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==Jack-of-the-Marches==
==Jack-of-the-Marches==


The Marcher [[egregores|Egregore]] is '''Jack'''.  
Stories of Jack have been told since before the Marchers succeeded from The Dawnish.  Said to appear when words or actions have been needed to help common folk with their daily challenges of a life born of hardship and graft.  Whether that be the farm hand that appears to help with a difficult harvest, the beater that arrives to assist with local disputes or a Landskeeper that lends their wisdom.  A solitary but friendly figure who keeps tender watch, revels in games and lends their voice to song.


<!-- a simply-dressed figure carrying an axe, and often adorned with leaves.
With the ritual of the Brass Coast 300 years back Jack stepped out of folklore and to many of the Marches became a much more real, tangible individual linking all members of the Nation just as all Egregores do across the Empire.


It is possible to discern Jack’s mood from the nature of the foliage or the type of axe; flowers indicate Jack is filled with Spring’s hope and joy, keen to see new life prosper, taking a particular interest in Marcher children. '''Jack’o'the’Spring''' is the woodcutter, and carries a small hatchet, or pruning-hook.
Jack as he known now claims to have performed his duties for several generations, 75 years by his last count, but is unsure when that was. Seldom drawn on his life before he took up the mantle he appears as a Beater and performs the role of one.  Convinced that “Nothing gets done sat down” he is fiercely stubborn once his mind is made up but never before drawing council from those he believes knowledgeable. Once his shoulders are set to a task no man may tell him no.
 
A forest bill, or battle-axe, indicates that Jack is girded for war, supporting Marcher troops as they line up to fight, and interested in the work of Marcher generals. That’s '''Jack-in-the-Green''', the soldier, who often bears leaves of binding ivy.
 
When Jack appears bearing a ceremonial axe crafted from gold, then their interest lies with the political life of the Marches; '''Jack with the Axe of Gold''' is a reminder to yeomen, stewards and Wardens alike that the Marches prospers through its honesty and integrity, rather than through taking short cuts.
 
And finally, when Jack appears bereft of foliage and carrying a scythe or executioner’s axe, then their mind is focused on matters of religion and introspection. '''Jack Frost''' speaks rarely, and only when there's something important to say; almost always intended to guide the Marchers to stay true to the old ways and tend to the land.
-->


Jack has little time for the politics of the senate or the guiding of the synod, but will often seek the advice of Senators and Priests, believing a quiet conversation by a fire side or bar table achieves just as much, and in considerably less time.
[[Category:Egregores]]
[[Category:Egregores]]
[[Category: The Marches]]
[[Category: The Marches]]

Revision as of 18:21, 16 April 2015

CM-140526-7684.jpg

Jack-of-the-Marches

Stories of Jack have been told since before the Marchers succeeded from The Dawnish. Said to appear when words or actions have been needed to help common folk with their daily challenges of a life born of hardship and graft. Whether that be the farm hand that appears to help with a difficult harvest, the beater that arrives to assist with local disputes or a Landskeeper that lends their wisdom. A solitary but friendly figure who keeps tender watch, revels in games and lends their voice to song.

With the ritual of the Brass Coast 300 years back Jack stepped out of folklore and to many of the Marches became a much more real, tangible individual linking all members of the Nation just as all Egregores do across the Empire.

Jack as he known now claims to have performed his duties for several generations, 75 years by his last count, but is unsure when that was. Seldom drawn on his life before he took up the mantle he appears as a Beater and performs the role of one. Convinced that “Nothing gets done sat down” he is fiercely stubborn once his mind is made up but never before drawing council from those he believes knowledgeable. Once his shoulders are set to a task no man may tell him no.

Jack has little time for the politics of the senate or the guiding of the synod, but will often seek the advice of Senators and Priests, believing a quiet conversation by a fire side or bar table achieves just as much, and in considerably less time.