This release in the Artisan series is dedicated to high-quality, hand-crafted sculpture and resin. The title Jarl is perhaps the most misleading. Like the word ‘Lord’ used in southern lands, there can be a wide gap between two different individuals referred to by the same title. The same is true in Nordic society, where a Jarl remains a recognised leader of men, but the number and quality of troops at his disposal can vary considerably. 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 plundering and fishing, a Jarl might govern not more than one prosperous town or village, but manage to support a permanent fighting force of more than a hundred hardened raiders and huskarls, doubling or tripling that number in times of need. On the other hand, in the deep north, where only small communities of a few people can be maintained, the human potential available to a Jarl diminishes enormously, often resulting in situations where a single Jarl and his hand-picked men roam a vast expanse, hunting and stalking outlaws and predators. The gap is further accentuated by another powerful determinant of a Jarl's status and resources: his ability to command ships. With the ability to attract warriors with the promise of plunder and the income it provides, southern Jarls often command enough warriors to commit half their forces to plunder all year round, without having to sacrifice the effectiveness of their other home operations. Meanwhile, the income and glory from successful raids adds to a Jarl's prestige, attracting even more men willingly under his command.
Tacticians and masters of raids, the Jarls attack enemy positions with a mix of human infantry, brutes and powerful Jotnars. Essential to any Nordic army list, these characters present an aggressive and well-balanced war troop on the battlefield, ensuring a strong initial presence.
