The Night's Watch
Founding
Originally the Night's Watch were the regiments positioned at the eastern border of the Kingdom of Gotha in 1075. They were famous for their stern defense against orcs and wildings. Many amongst them were criminals sent to the battlements for punishment, though higher ranks were often occupied by noble families or Templars. Their position changed when the Kingdom of Gotha disintegrated following Assassin's War. At the Battle of Longfields the majority of the Night's Watch force was defeated by the Lannister army. In the chaos of this crushing defeat Marcus Vardenfell was named Lord Commander. He seceeded the Night's Watch of the remnants of the Kingdom of Gotha and would lead it to greatness in the following decades. During his lifetime the Night's Watch led a push to the east vanquishing the wildling and orc hordes that traditionally were its prime enemies. Due to these conquests and military campaigns the Night's Watch grew to be a major force in the Westfork.The Organisation
As the Night's Watch is a military order, there is no hereditary succession of landed titles within the majority of its lands. Instead the The Watchlands, as their Realm is called, are organized in chapters, headed by a chaptermaster. The combined council of chaptermasters elects a Lord Commander, who is the military and diplomatic leader of the Night's Watch. The Lord Commander reigns from Castle Black. Militarily, the Night's Watch is organized in the regiments, which acts as a standing army, and the Rangers. The Rangers are expert subterfuge units which specialize in guerilla combat in wild terrain and behind enemy lines. The Rangers were originally used to weaken the Orc and Wilding forces before they reached the Watch Fortresses. Up to this day they still function in a similar way, although these original enemies have now been vanquished.Views on Magic
The practice of magic is restricted. Most magic users are sent to the Wayspire, where they receive a magic education and are monitored by the Night's Watch to minimize harm. If found aptly in control of the magical arts, the magic-practitioner may continue his studies in the name of the Night's Watch elsewhere in the realm. Apart from Wayspire mages, the practice of magic is allowed in acknowledged institutes, such as Chantry of Fire in the Watchlands and the Dragon Cult.Structure
Lord Commander, the military and diplomatic leader of the Night's Watch. He is elected by the Council of Chaptermaster.
Chaptermaster, the military and economic leader of a province. A successor is proposed by the local notables and he is stated by the Lord Commander
Steward, the main economic minister of a chaptermaster.
Marshall, the main military commander of a chapter.
Culture
As the Night's Watch stems from the Kingdom of Gotha, their cultures are quite alike. However, during the lifetime of Marcus Vardenfell the Watchlanders felt truly united as a people, braving of many crises. As such their culture is partially Nordic, partially Gothic and overall more unified in a central cause, though this cause is waning.
Public Agenda
The Night's Watch has always been about the defense of the realm. This means that they will explain most wars as a war of defense. In its diplomacy with Kingdom of Gotha, the Night's Watch always pursues a stance of autonomy and mutual benefit. In addition, they strive to become the most powerful economic force through the Night's Watch founded Windhelm Trading Company.
Assets
The Night's Watch is quite well equipped in terms of resources and wealth, but generally lack in population numbers. As such, the Night's Watch is generally accepting to foreign settlers.
Demography and Population
The more densely populated regions of the Watchlands are in the West. In the East, Orcish and Dwarven settlements are found respectively in Orcia and Karak-Azul.
Territories
The Watchlands encompasses a variety of provinces called chapters in their own jargon.
Religion
The Night's Watch currently has no single religion being practiced. The words of Innos are widely preached however by a Watchland-branch of the Chantry of Fire, with major churches being found throughout The Watchlands. Some people keep up the preachings of the Dragon Cult, remaining true to their Gothic Roots. The latter are generally more found in Gotha(location:88036dee-df5a-4f3f-b28d-8745a0e88a3a) and the @[Falklands.
Hear my words and bear witness to my vow. Night gathers, and now my watch begins. It shall not end until my death.
Founding Date
1075
Type
Military Order
Capital
Alternative Names
Watchlands
Head of State
Government System
Electocracy
Power Structure
Federation
Economic System
Command/Planned economy
Legislative Body
The Council of Chaptermasters and the Lord Commander
Judicial Body
The Lord Commander
Subsidiary Organizations
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
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