The Redcliff Uprising

Military action

Though the bonds within the isles of Kaldrold had strengthened after the ascension of the first Wild King, squabbles between the clans of each Hold would continue, as Jarldom could be won in combat between aspiring Clan Chiefs and the current ruling Jarl, at said Jarl's discretion. One of the more notable, and bloody conflicts for the seat of power in a hold would come to be known as The Redcliff Uprising.

Saint Vidír Estur, First Jarl of Hafra, dies on her throne at the wise old age of one-hundred and fourteen, leaving her eldest son as her successor. Passing their title down through bloodlines would become a common practice among the Jarls, though at the Jarls discretion, challenges through combat were not uncommon.   There are those who feel that Estur's boy, Jarl Gudbrand Estur, had too soft a touch, but none were more vocal than Jerrik Redtz, Chief of the Redcliff clans within Hafra territory. Within a year of the new Jarl's succession, Chief Redtz raises a small army to invade and raze neighbouring Hafran clan territory, all the while sending envoys to Jarl Estur, demanding that he accept the challenge to combat.   It takes two hundred and thirty-five days of rampant pillaging for Gudbrand to relent, unable to let the casualties build in his hold any longer. After two days of travel, Chief Redtz and his personal warband arrive in Heidrun, Capital of the Hold of Hafra, to challenge Jarl Gudbrand Estur for his seat as Jarl.   The battle takes place in the throne hall, with each combatant's guards lining the walls. Gudbrand wields his mother's shield, alongside the sparkling longsword she gifted him in his youth. Jerrik wields two hand-axes, and fights with a rage that bends, but does not break the shield arm of Estur. As the combat carries on into the night, the rage of Jerrik seems to fade, leaving his defenses wide open. One shield slam to the jaw leaves Redtz stunned, and a swift blade strike lops off his left arm, leaving him flat on his back, with Gudbrand holding his sword to the challengers throat. Jerrik takes a knee, requesting a swift an honourable death, but Gudbrand sees him as quite the opponent. Taking the life of the Chief of the Redcliff Clans would weaken them, and in turn the hold, but Jerrik could serve far better among the living.   Thus, Jerrik is appointed as Jarl Estur's personal right hand, known to the Hafran clans as the One Armed Hound of War, and Gudbrand's claim to the Jarldom of Hafra is cemented for the moment.