RPC has moved! These pages have been kept for historical purposes

Sounsyy · **10-15-2015, 07:47 PM**

WIP
I've got a lot more lore, but I'm out of time tonight. Raid and work early in the morning. Hopefully can add more lore to this over time!

House Fortemps, the Unicorn

Founder: Flavien de Fortemps

Important People:
-Count Edmond de Fortemps
-Lord Artoirel de Fortemps (eldest son)
-Lord Haurchefant Greystone (deceased, bastard son of the Count, controlled Dragonhead)
-Lord Emmanellain de Fortemps (youngest of the Count's three sons)

What they Own:
-Camp Dragonhead

Sightseeing #75 Wrote:Camp Dragonhead
Its name taken from a rocky outcropping said to be the head of a Dravanian king turned to stone by the almighty hand of Halone, this outpost acts as the central Coerthas highland's southernmost line of defense for the Holy See, tasked with fending off Ixali raids from Natalan, skirmishes by heretic factions, and the occasional yeti scare.

Achievements:

House Fortemps Steward Wrote:As for those sworn to House Fortemps... In addition to the knights, squires, and infantry, more than a hundred craftsmen, retainers, and other servants possessed of notable skill are pledged to our service. Given our strong position, one might expect us to have no truck with foreign merchants and sellswords. However, nothing could be further from the truth. I should think that my lord the count was quite clear on this point, but it was our hope that you and your allies would, by your deeds, help us to convince the other High Houses of the wisdom of opening the Gates of Judgement to all - among other things.

Havak Alvek Wrote:Word has arrived from our northern field correspondent directing us to a disconcerting disturbance unfolding in Ishgardian Coerthas. House Fortemps, one of the financially foremost families of the Holy See of Ishgard, has apparently assembled a substantial military contingent at the hamlet of Owlâ€™s Nest. If this information has reached us in full fidelityâ€”and there is no indication otherwiseâ€”the contingent, formed of knights and sellswords, has been mobilized for a most mystifying motive: the liberation of the Dzemael Darkhold.

Blunders:

Count Edmont de Fortemps Wrote:Granted, my decision will have raised eyebrows in the Vault and in the halls of the other High Houses. But so long as you continue your altruistic endeavors, I doubt my honored peers will feel moved to voice their concerns.

Alphinaud Wrote:By granting us patronage, House Fortemps has taken a tremendous risk. Until we demonstrate our worth to Ishgard at large, the count will face considerable opposition from his peers in matters great and small.

Dinner For Four Wrote:You deliver the invitation to Framoncis standing guard at House Durendaire, and he finds the proposed banquet to be suspect at best. He goes on to tell you that House Durendaire and House Fortemps are not on good terms. He agrees to deliver the invitation if only to prevent undue tension between the two houses. Report to Torsefers and inform him the invitations have been delivered.

Miscellaneous:

Lurchin' from Urchins Wrote:A spineball tournament is to take place at Camp Dragonhead, wherein two teams of residents will kick around a spiny lake urchin and see if they can get it into a barrel using only their boots. I can only imagine the look on the head chirurgeon's face the next day, but as they say: "The most primitive form of entertainent is watching others in pain."

House Durendaire, the Bell

Founder: unknown

Important People:
-(unknown Count)
-Ser Forlemont de Durendaire (brother of Count de Durendaire, heads the Observatorium)
-Carvallain de Gorgagne (Captain of the Kraken's Arms in Limsa, supposed lost heir of Durendaire)
-Lord Drillemont de Durendaire (second son, controls the Whitebrim Front and now Stone Vigil)
-Lord Jannequinard de Durendaire (third son of the Count, teaches Sharlayan Astromancy)
-Ser Yuhelmeric de Brillelame (former Lord Commander of Durendaire's Knights)
-Ser Redwald (commands Falcon's Nest)

What they Own:
-First Dicasteral Observatorium
-Falcon's Nest

Theugondet Wrote:It is my duty to ensure that the reconstruction of Falcon's Nest proceeds apace. To that end, our craftsmen must be able to work without fear for their safety. House Durendaire shares this responsibility with House Dzemael. Should our efforts come to naught, both houses will have to answer to the archbishop.

-Whitebrim Front
-Stone Vigil

Duty Finder Wrote:The Stone Vigil
One of four watchtowers built along the Sea of clouds by the city-state of Ishgard, the Stone Vigil was overrun and occupied by the Dravanian Horde not long after the Calamity. The following years have seen the knights of House Durendaire make several attempts at reclaiming the fortress, but to no avail.

Drillemont Wrote:..."Houses Fortemps and Haillenarte hereby formally advise that all restrictions on employing foreign sellswords be-" Hmph. These are naught more than the ill-conceived notions of a hopeless romantic and a naive lordling. House Durendaire would not even be in this position had not House Haillenarte failed to hold the Stone Vigil!

-Dusk Vigil (formerly)

Sightseeing #04 Wrote:The Dusk Vigil
The Calamity was not kind to this once-proud watchtower, from which Ser Yuhelmeric and the brave knights of House Durendaire once stood watch against the encroaching Horde. Since the walls fell and the chill took hold, it has come to be inhabited by all manner of fell beasts, and gods only knows what else.

Achievements:

Stay on Target Wrote:House Durendaire did not become known for the most powerful dragoons in Ishgard by blindly following old ways. Unlike many High Houses of that mistrustful theocracy, it seeks new knowledgeâ€”such as whether a Lominsan harpoon can be adapted against an airborne beast.

Blunders:

Rose Never Lets Go Wrote:O Halone, what have I done to deserve such animosity? I find myself caught in the middle of the nobles' squabbling and there is need to rectify it, else one or the other might curb their generous flow of gold to the knights' coffers! It would seem an ancient site defiled by heretics and ordered to be destroyed by House Durendaire was ancestral to House Haillenarte, and thus under their wardship. The House of the Rose is furious because of the order and demands what rubble is left of the slandered site to be exhumed and brought back to Ishgard for tribute and safekeeping. And here I thought the Friars Templar would be the brunt of my worries. I beseech you, please, return to the site and extract what remains of the relics so that this dispute may be put to rest. I'll pay you double if you stay silent.

Miscellaneous:

Bend It Like Durendaire Wrote:House Durendaire continues to flout the unspoken rule against trading openly with outlanders. As the greatest of Ishgard's High Houses, it thinks to make its own rulesâ€”but if it cannot bend these bows to halt the dragons, it will not matter whose rules it breaks.

Bartelot Wrote:Have we work for a weaver? No, lass, I'm afraid we've not got the gil for such now. But the way I hear it, House Durendaire's rollin' in the coin. Make your pitch to one of their guards. Mayhap they'll throw some custom your way.

Marraco Wrote:Every High House of Ishgard has its own dragon in a bonnet, don't they? An enemy without keeps order within. The dragon Marraco is to be hunted for the crime of mistaking almost a dozen of House Durendaire's knights for kindling. An impressive physical specimen by all accounts, the dragon Marraco can easily withstand a direct hit from dragonslayer cannons, thus requiring enterprising hunters to exercise some forethought in their choice of arms.

House Haillenarte, the Rose

Founder: unknown

Important People:
-Count Baurendouin de Haillenarte (father and head of household)
-Lord Stephanivien de Haillenarte (first-born son, guild leader of Skysteel Manufactory)
-Lord Aurvael de Haillenarte (second-born son, Diadem Mission Commander)
-Lord Chlodebaimt de Haillenarte (third-born son, deceased, killed at Steel Vigil)
-Lady Laniaitte de Haillenarte (first-born daughter, commands Camp Cloudtop)
-Lord Francel de Haillenarte (fourth-born son, commands Skyfire Locks)

Corvinoobus Wrote:To clarify the intent of the line I wrote, Francel is reflecting on his status as the fourth-born son, as daughters are often excluded from the line of succession in Ishgardian houses (there are exceptions, of course).

The birth order of Count Baurendouin de Haillenarte's children is as follows:

Stephanivien - firstborn son
Chlodebaimt - third-born son
Laniaitte - firstborn daughter
Francel - fourth-born son

I realize this may beg an obvious question, but before you think to askâ”€no, I can't tell you anything about the second-born son at this time. Terribly sorry about that.

Hope that clears things up!

Aurvael Wrote:Pray allow me to introduce myself. I am Aurvael de Haillenarte, second son of Count Baurendouin. Ah, I can tell what you are thinking - what would spur a nobleman to leave the lap of luxury to explore a harsh and brutal wilderness?

For the glory of Ishgard, we of House Haillenarte have spared no expense! We have at our disposal several outstanding airships, constructed by the Skysteel Manufactory for the express purpose of ferrying our courageous explorers to the Diadem!

Naul Wrote:Ah, yes. You know how Ishgard is about dragons. The Holy See managed to get Naul and a few other dragons on to the elite mark list. A favor to be repaid in kind, I'm sure. The dragons Naul and Svara are best known for their attack on the Steel Vigil, which left the fortress a smoking ruin. Notable casualties include the third son of House Haillenarte...

House Haillenarte Knight Wrote:Several moons ago marked the anniversary of the passing of Ser Chlodebaimt, son of House Haillenarte. He was lost to us in a horrible battle at the Steel Vigil. His sacrifice saved a great many lives that day, and so every year a memorial service is held in his honor.

What they Own:
-Skysteel Manufactory
-Camp Cloudtop
-Skyfire Locks

Count Baurendouin de Haillenarte Wrote:The dragon flies straight as an arrow for our very own Skyfire Locks. Should we let them be destroyed, the price will be steep in both coin and honor.

-Steel Vigil (formerly)

Sightseeing #76 Wrote:The Steel Vigil
One of four citadel watchtowers built along the Sea of Clouds, the Steel Vigil warned the Holy See of aerial attacks for centuries before being razed and gutted by the Dravanian Horde and their vile commander, Svara. Now, only the outer walls remain, leaving a bitter reminder of the dragons' destructive power.

-Stone Vigil (formerly)

Achievements:
-Successfully colonizing the Sea of Clouds (BTN questline)

Blunders:

Nivie Wrote:Alas, he is not the only one to heap disdain upon House Haillenarte. Ever since we lost the Steel and Stone Vigils, we have been at the mercy of the other High Houses.

Miscellaneous:

House Dzemael, the Rook

Founder: Sylvetrel de Dzemael

Important People:
-(unknown current Count)
-Lord Tarresson de Dzemael (former Count)
-Baron Thieveneux de Dzemael (master of House Dzemael and wealthy patron of the Temple Knights)
-Ser Grinnaux de Dzemael (trueborn Duskwight son of Dzemael, one of the Heaven's Ward)

Dengeki Online Wrote:As a trueborn son of House Dzemael, Grinnaux became known as one of his Houseâ€™s most talented knights. He boasts unparalleled skill in the arts of war, but his history is peppered with conflicts resulting from his disagreeable personality. Nevertheless, Archbishop Thordan VII appointed Ser Grinnaux to the Heavensâ€™ Ward based on combat capability alone â€” reasoning that if the man were tempered to obey instructions, his unruly behavior would not pose an issue.

-Archombadin de Dzemael (trueborn Wildwood son of Dzemael)

Archombadin Wrote:As a son of House Dzemael...

-Lord Tedalgrinche (Lord Commander of Dzemael knights, possibly son of Dzemael?)
-Jandelaine & Guillefresne (not trueborn)

Guillefresne Wrote:Ah, but where are my manners? I am Guillefresne, of House... well, you are not like to know of us, but perhaps you do know of House Dzemael, with whom we share common ancestry.

-Dyrstweitz Dyrstweitzsyn (his family has served House Dzemael for generations)

What they Own:
-Dzemael Darkhold

Dyrstweitz Wrote:A hearty hail to you, adventurer. I am Dyrstweitz, son of Dyrstweitz. I serve House Dzemael, as did my father and his father before him. Like them, I have sworn a solemn oath to protect the count's lands and holdings from any and all that would do them harm. Originally designed to provide protection against air and land attacks from the Wyrmking's horde, construction on the Darkhold began several generations ago when Count Dzemael, fifty-third of his line and lord of House Dzemael - greatest of the four high houses of Ishgard - discovered a hidden network of caves while foxing near the Nail.

-Lightfeather Proving Grounds

Alinaure Wrote:As you might expect from the name, the Lightfeather Proving Grounds were originally established to host matches for battle-trained chocobos. That being said, House Dzemael has since allowed the grounds to be used for other purposes on occasion. Some other houses have staged spectacles, for both private and public amusement. The Temple Knights have also held exhibitions in the past as well - those are always a delight, believe you me.

-Falcon's Nest (building it!)

Achievements:

Stephanivien Wrote:House Dzemael is a powerful family, and their talent for the building of fortifications has brought them vast wealth and influence. Staunch allies of House Durendaire, the Dzemaels have also been party to a number of significant victories. Thus do they stand at the peak of Ishgardian society, looking down their noses at any who do not share their â€œnobleâ€ pedigree.

No Rest for the Thicket Wrote:House Dzemael beams so brightly of the work their men do on the buildings in Falcon's Nest, that their orders require them to work night and day, for the Rook did not attain such wealth and prestige without their penchant for unrivaled diligence. After the sun sets, great fires must be kept burning bright enough for them to see their work clearly and keep the wild nocturnal beasts at bay. Procure great stacks of wood to serve as kindling for the bonfires so that those artisans of stone and lumber may continue to see sharp through night's thick cover.

Warm In Their Beds Wrote:The fortress that Falcon's Nest will become is to be built solid and impenetrable with materials married to stone and steel, yet House Dzemael has made a rare request for lumber in constructing some building foundations. You may inquire as I did of creating frames of wood as we strive to rebuild Falcon's Nest stronger than before, yet the architects of House Dzemael explained the project was not for the Nest's defenses. You see, the commonfolk of Falcon's Nest lived simple lives, and often gave hope to the that they would die aged among family in the warmth of their own cabin bed. The Calamity had denied that wish from those residents of Falcon's Nest who fled in terror, buried and frozen in ever-ice. The Rook expressed its desire to reconstruct the townspeoples' homes as they stood, in a solemn tribute for those who had lost their lives.

Gaetelle Wrote:You are familiar with the statue of Saint Valeroyant? The one in the center of the forum? House Dzemael's stonemasons have been working on chiseling a new head, and one of our students has been tasked with overseeing their work.

Archombadin Wrote:You need not thank me - House Dzemael prides itself on its charity to the deprived.

Blunders:

Havak Alvek Wrote:First, it is common knowledge that the Dzemael Darkhold was intended to be Ishgardâ€™s bastion in their continuing conflict against dragonkind, a flawless fortification from where they would wage war against their ancient adversaries. Second, it had earlier been revealed that the Ishgardians had met with a quandary in the quarrying effort, which should have triggered a tangible tightening of defenses. What formidable force, then, could have mastered the martially minded Ishgardians in a position as well-defended as the Darkhold?

Miscellaneous:

Handeloup Wrote:A rather more bureaucratic approach than I anticipated, but I would expect no less from a lord of House Dzemael. As skilled with his words as he is with a hammer and chisel. He has not told you? That cunning old fox is none other than Tarresson de Dzemael - formerly Count Tarresson de Dzemael. Although he has long since stepped down, he still does not scruple to intercede in various affairs.

Tarresson Wrote:Well then, let me apologize for the belated introduction. I am Tarresson de Dzemael, erstwhile count of my house. I am happy to say my son now enjoys that burden, leaving me to spend my days as I please. I try to stay busy, of course, and our project here has been a boon in that regard. However, do not think this some whim born of idleness. No, this is how I wish to live out my twilight years. As my true self. As a craftsman.

House Dzemael was built upon a foundation of mastery. Mastery of wood, steel, and stone. From a young age I strove to learn the techniques of my forefathers. Alas, once I became count, I was forced to trade my hammer and chisel for quill and parchment. A count's craft is to uphold the honor of his house, his tools his wit and his wiles. I was bound to the eternal struggle for glory and prestige, and as the months bled into years my days as an artisan faded into half-forgotten memory.

It was this single-minded state I raised my sons, teaching them naught of the joy of crafting. Perhaps by imparting my knowledge to others, I am in some small way trying to alleviate that regret...

Landing the Big One Wrote:It has been said the best deals are struck during a session of fishing, and it just so happens yours truly was invited by Baron Thieveneux of House Dzemael, a staunch and wealthy patron of the temple knights to partake in such a leisure. Outside of the capital? Halone forbid! No, no, I have been invited to the manor's expansive ponds, stocked with the best and built by Dzemael hands. There is much profit to be had for the coffers from a leisure such as this, so I find myself in need of a fine cedar fishing rod...though not too fine, mind you. I would yield the fattest carp to the master of the House of Rook as I try to catch even bigger fish.

The Forgotten Knight

Brawny Knight Wrote:I would wash my hands of blood and betrayal and take up an honest trade. Mayhap I shall serve ale instead of sharpened steel...

Gibrillont Wrote:They say that the ser who built this tavern was happy to be forgotten. "Rather serve ale instead of steel." Had a way with words, he did- and with women. But that's a story for another time.

This hints that the Forgotten Knight who helped slay Ratatoskr and Nidhogg might have a prodigious progeny - a story element which will likely become relevant later in the Heavensward story.

Hope this helps! ^^

Ishgardian Fantastic Four inquiries.

RPC has moved! These pages have been kept for historical purposes