishermen's catches.
Farmer's Ward - Located next to the Fisherman's District, the Farmer's Ward is empty most of the year, only filling up during the winter when the peasantry of the farms located near the city rent rooms in the district for shelter from the weather.
Forger's Quarter - The town's industrial sector, the Forger's Quarter holds the towns mine, along with all its smithies, tanneries, clothiers and the like.
- Smokey Lamb Tavern - The town's main tavern, the Smokey Lamb Tavern is used by those who can't afford a meal at the Redstone Inn, generally the miners from the Redstone Mine.
- The Redstone Mine - Named for the colour of the iron veins found within, the Redstone mine is the town's main source of income. In addition to containing iron, the mine also contains significant amounts of Dark Iron.
Flame's Dawn Abbey - Formerly the site of Krallehalten, the keep used by House Kralle, the Flame's Dawn Abbey was built after the keep's destruction in the Rostkamm Rebellion. The Abbey includes the main abbey itself, along with the Flame's Dawn Chapel, which is used by the town's populace, and the Silver Flame Tower, which is the headquarters of the Order of the Silver Flame.
Fort Redstone - Originally used by soldiers based in Redstone during the time Rustridge was an independant kingdom, Fort Redstone has since fallen into disrepair, only being used by the town guard.
Edyn's Bridge - Named after Edyn vyn Kralle, the head of House Kralle during the colonisation of Rustridge, Edyn's Bridge connects the two halves of the town and is one of the longest bridges in the county.

Gates:[]

Iron Gate - Also known as the Farmer's Gate, the Iron Gate is the south-eastern entrance to the town, leading in from the Thornwald.
Weeping Gate - The northern gate of the town, the Weeping Gate exits through a tunnel to the northern face of the mountain, and leads into the Upper Rustridge Valley.
Forger's Gate - The main entrance to the town, the Forger's Gate leads to the Forger's Quarter from the farms on the north side of the Bloodrush River.

Roads:[]

Iron Road - Entering through the Iron Gate, the Iron Road leads to Ironwolf Hold.
Weeping Road - Passing through the Weeping Gate, the Weeping Road leads to Sylbergrad.
Thorn Road - Leaving via the Forger's Gate, the Thorn Road leads to the village of Thorn Hill, the capital of the Barony of the Thornwald. It also passes through the villages of Forgefield and Blood Crossing.

Sylbergrad[]

Located in the mountains near the source of the Weeping River, Sylbergrad is the only large settlement in Rustridge to keep its original name, which translates to "Silver Town". The capital of the Viscounty of Sylbergrad, the town is ruled by House Valravyn and gains its wealth from its silver mine.

Districts[]

Merchant's Lane - The main street of the town, Merchants Lane runs from the town gate to Sylbergrad Keep and contains the town's hall, inn and shops.
- Sylbergrad Inn - Located in Vala's Square, the Sylbergrad Inn is the town's main inn.
- Vala's Square - Named after the founder of House Valravyn, Lady Vala Valravyn, Vala's Square is located in the center of the town and holds the town hall and inn.
Chapel Quarter - The south eastern district of the town, the Chapel Quarter holds the towns upper class, along with the Silver Chapel.
- The Silver Chapel - A small chapel located in the south western corner of the district, the Silver Chapel is rarely used, due to the fact that the majority of the town are Rustridgi Pagans.
Miner's District - The south western district, Miner's District contains the town's silver mine, along with the majority of the lower class population.
River Ward - The northernmost district, the River Ward houses the town's docks and the middle class.
Sylbergrad Keep - Located in the north eastern part of the town, Sylbergrad Keep is the seat of House Valravyn.

Gates:[]

Merchant's Gate - The only current gate into the town, the Merchant's Gate leads to Merchant's Lane.
North Gate - The former entrance for the Weeping Road, the North Gate has been unused since the Great Wars, due to the destruction of the pass leading to it.

Roads:[]

Weeping Road - Orginally entering trhough the North Gate, the Weeping Road now joins the Rust Road a mile south of the town.
Rust Road - The only road into the city since the Second War, the Rust Road enters through the Merchant's Gate and is the main road through Merchant's Lane, leading to Sylbergrad Keep.
Miner's Road - The road between the Miner's District and River Ward.
Silver Road - The road between the Merchant's Lane and the Silver Chapel.

Greyberg[]

The capital of the Barony of the Talon, Greyberg, formerly known as Grauberg or "Grey Castle" and also known as New Greywatch, is a small town built in a sinkhole in the northern mountains of the Talon. Although not situated on rich mineral deposits, Greyberg is a strategically important area in the county due to its hosting of the Greyberg Naval Dockyards, the base of the Rustridge Naval Squadron.

Districts:[]

Gatehouse Ward - The southern district of the town, the Gatehouse Ward holds Greyberg's main gate.
Understone District - Named for the fact that it is nestled under an overhang of rock, Understone District houses the town hall and inn
- Grey Anchor Inn - The town's main inn, the Grey Anchor in serves as a resting and eating place for the sailors and townsfolk.
Grey Harbour - The town's docks district, Grey Harbour is used by the town's fishing fleet.
Greyberg Keep - The main fortification of the town, Greyberg Keep is the seat of House Greytyde and contains the Greyberg Naval Dockyards.
- Greyberg Naval Dockyards - The base of the Rustridge Naval Squadron, the Greyberg Naval Dockyards are the county's only shipyards. Protected multiple bastions, the dockyards are the most heavily defended port in the county.
- Fort Greyberg - Originally built as a barracks for the Rostkammyr Army, Fort Greyberg has since been converted into part of the defenses of the dockyards.

Gates:[]

Kathan's Gate - Named after the founder of House Greytyde, Kathan's Gate is the only entrance to the town.

Roads:[]

Grey Road - Leading to Greyberg from Talonstadt, the Grey Road enters the town through Kathan's Gate and leads to Greyberg Keep.

Weeper's Town[]

Located in the center of the Weeping Wood, Weeper's Town, also known as Weynengrad was established by, and named after, House Weeper in 2300 P.C.

Districts:[]

Ranger's District - Also known as Waldyr's District, Ranger's District serves as the town's main residential area.
Weeping Quarter - The oldest part of the town, the Weeping Quarter holds the majority of the town's shops, along with its town hall and inn.
Weeper's Keep - Located across the river from the town, Weeper's Keep, formerly known as Weynenberg is the seat of House Weeper.

Gates:[]

North Gate - The entrance to Ranger's District.
West Gate - The entrance to the Weeping Quarter.

Roads[]

Skhatenfyre Road - Entering at the North Gate and leaving via the West Gate, the Skhatenfyre Road leads to the Weeping Marsh.

Minor Settlements[]

Thorn Hill[]

Waldberg[]

Ashenberg[]

Forgefield[]

Blood Crossing[]

Holdings[]

Viscounty of Ashenwald[]

Viscounty of Sylbergrad[]

Barony of Rustridge[]

Barony of Thornwald[]

Barony of the Talon[]

Barony of Greater Turm[]

Barony of Lesser Turm[]

Barony of Crow's Eye[]

Barony of the Weeping Wood[]

Barony of Moorkamm[]

Barony of Moortal[]

Barony of Rotmoor[]

Trade and Industries[]

Industries[]

Metalworking[]

The main industry of Rustridge, and the one it is most well known for, is mining and smithing. With the county holding no fewer than thirty mines, Rustridge's economy is driven by metalworking, with much of the county's resources and population going towards production.

Farming[]

Due to a lack of suitable land for growing most major crops, such as wheat, much of Rustridge's farming is subsistence based and centers around goat herding and what crops can be grown in the small areas that can support them.

One of the main areas of Rustridge that supports crops the a large plateau that makes up the northern half of the Barony of Rustridge. Although originally heavily forested, the plateau was cleared centuries ago and converted into large, hedge-lined fields. Supplying the fields with water is a network of aqueducts, which take water from the small streams that run into the river and carry it all around the plateau.

The other main area for farming in the county is Bloodwater Bay. Although at first it lacked much of the land required for farming, three millennia of habitation has gradually transformed it and given it the ability to produce enough food to feed much of the county. Examples of this transformation include the fact that almost half the farmed areas are now reclaimed land, with the waters of the bay being held back by large dykes. With this land, especially in the fertile area of the Bloodrush Estuary, crops that are impossible to grow in other areas of Rustridge, such as wheat or barley, can be grown, along with the ability to raise livestock such as cattle. Due to the success of this area, further plans have been proposed to drain much of the marshland upriver, although nothing has been decided as of yet.

Lumber[]

Trade[]

Imports[]

Food
Clothing

Exports[]

Metals
- Iron
- Dark Iron
- Copper
- Silver
- Gold
- Lead
- Tin
- Steel
Other minerals
- Coal
- Stone
Hides and pelts
Ironwood

Military[]

The Sixth Regiment[]

Current Regimental Commander - Marshal Vyktor Forge

The 6th Regiment of the Elwynn Brigade serves as the County's contribution to the Stormwind Army. Currently numbering at about 1,800 fully enlisted personal and including additional auxiliaries, the 6th is divided into the following battalions:

The coat of arms and tabards of the 6th Regiment displays a variation of the standard Stormwind Tabard, with the lion having been changed from gold to red. The regiment's motto is "Ours is to Serve".

1st Battalion, Cavalry - Led by Lieutenant Commander Karl Bloodthorn - 300 Knights and Cavalry
2nd Battalion, Infantry - Led by Commander Frynz Krahyn - 300 Footmen and Armsmen
3rd Battalion, Infantry - Led by Commander Augyst Towyr - 300 Footmen and Armsmen
4th Battalion, Reserve Infantry - Led by Lieutenant Commander Julya Fykhe - 300 Footmen and Armsmen
5th Battalion, Reserve Infantry - Led by Lieutenant Commander Jayne Ashen - 300 Footmen and Armsmen
6th Battalion, Riflemen - Led by Lieutenant Commander Vyktora Forge - 300 Riflemen

Regimental Staff:[]

Regimental Sergeant Major - Albert Bloodwolf
Regimental Archmagus - Laura Bloodthorn
Regimental Chaplain - Emmanus Bellayn
Regimental Master of Arms - Frynz Krahyn
Regimental Master of Horses - Karl Bloodthorn
Regimental Chief Engineer - Vyktora Forge
Regimental Quartermaster - Aran Greyfall
Regimental Apothecary - Tobius Arz

Regimental Ranks:[]

Marshal - The commander of the regiment, the Marshal (or Lord-Marshal, if they are a noble) serves as the guiding hand of the regiment, only answering to the Rostrat and the officers of Stormwind High Command.
Commander - Leaders of the 2nd and 3rd Battalions, Commanders serve as the Marshal's seconds, commanding in his absence.
Lieutenant Commander - Leaders of the other battalions and seconds in command to the 2nd and 3rd Battalions, the Lieutenant Commanders serve the same roles as Commanders, but with the less important battalions.
Major - Also known as Captains Major, Majors are second in command to the Lieutenant Commanders.
Knight-Captain - The leaders of cavalry squadrons (companies) and members of the Order of the Anvil and the Brotherhood of the Horse.
Captain - The leaders of companies.
Knight-Lieutenant - The leaders of cavalry troops (platoons), like Knight-Captains, they are members of the Order of the Anvil and the Brotherhood of the Horse.
Lieutenant - The leaders of platoons.
Ensign - The second in command to Knight-Captains and members of the Order of the Anvil and the Brotherhood of the Horse.
Cornet - The second in command to Knight-Lieutenants and members of the Order of the Anvil and the Brotherhood of the Horse.
Regimental Sergeant Major - The highest enlisted officer in the regiment, the Regimental Sergeant Major is charged with the well being of the troops.
Sergeant Major - Gunnery Sergeant Major - Sergeants Major are serve as the Battalion Sergeants Major while the Gunnery Sergeant Major serves as the Battalion Sergeant Major of the 6th Battalion.
Master Sergeant - Gunnery Sergeant - Master Sergeants serve as Company Sergeant while Master Gunnery Sergeants serves as Company Sergeants in the Sixth Battalion.
Sergeant - Sergeants serve as the second in command of platoons.
Corporal - Brigadier - Corporals serve as the leaders of squads, while Brigadiers serve as the leaders of cavalry sections.
Private First Class - Knight - The footmen of the Sixth Regiment, Privates First Class have shown themselves to be able to serve on the front line. Meanwhile, Knights have shown themselves capable of being cavalrymen and have earned their introduction to both the Brotherhood of the Horse and the Order of the Anvil.
Private - Rifleman - The basic armsmen of the Sixth, a Private serves in the rear lines of a battleline, providing support with his pike or crossbow. A riflemen serves as a skirmisher, using his rifle to support the main infantry.
Recruit - Serving the same roll as a Private, a Recruit has yet to prove himself and earn his Private's chevron.

Regimental Organisation:[]

Infantry:

Squad - 5 men - Corporal
Platoon - 24 men - Lieutenant & Sergeant + 2 advisers - 4 squads
Company - 100 men - Captain & Master Sergeant + 2 advisers - 4 platoons
Reserve Battalion - 304 men - Lieutenant Commander, Major & Sergeant Major + 2 advisers- 3 companies
Battalion - 304 men - Commander, Lieutenant Commander & Sergeant Major + 2 advisers - 3 companies

Cavalry:

Section - 5 men - Brigadier
Troop - 24 men - Knight Lieutenant & Troop Serjeant + 2 advisers - 4 sections
Squadron - 100 men - Knight Captain & Cornet + 2 advisers - 4 troops
Battalion - 304 men - Marshal* & Lieutenant Commander + 2 advisers - 3 squadrons

Both:

Regiment - around 1800 men - Marshal & RSM + staff officers & advisers - 6 battalions

*Marshal also commands the regiment

The Rustridge Naval Squadron[]

Current Fleet Commander - Rear Admiral Kathan Greytyde

In comparison to the 6th Regiment, which serves as the County's contribution to the Stormwind Army, the Rustridge Naval Squadron serves as its contribution to the Navy. Consisting of one third rate ship of the line, two frigates and four sloops, the Rustridge Naval Squadron may not be the largest force of ships, but it forms a significant force when defend a choke point such as the entrances to Bloodwater Bay.

The coat of arms of the Rustridge Naval Squadron displays a variation of the 6th Regiment's, with a red anchor instead of a lion. The squadron's motto is "Rule the Waves".

Ship Classes:[]

The classes of ships used by the squadron are:

Thorn Class Battleship (Third-rate)
Talon Class Frigate (Fifth-rate)
Forge Class Sloop-of-War (Sixth-rate)

Order of Battle:[]

HMS Vengeance - 64 guns
HMS Talon - 40 guns
HMS Crow's Eye - 40 guns
HMS Grey Will - 24 guns
HMS Sword of Rustridge - 24 guns
HMS Ironheart - 24 guns
HMS Lady Vannesira - 24 guns

Standard Ranks:[]

Rear Admiral - The squadron's commander, the position of Rear Admiral is held by Kathan Greytyde, who leads the squadron from his flagship, HMS Vengeance.
Captain - The captains of the squadrons frigates and battleship, there are three captains in the squadron, one for each frigate and one for the HMS Vengeance.
Commander - Serving as the commanders of the flotillas of sloops, there are three commanders in the squadron, two who command each of the units of sloops and one who serves as the First Lieutenant aboard the HMS Vengeance.
Lieutenant Commander - A rank used for Lieutenants who command their own ships, there are two Lieutenant Commanders in the squadron, one to command each of the secondary sloops.
Lieutenant - Serving as the secondary officers aboard the frigates and the battleship, Lieutenants take the rolls of boarding party leaders and gunnery officers.
Ensign - Normally serving as signalmen, Ensigns also serve as board party leaders and gunnery officers aboard the sloops.
Midshipman - Officers in training, Midshipmen serve as the leaders of small gun teams and groups of sailors, along with Petty Officers.
Warrant Officer - Made officers by their "warrant", Warrant Officers serve as Gunners, Sailmakers, Pursers, Hydromancers, Chaplains and the ship's Master.
Petty Officer - The equivalent of army sergeants, Petty Officers command each of the guns aboard the ships, as well as other groups of sailors.
Able Seaman - A more experienced seaman, an Able Seaman serve mostly the same rolls as seamen.
Seaman - The basic sailors of the squadron, seamen serve in most of the roles in the fleet, from gun crew members to helmsmen, along with working at shore installations and batteries such as the Greyberg Naval Dockyards or the county's lighthouses.

Marine Ranks:[]

Major - The commander of the marine company aboard the HMS Vengeance, the current Major of Marines is Sir Yvan Fykhe
Lieutenant - The commanders of the marines aboard the squadron's frigates and the seconds in command aboard the HMS Vengeance, there are six Lieutenants of Marines the in the fleet.
Gunnery Sergeant - The marine's equivalent of a Master Sergeant, the squadron's Gunnery Sergeant is the highest enlisted member of the marines.
Sergeant - The marine commanders aboard the sloops and seconds in command to Lieutenants, there are ten Sergeants of Marines in the squadron
Corporal - The commanders of sections, Corporals of Marines are the lowest ranked leaders of units.
Marine - The standard rank, marines are the main fighting and boarding force of the Rustridgi Naval Squadron.

The Rustridgi Militia[]

Current Commander - Lord-Captain Edun vyn Kralle

While the 6th Regiment serves as Rustridge's frontline force of soldiers, the Rustridgi Militia serves as a home defense, rear line force. Made up of part-time reservists, feudal levies and household guards, it is used to provide a response force to any threats that appear while the 6th Regiment is occupied and a support force when needed.

The militia is divided into five main Battalions, with each noble house supplying levies to one of them, in numbers dependent upon the population of the noble's lands, with one platoon or twenty five men being require for every 750 people.

Number of Troops per House:[]

House Bellayn (City of Talonstadt) - 300 men (12 platoons) - 3rd Battalion
House Greytyde (Barony of the Talon) - 200 men (8 platoons) - 2nd Battalion
House Smith (Barony of Rustridge) - 200 men (8 platoons) -1st Battalion
House Valravyn (Viscounty of Sylbergrad) - 200 men (8 platoons) - 5th Battalion
House Ashen (Viscounty of Ashenwald) - 100 men (4 platoons) - 4th Battalion
House Natyr (Barony of Greater Turm) - 100 men (4 platoons) - 4th Battalion
House Bloodthorn (Barony of Thornwald) - 75 men (3 platoons) - 2nd Battalion
House Towyr (Barony of Lesser Turm) - 50 men (2 platoons) - 4th Battalion
House Fykhe (Barony of Crow's Eye) - 50 men (2 platoons) - 4th Battlion
House Weeper (Barony of the Weeping Wood) - 50 men (2 platoons) - 5th Battalion
House Kralle (Bailiwick of Blood Crossing) - 50 men (2 platoons) - 1st Battalion
House Forgethorn (Bailiwick of Forgefield) - 50 men (2 platoons) - 1st Battalion
House Krahyn (Barony of Moorkamm) - 25 men (1 platoon) - 5th Battalion
House Smith of Moortal (Barony of Moortal) - 25 men (1 platoon) - 5th Battalion
House Darkfyre (Bailiwick of the Weeping Marsh) - 25 men (1 platoon) - 2nd Battalion

The Weeping Rangers[]

Current Chief Ranger - Karla Bloodthorn

Formed after the conquest of Upper Rustridge, the Weeping Rangers, formally known as the Ranger Order of the Marsh, are a unit of scouts and archers dedicated to policing the Weeping Marsh, and area of marshland in the Upper Rustridge Valley. The order was the successor to the "Syppe vyn Mooryr" or "Order of Marsh Rangers", a group of woodsmen who served the Ravyns while they still lived in Arathi.

Originally formed to contain the troll and undead threats in the marsh, the Weeping Rangers have since taken on the rolls of scouts and marksmen when the forces of Rustridge go to war.

Ranks of the Weeping Rangers[]

Chief Ranger/Ranger Captain - the leader of the rangers, the Chief Ranger commands the entire order. The current Chief Ranger is Karla Bloodthorn
Weeping Council/Ranger Lieutenants - the Weeping Council generally consists of between three and five of the order's best rangers, along with the Chief Ranger and the head of the Weeping Hierophants
Master Ranger - Much like the Master Magi of the Order of the Bleeding Eye, the Master Rangers are rangers who have trained at least one apprentice.
Master Hierophant - The druidic counterpart to the Master Rangers, Master Hierophants are much the same, being druids who have trained at least one initiate.
Ranger - Also known as "Waldyr" in Ancient Rustridgi, rangers are members of the Order who have completed their apprenticeship.
Hierophant - Also known as "Waldkynn" or "Forest Priests" in Rustridgi, Hierophants are the druids of the Order.
Apprentice - Rangers-in-training, Apprentices are members of the Order who have yet to complete their apprenticeships.
Initiate - Much like the Apprentice, an Initiate is a Hierophant-in-training.

The Order of the Bleeding Eye[]

Current High Archmagus - Samantha Smith

Also known as the Rustridge Circle of Magi, the Order of the Bleeding Eye serves as the institute for the training of Rustridgi magic users and is known to send its members to provide support for both the 6th Regiment and the Rustridge Naval Squadron.

Unlike many Stormwindian groups of magi, the Bleeding Eye is known for its extremely lenient stance on the use of Blood magic. This stance has brought it into conflict with local members of the Church of the Holy Light multiple times, and many of the members of the order are seen as heathens and heretics by hard line church supporters, such as the Bellayns.

Originally based at the Bleeding Tower of Redstone Keep, from which they took their name, the Order has been forced to operate out of the keep's library tower ever since the Bleeding Towers virtual destruction in the Second War.

The coat of arms of the Order displays a red eye much like the one used by the Kirin Tor on brown. The motto of the circle is "Be Wary of Power, not Fearful".

Subdivisions of the Order:[]

The order is divided into eight main subgroups, known as circles, with the majority being based on elements of magic.

Fyrekreys (Circle of Fire) - The largest of the seven circles , the Fyrekreys is responsible for training the Order's pyromancers.
Frystkreys (Circle of Frost) - The second smallest of the elemental circles, the Frystkreys is responsible for the training of the Order's cryomancers.
Eysenkreys (Circle of Iron) - Unlike many groups of magi, the Bleeding Eye includes many geomancers with the ability to summon and manipulate metal. The Eysenkreys is the circle responsible for training these magi.
Skhatenkreys (Circle of Shadow) - One of the smaller circles, the Skhatenkreys contains umbromancers also known as shadow mages.
Blutkreys (Circle of Blood) - The most controversial, and the smallest of the elemental circle, the Blutkreys trains the Order's hemomancers.
Valkreys (Circle of (the) Wolf) - While the rest of the circles are responsible for the training of magi, the Valkreys trains the Order's shaman. Only accepting dwarves or part-dwarves for much of its existence, in recent years the Valkreys has begun to except humans who have been afflicted with the Curse of the Worgen.
Kontyngentkreys (Circle of (the) Regiment) - One of the two circles not devoted to a magical element, the members of the Kontyngentkreys assist the 6th Regiment in battle.
Marynekreys (Circle of (the) Navy) - The smallest of all the circles, the members of the Marynekreys are required to be hydromancers or aero/electromancers and serve as magical support for the Rustridge Naval Squadron.

Ranks of the Order[]

High Archmagus - The leader and most senior of the Order, the High Archmagus leads the Inner Circle of the Bleeding Eye. The current High Archmagus is Samantha Smith.
Archmagus - Senior members of the Inner Circle and the leaders of each of the subgroups, there are only seven Archmagi at a time, as the High Archmagus leads the circle they were part of before becoming the leader of the Order.
High Magus - Junior members of the Inner Circle, there are three High Magi for each elemental subgroup, six for each of the other subgroups, and an additional twelve who serve as the Court Wizards for each Barony and Viscounty in Rustridge, for a total of forty two. Each of the elemental subgroups contains High Magi of the Sorcerers, a High Magi of Conjurers and a High Magi of the Spellswords, while the Kontyngentkreys contains a High Magi for every Battalion in the Sixth Regiment and the Marynekreys has one for each ship aside from the HMS Vengance.
Master Magus - Once a Magus has trained an apprentice, they graduate to the level of Master Magus, and become senior members for their subgroup's Outer Circle.
Magus - A Senior Apprentice who passes the Order's trials becomes a Magus and a full member of the Bleeding Eye. This entitles them to the ability to take their position on their subgroup's Outer Circle and to take an apprentice of their own.
Senior Apprentice - After serving as a Junior Apprentice for at least six months, a aspiring member of the Order will graduate to Senior Apprentice and be assigned to a Magus. However, the required six months before graduating is liable to be ignored during war or other times of need.
Junior Apprentice - New aspirants to the order are assigned the rank of Junior Apprentice and are required to attend group classes for six months until they progress to Senior Apprentice.

The Order of the Silver Flame[]

Current Knight-Master - Lord Macques Bellayn

A small order of paladins based in Rustridge, the Order of the Silver Flame was formed after the Second War as a sub order of the Stormwind Chapter of the Silver Hand.

Originally founded and led by Lord Wylhelm Smith, Baron of Rustridge, in recent years the order has been headed by Lord Macques Bellayn, ever since Lord Wylhelm's resignation in 624 K.C.

The coat of arms of the Order of the Silver Flame displays the silver fist of the Silver Hand surrounded by five silver and red flames, on a red background. Their motto, "The Light's Will is Our Own", refers to the fact that members of the order are expected to follow the Light's teaching and do its will.

Ranks of the Silver Flame[]

Knight-Master - The Knight-Master of the Order of the Silver Flame is responsible for the leadership and direction of the order. Considered first among equals, the Knight-Master is held to greater standards than the rest of the order.
Silver Flame Council - Serving as advisors to the Knight-Master, the members of the Silver Flame Council take on special roles to better serve their Order.
- Librarian - The Librarian of the Silver Flame is generally the Order's oldest and most knowledgeable member. The current Librarian of the Order is Sir Wylhelm Smith, the former Knight-Master.
- Knight-Steward - The Knight-Steward is responsible for the upkeep of the Flame's Dawn Abbey. The current Knight-Steward is Edwyn vyn Kralle.
- Armsmaster - The order's Armsmaster is responsible for the upkeep of the Order's weapons. The current Armsmaster is Ferard Silverwolf.
- Knight-Champion - Responsible for the weapons training of Aspirants, the Knight-Champion also serves as the Castellan of the Flame's Dawn Abbey. The current Knight-Champion is Edwyrd vyn Kralle
- Chamberlain - The Chamberlain of the Order is a minor rank who's role is to take messages for and represent the Knight-Master. Unlike the other members of the Silver Flame Council, they do not hold as much sway in the leadership of the order. The current Chamberlain is Emmaryna Bellayn.
Knight-Templar - Knights-Templar are members of the Order who have successfully trained an Aspirant to Knighthood.
Knight-Paladin - The main members of the Silver Flame, Knights-Paladin are Aspirants who have been trained to knighthood.
Aspirant - A squire of the order, Aspirants are not fully considered members of the Silver Flame until they have earned their knighthood.

County of Rustridge
Flag	Coat of Arms

Motto "Skhmydyr vyn Blut" ("Forged by Blood")

Anthem Dyr Hymn vyn dyr Rostkammyr (The Song of the Rustridgi)

Cities and Towns

Capital	Redstone-by-the-Lake
Largest city	Talonstadt
Major Settlements	Sylbergrad Weeper's Town Greyburg
Minor Settlements	Thorn Hill Ashenburg
Demographics

Population	60 000
Density	160 per square mile
Culture	Rostkammyr
Language(s)	Common Rostkammyr Dwarven
Ethnic group(s)	Rostkammyr Ironwolf Clan
Demonym	Rustridgi Rostlander Rostkammyr
Religion(s)	Church of the Holy Light Rostkammyr Paganism Cult of Belore
Government

Type	Hereditary Monarchy
Countess	Vannesira Smith
Heir	Wylhelm Smith
Lord Steward	Geoffrey Smith
Legislature	Rostrat
Geography

Location	Greyhallow Peninsula, Bay of Stormwind
Area	575 square miles
Land	375 square miles
Water	200 square miles
Economics

Currency	Stormwind Coinage Gold Sovereigns Silver Groats Copper Pennies
Imports	Food Grain Wine
Exports	Minerals Iron Dark Iron Coal Rubies Wood Ironwood
Emblems

Flora	Rose
Fauna	Raven
Gemstone(s)	Ruby
Metal(s)	Dark Iron
Colour(s)	Red Black Grey
Other

Allegiance	Grand Alliance Kingdom of Stormwind
Status	Active

<font="5px">This article is part of a series on The Rostkammyr
Lands, Castles and Cities
Principality of Rostkamm · County of Rustridge · Duchy of Greyhallow · Duchy of Morundwald · Kingdom of Varland · Mactírainn · Ravynstadt · Talonstadt · Kingdom of Varland · Greyhallow Peninsula
Organizations and Religions
Greyhallow Demi-Brigade · Greyhallow Fleet · Greyhallow Provincial Guard · Rostkammyr Military · Furstgard · Furstrat · Baurrat · Magi Orders of Rostkamm · Ranger Orders of Rostkamm · Rostkammyr Paganism · Diocese of Greyhallow · Rostung
Nobility and Peerage
Rostkammyr Peerage · House of Smith · Ironwolf Clan · Noble Houses of Rostkamm
Banners and Heraldry
Rostkammyr Heraldry · Cross of Vannesyr
Notable Events
Battle of Rusuzarg's Landing · Rostkammyr Rebellion
See also, Rostkammyr (Language), Rostkammyr Calendar, Currency of Rostkamm, Heeryndeltyr