Mitwold - Revision history

Dre at 11:50, 24 August 2026

2026-08-24T11:50:49Z

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	All this prosperous trade attracts its fair share of trouble, and the [[Bailiff of the Grand Market]] is regularly called upon to deal with bandits and brigands preying on trade along the roads that pass through Wayford. At the river fork stand several gibbets with a long and bloody history, notable in recent years for playing host to Red Walder and his outlaws, a plague on the Mitwold for many years finally brought to justice in 359YE following a week-long standoff in the Shepford Brewery near the Wayford Bridge. The town is also notable due to legends of a monstrous creature known variously as [[Jack of Irons\|Jack-in-chains]], Jack-of-Irons and Bloody Jack who is said to be buried somewhere nearby. Shortly before the Winter Solstice 381YE, a menhir of white granite called [[#The Pale Chain\|the Pale Chain]] was [[Construct_Giant's_Well\|raised]] over the site where the giant is apparently entombed.		All this prosperous trade attracts its fair share of trouble, and the [[Bailiff of the Grand Market]] is regularly called upon to deal with bandits and brigands preying on trade along the roads that pass through Wayford. At the river fork stand several gibbets with a long and bloody history, notable in recent years for playing host to Red Walder and his outlaws, a plague on the Mitwold for many years finally brought to justice in 359YE following a week-long standoff in the Shepford Brewery near the Wayford Bridge. The town is also notable due to legends of a monstrous creature known variously as [[Jack of Irons\|Jack-in-chains]], Jack-of-Irons and Bloody Jack who is said to be buried somewhere nearby. Shortly before the Winter Solstice 381YE, a menhir of white granite called [[#The Pale Chain\|the Pale Chain]] was [[Construct_Giant's_Well\|raised]] over the site where the giant is apparently entombed.

	The [[Where_the_slow_river_flows#The_Battle_of_Wayford\|Battle of Wayford]] following the Spring Equinox 388YE as a decisive engagement in the Jotun invasion of Mitwold. The Empire was ultimately victorious, going on to drive the Jotun out of the Marcher territory entirely, but the fighting was marked by peculiar magical chaos that has ~~lead~~ to some concern as to the state of the River Meade downstream from its location.		The [[Where_the_slow_river_flows#The_Battle_of_Wayford\|Battle of Wayford]] following the Spring Equinox 388YE was a decisive engagement in the Jotun invasion of Mitwold. The Empire was ultimately victorious, going on to drive the Jotun out of the Marcher territory entirely, but the fighting was marked by peculiar magical chaos that has led to some concern as to the state of the River Meade downstream from its location.

	=== The Maiden Stone ===		=== The Maiden Stone ===

Rafferty: /* Further Reading */

2026-08-24T11:24:06Z

Rafferty: /* Wayford */

2026-08-24T11:23:29Z

Wayford

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:23, 24 August 2026
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	All this prosperous trade attracts its fair share of trouble, and the [[Bailiff of the Grand Market]] is regularly called upon to deal with bandits and brigands preying on trade along the roads that pass through Wayford. At the river fork stand several gibbets with a long and bloody history, notable in recent years for playing host to Red Walder and his outlaws, a plague on the Mitwold for many years finally brought to justice in 359YE following a week-long standoff in the Shepford Brewery near the Wayford Bridge. The town is also notable due to legends of a monstrous creature known variously as [[Jack of Irons\|Jack-in-chains]], Jack-of-Irons and Bloody Jack who is said to be buried somewhere nearby. Shortly before the Winter Solstice 381YE, a menhir of white granite called [[#The Pale Chain\|the Pale Chain]] was [[Construct_Giant's_Well\|raised]] over the site where the giant is apparently entombed.		All this prosperous trade attracts its fair share of trouble, and the [[Bailiff of the Grand Market]] is regularly called upon to deal with bandits and brigands preying on trade along the roads that pass through Wayford. At the river fork stand several gibbets with a long and bloody history, notable in recent years for playing host to Red Walder and his outlaws, a plague on the Mitwold for many years finally brought to justice in 359YE following a week-long standoff in the Shepford Brewery near the Wayford Bridge. The town is also notable due to legends of a monstrous creature known variously as [[Jack of Irons\|Jack-in-chains]], Jack-of-Irons and Bloody Jack who is said to be buried somewhere nearby. Shortly before the Winter Solstice 381YE, a menhir of white granite called [[#The Pale Chain\|the Pale Chain]] was [[Construct_Giant's_Well\|raised]] over the site where the giant is apparently entombed.

			The [[Where_the_slow_river_flows#The_Battle_of_Wayford\|Battle of Wayford]] following the Spring Equinox 388YE as a decisive engagement in the Jotun invasion of Mitwold. The Empire was ultimately victorious, going on to drive the Jotun out of the Marcher territory entirely, but the fighting was marked by peculiar magical chaos that has lead to some concern as to the state of the River Meade downstream from its location.

	=== The Maiden Stone ===		=== The Maiden Stone ===

Rafferty: /* Meade */

2026-08-24T11:21:53Z

Meade

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:21, 24 August 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 [[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. In late 387YE, Meade was [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#The_Walls_of_Meade\|conquered by the Jotun]] for the first time in Imperial history. The barbarians extensively looted the city, and that loot was ultimately used to [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Worrisome_Gullet\|secure allies]] - the raiders of [[Sea_of_Snow#Fjorknae\|Fjorknae]].

	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.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Forte Fidelis.jpg\|\|caption=Built by Richard Tunstall to guard Mitwold from Jotun aggression.\|align=right\|width=350}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Forte Fidelis.jpg\|\|caption=Built by Richard Tunstall to guard Mitwold from Jotun aggression.\|align=right\|width=350}}

	===Forte Fidelis===		===Forte Fidelis===
	In 377YE '''Richard Tunstall''', as the [[Imperial Master of Works]], approved the creation of Forte Fidelis in Golden Downs. It was one of only two castles approved by the Master before the Senate [[Amend_powers_of_Imperial_Master_of_Works\|removed their ability to do so]]. Construction was funded partly by the Master's stipend (before it was removed by the Senate), and partly by money raised and donated by the Marchers themselves. Work on the fortification was completed shortly before the Winter Solstice 378YE.		In 377YE '''Richard Tunstall''', as the [[Imperial Master of Works]], approved the creation of Forte Fidelis in Golden Downs. It was one of only two castles approved by the Master before the Senate [[Amend_powers_of_Imperial_Master_of_Works\|removed their ability to do so]]. Construction was funded partly by the Master's stipend (before it was removed by the Senate), and partly by money raised and donated by the Marchers themselves. Work on the fortification was completed shortly before the Winter Solstice 378YE.

Rafferty: /* Recent History */

2026-08-24T11:18:46Z

Recent History

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	The business with Bloody Jack also brought to light stories of the Marcher blacksmiths - legendary figures who combined a practical appreciation for metalwork with a calling for negotiating with eternals. These capable individuals disappeared from the Marches as the result of a deal with the Autumn eternal [[Estavus]], and so long ago they were largely forgotten. Several Marcher scholars [[Bregasland and the smiths#The Marcher Smiths\|looked into the situation]], and worked to secure the return or release of this uniquely Marcher tradition - a possibility that was [[Smith\|recently realised]].		The business with Bloody Jack also brought to light stories of the Marcher blacksmiths - legendary figures who combined a practical appreciation for metalwork with a calling for negotiating with eternals. These capable individuals disappeared from the Marches as the result of a deal with the Autumn eternal [[Estavus]], and so long ago they were largely forgotten. Several Marcher scholars [[Bregasland and the smiths#The Marcher Smiths\|looked into the situation]], and worked to secure the return or release of this uniquely Marcher tradition - a possibility that was [[Smith\|recently realised]].

			After the Autumn Equinox 387YE, a great host of [[Jotun]] [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#Pride_of_the_Marches\|invaded Mitwold]] from [[Bregasland]] and ultimately were able to capture, and sack, [[#Meade\|Meade]] itself. The Lasambrian Jotun tried to push east, but were [[Where_the_slow_river_flows\|held back]] by Imperial armies. After the Spring Equinox 388YE, they were [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Mitwold_Triumph\|ultimately driven out]] and Mitwold liberated, but not without some significant losses.

	==Points of Interest==		==Points of Interest==

GuiltyConscience: /* OOC Notes */

2026-08-06T11:11:03Z

OOC Notes

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:11, 6 August 2026
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	* As of the start of the Summer Solstice 388YE, the Marches control the entire territory. Mitwold is an Imperial territory.		* As of the start of the Summer Solstice 388YE, the Marches control the entire 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#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#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

GuiltyConscience: /* OOC Notes */

2026-08-06T11:09:36Z

OOC Notes

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:09, 6 August 2026
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	* As of the start of the Summer Solstice 388YE, the Marches control the entire territory. Mitwold is an Imperial territory.		* As of the start of the Summer Solstice 388YE, the Marches control the entire 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#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

GuiltyConscience at 11:23, 1 August 2026

2026-08-01T11:23:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:23, 1 August 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 [[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 criticised 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.

GuiltyConscience: /* The Pride of the Marches */

2026-07-29T13:09:55Z

The Pride of the Marches

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:09, 29 July 2026
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	When the other nations imagine the Marches, it is usually Mitwold they bring to mind - acres upon acres of well-tended fields and orchards, laid out like a grand patchwork blanket, scattered with villages connected by roads and dirt tracks. Here and there a lonely menhir watches over the land around it, often marking a point of historical interest, or serving as a meeting place for the [[landskeeper\|landskeepers]] of the adjoining area.		When the other nations imagine the Marches, it is usually Mitwold they bring to mind - acres upon acres of well-tended fields and orchards, laid out like a grand patchwork blanket, scattered with villages connected by roads and dirt tracks. Here and there a lonely menhir watches over the land around it, often marking a point of historical interest, or serving as a meeting place for the [[landskeeper\|landskeepers]] of the adjoining area.

	This is also the territory where many of the best known [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#~~Sports_and_games~~\|ball games]] are played, and it is a regular occurrence for some local dispute to be settled over a savage game of rugby, ~~football~~ or rounders. Some of the traditional inter-village or inter-household games go back centuries, having become regular fixtures long before the foundation of the Empire. Many have their own traditions - the people of Parkestown and Harwich in the [[#Maiden Downs\|Maiden Downs]] compete annually to determine the control of a prime stretch of grazing land between their two villages, for example,		This is also the territory where many of the best known [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#Sports_and_Games\|ball games]] are played, and it is a regular occurrence for some local dispute to be settled over a savage game of rugby, foot-the-ball, or rounders. Some of the traditional inter-village or inter-household games go back centuries, having become regular fixtures long before the foundation of the Empire. Many have their own traditions - the people of Parkestown and Harwich in the [[#Maiden Downs\|Maiden Downs]] compete annually to determine the control of a prime stretch of grazing land between their two villages, for example,

	More than anywhere else in the Marches, the [[Marcher household\|households]] of Mitwold are engaged in feuding and bitter rivalry. The closer two households are to one another, the more likely it is that they are engaged in a long-running feud. Often the original cause of the feud is lost to history, having become a self-perpetuating state of affairs as each slight delivered by a rival becomes justification for the retaliation that follows. These feuds rarely lead to bloodshed - it is a rivalry of skinned knuckles not bloodied knives.		More than anywhere else in the Marches, the [[Marcher household\|households]] of Mitwold are engaged in feuding and bitter rivalry. The closer two households are to one another, the more likely it is that they are engaged in a long-running feud. Often the original cause of the feud is lost to history, having become a self-perpetuating state of affairs as each slight delivered by a rival becomes justification for the retaliation that follows. These feuds rarely lead to bloodshed - it is a rivalry of skinned knuckles not bloodied knives.

Kirkbride: /* OOC Notes */

2026-07-21T17:26:58Z

OOC Notes

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:26, 21 July 2026
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	==OOC Notes==		==OOC Notes==
	* As of the start of the ~~Spring Equinox~~ 388YE, ~~the Jotun control Oddmire and Meade March, and~~ the Marches control the ~~rest of the~~ territory. Mitwold is an Imperial territory.		* As of the start of the Summer Solstice 388YE, the Marches control the entire 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.

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:24, 24 August 2026
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	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==
			* [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Mitwold_Triumph\|Pride in the Marches]] - 388YE Summer wind of war concluding the Jotun invasion of Mitwold
	* [[Where the slow river flows]] - 388YE Spring wind of war about the effort to push the Jotun from their toehold in the Meadows and start reclaiming Meade March		* [[Where the slow river flows]] - 388YE Spring wind of war about the effort to push the Jotun from their toehold in the Meadows and start reclaiming Meade March
	* [[Rose grow the rushes o']] - 387YE Winter wind of war about the Jotun invasion of Oddmire and Meade March		* [[Rose grow the rushes o']] - 387YE Winter wind of war about the Jotun invasion of Oddmire and Meade March

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:23, 1 August 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 [[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 criticised 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.

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:09, 29 July 2026
Line 5:		Line 5:
	When the other nations imagine the Marches, it is usually Mitwold they bring to mind - acres upon acres of well-tended fields and orchards, laid out like a grand patchwork blanket, scattered with villages connected by roads and dirt tracks. Here and there a lonely menhir watches over the land around it, often marking a point of historical interest, or serving as a meeting place for the [[landskeeper\|landskeepers]] of the adjoining area.		When the other nations imagine the Marches, it is usually Mitwold they bring to mind - acres upon acres of well-tended fields and orchards, laid out like a grand patchwork blanket, scattered with villages connected by roads and dirt tracks. Here and there a lonely menhir watches over the land around it, often marking a point of historical interest, or serving as a meeting place for the [[landskeeper\|landskeepers]] of the adjoining area.

	This is also the territory where many of the best known [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#~~Sports_and_games~~\|ball games]] are played, and it is a regular occurrence for some local dispute to be settled over a savage game of rugby, ~~football~~ or rounders. Some of the traditional inter-village or inter-household games go back centuries, having become regular fixtures long before the foundation of the Empire. Many have their own traditions - the people of Parkestown and Harwich in the [[#Maiden Downs\|Maiden Downs]] compete annually to determine the control of a prime stretch of grazing land between their two villages, for example,		This is also the territory where many of the best known [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#Sports_and_Games\|ball games]] are played, and it is a regular occurrence for some local dispute to be settled over a savage game of rugby, foot-the-ball, or rounders. Some of the traditional inter-village or inter-household games go back centuries, having become regular fixtures long before the foundation of the Empire. Many have their own traditions - the people of Parkestown and Harwich in the [[#Maiden Downs\|Maiden Downs]] compete annually to determine the control of a prime stretch of grazing land between their two villages, for example,

	More than anywhere else in the Marches, the [[Marcher household\|households]] of Mitwold are engaged in feuding and bitter rivalry. The closer two households are to one another, the more likely it is that they are engaged in a long-running feud. Often the original cause of the feud is lost to history, having become a self-perpetuating state of affairs as each slight delivered by a rival becomes justification for the retaliation that follows. These feuds rarely lead to bloodshed - it is a rivalry of skinned knuckles not bloodied knives.		More than anywhere else in the Marches, the [[Marcher household\|households]] of Mitwold are engaged in feuding and bitter rivalry. The closer two households are to one another, the more likely it is that they are engaged in a long-running feud. Often the original cause of the feud is lost to history, having become a self-perpetuating state of affairs as each slight delivered by a rival becomes justification for the retaliation that follows. These feuds rarely lead to bloodshed - it is a rivalry of skinned knuckles not bloodied knives.