Barony of Bearmark

**Ruler**
 **Ruling House**
 **Resident Houses**
 **Seat**
 **Settlements**
* Falsecrest
 **Beliefs**
 **Founded**

The **Barony of Bearmark** is the northernmost barony within the Duchy of Zollern. It's capital is Bleakhoar, the farthest north settlement in all the Duchy. Bearmark is regarded as an inhospitable tundra, with such rocky and mountainous peaks that snow is prevalent most of the year. However, due to the harsh environment, the strongest and hardiest folks of Zollern are bred here, even if crude in personality.

## Culture

The "Bearony", as some jokingly call it, of Bearmark is perhaps the embodiment of the spirit of the County of Northfront View. The people are as stubborn and blunt as they come, while being hardy and powerful in terms of mind and body. The men are known to travel in roaming bands of tribal warriors, donning thick hides and maille coats, whilst wielding long-axes or mauls, shields emblazoned with bears and sharp javelins. These famed, barbaric warriors are fierce shock troopers, renowned for great physical prowess and imposing stature, their iconic look, and awe-inspiring war cries. The animalistic nature in which they portray themselves as lent the nickname of the Bearmen of Bearmark to these males, and are rumored to be involved in mercenary contracts.

Women of Bearmark are every bit as fierce as their husbands and male counterparts, making up parts of these roaming bands of warriors, or leading tribes whilst one the homefront. The young and the women are expected to tend to home, either by hunting and foraging, doing housework and chores, or going into what basic political structure exists between these crude tribes. Men of prime age for fighting are trained for combat and sent to raid and pillage, do great hunts, skirmish with enemies, spar, or train to become military.

Due to their isolated and primitive nature in the far north and high peaks, the people of Bearmark still primarily worship the Northern Pantheon, likely a trait carried on from when Humans were still closely linked to Vrykul. Amongst this belief, there is also the common practice of worshipping, or at least, praising nature, though there are far fewer harvest-witches here than elsewhere in Zollern.

## History

### Founding

The Barony of Bearmark was settled by some of the earliest tribesmen of Zollern, which were some of the tribesmen of Lordain, for example. Due to the harsh terrain they decided to call home - done in spite or an attempt to show strength, perhaps - the people of Bearmark became isolated. Their nature of having stubborn personalities combined with this isolation led to a stagnation period, and as such, the lands around the barony are primitive and crude, with no real technological advancement save for armaments crafting. Bleakhoar was founded on the highest and northernmost peaks, creating a de facto leadership position for those who held it.[1]

### Recent History

The Bearmen of Bearmark continue to be a strong and vital shock force for Zollern, training other troops and going as far as joining the Order of Sacred Claws, becoming some of the best bear-riding knights around.

## Settlements

### Bleakhoar

Far above the rest of the barony, Bleakhoar sits in high peaks as far north as the duchy's borders expand. WIP

## Houses

House Hillegas is legally the de jure overlord of the Barony of Bearmark, just as they are the whole County of Northfront View. However, the tribal people within these lands are respected enough to be given a great deal of independence, and as such, there is no current Baron of Bearmark. Some rumors claim that there are none strong nor brave enough to attempt to levy such control over the folk, but the simple truth is that Burchard, current head of House Hillegas, has worked out an agreement with the people of Bearmark: If they agree to serve him militarily when he requests, they can live as they choose, just as they always have. As much as that is a great and generous deal, having to pay no tithe or tribute, it is rather a reward, for it was members of Bearmark that suffered some of the fiercest fighting during not only the Scourging of Lordaeron, but also the Campaign for Zollern.