Warlord of the Outlands
Overview
The Warlord of the Outlands is a retinue position to the Crown of the Outlands. The title is earned by winning a heavy fighting tournament and serves as the heart of the Outlands army.
History
The tradition of an Outlands tournament likely originated with and was inspired by the Aten Warlord Tournament, mentioned in the Outlands History Notes as having happened in June of 1973.[1]
The first Outlands Warlord tournament occurred in the Principality days of the Outlands with the first being held the weekend of April 22nd in 1978[2]. This tournament was held in Española, New Mexico which many sources refer to as "Shadowskeep". This name is not currently associated with any area of the Outlands and was likely a colloquial title. Meistres Rhonwen y Llysieuyddes of Westbrook Manor-Artemisia-in her personal recollection of the events writes that the first day was reserved for practice bouts and other festivities including the catching of a dragon by Prince Heinrich, a jumprope contest as part of the competition for the Golden Apple of Atlantia for the ladies, and a tea hosted by House Duckford. There is also mention of a fireside bardic gathering for Shakespeare's 414th birthday, during which prince Heinrich stood on the "Coronetting Rock". This is the only known mention of this rock.
The following day the tournament was held. Over the course of 45 separate matches, combatants were tasked with using a variety of weapons to prove their skill with each. Rhonwen writes "Between matches, the Golden Apple of Atlantia competition continued, and during the whole day a band of thieves from Shadowskeep conducted rip-offs for ransom, to everyone's dismay."[2] Master Sir Theo, Lord Mightrinwood became the Outlands Warlord, with Lord Glenm coming in second.
Unfortunately, not much is known about the history of the Outlands Warlord between this initial tournament and Leif Ivarsson's tenure. The list of Warlords that appears on the Weel section of the Outlands Heralds site was compiled by Mistress Matilda by referencing editions of the Outlandish Herald[3].
Role
Commonly referred to as the Heart of the Outlands Army, the Warlord role is meant to lead and inspire fighters at wars they attend. The Warlord also serves as a retinue position meant to attend the Crown during court and wield Thunderhead. The axe typically stays in the possession of the Warlord throughout their tenure.
Regalia
The Warlord is the traditional wielder of Thunderhead.
In the past, the Warlord has also been granted a tabard. However, this is no longer part of the traditional regalia and may have been retired or become lost over the years.