The Houses of Ederia
House Falkrest
"Beyond the Horizon"
King of Ederia
King Talon Falkrest, current ruler of the kingdom of Ederia, is known for his legacy as a former adventurer and his visionary leadership. Under his rule, the kingdom has expanded its borders and strengthened diplomatic ties with neighboring realms. His adventurous spirit lives on in his children, the heirs to the Crimson Throne.
History
The origins of Skyhaven trace back to a family of adventurers who made their livelihood through monster hunting and defending people. Their valor and service earned them the title of "Sentinel" in service to the realm, legitimized by King Alistar Draven (who nearly brought ruin to the kingdom in 1030 AR) almost 80 years ago. Their official recognition marked the rise of House Falkrest as a noble house.
Their seat, Skyhaven, is filled with artifacts and curiosities from their travels. They are respected for their bravery and resourcefulness but are sometimes seen as unpredictable. Currently, they are the ruling house of Ederia.
Notable Members
- Late Queen Elendara "The Usurper" Falkrest - Former Queen, Mother to Talon, and renowned adventurer
- King Talon Falkrest - Current King of Ederia and former adventurer
- Lord Paramount Raynere Falkrest - Current Sentinel of Ederia, and former adventurer
- Prince Edwinn Falkrest - 1st Born Bastard Son of Talon
- Princess Xanthe Falkrest - 2nd Born Noble Daughter of Talon
- Princess Cailynn Falkrest - 3rd Born Bastard Daughter of Talon
- Prince Marik Veltaris-Falkrest - 4th Born Noble Son of Talon
- Princess Octavia Falkrest - 5th Born Noble Daughter of Talon
Banner Houses
- House Thalor - Mountain exploration experts
- House Veyra - Desert exploration specialists
- House Caltris - Jungle exploration masters
- House Drakemoor - Trainers of wyverns and knights
- House Wylder - Guardians of the capital
Current Status
House Veltaris
"Through Storms, We Prevail"
History
Kraken's Reach was originally a pirate cove, home to some of the most dangerous pirates to ever curse the realms of Illica. The most notorious of these pirates was Edwinn "Strongjaw" Veltaris, who united the pirates under one banner and established the first pirate nation.
House Veltaris ruled the seas for several hundred years, bringing fear and respect to their name. During the reign of Niderion, the Flaming Fury, the need to spread his influence led Edwinn to ally with House Warendell to end the age of the dragon in Ederia.
Today, House Veltaris rules the coastal lands and controls the vast navy of the kingdom. Their ships are unmatched in speed and strength, and their sailors are renowned for their resilience and navigational skills. They have a history of exploring unknown seas and establishing trade routes. Their wealth comes from trade, fishing, and occasional privateering along the Whispering Sea to the east.
Notable Members
- Lord Paramount Geran Veltaris - Commander of the royal fleet and Lord of Kracken's Reach
- Lady Sharn Veltaris - Former Queen of Ederia and 1st Born Daughter of Lord Geran
- Prince Marik Veltaris-Falkrest - Son of Sharn Veltaris
- The Late Eddwin "Strongjaw" Veltaris - Legendary Air Genasi pirate who unified Kraken’s Reach, co-authored the Pirate Code, and established Veltaris as a noble house
Banner Houses
- House Webber - Coastal defense specialists
- House Maelis - Fishing and trade experts
- House Rathmere - Naval warfare tacticians
Current Status
A powerful naval force with growing political influence through their alliance with House Falkrest.
House Thornefield
"From the Land, Prosperity"
Breadbasket of Ederia
House Thornefield controls the fertile plains that feed the entire kingdom. Their agricultural expertise is unmatched, producing bountiful harvests even in difficult seasons. While not as militarily powerful as other houses, their control of the food supply gives them significant leverage in court politics.
History
The city of Highfields has always held great sway in these lands, boasting the largest overall population in terms of the entire region. As the main producer of food in the realm, House Thornefield wielded significant influence.
During the age of the Dragons, House Thornefield was the last to join the cause, wary of their substantial losses. They refrained from joining the battle until the fighting was nearly over. This hesitancy has left a lasting mark on their reputation, with the other houses remaining suspicious of House Thornefield even 800 years later.
Today, House Thornefield governs the fertile plains and farmlands of the kingdom. They are the primary suppliers of food, not just for the kingdom but also for trade with neighboring lands. Their vast estates are dotted with fields of grain, orchards, and vineyards. The house is wealthy and influential, with a reputation for being shrewd and practical. Their strength lies in their control over the kingdom's food supply, making them indispensable.
Notable Members
- Lord Gareth Thornefield - Steady ruler, expert diplomat, unwavering ally, fearless jouster, agricultural innovator
- The Late Lady Gwendolyn Thornefield - Fierce rider, aerial tactician, Triarchy’s bane, battlefield legend, untamed spirit
Banner Houses
- House Brackenwood - Forestry and hunting
- House Eldros - Livestock and herding
- House Faebrook - Herbology and healing
- House Greenmire - Grain farming
- House Varason - Vineyards and winemaking
- House Thornwell - Orchard and fruit farming
- House Rivermoor - Riverlands and irrigation
Current Status
An essential house that controls the kingdom's food supply, though still viewed with some suspicion due to their historical hesitance during crucial conflicts.
House Astralor
"Knowledge is Power"
Masters of Magic
House Astralor stands as the kingdom's foremost authority on magical knowledge. From their towering library of Tomehold, they research, catalog, and control the arcane arts throughout Ederia. Their upcoming marriage alliance with House Falkrest through Lady Selara and Prince Marik will further cement their influence.
History
House Astralor's rise to prominence began in 733 AR with the discovery of Ryanite in the previous capital of House Emberlyn. Initially a vassal of House Emberlyn, House Astralor gained independence and power through their exceptional abilities in magic and combat.
When House Emberlyn rebelled against the king, House Astralor's elite regiment, the "Blades of Xandoria," known for their expertise in mage hunting and execution, played a crucial role in suppressing the Ryanite-infused forces.
Today, House Astralor is the center of magical knowledge and power in the kingdom. They control Tomehold, a towering structure filled with ancient tomes, magical artifacts, and a vast library of spells. The house is both respected and feared for its magical prowess. They are the kingdom's primary advisors on all matters arcane and have been instrumental in many historical events through their command of magic.
Notable Members
- Lady Paramount Vaelora Astralor - Warm matriarch, ruthless hunter, arcane enforcer, master strategist, elegant spellcaster, guardian of magical law, wielder of hidden power.
- Lady Selara Astralor - Renowned artificer, expert on dragons, and betrothed to Prince Marik
- Master Diviner Lysander Astralor - Master of divination magic
- Commander Lyria Astralor - Leader of the Blades of Xandoria
Banner Houses
- House Melanth - Alchemy and potion specialists
- House Umbren - Dark magic practitioners
- House Lumere - Diviners and seers
Current Status
A powerful magical house with close ties to the royal family through the upcoming marriage of Lady Selara to Prince Marik Veltaris-Falkrest.
House Eldran
"By Right of Blood"
Ancient Nobility
House Eldran stands as the oldest noble house in Ederia, with bloodlines tracing back to the earliest kings. Their vast wealth and careful political maneuvering have maintained their prominence for centuries, though they now swear fealty to House Falkrest while quietly remembering their ancient claim to the throne.
History
The origins of Stonewatch date back to its foundation within the ruins of an ancient dwarf city. Upon exploring these ruins, House Eldran discovered several magical items and artifacts that remained functional even after the breaking.
House Eldran, the founders of the city, decided to keep these powerful artifacts secret, waiting for the opportune moment to leverage them. When House Warrendell approached House Eldran with plans to overthrow the Dragon Triarchy, House Eldran was able to offer dragon-slaying weapons and arrows at a high cost.
Their claim to the throne is by blood right, with some members tracing their lineage back to Sannira and Tyroch. Despite this, they have sworn fealty to House Falkrest, ensuring peace for now.
Today, House Eldran is the oldest and wealthiest noble house in the kingdom. Their wealth comes from ancient treasures, extensive lands, and wise investments. They have a long history of political maneuvering and have intermarried with other powerful houses to maintain their influence. Stonewatch is a massive fortress filled with luxurious decorations and historical artifacts.
Notable Members
- Lady Brynja Eldran - Resilient matriarch, unyielding leader, survivor of tragedy, firm yet fair ruler
- Knight-Commander Nadja Eldran - Commander of the Crown Claw Knights. Loyal war veteran, silent strategist, unshaken in duty, bonded to her wyvern
- Lady Alrice Eldran - Shrewd financier, kingdom’s treasurer, pragmatic leader, disciplined and sharp-minded
- Ser Cedric Eldran - Once kind, now cruel; ambitious noble, dismissive of his past love.
Banner Houses
- House Baelor - Banking and finance
- House Arden - Trade and commerce
- House Malgareth - Mining and metallurgy
- House Varlem - Art and culture
- House Thrynn - Education and scholarship
Current Status
The oldest and wealthiest house with a historical claim to the throne, currently maintaining peace through fealty to House Falkrest while wielding significant economic and cultural influence.
House Emberlyn
"Faith Forged in Fire"
Spiritual Leaders
House Emberlyn has transformed from master craftsmen into the kingdom's religious authority. From their grand temple-forge of Faithspire, they guide the spiritual life of Ederia while still crafting some of the finest weapons and armor in the realm. Though once rebellious, they now serve as the moral compass of the kingdom.
History
Faithspire was built atop a mine rich in Ryanite, a magical crystalline rock with potent properties, crucial for powerful magical creations. The discovery of this mineral brought immense wealth to the city and enabled House Emberlyn to rise to power.
However, this power led to ambition, and House Emberlyn initiated a rebellion to overthrow the king of the house at the time about 400 years ago. The key to House Emberlyn's strength was the Lucidic Spire, a grand tower made from Ryanite and jade, which served as an amplification device for the house's mages.
In a bid to become a god, Delphanis Emberlyn drew too much power from the spire, causing it to implode. This catastrophic event disrupted the magical weave in Ederia, leaving the land devoid of magic for almost 150 years.
House Emberlyn originated as a house of master craftsmen and blacksmiths, but over generations, they have transformed into the kingdom's primary religious authority. Faithspire, their seat, is both a grand temple and a forge, symbolizing their dual heritage of craftsmanship and devotion. The house is known for its strict adherence to the faith of the Flame, a religion that worships the divine aspects of fire and creation - a melding of the teachings of Vuldros, Solaris, and Damantris.
Notable Members
- Lady Iradessa Emberlyn - Pious ruler, master strategist, sacred forgemaster, divine seer, and unwavering matriarch
- The Late Marrik "Dragonkin" Emberlyn - Rebellious forgemaster, dragon slayer, battle-hardened smith, and quiet hero of Ederia
Banner Houses
- House Lareth - Monastic orders
- House Merathis - Holy warriors
- House Pyrelan - Sacred rituals
- House Valyra - Divine healing
- House Thalon - Pilgrimages and holy sites
- House Elaris - Religious education
Current Status
A house of respected craftsmen and religious leaders recovering from their historical rebellion, now serving as the spiritual backbone of the kingdom.
