Current Titles

"A title does not give you strength. Strength begets a title."

Arwenna Wolfsbite confronting her uncle Valkar a day before her siege on Dire Keep in 549 BE.

Titles, like every other aspect of a culture change over time. Some are born from myths and legends, like the revered Stormcrows whose all seeing wisdom gives them the power to foretell a mans destiny. Other titles come about from necessity, such as the Quartermaster whose thrift and organisational skills bring wealth and prosperity. Some titles die over time, often through a shift in politics like that of a King whose royal blood no longer dictates the will of his subjects.

Over the long and bloody history of the Watch and the Halls which came before it, many titles were created, abolished and inherited. Every new recreation of the Watch used different titles to fill different roles, but there are a few which remained somewhat unchanged and are still in use today by the Watch. The following list includes all titles currently in use, as well a brief description about who holds them.

Thane: Wulfric

“Nearly all shall fall when the Wyvern’s attack. All, but the Wolf and his pack.”

Extract from ‘The Hunters of the Night’ By Lorrin

Although every territory within the Empire must follow the laws and authority of the Throne and the various governing bodies, Thanes still possess a lot of power and responsibility. Prior to the birth of the Empire, the Thane held ultimate power over his/her Hall, with the title often passing to kin of the same dynasty. The first Thane of Dire Keep, who the Watch regard as one of the founding members, was Wulfric Wyvernsbane (not to be confused with Wulfric, Son of Aedric the Forge-Father, the current ruling Thane). For centuries following the coronation of Wulfric Wyvernsbane, the title of Thane remained by law, a hereditary title. This later however changed, and to this day the title, like every other in the Watch is gained through an election once the current Thane dies or decides to step down.

A Thane often has to make decisions pertaining to the military of their Hall. They are in charge of commanding the Heroes of the Watch into battle, designing formations and tactics. The Thane often has to make final or executive decisions for the hall such as where patrols will range, how loot will be distributed and tie break any elective decisions. They are also a dignitary having to represent the hall to numerous peoples and sit on several councils. As such the Thane reserves the right to veto any decision made by the hall if he so chooses.

Unlike in Dawn where to become an Earl you must rise from Yeoman to noble, in Wintermark there is no status, nor class requirement for becoming a Thane. You must simply be an inspiring presence. To be Thane, one must accept ultimate responsibility for their Hall. One must also be strong in character as they are strong with sword in hand, and brave in the face of emotion as they are brave when facing the enemy hordes. Wise crows know that short is the reign of terror, and as such, an effective Thane rules through example and leads with inspiration. They must show strength to the enemy, courage to the cowardly, compassion to the damned, and mercy to the accused, because a good Thane sees the potential in everyone. A good Thane sees a future hero, when all others see a Maggot. Above all a Thane is to be wise and willing to make personal sacrifices for the hall, seldom are thanes remembered for what they killed or who they bested, they are predominantly known for how they lead.

Steward: Agg Linrek

“A Sharp mind can be as deadly as any blade"

Sigfried the Reformer to the Burned Council 539BE

The Steward is the right hand of the Thane. The Thane is only a lone Watcher and cannot be in all places at all times nor can they specialise in all fields or master all trades this is where the Steward comes in. The Steward has various roles such as holding Dire Keep when the Thane is away, representing the Thane at various meetings as an official proxy, taking command if the Thane is absent and ensuring that the title of Thane is passed on upon the death of the previous Thane.

A Steward is perhaps the Thanes's most senior advisor, there to give their opinion on matters of governance and leadership as such the relationship between Thane and Steward is often personal. The Stewardship is one of the only non elected positions chosen by the Thane. A wise Thane picks someone they agree with but who excels in area that they themselves do not.

It is not uncommon for Stewards to become Thanes; the nature of this proxy role and its leadership responsibilities means that its occupant are often more than worthy options for the title.

Quartermaster: Wylf Pendragon

“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants. "

Gjorn the first Quartermaster, from the 2nd Watch archives

Quartermaster is one of the most senior positions in the Hall, with them having free reign to manage the economy of the Watch. This position is relatively new, having been introduced in the 2nd iteration of the Watch. The relationship with the Thanes and finance has been mixed; warrior Thanes had a habit of mismanaging the economy, absent Thanes often delegated economic management to un-elected stewards, and those that were capable were not always the best of Thanes. The Quartermaster role solved all these problems. Every Watch member gets a vote to elect someone into this position.

Quartermasters have a wide range of responsibility and powers. First and foremost, they are responsible for collecting tax; the tax set by the Quartermaster himself goes directly into the hall treasury. The funds and resources of the treasury are then distributed by the quartermaster to fund any project they see fit. Taxes currently sit at 50% of all resources. Quartermasters have immense power as they can choose which hall projects to pursue; such as magical weaponry or armour, rituals, resource upgrades and sinecures, etc. This has meant the position has become highly political with Quartermasters often needing to create a fiscal projection and manifesto. It is not uncommon for Quartermasters to agree to fund projects in exchange for votes.

The Quartermaster is a very important and influential role. A good quartermaster evaluates the economic situation of the Empire and Anvil, they plan for the future and always try and maximize gains. They are well informed and know the current prices of everything. The best Quartermasters will utilise the numbers of the Watch to their advantage, creating an unofficial hierarchy that allows for delegation and maximum market research. Whilst by no means a people pleaser, the Quartermaster should listen to members of the Watch regarding their concerns and try and address them. Quartermasters should be shrewd, well informed and rational.

Housecarl: Lorrin the Outrunner

“I for one would proudly die for my brothers and sisters. Just don't expect me to be humble if you’re the one defeated instead.”

Hrothgar the first Housecarl shortly before his fight with Gorg the Bone Hammer

In its most simple terms, the Housecarl is the head of the military structure, following the direct orders of the Thane. Although primarily hunters and safe-keepers of the Mark, the Watch has, since its conception, included some level of military concern. Whether that was during the Troll wars, where the pact organised war with the Trolls, or more recently, where the warriors of the Watch regularly bolstered the Empire's force when battling barbarian tribes. With this in mind, the role of Housecarl is often gained by those who possess both tactical and military prowess, whilst also being an inspiring presence for those who fight beside them.

The title of Housecarl also serves as a symbol of courage. Those who are chosen as Housecarl are often chosen for showing exceptional bravery in the face of hardship; never hesitating to put their own lives in danger if it means the ultimate safety of their comrades. Because of this inherent willingness to risk their lives, the Housecarl also plays a major role in a Watcher's journey to becoming a Ranger - a title bestowed on only the most daring and patient Watchers. As is tradition in the Watch, for a Watcher to become a ranger he must face three challenges. One of these, the Challenge of Kinship, is completed only when one shows selflessness and self-sacrifice, which the Housecarl rewards with a red rune of honour. The Housecarl has been known to deal with the organisation of skirmishes whilst in Anvil.

In the Watch, the title of Housecarl is believed to come directly from Wulfric Wyvernsbane, the founding father. In 703BE, Wulfric lead the White Skulls in an incursion against the Troll kingdoms as their Housecarl - at the time a Steinr title used by independent military warlords.The title and its military connotations also came into prominence during the time of the first Watch, when Eawyn Ironwill upon refusing to hold the title of Thane, became the first Grand Housecarl of the Watch.

The current Housecarl is Lorrin, who was put forth for the position by the Thane for his courage and selflessness during a dangerous skirmish into Druj territory. When the small force of Wintermark, Dawnish and Imperial Orcs troops became surrounded and needed to retreat, Lorrin risked his life in a desperate rescue mission which successfully saved the lives of multiple Imperial soldiers. Lorrin is officially the first Housecarl of the 3rd Watch.

Chainbreaker: Yon the Moon's Owl

“I don't need to read his Skein to know that, this man has more than redeemed himself"

Thorin Chainbreaker about Wulfirc Wyvernsblood at the 1st moot

The Chainbreaker is the title given to the Head of the Burned Council. The Watch has always been an order dedicated to its morals and values. The Burned Council is in charge of promoting, maintaining and rewarding Watch values such as protecting innocents, helping the community and showing courage. The Chainbreaker is the leader of the Burned Council and is responsible for the direction the council takes in its duties.

The title stems from Thorin Chainbreaker the Kallavesi mystic who founded the watch. He was a wise man and known for the role he played in providing spiritual and moral leadership to the Hall. Upon his death he famously told Arwenna Wolfsbite that her uncle intended for her to succeed over Valkar; there is controversy as to whether these were the truthful words of a dying man, or a last ditched effort to bring down Valkar for revoking the Stewardship from him. Regardless, he put into place the Burned Council, named after his followers in the troll wars; those he selected were to guide the leadership and take care of the people in times of trouble. Since then they have played a key role in dealing with crisis and guiding Thanes. With the spread of the Way the council became more religious and spiritual. The present incarnation of the Watch has called for the re-institution of the council which is tasked with numerous secular and religious tasks. The Chainbreaker is the one ultimately responsible for the approach the council takes as well as its success and failings. In light of the Watch's dedication to imperial faith the Chainbreaker must be a Synod member priest.

In honour of the role Thorin played in establishing the hall, the position is titled Chainbreaker, which also serves as metaphor for the responsibility of the position. A Chainbreaker must shatter all ties their followers have to false virtues, false gods or heresies. The Chainbreaker is also expected to deal with the spiritual beasts; i.e the exorcisms of un-worldly beings and must break what ever bonds tether them to the earth. A Chainbreaker also carries a secular role as the preserver of Watch history and culture, they must make sure it is not perverted or altered. The Chainbreaker is also responsible for issuing the Challenge of Heart.

The first Chainbreaker of the Watch was Osfrid by virtue of being the only Synod member priest at the time of the Watch's formation. Osfrid is not a native of the Dire Keep region but has been serving as the priest of Lonelychapel, the only continuous establishment of the 2nd Watch, for a number of years. After the Autumn Equinox of 382YE Osfrid went to fight in Sermersuaq and reliquished the role of Chainbreaker. The selection of Chainbreaker is done by vote of the members of the Burned Council. Yon is the incumbent. It is expected that the Chainbreaker will take up the congregation of Lonelychapel upon ascension.

Wandbearer: Vilhelm

"Give me ten men and a staff and I'll blow that wall down faster than you can blink"

Thorin Chainbreaker, at the siege of Dire Keep 681BE

The Wandbearer is the head of the Hall's coven and provides leadership for the mages of the Watch. Their purpose is the identification of magical threats to Wintermark and by extension the Empire. Their research should provide Watchers with valuable intelligence when dealing with such atrocities. The Wandbearer is also dedicated to the strategic use of magic by the hall as well as its weaponization.

The Wandbearer is a historical role within the Watch and traces its appearance back to the first Watch. It is said that the position was created by Grand Housecarl Aarne the Great I. The position was later reinstated by Thane Wulfric IV. Perhaps due to his magical heritage and personal experience of the threat that unchecked magic creates. Some even say that due to his lineaged blood, he naturally felt compelled to see the creation of a Summer coven within the Watch.

It is paramount that every Wandbearer shows an aptitude at harnessing the powers of magic, a skill which can be quite rare in the Empire. A Wandbearer is expected to guide Watchers on all matters concerning magic. This may include but is not limited to: founding a coven, teaching about eternals, their heralds and the realms, becoming a liaison for Conclave, and most importantly providing guidance to the Thane and the Quartermaster.

The current Wandbearer is Vilhelm, who came into power when elected in 381YE.

Hall Elder: Ragnar the Rock

“When there is true hospitality, not many words are needed. "

An ancient Watch proverb

An outsider would say that Wintermark's highest value was war; however, a true child of the Mark knows that the soul of the nation lies in its hospitality. Sacred to Wintermark and sacred to the Watch, such a monumental value requires a dedicated person to ensure that the custom is enforced. The Hall Elder is the master of celebration and revelry, they are elected by their fellow Watchers and are usually the most gregarious characters of the Hall.

Hall elders have a significant number of responsibilities. They must organise the feasts of Dire Keep, ensuring that the larder and cellar is stocked full of food and ale. They must organise entertainment and events, and keep spirits high. The Hall Elder becomes especially important on visits to Anvil, having a number of responsibilities. For one, they must ensure the Watch is properly provisioned with adequate supplies to entertain its members and guests. They also must monitor the comfort of visitors; ensuring they are happy and leave with a positive impression of the Watch. The Elder often has eagle eyes; they watch for clutter accumulating in the Watch camp and nip it in the bud; even a Thane can be subject to the wrath of the Elder if they cause a mess. Hall Elders often organise trips to the taverns of Anvil as well as other halls and organisations of the Empire.

The Hall Elder is a beacon of hospitality in a dark world. They are diligent, creative and selfless, devoting their lives to ensuring the happiness of others. They carry heavy standards and they sure as hell know how to have a good time.

Head Physician: Aelia Raedrigsshalle Akidottir

“Our Scars have the strange power to remind us that our past is real in all its victories and failures”

Jorma Bearsblood, on the nature of scars

The best Watchers will be all too familiar with the Head Physician. The Hall's nature as a hunting and military institution means that injury is common and the rugged life style we lead makes us often prone to illness. With a steady influx of the infirm the Watch has no greater need than its need for healers. Many healers are stationed in the Watch and the vast resources they bring means they need steady co-ordination; this is the responsibility of the Head Physician.

A dedicated leader of the Watch's healers has existed since the days of the 1st Watch. Traditionally the position was known as the head Grimnir with one of their ilk being chosen to take the mantle, normal healers were forbidden from taking office. However in the days of the 2nd Watch Ymma the Defender found that non combatant healers were in short supply and so named a regular healer to co-ordinate the medical department of the Hall. Since then all healers have been able to serve.

Head Physician has a number of roles to fulfill in the hall. First and foremost is to ensure that all members of the hall are fit and healthy. Therefore they will often perform routine health checks, looking for any sign of injury or off behaviour, particularly following a battle. On the eve of battle the Court Physician will often spend hours deciding which healers will accompany troops into battle, ensuring they are well stocked. This is in addition to having a team on standby to heal weary troops returning from a battle. The Head Physician is not purely a practical profession; it is also a position which is dictated by politics, as quartermasters are in-charge of the distribution of hall resources. As such they usually have to agree with the quartermaster and the use of any herbs they wish to have, particularly when brewing potions. It is usually good to have a quartermaster and Head physician who see eye to eye on brewing policy. The politics of this role is not just limited to the hall; often Head Physicians have to attend meetings with the other healers of the mark to stay well informed about what threats the hall's warriors might face and how best to combat any damage done. The Head Physician may have to forge friendships with other halls in order to better pool any healing resources. It is also beneficial for them to have a policy on the Anvil Hospital regarding how many healers to commit to there and whether to prioritise the Hall first.

With a wealth of responsibilities the title of Head Physician is no easy burden and as such those who wish to pursue it must be well informed, diligent, selfless and prepared to experience loss as only healers can. Head Physicians must also be frugal as herbs and potions are a valuable resource that should not be squandered lightly.

Shieldbearer Hanhmark: Drax

Shieldbearer Sermersuaq: Vacant

Shieldbearer Kallavesa: Yon

“I may not have a shield, but I swear to each of you here, I'll defend you until the end"

An unknown hero of the last Wyvern Hunt

Shieldbearers are an integral part of the Watch's military hierarchy. A Shieldbearer is a corporal of sorts; they lead a small number of warriors who they know on a personal level into all manners of violent perils. Shieldbearers are chosen directly by the Thane, a conscious choice as sometimes democracy doesn't mix well with meritocracy; those best suited to the job are not always the most affable and well liked of Watchers.

Shieldbearers are the leaders of their respective patrols. Whilst the movements of the patrols and their roles in battle are often decided by the Thane or Housecarl, the Shieldbearer is responsible for the organisation of their patrol as well as maintaining morale, discipline and inspiring them in battle. Chief among the responsibilities of the Shieldbearer is to thoroughly know the members of the patrol; deciding who is best to guard the flanks or hold the vanguard can be critical knowledge in battle. Shieldbearers must have an intimate knowledge of certain military tactics, so they are able to execute these moves swiftly and precisely. Being a strong motivator is often important, as commanding hearts is often the key to victory and so a fine line must be struck between camaraderie and respect.

Shieldbearers are in many ways the most important leaders in the lives of the average watcher and so must serve as pillars of the community as well as great warriors. They are often capable, charismatic and cunning. Shieldbearers are often good candidates for future Housecarls.

Burned One for the Steinr: Vacant

Burned One for the Suaq: Vacant

Burned One for the Kallavesi: Vacant

“My past is kindling, my future ash but in the present I am the fire that sustains the Watch. I am a Burned One and I will light the way."

The first words of the Burned Council

The Burned ones are the members that make up the Burned Council. This was originally created as an advisory body to Thanes, Housecarls and Stewards; the council would always attempt to encourage that leaders uphold Watch culture. Unfortunately our history often calls for the Burned council to manage the hall in times of crisis.

The Burned Council today has a complex position in the Watch, their various roles in the past make them advisors to hall leadership, upholders of core Watch beliefs, crisis interventionists and, in light of the importance of the Way in Empire, spiritual advisers. As such a Burned One must be a priest of the Way. They do not have to be dedicated or in the Synod; they are to be appointed by the Chainbreaker, the head of the council. It is expected that the Burned Council will use the priestly abilities to cast oversight on the hall and hold any un-virtuous souls to account.

A council member will assist the Chainbreaker in remaining vigilant for any breach in Watch beliefs or imperial doctrine and scold those who do. They will assist the Chainbreaker in official priest duties such as preaching the Way, exorcising spirits, performing religious ceremonies and researching Watch history.

Rangers

“If a Watcher is the shield that guards us, then the ranger is the hammer which drives our enemies to the anvil."

Riikka Ranger on the rangers

Rangers are the elite of the Watch. They are made only by completing all three challenges, proving themselves strong of body and of heart and loyal to their kin. This is necessary as Rangers carry a tremendous level of power and responsibility. First and foremost they serve as paragons of the Watch for recruits and Watchers alike. Watchfolk should look to Rangers and aspire to be them.

Rangers are often sent into the most difficult of fights, sometimes alone, as they are the only ones who have proven themselves worthy. They are often chosen to lead missions and quests and even serve as diplomatic envoys. They are heavily involved in leadership and often represent the Watch. Watch leaders will often seek their opinions on matters. Rangers may be asked to run drills or command support-units.

Rangers are by Watch law to be treated with respect at all times. They are also likely candidates for replacement Shieldbearers.

Watchers

“I stand here with the Wyverns Watch"

Final line of the Wyverns Watch Oath

Watchers are the steadfast core of the Watch. It can take months, even years, for recruits to accrue the necessary skills and training to be considered worthy of taking their oath. Watchers are warriors and hunters who have been expertly trained in war drills and beast counter tactics; this training makes them both a formidable domestic and military force.

Watchers spend their lives in a four part routine. The first and foremost is the famous patrols where the Watch accepts missions from across the empire and sends troops to deal with the issue at hand - as a result, Watchers can be away for months at a time. The second part of a Watcher's life is their feasting at Dire Keep, where tales of heroism and struggle are revelled in. Watchers often have periods of time to serve the domestic needs of the Watch, spending time trading, farming, mining etc... constituting the third part of their lives. The fourth part is the quad annual trips to Anvil, where Watchers represent the Watch as great heroes of the Mark.

Life as a Watcher represents a time of bliss in the lives of a Wintermarker. Watchers have ample opportunity to prove themselves as heroes and earn names. They command the respect of the recruits and are an integral part of raising them to Watcher status with the oaths of character. Watchers have a wealth of career opportunities, with many titles to be earned that command much respect and power.

Recruits

“Wipe that grin off your face boy! You're in my patrol now and that ain't nothing to smile about"

Literally every shieldbearer ever

Recruits are the fresh prospectives of the Watch. The aims of the Watch are a noble goal but not all see its worthiness. The Watch has been considered by some as a defunct order with an archaic mandate, therefore it often takes those with a certain degree of clairvoyance to be willing to dedicate their lives to the great cause.

Heroes and sinners alike often seek out the Watch to devote there lives to a singular purpose or martial redemption. The Watch will accept the pledge of all, but that does not mean that every recruit will graduate to Watcher. The Watch will only accept those it deems worthy and so recruits have everything to prove. Recruits must show courage and martial prowess, they must display dedication and loyalty to the Watch and they must understand and accept the culture of the Hall. Watchers are constantly scrutinising recruits to see if they are worthy of receiving an oath of character. Watchers may also haze recruits in an attempt to push them to the limits and reveal true character. Breaking them down so they can build them up in the image of a model Watcher. It is worth noting, the Watch has no need for submissives; those that are passive or grovel at the feat of the Watch's leaders, seldom see swift results. Recruits are placed into patrols so they can be correctly guided by their future comrades, if a recruit is particularly desirable patrols have been known to bid for members with money, favours and positions.

Eventually, be it in a matter of days or years, those who are destined for the Watch are recognised and sworn into the hall under the Watch's mysterious ritual. Discipline, heroism, loyalty and devotion are key for a recruit.