La Marca del Fuoco
## **La Marca del Fuoco: A Bastion Between Peace and War**
---### **History of the Nation**
The Marca del Fuoco (The Fire March) was born as a direct response to a past of devastating conflicts. During two historic invasions, the Empire sought to reclaim the territories bordering the Dark Sea, considered crucial to the economic and strategic control of the region. The first Imperial War led to a long siege and the fall of many fortresses, but the unity of the Principalities of Hansa allowed the invaders to be repelled. During the second invasion, the now organized March became the bastion that slowed the Imperial advance until the arrival of the Allied forces.
Today, the March represents a frontier territory, where past and present merge. It is a testimony to the sacrifice and importance of collaboration between the Principalities, but also a land marked by constant tension, whose fate always seems to hang by a thread.
---#### **Government Structure**
Unlike the other territories of the Hansa Principalities, the Fire March is not governed by a dynasty or a sovereign, but by a **Condottiero**. This figure, elected by the **Council of Princes** for a five-year term, is the absolute authority during his term of command. In times of war, the mandate can be extended as long as the Landlord enjoys the trust of the Council. The Landlord is responsible for the defense of the March, the organization of the troops and the management of resources.
The local economy is entirely dedicated to the maintenance and entertainment of the military forces. The citizens of the March, mainly of Ugruk Orcs ethnicity, are exempt from taxes in exchange for the production of essential goods for the soldiers: food, weapons, clothing and other materials. The cities and villages act as military outposts or war production centers, and every resource is used to support the war against the Empire.
Government decisions are made based on military priorities, and the Warlord has full executive powers, while maintaining a dialogue with the commanders of the various contingents and militant orders present in the March.
#### **Political Parties and Organizations**
- The Principalities of Hansa: Each principality contributes to the defense of the March by sending troops, resources and money. However, the troops primarily answer to their lords and commanders, creating conflicts of interest and discipline problems within the armed forces.
- Military Orders:
- The Spedaliers: Spedaliersare a military and religious order that combines medical care and combat. They run a major fortress and field hospitals for wounded soldiers.
- The Maidens of the Elder Ring: Maidens of the Elder Ring A regiment composed exclusively of Sarlerian warriors. Their devotion is fueled by hatred towards the Empire, which destroyed their kingdom and massacred many of their sisters. They too have their own fortress and a castle for their sisterhood.
- The Shen Regiment: Formed by fugitives from the Empire, this unit is motivated by the hope of one day liberating their lands. This regiment is hosted in the city of Farbelda.
- Mercenaries: The March has always relied on mercenaries to shore up its defenses. The most famous contingent is the Grifone regiment, commanded by Rodolfo Mascioli, a pragmatic and ruthless leader. A second regiment is formed by General De La Motte's fellow mercenary band, a group of veterans and elite troops who have followed the general to dozens of battlefields.
- The Church of Sardar: Present with a small contingent of paladins led by Bishop **Emilio Cervantes**, the Church offers spiritual and military support, seeking to maintain the morale of the troops.
- The Clans of the Principality of the Eagles: This mountain contingent, led by Prince **Giovanni da Montone**, is known for its extraordinary resistance and valor in battle. The soldiers of the Principato delle Aquile carry with them fiercely independent traditions, but their loyalty has always been to the Principalities.
### **Current Situation**
The situation in the Marca del Fuoco is extremely delicate. The recent withdrawal of the troops of the Ducato del Drago, justified by the need to "defend their territory", has left a dangerous void. The Warlord, **Philippe De La Motte**, has found himself forced to request reinforcements from the other Principalities and to recruit mercenaries. This has led to an influx of troops of questionable loyalty and discipline, causing internal friction and further endangering the stability of the region.
Meanwhile, the Almighty Empire appears to be amassing forces along the border. Although no large-scale attacks have been launched, small raids and incursions are testing the March's defenses.
### **Important Characters**
- Philippe De La Motte: The Warlord, a veteran of the wars against the Phan Empire and a highly experienced commander. His authority is questioned by some, but his charisma and determination make him a crucial figure.
- Aeras: Leader of the Maidens of the Elder Ring, a ruthless and charismatic warrior. She is an inspiration to many young women of the March.
- Rodolfo Mascioli: The commander of the Repubblica del Grifone mercenaries. His only interest is money, but his experience in the field is undeniable.
- Emilio Cervantes: Bishop of the Cult of the God of War and spiritual leader of the March. He is known for his resolute character and his commitment to the common good.
- Giovanni da Montone: Young prince of the Principality of the Eagles, a respected leader and a formidable warrior. His skill as a blacksmith has given rise to many legendary weapons used by his companions. Giovanni is also known as "The Anvil" for his special skills as a blacksmith and the extraordinary resistance in battle he and his mountain companions have.
### **Locations and Resources**
- Citadel of Fire: Located near the capital Nipleh the capital of the March, an impenetrable fortress located on a plateau, which serves as an administrative and military center.
- Castle of the Spedaliers: A stronghold that houses the order of the Spedaliers and serves as a hospital for the wounded of war and a training center for the novices of the order.
- Villages of the Ugruk: Inhabited primarily by orcs, these villages specialize in the production of weapons and the training of warriors. Another important activity is the production of Food and other materials for the soldiers in the nearby bases.
- Ardisia Harbor: A large city jointly governed by the Hansa Principalities and the Alfan Confederacy, it is not only the closest trading port to the empire, but also the base for the flying ships that patrol the border and the Sea of Thalassa.
- Karelion Forests: A vast forested area in the mountains of the March that provides wood for the construction of weapons and fortifications.
### **Folklore and Details**
- The Test of the Mark: The Territory of the March has as its main inhabitants the orcs of the Ugruk ethnicity, so in many villages the Test of the Mark is held, in which young orcs are initiated into adulthood; the ceremony includes walking on hot coals, competitions in throwing the Incandescent Stones, a physical fight that establishes the hierarchy among the new warriors. The ceremony ends with the affixing of a firebrand, a sacred symbol of Gharuk, to the young orcs deemed worthy.
- The Golden Lance Tournament: An annual competition, reserved for nobles and officers stationed in the March; it is held once a year and is halfway between a social event and a duel of knights. During the duel, the bravest knights compete in a joust (with gentle weapons) to earn the trophy and the favor of the Ladies present.
- Monster Hunts: Organized regularly to keep the soldiers motivated and protect the local population, monster "Hunts" are periodically organized in which soldiers are encouraged to prove their worth by killing the most dangerous monsters they can find. Victorious soldiers earn the right to adorn themselves with the symbol of the monster on their shield or insignia, to symbolize their valor in battle. To this is often added a reward in gold coins from the sale of the carcasses of the slain monsters.
### **Conclusion**
The Fire March is more than a militarized territory: it is the beating heart of the resistance against the Empire, a land of sacrifice and hope, but also of division and internal conflict. As the shadow of war looms ever closer, the fate of the March will depend on the ability of its inhabitants and leaders to stand united in the face of the threat.
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments