Post by Azrael on Jan 30, 2013 13:59:10 GMT -5
The Arling of Gherlen's Pass, located in north west Ferelden, is the last Fereldan territory before the no man's land of the pass itself and beyond it Orlais. It is an important outpost on the main trade route between the countries, being the first territory that travellers arrive at having come through the pass and many of the inns nearest the border are designed specifically to cater for Orlesian tastes. Upon reaching the border one is treated to an impressive, though imposing sight, in the form of a fortress that seems to be carved from the mountains themselves and stretches from one side of the pass to the other, it is from here that the commander of the pass watches over the border, ready for any eventuality.
Moving further from the border it quickly becomes apparent that the arling is a place of great contrast, of freezing inhospitable mountains and of lush verdant forests, not to mention the small though prosperous towns throughout, not least of all is the city where the arl himself holds court: Wulfsbeorg, also known as the city of the White Wolf. Much like the border garrison this city was built out of the side of a cliff, it is however a much less threatening sight, though no less imposing. It was on the site of the city that the Avvar known as Wolf Runner reclaimed his heritage after being abandoned as a child after his tribe was usurped by his uncle and it was here that the tribe unsuccessfully faced off against the forces of King Calenhad. The city itself consists of five levels, each dedicated to a different function: the first and largest is referred to as trader's square and is one of the main trading hubs in the area. The second is the primary residential district, an area of mixed wealth, it is notable that there is no alienage here however the city's elves are instead interspersed around the district (admittedly the poorer parts) it is somewhat densely populated as would be expected from the main city of the territory. The third district is where the city's rich reside and it's tree lined streets are dominated by grand mansions. Although there is a good military presence on all levels the fourth is dedicated to it with the second biggest garrison in the arling as well as the barracks of the local knights, currently led by the arl's eldest son. This level is also notable for having tunnels into the mountain itself designed for the city's residents to flee into in the event of attack. The fifth and final level is the arl's court where the Arl and his family live, with no less than ten of the best knights standing sentinel the chances of harm coming to the Arl, his family or his council are extremely low, especially when one considers that there are always a few shadows lurking in the vicinity.
Of note there are two wooden forts in the old style of Ferelden, one is the ancient meeting place of Motbeorh, the traditional rally point of the Arling's forces when they march from the province, the other is a small settlement known as Wakeland in the marshlands of the province that were the location of Athelstan and Gudrun Talin's initial resistance against Orlais.
History of Gherlen's Pass:
Geography of Gherlen's Pass:
When the Arling's of Gherlen's pass is mentioned to most Fereldans they will tell you that it is a cold, inhospitable and mountainous place, however this is only half right. The western area of the pass is indeed as most believe with many settlements, including the region's capital of Wulfsbeorg built into the mountains and hills themselves.
Population of Gherlen's Pass:
Army of Gherlen's Pass:
Numbering at around 6,000 troops full time, excluding those currently serving their mandatory two years in their village militia, the army of Gherlen's Pass is not unlike the Arling itself: harsh, relentless and impressive to behold. Led by Commander Frederic Talin, the Arling's forces can be divided into three categories:
Foot Soldiers:
A typical soldier of the Arling wielding a greatsword
The lifeblood of the Arling's forces, these fighters make up about 95% of the army that the Arl can call upon at any given moment. They are trained with multiple weapons, both one and two handed however they are particularly noted for their use of the shieldwall and their skill with spears and bows, due to their specialised training against cavalry to account for the Orlesian Chevaliers. They tend to wear steel vambraces and shin guards with leather hauberks over chainmail shirts and a red sash marking their allegiance to the Pass.
Knights:
Alfred Talin in typical knight attire on horseback.
The elite warriors of the Pass, the silverite clad Knights of the Wolf have all served with distinction over at least a five year period before their induction to the order and are invited personally by the Master of the order, currently Alfred Talin, according to his own criteria. They are the best sword and spear fighters within the Arl's forces and each is a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. At the current time there are roughly 200 knights in the pass. The group was wiped out during the war with Orlais but was swiftly revived once King Maric was enthroned. The knights draw their lineage from the bodyguard of Wolf Runner himself.
Shadow Guard:
Azrael Talin leading his warriors into battle c.9:31 Dragon
The rangers of Gherlen's Pass, the group was originally formed from the bodyguard who escaped the Siege of Bannucwulf with the young Athelstan and Godrum Talin. known as the Wolf Brothers the ten strong group were a constant thorn in the side of the Orlesian occupiers, harassing their forces wherever they could. Later in the rebellion command of the group would pass to Athelstan's second son Frederic and they served under him with distinction at the battle of Rover Dane and later when the Talin brothers retook Bannucwulf over night before taking back Wulfsbeorg when Frederic became overall Commander of the Arling's army he allowed de facto command of the unit to fall to its senior member who later passed command to Sergeant Edward Carthas. The current incarnation was formed in 9:28 Dragon when Azrael Talin took over the then ten man ranger squad, building the force into the fifty fighters that constitute it today, hand picking every one of the himself. The name "Shadow Guard" originally came from a conversation between Azrael and Alfred during which the elder brother claimed that Azrael's team would always be overshadowed by his knights, only for Azrael to point out that "It's just as well then, that we frequent where the most threats come from, I will always be guarding against threats from the shadows, threats that your knights would prefer to pretend did not exist." The Shadows' members are trained for a variety of roles and pride themselves on being the first and last line of defence for the Arl and his family.
Moving further from the border it quickly becomes apparent that the arling is a place of great contrast, of freezing inhospitable mountains and of lush verdant forests, not to mention the small though prosperous towns throughout, not least of all is the city where the arl himself holds court: Wulfsbeorg, also known as the city of the White Wolf. Much like the border garrison this city was built out of the side of a cliff, it is however a much less threatening sight, though no less imposing. It was on the site of the city that the Avvar known as Wolf Runner reclaimed his heritage after being abandoned as a child after his tribe was usurped by his uncle and it was here that the tribe unsuccessfully faced off against the forces of King Calenhad. The city itself consists of five levels, each dedicated to a different function: the first and largest is referred to as trader's square and is one of the main trading hubs in the area. The second is the primary residential district, an area of mixed wealth, it is notable that there is no alienage here however the city's elves are instead interspersed around the district (admittedly the poorer parts) it is somewhat densely populated as would be expected from the main city of the territory. The third district is where the city's rich reside and it's tree lined streets are dominated by grand mansions. Although there is a good military presence on all levels the fourth is dedicated to it with the second biggest garrison in the arling as well as the barracks of the local knights, currently led by the arl's eldest son. This level is also notable for having tunnels into the mountain itself designed for the city's residents to flee into in the event of attack. The fifth and final level is the arl's court where the Arl and his family live, with no less than ten of the best knights standing sentinel the chances of harm coming to the Arl, his family or his council are extremely low, especially when one considers that there are always a few shadows lurking in the vicinity.
Of note there are two wooden forts in the old style of Ferelden, one is the ancient meeting place of Motbeorh, the traditional rally point of the Arling's forces when they march from the province, the other is a small settlement known as Wakeland in the marshlands of the province that were the location of Athelstan and Gudrun Talin's initial resistance against Orlais.
History of Gherlen's Pass:
Geography of Gherlen's Pass:
When the Arling's of Gherlen's pass is mentioned to most Fereldans they will tell you that it is a cold, inhospitable and mountainous place, however this is only half right. The western area of the pass is indeed as most believe with many settlements, including the region's capital of Wulfsbeorg built into the mountains and hills themselves.
Population of Gherlen's Pass:
Army of Gherlen's Pass:
Numbering at around 6,000 troops full time, excluding those currently serving their mandatory two years in their village militia, the army of Gherlen's Pass is not unlike the Arling itself: harsh, relentless and impressive to behold. Led by Commander Frederic Talin, the Arling's forces can be divided into three categories:
Foot Soldiers:
A typical soldier of the Arling wielding a greatsword
The lifeblood of the Arling's forces, these fighters make up about 95% of the army that the Arl can call upon at any given moment. They are trained with multiple weapons, both one and two handed however they are particularly noted for their use of the shieldwall and their skill with spears and bows, due to their specialised training against cavalry to account for the Orlesian Chevaliers. They tend to wear steel vambraces and shin guards with leather hauberks over chainmail shirts and a red sash marking their allegiance to the Pass.
Knights:
Alfred Talin in typical knight attire on horseback.
The elite warriors of the Pass, the silverite clad Knights of the Wolf have all served with distinction over at least a five year period before their induction to the order and are invited personally by the Master of the order, currently Alfred Talin, according to his own criteria. They are the best sword and spear fighters within the Arl's forces and each is a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. At the current time there are roughly 200 knights in the pass. The group was wiped out during the war with Orlais but was swiftly revived once King Maric was enthroned. The knights draw their lineage from the bodyguard of Wolf Runner himself.
Shadow Guard:
Azrael Talin leading his warriors into battle c.9:31 Dragon
The rangers of Gherlen's Pass, the group was originally formed from the bodyguard who escaped the Siege of Bannucwulf with the young Athelstan and Godrum Talin. known as the Wolf Brothers the ten strong group were a constant thorn in the side of the Orlesian occupiers, harassing their forces wherever they could. Later in the rebellion command of the group would pass to Athelstan's second son Frederic and they served under him with distinction at the battle of Rover Dane and later when the Talin brothers retook Bannucwulf over night before taking back Wulfsbeorg when Frederic became overall Commander of the Arling's army he allowed de facto command of the unit to fall to its senior member who later passed command to Sergeant Edward Carthas. The current incarnation was formed in 9:28 Dragon when Azrael Talin took over the then ten man ranger squad, building the force into the fifty fighters that constitute it today, hand picking every one of the himself. The name "Shadow Guard" originally came from a conversation between Azrael and Alfred during which the elder brother claimed that Azrael's team would always be overshadowed by his knights, only for Azrael to point out that "It's just as well then, that we frequent where the most threats come from, I will always be guarding against threats from the shadows, threats that your knights would prefer to pretend did not exist." The Shadows' members are trained for a variety of roles and pride themselves on being the first and last line of defence for the Arl and his family.
