The Jarldom of Vinterföld

*Page Status: Accepted Canon*

### Ruling clan

The Finnrveng Clan under the leadership of Björn Colbornsson is the ruling power of the Jarldom.

## History of the Jarldom

The Jarldom was first founded by Skard Rolfsson of the Skardoving Clan nine years after the fall of the high kingdom Velos. During the reign of Jarl Skard, Vinterföld grew to its highest peak of expansion with control over Strøndholm, Grimsburg, and Miðfjall. After the death of Jarl Skard, the Skardoving clan lost its grips of power over the Jarldom, and this led to the independence of Strøndholm, Grimsburg, and Miðfjall. With no suitable heir to power from the Skardoving clan, Hersir of Jarl Skard, Finnr Truelsson, took over as Jarl. This brought a 22 year rule by Finnr Truelsson of the Finnrveng Clan where he continued to brought prosperity and peace among the region. By the end of his 22 year rule, he was killed in ritual combat by Sigurd Skardsson, son of Skard. This placed the Skardoving clan back into power for the next 15 years over the Jarldom. Through these 15 years, war was only known. Jarl Sigurd led a bloody campaign against Strøndholm, hoping to reconquer them. This campaign yielded no success and only led to the death of Sigurd after he drove an attack by Strøndholm away from the borders of the capital. Two years after the death of Sigurd, a wedding between the two Jarldoms was brokered by the eldest son of Sigurd, but this ultimately led to the death of both clans of the wedding, ending the Skardoving clan. In the many decades that followed this wedding, the Jarldom of Vinterföld saw no strong and centralized leader as the clans of Vinterföld fought for power and among these clans were the Finnrveng clan. Even though with the history of the Finnrveng clan with the Jarldom, the living son of Finnr Truelsson was never able to secure power, but his son and grandson of Finnr did. In the year 120 at the age of 25, Björn Colbornsson of the Finnrveng Clan was able to pacify the fighting clans and secure the title of Jarl of Vinterföld, placing the Finnrveng Clan into power once again.

## Björn's Finnrveng Clan in Vinterföld

In the five years after Jarl Björn's ascension to power, the clans swore loyalty to the head of the Finnrveng Clan out of respect of his abilities to pacify and provide unity among the clans of the town. Through the five years, Jarl Björn prepared the defenses and the armies of the Jarldom as war sits on the horizon. He seek to bring prosperity and unity over the region once again. He seek to clear his grandfather's name as he unifies the north.

### Political Structure

Jarl Björn continued to keep the political structure that everyone has known since the founding of Vinterföld. Two assemblies are held: The Assembly and The High Assembly. The Assembly is held when the Jarl announces events such as war declarations, raids, and celebrations. The Assembly is also held to solve disputes and punish criminals. Each citizen is given a vote in such matters. The High Assembly is a closed event that only the people that the Jarl trust is allowed to attend. During these meetings, the Jarl, his chiefs, and advisors discuss the matter of realm management and government along with other important matters.

### Military

Vinterföld is enriched in a military tradition with almost everyone in the Jarldom being a warrior. The armies of Vinterföld are made up of the different clans, with a number of their leaders being trusted Húskarl of the Jarl. The armies and their leaders respond to two centralized figures which are the Jarl and the Hersir.

During the five years of Björn's rule, he led minor skirmishes against those in Strøndholm and the rebuilding of the armies.

## Social Hierarchy

1. Jarl- The head of the Jarldom, notably the head of the ruling clan.
2. Hersir- Hersir is a military commander acting as a right hand to the ruler in wars. The Herisr is chosen from the Húskarls by the ruler.
3. Húskarl & Nobles - notable citizens, often coming from powerful clans or distinguished military positions (Huskarls).
4. Boandi (Freeman)- The Boandi are free men and have rights in the assembly as well the right to own land.