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Tales from Bancross
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Chronicle Summary
Chronicle Content
This Chronicle is a means to collect and share stories, images, gossip and lore that surrounds the village of Bancross in Rohan, which is an idea and concept created by Men of the Mark. Every house in the neighborhood is owned by our kinship members, and we strive to create a living, breathing home together here, and to build a lore-friendly and mostly accurate depiction of a rohirric village set in Middle-Earth, with some liberties and original ideas taken in for the sake of Roleplaying.
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Bancross
... is a small village not far from Edoras, located somewhere upon the Kingstead Plains. It is a quiet town that has somehow managed to escape much of the ravages of war, even though many of the outlying farms and homesteads have been burned and plundered over the years. Here life goes ever on, as fields must be tilled, crops must be harvested, children fed and raised, hooves cleaned, roofs thatched, mead brewed, and weapons forged. Every man, woman, and child, from the King’s Golden Hall to the farthest-flung croft, must see to their duties and continue to preserve the life and the land that our forefathers bled and died for.
The Barracks - 1 Filly Lane
The local guard barracks is located at 1 Filly Lane; the heavily defended barracks and outer premises looming over the main road into the village with ever watchful eyes around. The guards’ daily affairs are led by Sergeant Thilwend, who oversees the patrol schedules and is usually the one welcoming new arrivals in the area when the commander is not available, or busy elsewhere. On the premises lies also a smithy, where weapons, armor and carpentry for barricades are made.
The current commander of the garrison is Captain Denholm, a recent arrival from Snowbourn after a call for reinforcements had been made.
The Roaring Dragon - 1 Colt Road
The Roaring Dragon, Bancross’ local tavern, sits peacefully on the hill above the garrison. Here the guards and other locals often go for a drink, eating a warm meal, or maybe playing a game of dice to let out some steam. Much like the town itself, it is a quiet but welcoming establishment, but at nights there may be things going on in the tavern that no one talks openly about. It has only carried its current name for a couple of years, as it was renamed in Sergeant Thilwend’s honor after she had slain a wayward drake that threatened the area and ate their livestock. It was a hunt worthy of remembrance, and while Sergeant Thilwend only claimed to have done her duty, just as the other guards who followed her that day, the locals still remember her deeds fondly and with the highest respect.
The entrance to the tavern is the RIGHT door. The left door has been boarded up and is usually guarded by an elderly but healthy dog called Three-tooth, named so after his... few remaining teeth. He is usually friendly to all who come by, and he loves belly rubs and lighter treats that he can actually chew.
The Meadhall - 2 Colt Road
The local Meadhall was built by the town's founder Banred, and usually inhabited by the current Thane, even though the town is mostly governed by the local community together, with him or her as the overseer. The grand Halls are rarely used these days, save for town meetings and the occasional feast, and it serves perhaps best as a remembrance of times long past, and of the fleeing days of Rohan’s glory.
The Orchard - 4 Colt Road
The Orchard is a lively wonder of Bancross. Here have people grown apples, cherries, and other fruits and berries for as long as one can remember, and the yard itself is also home to many beautiful flowers and bushes. The yard buzzes and teems with life as the bees make the sweetest honey that later goes into making the local mead.
Inside the house lies the local brewery, which produces many brews for the local tavern and other establishments of the Mark. The famous ale called Old Saddle is especially worth trying, they say... if only for it's "peculiar" taste and its ability to make even the hardiest bellies rumble and growl.
To the property belongs also a smaller barn down the hill, which has been occupied by the many village cats.
The Marketplace - 5 Colt Road
The marketplace is where the farmers, traders and common folk come to buy, sell and haggle for trinkets, groceries, clothing and other much-needed items. Duncadda’s carpentry can also be found there, known for furniture of sturdy quality. Like any other town, traveling traders sometimes pass by and carry more exquisite goods with them as they make their way across the Mark. The main store house at the market is run by the young widow Gwennwyn and her younger sister Isenhild. Within the same storehouse, you can find a small dusty tavern operated by the sister’s during market festivals or on request from thirsty or hungry traveling traders.
Gamferth’s home - 1 Mare Street
The home of Gamferth. Having been quite restless and feeling somewhat stuck at his family farm outside Snowbourn ever since his retirement from the Riders, Gamferth moved to a new home in Bancross to try and turn a new and exciting page in his life. The passing of his mother only spurred on the decision, as he felt this bittersweet release from any obligations to his family had now opened the chance for him to live the rest of his life as he pleased. Gamferth’s life in Bancross has been much the same as it was before in Snowbourn, though now he only toils for himself and his friends, both old and new, who also reside in the village. While his soul is still restless, at least he now has a solid foundation in his new home, to serve as his safe haven and a place of silent solitude, in which to plan out his everyday life and whatever adventures he still might partake in to soothe the soul that quite clearly yearns for excitement, as much as he himself would like to deny it.
The Thane's guest house - 3 Colt Road
This house has always been owned by any current Thane and often stands empty, but it is known that close friends and kin of the Thane sometimes stay for a night or two here, though what kind of business goes on behind the closed doors, no-one truly knows. Rumors are plenty, but the locals believe it's mostly just a place for the Thane and his rich friends to relax, drink and party far away from prying eyes. In more recent times, the Thane has issued orders that no-one is allowed on the property without a signed and stamped pass, though for what reason, nobody knows except the Thane himself. Guards patrol the area day and night, and the citizens gossip daily about the house. Those who have come close might tell of boarded up windows, locked doors and an eerie silence, or perhaps a strange aura surrounding the house and some of its out-of-place garden features, but that is most likely just the curiosity and imagination running amok around the unknown and forbidden.
Duncadda's home - 6 Colt Road
A small farm bought and owned by Duncadda, with a few wheat fields and a windmill. Since Duncadda is rarely at his farm, being called to uphold his oath and serve the mark, the day to day business of running the farm are left to different hired help. The widow Gwennwyn who runs the market in Bancross, usually keeps an eye on things, while Duncadda is out travelling.
Brynleigh’s home - 7 Colt Road
Brynleigh manages the village stable and sees to the care of its horses. Her lodgings are in a small house immediately adjacent to the stable. Anyone seeking accommodation for their horse, or anyone in need of a mount, you are welcome to pay her a visit.
Waelden & Ethel home - 8 Colt Road
In this house that overlooks the river, an older captain named Erbrand earlier resided for many years. He was a lonely man ever since his wife died many years ago, and he was rarely seen at the premises. At times a few lit candles could be seen through the windows, but more often than not, the house sat dark and empty as Erbrand spent his time in Edoras, drinking away his sorrows together with his old friends, who are each leaving this world one by one as well. It was becoming increasingly difficult for him to take care of the house and the land around it, and he often hinted at moving to a smaller dwelling in Edoras whenever someone manage to catch a talk with the man. His time finally came as the autumn began to grip the lands, and Waelden and his daughter Ethel has now lived here for a few years. The father and daughter duo is working hard to make the place their own and begin their life anew; a place to rebuild their lost dreams, and to ensure a prosperous future for the family.
The Farm - 9 Colt Road
On this small farm lived the woman Northgyth and her friend and aide Ymma. Northgyth is an older widow with upswept white hair and quite a stern demeanour that hides a heart of gold. They have both recently moved out, and the house has since stood empty and the townsfolk gossip about what will come of the house, though for now its gardens are used for livestock and bee-keeping.
The above map of Rohan, which shows Bancross at its supposed location in-game, is created specifically for Men of the Mark by the talented Norlackale, and used with their blessing. A larger map can be found here.
All other images on this page is either created or edited by Waelden, unless otherwise stated.
The homesteads map, banner and anything else is made up of screenshots from Lord of the Rings Online.
