Reblogged from Jim Webster, aka Tallis Steelyard:

Tiddal, Lord of Muchness Tower, was one of the old Partannese nobility. He was born, luckily for himself, in the more civilised part of Partann where it is not merely possible, but expected, for a son to follow his father into the Lordship of a territory. Not only that but whilst his lands were far enough north to avoid the taint of being part of Uttermost Partann, they were far enough south to avoid too much influence from Port Naain.

Hence it was that many of the old customs prevailed. This, I feel, is neither a good not a bad thing. Still my opinion was never sought in the matter so I shall not judge. Still one custom that survived in the area was that of Levirate marriage. This is where the brother of a deceased man is obliged to marry his brother’s widow. Note that this is no formality, one of the intentions is that the widow will produce children who will be the heirs of her deceased husband.

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