The Thornwell Family
Structure
The Thornwell Family operates under a structure that closely resembles a wolf pack, with clear hierarchies and roles for each member based on their skills and experience in dealing with animals. At the top is the "Beastwarden," the head of the family, who serves as the ultimate authority and decision-maker. The Beastwarden is chosen not by birthright but through a rigorous series of trials known as the "Savage Rite," where potential leaders must demonstrate their mastery over animals, physical prowess, and leadership skills.
Directly beneath the Beastwarden is the "Circle of Fangs," an elite council of the family's most skilled animal handlers, tamers, and warriors. Each member of the Circle oversees a specific aspect of the family's operations, such as training mounts for warfare, breeding exotic creatures, or overseeing the family's hunting grounds. These positions are earned through years of dedication and achievement, and those who serve on the Circle of Fangs are among the most respected members of the family.
The rest of the family is divided into smaller groups known as "packs," each led by a seasoned animal handler who acts as a mentor and guide. These packs are responsible for various tasks, from tending to the family's vast menagerie of animals to patrolling the family's lands and training the next generation of beastmasters. Every family member is expected to contribute, and even the youngest children are given tasks that help them learn about the animals they will one day care for and command.
Culture
The Thornwell Family holds a deep respect and reverence for animals, believing that humans and beasts are meant to live in harmony, with each learning from the other. This belief shapes every aspect of their culture, and from a young age, Thornwell children are taught to respect, understand, and communicate with the creatures around them. It's common for a Thornwell child to be bonded with an animal companion as soon as they can walk, fostering a lifelong connection that serves as the foundation for the family’s way of life.
The Thornwells believe that strength comes from unity, not just among themselves but also with the creatures they command. This philosophy extends to their everyday lives, where cooperation and teamwork are emphasized over individual achievement. Family members often work together on tasks, whether it's training a particularly stubborn beast or embarking on a hunt, and they share the rewards of their labor equally.
Despite their disciplined structure, the Thornwells are known for their love of celebration and storytelling, often gathering around massive bonfires to share tales of great hunts, daring rescues, and close encounters with dangerous creatures. These gatherings serve to strengthen the bonds between family members and to pass down knowledge from one generation to the next.
The Thornwells maintain a tradition known as the "Moonbound Hunt," an annual event where family members venture into the wilds with their animal companions to test their skills, courage, and loyalty. It is seen as a rite of passage, and those who return successfully are granted great respect within the family. This tradition reinforces the family's belief in the importance of understanding and mastering the wild world around them.
Public Agenda
Publicly, the Thornwell Family presents themselves as guardians of the natural world, advocating for the protection and preservation of wildlife. They are known to be staunch defenders of animal rights and have often clashed with those who exploit creatures for profit or sport. The Thornwells believe that animals have as much right to exist as humans and that both can coexist in harmony. This stance has made them popular among conservationists and druids but has also earned them enemies among those who view animals as mere resources.
The family frequently offers their expertise to local lords and merchants, training war mounts, guard beasts, and hunting companions. They are often called upon to help with matters of pest control, dangerous creatures encroaching on human settlements, or taming wild lands for expansion. In this way, the Thornwells have built a reputation as invaluable allies when it comes to matters involving the natural world.
The Thornwells also seek to foster respect and understanding of animals among the general population. They host regular exhibitions and tournaments, where people can witness firsthand the bond between family members and their animal companions. These events are intended to educate and inspire, demonstrating the strength, beauty, and intelligence of creatures that many might otherwise fear or dismiss.
Behind the scenes, the Thornwell Family works tirelessly to maintain balance in the ecosystems of the lands they oversee. They monitor the populations of various species, ensure that hunting is done sustainably, and protect endangered creatures. They are willing to take drastic action if they believe a species is being threatened, and they have even been known to sabotage poachers and illegal hunters who encroach on their territory.
Assets
The Thornwell Family’s most valuable assets are their vast menageries and breeding grounds, where they raise and train a wide variety of animals, from horses and hounds to more exotic and dangerous creatures like griffins, dire wolves, and even the occasional wyvern. These creatures are trained for a variety of purposes, including warfare, hunting, and companionship, and they are highly sought after by nobles, adventurers, and armies alike.
The family also controls extensive tracts of land, much of which has been carefully maintained as natural reserves. These lands serve as hunting grounds, training areas, and habitats for the many creatures the Thornwells care for. The family takes great pride in these reserves and invests significant resources in maintaining them, ensuring that the flora and fauna within them thrive.
The Thornwell estate itself, known as "The Wildhold," is a sprawling complex that serves as a sanctuary for animals and a training ground for family members. It features extensive stables, aviaries, kennels, and even magical enclosures that can house more dangerous or temperamental beasts. The Wildhold is not just a home but a testament to the family's dedication to their craft, and it stands as a symbol of their bond with the natural world.
History
The Thornwell Family traces its origins back to a legendary beastmaster named Roderic Thornwell, who lived over 500 years ago. Roderic was known for his ability to communicate with and tame even the most fearsome of creatures, and his exploits became the stuff of legend. It is said that he once rode a thunderous roc into battle, and that he could calm a raging manticore with a single word. Inspired by his love of animals and his belief in the potential of humans to connect with them, Roderic founded the Thornwell Family, dedicating his life to passing on his knowledge.
In the early years, the family struggled to establish itself. Many viewed their methods as strange, and their insistence on treating animals with respect was often mocked. However, their fortunes changed during the "War of Broken Banners," a brutal conflict that engulfed the region. During this time, the Thornwells proved their worth by providing war mounts and combat-trained beasts that turned the tide of many battles, earning them the respect and gratitude of the warring factions.
As the Thornwell Family's reputation grew, so did their influence. They were granted lands and titles, allowing them to establish the Wildhold and expand their breeding and training operations. Over the centuries, they continued to refine their techniques, developing new methods for training and bonding with animals. They formed alliances with druidic circles and magical academies, further cementing their role as experts in the field of animal husbandry and training.
However, the Thornwells have faced their share of challenges. During the "Great Famine," many of their animals perished, and they were forced to make difficult choices to survive. Despite this, they emerged stronger, using the experience to develop new methods for feeding and caring for their animals even in the harshest conditions. This resilience only served to enhance their reputation.
Today, the Thornwell Family stands as one of the foremost authorities on animal training and handling in the realm. Their history is one of triumph over adversity, and they are known for their dedication, strength, and unbreakable bond with the creatures they hold dear.
Bound by Nature, United by Strength.
Controlled Territories
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