Noble house - Revision history

Hailmur at 16:01, 19 February 2025

2025-02-19T16:01:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:01, 19 February 2025
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	The noble members of your house will usually be the characters portrayed by the players in the group - you house may include a few off-screen noble members who never attend events, but it is usually better to avoid assuming that the house includes dozens of nobles who are not played. You can assume that there are a large number of yeofolk who help the house to operate and do not attend events, and for whom the noble house is responsible.		The noble members of your house will usually be the characters portrayed by the players in the group - you house may include a few off-screen noble members who never attend events, but it is usually better to avoid assuming that the house includes dozens of nobles who are not played. You can assume that there are a large number of yeofolk who help the house to operate and do not attend events, and for whom the noble house is responsible.

	Every character is likely to have their own story of how they joined the house, whether they are blood-relatives or fosterlings; newcomers who specifically sought out your house to petition for entry; ennobled yeofolk who won recognition for their glorious deeds; a character from another ~~Nation~~ inspired by the Dawnish way of life to become a noble; a noble from another house who married into the house as the result of a failed Test of Ardour; or some more exotic tale of nobility and glory.		Every character is likely to have their own story of how they joined the house, whether they are blood-relatives or fosterlings; newcomers who specifically sought out your house to petition for entry; ennobled yeofolk who won recognition for their glorious deeds; a character from another nation inspired by the Dawnish way of life to become a noble; a noble from another house who married into the house as the result of a failed Test of Ardour; or some more exotic tale of nobility and glory.

	Some ~~noble~~ characters, especially younger characters, might technically be yeofolk who are currently embarking on their Test of Mettle, or are too young to begin one. These characters enjoy the prestige of being part of the house without having the rights - or responsibilities - of a true noble.		Some characters, especially younger characters, might technically be yeofolk who are currently embarking on their Test of Mettle, or are too young to begin one. These characters enjoy the prestige of being part of the house without having the rights - or responsibilities - of a true noble.

	You'll want to pick a territory for your house to hail from. If you're having trouble choosing, we recommend picking the territory with the fewest active groups in-game. After all, Dawn has never lost territory to the barbarian forces outside the Empire, and you're going to need to make sure it stays that way.		You'll want to pick a territory for your house to hail from. If you're having trouble choosing, we recommend picking the territory with the fewest active groups in-game. After all, Dawn has never lost territory to the barbarian forces outside the Empire, and you're going to need to make sure it stays that way.
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	==Heraldry==		==Heraldry==
	Every noble house in ~~dawn~~ has a device that it uses on flags, banners, shields, surcoats... indeed, practically anywhere it can find a flat surface that will hold some pigment! This device represents your house and should be the focus of much of the pride of the house.		Every noble house in Dawn has a device that it uses on flags, banners, shields, surcoats... indeed, practically anywhere it can find a flat surface that will hold some pigment! This device represents your house and should be the focus of much of the pride of the house.

	When picking your heraldry, it is probably best to go for something simple and striking. Empire does not have the complex rules of heraldry that exist in the real world, so the simplest way to make a device is to pick a symbol in one [[Dawn Look and Feel#Colours\|striking colour]] and put it on a background of a contrasting colour. The most common devices in Dawn are mythical beasts - gryphons, lions, unicorns, dragons, wyverns, winged serpents, chimerae and even fantastical beasts that exist only in the imagination - rather than the more mundane beasts favoured by the rival Marches. Many of these beasts have commonly understood qualities which serve as the basis for [[aspect_magic#Heraldic_Magic\|heraldic magic]]; a Dawnish house will often use a beast that exemplifies one or more of the traits that their members aspire to.		When picking your heraldry, it is probably best to go for something simple and striking. Empire does not have the complex rules of heraldry that exist in the real world, so the simplest way to make a device is to pick a symbol in one [[Dawn Look and Feel#Colours\|striking colour]] and put it on a background of a contrasting colour. The most common devices in Dawn are mythical beasts - gryphons, lions, unicorns, dragons, wyverns, winged serpents, chimerae and even fantastical beasts that exist only in the imagination - rather than the more mundane beasts favoured by the rival Marches. Many of these beasts have commonly understood qualities which serve as the basis for [[aspect_magic#Heraldic_Magic\|heraldic magic]]; a Dawnish house will often use a beast that exemplifies one or more of the traits that their members aspire to.

Matt at 08:54, 22 April 2024

2024-04-22T08:54:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:54, 22 April 2024
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	==Forming a Noble House in Play==		==Forming a Noble House in Play==
	Any noble character can form a new noble house in play if they wish. The most common reasons for this to happen is when an existing house becomes too large, or fractures due to internal divisions and several members want to branch out on their own.		Any noble character can form a new noble house in play if they wish. The most common reasons for this to happen is when an existing house becomes too large, or fractures due to internal divisions and several members want to branch out on their own.

			==Tests of Mettle==
			Everyone who joins a noble house must first pass a Test of Mettle. There is a game design page especially to provide guidance on [[setting a test]] which may also be useful for anyone who is thinking of taking a test.

	==Heraldry==		==Heraldry==

Matt at 13:06, 19 April 2024

2024-04-19T13:06:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:06, 19 April 2024
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	Most noble houses are based around one or more castles, estates or manor houses. They are surrounded by villages and hamlets made up of [[Yeofolk of Dawn\|yeofolk]] who look to the noble house for leadership and, where necessary, protection. The houses employ large numbers of yeofolk as retainers to work their lands, fight for the houses as men-at-arms and serve in specialized roles such as squires or seneschals.		Most noble houses are based around one or more castles, estates or manor houses. They are surrounded by villages and hamlets made up of [[Yeofolk of Dawn\|yeofolk]] who look to the noble house for leadership and, where necessary, protection. The houses employ large numbers of yeofolk as retainers to work their lands, fight for the houses as men-at-arms and serve in specialized roles such as squires or seneschals.

			There are several noble houses made up entirely of nobles with the changeling lineage in Dawn. One of the most famous is [[Dawn groups#House_de_Casillon\|House de Casillon]] of [[Weirwater]] who inhabit [[Weirwater#Spiral_Castle\|Spiral Castle]]. While not everyone who lives at the castle is a changeling, only changelings are allowed to take the Test of Mettle set by the earl of the house.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=DawnishFlags.jpg\|align=right\|width=450\|title= (L to R) Julien de Corvus; Lucan and Kaye de Gauvain; Willam de Gauvain;Earl Ywain de Gauvain\|caption=The nobles of House de Gauvain each have their personal heraldry.}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=DawnishFlags.jpg\|align=right\|width=450\|title= (L to R) Julien de Corvus; Lucan and Kaye de Gauvain; Willam de Gauvain;Earl Ywain de Gauvain\|caption=The nobles of House de Gauvain each have their personal heraldry.}}
	==Creating a Noble House==		==Creating a Noble House==

Dre at 14:11, 16 February 2024

2024-02-16T14:11:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:11, 16 February 2024
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	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Dawn is home to scores of noble houses which represent the best - and occasionally the worst - of what the nation has to offer. These are not traditional, real world historical, noble families - many of the members are not related to one another by blood. While every noble member of the house bears the house's name - it is the shared experience of [[Dawn Culture and Customs#The Test of Mettle\|the Test of Mettle]] that truly unites a house.		Dawn is home to scores of noble houses which represent the best - and occasionally the worst - of what the nation has to offer. These are not traditional, real world historical, noble families - many of the members are not related to one another by blood. While every noble member of the house bears the house's name - it is the shared experience of [[Dawn Culture and Customs#The Test of Mettle\|the Test of Mettle]] that truly unites a house.

	Anyone can challenge a noble house for entry by demanding they set a Test of Mettle. The only members of a noble house are those individuals who have passed the Test of Mettle set by that house. Tests are usually dangerous and difficult and are designed to bring [[glory]] to the individual who succeeds. The members of a noble house are expected to continue to try to achieve glory after they join the house. Their actions reflect on the glory of the house itself.		Anyone can challenge a noble house for entry by demanding they set a Test of Mettle. The only members of a noble house are those individuals who have passed the Test of Mettle set by that house. Tests are usually dangerous and difficult and are designed to bring [[glory]] to the individual who succeeds. The members of a noble house are expected to continue to try to achieve glory after they join the house. Their actions reflect on the glory of the house itself.
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	The cultural practice of [[Dawn Culture and Customs#Fostering and Adoption\|adoption]] is widespread throughout Dawn - noble houses adopt children from other noble families who are raised as one of their own. Children raised as part of a noble house are usually referred to as noble born, they are expected to attempt the Test of Mettle when they come of age and are given the full support of their house to prepare for that task.		The cultural practice of [[Dawn Culture and Customs#Fostering and Adoption\|adoption]] is widespread throughout Dawn - noble houses adopt children from other noble families who are raised as one of their own. Children raised as part of a noble house are usually referred to as noble born, they are expected to attempt the Test of Mettle when they come of age and are given the full support of their house to prepare for that task.

	Most noble houses are based around one or more castles, estates or manor houses. They are surrounded by villages and hamlets made up of [[Yeofolk of Dawn\|yeofolk]] who look to the noble house for leadership and, where necessary, protection. The houses employ large numbers of yeofolk as retainers to work their lands, fight for the houses as men-at-arms and serve in specialized roles such as squires or seneschals.		Most noble houses are based around one or more castles, estates or manor houses. They are surrounded by villages and hamlets made up of [[Yeofolk of Dawn\|yeofolk]] who look to the noble house for leadership and, where necessary, protection. The houses employ large numbers of yeofolk as retainers to work their lands, fight for the houses as men-at-arms and serve in specialized roles such as squires or seneschals.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=DawnishFlags.jpg\|align=right\|width=450\|title= (L to R) Julien de Corvus; Lucan and Kaye de Gauvain; Willam de Gauvain;Earl Ywain de Gauvain\|caption=The nobles of House de Gauvain each have their personal heraldry.}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=DawnishFlags.jpg\|align=right\|width=450\|title= (L to R) Julien de Corvus; Lucan and Kaye de Gauvain; Willam de Gauvain;Earl Ywain de Gauvain\|caption=The nobles of House de Gauvain each have their personal heraldry.}}
	==Creating a Noble House==		==Creating a Noble House==
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	==Heraldry==		==Heraldry==
	Every noble house in dawn has a device that it uses on flags, banners, shields, surcoats ... indeed, practically anywhere it can find a flat surface that will hold some pigment! This device represents your house and should be the focus of much of the pride of the house.		Every noble house in dawn has a device that it uses on flags, banners, shields, surcoats... indeed, practically anywhere it can find a flat surface that will hold some pigment! This device represents your house and should be the focus of much of the pride of the house.

	When picking your heraldry, it is probably best to go for something simple and striking. Empire does not have the complex rules of heraldry that exist in the real world, so the simplest way to make a device is to pick a symbol in one [[Dawn Look and Feel#Colours\|striking colour]] and put it on a background of a contrasting colour. The most common devices in Dawn are mythical beasts - gryphons, lions, unicorns, dragons, wyverns, winged serpents, chimerae and even fantastical beasts that exist only in the imagination - rather than the more mundane beasts favoured by the rival Marches. Many of these beasts have commonly understood qualities which serve as the basis for [[~~Totem_magic~~#Heraldic_Magic\|heraldic magic]]; a Dawnish house will often use a beast that exemplifies one or more of the traits that their members aspire to.		When picking your heraldry, it is probably best to go for something simple and striking. Empire does not have the complex rules of heraldry that exist in the real world, so the simplest way to make a device is to pick a symbol in one [[Dawn Look and Feel#Colours\|striking colour]] and put it on a background of a contrasting colour. The most common devices in Dawn are mythical beasts - gryphons, lions, unicorns, dragons, wyverns, winged serpents, chimerae and even fantastical beasts that exist only in the imagination - rather than the more mundane beasts favoured by the rival Marches. Many of these beasts have commonly understood qualities which serve as the basis for [[aspect_magic#Heraldic_Magic\|heraldic magic]]; a Dawnish house will often use a beast that exemplifies one or more of the traits that their members aspire to.

	It helps to pick your heraldry with an eye to your costume (or vice versa). Arranging for your nobles and yeofolk to wear colours that match their device will create a dramatic impact on the field, and can be done relatively easily through the use of surcoats and cloaks.		It helps to pick your heraldry with an eye to your costume (or vice versa). Arranging for your nobles and yeofolk to wear colours that match their device will create a dramatic impact on the field, and can be done relatively easily through the use of surcoats and cloaks.

Matt at 10:28, 24 July 2022

2022-07-24T10:28:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:28, 24 July 2022
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	~~{{CaptionedImage\|file=Vexille Represent.jpg\|align=left\|width=425\|caption=Noble houses represent the best - and occasionally worst - of what the nation has to offer}}~~
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Dawn is home to scores of noble houses which represent the best - and occasionally the worst - of what the nation has to offer. These are not traditional, real world historical, noble families - many of the members are not related to one another by blood. While every noble member of the house bears the house's name - it is the shared experience of [[Dawn Culture and Customs#The Test of Mettle\|the Test of Mettle]] that truly unites a house.		Dawn is home to scores of noble houses which represent the best - and occasionally the worst - of what the nation has to offer. These are not traditional, real world historical, noble families - many of the members are not related to one another by blood. While every noble member of the house bears the house's name - it is the shared experience of [[Dawn Culture and Customs#The Test of Mettle\|the Test of Mettle]] that truly unites a house.

Cathtice: /* Heraldry */

2022-06-17T13:50:57Z

Heraldry

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:50, 17 June 2022
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	==Heraldry==		==Heraldry==
	Every noble house in dawn has a device that it uses on flags, banners, shields, surcoats ... indeed, ~~piratically~~ anywhere it can find a flat surface that will hold some pigment! This device represents your house and should be the focus of much of the pride of the house.		Every noble house in dawn has a device that it uses on flags, banners, shields, surcoats ... indeed, practically anywhere it can find a flat surface that will hold some pigment! This device represents your house and should be the focus of much of the pride of the house.

	When picking your heraldry, it is probably best to go for something simple and striking. Empire does not have the complex rules of heraldry that exist in the real world, so the simplest way to make a device is to pick a symbol in one [[Dawn Look and Feel#Colours\|striking colour]] and put it on a background of a contrasting colour. The most common devices in Dawn are mythical beasts - gryphons, lions, unicorns, dragons, wyverns, winged serpents, chimerae and even fantastical beasts that exist only in the imagination - rather than the more mundane beasts favoured by the rival Marches. Many of these beasts have commonly understood qualities which serve as the basis for [[Totem_magic#Heraldic_Magic\|heraldic magic]]; a Dawnish house will often use a beast that exemplifies one or more of the traits that their members aspire to.		When picking your heraldry, it is probably best to go for something simple and striking. Empire does not have the complex rules of heraldry that exist in the real world, so the simplest way to make a device is to pick a symbol in one [[Dawn Look and Feel#Colours\|striking colour]] and put it on a background of a contrasting colour. The most common devices in Dawn are mythical beasts - gryphons, lions, unicorns, dragons, wyverns, winged serpents, chimerae and even fantastical beasts that exist only in the imagination - rather than the more mundane beasts favoured by the rival Marches. Many of these beasts have commonly understood qualities which serve as the basis for [[Totem_magic#Heraldic_Magic\|heraldic magic]]; a Dawnish house will often use a beast that exemplifies one or more of the traits that their members aspire to.

Rafferty at 09:13, 10 May 2022

2022-05-10T09:13:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:13, 10 May 2022
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	==Additional Reading==		==Additional Reading==
	A short list of prominent noble houses in Dawn can be found [[~~Prominent noble houses\|here~~]].		A short list of prominent noble houses in Dawn can be found on the [[Dawn groups]] page.

	[[Category:Dawn]]		[[Category:Dawn]]

Cathtice at 17:45, 12 August 2021

2021-08-12T17:45:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:45, 12 August 2021
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	Some of the players in your group might want to play a yeofolk. This isn't a requirement - you can represent the house's yeofolk using personal resources - farms and small military units in particular suggest the presence of yeofolk. Most yeofolk characters take subordinate roles to the nobles, but the traditions of service in the Empire mean that even yeofolk should not be taken for granted. Most larger houses have a [[seneschal]], and although this character is a yeofolk, they can be very politically powerful.		Some of the players in your group might want to play a yeofolk. This isn't a requirement - you can represent the house's yeofolk using personal resources - farms and small military units in particular suggest the presence of yeofolk. Most yeofolk characters take subordinate roles to the nobles, but the traditions of service in the Empire mean that even yeofolk should not be taken for granted. Most larger houses have a [[seneschal]], and although this character is a yeofolk, they can be very politically powerful.

	Most noble houses will have one or more associated [[troubadours]]. These priestly characters help to promote the glorious deeds of the nobles, provide spiritual guidance where it is needed, and may aspire to represent the noble house in the Synod.		Most noble houses will have one or more associated [[troubadour\|troubadours]]. These priestly characters help to promote the glorious deeds of the nobles, provide spiritual guidance where it is needed, and may aspire to represent the noble house in the Synod.

	Noble magicians are usually called witches in Dawn - they are expected to pursue a life of glory and most are skilled at using magic in battle. Yeofolk magicians are called weavers and are usually skilled at ritual magic. Most noble houses include a few witches and you may wish to create a noble house with a tradition of magical prowess, a house of witches led by a powerful enchanter. If you are interested in playing a ritual group in Dawn, then you should also read about the [[Weaver cabal\|weaver cabals]] to see if that interests you more.		Noble magicians are usually called witches in Dawn - they are expected to pursue a life of glory and most are skilled at using magic in battle. Yeofolk magicians are called weavers and are usually skilled at ritual magic. Most noble houses include a few witches and you may wish to create a noble house with a tradition of magical prowess, a house of witches led by a powerful enchanter. If you are interested in playing a ritual group in Dawn, then you should also read about the [[Weaver cabal\|weaver cabals]] to see if that interests you more.

Matt at 12:36, 25 July 2021

2021-07-25T12:36:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:36, 25 July 2021
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	Most noble houses are based around one or more castles, estates or manor houses. They are surrounded by villages and hamlets made up of [[Yeofolk of Dawn\|yeofolk]] who look to the noble house for leadership and, where necessary, protection. The houses employ large numbers of yeofolk as retainers to work their lands, fight for the houses as men-at-arms and serve in specialized roles such as squires or seneschals.		Most noble houses are based around one or more castles, estates or manor houses. They are surrounded by villages and hamlets made up of [[Yeofolk of Dawn\|yeofolk]] who look to the noble house for leadership and, where necessary, protection. The houses employ large numbers of yeofolk as retainers to work their lands, fight for the houses as men-at-arms and serve in specialized roles such as squires or seneschals.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=DawnishFlags.jpg\|align=right\|width=450\|title= (L to R) Julien de Corvus; Lucan and Kaye de Gauvain; Willam de Gauvain;Earl Ywain de Gauvain\|caption=The nobles of House de Gauvain each have their personal heraldry.}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=DawnishFlags.jpg\|align=right\|width=450\|title= (L to R) Julien de Corvus; Lucan and Kaye de Gauvain; Willam de Gauvain;Earl Ywain de Gauvain\|caption=The nobles of House de Gauvain each have their personal heraldry.}}
	==Creating a ~~noble house~~==		==Creating a Noble House==
	The noble house is intended as the simplest way for most groups of players to create a Dawnish group. Dawnish noble houses are in constant pursuit of glory, giving everyone in the house a motivation to get involved.		The noble house is intended as the simplest way for most groups of players to create a Dawnish group. Dawnish noble houses are in constant pursuit of glory, giving everyone in the house a motivation to get involved.

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	You'll want to pick a territory for your house to hail from. If you're having trouble choosing, we recommend picking the territory with the fewest active groups in-game. After all, Dawn has never lost territory to the barbarian forces outside the Empire, and you're going to need to make sure it stays that way.		You'll want to pick a territory for your house to hail from. If you're having trouble choosing, we recommend picking the territory with the fewest active groups in-game. After all, Dawn has never lost territory to the barbarian forces outside the Empire, and you're going to need to make sure it stays that way.

	==Choosing an ~~earl~~==		==Choosing an Earl==
	Each noble house has their own method for selecting their earl, but it is usually a senior member of the family who has already established a glorious reputation. In addition to their formal powers to set tests, the earl is expected to mediate between family members in the case of conflicts. It is rare for an earl to be removed from their position, it is more common for noble houses to split if some of the nobles feel they can no longer accept their earl's authority.		Each noble house has their own method for selecting their earl, but it is usually a senior member of the family who has already established a glorious reputation. In addition to their formal powers to set tests, the earl is expected to mediate between family members in the case of conflicts. It is rare for an earl to be removed from their position, it is more common for noble houses to split if some of the nobles feel they can no longer accept their earl's authority.

Matt: /* Forming a noble house in play */

2021-07-25T12:35:34Z

Forming a noble house in play

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:35, 25 July 2021
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	Noble magicians are usually called witches in Dawn - they are expected to pursue a life of glory and most are skilled at using magic in battle. Yeofolk magicians are called weavers and are usually skilled at ritual magic. Most noble houses include a few witches and you may wish to create a noble house with a tradition of magical prowess, a house of witches led by a powerful enchanter. If you are interested in playing a ritual group in Dawn, then you should also read about the [[Weaver cabal\|weaver cabals]] to see if that interests you more.		Noble magicians are usually called witches in Dawn - they are expected to pursue a life of glory and most are skilled at using magic in battle. Yeofolk magicians are called weavers and are usually skilled at ritual magic. Most noble houses include a few witches and you may wish to create a noble house with a tradition of magical prowess, a house of witches led by a powerful enchanter. If you are interested in playing a ritual group in Dawn, then you should also read about the [[Weaver cabal\|weaver cabals]] to see if that interests you more.

	==Forming a ~~noble house~~ in ~~play~~==		==Forming a Noble House in Play==
	Any noble character can form a new noble house in play if they wish. The most common reasons for this to happen is when an existing house becomes too large, or fractures due to internal divisions and several members want to branch out on their own.		Any noble character can form a new noble house in play if they wish. The most common reasons for this to happen is when an existing house becomes too large, or fractures due to internal divisions and several members want to branch out on their own.