March-Warden of The North

Known as The Winterbear by members of The Order of The North, the March-Warden of The North is one of the people in charge of The Order, and he shares his power with the Master of The North. These two figures theoretically share influence, but it is shared by segregation - so the two people have different jobs within The Order. The Master is supported by The King of Ceorlund, whereas The March-Warden is supported by the Northguards.

Appointment
The March-Warden of The North is appointed by the Master of The North, on strong and forceful advice from the Officers of The North and the Northguards. This advice is so forceful that the Master of The North always accepts the suggestion. He serves for life, unlike the Master of The North.

Appearance
The March-Warden of The North usually rides upon a Winterbear, this is why he is nicknamed 'The Winterbear'. He wears no head-wear usually, but on ceremonial occasions will wear a crown of ice. He wears thick white furs, and at his side is carried a weapon of the incumbent's choice. He carries nothing in his left hand, but it is needed for the control of his mount.

Within The Order
In theory the March-Warden must answer only to the Master of The North, but in reality he exercises more control. It is accepted that the March-Warden (who has the Northguards behind him) has the same power as the Master (who has the King's Army behind him). Often the two positions get into disputes. The King will often appoint the most forceful Jarl in Ceorlund to be the Master so as to control The Order better. Because of the March-Warden's permanent nature, each March-Warden will see many masters come and go, all the while he is gaining skill and experience, ending up being the wiser of the two positions.

Only once has the March-Warden entered combat with the Master, and in that case the former won, but did not kill his opponent. The King was at that time powerless to deal out punishment.

So, the March-Warden of The North has final say over the decisions of The Order, and he exerts his control through Officers of The North.