"The Orenics? Fierce folk, loyal and proud. They might hail from Dominion lands, but you'll never find truer defenders of Gorundia. Still, mind yourself—crossing an Orenic is like trying to outrun a storm lynx."
— Sir Sorek Redmarch
House Orenic, Duchy Royonad
House Orenic rules over Duchy Royonad, the newest province to break free from Dominion rule, sparking the Second War of Succession. Duke Vladek Orenic leads from Royograd, a city known for its strong walls, fierce independence, and vibrant markets. Orenics proudly bear Suel heritage, and their coat of arms prominently features the storm lynx—fierce, agile, and ever-watchful.
House Orenic – Ducal Family
Duke Vladek Orenic
A stern but fair leader, Duke Vladek is deeply proud of Royonad's hard-won independence and fiercely loyal to Gorundia. His family has led the duchy since its breakaway from the Dominion, guiding it safely through the turbulent Second War of Succession.
Duchess Irina Orenic (née Moravnya)
Married into the family from House Moravnya, a lesser but proud Suel-descended noble house. Irina is pragmatic, politically astute, and dedicated to the stability and prosperity of the duchy. Her counsel is frequently sought by her husband and is highly respected throughout Royonad.
Heir: Lord Aleksandr Orenic
Eldest son and heir, Aleksandr is 28, charismatic, ambitious, and known for his fiery speeches against Dominion encroachment. Currently unmarried, though betrothal rumors swirl around several prominent houses. He is admired by younger nobles and has fostered deep friendships among Ravenster knights.
Other Children:
Lady Natalya Orenic (25)
Quietly brilliant and politically adept. Natalya recently married Baron Radomir Dravanik, heir of a minor Suel-descended house loyal to Royonad. Known for her intelligence and grace, Natalya represents Royonad diplomatically at court functions in
Bard's Gate.
Lord Dmitri Orenic (21)
Currently a squire in Ravenster under Baron Kelric Vorthal, Dmitri is admired for his bravery and chivalric demeanor. He is deeply religious, devoutly following Heironeous, and widely respected among the paladins of Ravenster. He seeks knighthood above
Titles and often states, "I'd rather earn steel than inherit gold."
Lady Sofiya Orenic (17)
Youngest and most spirited, Sofiya has shown surprising talent as a mage. She studies discreetly under
Count Vorias Serrin of Araisal, though she often returns home with fanciful tales of his eccentricities. She is headstrong, adventurous, and fiercely loyal to her siblings.
Notable Family Quote
"We Orenics have courage and honor, yes, but it's our stubborn streak that defines us—like a storm lynx deciding whether you're prey or playmate."
— Duchess Kylesstra Ravenster
Counties of Royonad
County Mallov (House Orenic)
- Count Morkenar Orenic
- Countess Lydena Orenic (née Ryomar)
- County Seat: Mallovia
Heir & Succession
- Lord Myrend Orenic: Eldest son of Count Morkenar and Countess Lydena, known for his disciplined bearing and martial prowess. Married to Lady Imanie Orenic (née Vasselya), a graceful and insightful noblewoman from a minor Suel-descended house known for poetry and art.
- Hewellet Orenic: Myrend and Imanie's young son, now officially recognized in the line of royal succession through his grandmother Lydena’s royal Ryomar lineage. Courtiers watch closely as this places House Orenic firmly in the orbit of Gorundia's royal politics.
Baronies of Mallov
- Barony Zalvod: Baron Radoslav Drakovic & Baroness Ivana Drakovic (Zalvod Keep)
- Barony Vorochev: Baron Stanislav Vorokov & Baroness Mila Vorokov (Vorochev Hall)
Quote from Court
"Young Hewellet is a child, true—but already the chess pieces stir at his name. Mark my words, House Orenic will weave him into history soon enough."
— Duke Eldric Allaric
- Barony Zalvod: Ruled by Baron Radoslav Drakovic and Baroness Ivana Drakovic from Zalvod Keep. Known for iron mines and skilled blacksmiths producing renowned weaponry.
- Heir: Lady Svetlana Drakovic (married to Lord Vasko Chernik)
Barony Vorochev: Ruled by Baron Stanislav Vorokov and Baroness Mila Vorokov from Vorochev Hall, famed for cavalry bred from Dominion and Gorundian stock, swift and agile.
- Heir: Ser Lev Vorokov (unmarried)
"Mallov’s warriors march with conviction, and their horses run like wind incarnate. They're soldiers, every last one."
— Count Tarleon Vinthel
County Velnyar (House Allarson)
Lady Nienor Allarson sits as regent from Velnyshev, noted for cultural blending, rich agriculture, and subtle espionage.
- Heir:Lady Tatyana Allarson (married to Ser Ivan Stanikov)
- Barony Kryvanya: Ruled by Baron Boris Kryvanov and Baroness Katarina Kryvanov from Kryvan Fort, known for producing expert scouts and rangers.
- Heir: Ser Pavel Kryvanov (married to Lady Natalya Markova)
- Barony Drosnik: Ruled by Baron Dragomir Vasilov and Baroness Anya Vasilov from Drosnik Tower, famed for deep forests supplying prized timber and rare herbs.
- Heir: None (childless, devoted to scholarly pursuits)
"Velnyar's strength lies not only in blades but whispers. Countess Nienor hears everything—and forgets nothing."
— Baron Gralen Vorst
Culture and Traditions
Descended from proud Suel bloodlines, House Orenic retains strong Dominion traditions blended with Gorundian resilience. Their famous beverages, Domovari Black Kvass and Shedovka vodka, reflect this vibrant heritage. Winter gatherings often feature these drinks, warming hearts and spirits alike.
"If you haven’t tasted Shedovka, you haven't truly faced your fears."
— Baroness Ivana Drakovic
Political and Religious Landscape
House Orenic passionately supports Gorundia's independence, harboring a deep-seated hatred for Hextor worship prevalent in the Dominion. Though not as devout as House Ravenster, their commitment to gods of justice and freedom, particularly Heironeous, resonates deeply.
- House Vogel: Mutual suspicion marked by pragmatic diplomacy. Neither fully trusts the other, though they occasionally align interests against external threats.
- House Ravenster: Strong familial and political ties, bolstered by Duchess Kylesstra’s Orenic origins and shared values of independence and justice.
- House Allaric: Neutral relations; respectful but cautious interaction, largely due to differing cultural norms and strategic priorities.
"Orenics hold freedom sacred, and they've paid dearly for it. Ignore their counsel at your peril."
— Duke Eldric Allaric
Noteworthy Figures
- Lord Jaromir Kresnov: Celebrated paladin of Heironeous, known for his valor and leadership during the Second War of Succession.
- Lady Valeriya Orlenka: Prominent cleric and healer, beloved for her kindness and fierce opposition to Dominion oppression.
- Lord Andrei Stanislavich: Acclaimed bard and chronicler, whose stirring songs and histories preserve Orenic pride and legacy.
- Ser Pyotr Larinov: Renowned knight and duelist, famous for defeating Dominion champions in honorable combat.
"Royonad's heroes live not just in memory but in song. It's impossible to leave Royograd without humming at least one ballad."
— Lady Aylaen Mistwood
House Orenic stands as a fierce guardian of Gorundian independence, honoring their Dominion roots but unwaveringly committed to freedom and justice, exemplifying resilience and courage.
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