Tales of Trevast: OOC/Discussion

[Lucy Lou]

Well the other one is more like idk how to even explain it XD

 

[Carthage]

Where can I find these fancy crests?

 

[Carthage]

Found one I like!

 

[Fyremage]

Found one I like!

I can't remember what site I found the one I used before. Glad you found one.

 

[Fyremage]

@Carthage I found a site. There must be a bug cus they won't let you save the banner after you created it. I had to screenshot then crop.

Here's what I plan to use:

The site link is here.

 

[Cheshire]

PLEASE FYRE I NEED THIS :D

 

[Gaiaverse]

Maybe I'll be Barbarians, maybe I'll transfer over House Goth. If I do, expect a lot of people killing their own heirs, behind the scenes and pretentious violin music.

 

[Carthage]

Straying away from the combat idea here, I think I might go for (Oddly enough) Kinda what Carthage was in the old days- a massive economic powerhouuse with no real military- they buy mercenaries if war comes up.

 

[Tristar]

I have claimed House Eule as the House which fields out some of the most impressive cavalry with small bands of professionally trained specialist infantry to exploit breaches in enemy lines. Think medieval Prussia in terms of discipline, with Polish-Lithuania cavalry levels of crap-pants.

 

[Fyremage]

I have claimed House Eule as the House which fields out some of the most impressive cavalry with small bands of professionally trained specialist infantry to exploit breaches in enemy lines. Think medieval Prussia in terms of discipline, with Polish-Lithuania cavalry levels of crap-pants.

I look forward to seeing your writeup. :)

 

[Prudence]

Still accepting people?

 

[Fyremage]

Still accepting people?

For sure. :)

 

[Outlander]

I'm down. Give me some time to come up with a cool house.

 

[Fyremage]

I'm down. Give me some time to come up with a cool house.

Cool beans. If you have any questions, let me know.

 

[Cainhurst Crow]

House Name: House Wolnier

Seat: Karsas, a city at the foot of a mountain, for which their castle, Whitestone Keep, resides.

Sigil: A skull with a crown on its head, over a field of black.

House Words: Hard As Iron

House Lord: High Lord Vordan V Wolnier

Army: 9

Stockpile: 12

Honor/Prestige: 7

Castle: 16

Espionage: 6

House Siza: 13
Main Branch:
High Lord Vordan V Wolnier - Current ruler of Karsas and Whitestone Keep
High Lady Porcella Qorgon - His wife.
Lorian Wolnier - Eldest living son and heir to Whitestone and Karsas
Lady Bellatrix Daine - Wife of Lorian
Siris Wolnier - Daughter of the lordly family
Rosaria Wolnier - Youngest of the lordly line

Cadet Branch:
Orys Whitesand - Bastard child of Lord Vordan, Brother of Lorian, Knight of White.
Oscirus Wolnier - Younger Brother of Vordan and Uncle to the Main Line
Marietta Wolnier - Cousin of Oscirus and Vordan, Wife to Oscirus
Ocellot Wolnier - Son of Marietta and Oscirus, Cousin of Lorian
Odetta Wolnier - Daughter of Oscirus and Marietta, Spearmaiden of Karsas, Cousin of Lorian
Victoriano Wolnier - Son of Marietta and Oscirus, Cousin of Lorian, Apothecary Grandmaster
Vardys Wolnier - Son of Ocellot and Shara (deceased), youngest of the cadet branch.


Attendant Size: 8 (Lord Steward, Master of Coin, Master at Arms, Captain of the Guard, Head Cook, Physician, 2 Sworn Knights)

History:

Far to the south, lying near the very end of the sea for the trevast territory, lies the village of Karsas. This village lays at the foot of Mt. Londo, where a path stretches upwards in walled and tiered fortress, carved into the very light colored stone itself. It is here that one can find Whitestone Keep, one of the oldest and strongest fortress's of the land and sea. Seat of House Wolnier, the Keep has been around longer then the current house itself, but serves to make them powerful within the realm. In the preambles of history, House Wolnier was but a simple tripe of nomads, and the simple mine that would become their seat was held by one House Anor, an ancient line who rose to power early in the dark age. House Anor were mountain lords who ruled the lands along the coast.

While House Anor built up its mine and fortified its pass, House Wolnier built up its armies in the east, uniting a few other clans by conquering them, banding them together as they began to form a nomadic band of warriors. As the times began to change, House Wolnier began to seek out a place to call its own, away from their fellow easterners. They set forth to explore the lands of the west, crossing the river in naval vessels until they finally came ashore on the southern coast, where they encountered House Anor and their fortified mine. They besieged the keep in massive numbers, storming the castle and taking it for their own, christening their new fortress Whitestone after the rock, House Wolnier began to use this place as a base to invade other newly sprouting cities around Trevast, avoiding going into the center until they had surrounded them on all sides with their territory. At one point, Wolnier held the power to hold the entire Eastern and Western rivers in their grasps, until they finally overstretched and their empire fell into chaos after attempting to fight a stronger house to the north.

The first Wolnier Lord died, and his children, friends, and generals, fought among themselves for who should inherent the empire. They fell into a warring states period, in which the youngest child of the former lord, Vordan the Precursor, took charge of Whitestone Keep and prepared to face the challenge ahead, holding onto his fathers throne and holding fast against attacker and attacker, each a former comrade who now declared themselves a lord. Former conquered territories up-rose as well, seeking to test their former liege lord;s holding, as Vordan had each grind themselves against the halls of his newly reinforced keep, his men using murder holes, well armed guardsmen, and sneaking tactics to crush and sabotage their many foes.

At the end of the battle, House Wolnier's main line stood tall, and Vordan ordered all the crowns and jewels of his vanquished and rebellious lords gathered and melted into a single throne, which he had entombed alongside his fathers body to honor him. House Wolnier adopted the crowned skull to represent the foes who thought themselves would-be lords, but were each crushed under the mighty defense of the true High Lord. Ever since, House Wolnier has taken a policy of strong defense over all else, and have mostly abandoned their conquering ways in favor of this new style of rule. However that is not all they have done, as they have rekindled their naval roots, creating the largest harbor for the realm and a key area for exports between the north, south, west, and even the occasional eastern barge, for trade. Their eastern origins, as well as their unorthodox approach to fighting, make them quite odd, and not very well respected in the kingdom. But they do their duty, and whether land or sea, they hold their line, as hard as iron.

Forces:

House Wolnier's army is small but varied, their colors being Red and Black, black being the color of their house and red symbolizing their commitment to house bayne, as well as the blood they have spilled over the years. While they do not believe in fighting in most traditional ways, their forces have held strong in the face of many threats. A tradition of the Wolnier Military, dating back to their origins in Boterim, is to keep ones face covered when committing acts of violence. As such, all of their military forces believe in wearing masks of some nature, lest the vengeful spirits of the slain foes recognize them and curse their blood and family.

List of Fighting Forces:

Elite Guard (500)- A small group of armored guardsmen whose mission is to protect the lords family, they number in just 500 and are close in equivalence to what one would consider a knight in the realm. Wearing heavier armor then any other Wolnier force, and wielding massive 2 handed single edged swords, these men and woman are a formidable force, only leaving Whitestone Keep when accompanying members of the wolnier family on their travels.

Guardsmen (2000) - These men and woman who swear their lives to defending Karsas and keeping the peace. Trained in the use of spears, and wearing leather and metal armor, they serve as the bulk or Wolnier's defensive forces.

Fire Archers (2500): The infamous masked archers of Whitestone Keep, these bowmen are known for using arrows coated in a substance closely guarded by the Wolnier's, simply called Everflame. These arrows, which are set ablaze before being fired from the tall walls or from the decks of their ships, stay alight, and are said to even resist being put out by water. The archers themselves wear simple leather armor, for they are not meant to fight face to face with their opponents.

Sand Soldiers (2000) - Wolnier's offensive fighters for land engagement, these folks are outfitted in metal armor, and practice the use of two weapons in combat. Armed with throwing knives, curved daggers, and curved one handed swords, they make for a formidable fighting force when encountered in the city and desert of Karsas.

Sea Knights (2000)- Wolnier's navy is one to be contended with, and not merely for their use of everflame and archers. The knights of the sea, dressed in distinctive helmets and leather armor, are a fearsome force for both offense and defense, and are one of the few forces of the Wolnier to wield straight swords. To be a sea knight is considered a great honor, and the Knight of White, the best fighter in the kingdom, tends to come from this group.

Navy: The use of ships by House Wolnier is the bulk of their milltary, with these ships often being used to flank enemy land assults, or to protect its ships while overseas on trade. The navy is also at the call of the king, should he decide to call upon it for war.

Seat: Whitestone Keep

 

[Outlander]

Name: House Tomrom
Seat: World's End
Crest: A white cross with forked tips on a black background
House Words: "Gaze long into the abyss and the abyss will gaze into thee."
House Lord: Evveno Tomrom, Lord of World's End, High Priest of the Shadowguard
Key Members: Queen Kaldesta Tomrom, Princess Listenda Tomrom, Prince Typhro Tomrom​

House Information:​

House Size: (3 + 1 = 4) The King and Queen, One Son and One Daughter
Attendants: (6) The Fallen Champion Oxvon Renheld, The Fallen Keeper Ufrailda, The Fallen Forge Brunx, Three Fallen Whispers​

Army: 3
Stockpile: 5
Honor: 0
Castle: 2
Espionage: 40​

"Where the whispers go, the Shadowguard follow."​

Not much, if anything, is known of House Tomrom to the wider Realm of Trevast. What little is known is passed from person to person in the seedier dredges of the kingdom, wild tales of an order of Assassins a hundred thousand strong living somewhere in The Wild North, a group with a hand in every conflict of the kingdom for thousands of years since the very first house arose. Some on the fringe even believe they use a sort of Death Magic to control the fates of major players in the kingdom. Most of it is overblown, disregarded as mere fairy-tales. ​

But, the truth is, there is a House in the northern wilds, far from any other house or clan, perched within the Cliffs of KaldØde on the far western coast. House Tomrom.​

Created many years ago by outcasts of a Northern Tribe, the members of the house grew to worship the concept of death and nothingness, that being led into the greater beyond was an honor, and that it was their job to guide others into that noble darkness. It didn't take long for these early tribals to realize that many did not wish for death, and wasted their lives on petty squabbles over riches or power. One man, realizing this more than any other, guided the tribe, focusing them into a collective unit towards the goal of controlling events to guide others into the Void. These where the first of the Shadowguard, keepers of the Void, and sworn protectors of House Tomrom.​

From then on, it was the duty of those sworn to the House to hone themselves into deadly instruments to be wielded by the Lord and his chosen Fallen. Hundreds of 'Whispers', specially selected members of the Shadowguard, rotate throughout the Realm, bringing back news to the Throne at World's End. Delicately planned and executed events are set off, altering the many Houses of Trevast from afar. Many within the house speculate on what the newest king, Evveno Tomron, will order be carried out at this pivotal point in history.

Notable Information:
Most members of House Tomrom are also part of the Shadowguard regardless of gender. Children are inducted into the guard at the age of five, where their education is dictated primarily by the Fallen Keeper. Everyone assists in fishing and gathering water from the nearby Corovex Stream. Their keep, World's End, is situated primarily underground, with entrances extending up onto the cliffs above and out onto the small beach below. A large cave, partially expanded from its original state, extends into the cliff where any ships for fishing or travel are kept.​

 

[Fyremage]

House: Bayne
Seat: Heldrayth, Capital City of Trevast
Sigil: Crown crossed with a Lion on crimson and gold.
House Words: "Strength and Honor, Pride in Duty."
House Lord: Edric II Bayne, High King of Trevast

House Attributes:

House Size: (2 D10, result 1+7) - Lord, Lady, 3 Children, 1 Brother, 2 Cousins.
Lord: Edric Bayne, the Second of his Name. Age 31
Lady: Ellie Bayne, Age 31
Heir: Desirak Bayne, the Fourth of his Name. Age 14
Second Born: Elyse Bayne, Age 12.
Third Born: Ollis Bayne, the First of his Name. Age 8.
Lord Uncle: Yaris Bayne, the Second of his Name. Age 28.
Cousin: Pallas Bayne, Cousin of King Adric. Age 23.
Cousin: Arimas Bayne, The First of his Name. Firstborn son of Yaris. Age 8.

Attendant Size: (D10, result 8) - 3 Sworn Swords, 1 Lore Master, 1 Master of Coin, 1 Master of Secrets, 1 Lord Regent, 1 Cupbearer.

Point Allocation: 75 Points for Royal Family Status

Army: 17
Stockpile: 23
Honor/Prestige: 15
Castle: 12
Espionage: 8

Overview:

House Bayne controls the region now known as "The Crownlands," said region widely considered to be the birthplace of the modern knight, and of chivalry in general. House Bayne is probably one of the oldest houses in Trevast, and one of the more powerful houses due to it's centralized location since the beginning of it's existence. It's seat, Heldrayth, is a large city with thick double walls fully encircling the city. Stone towers are positioned every 200 yards, with a large stone gatehouse with iron scantlings to boot alongside the portcullis and drawbridge facing east. It's westernmost boundary, circling around except for the eastern edge, is protected by the rushing waters of the immense river Peylon, the sheer majesty and force of it's current preventing most sieges from gaining any form of traction save for a dedicated eastern approach.

This great city has not always been the stronghold it is today, having a relatively humble beginning as a lone tower under the rule of a petty lord of the same namesake of Bayne. During the Dark Ages, the Bayne's were at odds with another noble house, known as the Courants, for control over the lush grasslands along the central valleys of Trevast. Years of fighting and maneuvering saw the Bayne's rise to prominence, with the family demonstrating a strong acumen for trade and infrastructure throughout their lands. Roadways emerged, connecting the other petty kingdoms to one another, with the central plains of the Bayne's serving as the crossways of the realm.

For years, this served as a political advantage to the House of Bayne, along with a hefty responsibility. Through proper management, coin flowed through their coffers, making them one of the more influential noble houses of Trevast.

Roughly 300 years before our common era, Lord Desirak I Bayne united Trevast under it's cause for pushing their newfound enemies in the Boteri from the whole of Trevast, quickly growing in prestige and honor amongst their peers. After the war ended and a truce was brokered, Desirak Bayne was crowned as the first High King of Trevast, with his lineage promised to inherit the title after his passing.
Although wars have come and gone, Trevast has enjoyed relative prosperity under the rule of it's High King, House Bayne further becoming the powerhouse it is today.​

As it stands, House Bayne is credited with the ability of fielding one of the best equipped armies in the realm, along with one of the largest (if not the largest) army in Trevast. Their history is one of being forced to defend their centralized location, their aforementioned political advantage, from many foes over the many centuries. With this hefty responsibility, the need to field such a vast army arose. Although their numbers are considerable, the wealth generated from the fertile fields of central Trevast also results in one of the best equipped armies of Trevast.

By and large, the legions of House Bayne are trained to respond to, and be effective in various forms of combat and engagements, making their soldiers very versatile. Where they excel, however, are in three specific areas:
1) Large, pitched battles where discipline in fighting within a formation is crucial.

2) Siege work, both on the defensive and offensive end.

3) Due to their keen ability to adapt and learn quickly, be it from mistakes on the battlefield, resulting in Bayne defeats, or observing the mistakes of others, they are able to also contend efficiently in skirmish warfare. Many of their warriors are extremely effective in single combat, particularly Bayne Outriders. Their investment in learning this type of warfare was born out of necessity rather than preference during the first Boteri War.

​

From their men at arms, to their mounted knights, a typical soldier is outfitted with a 'coat of plates', or more accurately described plate studded hauberks with a halberd and longsword sheathed at his side, with a large shield in his off hand. A knight of noble birth can be expected to have finer quality steel, and more fully encompassing plate, but even the common man at arms stands well armed when compared to other armies.
​

Their mounted knights, which serve the role of heavy cavalry, or shock troops, have a two fold purpose in Bayne military strategy. First and foremost, the rule they fight by is to flank and outmaneuver, using their deadly armament of lances and curved longswords to literally cut swathes through enemy ranks.
Their second role is to strike hard and fast, commonly introducing themselves when their line infantry has managed to bloody up enemies lines.

Although they adopt a varying fighting style compared to the Gargoyles of House Eule, with the gargoyles arguably being sturdier and more well known for their effectiveness in combat, Bayne cavalry is still very effective. The two houses have never met in combat, but it would likely be a very bloody encounter...
​

Among the Bayne's more specialized soldiers are the Prowlers, or Outriders of the Bayne Legions. Their existence as an outfit began after Desirak Bayne, the First of his Name suffered a major defeat against the Boteri forces during the first great war at the Battle of Summerhall. His armies were forced to retreat north, and when their hour grew the most dire, the warriors of House Barran served as their liberators. For months the Bayne armies regrouped, the half under the command of his father, who died during that battle, regrouped at Heldrayth, whilst Desirak regrouped north, supplemented by northmen.

During these months, several Bayne soldiers learned to adopt the tactics of House Barran, namely in skirmishing and shock value. Thus, the Outriders were born. To this day, when Bayne forces are faced with an enemy that could prove to hardy a foe to fight in a typical pitched battle, or if the enemy themselves engage in skirmishing tactics, there is no better answer the Baynes can provide then their elite Outriders. Typically mounted on horse, or on foot, Outriders are grouped in contingents of twenty or more and are more then capable of fighting in any scenario. They excel in hit and run tactics and advanced recon, with a double recurve bow serving as a staple in their use.

For the sake of speed, but at the same time in the interests of providing the best protection possible, they wear fur lined, studded hauberks with their bows strapped across their backs, a battle axe at their sides, and a round shield slung over their shoulders or strapped to their horses. Training wise, men who serve as Bayne Outriders must endure the most rigorous training compared to your basic Man at Arms. Men of common birth are subjected to training even nobles would be jealous of on the field of battle, though moreso for it's brutal effectiveness rather than its elegant form.
​

When it comes to Siege warfare, the Baynes can field probably the most effective fighting force in this area. Able to raise massive siege engines, and engage in tactics to either outlast or outsmart their enemies, the last thing you want to do when getting crossways with House Bayne is to hole yourself up into a keep, unless it is a massive hold. Even then, you stand a chance... but your safety is not assured.

Conversely, the cunning commanders of their armies are equally as deadly when backed into a corner, demonstrated numerous times during the three great wars against Boterin. From mounted knights sallying forth on horseback, to men at arms striking from secret passages, Heldrayth, and other forts dominated by House Bayne, were built over the ages to counteract numerous Siege tactics used against them. Although their defenses and tactics may not be perfect even down to this day, they are very close.

All in all, the Bayne's are a house to be feared as they take the field, echoed by their words 'Strength and Honor, Pride in Duty.' It was often rumored over the eras of the past that the men of House Bayne could fight with the ferocity of a Lion, which harmonizes with their sigil of a red lion crowned in gold. Since time immemorial, they have always styled themselves as protectors of the innocent and men of chivalry and honor, and sometimes to a fault. In recent history, sometimes the mere threat of intervention on the part of the crown has been enough to quell hostilities between houses. Not that they personally have to lift a finger, what with House Barran as loyal bannermen to the north, and House Eule as stalwart defenders of the west.

Although not the most adept in the arts of subterfuge and espionage, due to the attempts upon the lives of preceding kings from would be assassins, the Bayne's of Heldrayth are well adept at protecting their head of state. With a sworn sword always at his side, and a competent intelligence network at play, the Baynes are by no means vulnerable, even when not gracing the battlefield.

"The Unification."
​

Many romanticize the coronation of Desirak Bayne I, a crucial defining moment in the history of Trevast that took place over 300 years ago. Common folk speak of his benevolent rule, the peace and prosperity of the time, and recall the reminiscence of their grandsires relating how their grandsires spoke of the times they lived in, obviously growing embellished over time. Whether this embellishment took place through the skewed lens of time, or the genuine perception of reality these common people had, the real story is not at innocent and peaceful as many relate. True, the people lived in relative peace from the horse masters of Boterin. Their homes were restored, at least for the most part within the crown lands and western/northern reaches. Their farms were allowed to ripen with wheat and barley, oats, potatoes, and all manner of produce native to the land.

But far outside of the scope of the average common man - near imperceptible unless they were directly involved in it - was the brutal consolidation of power that ensued. Although farmers and merchants remember the time fondly, as they should to be fair, it was the soldiers and historians of that time that held the other piece of the story. The full tale of what life was really like with the arrival of a new age. Most history books detailing the event detail the honest relation of these one-sided relations from farmers, merchants, etc. But, others, written by men of great reverence, also detail the brutal honesty of one simple fact. Although the Baynes are a noble and glorious line of kings, their rise to power was covered in blood reminiscent of the crimson emblazoning their coat of arms.

Although the majority of the nobles of Trevast supported House Bayne's ascension to that of High Kings, there was still an influential minority not so in favor of that development. Many remember the hesitancy of House Vaiken in joining, with a series of battles erupting between those loyal to the crown and those of the north, resulting in the eventual truce declared, wherein House Vaiken would join the fold under the conditions of financial support from the crown in defending the north. The reason for this accurate retelling is due to the survival of House Vaiken, and their proud nature preventing anyone from forgetting it. But people in general have a harder time in remembering that there were two other distinct houses that stood against the crowning of King Desirak, the most prestigious and notable being House Courant.
​

House Courant of the Summerset Plains has faded into obscurity over the past three-hundred years. But back then, they were a formidable ally of House Bayne, the two houses near synonymous with each other. But when the great war started, and talk of the Bayne's ascending to their current station spread, jealousy, and bitter feelings rose to the fore. As the war ended, another seemed primed to begin as the Courants refused to even appear at Desirak's coronation. Word began to spread of dissent and hurt pride, Errol Courant even being rumored to say that he deserved the crown over Desirak.

Eventually, those rumors grew in the mind of the newly crowned King into a viable threat: one that needed to be dealt with. With no announcement – no warning – a troupe of men under the cover of darkness crept into the keep of Summerset and executed all of the guardsmen, opening the way for the Bayne army to enter and hold the hall firmly in their grasp. The Courants, particularly Lord Errol himself, demanded reparations. Although some Kings may be heavy handed with rebellion, Desirak was known for his cunning and intellect almost as well as his heroism on the battlefield. Lord Errol, being called to Heldrayth as an "Honored Guest" of the king, spent the remainder of his days in a dark, dank dungeon.

And his only heir, a young woman known as Illysa Courant, become betrothed to the King's son, with the former "Lady Courant" forced into religious service. With no further claimant of the Courant Family Seat of Summerhall, it's walls were torn down and its towers burned asunder by the orders of the High King, serving as a faded, timeless reminder of the rebellion that never was.

At this present time, the keep of Summerhall has since been rebuilt to serve as an imposing Bayne Garrison, though several of the original towers still bear the burn marks of righteous fury Desirak the First held against the Courants. And their original main hall is pictured in a professionally painted rendering within the new hall that now sits in its place...

Long Live the King.​

Vassal Houses:​

The Baynes of Summerhall (Cadet Branch. Vassal House.) - ATTR @The Star of Chaos

The Mercers of Grey Keep - ATTR @Bishop

House: Isellyovich
Seat: Ulstead Keep
Sigil:Fire-hued Gatehouse below the Red Lion of House Bayne
House Words: "To the Last Man!"
House Lord: Ivanov Isellyovich

House Attributes:

House Size: (1 D10, result 5) - Lord, Lady, Two Sons, One Uncle (Cadet Branch from Uncle, not counted.)
Lord: Ivanov Isellyovich, Age 52
Lady: Marissa Isellyovich, Age 48
Heir: Fyodor Isellyovich the Fifth of his name, Age 31
Second Born: Garth Isellyovich, the First of his Name, Age 28
Lord Uncle: Aleksandr Isellyovich, the Second of his Name, Age 47.


Attendant Size: (D6, result 3) - 1 Master/Steward, 1 Sworn Sword, 1 Master at Arms

Point Allocation: 30 Points for Royal Vassal Status

Army: 7
Stockpile: 10
Honor/Prestige: 5
Castle: 7
Espionage: 1

Overview:
The family of Isellyovich had a very, very humble beginning. Born commoners with the profession of inn keepers by the earliest telling of their history, very little of note was ever recorded until the man responsible for their ascension made his mark in the annals of history. Fyodor Isellyovich, the first of his name (at least the first of the noble line of Isellyovich) was, by and large, a very intriguing man. His parents were very successful merchants under the umbrella of Bannman Brothers, with his extended family laying claim to the inn keeping portion of the family, and from a young age Fyodor set his sights high above his station.
As a boy, he was enlisted in the ranks of the Bayne military, trained as a page and squire under one of the knights sworn to House Bayne. Through hard work, he found his way as a page, and eventually as a squire due to the particular knight's fondness for the boy's hard work ethic, and quick thinking.
In his young adult life, he won the heart of a woman with distant relations to the Baynes, distant enough to effectively push him out of the line of succession by far, but close enough so as when combined with his work in the military, merited his eventual ascendance to the status of knight. In the eyes of most noblemen in service under House Bayne, he was but an upstart – an untested and undeserving welp who merely chattered, drank, and swindled his way to the top – even though his efforts played a role equally if not moreso then his marriage. As a knight, he earned a two sided reputation. To his more objective superiors, he was a tactical, unconventional thinker with enough discipline to distinguish himself amongst his peers. To his peers, he was sniveling, untested, and undeserving of his privilege.
It wasn't until the events which transpired between the Milano Co. And Bannmen brothers, which further led to the Heldrayth Wars, where his mettle was truly tested, and when those who would throw mud upon his name were invariably silenced. The records of history indicate he met his untimely death due to, unexpectedly, a matter of honor. When he was backed into a corner, with the whole of the city under enemy control, he challenged Lord Craster to a duel. When he emerged from the central keep of Heldrayth to face his foe, he was met with near a dozen arrows to the chest.

He was remembered for this remarkable sacrifice, but also for his heavily debated tactic of sacrificing a portion of the city so as to slow the advance of the invading forces. Although today he is remembered with conflicting views of his bravery, one undeniable fact is he was viewed as a hero by the King of his day, King Ulstead Bayne the Third. So impressed with his level of tact and resourcefulness, Ulstead posthumously named Fyodor a protector of the realm, and granted him lands and titles to be inherited by his eldest son, and by his seed onward. The King's words are recorded in stone over Fyodor's grave:

"Many of noble birth would not have done what this man did for his King. In the face of near insurmountable odds, he held the hope of victory. He died honorably, even when his enemy had no honor. And it was due to his efforts that our grand city was retaken, and the fools who ransacked it were put to the sword. I name in Fyodor Isellyovich, the first of his name, Lord of Eastbridge Keep."

The seat of House Isellyovich, then known as Eastbridge Keep due to it being located on the eastern side of the Mudd Bridge, was soon renamed by the newly minted lords to "Ulstead Keep," as an eternal reminder of the King who recognized the efforts of a man descended from lowly commoners. A King who saw the lion inside the man who gave his life for honor's sake.

Ever since that day, House Isellyovich have been staunch supporters of House Bayne, answering the call for service whenever called upon. As further homage to their overlords, their sigil itself serves as a testiment to their loyalties, featuring the red lion of House Bayne above the symbolic gatehouse of Heldrayth, colored fire red. Their goal, from that founding day to this day, is forever imprinted with their words. They will support their lords "To the Last Man!"






​

 

[Cainhurst Crow]

I think that's good for House Wolnier's history and general role in society.

 

[Tristar]

[beebox4=650px]

​

“We Never Forget”​

House: Eule
Seat: Threefold-Bell Keep, by the Godswill Plains.
Sigil: A two-toned owl mid-swoop amidst a night.
House Words: “We Never Forget.”
House Lord: Egon Eule the Third of his Name, Keeper of the Bells
Key Members:​

-Egon Eule II, Age 47 and Lord of the Threefold-Bell Keep
-Catarina Eule, Age 48. Lady of the Keep (Wife)
-Radolf Eule, Age 27, Eldest Son and Heir of the Bells
-Jena, Age 24, Wife of Radolf (Daughter-in-Law)
-Selena Eule, Age 6, Daughter of Radolf, Granddaughter of Egon.
-Marissa Eule, Age 4, Daughter of Radolf, Granddaughter of Egon.
-Dietter Eule, Age 25, Second Son of Egon (Twins)
-Alessa, Age 21, Wife of Dietter (Daughter-in-Law)
-Desmond Eule, Age 25, Third Son of Egon (Twins)
-Ada, Age 19, Betrothed of Desmond (To be Daughter-in-Law)
-Harman Eule, Age 19, Fourth Son of Egon
-Gwendolyn Eule, Age 14, Only Daughter
-Leopold Eule, Age 45, Brother and Watcher of Bells (Commander of the Guard)
-Bronn Eule, Age 33, Cousin, First Gargoyle
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House Information (Die values)
House Size (2d10 => 15 = 9 + 6): Liege Lord and Lady. 1 Brother. 1 Cousin. 4 Sons. 1 Daughter. 2 Grandchildren.
Attendant Size (D10 => 10): 4 Sworn Swords (Raul Gunther, Samara Judenskall, Olef Svelskar, Jon Grey), Master of Secrets (Anonymous), Keeper of Coin and Lord Steward (Ross Ebner), Master-at-Arms (Yhorm Gat.), Forge Keeper (Ludell Mudd), Maester (Amon Gewilderst)


Point Allocation (50):
Army: 15
Stockpile: 17
Honor: 1
Castle: 7
Espionage: 10
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Backstory​

House Eule stands in an awkward position indeed: from time immemorial they have been beset on all sides by House Rendall, Rivermark and Rosmann, intent on expanding their influence; each of them with a purported 'claim' on the ore and minerals within Eule lands. Though a relatively small House, they have held their stake on their lands for several hundred years with countless victories on the battlefield and political intrigue within the courts, leading to the birth of some of the brightest field strategists and diplomats, summarily backed by one of the most well-equipped armies on the battlefield: from master-crafted breastplates, to sturdy lances for their Gargoyles to their iconic and unique sabres, the cost to field out large armies was deemed insufferable, thus beginning the process of a creation of a small, yet highly professional army that the Eulean armed forces are today. In times of peace, the House lives by their words, keeping their army on full alert, ready to mobilize at the slightest signs of skirmish.

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Gregory Payne’s highly romanticized depiction of Gargoyles mid-charge: in truth these men suffer the most casualties within the Eule military, although the casualties they inflict often outnumber their own dead by hundreds. During the Battle of Epiphany Fields, 1208 Gargoyles alone were slain, adding to the 3000 dead on Eule’s side- this pales in comparison to the 10 000 killed by the riders alone.​

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The secret to their constant victories lies no further than their infamous Gargoyles, heavily armored horsemen armed with 3 meter lances and dressed to be as intimidating as possible to the common footsoldiers; from sporting wooden wings which rattle in the wind to their faceless helms, they ride across battlefields with burnished armor gleaming brightly in the sun. All pretense of subtlety is thrown in the wind as a thousand chargers thunder into the thick of the melee with the force of a gale. For most of their history House Eule have relied on these armoured beasts to break and route armies 5 times larger than their own host, earning them such a fearsome reputation that military commanders have been known to retreat their forces when sighted. Their lances can pierce armored units with ease, and in melee they fight accompanied by two sabres, a war pick and kite shields.

Gargoyles alone may win battles, but the contributions of the other armed forces are not to be ignored: highly disciplined, rigorously trained and well armed for their purposes, Eule has always maintained a strict mandate of unity and quality for its army. Their gaudy colors and refined sense of aesthetics sets them aside from the rest of Trevast's armies, whilst their professionalism sets the precedent for an elite corp. Notable branches of the Eulean military include the brash Harpia who ride the storm, the indomitable Dunkler-Mondes Schwertzmena (Dark Moon Swordsmen), the stalwart Volkssturm(People's Storm) and of the naval branch, the elite Prekoyai ("Irregulars"). Within the Eulean combined-armed stratagem these diverse specialist units have upheld their track record of a frighteningly effective force to be reckoned with; proof of which, lies in a clean record of victories on the field, and the respect of their enemies.​

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So named for the legends of harpies, their overly aggressive attitude and bravado are part and parcel for men who risk their lives to draw the ire of the enemy, allowing more important units to close the distance. Described by Eulean military strategies as 'interdiction units', they are commonly used to disrupt enemy archers, siege machines and go after anyone bearing resemblance of command. Sowing chaos and risking lives also denotes a higher pay, which is why there are a great number of volunteers.​

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Dunklen Mondes Schwertzmanen (Dark Moon Swordsmen) initially started as a cult worshiping the moon back when House Eule was still an infant House, staying true to their tribal roots. When the first recorded invasion from foreign forces launched however, House Eule quickly made use of their fanaticism and armed them to the teeth- the invasion was repelled chiefly to their efforts, who made successful night raids against the invading forces. Today they are a highly prestigious order notorious for their flaming flails (and weapons alight on fire in general). Acting as both potent shock troopers by day and raiders by night, it is unknown how they manage to keep silence with their armor but the cadavers left in their wake only serve to support the rumors of witchcraft; they also accept women within their ranks, only adding fuel to the rumors.​

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Leave it to the Eulean mind to take a unit bred for the defensive and reverse its role- these pikemen are capable of executing aggressive rapid maneuvers, while maintaining unity in formation. Though the job is not as glorious nor does it garner as much fame, they hold an equally pertinent role as their specialist brethren within the Eulean strategy: the moving line provides respite for harassed Harpia who draw their pursuers to a prickly surprise; Dark Moon knights rely on their prickly protection to close the gap without fear of charges, and a Gargoyle charge is never complete without a trail of Volkssturm following in their wake to intercept counter-cavalry, or to solidify the psychological effect with hundreds of spears. [/fancybox2]

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Mariners with a strong history that came from the antics of raiders, these footmen are Eule's answer to both skirmish infantry and a naval guard, seeing active posting on ships. Though the Eulean navy is limited to coastal defense in the event of pirate raids, it still resembles its land-bound brethren in its long lists of achievements. These men in particular are responsible for their aggressive levels of success, and unlike others are not bound to the sea: on land the Prekoyai is commonly seen (or rather, unseen) flanking an army's baggage train, using their independence from the main bulk of the army to 'dispose' of high value targets. Their work is a tiring and unforgiving work, but the pride and legacy of Eule's navy still brings plenty of volunteers around, and Volkssturm looking for advancements can apply for training. [/fancybox2]
​

When the Boterim struck, House Eule fought to the bitter end, holding the Mudd Bridge for seven days, four of which were spent fighting; the narrowness of the bridge, in addition to their forces training and equipment made the struggle against the eastern horde an even match. On the seventh day they finally broke; historians fiercely debate on the reasons for their defeat, even when they seemed evenly matched: a few, such as Gregory Payne strongly argues that the Houses Rendall, Rivermark and Rosmann were responsible for their loss, striking from the rear in an attempt to snatch Eule lands for themselves, while more contemporary ones such as Olaf Birgusson suggests that Eulean supplies were drastically stretched to its limits, and that eventual fatigue and wounds added to the mounting pressure. Regardless of the reasons, House Eule paid dearly for their defiance: Tresmark and Glenn Eule were executed and publicly hung from their towers, while their lands were ravaged. It was not until the Boterim-Trevestine treaty was signed that Eule wrested control of their lands- from there they quickly reestablished their House's pride, and in the final push against Boterim forces sent as many as 3000 Gargoyles who contributed much to the Trevestine victory.

From atop their seat on Threefold-Bell Keep House Eule today maintains an iron grip on their ore economy, sending a substantial proportion of resources to their military for constant supply and maintenance- their wealth also leads to somewhat extravagant lives, and they are known art patrons: their gardens alone hold more statues of the family members than they have in vassals. House Torm and Olyverd have been sworn to House Eule from an oath signed since the drawing of their borders- in exchange for security from House Rendall, Rivermark and Rosmann these minute houses provide political and financial support in the courts, tipping mandates in their favor.

House Eule has known peace for 10 years since the Battle of Epiphany Fields, with a strong focus on rebuilding their economy- their relatively central position on the map means they receive a substantial amount of merchants from Heldrayth and guarding the largest bridge linking the Western and Central Peninsula together, garners a sizable revenue from taxation alone. While two other bridges exists, these are so separated from each other that the most practical route (for both armies and merchants) lies in direct control of House Eule- Fredrick I (Egon II's great-grandfather) proclaimed themselves as safeguards against the Westerlands. Geographically, this makes sense: any army from the Westerlands needs to pass House Wolnier's forces, before making their way south by the mountain ridges only to hurl themselves at House Eule.

With such a daunting prospect for every Eule Lord, they have but no choice but to support House Bayne's regency for support during war times, supplementing their already formidable army. Therein exists a mutually beneficial relationship between these two Houses, and House Eule continues to serve their King loyally, so long as domestic affairs (including wars between Rendall, Riddermark and Rosmann) are left to their control. ​

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Threefold-Bell Keep, named after the three bells atop their tower. Each of the bells bears a meaning when rung: the largest and oldest is named Golt after its forger and has seen the most use, being the bell that signifies war. Sylessa is the next biggest bell and is rung for matters related to the House: 3 dictates a death, 2 means a birth and 5 commemorates the passing of the lordship to the House’s Heir. The third bell and the least used is Tresmark, named after the last Eule Lord-Commander who failed to protect his lands in the time of dire need: the bell signifies defeat, and capitulation. It has been rung only once.

The Eulean Navy can trace it roots from the very first recorded raid by House Ohminjokuul- while the army managed to beat back the sea raiders, it came with a high cost on their infrastructure. The-then Lord Fredrick Eule II feared another raid would cost them much more than a few burning villages, and quickly sent word to House Wolnier for an arrangement: House Wolnier would instruct their military officers on the methods of naval warfare and the finer details of ship making in exchange for more preferential trade agreements. By the end of the agreement, Eulean hands had already began felling timber for their longboats and raised cohorts in mere weeks. When the raiders returned from a long season of rain, they were met Eule banners upon sails- though the raiders had numbers on their side, the Eulean longboats were far more sturdier and quicker to react, entrapping the pirates in River Peylon: the ensuing massacre marked the first naval victory for Eule, and each raid it repelled only served to grow their confidence and convinced the next Lord to provide further funding. Today their prestige are overshadowed by Wolnier ships, but are no less effective of a navy- during the Battle of Kaith House Eule and Wolnier launched a joint operation to secure the coast of Kaith. Though most of the glory went to House Wolnier who could outnumber Eulean ships ten-to-one, their contributions could not be easily ignored: their superior speed and sturdy prow allowed them to break the Boterim blockade by literally ramming into the soft sides of Boteri ships- Admiral Koffman who lead the navy at the time was nearly executed for their crippling loses, but was spared at the intervention of House Wolnier and House Bayne who convinced Lord Reyd Eule III that without his orders the naval battle would have ended in a stalemate. Koffman's legacy would go on to live as Eule rebuilt their navy- to this day, the term 'Koffman' is used to describe a merchant with an 'all or nothing' attitude.[/fancybox2]
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Threefold-Bell Keep, surrounded by plains as far as the eyes can see.

Today House Eule can comfortably field out 2000 Gargoyle riders, 2500 Harpia, 3000 Schwertzmena, 4000 Volkssturm and 2500 Prekoyai. Each month they raise an additional cohort of a hundred man, slowly adding to their might. The Eulean Navy has the capacity to muster 100 longboats, with the infrastructure to push out a longboat every two weeks.
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[Tristar]

It is done.