Duchy of Zollern

**Ruler**
 **Ruling House**
 **Resident Houses**
* House Aarden (vassal house)
* House Willow (vassal house)
* House Arcturus (vassal house)
 **Seat**
 **Counties**
* County of Northfront View
* County of Densewood Thicket
* County of Farburgh
 **Beliefs**
* Church of the Holy Light (secondary)
 **Founded**

The **Duchy of Zollern** is the ducal seat of House Hillegas, a minor noble family that owes allegiance to the Kingdom of Lordaeron. The duchy is considered simple, for the ruling House has never been much one for politics, instead deferring to remaining loyal to Lordaeron and obeying the Grand Alliance. It has been recognized for a strong sense of militarism, and the abnormally large population of bears. An interesting fact is that the House of Hillegas has decorated Zollern with colors of Green-and-White, rather than Blue-and-White of traditional Lordaeron, though for formal ceremonies they will fly proper Lordaeron flags aside their own.

## Culture

The people of the Duchy of Zollern are a dull lot. Most of the time the serfs and common folk are working the lands and providing for their families, not having much time to welcome visitors that insist upon making a trek out to the isolated duchy. This has led to a sense of independence amongst the smaller villages that dot the landscape between bigger settlements, such as Starkfeste, Silverkeep, and Yorck. It is a tricky balance in Zollern. Although people are independent and isolated between distances, there is an overarching patriotism or familial sense about fellow Zollerner's. It is typically outsiders, at first, that are treated with a cold shoulder, or an at-arm's-length treatment. Invasion from Horde and Scourge, disease from plague and blight, and civil wars have made the populace wary, to say the least.

With the prevailing warrior's culture surrounding House Hillegas, strong bonds of brotherhood are shared by the men of the duchy, as they will often serve together on the battlefield. Indeed, what made the Duchy of Zollern so unique militarily, is bears. As the duchy itself is surrounded by mountainous terrain that are sure to hide caves, and deep, dense forests, a large population of native, feral bears makes up a strong percentage of the ecosystem. As such, the military of House Hillegas has learned to 'tame' these creatures, in the sense of attempting to have riders and handlers form bonds with the strong animals. This has resulted in the duchy having bear-riding cavalry, bear-drawn artillery and even some rulers owning large pet bear companions. It has become a common sight and relative 'way of life' for denizens of villages to leave out stashes of food or straight-up hand-feed bears as they roam freely. "Free Range" bears have become acquainted with the humans of Zollern and are rather unprovoked by them, probably enjoying being pseudo-worshipped.

Strong drinks from warm taverns are aplenty in Zollern, for hard men like hard drinks. In particular, a specially brewed concoction named the 'Zollern Slammer' has been brewed in Zollern since it's infancy. Zollern Slammer is unique in the sense that it is brewed solely for it's alcohol content rather than taste, as it is a way to keep the people warm in winter, dulled to the dangers around them, and forgetful about a long, hard day's work. Interestingly enough, the drink is reputable for being able to even intoxicate members of the Undead persuasion. An emphasis on having a jovial 'family' time and relaxation period, as well as having a strong and strict work ethic are paramount in the duchy, for what is work without play? However, once the work for the day's shifts have ended, the people are actually rather friendly and accommodating. The communities are close knit and everyone is practically family to one another. In these taverns and inns, the food is robust and hearty and warm. Red meats, brown gravy's and dark ales are commonplace and competitive games, such as arm-wrestling and throwing games are prevalent.

### Religious Beliefs

Some residents can be considered superstitious, with the older generations still clinging to Lordaeronian Paganism that was brought about by the original Vrykul and their Northern ways. However, most citizens believe in the Church of the Holy Light, and practice Shamanism, particularly in the sense of worshipping Ursoc and Ursol. Inside the northern-most baronies, and the Barony of Zollern in particular, the Northern Pantheon are the supremely worshipped deities, with the denizens of these places still clinging to their Vrykul and Northrend roots. It is the other places that instead focus upon Nature worship and Shamanism with belief in Ursoc and Ursol, for the bear population and dense forestry only increase therein. Despite the clashing of the three major faiths worshipped in the Duchy of Zollern, all of the people tend to get along and practice diplomacy with one another in good faith, but each county still retains a strong sense of individuality.

### Local Holidays

Sigismund's Day - September Seventh. It is a day of celebration of Duke Sigismund Hillegas' achievements for the Duchy of Zollern and his life. September Seventh was Sigismund's reported birthday, which is why this date was chosen, and it was their first ruler who managed to shape the duchy's border, instill a strong sense of militarism and started the respect of the native bear population, though it was his later descendants who turned respect of wildlife into an almost fanatical worship.

Unity Time - February Sixteenth. A two-day religious time of festivities, including parades with heavy drinking, that is celebrated once a year annually. The Unity Time is celebrated in the midst of February, practically right at winter's end, to take the peoples' minds off of the dreary conditions and dangerous surroundings. Zollern Slammer is brought out in large quantities and given to all except those deemed under the safe drinking age of the beverage, whilst festivities roar on for two-days to brighten the mood and add levity to the population. The celebration is also to bring awareness to the end of bear hibernation period, so that the citizens may unite with ursine companions, respect the natural order of the bears and commence to their usual reverence of said creatures. Liturgy, speeches and acts or observances are given during this two-day period, all pertaining to the bear population.

Novemberfest - November First. A month-long celebration of the successes of the Duchy of Zollern where families can get together and relax, play games, travel, drink and overall have fun. November is a time of companionship, familial loving and camaraderie unparalleled. Many rulers of Zollern have been born in this month, including the current house patriarch, Burchard Hillegas. November has also been a month of success in Zollern, for the season of Fall is when bears roam for extra food, crops finish their harvests before winter and political campaigns have worked for the better of the duchy as a whole.

## Economy & Resources

The duchy exports large quantities and varieties of lumber for profit from its vast forests. It has little farmland for harvesting crops, so the duchy relies on imports, and hunting fresh meats from nearby lands or fishing by river. The duchy has access to ores from the surrounding mountains. The city of Silverkeep, for example, was specifically founded on it's spot for the fact there is large deposits of silver, gold, thorium, and truesilver. Tariffs on shipping have both helped and hindered House Hillegas. They enjoy a steady stream of income from exporting lumber and their ores, but House Hillegas' importation of varietal produce, different ores and dairy and poultry products will occasionally exceed the influx of currency.

Seafood from the coast and venison from the forests are staples in the communities of the duchy. The few crops they manage to grow in the surrounding villages are corn and wheat, as well as potatoes. Foraging parties find other sources of food from the plentiful forests, such as wild herbs and spices, berries, mushrooms and other safe-to-consume foodstuffs. However, most fruits and vegetables are imported, along with practically all dairy and poultry products. The only nutritious crops, aside from the boring grains and starches grown, are found in the mountains, including but not limited to, carrots, tomatoes, and beans. Due to the duchy's success at growing starches such as barley, wheat and potatoes, and it being surrounded by forests and a cold climate, alcohol has been a staple resource. Ginger and spruce beers, malt liquors, meads and other brews are quite common sights in the land, but the most unique and trademark beverage of Zollern is Zollern Slammer, a rather potent alcoholic beverage noted not for it's taste, but for the sheer alcohol content that is reputed to be strong enough to intoxicate even the Undead.

Perhaps the most-valued resource by the actual inhabitants of the Duchy of Zollern, is the bear population. The bears are neither hunted, fought, nor even trapped by the people of Zollern. These revered creatures are given vast swathes of naturalistic lands to safely inhabit without bother by civilization, and any wandering band of bears is given wide berth and respect. Oftentimes, civilians and soldiers alike in Zollern will leave out care-packages in the forest for bears, or build 'homes' and 'shelters' for the creatures to thrive in. In response, the bear population of Zollern has grown to large proportions, and have learned to trust - to a certain, limited degree - the people of Zollern. The military has managed to domesticate, in the broadest sense of the term, a portion of these bears to use as cavalry and modes of transport for artillery, wagons and et cetera. Some famous leaders of the Duchy of Zollern have even made life-long companions of bears and rode them as personal steeds in combat.

## Organizations

Within the Duchy of Zollern, there are several different orders and societies that serve different purposes. Some are benevolent and keep open arms to their peers, and others are secret and work within the shadows. The theme that most of these organizations follow is along the lines of being kind to nature and doing good unto others, as well as displaying strength through martial prowess; such is the norm at large for the Duchy of Zollern.

### The Order of the Sacred Claws

The biggest and most recognizable organization within the Duchy of Zollern is actually a Chapter of Knights and warriors, trained to ride bears into combat and bond with their patron mounts. These riders are often the most fanatical of Zollern's nature-worshipping populous, second only to the denizens of Densewood Thicket and their zealots within. The Order of the Sacred Claws trains men and women both who have the grit and audacity to join their ranks, and the best of the best of these soldiers become members of House Hillegas' ducal guard. The bears are adorned in heavy armor to add to their protection, as well as personal additions, such as attaching antlers or tusks to a head apparatus on their bears, or giving artificial claws to their bears. In times of war, the Order of the Sacred Claws are conscripted into being the primary force used as both heavy and shock cavalry.

### The Nest

The Nest is the secretive religious society, which finds its home within the County of Densewood Thicket. It is the head and centralized power behind the religious shamanistic view the people of Zollern have, which exerts its influence all across the Duchy of Zollern. House Willow has maintained the role of leadership over the Nest, and thus the state religion of Zollern, firstly established by the first matriarch of House Willow, Maeve. Over time, the Nest has grown into power and influence such to the point of operating its own secret inquisition, which does not fear to kidnap accused heretics and traitors, excepting of those the head of House Hillegas has publicly supported.

### The Holy Order of the Viridian Templars

The Holy Order of the Viridian Templars, simply called the Viridian Templars, are a holy order of paladins and holy warriors that have come together and travel all throughout the Duchy of Zollern. Commonly they are found draped with a green tabard over otherwise plain grey or silver armor depending on how clean the metal is, and some sort of facial covering, from mask and visor to cowl and hood. These do-gooders are worshippers of the Holy Light and nature both, accepting members of either faith, coming together to give aid to innocents and the poor, especially pilgrims and peasants. The unique requirement to join the Order is that one must be sick, either by the taint of undeath or plague. Thenceforth, the members are cured to the point of halting any rot or decay of themselves, and live out their days hindered by sickness as a way of penance.

## History

### Founding

The Duchy of Zollern was founded sometime around the year of -2236 K.C., as the Kingdom of Lordaeron had been established by this point. It was created when the ruling house of Lordaeron, House Menethil, granted Sigismund Hillegas with the lands of the soon-to-be duchy, and he founded the town of Starkfeste, and soon after, the lighthouse at Victor's Point. Knowing that his lands were isolated and in harsh terrain, Sigismund decided that his capital city would be a well-defended stronghold that could withstand many a threat, and turned it into a fortress. He outfitted Victor's Point with a small garrison, and commenced to staking his claim in what would become his ruling duchy. The County of Northfront View would encompass his northern territories, while Farburgh became the far west. Dietenbeck would comprise primarily of the coastal region to his immediate south, Densewood Thicket he created from the huge and thick forest in the middle of the border he had created, and Karumetsa would become the county that housed his capital and newly made manor, Hillegas Manor.

### Sacking of the Nightport and the First Siege of Starkfeste

The famed Nightport was destroyed during the Second War by the Orcish Horde. House Hillegas had never before fought an empowered foe such as the Orcs from the Dark Portal. A surprise attack was launched on the Nightport, as the Orcs pushed ever into Lordaeron. The largely merchant-based settlement was ill-prepared for the Horde, and was quite easily taken, setting up a staging point for the Horde to storm the rest of the duchy. The Orcs eventually set upon Starkfeste in an attempt to pillage and destroy the capital of the duchy of Zollern, but the rulers of House Hillegas made Starkfeste into a fortified city, and withstood the siege for a fortnight before repelling the beleaguered attackers, ending the Horde invasion of Zollern.

### Fall of the Duchy of Zollern

During the Scourging of Lordaeron, the isolated duchy of Zollern was easily cut off and surrounded by the innumerable waves of the Undead Scourge. Word of diseased grain had not quickly reached Zollern, though the residents within Farburgh noticed the smoke of Andorhal in the distance. Once more, Zollern was taken ill-prepared, especially from an Undead foe. Many denizens of the land fell in battle or were slaughtered, only to be risen from the grave to attack their friends and loved ones. It was at Sigismund's Landing that House Hillegas rallied less than half their remaining able-bodied soldiers to stand against the Scourge while the rest of the population fled for safety, and where Burchard Hillegas' father, and those valiant defenders, fell to the Scourge. The duchy of Zollern was considered lost, and was rendered to ruins, overtaken by nature and the very bears that the population had worshipped. In time, as the Scourge spread out and they were defeated years later, banditry and other ne'erdowells took up inhabitance.

### Campaign for the Barony of Zollern

Burchard Hillegas, after mucking the idea around in his head and milling around during the Civil War of Stormwind initiated by Darian Lyonesse, commenced his campaign to retake the Duchy of Zollern. Seeking help from allies and organizations he knew, the tall Lordaeronian scrounged together sufficient resources and loyal manpower to trek North, and take back the lands. The campaign was at least a month long and many lives, of all kinds, were lost in the process. After successful reclamation, Burchard granted the city of Silverkeep to Caiaphas Arcturus, and elevated him to the status of Count of Farburgh since his family lost their lands during the Fall of Lordaeron.[1]

### Recent History

In the time of relative peace and easy-going during and since champions entered the Shadowlands and dealt with whatever threats had lain within, Burchard Hillegas and his military reclaimed the full Duchy of Zollern, allowing the man to proclaim himself as a Duke with the support of his allies, such as Lord Alexander Grayson. Five years has been good to the duchy, for they have prospered with their treaties with allies and reclaimed land, able to resume duties appropriately and bolstering the population; whether it be through reproduction or landing more of those who supported him and mercenaries alike, the land has a much more manageable population once more. One of the recipients of Burchard's land grants was Valerie's brother, Tharlum, who has been made the Count of Dietenbeck.

## Settlements

### Starkfeste

Starkfeste is the capital of the Duchy of Zollern. It was founded by Sigismund Hillegas himself, and made into a fortified city on the edge of coast that bordered nearby mountains on the eastern border of the duchy. It has strong walls and connection to a port, not far from it's walls, where the majority of it's imports from other Kingdoms comes from. Members of House Hillegas resides primarily in Hillegas Manor, the ancestral seat of power both House Hillegas and the Duchy of Zollern. Hillegas Manor is the most fortified section of Starkfeste. The walls are tall and thick, and have several large towers and stations for mounting artillery, such as trebuchets, ballistae, and other weaponry. The gates are made of firm wood and reinforced with metal, as well as having portcullis' on each gate. There are food-stores and even an escape tunnel leading down to a secluded, cavernous dock where an always-equipped, fast ship is hidden. A garrison of the best-trained soldiers and bears are kept around the Hillegas Manor, as well.

### Silverkeep

Silverkeep was, at first, a fortified outpost built in the mountains of the Duchy of Zollern. However, upon the discovery of rich mineral deposits in the mountains' surface, the outpost soon became a fortified city rich with prospectors, traders and sturdy folk alike. The city of Silverkeep has kept true to it's military roots and keeps four large watchtowers on each corner of the walls surrounding the town, and has become one of the economic powerhouses of the Duchy, rivaling that of even the capital. The ruling class of elites have hired their own private gendarmerie, a loyal contingent of well-paid troops to dole out the elite's will. Although still housing these Merchant-Burghers, Silverkeep is ruled as the capital of Farburgh by it's ruling Count, Caiaphas Arcturus.

### Yorck

Yorck is a revered holy site inside of the Duchy of Zollern. It is embedded in the deepest, thickest forests of the duchy, and as a result of it's seclusion, the bear population is particularly dominant. The few inhabitants who choose to reside in Yorck are the strongest proponents of Shamanism inside of the Duchy of Zollern, worshipping figures such as Ursoc and Ursol, and are largely responsible for showing the military and several rulers of Zollern how to 'tame' and 'communicate' with the creatures. Despite having neither no real resources nor manpower, Yorck has become a landmark site and powerful place in Zollern for it's cultural and religious significance. Owing to the seclusion around Zollern, the people here never truly lost their roots of crude shamanism and druidism, with the practice of harvest witches common rather than the reverence of the Holy Light or even Arcane magics.

## Houses

House Hillegas rules the Duchy of Zollern, from the capital of Starkfeste and the seat of Hillegas Manor. It is known for its breed of strong, tall men who are powerful warriors on the field of battle. Sigismund himself, the founder of House Hillegas, was said to be at least seven feet tall. A rumor spread among the common folk is that the House Hillegas, for remaining in this place for so long, still has strong traces of Vrykul blood in their lineage, giving them a unique difference in comparison to other Human stock.

House Aarden is a vassal house of House Hillegas, and have existed almost as long as House Hillegas have ruled over the Duchy of Zollern. On the surface, they are a small and loyal house, richer than most of the serfs that make up the bulk of the work force. They have come to House Hillegas' calls for aid in times of strife and provide an adequate tithe of loyalty. However, unbeknownst to all, House Aarden secretly schemes against the ruling House, and seeks to usurp the Duchy of Zollern for themselves and proclaim rulership for their own people in Lordaeron.

House Willow is likely the most powerful vassal house in Zollern, controlling the shamanistic faith that has spread throughout the five counties of Zollern, as well as operating their own private religious inquisition. Their religious authority is known by all, and harshly executed within Densewood Thicket. Maeve Willow founded the house after being elevated as a countess by her friend, Sigismund Hillegas, and was regarded as being an astute personality. Now, Countess Brienne Willow rules over Densewood Thicket, having been restored to her family's status after swearing fealty to Burchard Hillegas.

House Arcturus is an old Lordaeronian family who developed a strong sense of nationalism, as well as an equally strong hatred of the Undead, ever since the Scourging of Lordaeron. They pledged support to House Hillegas and cast their lot with them during the campaign to retake the Duchy of Zollern. Since House Arcturus had their ancestral lands completely destroyed in the Third War, House Hillegas granted them the County of Farburgh in reconciliation, vassalizing the loyal Lordaeronians.

## Gallery

The newly finished Crest of the duchy's lands. (Made by Squallrunner.)A charcoal sketching of Duke Burchard, 634 K.Y. (nikicalma)The coat of arms of House Hillegas. (Squallrunner.)The Duchy of Zollern, Western Plaguelands (Nicolette)