House D'Armande
The D'Armande family was a distinguished noble house known for its rich heritage, strategic alliances, and notable mercantile contributions to the kingdom. Here's an outline of the family:
House D'Armande
Motto: "Deeds, not words"
Coat of Arms: A silver hawk soaring over a deep blue field, symbolizing vision and nobility, with a golden sun rising in the background, representing hope and prosperity.
Family Members
Lord Alaric D'Armande (Patriarch, human)
Lady Isolde D'Armande (Former Matriarch, human)
Lady Faelwen D'Armande (Matriarch, Elven)
Sir Cedric D'Armande
Lady Elara D'Armande (Eldest Daughter, human)
Lord Thorne D'Armande
Lady Seraphine D'Armande
Lord Vaelion D'Armande (Youngest Son,half-elven)
Lady Arya D’Armande (Younger Twin Sister, half-elven)
Lady Saeliria D'Armande (Youngest Sister, half-elven)
Family Dynamics
- Values: The D'Armande family places a strong emphasis on deeds, honor, and the welfare of their vassals. They believe in leading by example and are committed to justice within their domain.
- Alliances: The D'Armandes have forged strategic alliances with neighboring noble houses through marriage, political negotiations, and trade agreements, enhancing their influence in
the kingdom. Unfortunately, most of this effort was destroyed when Lord Alaric elected to join the Rebellion.
Notable Servants of House D'Armande
Steward Eadric of Wynthorpe
Occupation: Steward of House D'Armande Allegiance: House D'Armande
Background & Role
Born to a minor noble family, Eadric was the third son, destined neither for knighthood nor inheritance. Instead, he was educated in estate management, law, and finance, making him a valuable
asset to any noble household. At the age of 20, he entered the service of Lord Alaric of House D'Armande as a squire but soon proved his worth in administration rather than battle. By 30, he had become the trusted steward of House D'Armande, overseeing lands, resources, and the household.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Land Management: Ensuring crops are harvested, rents are collected, and the lord's land is profitable.
- Taxation & Finances: Managing the treasury, paying soldiers and servants, and balancing the keep's expenses.
- Legal Oversight: Acting as a magistrate in minor disputes and reporting serious matters to the lord.
- Military Support: While not a warrior, he organizes supplies, arms, and logistics for the keep's garrison.
- Household Supervision: Overseeing the kitchen, stable, and staff to ensure the keep runs efficiently.
Personality & Traits
- Pragmatic & Intelligent: Values efficiency and order, often making difficult but necessary decisions.
- Loyal & Diplomatic: Fiercely loyal to House D'Armande but skilled in negotiation to maintain peace among vassals.
- Resentful of Knights: Having never been knighted, he harbors some bitterness toward the warrior class.
- Meticulous & Observant: Keeps detailed records and quickly spots deceit or financial mismanagement.
Appearance
A lean man with graying hair, sharp eyes, and a well-kept but modest tunic adorned with the crest of House D'Armande. He carries a ledger and a dagger—more for practicality than defense.
Notable Relationships
- Lord Alaric: His master and benefactor, whom he served with unwavering dedication.
- Captain of the Guard: A frequent point of tension, as Eadric prioritizes funds while the captain demands resources.
- Village Reeve: Works closely with the reeve to ensure taxes and labor obligations are met.
Sir Roderic "Ironhand" of Highmere
Occupation: Captain of the Guard, House D'Armande Allegiance: Lord Alaric of House D'Armande
Background & Role
After proving himself in skirmishes along the trade routes, he was granted knighthood by Lord Alaric and eventually appointed Captain of the Guard for House D'Armande.
Now, Roderic commands the keep's garrison, ensuring the security of the lord's household and surrounding lands. While he respects his position, he carries a chip on his shoulder due to his lowborn origins and must constantly assert his authority among knights of noble birth.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Garrison Command: Trains and leads the keep's soldiers, ensuring they remain disciplined and battle-ready.
- Keep Security: Oversees the safety of the fortress, including gatehouses, walls, and patrol routes.
- Crime & Order: Enforces the lord's justice, handling banditry, disputes, and unruly behavior.
- Military Readiness: Maintains weapons, armor, and supplies for war or siege.
- Personal Bodyguard: Serves as one of Lord Aelfric's most trusted protectors.
Personality & Traits
- Loyal but Pragmatic: Devoted to Lord Alaric but willing to bend rules to keep the peace.
- Tough but Fair: Strict with his men but rewards loyalty and courage.
- Resentful of Nobles: Despite his knighthood, some still see him as a commoner. He resents their arrogance.
- Battle-Hardened: A seasoned warrior who has seen both victory and bitter defeat.
Appearance
A tall, broad-shouldered man with short, graying hair and a well-trimmed beard. His face bears several scars, a testament to past battles. Wears a reinforced mail hauberk with a dark tabard bearing Blackthorn's sigil. His nickname, "Ironhand," comes from an old injury that left his left hand permanently stiff but still strong enough to grip a shield.
Notable Relationships
- Lord Alaric: His liege, whom he respected deeply, though they did not always see eye to eye.
- Steward Eadric: The two often clash over budgets—Roderic demands more for the guard, while Eadric prioritizes the keep's economy.
- Sergeant-at-Arms: His trusted right-hand man who enforces discipline among the troops.
- Young Squire: A noble boy assigned to his tutelage, whom he begrudgingly trains.
Family members of House D'Armande.
Regent: Lord Osric
Lady Eleanor of House D'Armande (née Blackthorn)
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