Histories of the High Kings of All Westrun: IV - The Four-bit Kings

Era of the Four-bit Kings

4811 Rolod of Collonia

4821        Beram the Chivalrous

4831 Jan II of Bolden

4838 Milytus of Menea

4850 Marten the Good aka The Pauper King (Collonia)

Agronar the Pacifier of Goblins

Agronar was a noted general of Marten the Good who was High King of Westrun from 4850-4901ey.

Agronar was first knighted at the Battle of Five Chieftains in 4875ey during the Northrun campaign and given command of the Steel Fist Company which was redeployed to the Westrun Marches. There he negotiated good relations with the Fraternity and is said to have worn the Green Cloak among them for the space of ten years. After pressing the goblin hordes to the sea in the North, he was placed in command of the Stalwart Legion and sent to reinforce the armies of Treft.

While in Treft, he defeated the orc chieftain of Rakag and greatly diminished the orcs of Dynkyr. Then he exceeded his orders and took his legion into Balduren itself, placing them at the disposal of the Marks Marshall of that kingdom, winning considerable good will and bringing Balduren more fully into the Eight Kingdoms Pact. When the hordes were again pressed to the sea, he founded Harmony to tie the forces of Collonia and Balduren together. 

After several years in Harmony, Agronar took his legion directly into the Goblin Kingdoms. Once there, he won wars against several horde chieftains and lost three Captains that had been with him since his knighting in Northrun. He defeated Gruumsh One-eye, god-king of the Orcs in single combat, and then founded the Hall of Splendor on that field of battle. 

Agronar remained in the Goblin Kingdoms prosecuting every gathering of orc and goblin which was large enough to earn his notice. In 4901ey, he was recalled to Peakshadow upon the death of Marten the Good. 

After swearing fealty to the new king, Favian III, he was named the Chancellor General of Westrun, but absconded from Peakshadow in the middle of the night. He returned to his legions in the South and traversed the entirety of the Goblin Kingdoms, coming eventually to the Satrapcies of Southrun. There he disbanded his legions, and entered semi-retirement, keeping only the Steel Fist Company under his command. 

He was later summoned to service by Favian III and sent to prosecute the so-called "Debtor's War" in the Pincipalities of Vyruma Serpentis. After conquering all of the white and black princes, he renamed the Free Provinces and extracted allegiance to the High Throne from their new barons. 

At the end of the "Debtor's War" he was recalled to Peakshadow to renew his oath of fealty to High King Favian, but disappeared at sea and was never seen again.

The Fergus Codex: Law VIII -- Concerning Slavery and Labor

Vyrum Law
The Gnummorong must not be repeated. No captive may be bought or sold, no captive may ever work without compensation of silver. 

 Law of Fergus 4275

We desire that it be known that those of the goblin races cannot be considered captives, for captivity is a crime against humans and Besnir alone. 

 Law of Fergon 4301

We recognize that hereditary serfs are not slaves, but those who receive land produce and protection of their current lord in lieu of rents. In being serfs, they are kept from starvation and death. And as their state is tied to the land of their birth and cannot be transferred, they are not held by the lord, but by the land itself.

 Law of Wald 4422

We recognize that indentured servitude is a voluntary condition and not the same as slavery. It is a wise provision with which the destitute and dispossessed may use to work themselves from debt.

Law of Marten 4858

We desire that the freeborn be paid the minimum sum of 1 silver coin per week of labor and that no indentured servant be held in thrall longer than 7 harvests. 

 Law of Braolas 5193

In as much as it has fallen to me to set forth the ancient and recognized custom of apprenticeship in all trades; and desiring only to see that the good traditions that bind men continue; I hereby set forth the law and edict of apprenticeship to be observed by all peoples for all times evermore.

The Fergus Codex: Law VII -- Concerning Marriage

Vyrum Law

Only the prince may have more than one mate; and only the prince may have a mate who shares an ancestor within three generations. 

Law of Fergus 4275

We desire that the customs of marriage be preserved in each kingdom and held inviolable by the other kings and their faithful lords. Neither daughters nor wives shall be carried off, lest the offender be treated as evil. Yet a couple may enter elopement and after seven years be treated as if a valid contract were made.

Law of Fergon 4301

We desire that each woman enter marriage with the maiden fee paid to her father, and that a dower be drawn from that sum and entrusted to her, to maintain her in widowhood. To that dower the husband will add an annual stipend for seven years, and to it he shall also add again the maiden fee first paid for any infidelity.

Law of Fergus II 4328

We desire that each man who sires a bastard must see to the upkeep of mother and child or else be fined the tenth part of his income until the bastard reaches his 18th summer. 

Law of Wald 4422

We desire that each woman put away by her husband be given her dower whole, and the same sum again in silver for her maintenance. But that her children must not become bastards thereby, nor lose their right to inherit. But a woman put away on account of infidelity shall not be entitled to the sum.

Law of Marten 4858

We recognize that the contract of marriage may not be valid without the express consent of the intended husband and wife. No man may become a husband before his 18th harvest and no maiden before her 16th with a visible flowering evidenced by blood.

Law of Gelder 5011

A contract which promised a maiden, but which was not delivered as such, shall be considered without force.

The Fergus Codex: Law VI -- Concerning Property and Commerce

Vyrum Law 

The magnates must purchase the goods of the common with silver, and the common cannot be forced to sell that which they would not. 

 Law of Fergus 4275

We desire that each King should recognize the sale and receipts of each other king and the lawful ownership of their fields and herds. 

 Law of Wald 4422

We desire that no man be forced to sell or relinquish what he will not freely contract to do, unless it be in payment of a pre-existing debt. Neither his lands can be bought, nor his livestock taken, nor his daughters carried off without his permission. 

 Law of Damon 4449

We desire that widows and orphans be held harmless against final loss due to taxation.

The Fergus Codex: Law V -- Concerning Crimes Felonious and Petty

Vyrum Law

The crimes of treason and murder are abominable and shall be avenged by the Range in which they occurred. Kinslaying is an abomination which must be punished by the faction which suffers the loss. Save that for all offenses, hallowed ground may offer safe haven to all those who seek its protection. 

Law of Fergus 4275

We desire that the crime of harboring those who have committed treason or murder shall be punished in like manner as the abominable crimes. For sanctuary can only be found on hallowed ground by a Priest. 

Law of Fergon 4301

We declare that nothing shall prevent a lord from seeking his own justice, if he is the victim of any abominable crime, regardless of where the crime occurred. Moreover, the crimes of robbery and theft shall be be worthy of maiming on the second offense, and considered abominable only upon the third offense. Moreover, no one who has stolen only food or water shall be guilty of robbery or theft if they have passed at least three towns without receiving any by begging.

Law of Etru 4376

We desire that to the abominable crimes of treason, robbery, murder and theft are to now added the crimes of counterfeiting, forgery and arson upon the second offense. For all abominable crimes a debt of silver may also attach and ransom accepted in lieu of punishment.

Law of Wald 4422

We desire to clarify that crimes can only be committed abominably when exercised against someone of equal or greater station: 

• Treason is the taking of arms by vassal against his lord, or else plotting with others to do the same. 
• Robbery is the unjust taking of property by force of arms, but shall not include the lawful spoils of war. 
• Murder is the unwarranted taking of a man’s life by a person outside of his family, except under a flag of war. 
• Theft is the unjust taking of property by deception, subterfuge or cloak of darkness, 
• Counterfeiting is the attempt to pass some material thing as an item of higher value by concealing its true nature. 
• Forgery is the attempt to pass as legitimate, the illegitimate seal or signature of a lord or noble house. 
• Arson is the burning of property belonging to another, or endangering the property of others by uncontrolled burning. 

Law of Marten 4858
We desire that the protections of forgery be extended to duly chartered companies, orders and factions which are enrolled with either the Devout Order of Clerics Regular of the Penitent Knights of Poverty, or of any of the noble banking houses. 

Law of Gelder 5011
We desire that Treason also be defined so as to include murderous threats breathed against any King, and affirmation of the same either by word or silence. 

Law of Thelstan 5108

We decide that the following offenses may only be punished as petty crimes in accordance with local customs: 

• Any abominable crime committed against someone of lesser station. 
• Assault 
• Bastardy 
• Bigamy 
• Excessive Indebtedness 
• Disturbing the Peace 
• Drunkenness 
• Riotous assembly 
• Oath-breaking 
• Poaching 
• Rape 
• Slander 
• Slave-dealing 
• Tax avoidance 
• Trafficking stolen property 
• Vagrancy 
• Witchcraft 

Law of Halinard 5285

Because Bounty Hunting is a dangerous profession, but one that is necessary for the good order of all societies and the protection of nobility everywhere, we therefore, bind ourselves to the institution and protection of the articles instituted by the Bounty Hunters Guild.

The Fergus Codex: Law IV -- Concerning Provinces and Charters

Vyrum Law
The good governance of all the known lands depends on the administration of the Ranges. Each Range is particular to the regent who is blood-bound to its borders by the decrees of its Priest.

Law of Fergus 4275

We desire that each Province shall see to the justice and taxes within its borders. 

Law of Fergon 4301

We desire no man may fortify nor crenellate his manse or holding without a charter from his liege.

Law of Wald 4422

We hold that a town may be established with a grant of charter from a provincial regent wherever a church has been established. Such a town will remain within the administration and justice of that lord, but the charter duration shall be perpetual unless the town should fall below 100 souls. A town, once given a charter to enclose itself with a wall, will be recognized as a city -- an independent province answerable to the administration and justice of the king through its Lord Mayor.

Law of Jan 4793

We hold that as the chartered Halls have spread from the Free Provinces to Westrun, down to Southrun and even some have appeared in Eastrun. Their growing number necessitates that certain regulations be made as to their conduct and constitution. We therefore agree to recognize them and bind them within our several domains by certain strictures.

Law of Marten 4858

We hold that certain companies of men and interests may be chartered and answerable to the administration and justice of the king through their chartered representative.

Law of Flavian 4912
We hold that the Provinces formerly known as the Principalities of Vyrum Serpentis are free and independent states, not subject to any king or monarch, and having no law but that which is locally made and consistent with the Fergus Codex and its appendments. Each provinces shall be wholly governed by the good lords which serve as their faithful regents. We hold also that these states shall see to their own defense and pay only a quarter share of the shield-tax normally levied, to their eternal and faithful leige lord, the High King of the Eight Kingdoms of Westrun.

The Fergus Codex: Law III -- Concerning Titles and Coat of Arms

 Vyrum Law
The Prince is the lord paramount and known by his title of property and by the coat of arms which he bears. These he shall have the right to pass to whomsoever of his faction can properly inherit them.

Law of Fergus 4275
We desire that Princes should pass their worldly titles and goods according to custom. That sons should inherit in the order of their birth, but if no sons be found, then the sons of the sons, in the order of their birth. But if neither sons nor sons of sons be found, then the sons of the son's sons.  If none be found in that line, then brothers of the Prince in the order of their birth, but if no brothers be found, then the nephews of the Prince in the order of their birth, then the uncle and male cousins and male distal cousins. Yet we will not prohibit the curious customs of Saklan, nor that of the Kings of Balduren, Treft and Talir, which shall be in force in their kingdoms.

Law of Wald 4422
We desire that men of noble bearing have the same protection of title and arms that are due the Kings of the realms. That those which are land lords and who have kept their domains current with respect to taxes will not be dispossessed of title, arms and lands upon the death of their leige.

Law of Damon 4449
We declare that in cases among kings, where no heir can be found, it shall fall to the High King to determine who shall ascend to their vacant throne.

Law of Marten 4858
We desire that men of gentle bearing have the same protection of title and arms that are due the noble men of the realms. That they are likewise unharmed as land lords over any estates they hold, upon the death of noble men. We find also that the Captain's privilege as understood by the Vicenary Ports is incorporated into these laws.

Law of Gelder 5011
We decide that in cases among noble men, where no heir can be found, it shall fall to the king of the realm to determine who shall inherit the vacant manor and titles.

The Fergus Codex: Law II -- Concerning Principalities

Vyrum Law
The Prince occupies the place of honor and has no rival to his authority. He acts to shelter and support, serving as both father and mother to the masses. As his children the masses must be loyal and filial. Should they cherish wickedness and have rebellious hearts, they will offend the order established by heaven itself. 

Law of Fergus 4275

We desire that the Prince of Peakshadow shall only be seen as the first among princes. As the first among equals, he is able to judge among them for any disputes he shall be invited to hear. 

Law of Fergon 4301
We declare that whenever matters are in dispute among princes that only one party to the dispute must request a hearing for the Prince of Peakshadow to hold court. 

Law of Wald 4422

We acknowledge that the masses have no champion greater than the Prince of Peakshadow, and their mistreatment shall be as an affront to his throne. 

Law of Damon  4449

We recognize that the right to rule proceeds from heaven and to those princes who bear that divine right, and whom we now name Kings. We now name the Prince of Peakshadow as the High King. Beneath us are other noble classes, owners of estate and means, who along with kings rule the masses, but only when invested by kings with the divine right to do so. 

Law of Marten 4858

We specify that precedence shall be given to Kings and then Princes and all manner of royalty which are descended from them as custom shall allow. Next in precedence are the noble classes which rule over duchies and counties and baronies who shall in no way be denied the right of their stations and names. 

Law of Gelder 5011

We declare that inasmuch as the Patriarch has given places of honor above what is common to members of his ignoble clergy, we also deem that by acts of valor and other greatness, Princes may likewise elevate certain men to this gentle station. Such men shall in no way be denied the right of their stations and names. 

Law of Thelstan 5108

We recognize that when men of noble station are not on hand to make knights of the valorous and great, that other knights shall not be forbidden from doing so, as they are often the only witnesses to such acts as are deserving, and that this is in keeping with the most ancient of customs. In any case, we declare that it shall fall to men of nobility to ratify that which is recognized on the fields of glory.

The History of Marten I

This is the history of Marten the Good, also called the Pauper King.

Marten Rigel was King of Collonia until he was sentenced to the Throne, the first of that realm to have done so. He ascended to the High Throne in 4850ey, succeeding Milytus II. It is said that his great popularity was due not only to his own benevolence but in surrounding himself with lords and generals of great ability and benevolence of their own.

While his reign was long it was financially strained by the prosecution of two wars -- one against the Northrun clans and another against Goblin Hordes. Marten is credited with healing the rift that had separated Balduren from the other realms and by enlisting the help of the Lances to his aid. He also gave aid and succor to the Rangers of the Fraternity and was able to bring them into the cause of the High Throne.

Marten is also sometimes called Marten the Mason, for he commissioned the Great Wall which began to be built on the Northern frontiers of Collonia and was to stretch to the Narrow Sea.

He died, old and infirmed, just one year into his sixth sentence in 4901ey and was succeeded by Favian III.