House Ashmore
House Ashmore is a noble family renowned for their unwavering sense of duty and honor, serving as the guardians of the Cinder Mountains at the eastern border of the Hedge. Originating from an ancient hero who defended their land from invaders, they have maintained a legacy of martial prowess and vigilance for generations. Ruling from their fortress, Redfall, a dwarven-built castle carved into a cliff by the waterfall that feeds the Pryce-Mercer River, they control vital mineral resources and oversee the river's headwaters, giving them strategic influence over the region. Despite not being as wealthy as other noble houses, House Ashmore is deeply respected for their dedication to protecting their lands and upholding their ancient traditions. They stand as a testament to the enduring strength and honor that define the Hedgian people, embodying the role of steadfast protectors of their realm.
Culture
House Ashmore has a culture defined by duty, honor, and a deep sense of responsibility, reflecting their long-standing role as guardians of the Cinder Mountains, which serve as the natural eastern border of the Hedge. Members of the house are raised to prioritize the defense of their lands above all else, valuing martial prowess, discipline, and loyalty to their family and the empire. They are known for their stoicism and seriousness, often displaying little tolerance for frivolity, as they believe that maintaining vigilance and strength is paramount to fulfilling their duty. House Ashmore also holds great respect for the old ways, practicing ancient Hedgian burial rites and honoring the spirits of the mountains, believing that their ancestors watch over them in their eternal task. While they worship the Triad, there are elements of older, nature-based beliefs woven into their practices, giving House Ashmore a sense of timelessness and a connection to the land they have defended for countless generations.
Assets
House Ashmore controls several valuable assets, the most significant being their castle, Redfall, a formidable dwarven-built fortress carved directly into a cliffside next to the Redfall waterfall, which serves as the source of the Pryce-Mercer River. This ancient castle is not only an architectural marvel but also serves as an incredibly defensible stronghold, allowing House Ashmore to monitor and control access to the eastern approach to the Hedge. The lands surrounding Redfall are rich with mineral deposits, providing them with a steady supply of iron and other metals, which they use to craft high-quality weapons and armor, both for their own use and for trade. They also control the headwaters of the Pryce-Mercer River, allowing them to regulate the flow of water to the fertile lands downstream, giving them considerable influence over neighboring houses. While not as wealthy as some of their counterparts, their strategic position, mastery of the mountains, and the natural resources at their disposal make House Ashmore an indispensable and respected guardian of the region.
History
House Ashmore traces its origins back to an ancient hero who, according to legend, single-handedly defended the Cinder Mountains from a foreign invader who attempted to cross with an army of war elephants. After slaying the elephants and scattering the enemy forces, this hero burned the bodies in the mountain passes, leaving behind a trail of ash that earned him the name Ashmore and inspired the founding of the house. In gratitude for his bravery, the early kings of the region granted the family dominion over the mountains, entrusting them with the duty of defending the Hedge's eastern border. Over the centuries, House Ashmore became renowned for their unyielding vigilance and martial skill, expanding their fortress at Redfall into an impregnable stronghold and solidifying their reputation as guardians of the realm. When the Stormclaw Empire conquered the Hedge, House Ashmore chose to bend the knee, recognizing the futility of resistance, and were allowed to retain their lands and titles in exchange for their loyalty. Despite the changing tides of power, they have remained steadfast in their role as protectors, upholding their ancient duty with unwavering honor and proving themselves as an enduring pillar of strength in the empire.
"To the last man"
Type
Geopolitical, Great house
Ruling Organization
Leader Title
Family Leader
Location
Related Species
Related Ethnicities
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