Concerning Eorlsmead and the Eorlingas
Land was settled by the noblest of the Eorlings in days of yore, nearly five hundred years before us, when Eorl the Young rode with the Éothéod and the oath was taken, following Cirion the Lord of Stoningland's gift as expressions of gratitude.
Eorlsmead, a territory of extremes, both the most rich and impoverished of marks, it stretches from the forests of the elves, to the natural borders tied with Langflood itself. A once formidable crossroads of commerce, this complex mark stands in defense of the southern territories of Riddermark. Conscious of the state of constant fear that pervades these lands, noble kings and thanes were ever responsive to concerns of even the most northern of East-mark frontiers and so they did.
However, it was in the summer of 2862 that the orcs made a grave error in seeking to attack Stangard, the only burg within the land during the meeting of the clans, for it was in the confusion that ensued that our region was forged. Æthelwigend Brihtwald rose from the ranks of warriors leading our people to victory over the savage beasts. It was thus that the commander was chosen as the ruler of Eorlsmead for all present, seeing the abilities at his command, swore loyalty unto him and Brihtwald renewed his loyalty to his King and Lord.
This was a great beginning, for Hlothere, the next commander led his éored to take back the land that the greenskins has bled from us, forcing them back into the dark and dank places from whence they came.
Still, many losses were given and it took ten years to return the burg to its former condition. The land was gifted with mines to the edge of its western borders, Limlight Gorges. Mines were prosperous and many carts loaded with iron, copper and steel would be sent to the burgs flowing southward, in return for food and crop, for they had not many farms in the north. And herding was another famous means of living in Eorlsmead.
The burg has seen many commanders and it was in 3002 year of the sun, Stanric was charged as the new commander. The reign was long, but not a peaceful one. For although the orcs were defeated it was also in this time that the swarthy men which inhabited the wilds in the east, came unto our outposts and slaughtered our people. After each attack the patrolling companies scoured the land for these silent foes but, although a few returned triumphantly carrying the heads of one or two of the enemy, the commander and his éored was unable to achieve a decisive victory. It was thus that the war waged for nigh on a dozen years. Seeing this chance, the orcs pressed onward and claimed the hills over Limlight Gorges and our people began to fear the very darkness, that it may bring such horrors. Fires burnt bright in every home throughout the night.
As the harsh winter ceased, in 3017, with the word of Aldor Harding, Thégn of Harwick, a large number of Eorlings in the Wold; from son to daughter, from farmer to warrior, from herder to minstrel, all for various reasons travelled northward to the lands of Eorlsmead near Langflood and whatever opportunities or deeds that might have been laid out before them. Throughout the journey, Eastémærc Éored, under the leadership of Captain Régnwald rode with them to secure the safety of the people. They settled in the region with them under the watchful eyes of Béma, the Great Hunter.
