The Banners of Heartsford

Basic info

Unlike the Knights of the North who are Queen Cersei’s personal guard, and a Knightly Order, the Banners are the people of Western Bernicia. Each is a Bernician representing their house as a Noble, or if they are a Peasant, crafter, etc. Then coming as a representative for that house. As a group we use the Horned Lion sigil to show we are of Heartsford, though some minor nobles will have their own sigil, that they’ll either have on a shield, or on a mini belt flag for instance, to show they are representing their house too.

Our goals

The main goal of the group is to show Bernician pride, loyalty to our Queen and country, as well as to strengthen Bernicia. We are a mix of a military force, and a trading group, as we want to share Bernician crafts with Albion and the rest of the world. As a whole the group are Proud Bernician’s, representing their country, and that is fundamentally the basic goal of the group.

Structure

Key Individuals

Lord David Nasher – Lord Commander of Bernicia’s West, and Lord of Heartsford The current head of House Nasher, and Lord of Heartsford, Lord Nasher is a Half-Elf and current wielder of the sword of Heartsford. Having been appointed as Lord Commander of the West, Lord Nasher has called upon the Nobles of Western Bernicia to come together and provide what aid they can for the Warhost.
Master Andrew Dawson – First Sword of Heartsford A human of gone sixty years, Master Dawson joined the soldiers of Heartsford at a young age and quickly made his way up through the ranks, until he would eventually become the First Sword. As First Sword, Master Dawsons role has been to help train those of Heartsford in how to fight in any form of melee combat. Having lived through many a battle, Master Dawson is considered by most to be a great tactician and as such will often lead the Heartsford forces to protect the borders and lands from any threats that may try to enter.
Lady Fiona Nasher - Lady of Heartsford The Eldest child of Lord David Nasher, though way into her sixties, Fiona has seemed to have gained at least some of her father’s Half Elven blood, as this has seemed to prolong her life in much the same way. As the eldest of Lord Nashers children Fiona is next in line to be head of House Nasher and therefore the Noble of Heartsford. At present she looks after matters when her father is away with the Warhost. Skilled in sword and shield combat, Fiona has proven herself a worthy successor and wastes no time in leading her people into battle when the defence of Heartsford is required.
Lady Olivia De’Tyran – The First Mage of Heartsford The Current First Mage of Heartsford and Head of the magic academy. Lady Olivia De’Tyran will spend much of her times helping her students unlock their magical abilities. An Elf who is said to be over four hundred years old, Olivia sits upon the council of Heartsford, but often sends others from her family to represent her on matters as she feels that those younger will be the ones to shape the future.
Mistress Nesria Broadstorm – Mistress of Trade The current Mistress of trade within Heartsford, who will often organise the crafters and traders. Mistress Broadstorm claims her knowledge of trading was passed down from her Dwarven ancestors and as such is very proud to share some of these family secrets. She will often organise a box of such Bernician goods be sent off with the Banners when they go to the Warhost, so that the rest of the world can get a glimpse of some of the items that Bernicia sells.
Sir Thurron Bronzebelt – Master of the Heartsford Hedge Knights As Master of the Heartsford Hedge Knights, Sir Thurron Bronzebelt has at times been called the Head Monster Hunter, as far as he cares however he’s simply keeping the people of Bernicia safe from the monsters that roam its borders. Thurron grew up in the lands of House Bahlin, and Squired for the then Lord of the house, who would often travel around Bericia’s mountains, helping to quell any threat, be it monster, bandit or Gods only know what else. A skilled fighter and follower of the seven, Thurron will do all he can to keep Bernicia safe.

Culture

The Lands of Bernicia are a wild, remote, harsh and largely uncivilized place, containing towering mountains, deep glens, and dark forests. Beast, bandits and evil monsters plague the wilderness and Heartsford is much the same. Typically, towns, villages, etc. Are found along the coastline of Bernicia and the people will often travel around the edge where they can, rather than trying to pass through the centre. Travel is possible and Hedge Knights will often accompany those travelling to help provide safe passage. Due to the great many dangers the people of Heartsford work together as a close group, helping one another where they can. It is not strange to see a Noble working in a field, shop, etc. To help support their people and doing tasks that other nations nobility might see as beneath them. The People of Heartsford will often choose to treat each day like it is their last, and will learn to celebrate and take pride in both the small and large accomplishments of those around them. Due to Bernicia’s strong ties to Draco, there is a strong sense of justice and law within Heartsford, with the people respecting the rules of the land. Trade and craft are a big part of Heartsford culture, and there is a strong sense of pride in this. It is not uncommon for Nobles to purchase some of their peoples wares and to then take them to other lands, or within the warhost with the aim of selling them on, or giving them as gifts as a means of showing the other nations the wonders of which their people have created. With Queen Cersei often leading at the front, the people of Heartsford are fiercely loyal to their Queen and take great pride in being people of Bernicia. It is not uncommon to hear the people toast to their Queen. Of late the people have also taken to the term ‘Dilly Dilly’ as a means of toasting, or simply as a means of finishing a conversation. Though considered silly by some and likely by other nations, the people seem to take great delight in it and encourage others to join in, often with a drink.

Marriage

Marriage is a time of celebration, and there are no laws on who a person should or should not marry within Heartsford. Marriages are typically made for love, though some do choose to marry for other reasons. Arranged marriages are typically frowned upon as marriage is considered to be a choice. An older tradition within Heartsford will see proposals made in the form of a marriage knife. The knife is normally carved by the one proposing, be it alone or with the aid of a crafter, blacksmith, etc. A marriage knife is then bestowed as a family keepsake, though the one who has accepted the engagement will normally be the one to keep it on their person. A marriage knife may contain a sigil, house motto, or some form of oath engraved onto it, while others may include jewels, or other items special to the one proposing, or one being proposed to.

Death and Mourning

When a person from Heartsford joins Melaphine halls, the rest of the people will naturally mourn their loss. Funerals will typically involve the person who has perished being placed upon a pyre, while the person closest to them will kneel next to them. This person will then is given the honour of releasing the pain and anguish for all those present or otherwise. All others shall stand and allow this person to grieve, while memories of those lost are focused on. Once this pain and anguish is released, the fallen member’s body will be cremated and their ashes returned to Bernicia, where it can be spread in the mountains, or if they have specified somewhere else, then spread there. With the body cremated, a toast will be made in the fallen parties honour and people will be welcome to share stories and memories of them. Drinks will typically be shared and this part of their funeral will serve more as a celebration of who they were.

Games

Egg Egg as the people call it is a fairly simple game that involves tossing a boiled egg to one another. The game is lost when the egg is smashed, be it because someone has dropped the egg, or has caught the egg and smashed it.
The waiting game Opponents will sit facing one another, if it is a one-on-one game or in a circle if there are multiple participants and will then sit with their arms out stretched with a sword placed over their arms. The one who is then able to sit the longest in this pose is the winner. Those playing the game may attempt ways to distract one another, but are not allowed to touch one another while they play.
Snowball fights and other snowy related activities Given the number of mountains surrounding Bernicia and the amount of snow the nation gets, the people of Heartsford will often find time to enjoy playing games out in the snow when they can.
Competitions The people of Heartsford will often hold contests, be it competitions of combat amongst soldiers, knights, etc. Or crafters competition to create something new and different. Artists and painters may choose to compete, and competition is often seen as a good means of trying to further a person’s learning and understanding of a subject. Rivalries do at times happen, but competitions are typically kept at a friendlier level.

Clothing

Due to the harsher climate the people of Heartsford will often wear a mix of furs and leathers when home. The days and evenings alike can grow quite cold and when it snows this becomes particularly true. Hand-me-downs are common amongst the people, be it from family members, friends or neighbours, pitching in to help. It is not uncommon to see clothing stitched together from a number of different resources, as typically practicality is considered over style. Metal Armour will often be worn by knights, soldiers, etc. though mixed with a means of keeping the wearer warm. People of Heartsford will often wear clothing that keeps them comfortable, though some might like to also be fashionable too. Hats are often considered an item of fashion and some may even have best hat competitions.

History

Long before the modern timeline a group of adventurers went to Western Bernicia to help save the people from a creature known only as the Dragon. Rumours have spread with some saying it was an actual Dragon, while others have claimed it was a Fae called the Dragon. Either way the adventurers defeated their enemy, with Lord Theo Nasher, being the one who struck the final blow against the Dragon. For defeating the Dragon, the then King/Queen of Bernicia granted each of them lands within Western Bernicia, and named each of them Lord or Lady. These original Lords/Ladies are:
• Theo Nasher – Human
• Matrim Offren - Human
• Logan Sparrow - Human
• Amroc Bahlin - Dwarf
• Meira Xyrro - Elf
• Zelethron De'Tyran- Elf
• Drake Thatcher – Half-Elf
• Tulgan Bearsford - Dwarf
• Michael Ford – Half-Elf

Each of them swore their allegiance to the Bernician crown and so became the Bannermen and Bannerwomen of Bernician crown. Over time the houses have since grown, and spread out, with other minor noble houses coming from the original houses, etc. The Banners as a group fight now for Queen Cersei, and for the High King, since Queen Cersei has bent the knee to him.

Religion

Religion is an important part of Heartsford, with those of nobility following the Gods of Law, IE the seven, while the peasants may choose to worship the nine instead. It is important to note that worshipping the nine as a Noble is illegal within Albion, while worshipping them as a Peasant is not. Small temples devoted to the seven Gods of Law can be found all over Albion, however there are other temples, such as the Hall of Justice, which are often devoted to teaching the worship of one particular God. The peasants are allowed to openly worship the 9 Gods and within Heartsford even have a small place of worship where they are allowed to freely worship as they please. It is however illegal for any Noble to worship there.

Agriculture & Industry

Glowing gems can be found within the mountains of Western Bernicia and have become a part of the areas culture and trade. Crafters will fashion jewellery and other items out of these stones, which are often traded with to foreign countries and other parts of Albion.
Being a national surrounded by mountains, other stones, ores, etc. can be found and are often used in trade. Heartsford is not above trading materials with other nations, to allow them to craft other items, that can then be traded or used.

Local Wildlife

Monsters

There are a large number of monsters found within Bernicia’s centre and some even found wandering the coast or mountains. The Hedge Knights, soldiers, guards, etc. Will do their best to combat these threats, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t still dangerous. The roads can be dangerous to travel alone, and are best avoided at night.

Friendlier Wildlife

There are some creatures found in Bernicia, and often found around Heartsford that are far more friendly. Some will keep these creates as pets or companions, while other such creatures may be intelligent enough that they provide aid in exchange for food and a place to stay. The followers of Sastrines will often encourage that these creatures be respected and looked after, as well as treated as friends. Other wildlife however may be hunted for meat, furs, etc.
Trixx The Trixx appear to be a cross between a Squirrel, Fox and a Ferret. Intelligent and somewhat mischievous, they make for loyal companions and seem to be attracted to elemental magic’s. The Trixx fur colours seem to relate to what different elemental environment they most enjoy, with white (snow) and brown (Earth) Trixx’s being the most common companions found within Heartsford. Picture of an Earth Trixx

Woodland Sprites Small and loving, the Woodland sprites typically seem to be looking for somewhere warm to stay. Given the cold landscape of Heartsford the Woodland Sprites seem to enjoy the company of people, and will often be found sleeping in a pocket, or even randomly in someone’s draw. Given their small size they don’t eat much and traders will often keep them around as they’ll sit happily with coins in a pocket and ensure that thieves can’t get their hands on the contents. No one is entirely sure where the Woodland Sprites first came from, with some theories suggesting they arrived from another nations trading vessel. Still the people of Heartsford seem to like having them around. Picture of a Woodland Sprite
Pigmy-Trow With a fondness for the dark and music, these creatures often only venture out during times of celebration, but some seem to enjoy travelling with Bards or those with a taste for music. Small and friendly, these creatures seem more than happy to just sit and listen to music, though some might softly sway along to the sounds or songs around them. They are typically deemed harmless and are at times called Pigmy-Trolls due to their small horns. With a fondness for the dark and music, these creatures often only venture out during times of celebration, but some seem to enjoy travelling with Bards or those with a taste for music. Small and friendly, these creatures seem more than happy to just sit and listen to music, though some might softly sway along to the sounds or songs around them. They are typically deemed harmless and are at times called Pigmy-Trolls due to their small horns. Picture of a Pigmy-Trow

To stand against the shadow, so long as iron is hard and stone abides. To defend the people, while one drop of blood remains. We stand together and let our fires reign!

Alternative Names

The Banners, Heartford

Demonym

Bernician's

Leader

David Nasher

Location

Bernicia

Official Languages

• Common

Notable Members

• David Nasher
• Elaine Astolat
• Glyniel Flowersong
• Kaelin Thatcher