This may relate to a noble house that has been established in-game past or present.

Higher Nobility - of Eridan or Leanantla - are the Noble Houses with established fiefs, marches, or other property. While some of these houses may have fallen into disgrace, or vanquished during the slaughters in Leanantla, they would still be remembered as Greater Houses in the history books.

These are often Noble Houses with a significant impact in Mercia’s history.

The youngest of the Great Houses, born during the First Crusade. Its founder, Henry Darkel, was awarded lands near the capital by King Daagen II for his service in recapturing Burl-Daur. Henry rose through the ranks to become one of Daagen’s fiercest commanders. When he defeated and slew an orkish general named Kraagash at the battle for Burl-Daur, he was knighted and given a fief named Epoia on the shores of Mercia.

House Darkel grew in recognition with the arrival of three prodigal sons in the distant lands known in Leanantla as Eridan. This was considered, to the Mercians, as the last frontier. It represented the final place Laranism could be spread, driving out the evil heathens that infested it. Ser Xanethus Darkel, son of Lord Ianthus, was the first to arrive in the desolate land. Second to arrive would be his cousin, James Darkel, who was but a squire without a knight upon his arrival. Lastly was Ser Dorian Darkel, the third and youngest of the cousins, whom was a ranger.

The Shadow War splintered all this when James and Dorian disappeared. House Darkel crumbled seemingly over night, and it drove the last Darkel Ser Xanethus to his death. None are certain to this day what happened to Dorian, nor has James spoken much of it... but when James returned he was never the same.

The reconstructive era, or the five years after the fall of Maguun, saw House Darkel rise to prominence when one of its vassal sons, Ser Reinhart Tradnor, rose to the position of Duke of Denshy. As a sign of favor James was given the farmland and all of Denshwood as Marquis. It wasn’t long before Reinhart was assassinated at the hands of a long time nemesis.

With his death the remaining nobles of Denshy flocked to squabble over the remains of a mighty regime. James instead fled the city in search of the murderers who took his friend’s life. This search was in vain when word arrived of his father’s passing, and he was pulled back to Epoia to help defend against crows that would peck at his family’s name.

In Epoia James learned first hand what it was to be a defender, as wave after wave of brigands and evil tyrants threw themselves against the walls. He and a sum of fifty men took a weak perimeter in the old remains of a wall from the Shadow War. It was here that he and his men successfully defended Epoia, giving it time to rebuild stronger than before. He lost a third of those men, but for his bravery, that wall has been named “Last Defender Memorial”

With Epoia and his family safe, James sailed back across the sea along with a portion of his family’s wealth in time to overthrow the government that had settled in. What he saw was despicable, even Reinhart’s murderer wandered the streets of Denshy. It wasn’t long before the garnered the support he needed from Aurelia and within Denshy itself, and so it came to be that he was named Duke James Darkel. He made a vow before his vassals to relinquish power when Reinhart’s heir, Philip Tradnor, came of age.

The Darkel sigil is a raging charger, black, bearing a crown of purple and gold swords, across a blue and silver field. Their words are “Lasair romuin go buad” which is ancient for “The torch before us triumphantly”.

DUKE JAMES DARKEL, the First of His Name,
- his wife, DUCHESS GWIRAWEN,
- their son: AERON, 2 years old,
- their daughter: ALICE, 6 months old
his small council:
- LATHANDER MERINTHIRE, Voice of Balaur,
- JENNA REYNE, Voice of Jeidali,
- LARES VALAERYN, People’s Tribune,
- SER MARCUS FREY, Marshal of the Dukesgard,
- GARAMONDE ALDONIS, Master of Ships,
- BLAKE REYNOLDS, Master of Laws,
his Dukesgard:
- SER MARCUS FREY, Marshal,
- LADY VANESSA ORECHIEL,
- ROWENA DARROCH,
- SER ADRIAN,
- SER CHRISTOPH,

The principal houses sworn to Epoia are Tradnor, and Gladamir,

The principal houses sworn to Denshy are Calador, Guinan, Liie, Aldonis, and Valmonde.

• Relic: Amnaril, the greatsword wielded by Reyln Calador during the Fall of Zeal.
• Colors: Black, White, Gray.
• Insignia: Snarling Wolf.
• Moto: Courage Through Honor
• Denshy Generation: Maarken Calador (lord of the House), Melina Calador (lady of the House) Trey Calador (presumed dead), Jazani Calador (presumed dead), Julianne Calador, Dominic Reynard-Calador, Reyln Calador (heir, infant), Ilonka Calador (infant), Claire Calador (infant)
• Known Allies/Supporters: Kroth, House Thorne, Ciel Thanatos, Valeck Reynard, Eidan Achton, House Summerset, Elaine Cavedale
• Traits (primary): Valor, Justice, Honor
• Traits (secondary): Politics, Ambition

House Calador’s history was one that began with a great catastrophy. With the collapse of the Zealan Empire at the hands of Maguun, House Calador’s founder, Reyln Calador, carved his way through orks, demons, and horrors so that the survivors fleeing the collapse of the only home they’d ever known could reach safety once more. It was Amnaril, in the hands of Reyln Calador, that struck down Balon the Betrayer. Avenging Mercanius’ death was Reyln’s last act in this world. In recognition of Relyn’s great valor and sacrifice for the Zealans, King Leondis Connolaugh bestowed land and titles upon Relyn’s surviving wife and infant son. So began House Calador.

Not once in the history after did House Calador do anything to set it apart from the hundreds of other lesser noble families in Mercia. The House rose and fell in influence as each generation passed. At some point, the relic of their past, the sword that forged their House, was sold to a collecter of fine items in order to pay off a debt. After that, House Calador began to wither and die, yet another noble House that would be snuffed out.

It wasn’t until Maarken and Trey were born that the House began to stir from the rubble. Maarken was a visionary; ambitious and eager to prove himself. He arrived in Denshy at the age of 17 in the year 523. Squired under Lady Cassandra Mondrane, the young lord quickly proved himself to his elders, and was even granted the title of Lord Warden of Eridanmarch by Prince Benedict Vorlorn in the year 529, one year after his knighting.

In the Year 532, Maarken Calador took administrative control of Denshy, and the very next year, held a vote in which his family was accepted as the Rulers of the Duchy of Eridan, thus becoming Duke Maarken Calador. However, it wasn’t long after this that he vanished under mysterious circumstances, and the Duchy slipped from the fingers of House Calador. When Maarken returned, he made no move himself to reclaim the Duchy, and instead let his wife Melina and Reinhart Tradnor wrestle over it.

In the end, Melina bowed to Reinhart, and the Duchy passed to him. In return for House Calador’s support, the Duke saw fit to give them, effectively, half of the city. The main line of House Calador directly controls Northgate, the residential district of Denshy, while Maarken’s twin brother, the Baron Trey Calador, controled the Westport district. Baroness Ilonka Thorne, a close friend and ally of House Calador, controled the trade district, which is the central hub of the city, where all of it’s revenue comes from. For a time, Lord Calador was the Warden of Denshy, and Lady Calador was the Lady Chancellor.

Through dirty politics and unhanded techniques, House Calador’s influence began to waver, and when an angry mob confronted Viscount Calador in the bank, it saw a sundering of the House’s hold on the city. The Viscount, in a display of anger, publicly resigned as Warden. Actions he took after near saw the breaking of the House, but a peace was negotiated by Lady Melina, Lady Julianne, and Lady Ilonka and to save face, House Calador withdrew from every aspect of Denshy’s government except for their holdings in Northgate.

Months went by with barely a stir from the House. Notices were put around town informing those in the city that they were purchasing vast quantities of materials, though the reason for this purchase is a matter of great debate.

It wasn’t until the Viscount moved against the Middle House Orphanage, and cast out the well-loved Headmaster that once more, eyes were drawn to House Calador. It is safe to say that House Calador is one of the most watched noble Houses in Denshy, and not all of those watching it have friendly intentions.

During the time when hostilities between Aurelia and Denshy were rising, House Calador once more rose to the threats facing Denshy. The Viscount was often seen working alongside the late Duke, and was present at most all raids and attacks against the city. The House spent most all of it’s wealth on the war, both before and after, to help it rebuild, and has only recently recovered it’s wealth.

After the Duke’s death, a will was found which named the Lady Melina Calador as the Regent of the City, and Lord Maarken as the Royal Exchequer. However, the Duchess Jazani Tradnor refused to follow her late husbands last wishes, and the Lord and Lady Calador were removed from all places of power and holdings outside of their Viscounty. Infuriated by these insults, and facing problems of their own, the Lord and Lady, along with their children, and the Lady Thorne and Ciel Thanatos with their children, all took leave of Denshy, returning to Leanatla to reestablish their holdings in a place more stable. The Viscounty of Northgate, along with the manor that the Caladors had inhabited, was left in the care of Lord Calador’s sister, Julianne.

While Lord and Lady Calador were away, Maarken’s twin brother Trey began a courtship with Jazani Tradnor, and eventually they were wed. Trey Calador then became the Regent for the Prince Phillip Tradnor, yet during this time, many things began to slip within Denshy. Criminals were pardoned, noctii were welcomed into the city, and therians who had less than a year before lead raids against the city were allowed once more within the city walls. There were even rumors of Jazani’s involvement with the lich Na’Krul, who had dealt the final blow that severed the soul of her previous husband from Terra. It wasn’t until the Lady Arianna Guinan-Locke raised her voice in challange that the nobility of Denshy rose against the corrupt rule while the pair were on a voyage by sea. Trey Calador and his wife, along with the crown prince and their twin children are presumed dead, as the ship they were sailing on was found smashed along the coastline of Coventry.

Lord Calador and Lady Thorne, with her children, returned from Leanatla not long after Trey and his wife left Denshy. At the time, the Lady Guinan-Locke was still establishing herself as Regent and repairing much of the harm done to Denshy’s honor and reputation by the actions of the self-styled Queen. Within a month, the Lady Regent had named Lord Calador as the Seneschal of Denshy, to aid with the governing of the city, while also establishing Lady Julianne over the trade district of Denshy, to oversee it on behalf of Denshy...

General Knowledge VERY few people should actually know of House Calador. Especially in detail. The information -is- all there if anyone should actually investigate the House, but the fact is that on Leanatla, House Calador was small and relatively unheard of until recently. Even then, most people on Leanatla would likely view House Calador as “upstart” nobility, even if it has been around since the foudning of Mercia.

Any arriving from Leanatla now would know of House Calador primarily as Denshian nobility, risen from the dredges and honored more than they should have been, no doubt.

Those who’ve lived in Denshy for the entirety of House Caldor’s rise to power, they would know that House Calador has ever been stalwart and outspoken about the right and moral path, and that Lord Maarken has ever been a prominant figure in facing the dangers of life on Eridan.

Rumours often float around the city about this House, which generally paint them in a bad light. Cold, unforgiving, and firm. If the whole House is to take example from Maarken, they place a very high value upon justice and honor, but very little upon kindness and friendship. This is not to say that they are without compassion, but that compassion is given where it is deserved.

- Maarken Calador is wed to Melina Calador. They have triplets; Reyln, Ilonka, Claire - Julianne Calador was wed to Evans Reynard, and their child together is named Dominic. She is currently single. - Trey Calador was married to Jazani Calador. They had twins; Luccas, Lillianne

Last updated on March 14 2008

• Relic: (coming)

• Colors: Blue and Black

• Insignia: (coming)

• Moto: “Act well your part; there all the honor lies.”

• Denshy Generation: Aegon Trevelyan, Alicia Illyana Trevelyan, Ashleigh Trevelyan, Claude Trevelyan

• Known Allies/Supporters: House Connolaugh, House Feirth, House Vorlorn, House Greyflame, House Calador, House Guinan

• Traits (primary): Loyalty, Honor, Intelligence

• Traits (secondary): Secrecy, Ability, Purpose

A Mercian family of long lineage and part of the high nobility, they have served the kings closely for generations. The origins of House Trevelyan stretch as far back as the founding of the kingdom of Mercia and possibly even to the time of Zeal. The Trevelyan’s are highly respected among the other nobles houses, especially their close friends, the members of House Greyflame.

They are a devout family of Laranians, as well as highly respectful of Myra, loyal to a fault, and respected if not loved by many people in and around the kingdom. They often give money to the poorer folk of the land and do their part to help keep the kingdom running smoothly.

All of the Trevelyan’s sons have been knighted and have at one time or another fought against the orks at the borders of the kingdom. The Trevelyan daughters are the talk of the town, being some of the most beautiful and elegant ladies to grace the upper echelons of Mercian society.

The family often steers clear of the political warfare of the other noble houses, though they will step in to mediate disputes when violence is on the horizon. They tend to act as a balance between the various noble houses that are vying for power and recognition from their king.

In recent years, with the fall of the kingdom and the banishment of the Mercian gods, the family has been busy securing their own power but have mostly stayed out of the battles that rage across all of Leanantla. Much of the family has relocated to Eridan due in part to the now deceased king’s order to travel to Denshy to help defend against the forces of Maguun. However, a number of the family members stayed behind to keep the Trevelyan lands safe and now try to reason with the warring dukes, barons, and lesser lords to prevent any more bloodshed.

It is a curious time for this noblest of houses. Not much is known about what their goals are or what drives them. The future of House Trevelyan, at the moment, is still unwritten.

A noble house that is a socially accepted house that while it may not have a fief, district, or large family it is still understood to have Noble roots. These consist of the majority of nobility and while they may not have as much sway or property as Higher Nobility, they still have a considerably impact on political events.

• Colors: Sanguine, Black, and Gold
• Symbolism: Bear (Emblem of the House)
• Motyo: Forever The Summit.
• Denshian Lineage: Raphael Valmonde, Vernon Valmonde
• Known Allies & Supporting Houses: House Gray, Eidan Achton
• Known Enemy Houses: None
• Traits (primary): Mercantalism, Faith, Strength
• Traits (secondary): Politics, Ambition

House Valmonde can trace its lineage back to the year 425 MR, when the market for trade boomed. Piracy had snared Portcross, and this gave way to the economic growth of Medici and its noble families. The Valmonde’s were excellent traders, in that they would haggle to the point of doubling their profit on trade goods. Advancing rapidly into economic wealth, the noble House Valmonde found that they had become quiet rich in the following years. Most, if not all the Valmonde’s, take no shame enjoying the luxuries, and the finer things in life.

In 435 MR, the Duke of Medici appointed members of House Valmonde to join the Council of Magistrates. Several trade guilds then emerged from this event. The Valmonde’s would now play a a vital role in overseeing the price of sold trade goods within the market. Several of the house members began to grow wealthier over the next few years, due to the high demand of fine wines and delicatly crafted furniture, for which the Valmonde’s were known for making.

459 MR- King Alexander grants large sums of land to House Valmonde. Most of this land was used fo vinyards, which increased wine production and thus, profits. Some of the land was used for construction of many estates, while other parts left untouched were to be granted to future sons of the Valmonde family.

In 482 MR, Rumor surrounded house Valmonde allegedly a few shady dealings occurred in attempt to carry political favor in the kings court. Although the specifics never became known, a schism formed in the house. It was also whispered that some of the dealings could be tracked as high as the council of twelve.

In the year of 494, the Valmonde’s donate a good portion of their wealth to the new king, in hopes that it will help locate the Orkish army, and provide weapons, armor, and food for his soldiers. -Trade is still booming, and the Valmonde’s continue to grow in wealth and popularity.

542- The Valmonde’s assist House Gray in their attack on Culhaven. The attack goes according to plan; however, the town was completly destroyed by a huge explosion. Repairs on the city begin slowly.

543- Early in the year, Raphael and Vernon Valmonde take their leave from Eridan. The newly elected Regent, Arainna, threatened to have Raphael’s head for speaking out against her, calling her a tyrant. The two brother’s make their way back to Medici, waiting for things to cool off in Eridan.

546- Living in Medici once again, the Valmonde’s continue to thrive and gain profit from their trades. Things turn out good for the few years Raphael and Vernon are away from Eridan. Some time later, a tragedy befell the house. Richard Valmonde, father of Raphael and Vernon, was murdered by a man claiming to have challenged him to a duel. The loss of this family member was felt by all. Raphael decides to leave, and continue his role in Eridan once again.

Raphael accepts vassalage under House Darkel, swearing an oath to James Darkel. The terms of this oath were to remain loyal to Denshy and it’s allies, while defending the city. Duke Darkel gave rule of the Farm District to Raphael, granting him the title Marquis.

Last Update: January 21 2009

• Colors – Green (hope, joy, loyalty), Gold (generosity, defense), and Silver (peace, serenity, spirituality)
• Symbolism – A winding tree (namesake, deep rooted beliefs), Triple Wolf (Thrice rewarded and recognized: Once for saving the Duke of Andal’s son, once for a Captain’s death in defense of the Duke, and finally for the family’s tireless industrial endeavors), a Knight’s Helmet (wisdom, defense, security), Lambrequin (extended military service)
• Motto - “Sola nobilitat virtus” - “Virtue alone ennobles”
• Andal Lineage – Kenton Silverwood
• House Members – Ambrose Silverwood, Fynn Silverwood, Oliver Silverwood, Kieran Silverwood II
• Deceased Members - Kieran Silverwood I, Kagonos Silverwood
• Related Houses – none, but “connections” are held with House Adelaide
• Principal Ideals – Humilitas, Industria, Liberalitus (Bravery and Modesty, Persistence/Effort, Generosity)
• Favorable Ideals – Iustitia, Frenum (Justice/Fairness, Self Control)
• House Relics - The Luminous Heart, a blessed sword once held by Asharl, the original leader of the Neverending Dawn.

One’s knowledge of the Silverwood House’s history pends entirely upon their heritage and location. For those whose ties stem from Andal, they may well be aware of the “short cut” this family took to their title. Commonly called “the red headed step-child of Andalian courts,” the Silverwood family may be better known for the uproar their presence has caused at various social events (followed by the heavy hand with which the Duke handled such outcries) rather than any virtuous actions of their own. Those of Eridan who call home to other lands, however, would likely have little knowledge of these distant differences, seeing as Lord Kagonos Silverwood made little effort to carry such a reputation with him across the seas.

The Silverwood House was founded just three generations ago under the acts of a man born as... William. William was the heir to a long generation of lumberjacks and carpenters within the Andalian region. Renowned for their infallible craftsmanship, William and his business partner Peter made well for themselves upon their small croft of land. Their families lived in close quarters of a six roomed home and, gracious of their blessings, were content to do so until Larani should beckon them from this world. And so the seasons came and went until one winter’s eve while hauling lumber back to their shack, William would stumble upon a young nobleman face down in the snow. Immediately discarding his load, William lifted the figure into his arms and carried him to the warmth and safety of their cabin. There the man slept for three days by the fire while the families discussed what was to be done should he not awake. Peter feared that should the nobleman pass, their families would find themselves under accusations of murder. William continued to refute these claims, asserting that the man would be cared for as best they could offer– the rest must be left to fate.

And so on the fourth day, just as William began to lose hope, the youth by the fire was seen stirring from his slumber. After a bowl of warm cabbage stew and a bit of bread, the man informed his hosts that he was the third son of Andal’s reigning Duke. Having grown flustered one day (over what, he did not tell), he had departed upon a ride through the countryside. As the night and snow began to fall upon him, the young Lord found himself lost– unable to recognize the terrain and find his way home. He could offer no insight as to the condition he was found in, though assumed he had somehow fallen from his steed. The Lord finished his tale and he found himself feeling a bit ill yet again. He requested sanctuary within their house for a few more days as he worked to gather his strength. William opened his home to the man for as long as he should wish, assuring that he would see the boy back to his manor once his health had returned.

A few days passed into nearly two weeks as the nobleman found himself quite at ease in the company of William’s home. He was particularly intrigued by the nightly discussions held between himself, William’s son Colin and Peter’s daughter Lily. All three were near the same age in their youth and found themselves quite intrigued to learn of the life and values from “the other side.” It wasn’t until the second week began to press into a third that the Duke’s son realized he could no longer extend his stay. As he and William departed towards the capital, the nobleman assured his two friends that they had not seen the last of him. Little did they realize how serious this commitment was.

And so the rest, as Colin Silverwood would say, fell into the pages of history. William was granted the land surrounding his home, monetary investment, and the title of Count by the Duke of Andal in thanks for the care he had shown his son. William’s estate would grow to welcome and employ many commoners seeking shelter from impending war and chaos– all of which was funded by their ever profitable, ever growing business. The wood farmed of William’s forests would grow to hold great fame through the lands, sought out by carpenters and Nobles alike. In his later years, William would discard his birth name in favor of “Kenton Silverwood,” a tribute to the land which he thrived upon.

Colin and Lily would grow in their time, ever in touch and under the tutorship of the Duke’s son as he instructed them in their newfound nobility. The two of them would later wed, Colin as the first born eventually inheriting his father’s title and estate. His younger brother, Caleb, would die in service of defense of the Duke. Colin himself would eventually earn the title of Marquis for his own military service as well as the thousands of bows endowed to Andal’s defense by the Silverwood House. It is under Colin’s practiced hand that the Silverwood family would begin to forge their way into the political affairs of Andal, though many in the courts continue to look upon their House with disdain.

Kieran Silverwood, Colin’s first son, would be the only successful member of the Silverwood House where social matters were concerned. His charm and slick tongue won him many verbal battles in his time– as well as the hearts of countless women. While his younger brother, Kagonos, took head of their Keep’s militia, defending the family land against garguns and warlord forces, Kieran kept his focus upon political affairs. Together they hoped to forge room for the Silverwood name, and based upon the virtues of Larani, eventually restore peace to the land of Andal. Though fate had other plans at hand as one day, while out on a leisurely ride, the two brothers and their company fell victim to a gargun ambush. Though their foes were overcome, Kieran Silverwood fell casualty to the attack.

Devastated by the events, Lily and Colin Silverwood made plans to send their second son, Kagonos, to the colonies. Kagonos furiously refuted, swearing vengeance upon those who had taken his brother’s life. Though under the persistence of his mother, Kagonos agreed under the terms that his family may one day join him in Eridan where their name and lands could be re-established.

Today, the Silverwood family spans across two continents. While Colin, Lily, and their two remaining children continue to tend to their keep in Andal, Lord Kagonos has begun to establish his own bearings in Aurelia. In recent times, Count Kagonos has taken a wife, the young commoner Castalea who heralds from a port town west of Medici. Word tells that they are expecting a child in the coming months as well.

In 546, Kagonos Silverwood was given leadership of Aurelia by Countess Araina Dorthorin when she resigned.

Last Update on November 4 2008

Fallen Nobility is often the result of those nobles who did or have significant family members who challenged/betrayed the standing system and royalty and failed in their attempts. These can also be nobles who attempted to flee during a battle or war, or rarely it can simply be the result of a thought out conspiracy that while it looks to be terrible the shamed house was not in truth guilty.

House Rahl remains one of the oldest noble houses to still remain in Terra’s history; outside of any Undead ones not recognised by humanity.

House Rahl can draw it’s base roots all the way back before the immortal wars, but the house only began to become recognised and respected as skilled magi when Vlodke Rahl succeeded in helping to found the original Priory as a master of the dark arts. As the dark arts during the Zealan era were found socially acceptable and practiced, he was not shunned for such a practice. Vlodke did though conduct abnormal experiments to seek ways to get those of his blood line to have a natural affinity for manipulating grey threads which unfortunately would result in the family’s eventual decline and crumbling.

While it was much less common during the times of Zeal where the majority of the people in the world could to some degree manipulate the weave, as a great decline began to happen the family only wed and bred between other family’s that had pure zealan blood to ensure they would continue their arcane gifts to each generation. As time would have it though, the number of families that had pure blood dwindled and eventually it would result in the family wedding between distant cousins and very rarely more direct cousins or siblings to ensure the purity of the blood line.

Because of their natural talent with the Dark practices the majority of the family were necromancers and though for a long time the family managed to keep such arts secret and veiled from the eye of the later more discriminate priory and nobility the birth of Alric Rahl would signify the great decline of the once respected house.

It started not necessarily due to Alric’s wanton social use of necromancy but more notably because of his deep seeded ambitions regarding his desires to rule Denshy and be worshipped as a leader. This lead to many, who disliked his cruel and unusual methods to plot against him and organize his eventual collapse; while no one person can take the credit for Alric’s fall as he died at the hands of the Grey Cult poisoning him. Leaving Sol Rahl to ascend to the position of duke; who soon left the office without a word to pursue revenge on Roth’Gal regarding the burning of Culhaven, this assumed abandonment combined with his family’s history saw the House’s fief seized and his position as Duke revoked.

The true fall of the house came when Sol Rahl declare loyalty to New Zeal five years after the Shadow Wars had ended; resulting in Denshy branding the family as traitors and stripping them of any titles that they may have had in the city of Denshy or Aurelia.

The current status of the House is not publically known.

• Relic: A large tear-drop emerald with the House insignia etched into it, on a gold “rope” chain.
• Colors: Green, Black and Gold (Loyalty, Constancy, Generosity and elevation of the mind)
• Insignia: The Rearing Hart (One who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmony)
• Motto: Dum Spiramus Tuebimur (While we breathe, we shall defend)
• Eridan Generation: Tyr Locke; Arianna Guinan-Locke and son, Valeck Tyr Reynard.
• Leananltan Generations: Unknown (1)
• Subordinate Houses: None
• Related Houses: Reynard (through marraige).
• Known Allied Houses: Guinan, Toiverna, Dorthorin, Calador, Reynard, Summerset, Trevelyan
• Known Enemy Houses: None
• Known Members: None outside Family
• Traits (primary): Honour and Protection
• Traits (secondary): Justice, Service and Politics

Symbolism:

• The Gorget (High dignity)
• The Rearing Hart (One who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmony)
• The Fluer de Lis (Royalty; perfection, light, and life)
• The Wreath of Rope (Binding to the defense of one’s native land)
• Chevron (Protection)

House Locke has supported the Kingship of Mercia as far back as 1 MR and the founding of the kingdom of Mercia under Mercianus. House Locke is directly descended from the Zealans who had split off from the necromancer, Na’al, and fled the city of Aurelia to help found the new lands in Leanantla. In the latter years of Zeal, House Locke spent most of their time fighting orks, and the House slowly turned from a Magi House into more of a Warrior House. Sixty years later, however, they would also support the control of magic, and building of the mages’ academy now known as the Priory.

House Locke has been intricately entwined in both politics and magic as far back as is known. However most of this history has been lost through the ages, due to the slow decline of the family line over the years. House Locke has always been extremely prideful of their Zealan heritage, so much so that they refused to marry outside pure Zealan bloodlines, resorting even at times to inbreeding (to third generation relatives). Thus the House itself always remained small and virtually self-contained. The inbreeding also caused certain traits to be passed down through the generations, one being a “weakness of the blood” (causing illnesses and certain disabilities) another being a strengthening of magical powers within those born so gifted. Female Locke children rarely make it past child hood. A first-born Locke female has never survived until the advent of Arianna Locke (and her twin brother Tyr). This is possibly due to the strengthening of the bloodline through Lise T’iertha (the commoner consort of Troy Locke).

One of the few remaining members of House Locke, Armand Locke was a general on the Andalian front until he wed a young Zealan woman named Selena, who was a devout follower of Myra. After his marriage, Aramand quit and left the military to settle in Mercia with his wife and raise his children in a life dedicated to Myra, as was Selena’s wish. Selena first gave birth to a sickly young son, Slade, and then lost her life in childbirth to her second son, Troy. Slade always blamed Troy for the death of their mother, and there was bad blood between the two from the beginning. Slade was studious and gifted in magic, while Troy was a strapping young warrior who’s dream was to become a knight. However, when Troy was fourteen, war came once more to House Locke, and his father, worried for the safety of his sons, sold their family heirloom, using the money to send Slade into the Priory so that he may escape the danger. Troy’s father fought valiantly, however it was a losing battle. Both boys fled in different directions, and Armand Locke lost his life, as well as the very last of all of House Locke’s land and holdings.

Troy Locke was now forced to work as a fisherman for trade to support himself. He found work with a merchant fishing company, but one day pirates accosted the small vessel he was working on. Troy was taken hostage and forced to work for them. It was months after this, while fishing for them, that Troy inadvertently pulled up, of all things, the family amulet in his net! He hid it away until the day came that he tried to rescue a young woman whom the pirates had kidnapped and were abusing terribly. Troy, with his protective, kind heart, offered the amulet to buy the woman from the pirates. He rescued her, and eventually gained enough favour from their captain, for protection of the ship, that he was given the amulet back.

Troy Locke eventually came to the small colonial town of Denshy, which he grew to love and put his heart and soul into, raising himself from being a “pirate” (which he never truly was, only doing what he must to survive with them) to finally being voted in as Governor of the town itself. It was with Troy that the family lineage of “perfect blood” was finally broken as he fell in love with a young “commoner”, an assassin girl (in his attempt to rescue her) and eventually siring twin children by her.

Troy Locke was heralded as the “people’s champion” taking his place as governor of Denshy, before he was cast down by a coalition of nobles led by Alric Rahl in the of year 528. He was accused of having taken liberties with the Governship of Denshy for the release and hiring of Vesin Thunderic, and other former Barachians as a personal guard . He formed the Colonial Task Force comprised of Vesin Thunderic, Cirin Shono, Taineth Freck and Hugo Vladmire, along side Evans Reynard and his sister Elise. This Task Force was under the command of Nicholas Durai, the one time advisor and senchenal of Troy’s. As a result of a betrayal by Nicholas and the unpopular view on Vesin and the reformed Barachians, and with the arrival of Prince Benedict Vorlorn, Troy Locke’s nobility was stripped from him. The prince then proclaimed Alric Rahl duke of the Eridan. This only caused Troy to become more beloved in the eyes of the common folk.

Troy Locke then left Denshy with a few loyal supporters, among them Seldorn Toiverna and many of Denshy’s strongest warriors, who took claim of Fort Denshwood with Commander Raquer Xer as the holder of all House Locke’s lands. During this time, this band of men would be misled into beginning the War of the Shadow, by acting as the unknowing pawns of Mahiko, later revealed to be Nicholas Durai who was now an avatar for Maguun.

After making peace with Denshy and in an attempt with Evans and Seldorn to form a group of knights, with the Chivalry and Honor he felt Mercia had lost, Troy Locke was brought up for the crimes of blasphemy, treason, and usurping of rights. Instead of accepting his punishment in the form of service to the Church of Larani, he instead chose death. His final wish was a duel to the death with close friend of his from his earlier days, Warden Maarken Calador. In the year of 531 Troy Locke drew his final breath leaving behind his common-law wife, Lise T’iertha, and their twin bastard children, Tyr and Arianna Locke. *

Aside from Slade Locke (who still holds great scorn for his younger brother, and continues to live secluded in Urd Kelduld, with a small, loosely knit, dictatorial group of magi, unaware of the existence of the twins), Tyr and Arianna Locke are the last remaining members of House Locke.

Arianna and Tyr Locke were taken in, after the destruction of Gold Keep Manor, and raised by Viscount Alister Guinan, and his wife, the Viscountess Elizabeth Guinan since the end of the Shadow War, as an oath to their father, Troy, to ensure their safety, education and training. Arianna was personally tutored by Viscount Alister in magery, history and politics, while Tyr was given over to martial trainers before finally coming under the Squireship of Viscount Maarken Calador.

Arianna Locke was officially adopted by the Guinans (Viscount and Viscountess Alister and Elizabeth Guinan) before their passage back to Leanantla, thus leaving her representative of and the sole heir to the Guinan estate and fortunes on Eridan.

During the twins’ fifteenth year, Viscount and Viscountess Guinan sailed back to Url Kelduld, leaving the twins to tend to themselves. Tyr became unwilling squire under Viscount Maarken Calador, then under Lord Trey Calador. [Tyr will have to fill in here]

At this time, Arianna began her formal courtship with Valeck Reynard, Squire of Viscount Sir Maarken Calador and son of Sir Evans Reynard (Knight and Chosen of Larani). This courtship had gone on against Viscount Guinan’s desires for his daughter, yet Arianna stubbornly pursued. Before her sixteenth birthday, Valeck Reynard disappeared back to Leanantla, leaving the young girl despondant. During this time she gathered a household in Aurelia, and continued her political educational pursuits under the guidance of Count and Countess Dorthorin. Arianna lost contact completely with her brother, Tyr, at this time it seemed he had just disappeared. While she had people searching for him, all she ever gained from it was vague gossip which was worrisome to her. This loss, along with that of Valeck, helped to put her into deeper despair.

Before her seventeenth year, Arianna found herself beseiged by an occult entity which threatened her household, and despondant about both the political situations in Eridan, as well as the loss of her life’s love, and her brother, as well as to protect her household, Arianna sailed to Url Kelduld, where she lived with her adoptive parents for a time. With Viscountess Elizabeth Guinan’s help, Arianna was able to find her love, Valeck, and they secretly wed, eloping behind Viscount Alister’s back. However, and again, their passionate relationship soon burst once more over secrets kept hidden, which were finally exposed, and Arianna found herself once again at her parents’ home. At this point Viscount Guinan was so enraged that he demanded and paid for an anullment of Arianna and Valeck’s wedding, against Arianna’s wishes and pleas.

At the end of her seventeenth year, Arianna began receiving, in her letters from friends and “family” in Eridan, pleas to return. She heard of the political upheavals and discontent of the populace, and was requested to come and help correct them. Having anger at her adoptive father for his anullment of her marraige, unable to live with her parents due to this, and once more despondant over the loss of her beloved Valeck, Arianna wrote back and agreed to come and try and correct things as best she could. At this point, she felt she had nothing more to lose. She spent a few months in secret, upon her return, validating the information she had recieved, then with the help of other nobility Arianna finally made her move to confront the Queen, Jazani Tradnor, who was now married to Lord Trey Calador, and call for a public trial. Arianna was recieved well by the populace, and her peers, but instead of facing trial the Queen and Regent absconded with Eridan’s heir-apparent and majority of Eridan’s funds, leaving Denshy and Eridan in a financial bind on the close edge of war with varying forces. There was no one to fill the seat of Regent, and Arianna was quickly put into the office by a vote of her peers, and the entire legacy of the Tradnors and the disasters of office from the short reign of Reinhart’s widow and her new husband were dumped in the young woman’s educated, but inexperienced lap to clean up.

It was fortunate that at this time, Viscount Maarken Calador returned from Leanantla, and the young Regent quickly went to her old friend and tutor to request his experienced help in these matters, raising him to the office of Seneshal. Also with the best of luck, her beloved husband, Sir Valeck Reynard, who had been knighted during his leave in Leanantla, showed up as well in Denshy where they were reunited, and he too lends his emotional support to his wife.

During her tenure as Regent in Denshy, Arianna Guinan-Locke-Reynard attempted to pull the city back into some semblence of order. However the changes in the city by the previous ruler were found too difficult to overcome. Arianna, who had never been physically strong or healthy, soon found herself overwhelmed with her new duties, and following her adopted father’s footsteps, began drowning her problems in liquor and wine. This further taxed her body, along with the stresses of office, and after a year she found herself bedridden. Valeck, in his concern for his wife, took matters into his own hands and commanded her to Coventry where it was discovered she was with child.

Almost a year she spent in the hospital, recovering her nerves and giving birth to a healthy boy, to which she almost died. She was found unable to bear more due to her weak health.

The Reynard and Locke legacies would live on in this child. Valeck and Arianna settled in Coventry, and travel extensively with their son to visit both her adoptive parents in Url Kelduld, Valeck’s maternal family and the Caladors during the warm months. She keeps in contact with her brother, through letters, as well as letters sent to her friends and family in both Denshy and Aurelia.

Rumours:

Tyr Locke has been seen wearing the colours of Gold Fleet, and traveling in the accompanyment of a young street-wench and pirate by the name of Poppy.

Last Update on January 10 2009

This may relate to a family that is not necessarily a noble bloodline or house, but still established in-game past or present. This will tend to constitute the majority of the families that Eridan has seen.

The Merinthire Family - detailed information page

A matriarchal family long established over both continents, Merinthires are a family of many skills, talents - and very red hair. Variety truly is the spice of life and the backbone of the Merinthire family, with members individual, often headstrong, and rather unique. Though, very often, they take to being artistic and creative in some form in hope of making a mark for their name that is otherwise meagre compared to nobility and bluer blood.

This may relate to a faction such as a mercenary group not tied specifically to a bloodline or nobility. They may be a part of another organization such as a sect of a religion or a tribe under a race, but wherever they stem from, still established in-game past or present.

Guilds are those organizations made up of characters with similar interests that have banded together, often for increased profits. This may be a merchant guild, a mage guild, or a mercenary guild. Eg. The Golden Coin, The Ducal College, The Silver Wolves.

With the volatility of Eridan, and the wars that plague it, it is not uncommon to see numerous societies and sub-cultures that have taken refuge in one of the great cities. They have often been forced from their lands by some greater power, without prospect of ever returning. Still they survive and stick together. Eg. The Tareeqi Tribe of the Ya’fiah.

Since the dawn of time, man has been drawn to the essence of faith. Wars have waged and ended because of it, and few would have hope without it. It is in these religions that man often hopes to answer such mysterious questions, such as its purpose. Few find these answers but those who do rarely live long enough to speak of it. Eg. The Balite Sect of Eridan, The Path of Fealty

The Path of Fealty is the ‘official’ Valarian Sect within Eridan. Though it is mainly recognized in Denshy as such, perhaps because its political ruler is also its religious leader, little recognization has been made in Aurelia. Its current cleric is Duke James Darkel, ruler of the Denshian people. Most of his people view him as a compassionate and humble man, though those he has punished would cry otherwise. Valarians tend to be kind and stoic individual, worshipping and following the path with fervor. Some would claim they are zealots because of how firmly they adhere to the facets, while others would call them tyrants just because they follow the path. Whatever one’s view of the Valarians is, few can decry their help in keeping society orderly.

“No man is ever born perfect, but he can certainly die that way.” - Lathander Merinthire, Oracle of Balaur

The Balite Sect of Eridan was originally established by priestess Lorelle Armitage in 544 with founding priest Aurion Elyndir and Armitage’s then-husband and acolyte Lathander Merinthire. However, not long after this the priest Elyndir was ousted as exile and criminal Sol Rahl, and priestess Armitage fell out of public favour. Due to the black mark that the fall of Armitage and Elyndir (nee Rahl) brought about, the Sect - and Balites themselves - suffered a great deal of social stigma and it was only later in that year that Lathander, the since-recognised Oracle of Balaur, took head of the group and set about improving its image as well as that of Balites themselves.

The Eridanic Sect of Balaur is a religious organisation that teaches the word of Balaur, Lord of Ambition. It accepts all men and women into its following so long as those men and women strive for perfection in their personal goals and endeavours. Drawing lessons from all of the facets of the Path of Power, and from the wisdom of all His Saints, the Eridanic Sect is one that seeks to be strong in its versatility as well as its freedom.

It edifies self over others, but never to forget others still exist around oneself. To have Ego but not so much Ego that they become blind to their own faults and so may never improve their weaknesses. A Sect that educates on the value of a hard day’s work, of a long fought battle, of defining the strong and the weak, and of every item traded whether apples or diamonds. And most importantly, the value of the Path as it is walked, and not just the beginning and the end of it.

‘No man is ever born perfect but he can certainly die that way’; it is the journey to perfection there that makes one strong. This is what defines the Balite Sect of Eridan.