Warden of the North is a hereditary office which goes along with the Earldom of Bronze and its seat in Dros Delnoch - the seven-walled fortress which protects the northern frontiers of the Drenai lands.
The position gives the Earl the responsibility of defending the Drenai Republic's northern border from attacks such as the Siege of Dros Delnoch in Legend.
The office seems inseparable from the earldom during the days of the republic because athough Delnar is ill in Legend, he still retains the office even if initially most of the duties are deferred to Orrin, as is confirmed by his recruitment of Druss - via letter - and The Thirty - via his daughter Virae - and other less taxing but still important moves up until his death.