Any Nord leader worth his salt keeps a retinue of Huskarls close at hand to enforce his will on rebellious vassals and fight off raids. The leader of the Huskarls is often a Thegn, a wealthy warrior who has managed to earn his lord’s implicit trust while maintaining good relations with the landed Huskarls. Unlike the Chosen, who serve as bodyguards and wartime companions, a Thegn stands by his lord at all times: ensuring the shield line holds on the battlefield and that taxes and oaths of fealty are administered off it.