House of Ecla

The crest and motto of House Ecla.

***"I have been allowed to study their works. As expected, they have different methods for forging and crafting, and I didn't deduce only the difference in the appearance of their gear but also their entire ideology. It seems that the Eclan smiths have embraced an ideology of subduing the elements to do their work - much unlike my kin's belief of smithing. Harmony is enforced through labour and might. Good iron and coal tend to aid in this process of forming solid steel as well."** - An extract of Homi's book 'Different Hammers, Different Anvils, Different Results.'*

The house of Ecla is located the closest to the Unkei lands and in terms of power with the other houses has been one to be near the top of the Hon Clan. The hills around the city of Ecla have been the source of ore and material to fund and fuel the forges of the smiths of Ecla. Some of the finest armour and weapons of the Hon clan are forged in Ecla and have always been the pride for the people of Ecla. While they are loyal and respect the clan leader, the people of Ecla hold true to their own kin. They have always been eager to improve their own political position and power, both in and outside of the Hon clan. The majority of the highlands in which Ecla is settled don't sport the same kind of fertility such as Magnhild, there is a lot of agriculture at the perimeter of Ecla's citywalls. Down the river, grain and hop is made while there is enough game to be hunted.

## History

It is safely assumed that the people of Ecla came in their current homelands much as their kindred clansmen. Natives were either assimilated or butchered. However, the people of Ecla lacked a route to the open waters. Abandoning their maritime traditions of old, the Eclans started to focus on other skills. The abundance of mines and woodlands provided ample opportunity to build a strong industry. It didn't take long before the various Eclan nobility started to fortify their precious mines and holdings. Envious of their neighbours, the Eclans wouldn't feel any pity over attacking and murdering anyone they considered a threat or competition. This turbulent state of affairs continued until the Geir lineage united the Eclans. Mainly by force and intimidation.

The consolidation of the Eclan nobility would lead to some begrudging cooperation but eventually increased wealth for all. The industry within their fortified holdings continued as the leaders of Ecla turned their gaze to their neighbours. The Taika clans to their north and west were easy pickings, quickly becoming victims of vicious attacks and raids. The Eclans would now and then accept negotiations, only to betray most of them. In their viewpoint, the value of a negotiation can't be upheld by honour alone. For it isn't fair of the weak to make demands of the strong. Their Taika neighbours wouldn't be the only victims of Eclan treacherous diplomacy. This negotiation style led to various feuds with the Dowhon, who started to harbour an intense disdain for the people of Ecla. Vice versa, the Eclan nobility consider the Dowhon to be aloof and dimwitted. Not the best grounds for a healthy relation.

The unification of the Hon clan wasn't an easy time for the people of Ecla. Their leader during that time was Arvid, a man that was shrewd and strong. Despite their best efforts, the Eclans lost in the unification crisis when Arvid was defeated and killed in the battle of Monburgh. This loss was a setback for the leaders of Ecla but didn't deter them from continuing to increase their power bases and wealth.

The rise and formation of the Fire country did bring some trouble for the people of Ecla. Various issues and decrees were made to limit the importance and power of the Hon clan. A specific regulation was that the House of Ecla was forced to export their wares against high taxes. This decision was explained to provide a fair market but was instead clearly meant to hamper the revenue and influence of Eclan smiths and mines. Enraged, the Eclans nearly revolted and brought the wrath of the Fire daimyo upon the entire Hon clan. Coerced by the House of Magnhild, the Eclans halted most of their trade to Taika people and clans, instead solely focusing on the House of Magnhild - who acted as a medium to other clans and people, to avoid the hamperings of the Daimyo's decrees.

The dawn of the Akinian empire was met with much rejoicing of the Eclan people. As the Empress removed decrees that hampered the Yakimara and Chonobi population, the people of Ecla started to enjoy more prosperity. The possibility of trade with other regions in the Empire opened up, which the Eclan nobility and traders cautiously reviewed.

## Geographical Information

The region underneath Eclan control is rough and rigid, and mountains make travel to the north and northwest difficult. This border is acting almost as a natural border between the people of Ecla and the neighbours - such as the Unkei and their subjects. Various important mines are found and utilized in this area. Woodlands and highlands tend to cover most of the other areas, with only a few more forgiving surroundings within the Eclan territory. There is some dangerous wildlife but nothing that seems to deter the Eclans from harvesting and maintaining resources from their woodlands.

## Lineages

A few of the most important lineages in the House of Ecla:

### Geir Lineage

The Geir lineage is one of the most respected and influential families within the Hon clans. Responsible for uniting the territory, that is nowadays the turf of the House of Ecla, the descendants of Geir enjoy much prosperity and power. However, those hailing from this prestigious lineage are rumoured to be cursed with a terrible affliction. Upon birth, the goddess Bergjlot tosses a coin. Depending on the outcoming, the respective descendant of Geir will be cursed with near inhuman greed. Of course, those affiliated with the Geir lineage claim that this is nothing but a false rumour - originating from those that envy the Geir's successes.

* **Ihor of the Geir Lineage**

   The current jarl of Ecla is Ihor Hon of the Norhammer lineage. A stern man who might be past his prime with his sixty-two years old, but a man who demands respect from both his people and many others. Ihor is known for his strict rule over the house of Ecla and his vigour, which is sometimes the source of light-hearted jokes. Other than his strict and harsh rule, Ihor is known for his achievements in war. During the Great War, he led the Hons of Ecla and managed to hold the northern line against the Earth country military that attempted to invade the (past) Fire Country from the north. It wasn't an easy task as Ihor had to bury three of his five sons after the conflict, many Eclans do look up to Ihor.

## Important Locations

Various places are being ruled over by thegns and hersirs in the name of the House of Ecla and its leader. Most of these thegns and hersirs earned the approval of ruling over these sites from the jarl of Ecla as they can't just inherit the land and claim it as their birthright. Once approval has been earned, the thegn or hersir has a responsibility to the people who live on the land he or she needs to govern, in the name of their jarls. Within each Hon House there are many hersirs and lesser thegns, while there are a few powerful thegns that rule over more prosperous (or larger/important) settlements in the name of their jarl.

* **Ecla**

Ecla is a large city, typical of a fortress-city that the Hons feel at home. From Ecla, wealth flows in and out of the city, thanks to its organised industry. The sound of workshops, furnaces and specially designed squares are within various boroughs that attract many traders, collectors, and the like. Stern companies of guards patrol through the streets, designed to be broad, allowing a near-constant flow of people and animals to move in and out. It is the large citadel, nestled away in fortifications from which the leadership of Ecla rules over the city and the region.

* **Galmidal**

 Located in a valley in the highlands, east of Ecla, near the border with the Hanta clan. Gamlistedt is ruled by the thegn Olafr Hon of the Torstein Lineage. The city isn't quite large but it is one of the sites where the House of Ecla gains access to valuable ore and metals from the nearby mountains and hills. Next, to that, the thegn Olafr is obliged to train and provide a good amount of fighters when the jarl of Ecla will call for them. With a few halls where warriors train, it almost seems that the city is primarily focused on just that. To train and ready a steady amount of warriors and to provide Ecla with the metal resources that are being mined close by.

The city itself is only protected by a wooden wall with some towers, but no fortification that is really impressive. This is because of the location. The city can only be approached from the north and east. The east is already secured by the major city of Ecla and the northern passage is being secured by watch posts and various fortifications, manned by warriors of Galmistedt.

   \* **Hallborg**

is a fortress located at the northwestern point of the territory of the House of Ecla. The tall and stout walls have prevented invaders from the west and northern direction of the jarldom to get near Ecla without a damn good fight. Stone walls, towers and battlements are manned by hardened men who are being trained in a professional fashion. Ruled over by Kjeld Hon of the Asger Lineage, the place has been a site of discipline and order. Here many are trained to become full-time warriors in the service of the House of Ecla. But not just warriors but also small groups of people are educated and trained to become shinobi operatives in the service o
f the jarl of Ecla. In the grey and sombre castle, it is no surprise that the forces trained and staying there often find some reprieve in the grim and harsh training regime.

* **Stigtorp**

When approaching Ecla from the southern and more temperate climates, before entering the highlands, chances are big that travelars will come across small settlements like Stigtorp. Within or nearby the highlands, it isn't hard to find a hill to find and start a village. Some good soil and promise of land to farm is enough for some Hons to settle down. Usually in villages like these, inns or taverns are found as well. Like many other villages such as Stigtorp, they are ruled and managed by a hersir. In the case of Stigtorp, the hersir goes by the name Haldor Hon of the Stig Lineage. As some can notice, it is not uncommon to see settlements being named in the honour of its founder or lineage of its founder.