House Nightgard
House Nightgard is a viceroy house in Anduril. Though they own no lands and would by all accounts be considered lesser nobility, they hold a special position within Anduril due to their vassal status to House Vasari, the ruling noble house. The Nightgards are famous for two things above all else: their undying loyalty to their liege and their world-renowned swordsmanship style. The head of House Nightgard has, for generations, occupied the position of Commander of the King's Guard, as well as being the Right Hand of the King, also known as the King's Blade.
The current head of House Nightgard is Fiona Nightgard, Slayer of Dragons, Belle of the East. The position formerly belonged to her elder brother, Alessandros Nightgard, however after the tulmutuous seven-month period following his ascension to leadership, Alessandros was removed from command and Fiona became the head of house. Little is known about the incident, except that Alessandros was frequently absent and that his deposal was initiated by the very sister that replaced him. At the time, many rumors circulated that the Red Masks were involved. Fiona is to be succeeded by her adoptive son, Silas Fafnir, should she fall in battle or otherwise be unable to carry out her duties.
House Nightgard is notorious for disregarding 'bloody purity' and frequently naming successors or adopting members from among the populace. As such, it is one of the few noble houses of Anduril that counts a significant number of non-human members among their ranks.
Public Agenda
House Nightgard is the King's Right Hand, and as such handles day-to-day military and defense affairs, as well as advising the King during war times. They hold key positions in Anduril's Army and many serve within the ranks of the King's Guard. Members of the house are appointed as bodyguards to the Royal Family, with the leader of house being the King's personal protector. Warriors to their core, members of House Nightgard are dispatched when matters need to be dealt with using force.
Assets
House Nightgard commands the King's Guard, with many of the house's members comprising the ranks of the Guard. As such, House Nightgard commands the loyalty and respect of the King's Guard, as well as having great influence with the Anduril Military. The house has no land, however owns several houses and barracks within Anduril territory, as well as being tasked with the upkeep of Estenheim Fortress, the Crimson Fortress, and the Lamarre Froniter.
History
The history of House Nightgard stems all the way from Anduril Vasari and his rag-tag band of ruffians on a mission to reclaim what would eventually become the Kingdom of Anduril. Anabelle Nightgard was a retainer sent by Belledance to watch over Anduril and 'protect their investment'. She was a smart woman, a brilliant military tactician, however unskilled at The Masquerade and unwilling to engage in the political machinations and manipulations that her peers were so fond of. As a result, Anabelle found it difficult to climb the ranks back in her homeland and her mission to assist in reclaiming the Stolen Lands was little more than an attempt to get her out of the way. Her true task was to stick close to Anduril and ensure that, if he succeeded in his endeavor, the land would be properly returned to Belledance. If she succeeded, her superiors would receive praise and glory. If she failed and perished, her adveraries in the court would benefit from her absence.
The relationship between Anabelle and Anduril started off strained, leading to several clashes, including a number of armed confrontations. However, over the course of the reclamation effort, the two grew to mutually respect each-other's ability. When time came for Anabelle to carry out her mission, she refused, instead swearing fealty to Anduril in a turn of events that neither Belledance nor Anduril himself expected. Despite the initial shock, Anduril recognized Anabelle's skill and trustworthiness, making her his right hand and giving her the title of King's Blade.
Initially, House Nightgard was only Anabelle. She had no intention of marrying or establishing a noble house. However, as the kingdom developed and her own sword could no longer reach everywhere at once, Anabelle found it necessary to rely on others to fully protect her liege. Thus she recruited and trained a handful of the most promising recruits. These would later form the King's Guard, as well as becoming the first members of House Nightgard, under Anabelle herself. When her hand grew too weak to hold her blade, the King's Sword nominated one of them as her successor.
Eventually, the duties of House Nightgard expanded beyond simply protecting the Royal Family. They became key figures in the Anduril Military, though their key members continue to remain by the side of the King's family and as members of the King's Guard.
"Strike at the hearts of the Kingdom's enemies"
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Vassal
House Nightgard has served House Vasari as loyal vassals and leaders of the King's Guard since the formation of Anduril. House Nightgard takes orders only from the King and consider it their life-sword duty to protect the Royal Family.
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