Nords: Jarl

The title of Jarl is perhaps the most misleading. Like the term ‘Lord’ used in southern lands, there can be a wide gulf between two individuals with the same title. The same is true in Northern society, where a Jarl is a recognised leader, but the number and quality of troops at his disposal can vary enormously. On the southern coast of Mannheim, where the climate is a little milder than in the true north and the sea offers its riches through raiding and fishing, a Jarl may rule a single prosperous town or village, but still manage to maintain a permanent fighting force of over a hundred seasoned raiders and huskarls, doubling or tripling in times of need. In the far north, on the other hand, where only small communities can survive, the manpower available to a Jarl shrinks considerably, often to the point where a single Jarl and his chosen men patrol a vast area, hunting down outlaws and predators. The gap is further widened by another factor determining a Jarl's status and resources: mastery of ships. With the ability to attract warriors with the promise of booty and the income that goes with it, the Jarls of the south often command enough warriors to commit half their forces to raids throughout the year, without sacrificing the effectiveness of other operations in their domain. Meanwhile, the income and glory from successful raids increases the Jarl's prestige, attracting even more men under his command.

Tacticians and masters of raids, the Jarls attack enemy positions with a mixture of human infantry, brutes and powerful Jotnars. Essential to any Northern army list, these characters bring an aggressive and well-balanced warband to the battlefield, ensuring a strong presence from the outset.