The iconic rolling ridgeline and coniferous forests of Eastmarch County are well known in the East of Vornair. Eastmarch, formed long ago by the joining of the Wolfgar clan and Farrister family, is steeped in history. The Brudvir Wolfgar, represented by the Wolf in wood carvings scattered around the county, are to this day known as the Blade of Fealty; their trustworthiness, honour, and loyalty legendary in the North. The Hrothi Farristers’ role in security and stability are depicted by the Otter Bear in stone statues that can be seen when wandering the domain. The collaboration of the two families following an especially long winter, many decades ago, resulted in the combining of their knowledge and resources, joining the ancestral lands together to create Eastmarch.
A key figure in the history of Eastmarch is Drem Farrister, a particularly noted Virtori devout. Under Drem Farrister’s leadership, much of Eastmarch was encouraged to live more virtuous lives, and the surge in diligent miners brought economic prosperity to the county. Drem’s notorious charity also brought many traders to the delving city of Vahlok, particularly during the longest night, and to this day many of those historic trade routes still exist. Perhaps the best known story of Drem Farrister is that of his final days - terribly afflicted by disease, and having witnessed through his charitable work the horrifying effects this could have if spread to others, Drem set his affairs in order and rowed out to the ocean, alone, to spare his fellow mann. Many of the delvings in Eastmarch now carry the name Drem, partly in reverence, but mostly as an aspiration and reminder to residents, to live such a virtuous life as Drem Farrister.
The city of Drem Vahlok grew much in the following years, through continued prosperity of trade routes, and the rise of the Virtori religion. As the power and wealth of the resident priests grew, devotion to the seven virtues diminished, with much of the clergy stumbling into greed, gluttony, sloth, and lust. Many Eastmarch residents believe that the Searing Plague may have been caused due to the imbalance of virtues and decadence displayed at the time, known as the ‘Irreverence’.
The Searing Plague crisis was the catalyst for action. As Johan Farrister succumbed to the effect of plague, his son Lars vowed to his people a return to the devout teachings of the Virtori faith. Forming the Order of the Cosmos, Lars marshalled nurses and clerics across Eastmarch to give aid to the suffering, and led a bloodless purification of the clergy - replacing the decadent with new virtuous priests.
Subsequently, Eastmarch has continued in quiet toil, nurturing a reputation across the Coast of Aritaur as a key trade hub. Many of the Brudvir continue in the traditions of the Wolfgar clan as custodians of the forest land, sustainably caretaking the flora and fauna. The knights of the Order of the Cosmos are widely known across the county, with religious clerics and paladins furthering knowledge, championing the virtues, and maintaining the rule of law.
The incumbent Count, Thomas Farrister, whilst pledging to maintain a Virtori way of life, has signalled the next chapter in the story, with bold plans to grow maritime and inland trade, develop renewable resources, capitalise on the expert builders and architects to construct buildings that stand the test of time, and conduct research into astronomy and navigation.
