Mitwold - Revision history

Hailmur at 21:12, 14 February 2026

2026-02-14T21:12:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:12, 14 February 2026
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	==OOC Notes==		==OOC Notes==
	* ~~All~~ the ~~regions~~ of Mitwold ~~are under~~ Imperial ~~control~~.		* As of the start of the Winter Solstice 387YE, the Jotun control Oddmire and Meade March, and the Marches control the rest of the territory. Mitwold is an Imperial territory.
	* [[#Forte Fidelis\|Forte Fidelis]] in [[#Golden Downs\|Golden Downs]] is a rank one [[fortification]].		* [[#Forte Fidelis\|Forte Fidelis]] in [[#Golden Downs\|Golden Downs]] is a rank one [[fortification]].
	* [[farm\|Farms]] in the territory benefit from the [[The_Marches_economic_interests#Granaries and Storehouses - the Imperial Breadbasket\|Imperial Breadbasket]] and the Black Canal and produce an extra 72 rings each season.		* [[farm\|Farms]] in the territory benefit from the [[The_Marches_economic_interests#Granaries and Storehouses - the Imperial Breadbasket\|Imperial Breadbasket]] and the Black Canal and produce an extra 72 rings each season.
	* [[Business\|Businesses]] in the territory benefit from the Black Canal and produce an extra 36 rings each season		* [[Business\|Businesses]] in the territory benefit from the Black Canal and produce an extra 36 rings each season

			==Further Reading==
			* [[Rose grow the rushes o']] - 387YE Winter wind of war about the Jotun invasion of Oddmire and Meade March

	<ic>Ned shook his head, feeling the wounds under the brigantine. "The gambeson and the brig are holding everything closed Henry. Without the full services of the hospital in Anvil I won't be able to close them fast enough if we take it off. I'm so sorry my friend."		<ic>Ned shook his head, feeling the wounds under the brigantine. "The gambeson and the brig are holding everything closed Henry. Without the full services of the hospital in Anvil I won't be able to close them fast enough if we take it off. I'm so sorry my friend."

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	[[Category:Gazetteer]]		[[Category:Gazetteer]]
	[[Category:Imperial Territory]]		[[Category:Imperial Territory]]
			[[Category:Jotun]]

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial navy" to "[[navy"

2026-01-16T09:42:02Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial navy" to "[[navy"

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:42, 16 January 2026
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	===Meade March===		===Meade March===
	*'''Quality:''' City, Coastal		*'''Quality:''' City, Coastal
	Often called the heart of Mitwold, Meade March is the location of the small city of [[#Meade\|Meade]], built at the mouth of the river that shares its name. Meade is prosperous, and its port bustling, and since the [[Dredge the Westmere\|dredging of the Westmere]], the waters are now deep and wide enough to allow passage to an [[~~Imperial~~ navy\|navy]]. Before the Westmere was dredged the alders of the city occasionally discussed how dredging the river would allow the construction of a [[shipyard]], but there was never enough support for such a large-scale undertaking. With the river dredging complete there is now discussion on whether a shipyard will be built after all, or at least a [[fortification]] given that Meade is now potentially at risk of being sacked by a barbarian navy.		Often called the heart of Mitwold, Meade March is the location of the small city of [[#Meade\|Meade]], built at the mouth of the river that shares its name. Meade is prosperous, and its port bustling, and since the [[Dredge the Westmere\|dredging of the Westmere]], the waters are now deep and wide enough to allow passage to an [[navy\|navy]]. Before the Westmere was dredged the alders of the city occasionally discussed how dredging the river would allow the construction of a [[shipyard]], but there was never enough support for such a large-scale undertaking. With the river dredging complete there is now discussion on whether a shipyard will be built after all, or at least a [[fortification]] given that Meade is now potentially at risk of being sacked by a barbarian navy.

	Outside of Meade, the Meade March is covered with farms and scattered villages, and even a few small towns. The yeomen here have a somewhat undeserved reputation in the rest of the Marches for considering themselves "''better''" than everyone else because of their proximity to Meade - of giving themselves "''airs and graces''". A common stereotype that appears occasionally in plays and stories is that of the Meade yeoman who farms their field wearing a rich outfit, more suited to a feast day than a work day. There is little factual foundation to this prejudice - although many yeomen of the Meade March visit the city at least once a season and thus have access to a significantly wider array of goods and cloth than residents of more isolated parts of the Marches.		Outside of Meade, the Meade March is covered with farms and scattered villages, and even a few small towns. The yeomen here have a somewhat undeserved reputation in the rest of the Marches for considering themselves "''better''" than everyone else because of their proximity to Meade - of giving themselves "''airs and graces''". A common stereotype that appears occasionally in plays and stories is that of the Meade yeoman who farms their field wearing a rich outfit, more suited to a feast day than a work day. There is little factual foundation to this prejudice - although many yeomen of the Meade March visit the city at least once a season and thus have access to a significantly wider array of goods and cloth than residents of more isolated parts of the Marches.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

2026-01-15T21:29:41Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:29, 15 January 2026
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	An ancient menhir that stands in a scorched area of land in a grove of ash trees. Every year before the Spring festival the farmers of the area weave the largest straw dolly known in the territories. The Straw Maiden, as the creation is known, is 12 feet tall adorned with wild flowers with intricate patterns of vines woven into her skirt. The Maiden’s skirt is hollow at the base and she is placed atop the stone. The [[Landskeeper\|landskeepers]] of the [[#Maiden Downs\|Maiden Downs]] then perform a night-long ritual designed to bring prosperity to the fields and flocks of the people of the Downs. The Maiden then stands in the grove until the end of Summer, visited by travellers who leave gifts of food, [[The_Marches_hearth_magic#Poppets\|poppets]], minor trinkets, and other offerings at her foot in the hope that she may bring them some small favour. Although the Maiden is exposed to all weathers and temperaments, she does not rot, blow away or decay in any way, staying as fresh and brightly golden as the day she was placed upon the stone. Then, at the festival of Autumn Harvest there is another ceremony, the culmination of which sees the Maiden set alight, burning until there is nothing left.		An ancient menhir that stands in a scorched area of land in a grove of ash trees. Every year before the Spring festival the farmers of the area weave the largest straw dolly known in the territories. The Straw Maiden, as the creation is known, is 12 feet tall adorned with wild flowers with intricate patterns of vines woven into her skirt. The Maiden’s skirt is hollow at the base and she is placed atop the stone. The [[Landskeeper\|landskeepers]] of the [[#Maiden Downs\|Maiden Downs]] then perform a night-long ritual designed to bring prosperity to the fields and flocks of the people of the Downs. The Maiden then stands in the grove until the end of Summer, visited by travellers who leave gifts of food, [[The_Marches_hearth_magic#Poppets\|poppets]], minor trinkets, and other offerings at her foot in the hope that she may bring them some small favour. Although the Maiden is exposed to all weathers and temperaments, she does not rot, blow away or decay in any way, staying as fresh and brightly golden as the day she was placed upon the stone. Then, at the festival of Autumn Harvest there is another ceremony, the culmination of which sees the Maiden set alight, burning until there is nothing left.

	Needless to say, the ceremonies of the Maiden Stone are roundly criticized by priests of the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]]. There have been efforts by priests from outside the Marches to ban the practice, denounced as the worst kind of [[Religious_crime#Idolatry\|idolatry]]. The [[Sevenfold Path]] has occasionally attempted to get the [[Conclave]] to [[Declaration#Declaration of Interdiction\|interdict]] the ceremonies without success. In 186YE and 247YE, the ceremonies were stopped for a short time but in both cases resumed less than a year later.		Needless to say, the ceremonies of the Maiden Stone are roundly criticized by priests of the [[Synod]]. There have been efforts by priests from outside the Marches to ban the practice, denounced as the worst kind of [[Religious_crime#Idolatry\|idolatry]]. The [[Sevenfold Path]] has occasionally attempted to get the [[Conclave]] to [[Declaration#Declaration of Interdiction\|interdict]] the ceremonies without success. In 186YE and 247YE, the ceremonies were stopped for a short time but in both cases resumed less than a year later.

	The landskeepers of Meadow Downs claim that they are simply performing the three powerful farm-blessing [[enchantment\|enchantments]] ([[Blessing of New Spring]], [[Strong Ox, Golden Sun]], and [[Gathering the Harvest]]) and that the gifts left by visitors are simply a harmless tradition. There is some evidence that the landskeepers also perform a rite in the depths of Winter without any witnesses; lurid speculation surrounds this ceremony.		The landskeepers of Meadow Downs claim that they are simply performing the three powerful farm-blessing [[enchantment\|enchantments]] ([[Blessing of New Spring]], [[Strong Ox, Golden Sun]], and [[Gathering the Harvest]]) and that the gifts left by visitors are simply a harmless tradition. There is some evidence that the landskeepers also perform a rite in the depths of Winter without any witnesses; lurid speculation surrounds this ceremony.
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	Beginning to rival Odd's End in prominence is '''Steward's Landing'''. In early 384YE, Imperial heroes [[By_fountains,_by_fishes#Steward.27s_Landing\|stopped a Jotun raid]] from destroying this small coastal village. ''Jarvey "Strongoar" Oddsboy'', the steward of the small [[Marcher household]] who oversees Steward's Landing repaid that aid by throwing his full support [[By fountains, by fishes\|behind the ambitious raids]] into [[Skallahn]]. By all accounts Jarvey and the rest of House Oddsboy did quite well out of [[Take it further\|both raids]]. Part of his profits were put towards expanding Steward's Landing, and along with several fellow coastal stewards, they turned the village into a permanent staging post for Marcher [[fleet\|ship captains]] - such as they are - to raid the coastline of Kalsea and [[Fleet#Raid_Kalsea's_coastline\|take the wealth]] of the [[Jotun]]. The loot that passes through Steward's Landing has helped fund addition jetties, a boatyard, and expanded the prestige of House Oddsboy significantly.		Beginning to rival Odd's End in prominence is '''Steward's Landing'''. In early 384YE, Imperial heroes [[By_fountains,_by_fishes#Steward.27s_Landing\|stopped a Jotun raid]] from destroying this small coastal village. ''Jarvey "Strongoar" Oddsboy'', the steward of the small [[Marcher household]] who oversees Steward's Landing repaid that aid by throwing his full support [[By fountains, by fishes\|behind the ambitious raids]] into [[Skallahn]]. By all accounts Jarvey and the rest of House Oddsboy did quite well out of [[Take it further\|both raids]]. Part of his profits were put towards expanding Steward's Landing, and along with several fellow coastal stewards, they turned the village into a permanent staging post for Marcher [[fleet\|ship captains]] - such as they are - to raid the coastline of Kalsea and [[Fleet#Raid_Kalsea's_coastline\|take the wealth]] of the [[Jotun]]. The loot that passes through Steward's Landing has helped fund addition jetties, a boatyard, and expanded the prestige of House Oddsboy significantly.
	<box>'''Odd of Odd's End'''<br>		<box>'''Odd of Odd's End'''<br>
	Odd of Odd's End is a popular folk hero from the early days of the Empire, born around 45YE. She was an outspoken devotee of the virtue of [[Pride]], and in later life founded the [[monastery]] that still bears her name. Settling her folk on the shore when the Marchers first reached the Westmere, declaring that this would be the place where she would end her days, she was instrumental in the draining of Oddmire among other significant deeds. A series of stories, popular with Mitwold's mummers, recount the many deeds of this folk hero, especially her battles against marshwalkers, and her rivalry with the alders of Meade.<br><br>Despite her popularity, there has been no serious effort to have Odd recognised as an [[Paragons_and_Exemplars#Exemplars\|exemplar]] by the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]]. When the matter has been raised, the abbot of Odd's End generally shrugs and responds with a variant of "We know she's an exemplar, why should we look to outsiders to confirm it?" Regardless, "Mother Odd" was recognised as an exemplar of Pride in 376YE, shortly before the requirements for [[recognition]] were made stricter. This appears to have had little effect on the people of Odd's End.</box>		Odd of Odd's End is a popular folk hero from the early days of the Empire, born around 45YE. She was an outspoken devotee of the virtue of [[Pride]], and in later life founded the [[monastery]] that still bears her name. Settling her folk on the shore when the Marchers first reached the Westmere, declaring that this would be the place where she would end her days, she was instrumental in the draining of Oddmire among other significant deeds. A series of stories, popular with Mitwold's mummers, recount the many deeds of this folk hero, especially her battles against marshwalkers, and her rivalry with the alders of Meade.<br><br>Despite her popularity, there has been no serious effort to have Odd recognised as an [[Paragons_and_Exemplars#Exemplars\|exemplar]] by the [[Synod]]. When the matter has been raised, the abbot of Odd's End generally shrugs and responds with a variant of "We know she's an exemplar, why should we look to outsiders to confirm it?" Regardless, "Mother Odd" was recognised as an exemplar of Pride in 376YE, shortly before the requirements for [[recognition]] were made stricter. This appears to have had little effect on the people of Odd's End.</box>

	==Special Qualities==		==Special Qualities==

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Conclave" to "[[Conclave"

2026-01-15T16:42:23Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Conclave" to "[[Conclave"

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:42, 15 January 2026
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	An ancient menhir that stands in a scorched area of land in a grove of ash trees. Every year before the Spring festival the farmers of the area weave the largest straw dolly known in the territories. The Straw Maiden, as the creation is known, is 12 feet tall adorned with wild flowers with intricate patterns of vines woven into her skirt. The Maiden’s skirt is hollow at the base and she is placed atop the stone. The [[Landskeeper\|landskeepers]] of the [[#Maiden Downs\|Maiden Downs]] then perform a night-long ritual designed to bring prosperity to the fields and flocks of the people of the Downs. The Maiden then stands in the grove until the end of Summer, visited by travellers who leave gifts of food, [[The_Marches_hearth_magic#Poppets\|poppets]], minor trinkets, and other offerings at her foot in the hope that she may bring them some small favour. Although the Maiden is exposed to all weathers and temperaments, she does not rot, blow away or decay in any way, staying as fresh and brightly golden as the day she was placed upon the stone. Then, at the festival of Autumn Harvest there is another ceremony, the culmination of which sees the Maiden set alight, burning until there is nothing left.		An ancient menhir that stands in a scorched area of land in a grove of ash trees. Every year before the Spring festival the farmers of the area weave the largest straw dolly known in the territories. The Straw Maiden, as the creation is known, is 12 feet tall adorned with wild flowers with intricate patterns of vines woven into her skirt. The Maiden’s skirt is hollow at the base and she is placed atop the stone. The [[Landskeeper\|landskeepers]] of the [[#Maiden Downs\|Maiden Downs]] then perform a night-long ritual designed to bring prosperity to the fields and flocks of the people of the Downs. The Maiden then stands in the grove until the end of Summer, visited by travellers who leave gifts of food, [[The_Marches_hearth_magic#Poppets\|poppets]], minor trinkets, and other offerings at her foot in the hope that she may bring them some small favour. Although the Maiden is exposed to all weathers and temperaments, she does not rot, blow away or decay in any way, staying as fresh and brightly golden as the day she was placed upon the stone. Then, at the festival of Autumn Harvest there is another ceremony, the culmination of which sees the Maiden set alight, burning until there is nothing left.

	Needless to say, the ceremonies of the Maiden Stone are roundly criticized by priests of the [[Imperial Synod]]. There have been efforts by priests from outside the Marches to ban the practice, denounced as the worst kind of [[Religious_crime#Idolatry\|idolatry]]. The [[Sevenfold Path]] has occasionally attempted to get the [[~~Imperial~~ Conclave]] to [[Declaration#Declaration of Interdiction\|interdict]] the ceremonies without success. In 186YE and 247YE, the ceremonies were stopped for a short time but in both cases resumed less than a year later.		Needless to say, the ceremonies of the Maiden Stone are roundly criticized by priests of the [[Imperial Synod]]. There have been efforts by priests from outside the Marches to ban the practice, denounced as the worst kind of [[Religious_crime#Idolatry\|idolatry]]. The [[Sevenfold Path]] has occasionally attempted to get the [[Conclave]] to [[Declaration#Declaration of Interdiction\|interdict]] the ceremonies without success. In 186YE and 247YE, the ceremonies were stopped for a short time but in both cases resumed less than a year later.

	The landskeepers of Meadow Downs claim that they are simply performing the three powerful farm-blessing [[enchantment\|enchantments]] ([[Blessing of New Spring]], [[Strong Ox, Golden Sun]], and [[Gathering the Harvest]]) and that the gifts left by visitors are simply a harmless tradition. There is some evidence that the landskeepers also perform a rite in the depths of Winter without any witnesses; lurid speculation surrounds this ceremony.		The landskeepers of Meadow Downs claim that they are simply performing the three powerful farm-blessing [[enchantment\|enchantments]] ([[Blessing of New Spring]], [[Strong Ox, Golden Sun]], and [[Gathering the Harvest]]) and that the gifts left by visitors are simply a harmless tradition. There is some evidence that the landskeepers also perform a rite in the depths of Winter without any witnesses; lurid speculation surrounds this ceremony.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

2026-01-15T14:49:40Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:49, 15 January 2026
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	Still, regardless of the past and the attitude of some suspicious yeomen, the people of Meade are Marchers through-and-through. They are practical, stubborn people who hold fiercely to the [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs\|traditions]] of the Marches. As their recent involvement in the formation of the Imperial Breadbasket demonstrates, when push comes to shove they look out for their own people - the people of the Marches.		Still, regardless of the past and the attitude of some suspicious yeomen, the people of Meade are Marchers through-and-through. They are practical, stubborn people who hold fiercely to the [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs\|traditions]] of the Marches. As their recent involvement in the formation of the Imperial Breadbasket demonstrates, when push comes to shove they look out for their own people - the people of the Marches.

	In the wake of the death of [[Empress Britta]] in 376YE, semi-organised groups of bandits began to prey on traders travelling by land from Meade. By [[Town defences\|order]] of the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]], in early 377YE a series of watchtowers and earthworks were constructed around Meade to help address this problem. The works were overseen by Bridget Eastville née Talbot (senator for Mitwold) as part of a larger plan to provide protection to towns throughout the Empire. While the defences are not sufficient to qualify Meade as a true [[fortifications\|fortification]], they have already helped reduce brigandry throughout the territory.		In the wake of the death of [[Empress Britta]] in 376YE, semi-organised groups of bandits began to prey on traders travelling by land from Meade. By [[Town defences\|order]] of the [[Senate]], in early 377YE a series of watchtowers and earthworks were constructed around Meade to help address this problem. The works were overseen by Bridget Eastville née Talbot (senator for Mitwold) as part of a larger plan to provide protection to towns throughout the Empire. While the defences are not sufficient to qualify Meade as a true [[fortifications\|fortification]], they have already helped reduce brigandry throughout the territory.

	The [[Bailiff of the Grand Market]] has a small office in Meade, although most title holders spend little time there (apart from overseeing the security of the grand market on the third weekend of each month). The Bailiff is an [[Imperial title]] appointed each Winter Solstice by the farmers of the Marches.		The [[Bailiff of the Grand Market]] has a small office in Meade, although most title holders spend little time there (apart from overseeing the security of the grand market on the third weekend of each month). The Bailiff is an [[Imperial title]] appointed each Winter Solstice by the farmers of the Marches.

Twiggy at 21:36, 12 August 2025

2025-08-12T21:36:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:36, 12 August 2025
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	Roaring in fury, Ned kicked Split Face's body off and launched himself forward. The notched sword was trapped and useless between them, allowing Ned free reign with the rusty knife...		Roaring in fury, Ned kicked Split Face's body off and launched himself forward. The notched sword was trapped and useless between them, allowing Ned free reign with the rusty knife...

	Ham came to check on them once the rest of the orc scouts were disposed of. Ned sat beside the ashen body of Henry Talbot, ~~truely~~ still now that he had begun his journey through the labyrinth. The remains of a human and two orcs lay in the remains of the herb garden. Not a word passed between the Cullach, just a look and a nod.		Ham came to check on them once the rest of the orc scouts were disposed of. Ned sat beside the ashen body of Henry Talbot, truly still now that he had begun his journey through the labyrinth. The remains of a human and two orcs lay in the remains of the herb garden. Not a word passed between the Cullach, just a look and a nod.

	With great care they removed Henry's harness and hid it up the chimney of the homestead, suspended from the meat smoking hooks. Ham took the small antler handled knife from Ned's shaking hand and cut Henry's warm heart free from his chest. Ned knelt and filled Henry's mouth with Marcher soil, replaced in the oiled pouch by the heart. They closed his eyes and pushed the remaining wall of the homestead over him.		With great care they removed Henry's harness and hid it up the chimney of the homestead, suspended from the meat smoking hooks. Ham took the small antler handled knife from Ned's shaking hand and cut Henry's warm heart free from his chest. Ned knelt and filled Henry's mouth with Marcher soil, replaced in the oiled pouch by the heart. They closed his eyes and pushed the remaining wall of the homestead over him.

Hailmur: /* OOC Notes */

2025-08-08T13:52:00Z

OOC Notes

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:52, 8 August 2025
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	* All the regions of Mitwold are under Imperial control.		* All the regions of Mitwold are under Imperial control.
	* [[#Forte Fidelis\|Forte Fidelis]] in [[#Golden Downs\|Golden Downs]] is a rank one [[fortification]].		* [[#Forte Fidelis\|Forte Fidelis]] in [[#Golden Downs\|Golden Downs]] is a rank one [[fortification]].
	* [[farm\|Farms]] in the territory benefit from the [[The_Marches_economic_interests#Granaries and Storehouses - the Imperial Breadbasket\|Imperial Breadbasket]] and the Black Canal and produce an extra 54 rings each season.		* [[farm\|Farms]] in the territory benefit from the [[The_Marches_economic_interests#Granaries and Storehouses - the Imperial Breadbasket\|Imperial Breadbasket]] and the Black Canal and produce an extra 72 rings each season.
	* [[Business\|Businesses]] in the territory benefit from the Black Canal and produce an extra 18 rings each season		* [[Business\|Businesses]] in the territory benefit from the Black Canal and produce an extra 36 rings each season
	<ic>Ned shook his head, feeling the wounds under the brigantine. "The gambeson and the brig are holding everything closed Henry. Without the full services of the hospital in Anvil I won't be able to close them fast enough if we take it off. I'm so sorry my friend."		<ic>Ned shook his head, feeling the wounds under the brigantine. "The gambeson and the brig are holding everything closed Henry. Without the full services of the hospital in Anvil I won't be able to close them fast enough if we take it off. I'm so sorry my friend."

RichardRaynor: sp

2025-07-30T09:45:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:45, 30 July 2025
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	===Statue of Cockscroft Lad===		===Statue of Cockscroft Lad===
	In 385YE, [[Siakha]] heralds [[When Spring comes\|attacked]] a Wanderers-Allfriars game, killing thirty-two. '''Jonathan Piper of ~~Cockcroft~~''', whose early warning prevented wider tragedy, is celebrated with a statue at the old Wanderers practice ground. His expression is mournful, head turned to the name-covered ball in his left hand as he raises a bell to call the hue and cry.		In 385YE, [[Siakha]] heralds [[When Spring comes\|attacked]] a Wanderers-Allfriars game, killing thirty-two. '''Jonathan Piper of Cockscroft''', whose early warning prevented wider tragedy, is celebrated with a statue at the old Wanderers practice ground. His expression is mournful, head turned to the name-covered ball in his left hand as he raises a bell to call the hue and cry.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Householder.jpg\|width=250\|align=left}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Householder.jpg\|width=250\|align=left}}

Twiggy at 00:44, 11 July 2025

2025-07-11T00:44:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:44, 11 July 2025
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	<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Marcher Finery.jpg\|caption=Bridget Talbot served as Senator for Mitwold in the difficult years after the death of [[Empress Britta]].\|align=right\|width=300}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Marcher Finery.jpg\|caption=Bridget Talbot served as Senator for Mitwold in the difficult years after the death of [[Empress Britta]].\|align=right\|width=300}}</div>
	=== Meade ===		=== Meade ===
	The largest settlement in the Marches is the city (technically a [[market town]]; it received its charter from [[Empress Mariika]] in ~~225 YE~~) of Meade in [[#Meade March\|Meade March]]. Crowded around the mouth of the eponymous river on the shores of Westmere, Meade is not only the spiritual and administrative heart for the nation, it is also a port whose ships deal in fishing, trade with foreign nations and sea defence against the barbarians through Westmere and the cold salt waters of the Gullet.		The largest settlement in the Marches is the city (technically a [[market town]]; it received its charter from [[Empress Mariika]] in 225YE) of Meade in [[#Meade March\|Meade March]]. Crowded around the mouth of the eponymous river on the shores of Westmere, Meade is not only the spiritual and administrative heart for the nation, it is also a port whose ships deal in fishing, trade with foreign nations and sea defence against the barbarians through Westmere and the cold salt waters of the Gullet.

	Meade is where yeomen from across the Marches come to spend hard-earned coin, and often plays host to foreign visitors from other nations. The lavish week-long Harvest’s End Festival takes place in Meade every autumn, and sees the city fill with folk from all across the Empire. Still, Meade is not without its problems. Some yeomen look askance at the citizens, questioning how they can be ''proper'' Marchers given they live in a town rather than on a farm. To many of their critics, they are merchants, not true yeomen. They point to the scandal during the reign of [[Empress Giselle]] when several alders were implicated in a plot to secede from the Marches - a plot that never had much popular support but whose existence alone was enough to rekindle rumours that the folk of Meade are "not proper." At the same time, the alders of Meade know that their settlement is not even half the size of the great cities of [[the League]], and this can lead to efforts to try and compete with the [[The_League_leadership\|merchant princes]] of [[Tassato]] and [[Temeschwar]] with predictably disappointing consequences.		Meade is where yeomen from across the Marches come to spend hard-earned coin, and often plays host to foreign visitors from other nations. The lavish week-long Harvest’s End Festival takes place in Meade every autumn, and sees the city fill with folk from all across the Empire. Still, Meade is not without its problems. Some yeomen look askance at the citizens, questioning how they can be ''proper'' Marchers given they live in a town rather than on a farm. To many of their critics, they are merchants, not true yeomen. They point to the scandal during the reign of [[Empress Giselle]] when several alders were implicated in a plot to secede from the Marches - a plot that never had much popular support but whose existence alone was enough to rekindle rumours that the folk of Meade are "not proper." At the same time, the alders of Meade know that their settlement is not even half the size of the great cities of [[the League]], and this can lead to efforts to try and compete with the [[The_League_leadership\|merchant princes]] of [[Tassato]] and [[Temeschwar]] with predictably disappointing consequences.

Kirkbride: /* Statue of Cockscroft Lad */

2025-07-01T13:54:48Z

Statue of Cockscroft Lad

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:54, 1 July 2025
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	===Statue of Cockscroft Lad===		===Statue of Cockscroft Lad===
	In 385YE, [[Siakha]] heralds [[When Spring comes\|attacked]] a Wanderers-Allfriars game, killing thirty-two. '''~~Johnathan~~ Piper of Cockcroft''', whose early warning prevented wider tragedy, is celebrated with a statue at the old Wanderers practice ground. His expression is mournful, head turned to the name-covered ball in his left hand as he raises a bell to call the hue and cry.		In 385YE, [[Siakha]] heralds [[When Spring comes\|attacked]] a Wanderers-Allfriars game, killing thirty-two. '''Jonathan Piper of Cockcroft''', whose early warning prevented wider tragedy, is celebrated with a statue at the old Wanderers practice ground. His expression is mournful, head turned to the name-covered ball in his left hand as he raises a bell to call the hue and cry.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Householder.jpg\|width=250\|align=left}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Householder.jpg\|width=250\|align=left}}

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	An ancient menhir that stands in a scorched area of land in a grove of ash trees. Every year before the Spring festival the farmers of the area weave the largest straw dolly known in the territories. The Straw Maiden, as the creation is known, is 12 feet tall adorned with wild flowers with intricate patterns of vines woven into her skirt. The Maiden’s skirt is hollow at the base and she is placed atop the stone. The [[Landskeeper\|landskeepers]] of the [[#Maiden Downs\|Maiden Downs]] then perform a night-long ritual designed to bring prosperity to the fields and flocks of the people of the Downs. The Maiden then stands in the grove until the end of Summer, visited by travellers who leave gifts of food, [[The_Marches_hearth_magic#Poppets\|poppets]], minor trinkets, and other offerings at her foot in the hope that she may bring them some small favour. Although the Maiden is exposed to all weathers and temperaments, she does not rot, blow away or decay in any way, staying as fresh and brightly golden as the day she was placed upon the stone. Then, at the festival of Autumn Harvest there is another ceremony, the culmination of which sees the Maiden set alight, burning until there is nothing left.		An ancient menhir that stands in a scorched area of land in a grove of ash trees. Every year before the Spring festival the farmers of the area weave the largest straw dolly known in the territories. The Straw Maiden, as the creation is known, is 12 feet tall adorned with wild flowers with intricate patterns of vines woven into her skirt. The Maiden’s skirt is hollow at the base and she is placed atop the stone. The [[Landskeeper\|landskeepers]] of the [[#Maiden Downs\|Maiden Downs]] then perform a night-long ritual designed to bring prosperity to the fields and flocks of the people of the Downs. The Maiden then stands in the grove until the end of Summer, visited by travellers who leave gifts of food, [[The_Marches_hearth_magic#Poppets\|poppets]], minor trinkets, and other offerings at her foot in the hope that she may bring them some small favour. Although the Maiden is exposed to all weathers and temperaments, she does not rot, blow away or decay in any way, staying as fresh and brightly golden as the day she was placed upon the stone. Then, at the festival of Autumn Harvest there is another ceremony, the culmination of which sees the Maiden set alight, burning until there is nothing left.

	Needless to say, the ceremonies of the Maiden Stone are roundly criticized by priests of the [[Imperial Synod]]. There have been efforts by priests from outside the Marches to ban the practice, denounced as the worst kind of [[Religious_crime#Idolatry\|idolatry]]. The [[Sevenfold Path]] has occasionally attempted to get the [[~~Imperial~~ Conclave]] to [[Declaration#Declaration of Interdiction\|interdict]] the ceremonies without success. In 186YE and 247YE, the ceremonies were stopped for a short time but in both cases resumed less than a year later.		Needless to say, the ceremonies of the Maiden Stone are roundly criticized by priests of the [[Imperial Synod]]. There have been efforts by priests from outside the Marches to ban the practice, denounced as the worst kind of [[Religious_crime#Idolatry\|idolatry]]. The [[Sevenfold Path]] has occasionally attempted to get the [[Conclave]] to [[Declaration#Declaration of Interdiction\|interdict]] the ceremonies without success. In 186YE and 247YE, the ceremonies were stopped for a short time but in both cases resumed less than a year later.

	The landskeepers of Meadow Downs claim that they are simply performing the three powerful farm-blessing [[enchantment\|enchantments]] ([[Blessing of New Spring]], [[Strong Ox, Golden Sun]], and [[Gathering the Harvest]]) and that the gifts left by visitors are simply a harmless tradition. There is some evidence that the landskeepers also perform a rite in the depths of Winter without any witnesses; lurid speculation surrounds this ceremony.		The landskeepers of Meadow Downs claim that they are simply performing the three powerful farm-blessing [[enchantment\|enchantments]] ([[Blessing of New Spring]], [[Strong Ox, Golden Sun]], and [[Gathering the Harvest]]) and that the gifts left by visitors are simply a harmless tradition. There is some evidence that the landskeepers also perform a rite in the depths of Winter without any witnesses; lurid speculation surrounds this ceremony.