Cairn's Witness

**Ruler**
 **Ruling House**
 **Resident Houses**
 **Seat**
 **Settlements**
* Stone's Guard
 **Beliefs**
 **Founded**

The **Barony of Cairn's Witness** is a rugged region along the western edge of Stone Cairn Lake. It connects to portions of the southern forest, the banks of the Lake itself, and parts of the mountains that lead into the Northshire Valley.

## Culture

The local population presents itself as fairly stern and dour towards new acquaintances, but are rarely hostile. Their culture has a martial aspect to it that stems from the foundation of this young Barony being veterans of prior wars, and because of the lessons instilled into them from a young age by the Shrine of Remembrance. Because of this, local commoners are treated modestly and are offered the barest martial training in their free time.

As the local martial orders have strong ties to the Holy Light due to proximity to Northshire, and a seemingly common fury in the heart of the local men and women, Retribution is a strong virtue in the eyes of the warriors of Pride Hall, if not most common men and women of Cairn's Witness. Because of this, it is known as a place where one can easily find disciplined warriors willing to go on quests for the betterment of the kingdom. Their forces are known for professional while keeping to chivalric codes, and can be found in orders across Azeroth, such as the Argent Crusade, the Silver Hand, and others.

Foreign humans and other races are treated fairly within Cairn's Witness.

### Religious Beliefs

Some residents can be considered superstitious, but most believe in the Church of the Holy Light. A rustic practice akin to shamanism in mentality, at least it's ancestral aspects, is not rare. However, it has never reached a point of providing them tangible physical power or any such abilities. Instead, this folk religion is simply a means of honoring their predecessors, and most do not consider it an affront to their faith in the Holy Light. In fact, their unique means of entry into the Northshire Valley has allowed for Cairn's Witness to foster a strong connection to the Knights of the Silver Hand, Their present Baron is an active member of the holy order.

### Local Holidays

The dour folk of Cairn's Witness are not prone to major celebrations with grandstanding presentations. When the equinox of the Summer and Winter seasons pass, the locals are known to travel to the Stone Cairn Lake, and pay homage at the Shrine of Remembrance. These holidays are always given armed warriors to see them completely safely, and many are actual seasonal commitments for local martial orders to affirm themselves to Stormwind and it's fallen.

## Economy & Resources

Cairn's Watch pays it's due to the kingdom in men and materials. In exchange for warriors and stone, they purchase food from the more fertile lands of Elwynn. The exception to this is Stone's Guard, though it's local fisheries and foresters cannot adequately provide food for the other territories of the Barony.

The mercenaries of Cairn's Witness are not common sell swords. Many have the skill of a sell sword, but few decorated by this barony have the common character or codes of one. It is known that they will quit a job should it evolve into something that breaks their codes, for their virtues are not for sale. The errant warriors and knights of Cairn's Witness all harken to their home by keeping the symbol of the Shrine of Remembrance somewhere on their person, and by keeping true to the standard gold and black motif of the local armors.

## History

### Founding

The Barony of Cairn's Witness was founded in the year 10 L.C. during the era of reconstruction following the second war. It's founder, Giles Corren, built it to remain close to the Shrine of Remembrance, having survived the First War himself. As the first settlement, Cairn's Watch grew, they created a center for martial training. Pride Hall, named in honor of the Lion of Stormwind, still retains many veterans of prior wars who serve the Pride by training it's newer generations in martial combat.

### Present Day

When the Blackrock Clan invaded following the Sundering, Baron Giles was slain defending the narrow pass between Shrinemark and the Northshire Valley. Since then, his heir Louen has taken his fathers position, and maintains a story traditionalist method of leadership and view of the kingdom of Stormwind.

## Settlements

### Cairn's Watch

Built onto a cliff to overlook the Stone Cairn Lake, Cairn's Watch was the first of the three settlements within the Barony of Cairn's Witness. It is the seat of a local warrior culture, predominately fostered by the veteran martial warriors of Pride Hall, who continue to serve the kingdom of Stormwind within. Youth from across the kingdom are welcome to train within.

### Stone's Guard

Resting against the south western edge of the Stone Cairn Lake, Stone's Guard is a simple community primarily of local fishermen and foresters. It is known as a convenient location to seek both a ferry to the island in the center of Stone Cairn Lake, and to find a guide to explore the history of many names listed onto it.

### Shrinemark

Shrinemark protects a pass between the regions of central Elwynn and the Northshire Valley. It also possess a great deal of local quarries, and a forge operated by oathbound Bronzebeard Dwarves. The Bronzebeard are not the only Dwarves active in the region however. Though it lacks the grandeur of Aerie Peaks massive counterpart, there is an Aviary operated by Wildhammer Dwarves within. Because of this, the warriors of Cairn's Witness find themselves rarely reliant upon their meager stables, which do not hold a candle to their counterparts across Stone Cairn Lake. Instead, they are known to employ Gryphon Riders, though their humans are naturally lacking in the Stormhammers of the Wildhammer Clan.

## Houses

House Corrin rules Cairn's Witness. It is known for its minerals and martial traditions.