The North Marches

Structure

The North Marches are a series of unincorporated territories, and therefore don’t have a singular ruler. Each settlement swears fealty to the local government they choose on a case by case basis. Counties are typically formed when a group of settlements choose to band together under a common leader. In some cases, these counties grow to become providences in their own right, though most either die off or are incorporated into an already existing providence.

History

The North Marches is less an actual providence, and more a broad category under which everything north of the northernmost providences is filed under. Every providence founded after Valmere, Grenesse, and the Krel Freeholds was one an unincorporated territory within the North Marches, only being fully incorporated by a declaration of the Rona when the territory is deemed settled and secure enough to officially enter the fold. It is a place of discovery, adventure, and danger. The majority of expeditions that set out to settle the North Marches end in failure or are never heard from again. The territory has no buffer against machinations of the The Winter Court and will almost always be the first place a roaving band of thralls led by an Unsidhe will attack to shore up their numbers and deal a blow against the Kingdoms.
Life on the borderlands isn't without its perks, however. Most settlers are highly regarded for their bravery and spirited attempts to tame the savage and inhospitable lands of the north. In addition to the status afforded to these settlers, most are given freedom over their lives few in territories could imagine. Life in a place such as Grenesse or Norianne might be comfortable, but upward mobility through the social structure is very rare under the current predominantly Cieran government. Other providences, such as Valmere are overpopulated, and those who find themselves in Vance and Briar Glenn are typically stuck in low skill, low wage labor for the majority of their lives. Life in the North Marches, while difficult, offers a sense of freedom that many find alluring, as well as a rare opportunity to further oneself socially.

Demography and Population

The North Marches have some of the broadest demographics of any territory in the Kingdoms, with citizens of every providence deciding to try their luck at settling the Great White Beyond. One could argue that it takes a certain type of individual to eschew a comfortable life in a more settled region for a life of turmoil and danger at the fringes of civilization, but there are very few common traits shared by Northmarchers.

Imports: Foodstuffs, Manufactured Goods, Beacons

Exports: Metals, Furs, Timber

Type

Geopolitical, County / March

Alternative Names

"The North" "The Marches" "The Great White/Great White Beyond"

Demonym

Northmarchers, those most tend to identify by their individual settlement/county's name.