House Ryswell
House Ryswell is a major noble family in Faloriand. Their origins predate written records, and their ascension to Bannerlord status occurred just before the rise of the Allesend Empire, during a time of strife in Faloriand. They overthrew the previous Bannerlord, claiming dominion over several neighboring Houses in the region near Lake Niverash.
Public Agenda
The previous leader of the House, Lord Bradyn Ryswell, sought for years to settle disputes amongst his vassals and establish stability in the region. He also attempted to maintain a truce with the neighboring House Caern, to varying success. After his death, his son Cedrick has taken control of the House.
Assets
House Ryswell has modest wealth. The region features rich farming and grazing lands, the nearby forests offer strong oak and birch, and the lake offers ample fishing. There is little else in the way of natural resources.
Ryswell is mostly known for its horse breeding. Descended from Imperial stock, Ryswell horses are among the best horses in Faloriand.
Howlester is the seat of power for the fiefdom, located about a mile from the shores of the lake. Six minor Houses serve as banners to Ryswell.
History
In the decades leading to the rise of the Allesend Empire, Faloriand experienced a period of disorder. House Ryswell was originally banner to House Payge, who owned all of the land on the Faloriand side of Lake Niverash. Many of Payge's vassals were wary of the House's impending collapase due to ineffective leadership. In 60 BE, House Ryswell became the rallying point for these vassals, and was the first to declare its intentions to rule. When they did, the other Houses swore fealty. House Payge was destroyed, and Ryswell established themselves as the new lords of the fiefdom.
During the early rule of the Empire, the Houses of Faloriand resisted Imperial rule. As punishment, crops were burned, livestock was slaughtered, and many nobles were taken captive. House Ryswell suffered far less than the other Houses to the south. Its proximity to Hiladhel, combined with its rich sources of fishing, meant that Ryswell could sustain itself and its vassals without issue until Imperial rule was firmly established.
In 115 AE, House Ryswell answered the call of God-Emperor Alles-Taluus to defend Hiladhel's shores from an invading Morstalian force. As compensation for their bravery on the battlefield, they were granted their choice of Imperial horses. The descendents of these are considered as some of the best horses in Allethra.
They adopted worship of the Unseen God like the rest of the Faloriand, though only nominally. Like many of the other northern Houses, they simply added the Unseen God to their worship of their old gods.
When Faloriand seceeded from the Empire, Ryswell served valiantly on the eastern borders during the Independence War, helping to drive back and contain the Empire.
When Hiladhel declared their independence in 412 AE, House Ryswell participated in one of the few battles of the conflict. The head of the House, Lord Collyn, was wounded in battle. He never fully recovered from his wounds, and died in 429 AE.
His son Bradyn ruled until his murder in the year 457 AE.
After than, it was believed that Cedrick had assumed lordship, but in actuality, Bradyn's son had been replaced by a shapeshifting fiend. When this was discovered, the fiend was slain. Bradyn's bastard daughter Gery was legitimized and assumed command of the House.
Our fire burns bright.
Founding Date
200 BE
Type
Family
Family Leader
Parent Organization
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Notable Members