House Von Urkseld
The Von Urkseld Family
The Von Urkseld family has long stood as the vanguard of the realm, a noble house of warriors and protectors whose unwavering loyalty to the crown is legendary. Their Ursine banners, emblazoned with the golden bear rampant on a field of deep forest green, strike fear into enemies and inspire hope among allies. Unlike many noble houses, who rule from gilded halls, the Von Urkselds have earned their status not through political maneuvering but through sacrifice, battle, and an unbreakable commitment to noblesse oblige—the belief that nobility exists to serve, not to be served.
Count Bryndorr Von Urkseld
(Ursine Wildfolk, Knight of the Realm) A stoic yet loving warrior, Lord Bryndorr is the embodiment of honor. Respected not only for his strategic mind and battlefield prowess but also for his unyielding moral compass, he is a living legend in the kingdom.
Countess Seraphine Von Urkseld
(Human, Rogue, Diplomatic Trickster) A whirlwind of wit and charm, Lady Seraphine is a renowned rogue, known for eschewing noble protocol without offending. A practical joker, she finds delight in doting on her children and teasing her husband. Despite her playful nature, she possesses an uncanny ability to read people and has turned many potential enemies into allies.
Lady Elise Von Urkseld
(Envoy, Diplomatic Prodigy) The epitome of grace and refinement, Elise is beloved by the court. A brilliant envoy, she is a natural peacemaker and negotiator, wielding words with the same precision her father wields a blade.
Lady Lirien Von Urkseld
(Mage, The Quiet Scholar) Shy and eccentric, Lirien is a prodigy in the arcane arts. Often found immersed in dusty tomes, she is the youngest and most protected of the family, often shielded by Orren's watchful eye.
Lord Aldric Von Urkseld
(Envoy, Economic Genius) The second youngest, Aldric lacks the warrior's spirit but possesses a brilliant mind for economics. Though he studies trade and politics, he has the Von Urkseld sense of duty and seeks to secure the realm's prosperity through strategy rather than steel.
The Legacy of House Von Urkseld
For generations, House Von Urkseld has stood as the kingdom's unwavering shield, a noble family of warriors bound by duty rather than privilege. Unlike the great lords who build power through courtly schemes, the Von Urkselds forged their name on the battlefield, earning respect through sacrifice, honor, and an unbreakable vow to protect the realm. Their banner, a golden bear rampant on a field of black, is a symbol of both fear and hope, a warning to the kingdom's enemies and a promise to its people.
Though loyal to the crown, the Von Urkselds have long served as treasured vassals of House Drakemont, the Guardians of the Eastern Marches. Stationed at the kingdom's rugged frontier, they are the stalwart defenders against raiders, warbands, and the wild forces that threaten the realm's borders. The bond between the two houses is one of mutual respect, bound by blood, battle, and an unshaken oath of fealty.
Foundations of Honor
The origins of House Von Urkseld stretch back to an age of war and turmoil, when the kingdom teetered on the edge of ruin. It was then that the first of their line, Garrek the Unyielding, took up arms not for power, but for the preservation of the realm. The family's creed, that nobility exists to serve, not to be served, has remained unchanged since that fateful time, shaping their every action.
Where others built castles of stone, the Von Urkselds built legacies of valor. Their knights fought in every great war, their swords unbroken in the defense of their liege lords, the Drakemonts, and the kingdom itself. Though they hold lands and titles, they have never abandoned their martial roots, and every heir of the house is expected to take up arms in the kingdom's service.
The Gilded Rebellion: A Test of Loyalty
Their unwavering devotion was tested during the Gilded Rebellion, when powerful houses turned against the crown, seeking dominion for themselves. While others wavered, the Von Urkselds remained steadfast, standing as the last line of defense between the king and ruin. Alongside their Drakemont overlords, they held the line, ensuring that no rebel force could claim the kingdom.
The Bear Stands Unshaken
Despite the trials of politics, betrayal, and war, the Von Urkseld family endures. Their legacy is not written in ink and parchment but in steel and sacrifice. The golden bear of Von Urkseld and the red dragon of Drakemont rise together over the Eastern Marches, a testament to the unbreakable bond between vassal and lord, knight and king.
For they are Von Urkseld. They are the bear. And they will stand unshaken.
The Von Urkseld Sigil: A Symbol of Honor and Strength
Emblazoned with a majestic golden bear facing forward on a field of black, the Von Urkseld sigil represents courage, loyalty, and protection. It signifies the noble house's commitment to defending their realm with unwavering valor.
Family Motto
Von Urkseld Creed
"We stand Unshaken"
The Von Urkseld Family and Retainers
The Von Urkseld Family
Count Bryndorr Von Urkseld: The Unshaken Sentinel
Countess Seraphine Von Urkseld: The Silver-Tongued Shadow
The Von Urkseld Heirs
Lord Orren Von Urkseld: The Cub of Baelgorod
Lady Elise Von Urkseld: The Silver Tongue of Baelgorod
Lord Aldric Von Urkseld: The Chaos of Baelgorod
Lady Lirien Von Urkseld: The Quiet Flame of Baelgorod
The Von Urkseld Staff and Retainers
Military & Personal Guard
Captain of the Ursine Guard – Ser Edwyn Blackholt
(Human, Male, Mid-40s)
- A grizzled, battle-hardened veteran, Ser Edwyn rose from a common soldier to the leader of Baelgorod’s elite guard.
- Tall, stern, and unshakable in his duty, he has served House Von Urkseld since before Orren was born.
- Has trained Orren since childhood, molding him into a leader and warrior. Privately admires the boy's determination.
- Absolutely does not approve of Aldric, but begrudgingly respects the boy’s ability to slip past guards unnoticed.
Men-at-Arms of the Ursine Guard
(A Personal Warband of the Count)
- Sir Torwyn Krenn (Dwarf, Male, Early 60s) – Gruff but dependable veteran, an enforcer and drillmaster of the Guard. Wields a warhammer and doesn’t believe in wasted words.
- Seraphis "Redfox" Vaelthorne (Human, Female, Late 20s) – Sharp-eyed archer, quick-witted and charming, former mercenary with a knack for tracking.
- Orlen Sunshadow (Elf, Male, Early 100s) – Silent, calculating, deadly with a blade, once fought in the wars of Eldoria before swearing himself to House Von Urkseld.
- Garin Bramblefoot (Halfling, Male, Mid-30s) – Fast-talking, dagger-wielding rogue, small but impossible to ignore, usually assigned to guarding the younger Von Urkselds.
- Hulda Stormpelt (Wildfolk, Female, Late 30s) – Towering, lion-like wildfolk with a powerful battleaxe, has a deep, maternal affection for the younger members of the family.
- Elinora "Nell" Oathrest (Human, Female, Early 40s) – A knight trained in sword and lance, carries herself with quiet dignity and refuses to suffer fools.
The Castle Staff & Household
Seneschal – Lord Gustave Eldwin
(Human, Male, Late 50s)
- The tireless master of logistics, law, and estate affairs, responsible for managing finances, taxation, and keep operations.
- Highly respected but humorless, does not approve of Aldric's antics but secretly funds some of them ("If the boy must gamble, at least let him learn to do it properly").
- Keeps meticulous records of debts and trade agreements and never forgets a slight.
- Despite his rigid personality, he is deeply loyal to the family and considers Baelgorod his life's work.
Mistress of Chambers – Lady Brienne "Bree" Hearthwain
(Human, Female, Early 50s)
- Oversees the inner workings of the keep, from servant duties to noble accommodations.
- Soft-spoken but unwavering, keeps the noble children in line with a mere look.
- Her sharp intuition means no gossip escapes her, and she likely knows more about House Von Urkseld than the Count himself.
- Greatly respects Countess Seraphine but is one of the few who can scold her and get away with it.
Maids & Assistants to the Mistress of Chambers
(All Young Women, Ages 18-24)
- Tessa Fairbrook (Human, Female, 19) – Eager, efficient, and a bit clumsy but endlessly determined to prove herself.
- Anwen Starcrest (Elf, Female, Early 50s – Appears 20) – Serious and meticulous, known for catching mistakes before they happen.
- Bryna "Bry" Goldvale (Human, Female, 22) – Has a quick wit and a sharp tongue, often sparring verbally with Aldric.
- Mina Underbough (Halfling, Female, 18) – Lively, enjoys singing while working, and makes the best tea in the castle.
Ladies-in-Waiting
(For Countess Seraphine & Lady Elise)
- Lady Ysella Ravenshade (Elf, Female, Mid-100s) – Elegant, poised, deeply loyal, and an excellent musician. Has guided Seraphine in courtly affairs for years.
- Rosalind "Rose" Fairbrook (Human, Female, Late 20s) – Fiercely intelligent, enjoys political intrigue, and sometimes flirts with danger.
- Mira Larksong (Gnome, Female, Mid-40s) – Witty, playful, and exceptionally good at sneaking pastries out of the kitchens. Has an unusual friendship with Aldric.
Cook & Kitchen Staff
Master Chef Henri "The Roaring Boar" Lefaux
(Human, Male, Late 40s)
- Loud, passionate, and absolutely terrifying in his kitchen, but produces the finest meals in Baelgorod.
- Calls Count Bryndorr ‘Bear’ and Countess Seraphine ‘Little Fox,’ much to their exasperation.
- Has caught Aldric stealing from the larder multiple times—instead of scolding him, he gives him food in exchange for ridiculous stories.
Kitchen Staff:
- Greta Emberroot (Dwarf, Female, Mid-50s) – Baker with hands like stone and a voice like thunder.
- Eddrick Milthorne (Human, Male, Late 30s) – Expert butcher, secretly the best dice player in the keep.
- Sari Nettlefoot (Halfling, Female, Early 20s) – Cheerful, sings while cooking, and takes bets on Aldric’s next misadventure.
Groundskeeper – Tom Windmere “Old Tom”
(Wildfolk, Male, Unknown Age)
- A quiet, enigmatic man who tends the castle grounds, gardens, and orchards.
- Speaks little but knows everything that happens outdoors.
- Only listens to Lirien, who he calls ‘Little Owl.’
Head Groom & Stable hands
Master of the Stables – Wulfric "Wolf" Thorne
(Human, Male, Early 40s)
- Once a knight, now a master of warhorses, he is a patient but firm trainer of both beasts and riders.
- Knows Orren’s steed better than Orren does.
- Hates Aldric’s habit of riding the wrong horses on a dare.
Stable hands:
- Gilda Oatmane (Elf, Female, Appears 22, Actual Age 60s) – Expert in calming even the wildest mounts.
- Ralph "Red" Burnley (Human, Male, Late 20s) – Big, strong, and not the brightest, but fiercely loyal.
Castle Chaplain – Sister Ilva, Priestess of Vareth
(Human, Female, Mid-40s)
- A devoted priestess of Vareth, the Oathforged, she serves as spiritual advisor to the household.
- Trained in battlefield blessings and last rites, she understands the weight of duty and sacrifice.
- Offers counsel to the warriors of the Ursine Guard and ensures their oaths are honored.
- Strict, but not unkind—has a surprising sense of humor when caught off guard.
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