Thegn

Any Nordic chieftain worthy of the name keeps a retinue of Huskarls close by to enforce his will on recalcitrant vassals and repel raids. The leader of the Huskarls is often a Thane, a wealthy warrior who has managed to win his lord's implicit trust while maintaining good relations with the established Huskarls. Unlike the Chosen, who serve as bodyguards and companions in times of war, a Thane remains at his lord's side at all times: ensuring that the line of shields holds on the battlefield and that taxes and oaths of fealty are administered off it.