The Eastern March of Lichtenwald

Geography and Culture

The Eastern March of Lichtenwald stretches across a mist-cloaked land of towering white-barked trees, winding rivers, and ancient hills. The very name "Lichtenwald" — meaning Light-Forest — speaks to the region's soul: a place where the sun and mist weave together in sacred patterns, and where nature is seen not as a resource to conquer, but a legacy to protect. Forests dominate the landscape, broken only by scattered hamlets, fortified trade towns, and ancient druidic clearings. Stone causeways and timber bridges connect the settlements, but travel between them often feels like passing through the breathing heart of a primeval world. Wildlife is abundant, and drake sightings, though rare, are part of the region’s old folklore.
The climate is cool and damp year-round. Winters are cold but not brutal; autumns bring endless mists that roll across the valleys like rivers of silk. Spring and summer are lush and green, giving rise to the March's greatest natural wealth: timber, medicinal herbs, and rare alchemical plants prized across Drania.
The people of Lichtenwald are pragmatic, independent, and deeply respectful of the land. A blend of foresters, rangers, merchants, and quiet aristocrats, they value hard work, tradition, and a cautious approach to politics and war. Folk traditions intertwine old druidic beliefs with newer forms of Light Faith worship — a cultural blending largely credited to Seraphina von Lichtenwald's influence.

Politics and Power

Since the Lichtenwald Crisis of 492 PBA, the Eastern March has stood as an Elector Principality, fiercely proud of its hard-won independence from the Ironhorn Marches. Though smaller than some of the older principalities, it commands deep respect for its resilience, strategic resources, and skilled border militias. The ruling house, House von Lichtenwald, governs from the fortified town of Sonnenspitze, a stone-and-wood stronghold built into a low hill crowned by the pale trees that give the family its name. From here, they manage trade with the Silver Vale and Westren, oversee land stewardship, and defend against threats from Breania and the wilds.
House von Lichtenwald is led by Wilhelm von Lichtenwald, a former forest warden turned merchant lord and now seasoned Elector Prince. Wilhelm is respected for his calm judgment, though his influence at court has waned somewhat following economic setbacks linked to the secession and political realignment around Torndal.
His wife, Seraphina von Lichtenwald (born Cornelia of Glaecia), brought with her a powerful infusion of Light Faith traditions, enriching Lichtenwald’s spiritual life and softening its once wholly pragmatic character. Seraphina’s influence is felt in the rising sun iconography now common in local festivals and heraldry.
Most notable of their children are:
Edwin von Lichtenwald – Age 28, heir apparent. A serious, dutiful young noble who squired under Balthar Drausthal. Trained in warfare and statecraft rather than trade.
Aurelian von Lichtenwald – Age 22, the youngest son. Spirited but untested, he has long been favored by his mother and treated with indulgence. His recent kidnapping during the Torndal mission was intended to be an easy proving task — a plan that backfired dramatically.
the Other von Lichtenwald children exist have not yet risen to notable political or public roles.

Military Structure

Following the Lichtenwald Accords, a strategic pact was reached: Drausthal forces would supply garrisons across the marshlands — including Eastern Lichtenwald — to create a unified defensive front against potential Breanian incursions. Local militias, ranger companies, and merchant guards supplement these Drausthal garrisons, ensuring the March maintains its own independent spirit. To this end, the gentry of Lichtenwald supply a portion of their recruits to the Ironhorners, while they still field a repectably sized household retinues. The Lichtenwalders still garrion the larger settlements themselves, with Drausthal guards being more common in the villages throughout the larger region of the Marchlands.

Identity & Tradition

The soul of Lichtenwald is symbolized in its Elector Prince's motto:

"Strong Roots, High Branches." (Radices Fortes, Rami Alti)

It reflects a deeply ingrained philosophy: endurance first, aspiration second. To stand tall, one must first be anchored to the earth — to tradition, to duty, to family.
The von Lichtenwald coat of arms displays a white stylized tree on a deep red shield, the roots thick and knotted, the branches wide and reaching. This image appears everywhere: carved into doorways, woven into banners, and stamped onto merchant chests.

Cultural Values

Stewardship of Land: Forests are sacred trusts, not resources to be exploited lightly.
Blended Faith: A unique synthesis of old forest worship and the Light Faith, creating a quietly spiritual, ritual-driven society.
Endurance and Patience: Quick victories are distrusted; success is measured across generations.
Measured Honor: Warfare is a necessity, not a glory. Negotiation and strong defenses are valued over reckless conquest.
Festivals and Traditions:
The Dawn of Boughs: Spring festival celebrating rebirth, land blessings, and stewardship pledges. Local lords walk barefoot through sacred groves to reaffirm their oaths.
The Watchfires: Autumn ritual where bonfires are lit along riverbanks and old roadways, symbolically defending the March from darkness and invasion.
Solar Masses: Monthly observances introduced by Seraphina, held at sunrise in open forest clearings, blending Glaecian Light rites with native traditions.

Type

Geopolitical, Principality