The Marches history - Revision history

Twiggy at 21:09, 24 May 2026

2026-05-24T21:09:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:09, 24 May 2026
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	The history of the Marchers begins with a rebellion in Dawn. A group of disaffected yeofolk determined to leave their lord's lands and make a better life for themselves. Their complaints were numerous and varied; the lack of opportunities for those of low-birth, the failure to recognise the importance of hard work or to adequately reward it. Personal disagreements inflamed these inequities, petty rivalries and personal snubs exacerbated the tension.		The history of the Marchers begins with a rebellion in Dawn. A group of disaffected yeofolk determined to leave their lord's lands and make a better life for themselves. Their complaints were numerous and varied; the lack of opportunities for those of low-birth, the failure to recognise the importance of hard work or to adequately reward it. Personal disagreements inflamed these inequities, petty rivalries and personal snubs exacerbated the tension.

	The March began relatively peacefully, with petitions to the [[Dawn monarchy\|monarch of Dawn]] for greater opportunity and recognition of the yeofolk. When there requests were refused the rebels laid their plan. With no other opportunities, and nowhere else to go, they marched across the country heading for the western border, intent on claiming land outside of Dawn. This initial ~~disapora~~ was joined on their pilgrimage by thousands more, until they became known as the Marchers. Not all were driven by disgruntlement, a few joined the March because they imagined it would lead to glory and more than a few marched for love.		The March began relatively peacefully, with petitions to the [[Dawn monarchy\|monarch of Dawn]] for greater opportunity and recognition of the yeofolk. When there requests were refused the rebels laid their plan. With no other opportunities, and nowhere else to go, they marched across the country heading for the western border, intent on claiming land outside of Dawn. This initial diaspora was joined on their pilgrimage by thousands more, until they became known as the Marchers. Not all were driven by disgruntlement, a few joined the March because they imagined it would lead to glory and more than a few marched for love.

	After leaving Dawn, the Marchers entered the woods of [[Miaren]]. At this time, much of the territory was still dominated by the [[vallorn]], and the March nearly ended in disaster. The local [[Navarr]], however, offered aid and support to the Marchers. After all, the Navarr have a long tradition of helping those who are unhappy with their situation find a new place to live, or a new way of life. While some chose to join the Navarr, the majority of the former yeofolk wanted a land of their own. With some aid from sympathetic stridings and steadings, the former Dawnish folk passed through [[Miaren#Greenfalls\|Greenfalls]] and [[Miaren#Oakways\|Oakways]] to what is now [[Upwold]]		After leaving Dawn, the Marchers entered the woods of [[Miaren]]. At this time, much of the territory was still dominated by the [[vallorn]], and the March nearly ended in disaster. The local [[Navarr]], however, offered aid and support to the Marchers. After all, the Navarr have a long tradition of helping those who are unhappy with their situation find a new place to live, or a new way of life. While some chose to join the Navarr, the majority of the former yeofolk wanted a land of their own. With some aid from sympathetic stridings and steadings, the former Dawnish folk passed through [[Miaren#Greenfalls\|Greenfalls]] and [[Miaren#Oakways\|Oakways]] to what is now [[Upwold]]

GuiltyConscience: /* The Cousin's War */

2026-04-19T12:53:22Z

The Cousin's War

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:53, 19 April 2026
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	By contrast his main rival on the opposite side of the matter, the fiery Agnes Tiller of Wayford, argued that the Marches would simply be swallowed up if they attempted to join the new alliance. Instead of going cap in hand to this Dawnish monarch and her Highborn allies, the Marchers should look north to their friendly rivals in [[Wintermark]] - after all the Winterfolk king Alof Beorning had also declined to join the proposed Empire. She and her supporters actively sought a military alliance between the Marches, Wintermark, and the Navarr of Miaren and Hercynia, with the Winterfolk serving as liaisons to those Varushkans who were also unconvinced by the First Empress' vision.		By contrast his main rival on the opposite side of the matter, the fiery Agnes Tiller of Wayford, argued that the Marches would simply be swallowed up if they attempted to join the new alliance. Instead of going cap in hand to this Dawnish monarch and her Highborn allies, the Marchers should look north to their friendly rivals in [[Wintermark]] - after all the Winterfolk king Alof Beorning had also declined to join the proposed Empire. She and her supporters actively sought a military alliance between the Marches, Wintermark, and the Navarr of Miaren and Hercynia, with the Winterfolk serving as liaisons to those Varushkans who were also unconvinced by the First Empress' vision.

	After a year of escalation, the stewards again came together at Stockland but this time there was no appetite for trade and celebration. The two factions and their supporters camped separately on either side of Hepton Bridge. Those who sided with the Empress were led by Brigit, Henry, and the canny military commander, Tom Drake. They established an armed camp on Monk's Heath on the northern bank of the River Meade. Those who believed the Marches should remain independent were ~~lea~~ by Gregory of Ashill and Mary Hay. They pitched camp south of the river, on the commons at Maiden's Run. The fair itself was cancelled for the first time in living memory, and as the sun rose over the fields both armies began to move.		After a year of escalation, the stewards again came together at Stockland but this time there was no appetite for trade and celebration. The two factions and their supporters camped separately on either side of Hepton Bridge. Those who sided with the Empress were led by Brigit, Henry, and the canny military commander, Tom Drake. They established an armed camp on Monk's Heath on the northern bank of the River Meade. Those who believed the Marches should remain independent were lead by Gregory of Ashill and Mary Hay. They pitched camp south of the river, on the commons at Maiden's Run. The fair itself was cancelled for the first time in living memory, and as the sun rose over the fields both armies began to move.

	The fighting was bloody, and continued until close to sundown. Although they marginally outnumbered their rivals, Tom Drake's strategy was widely credited with carrying the day. The defeated stewards were forced to accept the outcome to keep their lands, those who refused either fled the Marches or were executed. The Battle of Hepton Bridge was not strictly the last battle of the Cousin's War, but with the deaths of so many opposing stewards on the fields of Stockmarch, the outcome was never in doubt. Some of the defeated households bowed their heads to inevitability, while others refused to capitulate and lost their lands. A few, led by Agnes Tiller's surviving daughter Hazel, quit the Marches with their soldiers and fled north.		The fighting was bloody, and continued until close to sundown. Although they marginally outnumbered their rivals, Tom Drake's strategy was widely credited with carrying the day. The defeated stewards were forced to accept the outcome to keep their lands, those who refused either fled the Marches or were executed. The Battle of Hepton Bridge was not strictly the last battle of the Cousin's War, but with the deaths of so many opposing stewards on the fields of Stockmarch, the outcome was never in doubt. Some of the defeated households bowed their heads to inevitability, while others refused to capitulate and lost their lands. A few, led by Agnes Tiller's surviving daughter Hazel, quit the Marches with their soldiers and fled north.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial army" to "[[Army"

2026-01-16T09:43:02Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial army" to "[[Army"

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:43, 16 January 2026
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	Even as the Marches spread and established a thriving nation, there were frequent battles between the Marchers themselves. Although Marcher households found it easy to unite against a common enemy, they often fell to quarrelling amongst themselves. Bitter feuds and grudges developed, usually over land and often paid in blood. By the time the [[First Empress]] began her crusade the Marches was split into half a dozen great households, each supported by the loyalties of countless minor households. While the Marchers were culturally united, these great households (at least two of which, the [[The Marches groups#The_Talbots\|Talbots]] and the [[The Marches groups#House_Bolholt\|Bolholts]] still endure to this day) each ruled their lands independently. Negotiations between households were usually arranged at fairs where powerful and wealthy Marchers would meet up to make deals and alliances and to discuss trade, politics and war. The most important of these was the [[Upwold#Stockland\|Stockland Fair]] held every Autumn equinox on the village green. As the Stockland Fair grew in size and importance it became an essential forum for households to air grievances with each other, make alliances, and broadly agree the defence of the Marches against the southern orcs of Mournwold.		Even as the Marches spread and established a thriving nation, there were frequent battles between the Marchers themselves. Although Marcher households found it easy to unite against a common enemy, they often fell to quarrelling amongst themselves. Bitter feuds and grudges developed, usually over land and often paid in blood. By the time the [[First Empress]] began her crusade the Marches was split into half a dozen great households, each supported by the loyalties of countless minor households. While the Marchers were culturally united, these great households (at least two of which, the [[The Marches groups#The_Talbots\|Talbots]] and the [[The Marches groups#House_Bolholt\|Bolholts]] still endure to this day) each ruled their lands independently. Negotiations between households were usually arranged at fairs where powerful and wealthy Marchers would meet up to make deals and alliances and to discuss trade, politics and war. The most important of these was the [[Upwold#Stockland\|Stockland Fair]] held every Autumn equinox on the village green. As the Stockland Fair grew in size and importance it became an essential forum for households to air grievances with each other, make alliances, and broadly agree the defence of the Marches against the southern orcs of Mournwold.

	The Marchers had no [[~~Imperial army~~\|armies]] as the Empire would recognise them at this time. Rather, each household undertook to equip and train themselves for war. If a household was threatened by orcs, the neighbouring [[steward\|stewards]] would meet and select a prominent [[Yeoman_of_the_Marches\|yeoman]] to act as field marshal for the coming battle. The marshal was required to make the final decision on what strategy to employ for a battle and to provide appropriate leadership once the fighting began. An experienced and successful field marshal was a huge asset to any household, allowing them to dictate terms when negotiating a potential attack on orc lands with other households.		The Marchers had no [[Army\|armies]] as the Empire would recognise them at this time. Rather, each household undertook to equip and train themselves for war. If a household was threatened by orcs, the neighbouring [[steward\|stewards]] would meet and select a prominent [[Yeoman_of_the_Marches\|yeoman]] to act as field marshal for the coming battle. The marshal was required to make the final decision on what strategy to employ for a battle and to provide appropriate leadership once the fighting began. An experienced and successful field marshal was a huge asset to any household, allowing them to dictate terms when negotiating a potential attack on orc lands with other households.

	This resistance to establishing any formal permanent leadership was a consequence of the independent and stubborn nature of the Marchers. They were in broad agreement that no single individual would be in charge - they had quit Dawn, after all, to get away from a system where the nobles ruled over those who toiled and the idea that someone would set themselves up as "monarch of the Marches" was anathema to them. Choosing their own stewards to run a household and a [[Field Marshal]] to run a battle was the pragmatic compromise that enabled leadership when it was essential, but it was a system with numerous obvious flaws. Attempts to create some more formal method of providing unity to the Marches were made, but each one quickly fell apart.		This resistance to establishing any formal permanent leadership was a consequence of the independent and stubborn nature of the Marchers. They were in broad agreement that no single individual would be in charge - they had quit Dawn, after all, to get away from a system where the nobles ruled over those who toiled and the idea that someone would set themselves up as "monarch of the Marches" was anathema to them. Choosing their own stewards to run a household and a [[Field Marshal]] to run a battle was the pragmatic compromise that enabled leadership when it was essential, but it was a system with numerous obvious flaws. Attempts to create some more formal method of providing unity to the Marches were made, but each one quickly fell apart.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

2026-01-15T12:23:31Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:23, 15 January 2026
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	Within weeks of the victory at Stockland, Henry and Drake drew up their forces on the fields in Ashbrook and dispatched an invitation to the Empress to meet them there. The popular version of events tells of how [[First Empress]] marched out of southern [[Miaren]], along the road guarded by [[Brock's Toll]], on foot with her standard bearer, and accepted the Marcher request to join the Empire. There is plenty of evidence in the Marches however that this version of events owes more to fancy than fact. The Marchers bargained with the representatives of the putative new alliance not as humble supplicants but as people who had just won a war of unification. Henry and Tom laid down several very specific demands regarding the nature of the alliance, the position of the nations within it, the adoption of the [[Field_Marshal\|field marshal]] to provide battlefield leadership where soldiers from multiple nations worked together, and crucially the requirements for how the military of the member nations would operate. Legend has it that Henry is reported to have thrown the Empress own words back at her when presenting the demands ending with the phrase "''we want all of them, or none of them''" - presenting the very real chance that the Marches would not join the Empire and would seek their own path.		Within weeks of the victory at Stockland, Henry and Drake drew up their forces on the fields in Ashbrook and dispatched an invitation to the Empress to meet them there. The popular version of events tells of how [[First Empress]] marched out of southern [[Miaren]], along the road guarded by [[Brock's Toll]], on foot with her standard bearer, and accepted the Marcher request to join the Empire. There is plenty of evidence in the Marches however that this version of events owes more to fancy than fact. The Marchers bargained with the representatives of the putative new alliance not as humble supplicants but as people who had just won a war of unification. Henry and Tom laid down several very specific demands regarding the nature of the alliance, the position of the nations within it, the adoption of the [[Field_Marshal\|field marshal]] to provide battlefield leadership where soldiers from multiple nations worked together, and crucially the requirements for how the military of the member nations would operate. Legend has it that Henry is reported to have thrown the Empress own words back at her when presenting the demands ending with the phrase "''we want all of them, or none of them''" - presenting the very real chance that the Marches would not join the Empire and would seek their own path.

	The first foundations of the [[~~Imperial~~ Military Council]] were laid during this meeting, with the Marchers receiving unexpected support from both representatives of [[the Brass Coast]], the early [[the League\|League]], and several factions of the [[Navarr]]. In the end, the Marcher demands were met and the newly-united Marches became part of the Empire.		The first foundations of the [[Military Council]] were laid during this meeting, with the Marchers receiving unexpected support from both representatives of [[the Brass Coast]], the early [[the League\|League]], and several factions of the [[Navarr]]. In the end, the Marcher demands were met and the newly-united Marches became part of the Empire.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Marcher.jpg\|align=right\|width=350}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Marcher.jpg\|align=right\|width=350}}

Rafferty at 11:16, 21 June 2025

2025-06-21T11:16:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:16, 21 June 2025
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	Following the dissolution of the Fair, those Marcher households and landskeepers who supported the idea of joining the Empire tried to recruit as many Marchers as possible to their side. Steadily the number of Marcher households remaining neutral was whittled away, with more and more feeling the need to choose one side or the other, or risk being considered an enemy by both sides. There were numerous armed clashes between rival households and old grudges came to the fore, leading to open skirmishes and bloody exchanges. It was always common for a household to call on allies when a grudge turned to open-fighting but the matter of the Empire split the Marches and the bloodshed escalated like never before. There were a few minor battles, but though the losers lost their lands and in many cases their lives, for the most part they were inconclusive, neither side could shift the balance firmly enough to settle the matter.		Following the dissolution of the Fair, those Marcher households and landskeepers who supported the idea of joining the Empire tried to recruit as many Marchers as possible to their side. Steadily the number of Marcher households remaining neutral was whittled away, with more and more feeling the need to choose one side or the other, or risk being considered an enemy by both sides. There were numerous armed clashes between rival households and old grudges came to the fore, leading to open skirmishes and bloody exchanges. It was always common for a household to call on allies when a grudge turned to open-fighting but the matter of the Empire split the Marches and the bloodshed escalated like never before. There were a few minor battles, but though the losers lost their lands and in many cases their lives, for the most part they were inconclusive, neither side could shift the balance firmly enough to settle the matter.

	While there were certainly folk on both sides motivated by the grudges and rivalries that underpinned Marcher society, others had more idealistic inspiration. Tom Drake, for example, wrote of his certainty that if the Marches could not be united, they would be conquered either by the orcs, or by a newly-invigorated Dawn. With the might of Highguard and the southern city-states behind them, the Marchers would be unable to resist the Empire's hunger for their rich farmlands. Even if they did not ultimately end up joining the Empire, the Marches could no longer afford to be a divided nation of petty households squabbling with each other. Henry of Meade spoke several times of the danger of an Empire where the elitist notions of Dawn were allowed to reign unchecked, and of what such an alliance might look like without any Marcher common sense to balance our Dawnish pig-headedness.		While there were certainly folk on both sides motivated by the grudges and rivalries that underpinned Marcher society, others had more idealistic inspiration. [[Life of Tom Drake\|Tom Drake]], for example, wrote of his certainty that if the Marches could not be united, they would be conquered either by the orcs, or by a newly-invigorated Dawn. With the might of Highguard and the southern city-states behind them, the Marchers would be unable to resist the Empire's hunger for their rich farmlands. Even if they did not ultimately end up joining the Empire, the Marches could no longer afford to be a divided nation of petty households squabbling with each other. Henry of Meade spoke several times of the danger of an Empire where the elitist notions of Dawn were allowed to reign unchecked, and of what such an alliance might look like without any Marcher common sense to balance our Dawnish pig-headedness.

	By contrast his main rival on the opposite side of the matter, the fiery Agnes Tiller of Wayford, argued that the Marches would simply be swallowed up if they attempted to join the new alliance. Instead of going cap in hand to this Dawnish monarch and her Highborn allies, the Marchers should look north to their friendly rivals in [[Wintermark]] - after all the Winterfolk king Alof Beorning had also declined to join the proposed Empire. She and her supporters actively sought a military alliance between the Marches, Wintermark, and the Navarr of Miaren and Hercynia, with the Winterfolk serving as liaisons to those Varushkans who were also unconvinced by the First Empress' vision.		By contrast his main rival on the opposite side of the matter, the fiery Agnes Tiller of Wayford, argued that the Marches would simply be swallowed up if they attempted to join the new alliance. Instead of going cap in hand to this Dawnish monarch and her Highborn allies, the Marchers should look north to their friendly rivals in [[Wintermark]] - after all the Winterfolk king Alof Beorning had also declined to join the proposed Empire. She and her supporters actively sought a military alliance between the Marches, Wintermark, and the Navarr of Miaren and Hercynia, with the Winterfolk serving as liaisons to those Varushkans who were also unconvinced by the First Empress' vision.

Rafferty: /* More Marches History */

2025-06-21T11:16:36Z

More Marches History

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:16, 21 June 2025
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	The second Marcher Throne was [[Emperor Walter]] of [[Upwold]]. An effective businessman and [[alders\|alder]], he was appointed only a short time ago in 371YE. His reign was very short, and very chaotic - he attempted to run the Empire like a business with near disastrous consequences. He is largely viewed as a failure and an embarrassment by the rest of the Marches. About the only good thing to come out of his reign was an awareness of just how much trouble the Empire was in - laying the groundwork for the appointment of [[Empress Britta]] and the [[Imperial_history#Resurgence\|resurgence]] that continues to this day.		The second Marcher Throne was [[Emperor Walter]] of [[Upwold]]. An effective businessman and [[alders\|alder]], he was appointed only a short time ago in 371YE. His reign was very short, and very chaotic - he attempted to run the Empire like a business with near disastrous consequences. He is largely viewed as a failure and an embarrassment by the rest of the Marches. About the only good thing to come out of his reign was an awareness of just how much trouble the Empire was in - laying the groundwork for the appointment of [[Empress Britta]] and the [[Imperial_history#Resurgence\|resurgence]] that continues to this day.
	===More Marches History===		===More Marches History===
			* [[Life_of_Tom_Drake#Alderei_the_Fair\|Life of Tom Drake]] - contains discussion of Marcher hero, and casts a new light on the Cousins' War
	* [[Steward of Brock's Heath]] - [[Historical research]] into the life of "old Morgan", a pre-Imperial steward of House Brockheath, which discusses early-Marcher relationships with the [[Navarr]] in particular		* [[Steward of Brock's Heath]] - [[Historical research]] into the life of "old Morgan", a pre-Imperial steward of House Brockheath, which discusses early-Marcher relationships with the [[Navarr]] in particular
	* [[Bregasland and the smiths]] - research relating to the sinking of Bregasland, and the story of the disappearing "Marcher smiths"		* [[Bregasland and the smiths]] - research relating to the sinking of Bregasland, and the story of the disappearing "Marcher smiths"
	* [[The Ore Hills Rebellion]] - research regarding the short-lived rebellion in Mournwold in 326YE		* [[The Ore Hills Rebellion]] - research regarding the short-lived rebellion in Mournwold in 326YE
	{{The Marches Links}}		{{The Marches Links}}

Rafferty: /* Marchers on the Throne */

2024-06-27T09:17:55Z

Marchers on the Throne

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:17, 27 June 2024
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	The second Marcher Throne was [[Emperor Walter]] of [[Upwold]]. An effective businessman and [[alders\|alder]], he was appointed only a short time ago in 371YE. His reign was very short, and very chaotic - he attempted to run the Empire like a business with near disastrous consequences. He is largely viewed as a failure and an embarrassment by the rest of the Marches. About the only good thing to come out of his reign was an awareness of just how much trouble the Empire was in - laying the groundwork for the appointment of [[Empress Britta]] and the [[Imperial_history#Resurgence\|resurgence]] that continues to this day.		The second Marcher Throne was [[Emperor Walter]] of [[Upwold]]. An effective businessman and [[alders\|alder]], he was appointed only a short time ago in 371YE. His reign was very short, and very chaotic - he attempted to run the Empire like a business with near disastrous consequences. He is largely viewed as a failure and an embarrassment by the rest of the Marches. About the only good thing to come out of his reign was an awareness of just how much trouble the Empire was in - laying the groundwork for the appointment of [[Empress Britta]] and the [[Imperial_history#Resurgence\|resurgence]] that continues to this day.
			===More Marches History===
			* [[Steward of Brock's Heath]] - [[Historical research]] into the life of "old Morgan", a pre-Imperial steward of House Brockheath, which discusses early-Marcher relationships with the [[Navarr]] in particular
			* [[Bregasland and the smiths]] - research relating to the sinking of Bregasland, and the story of the disappearing "Marcher smiths"
			* [[The Ore Hills Rebellion]] - research regarding the short-lived rebellion in Mournwold in 326YE
	{{The Marches Links}}		{{The Marches Links}}

Rafferty: /* Historical Links */

2024-06-27T09:17:41Z

Historical Links

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:17, 27 June 2024
Line 71:		Line 71:
	The second Marcher Throne was [[Emperor Walter]] of [[Upwold]]. An effective businessman and [[alders\|alder]], he was appointed only a short time ago in 371YE. His reign was very short, and very chaotic - he attempted to run the Empire like a business with near disastrous consequences. He is largely viewed as a failure and an embarrassment by the rest of the Marches. About the only good thing to come out of his reign was an awareness of just how much trouble the Empire was in - laying the groundwork for the appointment of [[Empress Britta]] and the [[Imperial_history#Resurgence\|resurgence]] that continues to this day.		The second Marcher Throne was [[Emperor Walter]] of [[Upwold]]. An effective businessman and [[alders\|alder]], he was appointed only a short time ago in 371YE. His reign was very short, and very chaotic - he attempted to run the Empire like a business with near disastrous consequences. He is largely viewed as a failure and an embarrassment by the rest of the Marches. About the only good thing to come out of his reign was an awareness of just how much trouble the Empire was in - laying the groundwork for the appointment of [[Empress Britta]] and the [[Imperial_history#Resurgence\|resurgence]] that continues to this day.
	{{The Marches Links}}		{{The Marches Links}}
	~~===Historical Links===~~
	* [[Steward of Brock's Heath]] - [[Historical research]] into the life of "old Morgan", a pre-Imperial steward of House Brockheath, which discusses early-Marcher relationships with the [[Navarr]] in particular
	* [[Bregasland and the smiths]] - research relating to the sinking of Bregasland, and the story of the disappearing "Marcher smiths"
	* [[The Ore Hills Rebellion]] - research regarding the short-lived rebellion in Mournwold in 326YE

Rafferty: /* Historical Links */

2024-06-26T19:49:55Z

Historical Links

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:49, 26 June 2024
Line 73:		Line 73:
	===Historical Links===		===Historical Links===
	* [[Steward of Brock's Heath]] - [[Historical research]] into the life of "old Morgan", a pre-Imperial steward of House Brockheath, which discusses early-Marcher relationships with the [[Navarr]] in particular		* [[Steward of Brock's Heath]] - [[Historical research]] into the life of "old Morgan", a pre-Imperial steward of House Brockheath, which discusses early-Marcher relationships with the [[Navarr]] in particular
			* [[Bregasland and the smiths]] - research relating to the sinking of Bregasland, and the story of the disappearing "Marcher smiths"
			* [[The Ore Hills Rebellion]] - research regarding the short-lived rebellion in Mournwold in 326YE

Dre at 21:43, 13 May 2024

2024-05-13T21:43:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:43, 13 May 2024
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	While there were certainly folk on both sides motivated by the grudges and rivalries that underpinned Marcher society, others had more idealistic inspiration. Tom Drake, for example, wrote of his certainty that if the Marches could not be united, they would be conquered either by the orcs, or by a newly-invigorated Dawn. With the might of Highguard and the southern city-states behind them, the Marchers would be unable to resist the Empire's hunger for their rich farmlands. Even if they did not ultimately end up joining the Empire, the Marches could no longer afford to be a divided nation of petty households squabbling with each other. Henry of Meade spoke several times of the danger of an Empire where the elitist notions of Dawn were allowed to reign unchecked, and of what such an alliance might look like without any Marcher common sense to balance our Dawnish pig-headedness.		While there were certainly folk on both sides motivated by the grudges and rivalries that underpinned Marcher society, others had more idealistic inspiration. Tom Drake, for example, wrote of his certainty that if the Marches could not be united, they would be conquered either by the orcs, or by a newly-invigorated Dawn. With the might of Highguard and the southern city-states behind them, the Marchers would be unable to resist the Empire's hunger for their rich farmlands. Even if they did not ultimately end up joining the Empire, the Marches could no longer afford to be a divided nation of petty households squabbling with each other. Henry of Meade spoke several times of the danger of an Empire where the elitist notions of Dawn were allowed to reign unchecked, and of what such an alliance might look like without any Marcher common sense to balance our Dawnish pig-headedness.

	By contrast his main rival on the opposite side of the matter, the fiery Agnes Tiller of Wayford, argued that the Marches would simply be swallowed up if they attempted to join the new alliance. Instead of going cap in hand to this Dawnish monarch and her Highborn allies, the Marchers should look north to their friendly rivals in [[Wintermark]] - after all the Winterfolk king Alof Beorning had also declined to join the proposed Empire. She and her supporters actively sought a military alliance between the Marches, Wintermark, and the Navarr of Miaren and Hercynia, with the Winterfolk serving as ~~liasons~~ to those Varushkans who were also unconvinced by the First Empress' vision.		By contrast his main rival on the opposite side of the matter, the fiery Agnes Tiller of Wayford, argued that the Marches would simply be swallowed up if they attempted to join the new alliance. Instead of going cap in hand to this Dawnish monarch and her Highborn allies, the Marchers should look north to their friendly rivals in [[Wintermark]] - after all the Winterfolk king Alof Beorning had also declined to join the proposed Empire. She and her supporters actively sought a military alliance between the Marches, Wintermark, and the Navarr of Miaren and Hercynia, with the Winterfolk serving as liaisons to those Varushkans who were also unconvinced by the First Empress' vision.

	After a year of escalation, the stewards again came together at Stockland but this time there was no appetite for trade and celebration. The two factions and their supporters camped ~~seperately~~ on either side of Hepton Bridge. Those who sided with the Empress were ~~lead~~ by Brigit, Henry, and the canny military commander, Tom Drake. They established an armed camp on Monk's Heath on the northern bank of the River Meade. Those who believed the Marches should remain independent were ~~lead~~ by Gregory of Ashill and Mary Hay. They pitched camp south of the river, on the commons at Maiden's Run. The fair itself was cancelled for the first time in living memory, and as the sun rose over the fields both armies began to move.		After a year of escalation, the stewards again came together at Stockland but this time there was no appetite for trade and celebration. The two factions and their supporters camped separately on either side of Hepton Bridge. Those who sided with the Empress were led by Brigit, Henry, and the canny military commander, Tom Drake. They established an armed camp on Monk's Heath on the northern bank of the River Meade. Those who believed the Marches should remain independent were lea by Gregory of Ashill and Mary Hay. They pitched camp south of the river, on the commons at Maiden's Run. The fair itself was cancelled for the first time in living memory, and as the sun rose over the fields both armies began to move.

	The fighting was bloody, and continued until close to sundown. Although they marginally outnumbered their rivals, Tom Drake's strategy was widely credited with carrying the day. The defeated stewards were forced to accept the outcome to keep their lands, those who refused either fled the Marches or were executed. The Battle of Hepton Bridge was not strictly the last battle of the Cousin's War, but with the deaths of so many opposing stewards on the fields of Stockmarch, the outcome was never in doubt. Some of the defeated households bowed their heads to inevitability, while others refused to capitulate and lost their lands. A few, ~~lead~~ by Agnes Tiller's surviving daughter Hazel, quit the Marches with their soldiers and fled north.		The fighting was bloody, and continued until close to sundown. Although they marginally outnumbered their rivals, Tom Drake's strategy was widely credited with carrying the day. The defeated stewards were forced to accept the outcome to keep their lands, those who refused either fled the Marches or were executed. The Battle of Hepton Bridge was not strictly the last battle of the Cousin's War, but with the deaths of so many opposing stewards on the fields of Stockmarch, the outcome was never in doubt. Some of the defeated households bowed their heads to inevitability, while others refused to capitulate and lost their lands. A few, led by Agnes Tiller's surviving daughter Hazel, quit the Marches with their soldiers and fled north.

	Within weeks of the victory at Stockland, Henry and Drake drew up their forces on the fields in Ashbrook and dispatched an invitation to the Empress to meet them there. The popular version of events tells of how [[First Empress]] marched out of southern [[Miaren]], along the road guarded by [[Brock's Toll]], on foot with her standard bearer, and accepted the Marcher request to join the Empire. There is plenty of evidence in the Marches however that this version of events owes more to fancy than fact. The Marchers bargained with the representatives of the putative new alliance not as humble supplicants but as people who had just won a war of unification. Henry and Tom laid down several very specific demands regarding the nature of the alliance, the position of the nations within it, the adoption of the [[Field_Marshal\|field marshal]] to provide battlefield leadership where soldiers from multiple nations worked together, and crucially the requirements for how the military of the member nations would operate. Legend has it that Henry is reported to have thrown the Empress own words back at her when presenting the demands ending with the phrase "''we want all of them, or none of them''" - presenting the very real chance that the Marches would not join the Empire and would seek their own path.		Within weeks of the victory at Stockland, Henry and Drake drew up their forces on the fields in Ashbrook and dispatched an invitation to the Empress to meet them there. The popular version of events tells of how [[First Empress]] marched out of southern [[Miaren]], along the road guarded by [[Brock's Toll]], on foot with her standard bearer, and accepted the Marcher request to join the Empire. There is plenty of evidence in the Marches however that this version of events owes more to fancy than fact. The Marchers bargained with the representatives of the putative new alliance not as humble supplicants but as people who had just won a war of unification. Henry and Tom laid down several very specific demands regarding the nature of the alliance, the position of the nations within it, the adoption of the [[Field_Marshal\|field marshal]] to provide battlefield leadership where soldiers from multiple nations worked together, and crucially the requirements for how the military of the member nations would operate. Legend has it that Henry is reported to have thrown the Empress own words back at her when presenting the demands ending with the phrase "''we want all of them, or none of them''" - presenting the very real chance that the Marches would not join the Empire and would seek their own path.

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	Within weeks of the victory at Stockland, Henry and Drake drew up their forces on the fields in Ashbrook and dispatched an invitation to the Empress to meet them there. The popular version of events tells of how [[First Empress]] marched out of southern [[Miaren]], along the road guarded by [[Brock's Toll]], on foot with her standard bearer, and accepted the Marcher request to join the Empire. There is plenty of evidence in the Marches however that this version of events owes more to fancy than fact. The Marchers bargained with the representatives of the putative new alliance not as humble supplicants but as people who had just won a war of unification. Henry and Tom laid down several very specific demands regarding the nature of the alliance, the position of the nations within it, the adoption of the [[Field_Marshal\|field marshal]] to provide battlefield leadership where soldiers from multiple nations worked together, and crucially the requirements for how the military of the member nations would operate. Legend has it that Henry is reported to have thrown the Empress own words back at her when presenting the demands ending with the phrase "''we want all of them, or none of them''" - presenting the very real chance that the Marches would not join the Empire and would seek their own path.		Within weeks of the victory at Stockland, Henry and Drake drew up their forces on the fields in Ashbrook and dispatched an invitation to the Empress to meet them there. The popular version of events tells of how [[First Empress]] marched out of southern [[Miaren]], along the road guarded by [[Brock's Toll]], on foot with her standard bearer, and accepted the Marcher request to join the Empire. There is plenty of evidence in the Marches however that this version of events owes more to fancy than fact. The Marchers bargained with the representatives of the putative new alliance not as humble supplicants but as people who had just won a war of unification. Henry and Tom laid down several very specific demands regarding the nature of the alliance, the position of the nations within it, the adoption of the [[Field_Marshal\|field marshal]] to provide battlefield leadership where soldiers from multiple nations worked together, and crucially the requirements for how the military of the member nations would operate. Legend has it that Henry is reported to have thrown the Empress own words back at her when presenting the demands ending with the phrase "''we want all of them, or none of them''" - presenting the very real chance that the Marches would not join the Empire and would seek their own path.

	The first foundations of the [[~~Imperial~~ Military Council]] were laid during this meeting, with the Marchers receiving unexpected support from both representatives of [[the Brass Coast]], the early [[the League\|League]], and several factions of the [[Navarr]]. In the end, the Marcher demands were met and the newly-united Marches became part of the Empire.		The first foundations of the [[Military Council]] were laid during this meeting, with the Marchers receiving unexpected support from both representatives of [[the Brass Coast]], the early [[the League\|League]], and several factions of the [[Navarr]]. In the end, the Marcher demands were met and the newly-united Marches became part of the Empire.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Marcher.jpg\|align=right\|width=350}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Marcher.jpg\|align=right\|width=350}}