Dawn groups

Latest revision as of 17:34, 10 November 2024

Overview

There are many important noble houses, knightly orders, and weaver cabals in Dawn. Despite the number, only a comparative handful are involved in the affairs of the Empire (that is, attend the seasonal summits at Anvil). Their influence can wax and wane, and involvement in Imperial affairs is not always a reflection of their prominence within the nation itself. This page presents in-character information about the groups that attend, or have attended, Anvil — the kind of thing that someone who asked about them might uncover from talking to their peers. In each case, the information is provided by the players and edited before being put on the wiki.

The majority of groups listed here are made up of player-characters. You should not create a character who is part of a group, or has personal history with one, without first clearing it with the appropriate players. You should also check before including other players' groups in your background. The background team are unlikely to approve a background that significantly impacts or involves another player character group without their permission. There are also a handful of prominent NPC groups included for completeness, but they are not intended for use by player characters.

Noble Houses

The noble houses of Dawn represent the best - and occasionally the worst - of what the nation has to offer.

Houses of Astolat

House Asterion

Location: Winterbourne, east of Boar's Hollow
Heraldry: A magpie reaching out to pluck a star from the sky on a field of blue and white
Colours: Black, royal blue and white - with gold accents
Earl: Vacant

“From Dust, Become Stars.” A young house, Asterion was founded in 383YE by Enchanter Kyriel Asterion - after having left their previous house Montrose behind following the disastrous actions of their father Earl Tomme Montrose. It was to be a house capable of recognising any individual capable of glorious deeds, no matter their story, and to allow those who had been abandoned elsewhere to follow their ambition and belong to a true family. It takes in those who are alone, cast off, abandoned or lost, and gives them a chance to rise above the hand that has been dealt to them.

The house has drawn many who practise magic; its heart known as Brambling Keep built upon mountain foothills deep in the woods near Boar’s Hollow, where mana crystals are abundantly found in natural hot spring caverns in the mountainside. It was founded to be a place of refuge, where the snow dusted pines soften the noise of the world and a soul might find reflection and tranquillity if they so desire it. Whole of heart and soul, one might chase virtue and glory with even greater dedication.

Since the death of Enchanter Kyriel in 384YE, the house is without any present nobles, so is maintained by its yeofolk and knights-errant.

House Brightstone

Location: Withy, on the River of Sighs
Heraldry: A mermaid holding aloft a white gemstone, on a field of golden yellow and teal blue
Colours: predominantly golden yellow and teal blue, accented with a small amount of orange and emerald green
Earl: Enchanter Ozilius Brightstone

House Brightstone was founded in 85YE when an impoverished knight-errant was tasked by a gloating earl to produce a gemstone more splendid than any in his esteemed collection. The seemingly insurmountable Test of Mettle was passed, however, when the determined knight carried a washtub from the Semmerholm village of Auvanne to a river in the north. Using his washtub as a crude boat, he voyaged hundreds of miles east along the river, all the way to the Semmerlak where, according to legend, he met a mysterious mermaid who swam to the bottom of the lake and retrieved for him the Brightstone - a glittering gemstone of beauty beyond description. Not content to serve an ill-mannered Earl, the newly-titled Lord instead travelled west to Astolat and there he restored the venerable, ruined castle of Respireau- an ancient stronghold built onto the River of Sighs on the southwestern border, and thus became the first Earl of House Brightstone. The Brightstone remains a cherished heirloom to this day and is brought to Anvil for all to admire.

Castle Respireau is famous for its underwater library and luxurious bathhouse, and the nobles of house Brightstone pride themselves on their hospitality. They eat and drink exceptionally well, due to an abundance of fish from the River of Sighs, as well as League river-trading barges that frequently stop by the castle. They enjoy a reasonably amicable relationship with their Navarri neighbours in Miaren and occasionally take leisure boats up and down the River of Sighs.

House Caerleon

Location: Winterbourne, southwest of Weaving
Heraldry: Two white dragons eating each other's tails creating a circle on a navy blue background with a gold chevron.
Colours: Navy blue and white, accented with gold
Earl: Lady Guinevere Caerleon

House Caerleon is a recent addition to Dawn's history, being founded in 307YE when the knight-errant Arthur Caerleon split from his adopted family after passing his Test of Mettle fighting and protecting a town from "draconic" beasts with other knights-errant, taking one of the beast's heads as a reward. Lord Caerleon travelled for miles trying to find the perfect location to settle, before finally coming across a hill with beautiful views, flanked by babbling brooks and overlooking the Hamlet of Strathmoor. It is here where he buried the beast's head on top of the hill and restored and expanded an old manor house close to the Hamlet and began to call it home.

Over the years the Caerleon grounds have grown to include Strathmoor, and it has developed into a thriving farming town well known for its apple orchards, and because of these, desserts such apple pie have become a town and house specialty. The hill, named Dragon’s Garden, that overlooks the manor and town has also become well known, for it grows a variety of colourful flowers and berries upon it almost all year round. Atop, it has grown a single large apple tree with bark that looks like scales, producing the sweetest apples around, apples are normally reserved only for the Earl or their honoured guests.

House Caerleon prides itself on being a found family and uses the virtues of loyalty, wisdom, and courage to resist hardships and assist members in pursuing goals in whatever path they walk.

House de Coeurdefer

House Coeurdefer

Location: Winterbourne, just south of Weaving
Heraldry: Black, a gauntlet silver grasping a crescent moon, two crescent moons silver
Colours: Black and silver
Earl: Zadkiel de Coeurdefer

House de Coeurdefer predates the Empire; memory of its forming has fallen into a legend. It is claimed that a knightly band gathered to destroy a nest of Winter-touched drakes, with their leader giving her heart's blood and her life to seal a twisted regio. Troubadours sometimes say Castle Ironheart, their principal seat, was created magically out of dragon bones and her steel cestus to stand guard against the threat returning. Since the founding of the House, the Earls have traditionally been of Winter lineage, with a strong line of naga from the weaver cabal that lives and works with them, the Coven of Ouroboros Twining.

The House is known for Loyalty, Ambition, and Pride. Over the centuries, the House declined - numbers fell, as the dour draughir stayed at home with their packs of wolfhounds. They have a strong tie to their neighbours and cousins in House de Rondell, and the Earl de Rondell's call for support at Anvil following the death of Empress Britta brought them out of their towers. Most of the nobles who attend Anvil on behalf of their House are from the naga weaver cabal rather than the draughir House, and Earl Zadkiel is of their blood. If and when others ask him for a Test, he's likely to offer a simple-seeming puzzle or challenge to enact at Anvil or in battle. They are usually more complex in practice, and focus on clever planning or the recruitment and leading of allies in a challenging situation.

House Cordraco

Location: Withy, north of Oldheart
Heraldry: Twinned Dragons on a field of purple and gold
Colours: Purple and gold
Earl: Logan Olivier De Havilland Cordraco

House Cordraco was founded in 378 by a conglomeration of the ancient and venerable houses Arwood, Boscombe, Loriel and Martel. To do this they were set the test of slaying a dragon. They managed to fell a mighty drake but not before the beast feasted upon their first Earl; Johann Rookwood Martel Cordraco.

House Cordraco have been a great supporter of the arts and hospitality since its founding. The house most closely associates with the virtues of Ambition, Pride and Prosperity. The motto, "Not for us the straight and narrow" is taken from the house oath, read by nobles once they have been judged to have completed their tests of mettle. It epitomises the beliefs of the house; that there is no one path to Glory. House Cordraco aspires to great acts of Prosperity and Pride within Dawn and the Empire. After a tumultuous reorganisation following the deaths of multiple earls, House Cordraco looks to step back into the world of Anvil politics intent on having its name echo through the ages. The house is known to encourage civility, respect and cooperation between its members.

House de Gauvain

House de Gauvain

Location: Caer Faucon
Heraldry: Golden phoenix on flames; nobles often have their own personal heraldry
Colours: Orange and black with red trim
Earl: Earl Sidlore Edric Charge De Gauvain

Ser Edric de Gauvain is perhaps one of the most famous names in Dawn, thanks to a recent curse which befell the territory of Weirwater; but what of his House? Nestled in the bucolic Astolat countryside, the de Gauvains (pronounced gor-van) reside in the pleasant market town of Caer Faucon. It is far from the front lines of the Empire at war. Few monsters stalk their lands. Their keep looks out over sheep scudded hills, drooping orchards, and peace. Wealth breeds prosperity, and hospitality. Noble and yeofolk rub shoulders, and do so gladly; bloody experiences during the Marcher revolt taught them the error of their older, haughtier ways. The de Gauvains’ door is always open for travellers and wanderers, but one should never mistake warmth and generosity for placidity or cowardice. They have glorious deeds to match.

The house is best known for its weavers. Rich supplies of textiles, and a deep-seated love of glory, have led to a great interest in the Summer realm. This power in magic and realm-wisdom is matched on the battlefield; the House’s knights and war-witches march as part of the famous Winged Lion lance.

House Goldvein

Location: Stryxstone Keep, north of Weaving
Heraldry: A golden mandowla on an emerald field
Colours: Emerald and gold
Earl: Enchantress Lilian Goldvein

Originally founded by a former guide of Navarr who found true love and her place in the great dance beside a knight-errant, House Goldvein has a long-held tradition of recording and sharing tales of love and glory. After the tragedy that ended the reign of Nicovar, this mission broadened to include the foundation of the Stryxstone Library as a repository of knowledge to protect against a similar loss of information. After more than 150 years of bad luck, sabotage and unexplained misfortune, the House finally found itself succeeding in this quest, but becoming more insular and cutting itself off from the wider Empire. Now with a new Earl in their ascendance, House Goldvein makes it return to Anvil, and the centres of learning and research across the Empire.

House Goldvein prides itself on the diversity of talent and knowledge it recruits and fosters, with artisans, warriors, troubadours, witches and physicks all held in equal prominence within the ranks of the House's nobles and yeofolk, and all who can share a tale or unrecorded knowledge will find a warm welcome to the estates surrounding the Stryxstone Keep.

House Larmallevés

Location: Brightway, west of the De Warrenne Way
Heraldry: Crowned Phoenix in Gold on Field of Purple
Colours: Gold and Purple
Earl: Enchantress Areloe Larmallevés

The House Larmallevés (pronounced Lar-mell-e-vee) traces its history back to before the rise of the Empire, rumoured to have been founded by King Bréanainn who won the grand tourney with armour and arms of his own design. Ever since that day the House has always sought to elevate to its ranks anyone who claims great skill, on the battlefield or as a creator; as such they have a tradition of setting Tests of Mettle aimed at the abilities the knight-errant claims to be best with.

The house heraldry represents repeating cycles of growth and prominence followed by an inevitable fall in which the house rises from the ashes, leading to their motto: “From Fire, To Ash, To Flame”. Two members of the house first attended anvil at the end of 383YE but have risen to every challenge since that first season. The house itself lives in a chateau called “The Second Dawn” due to its great ceremonial fire pit.

Any aspiring knight-errant or noble is encouraged to be Ambitious and Loyal and to leave a lasting legacy, the current Enchantress openly accepts requests for tests of mettle and as she is a cambion her tests often reward and encourage clever thinking in their completion.

House Meliora

Location: The Chase, south of Laroc
Heraldry: A golden unicorn facing left on a quartered cream and purple field
Colours: Purple, Cream and Gold
Earl: Earl Torag Meliora

House Meliora is a relatively young house, formed in the mist of 383YE, when a number of both nobles and yeofolk alike chose to break away from their previous house in the pursuit of a more virtuous and glorious life.

They built a house dedicated to achieving glory on and off the battlefield, their members split equally between both martial and magical pursuits. The house has since grown in size, welcoming members from other nations and magicians representing five of the six realms. The Earl of Meliora is committed to forming a place for his house to thrive wherever they choose to find themselves upon the quest for glory.

House de Rondell

Location: Laroc
Colours: Blue and silver
Heraldry: Three crescent moons around a gryphon
Earl: Bohemond de Rondell

An ancient house existing from before the founding of the Empire, its fortunes have risen and fallen many times over the centuries. Proximity to the Castle of Thorns in Astolat has always kept them near to the political heart of Dawn. There is evidence that the castle was designed by a de Rondell in the earliest days of the Dawnish presence on the Bay of Catazar.

This house has returned senators, generals and cardinals again and again over the centuries. As such the household places an ongoing emphasis on questing in other parts of the Empire and gaining the regard of others in this way, long after many houses expect their members to focus in other areas.

The House uses virtues as inspiration, immortalised in the three silver crescent moons in the house heraldry. They represent Pride in one's own worth and that which the House has won; Ambition to constantly reach out and grasp every opportunity, and Courage to always step forwards into the fray or into the unknown.

“We have been there from the beginning of the Empire, we will be there at the ascension. Until that day we shall steer it towards greatness and Glory” Bohemond de Rondell

House de Rondell's martial tests of mettle are quite difficult and can easily result in the death of the unwary; the other theme that runs through their tests is an emphasis on political acumen and the ability to influence others to act for the good of the Empire.

House de Rosier

Location: Winterbourne
Colours: Red, gold and white
Heraldry: A snake coiled inside a rose, surrounded by a radiant golden halo.
Earl: Cerys de Rosier

Long before the founding of the Empire, House De Rosier was forged amidst a cataclysmic event. Their home in the lowlands of the mountains in northern Astolat was threatened by a devastating landslide. House de Rosier rallied their kin and fled up the mountain, desperately seeking refuge from the relentless fury of the storm. They traversed the treacherous mountain until they arrived at a plateau, apparently guided by a mysterious snake that appeared amidst the chaos. There, the snake halted, its gaze fixed upon a radiant rose blooming amidst the mountain peaks. To the amazement of House de Rosier, the snake curled around the rose, protecting it from the surrounding chaos. Sensing the serenity emanating from this extraordinary flower, they realised it was a sign. The survivors had found their new home—a sanctuary upon the mountaintop that became the foundation of House de Rosier. Their ancestral crest, a majestic rose entwined with a serpent, is a symbol of their resilience and the eternal bond between their house and the land that sheltered them.

House de Rosier offers any citizen who wishes to join their ranks a test that has remained unchanged since its foundation. Knights are called to venture to a place hitherto unexplored. They are instructed to return with three significant elements—an extraordinary tale, a tangible souvenir, and a scar etched upon their body. It is a test that unites the house, binding generations together through shared experiences and a deep reverence for the unknown.

The land continues to be fertile and the house is famed for its beautiful gardens, overgrowing with strange blooms often brought back by questing knights. These rare flowers are distilled into perfumes which keep the estate, and its inhabitants, fragrant.

House Sepulchre

Location: Winterbourne
Colours: Red, gold and black
Heraldry: Black hound
Earl: Loria Sepulchre

House Sepulchre traces its roots to Mira (later Rolande), a warden of Varushka who came to Dawn to bury her family and, eventually, the magician who killed them. Her bloodthirsty quest won her glory and land where she could mourn and remember in quiet contemplation. Over the years the graves and gardens spread further and further as House Sepulchre sought to collect tales and songs of the glorious dead as well as providing them with a fitting resting place (sometimes as statues stationed around the gardens and grounds). It suffered something of a decline when it was revealed that a heretical cult of Hope had spread throughout the ranks of the nobility. It was only thanks to the swift action of a newly ennobled knight that Sepulchre endured.

The house is known for having a string of draughir earls and healers among its ranks. Sepulchre nobles and yeofolk alike seek to find glory in its every aspect and live life to the full; living by their motto, 'forever sanguine'. Sepulchre accepts knights-errant from every walk of life, and its Tests of Mettle are often designed to encourage imaginative thinking, to test resolve, and to crush any lingering shreds of optimism in the aspiring noble. Particularly of note is the Sepulchre graveyard, upon which when a knight-errant passes their Test of Mettle, they dig their own grave, a symbolic burying of their old life to start anew.

House Videre

Location: The Chase, southeast of Laroc, near Rosered Woods
Heraldry: A golden gryphon passant, on a parted field of red and green
Colours: Green, Red and Gold
Earl: Vacant

House Videre traces its lineage back to royal retainers of ancient times, who served with distinction before the Empire's founding. Over the centuries, the name Videre has weathered trials and triumphs, enduring near destruction in 276YE during a failed campaign to capture the Barrens. Again in 330YE, the house faced internal strife with the split of House de Carsenere, casting doubt on its future. Despite these challenges, House Videre persists, determined to reclaim its legacy and honour the noble traditions it upholds.

Known for their strong affinity for magic, the Videres have always been led by powerful Enchanters, each dedicated to their principles of Love and Loyalty above all else. Their Tests of Mettle are renowned for challenging candidates' loyalties to their limits, earning both respect and wariness from their peers. Despite their dedication to the Way, relations with the Imperial Synod have often been strained, owing to their unique tradition of challenging both parties during Tests of Ardour, even when one of their own nobles departs for another household.

The seat of House Videre is a small hillside fortress located on the border between the Chase and Elvette. Once a strategic outpost during the Semmerholm conquest, it now guards the Hall of Blooms, a grand floral maze rumoured to house samples of flowers from across the Empire. However, the Hall of Blooms suffered significant damage in Spring 385YE as a consequence of the uncontrolled growth caused by the Imperial enchantment known as the Hallow of the Green World.

Following the disappearance of Lord Colborn Videre, the last Earl of House Videre, the leadership of the house remains in transition. Since Spring 386YE, Ludwig Barbadoro has been nominated as Castellan, assuming the role of seneschal and acting head of House Videre. Under his stewardship, the Hall of Blooms has been meticulously restored, symbolizing renewal and resilience within the house. The Videres eagerly await the day when a knight-errant successfully completes the Test of Mettle, ensuring the continuation of their noble line and the legacy of House Videre.

Houses of Semmerholm

House D'Abeille

House d’Abeille

Location: Estmure
Heraldry: A Flower Crowned Bee on a Blue and Yellow field, parted with Black.
Colours: Black, Yellow and Blue
Earl: Earl Tarsus

A seemingly new House, only recently rising to prominence. House d’Abeille (pronounced da-bay) prides itself on Prosperity, Ambition and Loyalty to one another. Taking the heraldry of a bee, the house has a close, tight knit community, with each working for the good of the hive. Its members are easily recognised by the flower crowns which are staples of their outfits.

Situated in Semmerholm, to the north of the Adamant Gate, House d’Abeille focuses its efforts on reclaiming the Barrens. Since its founding, its members are always the first to take the fight to the Druj therein.

On the field, the House specialises in fighting on the front lines and battlefield support, cutting down Druj and ensuring everyone makes it home to tell the glorious story. The motto and battlecry on the lips of its members is “Si sapis, sis apis” - If you are wise, be a bee.

House d'Acier

House d’Acier

Location: Estmure
Heraldry: Black Tower before a Golden Sun on a Green field
Colours: Green and Gold
Earl: Enchantress Vivienne d’Acier

An older, weathered House in the process of rebuilding itself, greater than ever. Following a recent period of unstable leadership that saw the House verging on collapse, a new Enchantress was chosen through the trials of the Iron Duke, bringing renewed Glory and purpose. Deeply Pride-aligned, House d’Acier draws from the life and lessons of Paragon Richilde to guide its way. Its members eschew direct martial might, instead leveraging their magical, medical, and diplomatic talents to steer the course of Dawnish politics.

D’Acier nobles and yeofolk are found on the fringes of great tourneys, elections, and other gatherings of note. They foster connections between Houses, provide healing and magical assistance, and help elevate those they believe will bring the most Glory to Dawn. Theirs is a Pride that speaks softly but looms large. Located near the Adamant Gate, House d’Acier’s once mighty stronghold was ravaged by recent Druj incursions and, much like the House itself, is currently being rebuilt. The House’s history is intimately tied to Dawn’s claim to the Barrens, and they work tirelessly so that one day, the Dawnish banner may fly over those lands. They are also heavily involved in the politics of the Summer Realm, helping to foster positive relations between Dawn and the eternals of Summer, particularly the Iron Duke. In recent years, the House has garnered a reputation as one of the historian Houses of Dawn and are currently the custodians of a great relic of Richilde.

House De Bois Gilbert

House de Bois Gilbert

Location: Lacuve
Heraldry: A black Sea Dragon surrounded by 3 silver suns (top left, top right, bottom middle) on a per pile red, gold and green (golden V on halved red and green)
Colours: Gold, red and green
Earl: Enchanter Morgan De Bois Gilbert

House de Bois Gilbert was formed in 52YE during the conquest of Semmerholm by a Knight Errant of House De Rondell as a reward for their glorious deeds.

In the early days of the house, its reputation became one of staunch protectors and defenders of the people from marauding beasts and barbarians, and of those who have heard of the house today, that reputation still stands, and the words of the house are "We are the shield." However the downsides of their zeal were clear - casualties were high and the house never grew much beyond a few dozen nobles, slowly declining in strength and influence over time. During the Druj invasion of 381YE the remaining nobles of the house were slain.

In 384YE, a knight-errant whose Loyalty to his house was unsurpassed succeeded at his quest to reinstate the nobility of the house and select a new Earl who now brings some selected retainers to Anvil to rebuild the glories of old.

House Cadwalon

Location: Axmure
Heraldry: A rampant golden unicorn with a green mane and tail, under a starry moonlit sky tinted gold against a violet field.
Colours: Violet, gold, and green
Earl: Lady Aneira 'Mawr' Harper Cadwalon

House Cadwalon is an ancient house, tasked with the protection of a parcel of land on the edge of the forest of Axmure. The house makes extensive use of heraldic magic in its girding, particularly invoking the unicorn in the house heraldry which lends its nobles a reputation for fierce passion for life and a strong protective streak resulting in the house motto "Passionate Hearts, Fearless Souls.". Fittingly enough, Cadwalon's tests of mettle often evoke one or both of those themes.

House Cadwalon is rather (in)famous for the close relationship its nobles share with the yeofolk under their care, often eschewing formality unless it is of the utmost importance. This bond was born in the house's earliest days, with knights often ordered to accompany yeo forresters into the woods to protect them from the barbarians, beasts, and bandits that stalk the glades of Axmure.

In the house's heyday, it was not uncommon to see their knights helping with manual labour - particularly where yeofolk had struggled mightily or even hurt themselves. More recently, the house has fallen on hard times, when the Druj invaded Semmerholm in 381YE, the knights and knights-errant of House Cadwalon fought a desperate rearguard action to buy precious time for their non-combatants and wounded to escape.

Bloodied, but unbowed, and with a small cadre of Ambitious young nobles at its core Cadwalon's Glory will burn bright, and its lands will know Prosperity once more.

House de Cendres

House de Cendres

Location: Axmure
Heraldry: Solid gold chevron on black behind a dragon resplendent on a tower
Colours: Black and Gold
Earl: Earl Feroce Lupo de Cendres

House de Cendres was formed when the Ashen Tower, a military company from the League city of Holberg emigrated to Dawn, in 381YE. They claimed lands in Axmure in the wake of the Druj invasion and retreat from that province in the same year. Under the dynamic leadership of their changeling Earl Lupo, they have attracted new yeofolk and knights to their banner and rebuilt their lands. Their estates are a wide valley on the Drycastle road, with several villages and fortified manors, sometimes called the Hearthhold. Their primary concern is prosecuting the war with the Druj, and as such they are a martial and aggressive House. Most recently, their knights and companies have marched deep into Druj territory with the Dawnish armies invading Ossium and the Forest of Ulnak.

House de Courtenay

Location: Semmer's Rose
Heraldry: Rampant Fox with a bee on its nose, Azure and Gold per chevron
Colours: Blue, Dark Teal and Gold
Earl: Earl Aodhán de Courtenay

The House de Courtenay was almost wiped out when the Hounds of Glory fell, with Earl Jules being on their last breaths as they issued a test of mettle to the now Earl Aodhán. The house now prides itself on helping the lost find their place in the Empire - with all the current members of the House having been displaced or unsure where they were before becoming Dawnish. The House live by the words "Nobody Left Alone" - to be a guiding light for those who have no clear way forward, and to support those who otherwise might find themselves alone.

House du Maurisol

Location: Forests of Elvette
Heraldry: Three entwined bright blue calla lilies within a golden sun
Colours: Cream, gold, and bright blue
Earl: Galeas du Maurisol

Dedicated to Loyalty, the nobles of House du Maurisol are frequently priests and occasionally mages, but always warriors beneath it. They see it as their task to safeguard the Virtuous from dangers that might threaten to damage or shake their Loyalties, be this by the clever wordplay needed to encourage and guide, or a certain judicious application of a challenge to those involved. Most of the House's nobles fell with Britta, but it has recently been revived and hopes to stand in glory once again.

House Medwood

Location: Axmure, Medwood Hall
Heraldry: A white tree on red and a black and white checked field
Colours: Red, black and white
Earl: Earl Harlow

House Medwood are a new house which wasn’t established until 381YE when the Druj swept through Axmure. Taking in the devastation of Medwood's lands the nobles of the House realised a need to visit Anvil to truly establish themselves. The house values itself on its Loyalty and gaining their friendship is gaining a steadfast ally.

House de Rhya

House de Rhys

Location: Ferrond
Heraldry: A firebird on green and blue.
Colours: Green, blue, black, and white
Earl: Earl-Enchanter Ciagan de Rhys

An elder house refounded in Autumn 385YE after a powerful Empire-wide Day enchantment returned it to attention, House de Rhys was originally known for its powerful Night witches, before a sudden stop in Anvil attendance. Rumour has said the challenge of becoming Earl is often literally finding Castle de Rhys using riddles and puzzles left by the last Earl, with each making it more testing than the last. The difficulty in locating the castle may actually be based on its small size, but it is certainly home to many secrets that can be found in unexpected places.

House de Rhys is best known for its focus on glorious pursuits across every part of Anvil, encouraging the Loyalty to one's own heart and Ambitions. Whether this is to rise to a life in battles or the Synod, in an art studio or apothecary, or do something entirely new, House de Rhys is always prepared to offer support and guidance for the yeofolk and nobles that are part of it, and 'Rise', as their motto highlights, like a firebird from the ash.

House de Rhys is also now well known for its championing of Love. Many of the most popular songs performed by the troubadours of the house are focused on the topic. The castle is visited by people of all nations who wish to read the fantastic collection of love stories and poems, and often guests will sit in the hall until morning speaking of love. The castle's grounds are used for weddings and celebrations so the house is able to have a first-hand view of love in all its forms.

House Summerstrong

Location: The Summerhold, Southern Elvette
Heraldry: A blue tree on a field of red, wrapped in a wreath of blackthorns
Colours: Red and Blue, often with black accenting
Earl: Lord Percival Summerstrong

House Summerstrong is an old house of Semmerholm, one that has regularly occupied the strange position of being one of the wealthiest of the least important houses of the territory. In recent history, the house has grown due to the marriage of the ex-earl Lord Gawain Summerstrong and his ex-Navarri wife Lady Penelope Summerstrong. With their marriage bringing many members of Penelope's striding to Dawn, House Summerstrong became known as a house with deep roots in both Dawn and Navarr. Their home, The Summerhold, is a physical representation of their ties to Navarr, resting along the trod that cuts through Elvette and serving as a stop-off point for those venturing south into Brocéliande. The Summerhold is instantly recognisable for its red stone walls, covered in an array of wild moss and flowers that give the illusion that the hamlet itself is a part of the woods around it. From their position in The Summerhold, House Summerstrong have pursued their ambition to fuel the mission against the Vallorn that occupy the areas so close to their home – with their tests of mettle often featuring a glorious hunt into Broceliande or a face-off with a dryad or marsh walker. The Vallorn is, in the eyes of House Summerstrong, the most dangerous threat to the empire and its members are driven by the tragedies that surround their house to remove it. It is a house built upon surviving tragedy, but their roots are deep and they stand strong against the storm - as captured in their motto, "Our Roots are Deep and Glorious".

House Tamerlaine

Location: Near the town of Semmer's Rose, on the edge of the Semmerlak
Heraldry: A Silver Unicorn rearing on a Green and Black saltire field
Colours: Viridian Green, Silver and Sable Black
Earl: Earl Ailsa Tamerlaine

An older, weathered House in the process of rebuilding itself, greater than ever. Following a recent period of unstable leadership that saw the House verging on collapse, a new Enchantress was chosen through the trials of the Iron Duke, bringing renewed Glory and purpose. Deeply Pride-aligned, House d’Acier draws from the life and lessons of Paragon Richilde to guide its way. Its members eschew direct martial might, instead leveraging their magical, medical, and diplomatic talents to steer the course of Dawnish politics.

With their main estate lying near a sleepy hamlet to the south of Semmer's Rose, House Tamerlaine is an old and small Dawnish house once thought faded, that is slowly and steadily blooming once more. Castle Tamerlaine and its accompanying grounds are a sprawling affair, with wild floral gardens, deep ponds, hot houses, and a large barn that has been turned into a studio for the inhabitants of the House. There is much pastoral and wild beauty to be found here.

The House is mainly concerned with arts of pen and plectrum as well as weaponry and the art of war. When not ensconced in their compound, developing their crafts, noble members are often questing across the Empire, researching their arts. While not bound under one singular Virtue, the House troubadours are often troubadours of the Way. There is a heavy emphasis to seek out new information, new stories, but bring this back to share with all of the House, and with their fellow Dawnish. Travellers are always welcome in these halls, especially if they bring with them news.

With the upheaval of the last decade, Tamerlaine have re-thought their isolated ways and begun to reach out at Anvil. This having been said, it would be foolish to assume that a focus on the arts would mean ignorance of defense and fighting. The House motto defines the steely determination of its members: "If the bird does not sing, we shall make it sing."

House Vexille

House Vexille

Location: Semmerholm, previously Barrens
Heraldry: Dagger crossing a key
Colours: Green, Gold & Black
Earl: Guissart Vexille

A centuries old house, previously based in the Barrens until the Druj forced them to flee in defeat, House Vexille have a reputation for their hard-line attitudes, extensive use of Night magic and a penchant for luxury and excess. Their methods in achieving Glory have often been questioned, especially actions which saw them declared as sorcerers for a time for their suggested abuse of magics…a measure which was only recently overturned.

House Vexille proudly declares that they "Hold the key to Glory" - considered metaphorical by many, they believe that their extensive pushing of boundaries is the key to true Glory. The Tests of Mettle set by the Vexille earls are notoriously difficult; the current earl, Guissart Vexille, takes great pride in the fact that dozens of those wishing to join his house have failed to meet the exacting demands he places upon them. To this end, the house supports a larger than average number of yeofolk who spend years testing themselves personally before attempting to bring their requests to the earl to join the household. Those nobles who have passed their test are usually arrogant as a result; inevitably embittered, grizzled individuals who display extreme character traits, their outlook on life influenced by the necessity of life on the Barrens' borders.

Most recently, several knights of the house have formed a band of questing knights, dedicated to the destruction of vallorn as a great and glorious quest, under interpretation of the Synod’s statements on these creatures - urging knights from other houses to join them.

House Verdantié

House Verdantié

Location: Ferrond
Heraldry: A white crystal decanter embraced by a grape vine, rested on a blue and purple base
Colours: Navy blue, royal purple, and white
Earl: Earl Lannus Verdantié

With a focus on the virtue of Wisdom, the nobles of House Verdantié consist primarily of physicks and magical healers alongside the support of front-line knights. Members of the house believe that every life saved results in another opportunity to fight for glory; whether this is by offering services within the hospital, taking the field and healing those in need, or taking the frontline and lending extra hands to those alongside them. House Verdantié is a noble house formed by Lannus Meadowkeep after they grew within House De Sarroi which sparked their desire to lead and assist.

Houses of Weirwater

House Berinore

Location: Weirmoor
Heraldry: Two perytons, rampant before a gold chevron on a red field
Colours: Red and gold, with black.
Earl: Lady Tegwen Berinore

Those who dwell within Castle Gristimere's walls claim it to be one of the oldest castles in the Weirmoor, raised not long after the Dawnish first arrived in these lands, laying claim to the dangerous forests and mastering them. Despite their ancient claim, the House held no one of note until recently. House Berinore attended Anvil for the first time at the end of 383YE to pull itself from obscurity with the thought of true glory at the forefront, but since then, the House has been beset by tragedy after tragedy. From their very first attendance at Anvil, long beloved friends have fallen to barbarian blades, time and again.

This culminated in Spring 385YE, with all nobles of the House deceased, fallen in battle to reclaim either Zenith or the Barrens. A pair of knights-errant remained; one was able to pass her tests, calling a fallen Earl back through the Black Gate to confirm this. The newly minted Earl has sworn to learn from this and never leave the House in such a situation again, and the House has since focused on healing, on repair and unity. Alongside their allies in the Amber Lance, Berinore fights on the battlefield to ensure as many glorious heroes make the return to Anvil as possible, and works within Anvil with a focus on the same unity. True glory for those of House Berinore acknowledges the contributions of nobles and yeofolk alike, each bringing glory in their way.

House Castellan

Location: Highwater Keep, Western Weirwater Vale
Heraldry: A white Hippocampus on a field of blue, with red accents.
Colours: Blue with red and white trim, and a red chevron, in various configurations.
Earl: Enchanter Baldwin Castellan

House Castellan was founded in the dim and distant past, at the foundation of Dawn as a nation in the pre-Imperial age. The first Earl, Lord Kaldwin Castellan, sought to bring law and safety to the wild frontier of Weirwater, and so established the Castellan Hunt, an order of questing knights, knights-errant, and yeofolk intended to travel and patrol the territory to keep honest people safe from monsters, bandits, orcs, and the trials of life in a wild land.

From the seat of Highwater Keep the house and the Hunt have kept to this duty diligently, striving to embody the very concept of knighthood and nobility in their deeds, but never previously taking an interest in Anvil, slowly sliding into forgotten obscurity as a result. Now, that isolation has ended. House Castellan looks from the deeds of the past toward the glories promised by the future, and its people step from the mists of Weirwater into the light of Anvil. The house is noteworthy for its extremely large numbers of knights-errant, resulting from a combination of challenging Tests of Mettle and strong dedication to the Hunt’s duties as wandering protectors of all that is virtuous and right. House Castellan’s nobles, knights-errant, and yeofolk are expected to bring virtue, determination, and skill to all they do, and match their deeds with honesty, kindness, and respect.

House de Clément

Location: Weirmoor
Heraldry: A golden Jackalope on a green field
Colours: Green and gold
Earl: Earl Percival de Clément

House de Clément is a pre-Imperial house founded by Ser Gwendolyn the Good. In recent years the house has withdrawn from the goings on of the nation and the Empire at large. Following the appointment of a new earl, however, the house has returned to Anvil in an attempt to re-join the fold. They pride themselves on producing fine healers, and on providing warm hospitality to any and all that cross their threshold.

The Clément estate is centred around Castle Brighthearth on the Weirmoor and is notable for the large glasshouse in its central court that allows them to grow a diverse range of exotic plant life.

House duLac

Location: Culwich
Heraldry: A golden fox on a blue and green field
Colours: Blue and green
Earl: Lady Laudine duLac

House duLac is one dedicated to watching the borders of Dawn, a bulwark that stands as the first line of defence of this Glorious nation, ever watchful particularly against the threat of Druj incursions across the Semmerlak and Varushkan monsters from across the northern border. Their motto of "Stand Fast, Stand Ready" stands as evidence of their commitment.

The people of this house are often more subdued in their appearance compared to other Dawnish, in part due to their long distance from the rest of their people, and also due to their focus on military preparation. It is rumoured that the members of House duLac never go unarmed, lest they be unprepared. They hold the Virtue of Vigilance close to their core, aiding them on their watch, and they greatly utilise the magic of Spring in their work, the trappings of which can be found all over their ancestral seat, The Hightower.

House Gladewarden

Location: Weirmoor
Heraldry: A golden crest on a green field. The crest contains three swords pointed upwards, becoming trees whose boughs interweave.
Colours: Emerald and gold.
Earl: Earl Fintan Blackrock

Steadfast in their ideals of Loyalty, Courage, and Pride, members of House Gladewarden devote themselves to the study of the sword. Taking the words of their motto "Many trees, one forest", to heart, they are willing to face any threat or challenge for the good of their allies. House Gladewarden trains to master their specific sword forms, developed by the first earl Liam Gladewarden. In recent years knights-errant have been offered one of three paths when requesting a test of mettle from the current earl.

House Lucentia

Location: The most southwestern tip of Wiermoor, on the border with Astolat
Heraldry: An outstretched hand, gently holding a star with a background of navy blue and purple
Colours: Blue, Purple and Silver
Earl: Enchanter Vesper Lucentia

A young house created by Enchanter Vesper upon passing their test of mettle in Summer 385YE. The house is known for its distinct approach to the Virtue of Wisdom. The house has a focus on welcoming all comers, including many who have joined Dawn later in their lives from other nations. It is also a house of travellers and wanderers; those who seek new horizons and greater understanding. It has gained something of a reputation as a house of "chain breakers", as many of its members have fought hard to save people under the yoke of oppressors.

House Mortére

Location: Weirmoor
Heraldry: A black rose inside a golden hourglass on a split field of red & black.
Colours: Black (Primary), Red and Gold.
Earl: Enchantress Morrigan Mortére

Founded by Vaela Mortére in the reign of Empress Varkula during the Druj invasion of Weirwater, House Mortére has been reclusive and quiet for many years since. House Mortére is an unusual noble house, but those who do meet and interact with them often claim them to be friendly and hospitable, if a little unsettling. Their estate is often called The Black Garden as many poisonous and dangerous plants and herbs are grown there, along with numerous natural black roses. House Mortére seems especially concerned with the concept of death. The house seems to yield many weavers talented in Winter magic, and many of the nobles and yeofolk of the house seem to be very comfortable around the dead or dying. Often the house members appear to help with funerals, the terminally ill, or sick, but also to help the living with matters of great joy and sorrow.

House Novarion

Location: Applefell, Garthmoor
Heraldry: A phoenix in flames
Colours: Red and gold
Earl: Earl D'Eon Novarion

Formed in 52YE by a young warrior named Novaria, she gathered like-minded warriors to her banner during battles around Semmerholm. In recognition of this feat she was granted land and many of her warriors remained by her side and pledged to form a new house. Using the wealth and slaves rescued from the orcs they built a fortress on one of the highest hills in Applefell and were charged with its defence. House Novarion were popular with the troubadours of the time and several of their deeds are remembered in traditional folk songs such as Sir Isobel and The Novarion Phoenix which are still sung today.

Years later, a large portion of the house died in a great fire following a strange magical event caused by their insular nature and only a handful escaped. The house's wealth and reputation were in ruins. The earl began the slow process of rebuilding the house, swearing to never again let those of his household grow to be weak closeted individuals.

From then on, tests of mettle were always written so that extensive foreign travel was required. Insulation and clannishness was dangerous and should be avoided at all costs by prompting its members to seek glory from distant lands. Any person seeking entry into the house is often set difficult tasks that require extensive travel and perseverance to complete, thus encouraging them to grow into headstrong individuals with allies in unusual places.

House Olor

Location: North Sandling
Heraldry: A glorious swan adorned by 2 roses upon a blue and red background with a red chevron.
Colours: Blue, white and red
Earl: Earl Adrahil Olor

House Olor was rekindled by Earl Adrahil Olor and his 2 brothers. Nobles of Olor pride themselves on being furious to their enemies and bringing Glory to the House, Dawn, and the Empire and they adorn the sigil of the swan for this reason. The tales of House Olor often have mention of a swan offering assistance, often in a similar manner to the aspect_magic#Beast Magic in the Varuhskan sense.

Housed in woods north of Sandling and nestled alongside a river flowing into the Semmerlak. Many swans call this place home and any person keen on taking a feather home for the house would find many in abundance here.

Keen to remain true to their motto, the House is keen on front line combat, holding a glorious shield and a weapon of fury.

House Orzel

Location: Belletain Vale (Sandling)
Heraldry: The white eagle of Gnijezdo and Primroses of Zoria
Colours: Red and Black
Earl: Valentin Ivarovich Severyan Orzel

House Orzel is a union of two migrations from Varushka, blending bloodlines and customs but embracing martial culture with the great traditions of the Empress Richilde’s most noble people. Favouring tests and trials involving quest and strange adventure, House Orzel finds a natural home in Dawn and has welcomed an increasing number of native Dawnish knights-errant into its nobility through great deeds of mettle and achievement. The Orzel have always measured and tested themselves against competence and skill, giving respect to Pride earned and laughing at pomposity, false claims, and weak authority in equal measure.

Generous with praise and friendship for the accomplished, the Orzel care more for talent and achievement than they do for name or family history alone. In youth children are encouraged to demand their elders "prove" their claims of skill or knowledge rather than taking anything on faith alone. Orzel children are wild and reckless with tales of the youngest laughing at the snarls of invading wolves and hurling stones and chanting "Prove It!" to call the bluffs of ancient evil and bestial threat alike.

Though wilful boldness and challenge mark daytime traditions, the Orzel consider guest-right sacred when the sun goes down. Music, song, and storytelling are great pleasures of hearth and home, and all should be welcomed, and none mistreated, when it is accepted. Darkness is a time for kindness and tales, Wisdom and preparing for the hard battles to come. Though sardonic humour runs strong through the Orzel, none should be denied hospitality or chased out into the night.

House Remys

Location: Weirmoor
Heraldry: A snake coiled around a silver goblet, poison dripping from its fangs
Colours: Red and Silver
Earl: Enchantress Claudia Varkulova Remys

Chateau Remys stands on a windswept hillside on the edge of the Weirmoor forest. Once the land was fertile and produced fine wines but several generations ago the land was devastated by a sickness that wiped out many of the nobles and decimated the yeofolk. The house was founded by a Varushkan boyar who left Volodmartz during the reign of Emperor Barabbas. Strongly touched by the realm of Winter, she began the tradition of tasking all aspirants to take on the draughir lineage as part of their Test of Mettle - to this day no noble of the house has borne any other lineage.

The house is headed by the Enchantress Claudia Varkulova Remys who took over from her mother in YE382. The new Enchantress Remys has sworn to continue in her quest to restore House Remys to its former glory and show the Empire the power of the Winter Realm.

House Rion

Location: Wickmoor (Near the Weirwater Vales)
Heraldry: Gilded White Stag Rampant, emblazoned upon a blue field
Colours: Main colour royal blue, secondary colours silver and white, tertiary colour black
Earl: Andred Rion

House Rion is a moderately young house in comparison to the more established houses of Dawn. Founded during the reign of Empress Brannan by the first Lord Rion, a questing knight who had found his true love. Settling in Wickmoor, not far from the Weirwood Vales, Castle Rion was built, and the house grew around its foundations. Since then, most of House Rion’s Earls have been enchanters (including the “Mad Earl Rion”) specialising in Summer magic. The proximity of Castle Rion to the haunted Weirwood trees is to blame for many of the strange occurrences and events which seem to be commonplace on the House’ land.

During the re-taking of the Barrens, almost all of the houses’ Nobles and a sizeable force of the yeofolk under their command were slain by the Druj in a surprise attack, in which the previous Earl died. House Rion are most notable for having a higher-than-average number of war witches and enchanters in their house. Almost all their nobles are Summer mages, and more than half are battle mages. On campaign and in battles, House Rion are usually deployed as skirmish lances to support houses with heavier lances.

In recent years, the House has begun the brewing of ales and the distillation of fine wines and spirits.

House Tallstag

Location: The Aldergate, Wickmoor
Heraldry: A silver stag set in a field of green
Colours: Green and silver
Earl: Logan Tallstag

“Prepare for all, Yield to none” - The motto of House Tallstag sings to the Ambition and Pride that all Tallstags aspire to. Founded in 380YE, House Tallstag was originally founded as a knightly order by Lord Logan, with the simple aim of becoming the most reputable monster hunters in Anvil. This desire was quickly outgrown as their ambitions of hunting greater monsters rose to tackling the greatest challenges they could find.

House Tallstag prides itself on a reputation as one of the fiercest lances Dawn has. They reside in a once forgotten stronghold known as The Aldergate and they have tasked themselves with the complete destruction of the vallorn in its entirety, and work closely with Navarr stridings and steadings to achieve this great feat.

House Tower de Risbanke

Location: Hawksmoor (northwest of Hawthorn)
Heraldry: Argent Wolf on Azure field with Golden sun blazing in third quarter
Colours: Blue and yellow
Earl: Vacant

The Tower De Risbanke stands at the peak of a bleak & wild hillside near the border of Varushka within the Weirmoor forests. Surrounded by wolves, falcons and wild game this small household is a sanctuary for those needing food, drink, and a place to rest with a warm welcome. The house was founded with hospitality at its core, often believed to be due to its proximity of Varushka. The division between yeofolk & nobles can sometimes be quite blurred in this small household where both warriors and weavers seek out new alliances and friendships. Boisterous songs can often be heard in the Weavers Rest tea house with the motto In Vino Veritas - In wine is truth. Tests of mettle are as often be artistic or culinary banquets in the field. Tests of ardour also often focus on the expression in the food of love.

House of the Twisted Rose

Location: Weirmoor
Heraldry: A white rose/roses with twisted stems, The runes Rhyv and Lann flanking it.
Colours: Purple
Earl: Enchantress Mirella of the Twisted Rose

The House of the Twisted Rose was founded during 383YE. The Keep of the House, itself named Keepsake, was built out in the ruins of a fallen House, its name forgotten to time, its foundations nestled atop the peak of one the mountains near Delev. Though around the estate still sit statues of various nobles and in various states of disrepair, those within the House have a habit of asking these still forms for advice though they do not speak back.

Members of the House have a reputation of self-sacrifice and knowledge of costs to be paid, owing to The Twisted Rose’ ties to both the Autumn and Winter realm, of contracts and oaths. As well as raw passion. This led to the House’s motto being “Ma Vie; Par Amour” (My Life; For Love in Asavean). Much of the House’s Tests have been based around the ideals of Love and Loyalty, often seeking to teach as much as test the one undergoing it; to bring them deeper in line with the House’s beliefs.

House de Vere

Location: North Hawksmoor
Heraldry: A silver owl displayed on a split field of wine red and gold.
Colours: Primarily wine red and gold, with silver secondary.
Earl: Vacant

House de Vere was founded in pre-Imperial times by a noble of a now-forgotten house who completed a seemingly impossible Test of Mettle using a boon from the Lord of the Crossroads. House de Vere’s heraldry is a silver owl in honour of Barien and the story of the founder, and the house motto “In Blood Anointed” draws its origins from the story of the House’s founding. The house's estate sits at the border of Karov and Weirwater; where the forest meets the hills.

The house is dedicated to investigating and destroying supernatural threats to Dawn, primarily monsters from beyond the border that threaten Hawksmoor, and other malignant foes of a magical nature.

In 375YE the castle was left in ruins and the house was believed to have been wiped out following an attack from some unknown foe. In 385YE a knightly order made up of members of House de Vere that left the Empire shortly before the attack returned from questing in Asavea to find their house destroyed. The surviving members have since begun rebuilding the house, reaffirming the house's purpose as a bulwark against esoteric threats to Dawn.

Houses of the Barrens

House Fawnwood

Location: Fallow's Keep, Dawnguard
Heraldry: A Golden Fawn on a field of green grass
Colours: Green, Gold and Purple
Earl: Earl Sebastián Fawnwood

House Fawnwood was formed in Autumn 385YE, founded shortly after Dawn's triumph in the Barrens. As Dawn established its control of the territory, House Fawnwood made their home in the forests of western Dawnguard – taking the estate of Fallow’s Keep as their seat.

A fawn of a fallow deer adorns the House heraldry, and whilst perhaps perceived by some as a symbol of peace and being a docile creature, it also symbolises a young, new house that will soon come of age.

Priding themselves on their Loyalty and Courage, House Fawnwood boasts an array of heavy fighters, often found at the forefront of any battle, as well as powerful mages calling upon both the realms of Summer and Autumn. Both yeofolk and nobles alike are pushed to bring glory to the House in an attempt for the House to become more known within Dawn, and the Empire as a whole.

Looking ahead to its future, House Fawnwood is ever loyal to the people of the Barrens, helping maintain Dawn's hold over the territory and furthering its development.

House du Froste

Location: Estmure, by lake Semmerlak
Heraldry: Golden jackalope on a field of black and red
Colours: Red, Gold & Black
Earl: Earl Gaston Wayfinder

The history of House du Froste stretches back to before the conquest and settling of Dawnguard.When Dawnguard fell the Earl Panthos Du Froste rushed to the aid of the civilians fleeing to Semmerholm. Ever since then waifs and strays looking to reclaim their homeland have flocked to their banner and their estate in the foothills of Estmure.

In Anvil they are known for their standard bearing the jackalope that often serves as a rallying point through the Sentinel Gate, and the round table that the nobles of Dawn occasionally gather around for Earls Council.

“Our words have weight" is the house motto; being a house who believe wholeheartedly that actions are worth more than any number of words. Once a member has said something, they believe it should be binding to the core of their being.

House Primevère

Location: Dawnguard
Heraldry: A mandowla surrounded by golden flames on a field of emerald green with a dusty light pink chevron.
Colours: Emerald Green, Dusty Light Pink, Gold
Earl: Enchantress Amelie Primevère

After the glorious death of her husband, the enchantress took her retainer and military unit to find her late husband’s ancestral home in the Barrens, to lay his body to rest. While there, she decided to complete his ambition by rebuilding the castle to its former glory and founding the new house in his honour.

The founders of House Primevère are powerful spring mages and briars, therefore they encourage their fellow house members to be prideful but vigilant in all that they do. House Primevère requires its members to be well educated in politics and the arts, as they know well that the gentle power of words and culture can bring just as much glory as martial might.

House Tonberry

Location: Dawnguard
Heraldry: Shield with two gold lozenges resting in a Vert field, Argent tiered foreground with a golden sword, staff, anvil. and rose.
Colours: Green, White and Gold.
Earl: Vacant

House Tonberry was once an established noble house in Dawnguard, east of Drycastle that was destroyed by the Druj. The House was known for its seven lords known to each other as siblings whilst being represented by an Earl and their partner, known as the "Thegn" of the house, the Thegn acts as the Earl’s second but also as a source of Wisdom, advice and comfort to the nobles and yeofolk of the house. The last pair were Earl Kairon Tonberry and their spouse Thegn Lianna Tonberry, who were both killed in defence of their home, along with most of House Tonberry. The surviving members of the house have split, believing themselves to be the last remaining. Each hopes to begin bringing glory back to their name and to eventually rebuild their house to what it once was.

House Torawyr

House Torawyr

Location: Ruins of House Torawyr, Dawnguard
Heraldry: Blue and White quartering with a red gauntleted fist with cynogriffon wings in the centre.
Colours: Blue and White.
Earl: Enchanter Edmund Torawyr

House Torawyr was originally founded in southern Dawnguard near Murderdale. The house was primarily made up of apothecaries and fighters who tended and harvested their gardens to help Dawn fight the Druj and defend Dawnguard. When the Druj invaded in Summer 381YE, breaking the treaty, the fighters of House Torawyr were loyal until the last drop, laying down their lives to hold back the orcs as long as they could to allow as many people to flee as possible. In doing so all nobles of House Torawyr died or were taken as slaves.

The house reformed at the end of 382YE, as a group of loyal yeofolk ventured back into the Barrens on a Test of Mettle to retrieve the banner of their house. The group saw their beautiful gardens wrecked with a blight, their herbs picked clean to supply the Druj with poisons. With caution they were successful in retrieving their banner, reforming the house under a new Earl, Enchanter Edmund Torawyr.

After considerable effort, In 385YE House Torawyr returned to the Barrens with newfound loyal allies, resources, and magical might. The house with allies from the Amber Lance attacked the Spires of Dusk with the Hounds of Glory. Bringing with them over a hundred grim legionnaires of the eternal Kaela. Now the house has returned to its ruined land it must rebuild the gardens it once held with pride, and return the help given by those who helped take back Dawnguard.

House De Tournesol

House De Tournesol

Location: Dawnguard
Heraldry: A shield of dark pink with a large sunflower emblazoned in the bottom right corner, a small square of yellow emblazoned with a pink yale sits in the top left corner of the shield
Colours: Pink and Yellow
Earl: Brahmms De Tournesol

Founded after the 385YE Summer Solstice from the ruins of a keep on the edges of Dawnguard, the high walls of the De Tournesol estate defend its residents from the wilds of the Barrens whilst also offering a place of respite for the injured and the weary. Enclosed within is a rich garden of cultivated medicinal herbs littered with the house sunflower which grows determined in every corner of the keep. Its small but safe keep act as a basis for the house’s operations whilst also accommodating a space of respite for any traveller or wayward soul of the Empire.

House De Tournesol consists mainly of those who can aid or heal, be it through surgery or magic, however will happily welcome all those who share in their ambitions to see Dawn and the Empire prosper through providing protection and rejuvenation to all those who may need it. Although their tests of mettle are tailored to those who partake in them, they contain two key themes in their task, which are to stand out gloriously and to make a stand in the face of danger.

House Veridaine

Location: Dawnguard
Heraldry: A black dagger, pointing downwards, with a black snake on either side, facing outward, all on a field of red.
Colours: Black and Red
Earl: Toriith

House Veridaine is a relatively new house, founded when the young Lord Toriith left House Orzel and journeyed to The Barrens in search of his idea for fresh, unclaimed glory. Priding itself on the loyalty and martial prowess of their nobles and yeofolk alike, House Veridaine focuses its efforts on the military and political Dawnish front. This focus on martial might is reflected heavily throughout the house and is often seen in their test of mettle. "Glory Unbound", the House's words, stand as a testament to their proclivity for frontline volunteer work.

The Veridaine estate of Blackrattle, and the surrounding village of Addering, sit in the reconquered Dawnguard territory, just east of Drycastle. The house has recently seen growth as young Dawnish knight-errants seek to pass their difficult trials.

Orders and Cabals

Knightly Orders

The knightly orders dedicate themselves to the pursuit of glory over all other considerations.

Order of the Amber Lance

Order of the Amber Lance

Location: Welkin’s Weald, Weirmoor, Weirwater
Heraldry: a field, tawny, charged with a teardrop, amber, upon which is emblazoned the Blood rune, Rhyv, in sable.
Knight-Captain: Ser Guy Wooder

This proud young order was founded in the Autumn of 383YE by the briar Czernobog Stanislaus when he became a knight errant of House Castellan. A healer and steward of a herb garden, this first Captain's Ambition was to set Dawn on a par with other Imperial nations by founding a dedicated corps of combat physicks. In so doing, the Lance quickly managed to gain the Loyalty of several Weirwater houses, as well as questing knights and refugees from the Barrens.

The knights maintain a permanent presence in the waterlogged hamlet of Welkin’s Weald, at the heart of a carefully coppiced forest of willow. It is from the ambergelt cultivated here that they draw their heraldry – a substance that hardens and strengthens but also promotes healing and mending, running like blood when first drawn, tough and crystalline when set. This duality is echoed in their motto: to take blood from stone (to do the impossible) is a common aphorism amongst these knights.

In the first years of the Lance's existence, these Knights of Amber have committed themselves wholly to the Empire's war against the wretched Druj. They have sustained heavy losses in liberating Zenith and the Barrens, but remain steadfast in their commitment to preserve Imperial lives and bring succour and healing to all who need it. Bloodied though they may be, they proudly bear the rune of sacrifice upon their banners as they fight for a better world.

Order of the Blazing Dawn

Location: The Rose and Thorn tavern, Culwich, Weirwater
Heraldry: a blue field a yellow sun and orange rays beneath a winged sword supported
Motto: As Dawn Rises, the Sun Shall Set
Knight-Commander: Ser Tristan Ackerman

Founded in the wake of the armies of the Cold Sun invading the Empire in 385 YE, the Order of the Blazing Dawn is an order of knights-errant and exists to drive the scions of the eternal back to the day realm. Driven by a love for all things that make the empire the centre for love and beauty that it is, the order strives to protect all nations its nations from this threat. The order is primarily made up martial knights and war witches to engage the cold sun as a physical threat.

Knights of the Golden Mane

Location: South of Culwich, Sandling, Weirwater
Heraldry: A shield of azure with a white chief triangular. In the azure portion, a gold lion head facing forward within a gold wild rose. In the White portion the Jotra rune in azure.
Lord Commander: Leohnar Gildaryn

The Knights of the Golden Mane are dedicated to upholding Virtuous acts and aim to record and share stories of Virtue from around the Empire. The quests they undertake, individually or together, all lend towards telling the tale of the knightly order and how they pursue Glory through virtuous acts. The grand quest of the order is to aid and preserve stories of Virtue. The order hall sits within the Lionskeep, the seat of power of House Gildaryn in Lionsholme, a town in Weirwater south of Culwich.

Knights of the Golden Mane

The order structure is very loose, with two commanding individuals. The Lord Commander oversees the order, while a Knight-Captain serves to advise and act as the leader of its lance through the Sentinel Gate. Under this structure, knights often are bestowed a title by the Lord Commander befitting of their skills, such as Knight-Magus. These are not enforced as roles of leadership, but a way for the Lord Commander to classify where they believe the skills of a knight could be best applied. Strangely yeofolk and knights-errant are welcomed as equals rather than apprentices, and have equivalent say and reach in the order’s quest.

The main tradition the Knights of the Golden Mane hold is of the Night of Hallows. Each Winter Solstice, the knights come together to receive hallowings of Virtue which best tell their stories, and to have the provided aura aid them in their next year. The knights share stories of their achievements throughout the year in Anvil and beyond, and pledge their quest for the following year to the Lord Commander.

The Order of the Lance Restored

Order of the Lance Restored

Location: Roaming, though with a chapel near Kethry's Grove in Astolat
Heraldry: argent, a lion sable sejant upon which rests a lance gules
Knight-Marshal: Ser Dindrane de Cantharos

The Order of the Lance Restored are - after a fashion - the remnants of an ancient order known as the Knights of the Feathered Spear, who are said to have guarded Kethry's Grove in the distant past. The original order fell into disgrace in 209YE when they aided Emperor Nicovar in destroying the libraries of the Empire, for reasons now forgotten to history. Following Nicovar's death, the Knights of the Feathered Spear disbanded, supposedly because during the chaos they lost a relic that they were sworn to protect - a spear believed to have been that of Makin the Red, a prominent figure in the story of the paragon Kethry. Two of their number were sentenced to death by penal military service; they fought in numerous battles thereafter, surviving and triumphing against all odds, and eventually attracted a cadre of questing knights who sought to redeem themselves of past dishonour. These knights eventually banded together under the banner of the Order of the Lance Restored.

Since then, the order has become something of a refuge for the disgraced, the outcast, and those who simply do not fit in with their Houses. Sworn to roam the Empire until the Feathered Spear is recovered - though most doubt that it ever will be - the knights of the order seek to overcome their past failings by taking on difficult, open-ended, and sometimes nigh-impossible quests.

Weaver Cabals

The weaver cabals master magic, maintaining a studied neutrality in the politics of the nation.

Golden Leaf

Founded in 384YE, the Golden Leaf Cabal find their specialism in the realm of Autumn. Whilst their roots lie with yeofolk from across Dawn, many nobles have since flocked to join their ranks. Formed of a union of Noble Houses, they cast their sights towards the bigger picture, the cabal is operated by a council, where every bonded member has an equal vote in its work and goals.

The Golden Leaf does not operate in the shadows - their aims are clear and open, aiming to bolster the Prosperity of Dawn by enchanting both its people and territories. In turn, they try to further what they believe to be the Empire’s ambitions through engaging the complex relationships between Imperial bodies and the Autumn eternals operating under amity.

Moon and Stars Cabal

Moon and Stars

The Moons and Stars cabal was formed in 377YE as an ambitious attempt to create a cross-house Dawnish Night coven. The cabal aims to bring together Night mages from across the nation of Dawn to both aid the Empire and bring Glory to the individual weavers within the cabal. The cabal is named after the heraldic devices used by the Houses who were present at the founding of the endeavour. The cabal was originally formed, primarily, by mages belonging to House De Rondell and a house that has since fallen.

The members of the Moons and Stars cabal are active participants in the business of the Imperial Conclave. Weavers from the cabal have held many important positions in the Conclave. The Moons and Stars cabal are celebrated for using their arcane powers to gather information, provide protection, break curses, and deliver curses. They are also widely known to regularly employ a range of novel and innovative rituals to achieve unusual and original results. They often use heraldic magic in their rituals although individual styles are encouraged.

The Phoenix Flame

The Phoenix Flame cabal were previously called the Chain-Sworn Scales, however after the commission of the Flame of the Phoenix near the Cabal’s home in 386YE, the cabal agreed to change their name in support of the magician who holds the title. The Phoenix Flame is an Autumn focused weaver cabal with members from across the noble houses of Dawn. At the end of 383YE they began to attend Anvil along with House Larmallevés, eagerly recruiting new members and quickly becoming one of the largest covens in Dawn. The Enchantress of House Larmallevés often organises the cabal along with other realm castings. However, all members have an equal say on the rituals the coven casts as the cabal operates as an equal union of yeofolk and nobility, with nobility often requested to gird into simpler attire for rituals.

Though initially founded with a focus on enchantments for businesses, fleets, and farms the focus has shifted with the growth of the cabal's influence and power, and now they also support the congregations, military units and armies of Dawn. The coven most notably casting the last enchantment on the Hounds of Glory during the conquest of the Barrens. They aim to study the arcane and make new rituals through arcane projections, with members of the cabal encouraged to join an order and actively participate in the Conclave.

Other Groups

Other Player Groups

The Iris Covenant

Location: The Chase, Astolat
Heraldry: A golden iris flower encircled by a ring of interlocking silver leaves
Colours: Gold and silver, with accents of purple and blue

The Iris Covenant is a coalition of noble houses in Dawn, founded in Spring 386YE. It aims to foster collaboration and strength among its members, ensuring each house thrives both individually and collectively. The Covenant's "prosperity pact" centres around economic growth, mutual aid, and the cultivation of shared prosperity both within and outside of Anvil.

The Hall of Bloom, House Videre's most prized possession, was chosen as the central meeting place for its symbolic golden iris, reflecting the Covenant's commitment to renewal and beauty. This hall now serves as a vibrant centre for meetings and celebrations.

The Iris Covenant leverages its combined resources and talents to navigate political and economic challenges, remaining steadfast in its focus on the prosperity of its members without endorsing any external political agendas.

The Order of the Gryphon’s Quill

The Order of the Gryphon's Quill

Location: The Chase, Astolat
Heraldry: Golden Gryphon rampant clutching a Quill on a Red and Blue split field with crenulated black border at top displaying a gilded Quill
Colours: Gold, Red, Blue

The Order of the Gryphons Quill is a school and residence for troubadours and those wishing to further Dawnish arts and culture, led by Lady Kaywenn du Launcet and Lord Romande Remys. Located between the famous tourney ground of Laroc and the Kethry’s Grove it seeks to promote pride in Dawnish culture amongst its citizens and ensure that the most glorious tales are formed. Those of the order that attend anvil tend to be pride troubadours, performers or mages who specialise in magic to nudge stories in glorious directions. Order members whether noble or yeofolk seek to support each other in their endeavours to ensure Dawn weaves a glorious history. Those who wish to join the order can be from any house or any lineage as long as they are willing to ensure great legends last forever.

NPC Groups

These groups are made up of non-player characters; their members are portrayed by Profound Decisions NPC crew.

House de Casillon

Location: Castle Spiral, on Weirmoor, in Weirwater
Heraldry: A hand with fingers spread marked with a spiral
Colours: Azure, Gold, and Violet

The de Casillon are an old house who hail from Spiral Castle, a pre-Imperial keep that stands at the heart of a powerful Summer regio. Their estates lie in Weirmoor in the territory of Weirwater, and until very recently they lived in voluntary internal exile protected from the outside world by a wall of swirling magical mists.

House de Casillon

Many of the nobles of the de Casillon family claim descent from Empress Richilde, and are said to cultivate their bloodline in the way a vintner might cultivate a strain of fine grapes. They are usually possessed of a strong changeling lineage - it is very rare for anyone who is not a changeling to seek the Test of Mettle from the house and even rarer for them to succeed. Much of their business in the outside world is handled through the Castellan of Spiral Castle, an Imperial title re-established in Spring 380YE.

Almost all the de Casillon nobles are witches, and their earls have always been potent enchanters. Their yeofolk are likewise trained in magical arts, although many of them choose to embrace the path of the artisan. Even before their seclusion behind their wall of mist, they were known for hedonism and self-indulgence and it seems that several decades isolated in a Summer regio have merely heightened these tendencies - left to their own devices they would while away their lives in tourneys, in hunting, in feasting, and in other diverse amusements. There may be some weight to the concerns of some troubadours who worry that the de Casillon have become more like the inhabitants of the Summer realm than citizens of Dawn.

House De Ledure

Location: Weirwater
Heraldry: A gold star on an argent field
Colours: Silver and Gold
Earl: Enchanter Geoffrey de Ledure

A relatively new house that was once part of House de Rousillon, they split from that house in in 358YE, ten years after Hugh de Rousillon took the Throne. Several knights of House de Rousillon and other knights who were after more action rather than tournaments joined the house. The house’s estates are based in Weirwater, and under Earl Hugh’s reign, the house was successful in having a senator twice - whilst they were at the peak of their power. Today the house is led by the Enchanter Geoffrey de Ledure, who is from a line of powerful summer witches. It is believed that the house has won some powerful boons from the eternal Hayaak, and they generally refuse to deal with other eternals.

In 378YE a marriage between House de Ledure and the rival House Blyrale was disrupted when the youths involved ran off to join the Navarr. This act ultimately cemented a union between the two houses and House Blyrale joined House de Ledure. According to gossip, the two houses are partially united by their anger at the Dawnish nobles who encouraged their scions to abandon their duty and flee the nation.

House Lionsgate

House Lionsgate

Location: The Chase, Astolat
Heraldry: Two red lions facing each other before a black gate
Colours: White, Red, and Black

House Lionsgate was founded in 283YE by descendants of the disgraced House Lyongate, who disbanded shortly after the disastrous loss of the original Gryphon's Pride army in a failed attempt to capture the Barrens. The founders attracted a number of knights-errant and questing knights, and slowly rebuilt their house - although they never again enjoyed the prominence they had lost along with the army.

The Lionsgate estates in Astolat are small but well maintained, and lie in The Chase. In recent years, the House has reclaimed some of its prominence as it has forged closer ties with a number of smaller noble houses - especially the cunning de Coyne of Dawnguard and the proud de Helios of Astolat. In 379E, then earl Lady Cassandra contacted several Dawnish nobles active in Imperial politics and offered aid in the re-establishment of the Gryphon's Pride. The loose coalition of smaller houses managed to secure a number of wains of mithril to help with the mustering of the fourth Dawnish army, seeing in this endeavour an opportunity to reclaim some of the pride they had lost over a century before. it remains to be seen if, now the army has been completed, they will continue to involve themselves in Dawnish politics or retreat to their estates.

Contributing

Any player character group in Dawn can submit an entry for this page. The entry should come from the out-of-character group leader and be emailed to plot@profounddecisions.co.uk.

It should contain the following information:

Group archetype (noble house, weaver cabal, knightly order). If your group doesn't have one of these archetypes, it will be listed in the "other" section.
Territory and region where the groups lands are physically located. Noble houses have estates, but both knightly orders and weaver cabals will be tied to a physical location that serves as their base of operations. If you are a group in exile that has fled the Barrens you can mention that
A description of your groups heraldry, with an image if desired. All noble houses have heraldry, as do most knightly orders and weaver cabals.
If your group has specific colours, you can mention them here.
If your knightly order has a publicly known oath you can include it in this section, bearing in mind that the best oaths of this nature are short and pithy
The name of your earl if you are a noble house. If there is someone in your knightly order or weaver cabal that serves as the in-character leader of the group, you can mention them and their title here

You should also include up to 250 words of description, detailing the kind of things that other characters might know about your group. Have a look at the description for a noble house, or at the archetype pages for weaver cabals and questing knights for ideas on the kind of information that is useful. You must also include a few sentences of history, especially around the circumstances of the house's formation or origin.

Some other questions to consider include:

If you are a noble house, do you have a particular Test of Mettle for which they are known, or a noteworthy method of choosing their earl?
Are there one or more particular archetypes the group is particularly associated with, either noble of yeofolk? Obviously knightly orders will contain questing knights, and weaver cabals are expected to have weavers among their number, but is there a noteworthy archetype that might be unexpected or has a special role?
Does your group have a particular ambition which helps unify your members?
Is there anything notable about the lands you claim, or about the physical buildings that serve as your home?

Things to avoid include:

Too much worldbuilding detail — this represents information other characters may know about your house. It's not a place to define elements of the game world
Lists of character names — this isn't a place for getting your name on the wiki
Too much emphasis on the past — while it's useful to have a few lines of history, what matters in Empire is what your house does on the field at events

It's possible to update the information on this page over time (for example if your earl changes) with an e-mail to plot@profounddecisions.co.uk.

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-{{stub}}
 ==Overview==
 There are many important [[noble house|noble houses]], [[knightly order|knightly orders]], and [[weaver cabal|weaver cabals]] in [[Dawn]]. Despite the number, only a comparative handful are involved in the affairs of the Empire (that is, attend the seasonal summits at Anvil). Their influence can wax and wane, and involvement in Imperial affairs is not always a reflection of their prominence within the nation itself. This page presents in-character information about the groups that attend, or have attended, [[Anvil]] — the kind of thing that someone who asked about them might uncover from talking to their peers. In each case, the information is provided by the players and edited before being put on the wiki.
@@ Line 8: / Line 7: @@
 The [[noble house|noble houses]] of Dawn represent the best - and occasionally the worst - of what the nation has to offer.
 ===Houses of Astolat===
-====House de Coerdefeur====
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Asterion.png|caption=House Asterion|align=right|width=250}}</div>
-* '''Location:''' Winterbourne in Astolat, just south of [[Astolat#Weaving|Weaving]]
+====House Asterion====
+* '''Location:''' Winterbourne, east of Boar's Hollow
+* '''Heraldry:''' A magpie reaching out to pluck a star from the sky on a field of blue and white
+* '''Colours:''' Black, royal blue and white - with gold accents
+* '''Earl:''' Vacant
+“From Dust, Become Stars.” A young house, Asterion was founded in 383YE by Enchanter Kyriel Asterion - after having left their previous house Montrose behind following the disastrous actions of their father Earl Tomme Montrose. It was to be a house capable of recognising any individual capable of glorious deeds, no matter their story, and to allow those who had been abandoned elsewhere to follow their ambition and belong to a true family. It takes in those who are alone, cast off, abandoned or lost, and gives them a chance to rise above the hand that has been dealt to them.
+The house has drawn many who practise magic; its heart known as Brambling Keep built upon mountain foothills deep in the woods near Boar’s Hollow, where mana crystals are abundantly found in natural hot spring caverns in the mountainside. It was founded to be a place of refuge, where the snow dusted pines soften the noise of the world and a soul might find reflection and tranquillity if they so desire it. Whole of heart and soul, one might chase virtue and glory with even greater dedication.
+Since the death of Enchanter Kyriel in 384YE, the house is without any present nobles, so is maintained by its yeofolk and knights-errant.
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Brightstone.png|caption=House Brightstone|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+====House Brightstone====
+* '''Location:''' Withy, on the River of Sighs
+* '''Heraldry:''' A mermaid holding aloft a white gemstone, on a field of golden yellow and teal blue
+* '''Colours:''' predominantly golden yellow and teal blue, accented with a small amount of orange and emerald green
+* '''Earl:''' Enchanter Ozilius Brightstone
+House Brightstone was founded in 85YE when an impoverished knight-errant was tasked by a gloating earl to produce a gemstone more splendid than any in his esteemed collection. The seemingly insurmountable Test of Mettle was passed, however, when the determined knight carried a washtub from the Semmerholm village of Auvanne to a river in the north. Using his washtub as a crude boat, he voyaged hundreds of miles east along the river, all the way to [[the Semmerlak]] where, according to legend, he met a mysterious mermaid who swam to the bottom of the lake and retrieved for him the Brightstone - a glittering gemstone of beauty beyond description. Not content to serve an ill-mannered Earl, the newly-titled Lord instead travelled west to Astolat and there he restored the venerable, ruined castle of Respireau- an ancient stronghold built onto the River of Sighs on the southwestern border, and thus became the first Earl of House Brightstone. The Brightstone remains a cherished heirloom to this day and is brought to Anvil for all to admire.
+Castle Respireau is famous for its underwater library and luxurious bathhouse, and the nobles of house Brightstone pride themselves on their hospitality. They eat and drink exceptionally well, due to an abundance of fish from the River of Sighs, as well as [[The League|League]] river-trading barges that frequently stop by the castle. They enjoy a reasonably amicable relationship with their [[Navarr|Navarri]] neighbours in [[Miaren]] and occasionally take leisure boats up and down the River of Sighs.
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Caerleon.png|caption=House Caerleon|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+====House Caerleon====
+* '''Location:''' Winterbourne, southwest of Weaving
+* '''Heraldry:''' Two white dragons eating each other's tails creating a circle on a navy blue background with a gold chevron.
+* '''Colours:''' Navy blue and white, accented with gold
+* '''Earl:''' Lady Guinevere Caerleon
+House Caerleon is a recent addition to Dawn's history, being founded in 307YE when the knight-errant Arthur Caerleon split from his adopted family after passing his Test of Mettle fighting and protecting a town from "draconic" beasts with other knights-errant, taking one of the beast's heads as a reward. Lord Caerleon travelled for miles trying to find the perfect location to settle, before finally coming across a hill with beautiful views, flanked by babbling brooks and overlooking the Hamlet of Strathmoor. It is here where he buried the beast's head on top of the hill and restored and expanded an old manor house close to the Hamlet and began to call it home.
+Over the years the Caerleon grounds have grown to include Strathmoor, and it has developed into a thriving farming town well known for its apple orchards, and because of these, desserts such apple pie have become a town and house specialty. The hill, named Dragon’s Garden, that overlooks the manor and town has also become well known, for it grows a variety of colourful flowers and berries upon it almost all year round. Atop, it has grown a single large apple tree with bark that looks like scales, producing the sweetest apples around, apples are normally reserved only for the Earl or their honoured guests.
+House Caerleon prides itself on being a found family and uses the virtues of loyalty, wisdom, and courage to resist hardships and assist members in pursuing goals in whatever path they walk.
+====House de Coeurdefer====
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Coeurdefer.png|caption=House Coeurdefer|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+* '''Location:''' Winterbourne, just south of [[Astolat#Weaving|Weaving]]
 * '''Heraldry:''' Black, a gauntlet silver grasping a crescent moon, two crescent moons silver
 * '''Colours:''' Black and silver
 * '''Earl:''' Zadkiel de Coeurdefer
-{{CaptionedImage|file=House Coeurdefer.png|title=Newly formed, proud of their ferocious love of life.|caption=House Coeurdefer|align=right|width=250}}
 House de Coeurdefer predates the Empire; memory of its forming has fallen into a legend. It is claimed that a knightly band gathered to destroy a nest of Winter-touched [[Mundane_beasts#Drakes|drakes]], with their leader giving her heart's blood and her life to seal a twisted [[regio]]. [[Troubadour|Troubadours]] sometimes say Castle Ironheart, their principal seat, was created magically out of dragon bones and her steel cestus to stand guard against the threat returning. Since the founding of the House, the Earls have traditionally been of Winter lineage, with a strong line of [[naga]] from the [[weaver cabal]] that lives and works with them, the Coven of Ouroboros Twining.
 The House is known for Loyalty, [[Ambition]], and Pride. Over the centuries, the House declined - numbers fell, as the dour draughir stayed at home with their packs of wolfhounds. They have a strong tie to their neighbours and cousins in [[#House de Rondell|House de Rondell]], and the Earl de Rondell's call for support at Anvil following the death of [[Empress Britta]] brought them out of their towers. Most of the nobles who attend Anvil on behalf of their House are from the naga weaver cabal rather than the draughir House, and Earl Zadkiel is of their blood. If and when others ask him for a Test, he's likely to offer a simple-seeming puzzle or challenge to enact at Anvil or in battle. They are usually more complex in practice, and focus on clever planning or the recruitment and leading of allies in a challenging situation.
-{{CaptionedImage|file=House_Gauvain_Heraldry.jpg|caption=House de Gauvain|align=right|width=250}}
-====House de Gauvin====
+====House Cordraco====
-* '''Location:''' Astolat
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Cordraco.jpg|caption=House Cordraco|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+* '''Location:''' Withy, north of Oldheart
+* '''Heraldry:''' Twinned Dragons on a field of purple and gold
+* '''Colours:''' Purple and gold
+* '''Earl:''' Logan Olivier De Havilland Cordraco
+House Cordraco was founded in 378 by a conglomeration of the ancient and venerable houses Arwood, Boscombe, Loriel and Martel. To do this they were set the test of slaying a dragon. They managed to fell a mighty drake but not before the beast feasted upon their first Earl; Johann Rookwood Martel Cordraco.
+House Cordraco have been a great supporter of the arts and hospitality since its founding. The house most closely associates with the virtues of Ambition, Pride and Prosperity. The motto, "''Not for us the straight and narrow''" is taken from the house oath, read by nobles once they have been judged to have completed their tests of mettle. It epitomises the beliefs of the house; that there is no one path to Glory. House Cordraco aspires to great acts of Prosperity and Pride within Dawn and the Empire. After a tumultuous reorganisation following the deaths of multiple earls, House Cordraco looks to step back into the world of Anvil politics intent on having its name echo through the ages. The house is known to encourage civility, respect and cooperation between its members.
+====House de Gauvain====
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House_Gauvain_Heraldry.jpg|caption=House de Gauvain|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+* '''Location:''' Caer Faucon
 * '''Heraldry:''' Golden phoenix on flames; nobles often have their own personal heraldry
-* '''Colours:''' Red and Gold
+* '''Colours:''' Orange and black with red trim
-* '''Earl:''' Enchantress Rosalynne de Gauvain
+* '''Earl:''' Earl Sidlore Edric Charge De Gauvain
-[[Pitiless_as_the_sun#Edric_de_Gauvain|Ser Edric de Gauvain]] is perhaps one of the most famous names in Dawn, thanks to a recent [[curse]] which befell the territory of Weirwater; but what of his House? Nestled in the bucolic Astolat countryside, the de Gauvains (pronounced ''gor-van'') reside in the pleasant market town of Caer Faucon. It is far from the front lines of the Empire at war. Few monsters stalk their lands. Their keep looks out over sheep scudded hills, drooping orchards, and peace. Wealth breeds prosperity, and hospitality. Noble and yeofolk rub shoulders, and do so gladly; bloody experiences during [[the Marches|the Marcher]] [[Dawn_history#Before_the_Empire|revolt]] taught them the error of their older, haughtier ways. The de Gauvains’ door is always open for travelers and wanderers, but one should never mistake warmth and generosity for placidity or cowardice. They have glorious deeds to match.
+[[Pitiless_as_the_sun#Edric_de_Gauvain|Ser Edric de Gauvain]] is perhaps one of the most famous names in Dawn, thanks to a recent [[curse]] which befell the territory of Weirwater; but what of his House? Nestled in the bucolic Astolat countryside, the de Gauvains (pronounced ''gor-van'') reside in the pleasant market town of Caer Faucon. It is far from the front lines of the Empire at war. Few monsters stalk their lands. Their keep looks out over sheep scudded hills, drooping orchards, and peace. Wealth breeds prosperity, and hospitality. Noble and yeofolk rub shoulders, and do so gladly; bloody experiences during [[the Marches|the Marcher]] [[Dawn_history#Before_the_Empire|revolt]] taught them the error of their older, haughtier ways. The de Gauvains’ door is always open for travellers and wanderers, but one should never mistake warmth and generosity for placidity or cowardice. They have glorious deeds to match.
 The house is best known for its weavers. Rich supplies of textiles, and a deep-seated love of glory, have led to a great interest in the [[Summer magic|Summer realm]]. This power in magic and realm-wisdom is matched on the battlefield; the House’s knights and war-witches march as part of the famous Winged Lion lance.
-{{CaptionedImage|file=House Larmallevés.png|caption=House Larmallevés|align=right|width=250}}
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Goldvein.png|caption=House Goldvein|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+====House Goldvein====
+* '''Location:''' Stryxstone Keep, north of Weaving
+* '''Heraldry:''' A golden mandowla on an emerald field
+* '''Colours:''' Emerald and gold
+* '''Earl:''' Enchantress Lilian Goldvein
+Originally founded by a former guide of Navarr who found true love and her place in the great dance beside a knight-errant, House Goldvein has a long-held tradition of recording and sharing tales of love and glory. After the tragedy that ended the reign of Nicovar, this mission broadened to include the foundation of the Stryxstone Library as a repository of knowledge to protect against a similar loss of information. After more than 150 years of bad luck, sabotage and unexplained misfortune, the House finally found itself succeeding in this quest, but becoming more insular and cutting itself off from the wider Empire. Now with a new Earl in their ascendance, House Goldvein makes it return to Anvil, and the centres of learning and research across the Empire.
+House Goldvein prides itself on the diversity of talent and knowledge it recruits and fosters, with artisans, warriors, troubadours, witches and physicks all held in equal prominence within the ranks of the House's nobles and yeofolk, and all who can share a tale or unrecorded knowledge will find a warm welcome to the estates surrounding the Stryxstone Keep.
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Larmallevés.png|caption=House Larmallevés|align=right|width=250}}</div>
 ====House Larmallevés====
-* '''Location''': Brightway, Astolat, west of the De Warrenne Way
+* '''Location''': Brightway, west of the De Warrenne Way
 * '''Heraldry:''' Crowned Phoenix in Gold on Field of Purple
 * '''Colours:''' Gold and Purple
 * '''Earl:''' Enchantress Areloe Larmallevés
-The House Larmallevés traces its history back to before the rise of the Empire, founded by [[Dawn_monarchy|King]] Bréanainn who won the grand tourney with armour and arms of his own design. Ever since that early day the House has always sought to elevate to it’s ranks through anyone who claims great skill, on the battlefield or as a creator, as such they have a tradition of setting [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Mettle|Tests of Mettle]] aimed at the abilities the [[knight-errant]] claim to be best with.
+The House Larmallevés (pronounced Lar-mell-e-vee) traces its history back to before the rise of the Empire, rumoured to have been founded by [[Dawn_monarchy|King]] Bréanainn who won the grand tourney with armour and arms of his own design. Ever since that day the House has always sought to elevate to its ranks anyone who claims great skill, on the battlefield or as a creator; as such they have a tradition of setting Tests of Mettle aimed at the abilities the knight-errant claims to be best with.
+The house heraldry represents repeating cycles of growth and prominence followed by an inevitable fall in which the house rises from the ashes, leading to their motto: “From Fire, To Ash, To Flame”. Two members of the house first attended anvil at the end of 383YE but have risen to every challenge since that first season. The house itself lives in a chateau called “The Second Dawn” due to its great ceremonial fire pit.
-Over the generations the house has seen repeating cycles of growth and prominence followed by an inevitable fall and in these days has receded to little more beyond the ancestral hall known as the "House of the Second Dawn", named for its great ceremonial fire pit. The house now looks to be beginning a new rise to prominence under the leadership of the new [[Earl#Enchanters|Enchantress]] who is once more looking to recruit warriors, skilled [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisans]], [[Magical skills#Magician|mages]], and healers into the house.
+Any aspiring knight-errant or noble is encouraged to be Ambitious and Loyal and to leave a lasting legacy, the current Enchantress openly accepts requests for tests of mettle and as she is a cambion her tests often reward and encourage clever thinking in their completion.
-{{CaptionedImage|file=House Sepulchre.png|caption=House Sepulchre|align=right|width=250}}
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Melora.jpg|title="Virtute et valare luceo non uro"|caption=House Meliora|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+====House Meliora====
+* '''Location''': The Chase, south of Laroc
+* '''Heraldry:''' A golden unicorn facing left on a quartered cream and purple field
+* '''Colours:''' Purple, Cream and Gold
+* '''Earl:''' Earl Torag Meliora
+House Meliora is a relatively young house, formed in the [[Cloud_waves_break|mist]] of 383YE, when a number of both nobles and yeofolk alike chose to break away from their previous house in the pursuit of a more virtuous and glorious life.
+They built a house dedicated to achieving glory on and off the battlefield, their members split equally between both martial and magical pursuits. The house has since grown in size, welcoming members from other nations and magicians representing five of the six realms. The Earl of Meliora is committed to forming a place for his house to thrive wherever they choose to find themselves upon the quest for glory.
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House de Rondell.jpg|caption=House de Rondell|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+====House de Rondell====
+* '''Location:''' Laroc
+* '''Colours:''' Blue and silver
+* '''Heraldry:''' Three crescent moons around a gryphon
+* '''Earl:''' Bohemond de Rondell
+An ancient house existing from before the founding of the Empire, its fortunes have risen and fallen many times over the centuries. Proximity to the Castle of Thorns in Astolat has always kept them near to the political heart of Dawn. There is evidence that the castle was designed by a de Rondell in the earliest days of the Dawnish presence on the Bay of Catazar.
+This house has returned senators, generals and cardinals again and again over the centuries. As such the household places an ongoing emphasis on questing in other parts of the Empire and gaining the regard of others in this way, long after many houses expect their members to focus in other areas.
+The House uses virtues as inspiration, immortalised in the three silver crescent moons in the house heraldry. They represent Pride in one's own worth and that which the House has won; Ambition to constantly reach out and grasp every opportunity, and Courage to always step forwards into the fray or into the unknown.
+“We have been there from the beginning of the Empire, we will be there at the ascension. Until that day we shall steer it towards greatness and Glory” Bohemond de Rondell
+House de Rondell's martial tests of mettle are quite difficult and can easily result in the death of the unwary; the other theme that runs through their tests is an emphasis on political acumen and the ability to influence others to act for the good of the Empire.
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House de Rosier.png|caption=House de Rosier|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+====House de Rosier====
+* '''Location:''' Winterbourne
+* '''Colours:''' Red, gold and white
+* '''Heraldry:''' A snake coiled inside a rose, surrounded by a radiant golden halo.
+* '''Earl:''' Cerys de Rosier
+Long before the founding of the Empire, House De Rosier was forged amidst a cataclysmic event. Their home in the lowlands of the mountains in northern Astolat was threatened by a devastating landslide. House de Rosier rallied their kin and fled up the mountain, desperately seeking refuge from the relentless fury of the storm. They traversed the treacherous mountain until they arrived at a plateau, apparently guided by a mysterious snake that appeared amidst the chaos. There, the snake halted, its gaze fixed upon a radiant rose blooming amidst the mountain peaks. To the amazement of House de Rosier, the snake curled around the rose, protecting it from the surrounding chaos. Sensing the serenity emanating from this extraordinary flower, they realised it was a sign. The survivors had found their new home—a sanctuary upon the mountaintop that became the foundation of House de Rosier. Their ancestral crest, a majestic rose entwined with a serpent, is a symbol of their resilience and the eternal bond between their house and the land that sheltered them.
+House de Rosier offers any citizen who wishes to join their ranks a test that has remained unchanged since its foundation. Knights are called to venture to a place hitherto unexplored. They are instructed to return with three significant elements—an extraordinary tale, a tangible souvenir, and a scar etched upon their body. It is a test that unites the house, binding generations together through shared experiences and a deep reverence for the unknown.
+The land continues to be fertile and the house is famed for its beautiful gardens, overgrowing with strange blooms often brought back by questing knights. These rare flowers are distilled into perfumes which keep the estate, and its inhabitants, fragrant.
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Sepulchre.png|caption=House Sepulchre|align=right|width=250}}</div>
 ====House Sepulchre====
-* '''Location:''' Winterbourne, Astolat
+* '''Location:''' Winterbourne
 * '''Colours:''' Red, gold and black
 * '''Heraldry:''' Black hound
-* '''Earl:''' Enchantress Olivia Sepulchre
+* '''Earl:''' Loria Sepulchre
 House Sepulchre traces its roots to Mira (later Rolande), a [[warden]] of [[Varushka]] who came to Dawn to bury her family and, eventually, the magician who killed them. Her bloodthirsty quest won her glory and land where she could mourn and remember in quiet contemplation. Over the years the graves and gardens spread further and further as House Sepulchre sought to collect tales and songs of the glorious dead as well as providing them with a fitting resting place (sometimes as [[Mark_the_Flesh_Incorruptible|statues]] stationed around the gardens and grounds). It suffered something of a decline when it was revealed that a [[Religious_crime#Heresy|heretical]] cult of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Hope|Hope]] had spread throughout the ranks of the nobility. It was only thanks to the swift action of a newly ennobled knight that Sepulchre endured.
-The house is known for having a string of [[draughir]] earls, but is now under the custody of Enchantress Olivia Sepulchre, who seeks to rebuild Sepulchre’s ranks, and teach all of the house’s noble and yeofolk the value and importance of magic. Sepulchre accepts knight-errants from every walk of life, and its Tests of Mettle are often designed to encourage imaginative thinking, to test resolve, and to crush any lingering shreds of optimism in the aspiring noble. Particularly of note is the Sepulchre graveyard, upon which when a knight-errant passes their Test of Mettle, they dig their own grave, a symbolic burying of their old life to start anew.
+The house is known for having a string of [[draughir]] earls and healers among its ranks. Sepulchre nobles and yeofolk alike seek to find glory in its every aspect and live life to the full; living by their motto, 'forever sanguine'. Sepulchre accepts knights-errant from every walk of life, and its Tests of Mettle are often designed to encourage imaginative thinking, to test resolve, and to crush any lingering shreds of optimism in the aspiring noble. Particularly of note is the Sepulchre graveyard, upon which when a knight-errant passes their Test of Mettle, they dig their own grave, a symbolic burying of their old life to start anew.
-{{CaptionedImage|file=House_Videre_Heraldry.jpg|title=House Videre|caption=House Videre|align=right|width=250}}
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House_Videre_Heraldry.jpg|caption=House Videre|align=right|width=250}}</div>
 ====House Videre====
-* '''Location:'''Astolat, The Chase
+* '''Location:''' The Chase, southeast of Laroc, near Rosered Woods
 * '''Heraldry:''' A golden gryphon passant, on a parted field of red and green
 * '''Colours:''' Green, Red and Gold
-* '''Earl:''' High Enchantress Iseult of the Phoenix
+* '''Earl:''' Vacant
-A House founded by royal retainers in pre-Imperial times, the name Videre has seen better days. Nearly destroyed in 276YE during a failed attempt to capture [[the Barrens]], and again in 330YE with the split of House de Carsenere, its recent reputation has been that of a House with a great history, but no future. Still, House Videre persists, determined to clear its name and live up to the shadow it once cast. A strongly magical House, Videre nobles are always led by Enchanters. They find their Glory in seeking out others in need of aid, magical and otherwise – whether they know it or not.
+House Videre traces its lineage back to royal retainers of ancient times, who served with distinction before the Empire's founding. Over the centuries, the name Videre has weathered trials and triumphs, enduring near destruction in 276YE during a failed campaign to capture the Barrens. Again in 330YE, the house faced internal strife with the split of House de Carsenere, casting doubt on its future. Despite these challenges, House Videre persists, determined to reclaim its legacy and honour the noble traditions it upholds.
-All Videres, whether Knight or Yeofolk, are dedicated to Love and [[Loyalty]] above all else, and their Tests of Mettle usually challenge a candidate's loyalties to their breaking point. This zeal has earned them as much wariness as it did respect, and while they eagerly follow the Way, their relations with the [[Imperial Synod]] have long been strained. The House also has an unusual tradition of challenging both parties during [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Ardour|Tests of Ardour]], even when one of their own nobles is leaving to join another noble household. This has frequently led to heated arguments with other Earls.
+Known for their strong affinity for magic, the Videres have always been led by powerful Enchanters, each dedicated to their principles of Love and Loyalty above all else. Their Tests of Mettle are renowned for challenging candidates' loyalties to their limits, earning both respect and wariness from their peers. Despite their dedication to the Way, relations with the Imperial Synod have often been strained, owing to their unique tradition of challenging both parties during Tests of Ardour, even when one of their own nobles departs for another household.
-The seat of the House is a small hillside fortress on the border between the Chase and Elvette. Once used as an outpost during the conquest of Semmerholm, it now guards the Hall of Blooms, a large floral maze which the Videres claim contains a sample of every flower that grows within the Empire.
+The seat of House Videre is a small hillside fortress located on the border between the Chase and Elvette. Once a strategic outpost during the Semmerholm conquest, it now guards the Hall of Blooms, a grand floral maze rumoured to house samples of flowers from across the Empire. However, the Hall of Blooms suffered significant damage in Spring 385YE as a consequence of the uncontrolled growth caused by the Imperial enchantment known as the Hallow of the Green World.
+Following the disappearance of Lord Colborn Videre, the last Earl of House Videre, the leadership of the house remains in transition. Since Spring 386YE, Ludwig Barbadoro has been nominated as Castellan, assuming the role of seneschal and acting head of House Videre. Under his stewardship, the Hall of Blooms has been meticulously restored, symbolizing renewal and resilience within the house. The Videres eagerly await the day when a knight-errant successfully completes the Test of Mettle, ensuring the continuation of their noble line and the legacy of House Videre.
 ===Houses of Semmerholm===
-{{CaptionedImage|file=D'acier Heraldry.png|title=House d'Acier|caption=House d'Acier|align=right|width=250}}
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=D'Abeille_Crest_2.png|caption=House D'Abeille|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+====House d’Abeille====
+* '''Location:''' Estmure
+* '''Heraldry:''' A Flower Crowned Bee on a Blue and Yellow field, parted with Black.
+* '''Colours:''' Black, Yellow and Blue
+* '''Earl:''' Earl Tarsus
+A seemingly new House, only recently rising to prominence. House d’Abeille (pronounced da-bay) prides itself on Prosperity, Ambition and Loyalty to one another. Taking the heraldry of a bee, the house has a close, tight knit community, with each working for the good of the hive. Its members are easily recognised by the flower crowns which are staples of their outfits.
+Situated in Semmerholm, to the north of the [[Semmerholm#The_Adamant_Gate|Adamant Gate]], House d’Abeille focuses its efforts on reclaiming the Barrens. Since its founding, its members are always the first to take the fight to the Druj therein.
+On the field, the House specialises in fighting on the front lines and battlefield support, cutting down Druj and ensuring everyone makes it home to tell the glorious story. The motto and battlecry on the lips of its members is “Si sapis, sis apis” - If you are wise, be a bee.
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=D'acier Heraldry.png|caption=House d'Acier|align=right|width=250}}</div>
 ====House d’Acier====
-* '''Location:''' Semmerholm, Estmure
+* '''Location:''' Estmure
 * '''Heraldry:''' Black Tower before a Golden Sun on a Green field
 * '''Colours:''' Green and Gold
@@ Line 65: / Line 175: @@
 An older, weathered House in the process of rebuilding itself, greater than ever. Following a recent period of unstable leadership that saw the House verging on collapse, a new Enchantress was chosen through the trials of the [[Barien|Iron Duke]], bringing renewed Glory and purpose. Deeply [[Pride]]-aligned, House d’Acier draws from the life and lessons of Paragon [[Empress Richilde|Richilde]] to guide its way. Its members eschew direct martial might, instead leveraging their magical, medical, and diplomatic talents to steer the course of Dawnish politics.
-D’Acier nobles and yeofolk are found on the fringes of great tourneys, elections, and other gatherings of note. They foster connections between Houses, provide healing and magical assistance, and help elevate those they believe will bring the most Glory to Dawn. Theirs is a Pride that speaks softly but looms large. Located near the [[Semmerholm#The_Adamant_Gate|Adamant Gate]], House d’Acier’s once mighty stronghold was ravaged by recent [[Druj]] incursions and, much like the House itself, is currently being rebuilt. The House’s history is intimately tied to Dawn’s claim to the Barrens, and they work tirelessly so that one day, the Dawnish banner may fly over those lands. They are also heavily involved in the politics of the Summer Realm, helping to foster positive relations between Dawn and the Eternals of Summer, particularly the Iron Duke. In recent years, the House has garnered a reputation as one of the historian Houses of Dawn and are currently the custodians of a great relic of Richilde.
+D’Acier nobles and yeofolk are found on the fringes of great tourneys, elections, and other gatherings of note. They foster connections between Houses, provide healing and magical assistance, and help elevate those they believe will bring the most Glory to Dawn. Theirs is a Pride that speaks softly but looms large. Located near the [[Semmerholm#The_Adamant_Gate|Adamant Gate]], House d’Acier’s once mighty stronghold was ravaged by recent [[Druj]] incursions and, much like the House itself, is currently being rebuilt. The House’s history is intimately tied to Dawn’s claim to the Barrens, and they work tirelessly so that one day, the Dawnish banner may fly over those lands. They are also heavily involved in the politics of the Summer Realm, helping to foster positive relations between Dawn and the eternals of Summer, particularly the Iron Duke. In recent years, the House has garnered a reputation as one of the historian Houses of Dawn and are currently the custodians of a great relic of Richilde.
-====House Corbeau====
-* '''Location:''' Semmerhom, near Drycastle
-* '''Heraldry:''' Raven and tree
-* '''Colours:''' Gold, burgundy, black, and white
-* '''Earl:'''  Lord  berethor Raven
-The fiefdom of Château Corbeau stands near the border with Holberg. Consisting of a few nobles, their estates include a small settlement which maintains a local democratic parliament. The House wealth comes from farming, mining, and a cadre of knights and armed yeofolk. The nobles of the house all wear black cloaks, and the House has a motto "knowledge is power, and with that knowledge glory ". The Corbeau began as a guild in Holberg, but  settled in Semmerholm when they came to Dawn, claiming the ruined castle that formed the foundation of the Château. Always small, over the years several other smaller noble houses joined but House Corbeau largely avoided Anvil. The current Earl was one of the first to venture to Anvil seeking trade and diplomatic allience, and possibly some new members, as well as to strengthen their relationship with the Empire.
-====House Tour de Cendres====
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=DeBoisGilbert.jpeg|caption=House De Bois Gilbert|align=right|width=250}}</div>
-* '''Location:''' Axmure, Semmerholm
+====House de Bois Gilbert====
+* '''Location:''' Lacuve
+* '''Heraldry:''' A black Sea Dragon surrounded by 3 silver suns (top left, top right, bottom middle) on a per pile red, gold and green (golden V on halved red and green)
+* '''Colours:''' Gold, red and green
+* '''Earl:''' Enchanter Morgan De Bois Gilbert
+House de Bois Gilbert was formed in 52YE during the conquest of Semmerholm by a Knight Errant of House De Rondell as a reward for their glorious deeds.
+In the early days of the house, its reputation became one of staunch protectors and defenders of the people from marauding beasts and barbarians, and of those who have heard of the house today, that reputation still stands, and the words of the house are "We are the shield." However the downsides of their zeal were clear - casualties were high and the house never grew much beyond a few dozen nobles, slowly declining in strength and influence over time. During the Druj invasion of 381YE the remaining nobles of the house were slain.
+In 384YE, a knight-errant whose [[Loyalty]] to his house was unsurpassed succeeded at his quest to reinstate the nobility of the house and select a new Earl who now brings some selected retainers to Anvil to rebuild the glories of old.
+====House Cadwalon====
+* '''Location:''' Axmure
+* '''Heraldry:''' A rampant golden unicorn with a green mane and tail, under a starry moonlit sky tinted gold against a violet field.
+* '''Colours:''' Violet, gold, and green
+* '''Earl:''' Lady Aneira 'Mawr' Harper Cadwalon
+House Cadwalon is an ancient house, tasked with the protection of a parcel of land on the edge of the forest of Axmure. The house makes extensive use of heraldic magic in its girding, particularly invoking the unicorn in the house heraldry which lends its nobles a reputation for fierce passion for
+life and a strong protective streak resulting in the house motto "Passionate Hearts, Fearless Souls.". Fittingly enough, Cadwalon's tests of mettle often evoke one or both of those themes.
+House Cadwalon is rather (in)famous for the close relationship its nobles share with the yeofolk under their care, often eschewing formality unless it is of the utmost importance. This bond was born in the house's earliest days, with knights often ordered to accompany yeo forresters into the
+woods to protect them from the barbarians, beasts, and bandits that stalk the glades of Axmure.
+In the house's heyday, it was not uncommon to see their knights helping with manual labour - particularly where yeofolk had struggled mightily or even hurt themselves. More recently, the house has fallen on hard times, when the Druj invaded Semmerholm in 381YE, the knights and knights-errant of House Cadwalon fought a desperate rearguard action to buy precious time for their non-combatants and wounded to escape.
+Bloodied, but unbowed, and with a small cadre of Ambitious young nobles at its core Cadwalon's Glory will burn bright, and its lands will know Prosperity once more.
+====House de Cendres====
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=de Cendres.jpg|caption=House de Cendres|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+* '''Location:''' Axmure
 * '''Heraldry:''' Solid gold chevron on black behind a dragon resplendent on a tower
 * '''Colours:''' Black and Gold
-* '''Earl:''' Earl Lupo
+* '''Earl:''' Earl Feroce Lupo de Cendres
-House Tour de Cendres was formed when the Ashen Tower, a military company from [[the League]] city of [[Holberg]] emigrated to Dawn, in 381YE. They claimed lands in Axmure in the wake of the Druj invasion and retreat from that province in the same year. Under the dynamic leadership of their [[changeling]] Earl Lupo, they have attracted new yeofolk and knights to their banner and rebuilt their lands. Their estates are a wide valley on the Drycastle road, with several villages and a fortified manors, sometimes called the Hearthhold. Their primary concern is prosecuting the war with the Druj, and as such they are a martial and aggressive House. Most recently, their knights and companies have marched deep into [[the Mallum|Druj territory]] with the Dawnish armies invading [[Ossium]] and the [[Forest of Ulnak]].
+House de Cendres was formed when the Ashen Tower, a military company from [[the League]] city of [[Holberg]] emigrated to Dawn, in 381YE. They claimed lands in Axmure in the wake of the Druj invasion and retreat from that province in the same year. Under the dynamic leadership of their [[changeling]] Earl Lupo, they have attracted new yeofolk and knights to their banner and rebuilt their lands. Their estates are a wide valley on the Drycastle road, with several villages and fortified manors, sometimes called the Hearthhold. Their primary concern is prosecuting the war with the Druj, and as such they are a martial and aggressive House. Most recently, their knights and companies have marched deep into [[the Mallum|Druj territory]] with the Dawnish armies invading [[Ossium]] and the [[Forest of Ulnak]].
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House de Courtenay.png|caption=House de Courtenay|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+====House de Courtenay====
+* '''Location:''' Semmer's Rose
+* '''Heraldry:''' Rampant Fox with a bee on its nose, Azure and Gold per chevron
+* '''Colours:''' Blue, Dark Teal and Gold
+* '''Earl:''' Earl Aodhán de Courtenay
+The House de Courtenay was almost wiped out when the [[Hounds of Glory]] fell, with Earl Jules being on their last breaths as they issued a test of mettle to the now Earl Aodhán. The house now prides itself on helping the lost find their place in the Empire - with all the current members of the House having been displaced or unsure where they were before becoming Dawnish. The House live by the words "''Nobody Left Alone''" - to be a guiding light for those who have no clear way forward, and to support those who otherwise might find themselves alone.
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Maurisol_Colour.png |caption=House du Maurisol|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+====House du Maurisol====
+* '''Location:''' Forests of Elvette
+* '''Heraldry:''' Three entwined bright blue calla lilies within a golden sun
+* '''Colours:''' Cream, gold, and bright blue
+* '''Earl:''' Galeas du Maurisol
+Dedicated to [[Loyalty]], the nobles of House du Maurisol are frequently priests and occasionally mages, but always warriors beneath it. They see it as their task to safeguard the Virtuous from dangers that might threaten to damage or shake their Loyalties, be this by the clever wordplay needed to encourage and guide, or a certain judicious application of a [[Dawn_culture_and_customs|challenge]] to those involved. Most of the House's nobles fell with Britta, but it has recently been revived and hopes to stand in glory once again.
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Medwood.png|caption=House Medwood|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+====House Medwood====
+* '''Location:''' Axmure, Medwood Hall
+* '''Heraldry:''' A white tree on red and a black and white checked field
+* '''Colours:''' Red, black and white
+* '''Earl:''' Earl Harlow
+House Medwood are a new house which wasn’t established until 381YE when the [[Druj]] swept through Axmure. Taking in the devastation of Medwood's lands the nobles of the House realised a need to visit Anvil to truly establish themselves. The house values itself on its [[Loyalty]] and gaining their friendship is gaining a steadfast ally.
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House de Rhys.png|caption=House de Rhya|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+====House de Rhys====
+* '''Location:''' Ferrond
+* '''Heraldry:''' A firebird on green and blue.
+* '''Colours:''' Green, blue, black, and white
+* '''Earl:''' Earl-Enchanter Ciagan de Rhys
+An elder house refounded in Autumn 385YE after a powerful Empire-wide Day enchantment returned it to attention, House de Rhys was originally known for its powerful Night witches, before a sudden stop in Anvil attendance. Rumour has said the challenge of becoming Earl is often literally finding Castle de Rhys using riddles and puzzles left by the last Earl, with each making it more testing than the last. The difficulty in locating the castle may actually be based on its small size, but it is certainly home to many secrets that can be found in unexpected places.
+House de Rhys is best known for its focus on glorious pursuits across every part of Anvil, encouraging the Loyalty to one's own heart and Ambitions. Whether this is to rise to a life in battles or the Synod, in an art studio or apothecary, or do something entirely new, House de Rhys is always prepared to offer support and guidance for the yeofolk and nobles that are part of it, and 'Rise', as their motto highlights, like a firebird from the ash.
+House de Rhys is also now well known for its championing of Love. Many of the most popular songs performed by the troubadours of the house are focused on the topic. The castle is visited by people of all nations who wish to read the fantastic collection of love stories and poems, and often guests will sit in the hall until morning speaking of love. The castle's grounds are used for weddings and celebrations so the house is able to have a first-hand view of love in all its forms.
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Summerstrong.png|caption=House Summerstrong|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+====House Summerstrong====
+* '''Location:''' The Summerhold, Southern Elvette
+* '''Heraldry:''' A blue tree on a field of red, wrapped in a wreath of blackthorns
+* '''Colours:''' Red and Blue, often with black accenting
+* '''Earl:''' Lord Percival Summerstrong
+House Summerstrong is an old house of Semmerholm, one that has regularly occupied the strange position of being one of the wealthiest of the least important houses of the territory. In recent history, the house has grown due to the marriage of the ex-earl Lord Gawain Summerstrong and his ex-Navarri wife Lady Penelope Summerstrong. With their marriage bringing many members of Penelope's striding to Dawn, House Summerstrong became known as a house with deep roots in both Dawn and Navarr. Their home, The Summerhold, is a physical representation of their ties to Navarr, resting along the trod that cuts through Elvette and serving as a stop-off point for those venturing south into Brocéliande. The Summerhold is instantly recognisable for its red stone walls, covered in an array of wild moss and flowers that give the illusion that the hamlet itself is a part of the woods around it. From their position in The Summerhold, House Summerstrong have pursued their ambition to fuel the mission against the Vallorn that occupy the areas so close to their home – with their tests of mettle often featuring a glorious hunt into Broceliande or a face-off with a dryad or marsh walker. The Vallorn is, in the eyes of House Summerstrong, the most dangerous threat to the empire and its members are driven by the tragedies that surround their house to remove it. It is a house built upon surviving tragedy, but their roots are deep and they stand strong against the storm - as captured in their motto, "Our Roots are Deep and Glorious".
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Tamerlaine_coat_of_arms.jpg|caption=House Tamerlaine|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+====House Tamerlaine====
+* '''Location:''' Near the town of Semmer's Rose, on the edge of the Semmerlak
+* '''Heraldry:''' A Silver Unicorn rearing on a Green and Black saltire field
+* '''Colours:''' Viridian Green, Silver and Sable Black
+* '''Earl:''' Earl Ailsa Tamerlaine
+An older, weathered House in the process of rebuilding itself, greater than ever. Following a recent period of unstable leadership that saw the House verging on collapse, a new Enchantress was chosen through the trials of the [[Barien|Iron Duke]], bringing renewed Glory and purpose. Deeply [[Pride]]-aligned, House d’Acier draws from the life and lessons of Paragon [[Empress Richilde|Richilde]] to guide its way. Its members eschew direct martial might, instead leveraging their magical, medical, and diplomatic talents to steer the course of Dawnish politics.
+With their main estate lying near a sleepy hamlet to the south of [[Semmerholm#Semmer.27s_Rose|Semmer's Rose]], House Tamerlaine is an old and small Dawnish house once thought faded, that is slowly and steadily blooming once more. Castle Tamerlaine and its accompanying grounds are a sprawling affair, with wild floral gardens, deep ponds, hot houses, and a large barn that has been turned into a studio for the inhabitants of the House. There is much pastoral and wild beauty to be found here.
+The House is mainly concerned with arts of pen and plectrum as well as weaponry and the art of war. When not ensconced in their compound, developing their crafts, noble members are often [[Questing_knight|questing]] across the Empire, researching their arts. While not bound under one singular Virtue, the House [[Troubadour|troubadours]] are often troubadours of the Way. There is a heavy emphasis to seek out new information, new stories, but bring this back to share with all of the House, and with their fellow Dawnish. Travellers are always welcome in these halls, especially if they bring with them news.
+With the upheaval of the last decade, Tamerlaine have re-thought their isolated ways and begun to reach out at Anvil. This having been said, it would be foolish to assume that a focus on the arts would mean ignorance of defense and fighting. The House motto defines the steely determination of its members: "If the bird does not sing, we shall make it sing."
+====House Vexille====
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=VexilleHeraldry.jpg|caption=House Vexille|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+* '''Location:''' Semmerholm, previously Barrens
+* '''Heraldry:''' Dagger crossing a key
+* '''Colours:''' Green, Gold & Black
+* '''Earl:''' Guissart Vexille
+A centuries old house, previously based in the Barrens until the Druj forced them to flee in defeat, House Vexille have a reputation for their hard-line attitudes, extensive use of [[Night magic]] and a penchant for luxury and excess. Their methods in achieving Glory have often been questioned, especially actions which saw them declared as [[sorcery|sorcerers]] for a time for their suggested abuse of magics…a measure which was only recently [[Sorcery#Declaration_of_Reconciliation|overturned]].
+House Vexille proudly declares that they "Hold the key to Glory" - considered metaphorical by many, they believe that their extensive pushing of boundaries is the key to true Glory. The Tests of Mettle set by the Vexille earls are notoriously difficult; the current earl, Guissart Vexille, takes great pride in the fact that dozens of those wishing to join his house have failed to meet the exacting demands he places upon them. To this end, the house supports a larger than average number of yeofolk who spend years testing themselves personally before attempting to bring their requests to the earl to join the household. Those nobles who have passed their test are usually arrogant as a result; inevitably embittered, grizzled individuals who display extreme character traits, their outlook on life influenced by the necessity of life on the Barrens' borders.
+Most recently, several knights of the house have formed a band of questing knights, dedicated to the destruction of [[vallorn]] as a great and glorious quest, under interpretation of the Synod’s statements on these creatures - urging knights from other houses to join them.
+====House Verdantié====
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Verdantié.jpg|caption=House Verdantié|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+* '''Location:''' Ferrond
+* '''Heraldry:''' A white crystal decanter embraced by a grape vine, rested on a blue and purple base
+* '''Colours:''' Navy blue, royal purple, and white
+* '''Earl:''' Earl Lannus Verdantié
+With a focus on the virtue of Wisdom, the nobles of House Verdantié consist primarily of physicks and magical healers alongside the support of front-line knights. Members of the house believe that every life saved results in another opportunity to fight for glory; whether this is by offering services within the hospital, taking the field and healing those in need, or taking the frontline and lending extra hands to those alongside them. House Verdantié is a noble house formed by Lannus Meadowkeep after they grew within House De Sarroi which sparked their desire to lead and assist.
 ===Houses of Weirwater===
-{{CaptionedImage|file=House Berinore.png|caption=House Berinore|align=right|width=250}}
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Berinore.png|caption=House Berinore|align=right|width=250}}</div>
 ====House Berinore====
-* '''Location:''' Weirwater, Weirmoor
+* '''Location:''' Weirmoor
-* '''Heraldry:''' Two antlered hippogryphs, rampant before a gold chevron on a red field
+* '''Heraldry:''' Two perytons, rampant before a gold chevron on a red field
 * '''Colours:''' Red and gold, with black.
-* '''Earl:''' Lord Percival Berinore
+* '''Earl:''' Lady Tegwen Berinore
-Those who dwell within Castle Gristemere's walls claim it to be one of the oldest castles in the Weirmoor, raised not long after the Dawnish first arrived in these lands, laying claim to the dangerous forests and mastering them. Despite their ancient claim, the house held no one of note until recently. Its previous Earl, Lord Eridon, had tried to capture some of the acclaimed glory the castle lacked, travelling to tourneys and feasts with the hope of forming friendships with more acclaimed Houses. While the Earl and his wife spent much time away from their keep, their fame did not grow but rather they sunk further into debt and obscurity.
+Those who dwell within Castle Gristimere's walls claim it to be one of the oldest castles in the Weirmoor, raised not long after the Dawnish first arrived in these lands, laying claim to the dangerous forests and mastering them. Despite their ancient claim, the House held no one of note until recently. House Berinore attended Anvil for the first time at the end of 383YE to pull itself from obscurity with the thought of true glory at the forefront, but since then, the House has been beset by tragedy after tragedy. From their very first attendance at Anvil, long beloved friends have fallen to barbarian blades, time and again.
+This culminated in Spring 385YE, with all nobles of the House deceased, fallen in battle to reclaim either Zenith or the Barrens. A pair of knights-errant remained; one was able to pass her tests, calling a fallen Earl back through the [[Whispers through the Black Gate|Black Gate]] to confirm this. The newly minted Earl has sworn to learn from this and never leave the House in such a situation again, and the House has since focused on healing, on repair and unity. Alongside their allies in the Amber Lance, Berinore fights on the battlefield to ensure as many glorious heroes make the return to Anvil as possible, and works within Anvil with a focus on the same unity. True glory for those of House Berinore acknowledges the contributions of nobles and yeofolk alike, each bringing glory in their way.
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Castellan Crest.png|caption=House Castellan|align=right|width=250}}</div>
-Following the earl and much of the court's deaths in a doomed hunting trip into the dangerous Weirmoor, Lord Percival assumed the title of Earl. Five years later, with the house's affairs set in order, at last, House Berinore makes its way to [[Anvil]] to pull itself from obscurity with the thought of true glory at the forefront. For where was the glory in abandoning those who depended on you? Where was the strength in partying at tourneys with no thought to the sacrifices others made to enable that life? True glory for House Berinore acknowledges the contributions of nobles and yeofolk alike, each bringing glory in their way.
-{{CaptionedImage|file=House Castellan Crest.png|title=Steadfast, Unwavering, Castellan!|caption=House Castellan|align=right|width=250}}
 ====House Castellan====
-* '''Location:''' Highwater Keep, Western Weirwater Vale, Weirwater
+* '''Location:''' Highwater Keep, Western Weirwater Vale
 * '''Heraldry:''' A white Hippocampus on a field of blue, with red accents.
 * '''Colours:''' Blue with red and white trim, and a red chevron, in various configurations.
 * '''Earl:''' Enchanter Baldwin Castellan
-House Castellan was founded in the dim and distant past, at the foundation of Dawn as a nation in the pre-Imperial age. The first Earl, Lord Kaldwin Castellan, sought to bring law and safety to the wild frontier of Weirwater, and so established the Castellan Hunt, an order of [[questing knight|questing knights]], knights-errant, and yeofolk intended to travel and patrol the territory to keep honest people safe from monsters, bandits, [[ord|orcs]], and the trials of life in a wild land.
+House Castellan was founded in the dim and distant past, at the foundation of Dawn as a nation in the pre-Imperial age. The first Earl, Lord Kaldwin Castellan, sought to bring law and safety to the wild frontier of Weirwater, and so established the Castellan Hunt, an order of [[questing knight|questing knights]], knights-errant, and yeofolk intended to travel and patrol the territory to keep honest people safe from monsters, bandits, [[orc|orcs]], and the trials of life in a wild land.
 From the seat of Highwater Keep the house and the Hunt have kept to this duty diligently, striving to embody the very concept of knighthood and nobility in their deeds, but never previously taking an interest in Anvil, slowly sliding into forgotten obscurity as a result. Now, that isolation has ended. House Castellan looks from the deeds of the past toward the glories promised by the future, and its people step from the mists of Weirwater into the light of Anvil. The house is noteworthy for its extremely large numbers of knights-errant, resulting from a combination of challenging Tests of Mettle and strong dedication to the Hunt’s duties as wandering protectors of all that is virtuous and right. House Castellan’s nobles, knights-errant, and yeofolk are expected to bring virtue, determination, and skill to all they do, and match their deeds with honesty, kindness, and respect.
-{{CaptionedImage|file=House Remys.png|caption=House Remys|align=right|width=250}}
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Clément.jpg|title="Mercy, Goodness, Glory"|caption=House de Clément|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+====House de Clément====
+* '''Location:''' Weirmoor
+* '''Heraldry:''' A golden Jackalope on a green field
+* '''Colours:''' Green and gold
+* '''Earl:''' Earl Percival de Clément
+House de Clément is a pre-Imperial house founded by Ser Gwendolyn the Good. In recent years the house has withdrawn from the goings on of the nation and the Empire at large. Following the appointment of a new earl, however, the house has returned to Anvil in an attempt to re-join the fold. They pride themselves on producing fine healers, and on providing warm hospitality to any and all that cross their threshold.
+The Clément estate is centred around Castle Brighthearth on the Weirmoor and is notable for the large glasshouse in its central court that allows them to grow a diverse range of exotic plant life.
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House duLac.jpeg|title="Stand Fast, Stand Ready"|caption=House duLac|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+====House duLac====
+* '''Location:''' Culwich
+* '''Heraldry:''' A golden fox on a blue and green field
+* '''Colours:''' Blue and green
+* '''Earl:''' Lady Laudine duLac
+House duLac is one dedicated to watching the borders of Dawn, a bulwark that stands as the first line of defence of this Glorious nation, ever watchful particularly against the threat of Druj incursions across the Semmerlak and Varushkan monsters from across the northern border. Their motto of "''Stand Fast, Stand Ready''" stands as evidence of their commitment.
+The people of this house are often more subdued in their appearance compared to other Dawnish, in part due to their long distance from the rest of their people, and also due to their focus on military preparation. It is rumoured that the members of House duLac never go unarmed, lest they be unprepared. They hold the Virtue of Vigilance close to their core, aiding them on their watch, and they greatly utilise the magic of Spring in their work, the trappings of which can be found all over their ancestral seat, The Hightower.
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Gladewarden.jpg|caption=House Gladewarden|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+====House Gladewarden====
+* '''Location:''' Weirmoor
+* '''Heraldry:''' A golden crest on a green field. The crest contains three swords pointed upwards, becoming trees whose boughs interweave.
+* '''Colours:''' Emerald and gold.
+* '''Earl:''' Earl Fintan Blackrock
+Steadfast in their ideals of Loyalty, Courage, and Pride, members of House Gladewarden devote themselves to the study of the sword. Taking the words of their motto "''Many trees, one forest''", to heart, they are willing to face any threat or challenge for the good of their allies. House Gladewarden trains to master their specific sword forms, developed by the first earl Liam Gladewarden. In recent years knights-errant have been offered one of three paths when requesting a test of mettle from the current earl.
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Lucentia.png|caption=House Lucentia|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+====House Lucentia====
+* '''Location''': The most southwestern tip of Wiermoor, on the border with Astolat
+* '''Heraldry:''' An outstretched hand, gently holding a star with a background of navy blue and purple
+* '''Colours:''' Blue, Purple and Silver
+* '''Earl:''' Enchanter Vesper Lucentia
+A young house created by Enchanter Vesper upon passing their test of mettle in Summer 385YE. The house is known for its distinct approach to the Virtue of Wisdom. The house has a focus on welcoming all comers, including many who have joined Dawn later in their lives from other nations. It is also a house of travellers and wanderers; those who seek new horizons and greater understanding. It has gained something of a reputation as a house of "chain breakers", as many of its members have fought hard to save people under the yoke of oppressors.
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Mortere.png|caption=House Mortére|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+====House Mortére====
+* '''Location:''' Weirmoor
+* '''Heraldry:''' A black rose inside a golden hourglass on a split field of red & black.
+* '''Colours:''' Black (Primary), Red and Gold.
+* '''Earl:''' Enchantress Morrigan Mortére
+Founded by Vaela Mortére in the reign of [[Empress Varkula]] during the Druj invasion of Weirwater, House Mortére has been reclusive and quiet for many years since. House Mortére is an unusual noble house, but those who do meet and interact with them often claim them to be friendly and hospitable, if a little unsettling. Their estate is often called ''The Black Garden'' as many poisonous and dangerous plants and herbs are grown there, along with numerous natural black roses. House Mortére seems especially concerned with the concept of death. The house seems to yield many weavers talented in Winter magic, and many of the nobles and yeofolk of the house seem to be very comfortable around the dead or dying. Often the house members appear to help with funerals, the terminally ill, or sick, but also to help the living with matters of great joy and sorrow.
+====House Novarion====
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Novarion.jpg|caption=House Novarion|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+* '''Location:''' Applefell, Garthmoor
+* '''Heraldry:''' A phoenix in flames
+* '''Colours:''' Red and gold
+* '''Earl:''' Earl D'Eon Novarion
+Formed in 52YE by a young warrior named Novaria, she gathered like-minded warriors to her banner during battles around Semmerholm. In recognition of this feat she was granted land and many of her warriors remained by her side and pledged to form a new house. Using the wealth and slaves rescued from the orcs they built a fortress on one of the highest hills in Applefell and were charged with its defence. House Novarion were popular with the troubadours of the time and several of their deeds are remembered in traditional folk songs such as Sir Isobel and The Novarion Phoenix which are still sung today.
+Years later, a large portion of the house died in a great fire following a strange magical event caused by their insular nature and only a handful escaped. The house's wealth and reputation were in ruins. The earl began the slow process of rebuilding the house, swearing to never again let those of his household grow to be weak closeted individuals.
+From then on, tests of mettle were always written so that extensive foreign travel was required. Insulation and clannishness was dangerous and should be avoided at all costs by prompting its members to seek glory from distant lands. Any person seeking entry into the house is often set difficult tasks that require extensive travel and perseverance to complete, thus encouraging them to grow into headstrong individuals with allies in unusual places.
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Olor.jpg|caption=House Olor|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+====House Olor====
+* '''Location:''' North Sandling
+* '''Heraldry:''' A glorious swan adorned by 2 roses upon a blue and red background with a red chevron.
+* '''Colours:''' Blue, white and red
+* '''Earl:''' Earl Adrahil Olor
+House Olor was rekindled by Earl Adrahil Olor and his 2 brothers. Nobles of Olor pride themselves on being furious to their enemies and bringing [[Glory]] to the House, Dawn, and the Empire and they adorn the sigil of the swan for this reason. The tales of House Olor often have mention of a swan offering assistance, often in a similar manner to the [[aspect_magic#Beast Magic]] in the Varuhskan sense.
+Housed in woods north of Sandling and nestled alongside a river flowing into the Semmerlak. Many swans call this place home and any person keen on taking a feather home for the house would find many in abundance here.
+Keen to remain true to their motto, the House is keen on front line combat, holding a glorious shield and a weapon of fury.
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Orzel.jpg|title="Prove It!"|caption=House Orzel|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+====House Orzel====
+* '''Location:''' Belletain Vale (Sandling)
+* '''Heraldry:''' The white eagle of Gnijezdo and Primroses of Zoria
+* '''Colours:''' Red and Black
+* '''Earl:''' Valentin Ivarovich Severyan Orzel
+House Orzel is a union of two migrations from [[Varushka]], blending bloodlines and customs but embracing martial culture with the great traditions of the Empress Richilde’s most noble people. Favouring tests and trials involving quest and strange adventure, House Orzel finds a natural home in Dawn and has welcomed an increasing number of native Dawnish knights-errant into its nobility through great deeds of mettle and achievement. The Orzel have always measured and tested themselves against competence and skill, giving respect to Pride earned and laughing at pomposity, false claims, and weak authority in equal measure.
+Generous with praise and friendship for the accomplished, the Orzel care more for talent and achievement than they do for name or family history alone. In youth children are encouraged to demand their elders "prove" their claims of skill or knowledge rather than taking anything on faith alone. Orzel children are wild and reckless with tales of the youngest laughing at the snarls of invading wolves and hurling stones and chanting "Prove It!" to call the bluffs of ancient evil and bestial threat alike.
+Though wilful boldness and challenge mark daytime traditions, the Orzel consider [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Hospitality|guest-right]] sacred when the sun goes down. Music, song, and storytelling are great pleasures of hearth and home, and all should be welcomed, and none mistreated, when it is accepted. Darkness is a time for kindness and tales, [[Wisdom]] and preparing for the hard battles to come. Though sardonic humour runs strong through the Orzel, none should be denied hospitality or chased out into the night.
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Remys.png|caption=House Remys|align=right|width=250}}</div>
 ====House Remys====
-* '''Location:''' Weirwater, Weirmoor
+* '''Location:''' Weirmoor
 * '''Heraldry:''' A snake coiled around a silver goblet, poison dripping from its fangs
 * '''Colours:''' Red and Silver
@@ Line 109: / Line 394: @@
 The house is headed by the Enchantress Claudia Varkulova Remys who took over from her mother in YE382. The new Enchantress Remys has sworn to continue in her quest to restore House Remys to its former glory and show the Empire the power of the Winter Realm.
-{{CaptionedImage|file=House Rion.png||caption=House Rion|align=right|width=250}}
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Rion.png||caption=House Rion|align=right|width=250}}</div>
 ====House Rion====
-* '''Location:''' Wickmoor, Weirwater (Near the [[Weirwater Vales]])
+* '''Location:''' Wickmoor (Near the [[Weirwater Vales]])
 * '''Heraldry:''' Gilded White Stag Rampant, emblazoned upon a blue field
 * '''Colours:''' Main colour royal blue, secondary colours silver and white, tertiary colour black
@@ Line 121: / Line 405: @@
 In recent years, the House has begun the brewing of ales and the distillation of fine wines and spirits.
-====House Vexille====
+====House Tallstag====
-{{CaptionedImage|file=VexilleHeraldry.jpg|title=House Vexille is known for its ruthless attitude and its wine.|caption=House Vexille|align=right|width=250}}
+* '''Location:''' The Aldergate, Wickmoor
-* '''Location:''' Semmerholm, previously Barrens
+* '''Heraldry:''' A silver stag set in a field of green
-* '''Heraldry:''' Dagger crossing a key
+* '''Colours:''' Green and silver
-* '''Colours:''' Green, Gold & Black
+* '''Earl:''' Logan Tallstag
-* '''Earl:''' Guissart Vexille
+“Prepare for all, Yield to none” - The motto of House Tallstag sings to the [[Ambition]] and [[Pride]] that all Tallstags aspire to. Founded in 380YE, House Tallstag was originally founded as a knightly order by Lord Logan, with the simple aim of becoming the most reputable monster hunters in Anvil. This desire was quickly outgrown as their ambitions of hunting greater monsters rose to tackling the greatest challenges they could find.
-A centuries old house, previously based in the Barrens until the Druj forced them to flee in defeat, House Vexille have a reputation for their hard-line attitudes, extensive use of [[Night magic]] and a penchant for luxury and excess. Their methods in achieving Glory have often been questioned, especially  actions which saw them declared as [[sorcery|sorcerers]] for a time for their suggested abuse of magics…a measure which was only recently [[Sorcery#Declaration_of_Reconciliation|overturned]].
+House Tallstag prides itself on a reputation as one of the fiercest lances Dawn has. They reside in a once forgotten stronghold known as The Aldergate and they have tasked themselves with the complete destruction of the vallorn in its entirety, and work closely with Navarr stridings and steadings to achieve this great feat.
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Tower de Risbanke.jpg|caption=House Tower de Risbanke|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+====House Tower de Risbanke====
+* '''Location:''' Hawksmoor (northwest of Hawthorn)
+* '''Heraldry:''' Argent Wolf on Azure field with Golden sun blazing in third quarter
+* '''Colours:''' Blue and yellow
+* '''Earl:''' Vacant
+The Tower De Risbanke stands at the peak of a bleak & wild hillside near the border of [[Varushka]] within the Weirmoor forests. Surrounded by wolves, falcons and wild game this small household is a sanctuary for those needing food, drink, and a place to rest with a warm welcome. The house was founded with hospitality at its core, often believed to be due to its proximity of Varushka. The division between yeofolk & nobles can sometimes be quite blurred in this small household where both warriors and weavers seek out new alliances and friendships. Boisterous songs can often be heard in the Weavers Rest tea house with the motto ''In Vino Veritas'' - In wine is truth. Tests of mettle are as often be artistic or culinary banquets in the field. Tests of ardour also often focus on the expression in the food of love.
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House of the Twisted Rose.png|caption=House of the Twisted Rose|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+====House of the Twisted Rose====
+*'''Location:''' Weirmoor
+*'''Heraldry:''' A white rose/roses with twisted stems, The runes Rhyv and Lann flanking it.
+*'''Colours:''' Purple
+*'''Earl:''' Enchantress Mirella of the Twisted Rose
+The House of the Twisted Rose was founded during 383YE. The Keep of the House, itself named Keepsake, was built out in the ruins of a fallen House, its name forgotten to time, its foundations nestled atop the peak of one the mountains near Delev. Though around the estate still sit statues of various nobles and in various states of disrepair, those within the House have a habit of asking these still forms for advice though they do not speak back.
+Members of the House have a reputation of self-sacrifice and knowledge of costs to be paid, owing to The Twisted Rose’ ties to both the Autumn and Winter realm, of contracts and oaths. As well as raw passion. This led to the House’s motto being “Ma Vie; Par Amour” (My Life; For Love in Asavean). Much of the House’s Tests have been based around the ideals of Love and Loyalty, often seeking to teach as much as test the one undergoing it; to bring them deeper in line with the House’s beliefs.
+====House de Vere====
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House De Vere.png|caption=House de Vere|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+*'''Location:''' North Hawksmoor
+*'''Heraldry:''' A silver owl displayed on a split field of wine red and gold.
+*'''Colours:''' Primarily wine red and gold, with silver secondary.
+*'''Earl:''' Vacant
+House de Vere was founded in pre-Imperial times by a noble of a now-forgotten house who completed a seemingly impossible Test of Mettle using a boon from the [[Barien|Lord of the Crossroads]]. House de Vere’s heraldry is a silver owl in honour of Barien and the story of the founder, and the house motto “In Blood Anointed” draws its origins from the story of the House’s founding. The house's estate sits at the border of Karov and Weirwater; where the forest meets the hills.
+The house is dedicated to investigating and destroying supernatural threats to Dawn, primarily monsters from beyond the border that threaten Hawksmoor, and other malignant foes of a magical nature.
+In 375YE the castle was left in ruins and the house was believed to have been wiped out following an attack from some unknown foe. In 385YE a knightly order made up of members of House de Vere that left the Empire shortly before the attack returned from questing in Asavea to find their house destroyed. The surviving members have since begun rebuilding the house, reaffirming the house's purpose as a bulwark against esoteric threats to Dawn.
+===Houses of the Barrens===
+====House Fawnwood====
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Fawnwood.jpg|caption=House Fawnwood|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+* '''Location:''' Fallow's Keep, Dawnguard
+* '''Heraldry:''' A Golden Fawn on a field of green grass
+* '''Colours:''' Green, Gold and Purple
+* '''Earl:''' Earl Sebastián Fawnwood
+House Fawnwood was formed in Autumn 385YE, founded shortly after Dawn's triumph in the Barrens. As Dawn established its control of the territory, House Fawnwood made their home in the forests of western Dawnguard – taking the estate of Fallow’s Keep as their seat.
+A fawn of a fallow deer adorns the House heraldry, and whilst perhaps perceived by some as a symbol of peace and being a docile creature, it also symbolises a young, new house that will soon come of age.
+Priding themselves on their Loyalty and Courage, House Fawnwood boasts an array of heavy fighters, often found at the forefront of any battle, as well as powerful mages calling upon both the realms of Summer and Autumn. Both yeofolk and nobles alike are pushed to bring glory to the House in an attempt for the House to become more known within Dawn, and the Empire as a whole.
+Looking ahead to its future, House Fawnwood is ever loyal to the people of the Barrens, helping maintain Dawn's hold over the territory and furthering its development.
+====House du Froste====
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House du Froste.png|caption=House du Froste|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+* '''Location:''' Estmure, by lake Semmerlak
+* '''Heraldry:''' Golden jackalope on a field of black and red
+* '''Colours:''' Red, Gold & Black
+* '''Earl:''' Earl Gaston Wayfinder
+The history of House du Froste stretches back to before the conquest and settling of [[The_Barrens#Dawnguard|Dawnguard]].When Dawnguard fell the Earl Panthos Du Froste rushed to the aid of the civilians fleeing to Semmerholm. Ever since then waifs and strays looking to reclaim their homeland have flocked to their banner and their estate in the foothills of Estmure.
+In Anvil they are known for their standard bearing the jackalope that often serves as a rallying point through the Sentinel Gate, and the round table that the nobles of Dawn occasionally gather around for Earls Council.
+“''Our words have weight''" is the house motto; being a house who believe wholeheartedly that actions are worth more than any number of words. Once a member has said something, they believe it should be binding to the core of their being.
+====House Primevère====
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Primevère.jpg|caption=House Primevère|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+* '''Location:''' Dawnguard
+* '''Heraldry:''' A mandowla surrounded by golden flames on a field of emerald green with a dusty light pink chevron.
+* '''Colours:''' Emerald Green, Dusty Light Pink, Gold
+* '''Earl:''' Enchantress Amelie Primevère
+After the glorious death of her husband, the enchantress took her retainer and military unit to find her late husband’s ancestral home in the Barrens, to lay his body to rest. While there, she decided to complete his ambition by rebuilding the castle to its former glory and founding the new house in his honour.
+The founders of House Primevère are powerful spring mages and briars, therefore they encourage their fellow house members to be prideful but vigilant in all that they do. House Primevère requires its members to be well educated in politics and the arts, as they know well that the gentle power of words and culture can bring just as much glory as martial might.
+====House Tonberry====
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Tonberry.jpg|caption=House Tonberry|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+* '''Location:''' Dawnguard
+* '''Heraldry:''' Shield with two gold lozenges resting in a Vert field, Argent tiered foreground with a golden sword, staff, anvil. and rose.
+* '''Colours:''' Green, White and Gold.
+* '''Earl:''' Vacant
+House Tonberry was once an established noble house in Dawnguard, east of Drycastle that was destroyed by the Druj. The House was known for its seven lords known to each other as siblings whilst being represented by an Earl and their partner, known as the "Thegn" of the house, the Thegn acts as the Earl’s second but also as a source of Wisdom, advice and comfort to the nobles and yeofolk of the house. The last pair were Earl Kairon Tonberry and their spouse Thegn Lianna Tonberry, who were both killed in defence of their home, along with most of House Tonberry. The surviving members of the house have split, believing themselves to be the last remaining. Each hopes to begin bringing glory back to their name and to eventually rebuild their house to what it once was.
+====House Torawyr====
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=HouseTorawyr.jpg|caption=House Torawyr|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+* '''Location:''' Ruins of House Torawyr, Dawnguard
+* '''Heraldry:''' Blue and White quartering with a red gauntleted fist with cynogriffon wings in the centre.
+* '''Colours:''' Blue and White.
+* '''Earl:''' Enchanter Edmund Torawyr
+House Torawyr was originally founded in southern Dawnguard near Murderdale. The house was primarily made up of apothecaries and fighters who tended and harvested their gardens to help Dawn fight the Druj and defend Dawnguard. When the Druj invaded in Summer 381YE, breaking the treaty, the fighters of House Torawyr were loyal until the last drop, laying down their lives to hold back the orcs as long as they could to allow as many people to flee as possible. In doing so all nobles of House Torawyr died or were taken as slaves.
+The house reformed at the end of 382YE, as a group of loyal yeofolk ventured back into the Barrens on a Test of Mettle to retrieve the banner of their house. The group saw their beautiful gardens wrecked with a blight, their herbs picked clean to supply the Druj with poisons. With caution they were successful in retrieving their banner, reforming the house under a new Earl, Enchanter Edmund Torawyr.
+After considerable effort, In 385YE House Torawyr returned to the Barrens with newfound loyal allies, resources, and magical might. The house with allies from the Amber Lance attacked the Spires of Dusk with the Hounds of Glory. Bringing with them over a hundred [[Clarion Call of Ivory and Dust|grim legionnaires]] of the eternal [[Kaela]]. Now the house has returned to its ruined land it must rebuild the gardens it once held with pride, and return the help given by those who helped take back Dawnguard.
+====House De Tournesol====
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=De Tournesol.jpg|caption=House De Tournesol|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+* '''Location:''' Dawnguard
+* '''Heraldry:''' A shield of dark pink with a large sunflower emblazoned in the bottom right corner, a small square of yellow emblazoned with a pink yale sits in the top left corner of the shield
+* '''Colours:''' Pink and Yellow
+* '''Earl:''' Brahmms De Tournesol
+Founded after the 385YE Summer Solstice from the ruins of a keep on the edges of Dawnguard, the high walls of the De Tournesol estate defend its residents from the wilds of the Barrens whilst also offering a place of respite for the injured and the weary. Enclosed within is a rich garden of cultivated medicinal [[herb|herbs]] littered with the house sunflower which grows determined in every corner of the keep. Its small but safe keep act as a basis for the house’s operations whilst also accommodating a space of respite for any traveller or wayward soul of the Empire.
+House De Tournesol consists mainly of those who can aid or heal, be it through surgery or magic, however will happily welcome all those who share in their ambitions to see Dawn and the Empire prosper through providing protection and rejuvenation to all those who may need it. Although their tests of mettle are tailored to those who partake in them, they contain two key themes in their task, which are to stand out gloriously and to make a stand in the face of danger.
-House Vexille proudly declares that they "Hold the key to Glory" - considered metaphorical by many, they believe that their extensive pushing of boundaries is the key to true Glory. The Tests of Mettle set by the Vexille earls are notoriously difficult; the current earl, Guissart Vexille, takes great pride in the fact that dozens of those wishing to join his house have failed to meet the exacting demands he places upon them. To this end, the house supports a larger than average number of yeofolk who spend years testing themselves personally before attempting to bring their requests to the earl to join the household. Those nobles who have passed their test are usually arrogant as a result; inevitably embittered, grizzled individuals who display extreme character traits, their outlook on life influenced by the necessity of life on the Barrens' borders.
+====House Veridaine====
+<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=House Veridaine.jpg|caption=House Veridaine|align=right|width=250}}</div>
+* '''Location:''' Dawnguard
+* '''Heraldry:''' A black dagger, pointing downwards, with a black snake on either side, facing outward, all on a field of red.
+* '''Colours:''' Black and Red
+* '''Earl:''' Toriith
+House Veridaine is a relatively new house, founded when the young Lord Toriith left House Orzel and journeyed to The Barrens in search of his idea for fresh, unclaimed glory. Priding itself on the loyalty and martial prowess of their nobles and yeofolk alike, House Veridaine focuses its efforts on the military and political Dawnish front. This focus on martial might is reflected heavily throughout the house and is often seen in their test of mettle. "Glory Unbound", the House's words, stand as a testament to their proclivity for frontline volunteer work.
-Most recently, several knights of the house have formed a band of questing knights, dedicated to the destruction of [[vallorn]] as a great and glorious quest, under interpretation of the Synod’s statements on these creatures - urging knights from other houses to join them.
+The Veridaine estate of Blackrattle, and the surrounding village of Addering, sit in the reconquered Dawnguard territory, just east of Drycastle. The house has recently seen growth as young Dawnish knight-errants seek to pass their difficult trials.
-==Knightly Orders==
+==Orders and Cabals==
+===Knightly Orders===
 The [[knightly order|knightly orders]] dedicate themselves to the pursuit of glory over all other considerations.
+====Order of the Amber Lance====
+<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Amber Lance.png|caption=Order of the Amber Lance|align=right|width=200}}</div>
+* '''Location:''' Welkin’s Weald, Weirmoor, Weirwater
+* '''Heraldry:''' a field, tawny, charged with a teardrop, amber, upon which is emblazoned the Blood rune, Rhyv, in sable.
+* '''Knight-Captain:''' Ser Guy Wooder
+This proud young order was founded in the Autumn of 383YE by the briar Czernobog Stanislaus when he became a knight errant of House Castellan. A healer and steward of a herb garden, this first Captain's Ambition was to set Dawn on a par with other Imperial nations by founding a dedicated corps of combat physicks. In so doing, the Lance quickly managed to gain the Loyalty of several Weirwater houses, as well as questing knights and refugees from the Barrens.
-==Weaver Cabals==
+The knights maintain a permanent presence in the waterlogged hamlet of Welkin’s Weald, at the heart of a carefully coppiced forest of willow. It is from the [[ambergelt]] cultivated here that they draw their heraldry – a substance that hardens and strengthens but also promotes healing and mending, running like blood when first drawn, tough and crystalline when set. This duality is echoed in their motto: to take blood from stone (to do the impossible) is a common aphorism amongst these knights.
+In the first years of the Lance's existence, these Knights of Amber have committed themselves wholly to the Empire's war against the wretched Druj. They have sustained heavy losses in liberating Zenith and the Barrens, but remain steadfast in their commitment to preserve Imperial lives and bring succour and healing to all who need it. Bloodied though they may be, they proudly bear the rune of sacrifice upon their banners as they fight for a better world.
+====Order of the Blazing Dawn====
+<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Order of the Blazing Dawn.png|caption=Order of the Blazing Dawn|align=right|width=200}}</div>
+* '''Location:''' The Rose and Thorn tavern, Culwich, Weirwater
+* '''Heraldry:'''  a blue field a yellow sun and orange rays beneath a winged sword supported
+* '''Motto:''' As Dawn Rises, the Sun Shall Set
+* '''Knight-Commander:''' Ser Tristan Ackerman
+Founded in the wake of the armies of the Cold Sun invading the Empire in 385 YE, the Order of the Blazing Dawn is an order of knights-errant and exists to drive the scions of the eternal back to the day realm. Driven by a love for all things that make the empire the centre for love and beauty that it is, the order strives to protect all nations its nations from this threat.  The order is primarily made up martial knights and war witches to
+engage the cold sun as a physical threat.
+====Knights of the Golden Mane====
+* '''Location:''' South of Culwich, Sandling, Weirwater
+* '''Heraldry:''' A shield of azure with a white chief triangular. In the azure portion, a gold lion head facing forward within a gold wild rose. In the White portion the Jotra rune in azure.
+* '''Lord Commander:''' Leohnar Gildaryn
+The Knights of the Golden Mane are dedicated to upholding Virtuous acts and aim to record and share stories of Virtue from around the Empire. The quests they undertake, individually or together, all lend towards telling the tale of the knightly order and how they pursue Glory through virtuous acts. The grand quest of the order is to aid and preserve stories of Virtue. The order hall sits within the Lionskeep, the seat of power of House Gildaryn in Lionsholme, a town in [[Weirwater]] south of Culwich.
+<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=KnightsoftheGoldenMane.png|caption=Knights of the Golden Mane|align=right|width=200}}</div>
+The order structure is very loose, with two commanding individuals. The Lord Commander oversees the order, while a Knight-Captain serves to advise and act as the leader of its lance through the Sentinel Gate. Under this structure, knights often are bestowed a title by the Lord Commander befitting of their skills, such as Knight-Magus. These are not enforced as roles of leadership, but a way for the Lord Commander to classify where they believe the skills of a knight could be best applied. Strangely yeofolk and knights-errant are welcomed as equals rather than apprentices, and have equivalent say and reach in the order’s quest.
+The main tradition the Knights of the Golden Mane hold is of the ''Night of Hallows''. Each Winter Solstice, the knights come together to receive [[hallow|hallowings]] of Virtue which best tell their stories, and to have the provided aura aid them in their next year. The knights share stories of their achievements throughout the year in Anvil and beyond, and pledge their quest for the following year to the Lord Commander.
+====The Order of the Lance Restored====
+<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Order_of_the_Lance_Restored.png|caption=Order of the Lance Restored|align=right|width=200}}</div>
+* '''Location:''' Roaming, though with a chapel near Kethry's Grove in Astolat
+* '''Heraldry:''' argent, a lion sable sejant upon which rests a lance gules
+* '''Knight-Marshal:''' Ser Dindrane de Cantharos
+The Order of the Lance Restored are - after a fashion - the remnants of an ancient order known as the Knights of the Feathered Spear, who are said to have guarded [[Astolat#Kethry.E2.80.99s_Grove|Kethry's Grove]] in the distant past. The original order fell into disgrace in 209YE when they aided [[Emperor Nicovar]] in destroying the libraries of the Empire, for reasons now forgotten to history. Following Nicovar's death, the Knights of the Feathered Spear disbanded, supposedly because during the chaos they lost a relic that they were sworn to protect - a spear believed to have been that of Makin the Red, a prominent figure in the story of the paragon [[Kethry]]. Two of their number were sentenced to death by penal military service; they fought in numerous battles thereafter, surviving and triumphing against all odds, and eventually attracted a cadre of questing knights who sought to redeem themselves of past dishonour. These knights eventually banded together under the banner of the Order of the Lance Restored.
+Since then, the order has become something of a refuge for the disgraced, the outcast, and those who simply do not fit in with their Houses. Sworn to roam the Empire until the Feathered Spear is recovered - though most doubt that it ever will be - the knights of the order seek to overcome their past failings by taking on difficult, open-ended, and sometimes nigh-impossible quests.
+===Weaver Cabals===
 The [[weaver cabal|weaver cabals]] master magic, maintaining a studied neutrality in the politics of the nation.
+<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Golden Leaf Cabal.png|caption=Golden Leaf|align=right|width=200}}</div>
+====Golden Leaf====
+Founded in 384YE, the Golden Leaf Cabal find their specialism in the realm of Autumn. Whilst their roots lie with yeofolk from across Dawn, many nobles have since flocked to join their ranks. Formed of a union of Noble Houses, they cast their sights towards the bigger picture, the cabal is operated by a council, where every bonded member has an equal vote in its work and goals.
+The Golden Leaf does not operate in the shadows - their aims are clear and open, aiming to bolster the [[Prosperity]] of Dawn by enchanting both its people and territories. In turn, they try to further what they believe to be the Empire’s ambitions through engaging the complex relationships between Imperial bodies and the Autumn eternals operating under [[Alignment#Amity|amity]].
+<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Moon and Stars Cabal.jpg|caption=Moon and Stars Cabal|align=right|width=200}}</div>
+====Moon and Stars====
+The Moons and Stars cabal was formed in 377YE as an ambitious attempt to create a cross-house Dawnish Night coven. The cabal aims to bring together Night mages from across the nation of Dawn to both aid the Empire and bring Glory to the individual weavers within the cabal. The cabal is named after the heraldic devices used by the Houses who were present at the founding of the endeavour. The cabal was originally formed, primarily, by mages belonging to House De Rondell and a house that has since fallen.
+The members of the Moons and Stars cabal are active participants in the business of the [[Imperial Conclave]]. Weavers from the cabal have held many important positions in the Conclave. The Moons and Stars cabal are celebrated for using their arcane powers to gather information, provide protection, break curses, and deliver curses. They are also widely known to regularly employ a range of novel and innovative rituals to achieve unusual and original results. They often use [[aspect_magic#Heraldic_Magic|heraldic magic]] in their rituals although individual styles are encouraged.
+<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Phoenix Flame Coven.jpg|caption=The Phoenix Flame|align=right|width=200}}</div>
+====The Phoenix Flame====
+The Phoenix Flame cabal were previously called the Chain-Sworn Scales, however after the commission of the Flame of the Phoenix near the Cabal’s home in 386YE, the cabal agreed to change their name in support of the magician who holds the title. The Phoenix Flame is an Autumn focused weaver cabal with members from across the noble houses of Dawn. At the end of 383YE they began to attend Anvil along with House Larmallevés, eagerly recruiting new members and quickly becoming one of the largest covens in Dawn. The Enchantress of House Larmallevés often organises the cabal along with other realm castings. However, all members have an equal say on the rituals the coven casts as the cabal operates as an equal union of yeofolk and nobility, with nobility often requested to gird into simpler attire for rituals.
+Though initially founded with a focus on enchantments for businesses, fleets, and farms the focus has shifted with the growth of the cabal's influence and power, and now they also support the congregations, military units and armies of Dawn. The coven most notably casting the last enchantment on the Hounds of Glory during the conquest of the Barrens. They aim to study the arcane and make new rituals through arcane projections, with members of the cabal encouraged to join an order and actively participate in the Conclave.
 ==Other Groups==
-{{CaptionedImage|file=Moon and Stars Cabal.jpg|caption=Moon and Stars Cabal|align=right|width=250}}
+===Other Player Groups===
-====Moon and Stars Cabal====
+====The Iris Covenant====
-The Moons and Stars Cabal was formed in 377 as an ambitious attempt to create a cross-House Dawnish Night coven. The Cabal aims to bring together Night mages from across the nation of Dawn to both aid the Empire and bring Glory to the individual Weavers within the Cabal. The Cabal is named after the heraldic devices used by the Houses who were present at the founding of the endeavour. The Cabal was originally formed, primarily, by mages belonging to the famous House De Rondell and a house that has since fallen.
+* '''Location:''' The Chase, Astolat
+* '''Heraldry:''' A golden iris flower encircled by a ring of interlocking silver leaves
+* '''Colours:''' Gold and silver, with accents of purple and blue
+The Iris Covenant is a coalition of noble houses in Dawn, founded in Spring 386YE. It aims to foster collaboration and strength among its members, ensuring each house thrives both individually and collectively. The Covenant's "prosperity pact" centres around economic growth, mutual aid, and the cultivation of shared prosperity both within and outside of Anvil.
-The members of the Moons and Stars Cabal are active participants in the business of the [[Imperial Conclave]]. Weavers from the Cabal have held many important positions in the Conclave; these include [[Grandmaster|Grandmasters]], [[warmage]], and the [[Imperial Seer]]. The Moons and Stars Cabal are celebrated for using their arcane powers to gather information, provide protection, break curses, and deliver curses. They are also widely known to regularly employ a range of novel and innovative rituals to achieve unusual and original results. They often use [[Totem_magic#Heraldic_Magic|heraldic magic]] in their rituals although individual styles are encouraged.
+The Hall of Bloom, House Videre's most prized possession, was chosen as the central meeting place for its symbolic golden iris, reflecting the Covenant's commitment to renewal and beauty. This hall now serves as a vibrant centre for meetings and celebrations.
-==NPC Groups==
+The Iris Covenant leverages its combined resources and talents to navigate political and economic challenges, remaining steadfast in its focus on the prosperity of its members without endorsing any external political agendas.
+====The Order of the Gryphon’s Quill====
+<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Gryphonsquill.jpg|caption=The Order of the Gryphon's Quill|align=right|width=200}}</div>
+* '''Location:''' The Chase, Astolat
+* '''Heraldry:''' Golden Gryphon rampant clutching a Quill on a Red and Blue split field with crenulated black border at top displaying a gilded Quill
+* '''Colours:''' Gold, Red, Blue
+The Order of the Gryphons Quill is a school and residence for troubadours and those wishing to further Dawnish arts and culture, led by Lady Kaywenn du Launcet and Lord Romande Remys. Located between the famous tourney ground of Laroc and the Kethry’s Grove it seeks to promote pride in Dawnish culture amongst its citizens and ensure that the most glorious tales are formed. Those of the order that attend anvil tend to be pride troubadours, performers or mages who specialise in magic to nudge stories in glorious directions. Order members whether noble or yeofolk seek to support each other in their endeavours to ensure Dawn weaves a glorious history. Those who wish to join the order can be from any house or any lineage as long as they are willing to ensure great legends last forever.
+===NPC Groups===
 These groups are made up of non-player characters; their members are portrayed by Profound Decisions NPC crew.
-===House de Casillon===
+====House de Casillon====
 * '''Location:''' Castle Spiral, on Weirmoor, in Weirwater
 * '''Heraldry:''' A hand with fingers spread marked with a spiral<br>
 * '''Colours:''' Azure, Gold, and Violet<br>
 The de Casillon are an old house who hail from [[Weirwater#Spiral_Castle|Spiral Castle]], a pre-Imperial keep that stands at the heart of a powerful Summer regio. Their estates lie in [[Weirwater#Weirmoor|Weirmoor]] in the territory of Weirwater, and until very recently they lived in voluntary internal exile protected from the outside world by a wall of swirling magical mists.
-{{CaptionedImage|file=DeCassilon.jpg|title=House de Casillon is known for its changelings, and its Summer magic.|caption=House de Casillon|align=right|width=250}}
+<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=DeCassilon.jpg|caption=House de Casillon|align=right|width=200}}</div>
 Many of the nobles of the de Casillon family claim descent from Empress Richilde, and are said to cultivate their bloodline in the way a vintner might cultivate a strain of fine grapes. They are usually possessed of a strong changeling lineage - it is very rare for anyone who is not a changeling to seek the Test of Mettle from the house and even rarer for them to succeed. Much of their business in the outside world is handled through the [[Castellan of Spiral Castle]], an [[Imperial title]] re-established in Spring 380YE.
 Almost all the de Casillon nobles are witches, and their earls have always been potent enchanters. Their yeofolk are likewise trained in magical arts, although many of them choose to embrace the path of the artisan. Even before their seclusion behind their wall of mist, they were known for hedonism and self-indulgence and it seems that several decades isolated in a Summer regio have merely heightened these tendencies - left to their own devices they would while away their lives in tourneys, in hunting, in feasting, and in other diverse amusements. There may be some weight to the concerns of some troubadours who worry that the de Casillon have become more like the inhabitants of the Summer realm than citizens of Dawn.
-===House De Ledure===
+====House De Ledure====
 * '''Location:''' Weirwater
 * '''Heraldry:''' A gold star on an argent field<br>
 * '''Colours:''' Silver and Gold
 * '''Earl:''' Enchanter Geoffrey de Ledure
-A relatively new house that was once part of House de Rousillion, they split from that house in in 358YE, ten years after [[Emperor Hugh|Hugh de Rousillion]] took [[the Throne]].  Several knights of House de Rousillion and other knights who were after more action rather than tournaments joined the house. The house’s estates are based in [[Weirwater]], and under Earl Hugh’s reign, the house was successful in having a [[senator]] twice - whilst they were at the peak of their power. Today the house is led by the Enchanter Geoffrey de Ledure, who is from a line of powerful summer witches. It is believed that the house has won some powerful boons from the eternal [[Hayaak]], and they generally refuse to deal with other [[eternal|eternals]].
+A relatively new house that was once part of House de Rousillon, they split from that house in in 358YE, ten years after [[Emperor Hugh|Hugh de Rousillon]] took [[the Throne]]. Several knights of House de Rousillon and other knights who were after more action rather than tournaments joined the house. The house’s estates are based in [[Weirwater]], and under Earl Hugh’s reign, the house was successful in having a [[senator]] twice - whilst they were at the peak of their power. Today the house is led by the Enchanter Geoffrey de Ledure, who is from a line of powerful summer witches. It is believed that the house has won some powerful boons from the eternal [[Hayaak]], and they generally refuse to deal with other [[eternal|eternals]].
 In 378YE a marriage between House de Ledure and the rival House Blyrale was disrupted when the youths involved ran off to join the [[Navarr]]. This act ultimately cemented a union between the two houses and House Blyrale joined House de Ledure. According to gossip, the two houses are partially united by their anger at the Dawnish nobles who encouraged their scions to abandon their duty and flee the nation.
-===House Lionsgate===
-{{CaptionedImage|file=Lionsgate.png|title=House Lionsgate seeks to regain lost pride and reputation.|caption=House Lionsgate|align=right|width=250}}
+====House Lionsgate====
-'''Location:''' The Chase, Astolat
+<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Lionsgate.png||caption=House Lionsgate|align=right|width=200}}</div>
-'''Heraldry:''' Two red lions facing each other before a black gate<
+*'''Location:''' The Chase, Astolat
-'''Colours:''' White, Red, and Black
+*'''Heraldry:''' Two red lions facing each other before a black gate
+*'''Colours:''' White, Red, and Black
 House Lionsgate was founded in 283YE by descendants of the disgraced House Lyongate, who disbanded shortly after the disastrous loss of the original [[Gryphon's Pride]] army in a failed attempt to capture the Barrens. The founders attracted a number of knights-errant and questing knights, and slowly rebuilt their house - although they never again enjoyed the prominence they had lost along with the army.
@@ Line 228: / Line 686: @@
 Led by the glorious, and forward speaking Earl Geraint Cordraco, they pride themselves on their camaraderie, ferocity in battle and their love of life. A house that truly values all that it means to be Dawnish.
-===House de Gauvain===
-{{CaptionedImage|file=House_Gauvain_Heraldry.jpg|title=A noble house on the rise once again|caption=House de Gauvain|align=right|width=250}}
-'''House Colours:''' Red and Gold<br>
-'''House Heraldry:''' Golden Phoenix on flames<br>
-'''Location:''' Astolat <br><br>
-House de Gauvain can trace its origins back to the time when their forebears came to these lands to carve out a new kingdom. First established by Gawaine de Gauvain it was a proud and strong house and while it rarely held political seats of power in the early history of Dawn, it always found itself able to guide those in power.
-As a house it took care of all members equally ensuring that nobles, yeofolk, practitioners of magic and craft and its troubadours could all benefit from the wealth that came to the house and it prospered both politically and economically. It gained renown and glory for the number of knights willing and able to take the field, however its highest source of renown was for the finely crafted fabrics of its weavers which were made into battle banners for the houses of Dawn.
-During [[the Marches]] revolt, Earl Henry de Gauvain was startled and surprised when all but a few of the house yeofolk and a number of nobles decided to leave to make a new life in new lands. This threw the house into chaos with the core of those who left forming the Talbots. The prosperity that was taken for granted was no more as the lands held were not farmed; the mines left derelict and the crafthouses empty and silent. The political strength rapidly began to wane and membership of the house followed suit.
-This has changed in recent times, with the house’s long history of excellence in weaving magics leading to many yeofolk seeking glory to approach the house for a [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Mettle|Test of Mettle]] instead of joining a cabal.
-===House Lionsgate===
-{{CaptionedImage|file=Lionsgate.png|title=House Lionsgate seeks to regain lost pride and reputation.|caption=House Lionsgate|align=right|width=250}}
-'''House Colours:''' White, Red, and Black<br>
-'''House Heraldry:''' Two red lions facing each other before a black gate<br>
-'''Location:''' Astolat <br> <br>
-House Lionsgate was founded in 283YE by descendants of the disgraced House Lyongate, who disbanded shortly after the disastrous loss of the original Gryphon's Pride army in a failed attempt to capture the Barrens. The founders attracted a number of [[Knight-errant|knights-errant]] and [[Questing knight|questing knights]], and slowly rebuilt their house - although they never again enjoyed the prominence they had lost along with the army.
-The Lionsgate estates in [[Astolat]] are small but well maintained, and lie in The Chase. In recent years, the House has reclaimed some of its prominence as it has forged closer ties with a number of smaller noble houses - especially the cunning de Coyne of Dawnguard and the proud de Helios of Astolat. In 379E, then earl Lady Cassandra contacted several Dawnish nobles active in Imperial politics and offered aid in the re-establishment of the Gryphon's Pride. The loose coalition of smaller houses managed to secure a number of wains of mithril to help with the mustering of the fourth Dawnish army, seeing in this endeavour an opportunity to reclaim some of the pride they had lost over a century before. it remains to be seen if, now the army has been completed, they will continue to involve themselves in Dawnish politics or retreat to their estates.
-'''OOC Note:''' House Lionsgate, House de Coyne, and House de Helios are minor NPC houses whose role in modern Dawnish politics is unclear.
 {{CaptionedImage|file=De Rondell Heraldry.png|title=House de Rondell|caption=House de Rondell|align=right|width=250}}
 ===House de Rondell===
 '''House Colours:''' Blue and Silver<br>
@@ Line 258: / Line 693: @@
 An ancient house existing from before the founding of the Empire, that has had its fortunes rise and fall many times over the centuries but proximity to the [[Astolat#The_Castle_of_Thorns|Castle of Thorns]] in Astolat has always kept them near to the political heart of Dawn (indeed there is some evidence that the castle itself was designed by a de Rondell in the earliest days of the Dawnish presence on the Bay of Catazar). This house has returned [[Senator|senators]], [[general|generals]] and [[cardinal|cardinals]] again and again over the centuries.
 Serving Dawn by forming links with those outside of Dawn. As such the household places an ongoing emphasis on questing in other parts of the Empire and gaining the regard of others in this way, long after many houses expect their office holders to focus in other areas.
 The House uses virtues as the inspiration behind their deeds and ancestral achievements, these virtues are immortalised in the three silver crescent moons on a blue background surrounding the house heraldry of a gryphon rampant or in the case of the other icons chosen by individual Nobles. The moons represent [[Pride]] in one's own worth and that which one's ancestors have won; [[Ambition]] to constantly reach out and grasp every situation and turn it the advantage of the house; and [[Courage]] to always step forwards into the fray or into the unknown.
 <div style="float:right;"><quote by="Bohemond de Rondell">We have been there from the beginning of the Empire, we will be there at the ascension.<br/> Until that day we shall steer it towards greatness and Glory</quote></div>
 House de Rondell's martial tests of mettle are quite difficult and can easily result in the death of the unwary; the other theme that runs through their tests is an emphasis on political acumen and the ability to influence others to act on their behalf and for the good of the empire.
-===House Sepulchre===
-'''House Colours:''' Red, gold and black<br>
-'''House Heraldry:''' Black hound<br>
-'''Location:''' Astolat, Winterbourne<br><br>
-House Sepulchre traces it roots to Mira (later Rolande) a warden of Varushka who came to Dawn to bury her family and eventually the sorcerer who killed them. Her bloodthirsty quest won her glory and land where she could mourn and remember in quiet contemplation.
-Over the years the graves and gardens spread further and further as House Sepulchre sought to collect tales and songs of the glorious dead as well as providing a fitting resting place.
-The house suffered something of a decline when it was revealed that a heretical cult of Hope had spread throughout the ranks of the nobility. It was only the swift action of the newly ennobled knight Melisande who put the heretics to the sword that Sepulchre endured.
-At present the house is known for having a string of [[draughir]] earls, accepting errants from from all walks of life and setting tests of mettle often designed to encourage imaginative thinking and crush any lingering shreds of optimism in the aspiring noble.
 ===House du Soleil===
 {{CaptionedImage|file=House du Soleil.jpg|title=.|caption=House du Soleil|align=right|width=250}}
@@ Line 288: / Line 711: @@
 Currently the house holds nobles and yeofolk of all ilk but battlefield skills are highly prized in House du Soleil.
 ===House Vandale===
 '''House Colours:''' Purple and black<br>
 '''House Heraldry:''' Rampant wolf on argent<br>
@@ Line 297: / Line 719: @@
 Unbowed in the face of adversity the remaining Vandale swore to rebuild. Fiercely proud of their ancient Glory, this process is a slow one as any test set will be sure to drive the knight-errant to surpass their limits.
-===House Videre===
-'''House Colours:''' Red, Green and Gold<br>
-'''House Heraldry:''' A golden gryphon passant, on a parted field of red and green <br>
-'''Location:''' Astolat, The Chase <br><br>
-An ancient, scarred House, striving to live up to the shadow it once cast. Conceived in days before the Empire, House Videre was built on traditions of duty and loyalty to an almost zealous degree. When the First Empress formed the Empire, Nobles of the House followed wholeheartedly, binding the Glory of their name to that of Dawn and the Empire itself. Knights are encouraged to perform feats of Glory that will be recognized beyond their Nation and to defend Imperial Glory at all costs – earning them a reputation for charging first and asking questions later. Over the years, the House was an ardent supporter of Imperial expansion, assisting campaigns for Semmerholm, Holberg and Karsk, as well as supplying fighters and captains for the Gryphon’s Pride army.
-Their estate is built during the conquest of Semmerholm, on a forested hill in the southwestern edge of The Chase. Squat and imposing, designed for the garrisoning of troops, its thick walls now guard the Hall of Blooms: an enormous floral labyrinth, rumoured to contain a form of every flower found within the Empire.
-Once a force for imperial conquest, the House was nearly destroyed in 276YE after a failed attempt to capture the Barrens. The split of House de Carsenere in 330YE sowed further chaos, and as Videre retreated upon itself, nursing its wounds, some began calling it “a House with great history, but no future”.
-Still, House Videre endures, embattled and embittered. Now, a new generation of Knights and Yeofolk return to Anvil, determined to rise again and prove the name Videre is worthy of its great past, and more.
 ==Houses of Semmerholm==
 Becoming part of the Empire during the reign of [[Empress Richilde]], after a protracted war against the orcs, [[Semmerholm]] has always had a fiercely martial aspect.
@@ Line 319: / Line 730: @@
 They invested heavily in the fleets of Emperor Barabbas, and were almost ruined with them. An unusual attitude to money and a house dedicated to Prosperity have seen a recent rise in their fortunes, and the current earl, Argent has ruled the house since 378YE and is set on balancing Glory and Prosperity for his house and nation.
 ===House Devereux===
 '''House Colours:''' Emerald green and silver <br>
@@ Line 346: / Line 756: @@
 '''Location:''' Semmerholm, Ulvenholm,<br><br>
 Ossienne's home used to be in Astolat, but following Empress Richilde's conquests, moved to the forests of Ulvenholm near Arnet where they dwell in the Castle of Bones.<br><br>
-There has always been a Castle of Bones, said to be built from the golden, gilded bones of their enemies. There has always been a family in the colours of the dawn who resided there. In their blood and bearing flows the riches of royalty.  Their ranks of nobles made up of dread knights and beautiful but terrible witches.
+There has always been a Castle of Bones, said to be built from the golden, gilded bones of their enemies. There has always been a family in the colours of the dawn who resided there. In their blood and bearing flows the riches of royalty. Their ranks of nobles made up of dread knights and beautiful but terrible witches.
 <div style="float:left;"><quote>Glory crown the skull and glory pluck the rose<br>And let none call an enemy “friend”</quote></div>
@@ Line 370: / Line 780: @@
 With the upheaval of the past decade, Tamerlaine have begun to re-think their isolating ways and slowly reaching out. There has been a disinclination towards the martial in the past, the House motto defines the steely determination of its members. <br>
-===House Vexille===
-{{CaptionedImage|file=VexilleHeraldry.jpg|title=House Vexille is known for its ruthless attitude and its wine.|caption=House Vexille|align=right|width=250}}
-'''House Colours:''' Green, Gold & Black<br>
-'''House Heraldry:''' Dagger crossing a key<br>
-'''Location:''' Semmerholm, previously Barrens <br><br>
-A centuries old house, previously based in the Barrens, House Vexille have a reputation for their hard-line attitudes and no-nonsense approach to running a house, however with a penchant for luxury and excess alongside it. Further to this they provided succour and shelter - in their infamous pleasure house, The Lock and Key - for those wishing to test themselves against the hardships the Barrens have to offer, though this now lies in ruins at the Druj's feet.
-Following the destruction of Dawnguard, and losing many nobles and yeofolk, many of the house have moved their residence to Semmerholm, their Pride firmly injured following the Druj's assault.Though their methods in achieving Glory have often been questioned, especially in recent years, which saw them declared as sorcerers for a time for their suggested abuse of magics...
-<div style="float:left;"><quote by="Asenath of Felix's Watch">"A house of delicious green vipers…”</quote></div>
-House Vexille proudly declares that they “Hold the key to Glory” and while this is considered metaphorical by many, the house believe that their extensive pushing of boundaries is the key to true Glory.
-The tests of mettle set by the earls of Vexille are notoriously difficult; the current earl, Guissart Vexille, takes great pride in the fact that dozens of those wishing to join his house have failed to meet the exacting demands he places upon them. To this end, the house supports a larger than average number of yeofolk who spend years testing themselves personally before attempting to bring their requests to the earl to join the household.
-Those nobles who have passed their test are usually arrogant as a result; inevitably embittered, grizzled individuals who display extreme character traits, their outlook on life influenced by the necessity of life on the Barrens' borders.
 ==Houses of Weirwater==
 The craggy hills of [[Weirwater]] are home of many weavers, and the noble houses here seem to have more than their fair share of witches.
-===House Castellan ===
-'''House Colours:''' Blue, red and white<br>
-'''House Heraldry:''' A white hippocampus on a blue field, with red accents<br>
-'''Location:''' Weirwater<br><br>
-House Castellan was founded in the dim and distant past, possibly even at the foundation of Dawn as a nation. The first Earl, Lord Kaldwin Castellan, sought to bring law and safety to the wild frontier of Weirwater, and so established the Castellan Hunt, an order of questing knights, knights-errant, and yeofolk intended to travel the territory to keep honest people safe from monsters, bandits, orcs, and the trials of life in a wild land.
-From the seat of Highwater Keep the house and the Hunt have kept to this duty diligently, striving to embody the very concept of knighthood and nobility in their deeds, but never before taking an interest in Anvil, leading to a slow slide into obscurity. Now, that isolation has ended. House Castellan looks from the deeds of the past toward the glories promised by the future, and its people step from the mists of Weirwater into the light of Anvil.
-Castellan's nobles, knights-errant, and yeofolk alike bring virtue, determination, and skill to all they do, and match their deeds with honesty, kindness, and respect.
 ===House de Celeste===
 {{CaptionedImage|file=House_de_Celeste.jpg|title=A house born under the stars|caption=House de Celeste|align=right|width=250}}
@@ Line 426: / Line 811: @@
 '''House Heraldry:''' A gold star on an argent field<br>
 '''Location:''' Weirwater <br><br>
-A relatively new house that was once part of House de Rousillion, they split from that house in in 358YE, ten years after [[Emperor Hugh|Hugh de Rousillion]] took [[the Throne]].  Several knights of House de Rousillion and other knights who were after more action rather than tournaments joined the house.
+A relatively new house that was once part of House de Rousillion, they split from that house in in 358YE, ten years after [[Emperor Hugh|Hugh de Rousillion]] took [[the Throne]]. Several knights of House de Rousillion and other knights who were after more action rather than tournaments joined the house.
-The house’s estates are based in [[Weirwater]], and under Earl Hugh’s reign, the house was successful in having a [[senator]] twice - whilst they were at the peak of their power. Today the house is led by the Enchanter Geoffrey de Ledure, who is from a line of powerful summer witches.  It is believed that the house has won some powerful boons from the eternal [[Hayaak]], and they generally refuse to deal with other [[eternal|eternals]].
+The house’s estates are based in [[Weirwater]], and under Earl Hugh’s reign, the house was successful in having a [[senator]] twice - whilst they were at the peak of their power. Today the house is led by the Enchanter Geoffrey de Ledure, who is from a line of powerful summer witches. It is believed that the house has won some powerful boons from the eternal [[Hayaak]], and they generally refuse to deal with other [[eternal|eternals]].
 In 378YE a marriage between House de Ledure and House Blyrale was disrupted when the youths involved ran off to join the Navarr. This act cemented a union between the two houses and House Blyrale joined House de Ledure. According to gossip, the two houses are partially united by their anger at the Dawnish nobles who encouraged their scions to abandon their duty and flee the nation.
@@ Line 439: / Line 824: @@
 '''Location:''' Weirwater, Sandling
-House Orzel is a union of two migrations from Varushka to Dawn, blending bloodlines and customs but embracing the martial culture with great traditions of the Empress Richilde’s most noble people. With focus on martial training, warlike preparation and enthusiastic adoption of tests and trials which involve quest and adventure, House Orzel finds a natural home in Dawn and has welcomed an increasing number of native Dawnish knight-errants into its nobility through trials of mettle and achievement. <br>
+House Orzel is a union of two migrations from Varushka to Dawn, blending bloodlines and customs but embracing the martial culture with great traditions of the Empress Richilde’s most noble people. With focus on martial training, warlike preparation and enthusiastic adoption of tests and trials which involve quest and adventure, House Orzel finds a natural home in Dawn and has welcomed an increasing number of native Dawnish knights-errant into its nobility through trials of mettle and achievement. <br>
 The Orzel have always measured and tested themselves against competence and skill, giving respect where earned and laughing at pomposity, false claims and weak authority in equal measure. Generous with praise and friendship for the accomplished - the Orzel care more for talent and achievement than they do for name or family history alone. In youth children are encouraged to demand their elders "prove" their claims of skill or knowledge rather than taking such claims on trust or simple faith. A teacher is only respected if their knowledge is valuable, a tutor at arms needs to demonstrate superiority with blade to be worthy of attention. Orzel children are wild and reckless with tales of the youngest laughing at the snarls of invading wolves and hurling stones and chanting "Prove It!" to call the bluffs of ancient evil and bestial threat alike. Orzel youngsters grow up with battle-scars experience and confidence if they grow up at all. <br>
@@ Line 445: / Line 830: @@
 <div style="float:left;"><quote>Though sardonic humour and jokes still run strong with Orzel,<br/>none should be denied hospitality or chased out into the night.</quote></div>
-Though wilful boldness, irreverence and challenge mark daytime traditions, Orzel hold hospitality and guest rights sacred when the sun sets, and friends gather to eat, drink and share tales of exploits and adventure. Music and song and storytelling are great pleasures of the hearth and all should be offered hospitality in the household of Orzel and none mistreated when it is accepted. This includes those of a monstrous disposition and the Orzel of northern descent remember well the tales of mora and wolves with mortal guise and though the house is bound by sacred oath to oppose the influence of Winter and volodny alike, darkness is a time for  tales, wisdom and preparing for the hard battles to come.  <br>
+Though wilful boldness, irreverence and challenge mark daytime traditions, Orzel hold hospitality and guest rights sacred when the sun sets, and friends gather to eat, drink and share tales of exploits and adventure. Music and song and storytelling are great pleasures of the hearth and all should be offered hospitality in the household of Orzel and none mistreated when it is accepted. This includes those of a monstrous disposition and the Orzel of northern descent remember well the tales of mora and wolves with mortal guise and though the house is bound by sacred oath to oppose the influence of Winter and volodny alike, darkness is a time for tales, wisdom and preparing for the hard battles to come. <br>
 ===House Rakshasa===
 {{CaptionedImage|file=HouseRak.jpg|title=Strong in weaver magic.|caption=House Rakshasa|align=right|width=250}}
 '''House Colours:''' Black and Teal <br>
-'''House Heraldry:'''  A Silver Rakshasa on a field of black, edged with teal <br>
+'''House Heraldry:''' A Silver Rakshasa on a field of black, edged with teal <br>
 '''Location:''' Weirwood, Weirwater<br><br>
@@ Line 460: / Line 842: @@
 With a burgeoning reputation for implacability, and a growing interest in the ancient weaver and guiser arts, the people of House Rakshasa are keen to make their mark and burn their glory across the skies.
-===House Remys===
-{{CaptionedImage|file=HouseRemys.jpg|title=A house devastated in the past|caption=House Remys|align=right|width=250}}
-'''House Colours:''' Red and Silver<br>
-'''House Heraldry:''' A snake coiled around a silver goblet, poison dripping from its fangs<br>
-'''Location:''' Weirwater, Weirmoor <br><br>
-Chateau Remys stands on a windswept hillside on the edge of the Weirmoor forest. Once the land was fertile and produced fine wines but several generations ago the land was devastated by a sickness that wiped out many of the nobles and decimated the yeofolk.
-The house was founded by a Varushkan boyar who left Volodmartz during the reign of [[Emperor Barabbas]]. Strongly touched by the realm of Winter, she began the tradition of tasking all aspirants to take on the draughir lineage as part of their test of mettle - to this day no noble of the house has borne any other lineage.
-The house is headed by the Enchantress Remys, an ageing draughir who has crowned Lady Claudia Remys as her heir-presumptive and tasked her with attending Anvil in her stead.
 ===House de Roche===
 '''House Colours:''' Blue, green and grey <br>
-'''House Heraldry:'''  A grey mountain overlooking a blue river, backed by green <br>
+'''House Heraldry:''' A grey mountain overlooking a blue river, backed by green <br>
 '''Location:''' Weirwater, Weirmoor <br>
@@ Line 486: / Line 854: @@
 ===House Novarion===
 '''House Colours:''' Red and gold <br>
-'''House Heraldry:'''  Phoenix in flames <br>
+'''House Heraldry:''' Phoenix in flames <br>
 '''Location:''' Weirwater, Applefel
 A house that fell to ruin four generations ago and now encourages its members to accomplish great deeds in distant lands or other parts of the Empire as an important part of its tests of mettle.
@@ Line 497: / Line 865: @@
 ===House Tallstag===
 '''House Colours:''' Green and Silver<br>
-'''House Heraldry:'''  Silver stag's head on green background <br>
+'''House Heraldry:''' Silver stag's head on green background <br>
 '''Location:''' Weirwater, Weirwoods <br>
@@ Line 524: / Line 892: @@
 '''House Heraldry:''' Silver Chimera<br>
 '''Location:''' Barrens, Dawnguard <br><br>
-A young noble house having been formed in 330YE when a charismatic [[cambion]] named Aramis split from House Videre and convinced several knights of the house that the his [[ambition]] of conquering the Barrens could be realised.  The house claimed estates in Drycastle, and engaged in eight years of bloody campaigns - with little gain being made - culminating in the earl's death in 338YE.
+A young noble house having been formed in 330YE when a charismatic [[cambion]] named Aramis split from House Videre and convinced several knights of the house that the his [[ambition]] of conquering the Barrens could be realised. The house claimed estates in Drycastle, and engaged in eight years of bloody campaigns - with little gain being made - culminating in the earl's death in 338YE.
 Aramis was succeeded by Hagan, a [[changeling]] woman, who led the house to [[glory]]. She worked on coordinating with the [[Navarr]], and defending Drycastle from the [[orc|orcs]]. Passing away in 373 YE she was replaced by Tristram de Carsenere who once again began pursuing more aggressive tactics.
@@ Line 532: / Line 900: @@
 Following a mortal wound dealt to Earl Tristram, Lady Vivienne de Carsenere took up the mantle of enchantress. She was succeeded in her turn by the current Earl, Lord Escalados.
 ==Location Unclear==
-===House d'Acier===
-'''House Colours:''' Gold and green <br>
-'''House Heraldry:'''  Black tower on yellow sun, flanked by stag and gryphon <br>
-At the eastern edge of the habitable d'Acier demesne the land rises towards the pass. On a large bluff facing the pass is Sunrise Keep, held by House d'Acier for hundreds of years. Cliffs to the east, north and south make access difficult to impossible, and these have been steepened over the years. The west face is a gentle slope, with a carved slope steepened, leaving a wide ramp up to the castle. The outer bailey is 5 score hands tall (6 yards) with small towers at the gate and walkway. It surrounds the inner bailey, the mews, storage, and the kennels. Also a herb garden and apothecaries workshop.
-The inner bailey divides the court by another wall 5 score hands tall, with a fortified gatehouse. Across the inner bailey and as one building are, from north to south: A watchtower of four floors, with including guardhouse and storage. The library, armour and barracks, in a long building of three floors. The main keep, four floors with in a tall square formation, which includes the nobles suites, main hall, seneschal's offices, kitchens, storage and treasury. Then the grand tower, six floors of golden stone with a warning beacon at the top, and a view across the pass to the watchtowers to the east and to Roland's Grant to the west.
 ===House Akella===
 '''House Colours:''' White and Gold <br>
-'''House Heraldry:'''  Wolf's Head <br>
+'''House Heraldry:''' Wolf's Head <br>
 House Akella, a comparatively recent addition to the noble houses of Dawn, was formed in the winter of 379YE. Previously led by Soldier, a militaristic [[draughir]] knight with a vague and mysterious past he is reluctant to discuss, who fell in battle recently. They consist mostly of knights and [[yeofolk of Dawn|yeofolk]] who were present at Drycastle in [[The_Barrens#Dawnguard|Dawnguard]] during the early months of [[the Barrens]] [[crusade]].
@@ Line 553: / Line 914: @@
 House Martel are an old house; they claim to have settled in the Barrens as the forebears of the other Dawnish houses were still traveling across land from overseas. They are composed of several families, including the Rookwood, who’s own family motto is "keep it in the family." They live in the Murderdale, on the edge of the forest of Peytaht, in a fortified estate called "the Rookery". The estate is said to be impenetrable, and has had many Druj adorn its trees. Rookwood and Martel fought against the [[Freedom Heresy]], concerned about the threat posed by Montane. It was seen as a matter of pride to take arms in this matter.
-Rookwood and Martel joined as one house on the fateful night of the Battle of Sisters Causeway, whereby a wedding party, held by House Martel and guests, were ambushed by Druj. This wedding was an acknowledgement by Dawn of House Martel’s great import in fighting against the Freedom Heresy, and therefore the union was of politics as well as passion.  However, all were slaughtered on that dread-filled gathering, including children.  After this, Martel’s swore to never marry.  Their heraldry also stands a reminder of this event, which strengthened union through blood. Nothing motivates this house more than securing the Barrens, avenging their forebears and covering themselves…in glory.
+Rookwood and Martel joined as one house on the fateful night of the Battle of Sisters Causeway, whereby a wedding party, held by House Martel and guests, were ambushed by Druj. This wedding was an acknowledgement by Dawn of House Martel’s great import in fighting against the Freedom Heresy, and therefore the union was of politics as well as passion. However, all were slaughtered on that dread-filled gathering, including children. After this, Martel’s swore to never marry. Their heraldry also stands a reminder of this event, which strengthened union through blood. Nothing motivates this house more than securing the Barrens, avenging their forebears and covering themselves…in glory.
 -->

Dawn groups

Latest revision as of 17:34, 10 November 2024

Overview

Noble Houses

Houses of Astolat

House Asterion

House Brightstone

House Caerleon

House de Coeurdefer

House Cordraco

House de Gauvain

House Goldvein

House Larmallevés

House Meliora

House de Rondell

House de Rosier

House Sepulchre

House Videre

Houses of Semmerholm

House d’Abeille

House d’Acier

House de Bois Gilbert

House Cadwalon

House de Cendres

House de Courtenay

House du Maurisol

House Medwood

House de Rhys

House Summerstrong

House Tamerlaine

House Vexille

House Verdantié

Houses of Weirwater

House Berinore

House Castellan

House de Clément

House duLac

House Gladewarden

House Lucentia

House Mortére

House Novarion

House Olor

House Orzel

House Remys

House Rion

House Tallstag

House Tower de Risbanke

House of the Twisted Rose

House de Vere

Houses of the Barrens

House Fawnwood

House du Froste

House Primevère

House Tonberry

House Torawyr

House De Tournesol

House Veridaine

Orders and Cabals

Knightly Orders

Order of the Amber Lance

Order of the Blazing Dawn

Knights of the Golden Mane

The Order of the Lance Restored

Weaver Cabals

Golden Leaf

Moon and Stars

The Phoenix Flame

Other Groups

Other Player Groups

The Iris Covenant

The Order of the Gryphon’s Quill

NPC Groups

House de Casillon

House De Ledure

House Lionsgate

Contributing

Profound Decisions[edit | | ]

Community[edit | | ]

Wiki Editors[edit | | ]