Nordmark

From Illapedia

The Nordmark is a Norodaj settlement in the northwest of Gobaith.

Contents 1 Nordmark 2 Laws 3 Laws for foreigners 4 Clans 5 Foreign relations

[edit] 1 Nordmark

In the far northwest of Gobaith, north of the Old Lighthouse the Nordmark (Old Language for "Northmarch", often called "Northmark") is situated. Founded on a fine summerday a couple of winters ago by Jarl Bogan Bjölfrson and Jarl Tjalf Kormson and their followers. A land where fortified farms of different clans are found.

Populated by Norodaj barbarians who speak mainly the Old Language. The Nordmarkers are dressed in furs, leather and rough, coloured cloth, wear long beards and prefer big swords, spears, axes and throwing axes as weapons. They often trade with the dwarves of Silverbrand, their neighbours and friends in the mountains. Their main food source is the sea, they live from fishing and from herding pigs and sheep – and sometimes from raiding other human or orcish settlements located somewhere near the sea. The Nordmarkers live in big family clans. The "Jarl" is the clan leader and has the right to have up to three wives, all other men may only marry one woman. Marriages bind for the whole life, "dishonoured" men who have been betrayed normally challenge the other man for a duel till the death of one of them. If a man treats his wife or children badly, he will be expulsed from the clan.

The temple place is the center of the Mark. The Nordmarkers pray mainly to Tanora, Goddess of the Sea, Irmorom, God of Trade and Craftsmanship, and Malachín, God of Battle and Hunting. They fear and hate magic as something a mortal should not meddle with. That is why most of them are afraid and hating every magic using person. These feelings are felt for the whole folk of elves, whom they now and then encounter. Each clan or tribe has a "Ghodi", a kind of shaman or priest.

[edit] 2 Laws

1. In the Mark everybody has the right to carry arms freely (exception: prisoners).
2. The Jarls (clan chiefs) act as judges. The council of all arls can revise sentences by single Jarls. Members of a clan are to be judged only by their own Jarl or by the council of Jarls. Clanless citizens and strangers are to be judged by the Jarl who first becomes active on the case.
3. Illegal acts and punishments

   • Manslaughter: Wergild (payment for the victim)
   • Murder: Torturous execution and Wergild or banishment
   • Theft or fraud: Wergild and banishment
   • Breach of public peace: Banishment or torturous execution
   • Use of magic: Banishment or execution (including magic portals, not including magic healing)

   Attempted crimes are punishable. In unclear cases the Jarl may order a divine judgement which means a duel.

4. Banned citizens will be pardoned, if they acomplish a heroic act that helps the Mark. (Strangers may be pardoned, if they acomplish a heroic act...)

New laws are given, and existing laws are changed by the Allthing (assembly of all citizens) All Jarls together can veto laws or changes of laws.

[edit] 3 Laws for foreigners

Every foreigner, who is not banned, may travel freely in the Mark and sell or buy goods. Who takes more from the land than the number of three (e.g. three dozen apples, three trees or three rabbits) without permission of a Jarl, is guilty of theft. Exception: Druids may collect as much herbs and plants as they want.

[edit] 4 Clans

1. Wolfsklan ("Wolf clan")
2. Drachenklan ("Dragon clan")

The council of the Jarls decides the founding of new clans.

[edit] 5 Foreign relations

The Nordmarkers do not meddle in foreign affairs. They expect the foreigners to do the same.