Poetry was a key part of aristocratic display among the Marcher elite.

The Role of a Nobleman

The social customs surrounding Marcher noblemen evolved out of Andan elite culture. There, persons in power were educated elites who displayed their eloquence and intelligence as part of their job; this was carried over by the Marchers.

Engaging in the arts of literature and song and poetry was considered an important part of a nobleman's role, aside from their obvious martial duties. A good leader among the marchers was the opposite of a boorish, unintelligent warrior. Displaying these abilities was expected for both social status and to prove someone was a good leader; it was considered normal for a Marcher to prepare a short poem to inspire his forces before a battle.

Sample Verse

Marcher poems drew heavily from Kyrgale traditions, and were recited in this goblin language.

This poem was spoken by First Marcher Bioeren Muirdech to his fellows in 562 b. OW, while engaged in war against Ochebana.

Social Role

One can gain a deeper understanding about the priorities Marcher lords set themselves from the tradition of battle poems. Rather than making a speech encouraging the common troops, the leader was expected to engage in a display of eloquence for the benefit of his fellow nobles (as is obvious from the fact that many people of the Marches did not speak Kyrgale, which was the nobles' language). This shows quite clearly how the nobles considered themselves.