Black Draft

The Black Draft is a common moniker for the decree that required men of both noble and common families to join The Night's Watch. It was issued in 423 AC by Lord Jon II Stark to restore what men had been lost in the battle against the wildlings and their former King, Ekkill Crowsbane, four years earlier.

Draft
Men and boys of age (13+) generally considered both able-bodied and sound of mind were drafted. Those Northmen made to take the black were commonly smallfolk, bastards, and unlanded noblemen.

Evasion
Those that sought to evade the Draft instead opted to be maesters and septons. Others fled to distant lands. Those unfortunate in their attempt were captured as deserters and found the same justice.

Result
The decree was met with the contempt and grief of the North that fostered resentment for the Warden throughout the kingdom. Contrarily to an otherwise wide-swept compliance, there were some that attempted to evade the draft. Few succeeded.

The Night's Watch was fully restored to former numbers as a result of the Black Draft. Though its tiding brought distrust and tension with it, the Wall and the North with it were again secured.

Notable Draftees

 * Jonnel Stark of Winterfell, brother of Errold Stark