House of Dukes
| House of Dukes | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Creator | Xero |
| Information | |
| Main Leader(s) | The Dukes
|
| Races | Human Asvar |
| Base of Operations | Castle Aspectum |
| Planet | Imperia |
| Status | Active |
Background
Following the coronation of King Louis Marcus Lionheart, the scattered human nation of Luxfordia was brought together by the foundation of the House of Dukes, a royal advisory formed from the four Dukes of four great Human factions. Now each Duke served directly under the King or Queen as a councillor, allowing them to speak openly on the behalf of their people and make positive changes that could benefit the majority.
Following the unification of the House of Dukes and the development of Luxfordia as a kingdom, the land was split into parts each Duke would be a sovereign over. Further settlements would be founded under the jurisdiction of these dukes, which would help expand the kingdom. These lands shared by a single Duke would be known as "Estates".
Later on three more Dukes would join the House and three more Estates would be added to Luxfordia: King's Crossing, Hawkhome and Etherin.
Ironwatch
Duke: Richarde Justigarde
When speaking of the seven Human counties, few words can be spoken without the mention of notorious Ironwatch. Since their inception in the early Victorian era, the kingdom of Ironwatch has always viewed absolute power and dominion at the highest of priorities. Even prior to the Human exodus to Azura, the remnants of the tribes that would create Ironwatch were militaristic and aggressive in nature, serving to both secure a future for Humankind while also playing an instrumental part in its slow downfall.
Ironwatch continues to thrum to this day, their industrial fortress city a closed off society that requires all visitors to go through a strict and thorough check-up. Their ideals focus upon the development of the military of Luxfordia as well as expanding the kingdom's borders past Azura and even past Imperia itself. Foreign negotiations and a low priority for them. Magic is strictly forbidden in their eyes.
After the Grand War, Ironwatch became more secluded from the rest of the kingdom. Though they have yet to declare their independence, signs of such movement have begun to show as of late. The bulk of the Luxfordian military has suffered because of this as Ironwatch has pulled its power away from the kingdom and keep it within their fortress city.
Neverwind
Duke: Adel Hermas
Historically the county from which Louis Marcus Lionheart originated from, Neverwind has always held a stalwart and peaceful view on life. They were founded on the prospect of freedom to act and freedom of expression, becoming a cultural hub for the Human nation during the booming Lionheart Monarchy and continuing to be one to this day. They are loyal to the crown though only if the crown is loyal to them as well, which is why during the Greymoore Monarchy Neverwind became a independent state who declared neutrality, only returning to Luxfordia following the end of the Grand War.
Neverwind remains a historical place of importance for the people of Luxfordia. It is the host of countless cultural scenes and events during the spring and summer seasons and their unique worship toward the God of Wind makes them the only Human county that does not follow the Church of Divinity. This wasn't always the case, as it was known that Louis Marcus and his son, the prince, were followers of divinity. The practice of Aeroism, to revere the winds, started during the rule of Thutthus Lionheart. In the House of Dukes, Neverwind stands by the cultural development of Luxfordia as well as restoring the local military in order to restore order to the lands the kingdom holds sway over.
Nordstrom
Duke: Harald Breakwater
In the bygone era of prehistoria, Nordstrom was more than just another Human county, it was a naval powerhouse that ruled the seas of Imperia. There was a period in history when the Nordstroms were the predominant Humans before Luxfordia would decimate their ranks for defying them. Yet, the Nordstroms survived their destruction and would sail west to the lands of Azura to settle the northern shorelines as their own. By the time the rest of Humanity would be in exodus to the westlands, Nordstrom had already built up a large seaside kingdom that would welcome them with ferocity and bloodshed. A war known as the Second Clan War would take place between the many small nations of Humanity, turning the lush hills of Azura into a decimated landscape. It would be during the reign of Rogue King Yor Qorrus and the following Victorian Monarchy under the reign of King Wylliam Victoria that Nordstrom would find a place among a united humanity, even if it was forced upon them.
Since the unity of New Luxfordia Nordstrom has acted as the primary naval might for the kingdom, training sailors and building powerful vessels to dominate the seas around Azura and beyond. They would also take a great liking to the innovative Skyships of the Fenik and begin constructions on them when they were introduced, proving Nordstrom to be a highly productive people capable of mighty constructs. They are the second most powerful military might in Luxfordia, beaten only by notorious Ironwatch. In the House of Dukes, their priority lies in the continued productivity of the kingdom as well as rebuilding the naval and aerial armies lost during the Grand War.
Hawkhome
Duke: Sysellia Artemy
Furthering from the exodus of Humanity, a select few wishing to escape the endless blood shedding would travel south to the Windtruth Woods and set up homes among the wilderness. There they would meet the Squros and forge a kinship with them, the small forest folk teaching the Humans how to craft and wield crossbows for the sake of hunting and fending off invaders. Having given themselves the name Hawkhome inspired by the avians they would befriend in the region, these Humans would live in seclusion from the rest of Humanity until Queen Bella Emma Lionheart led a campaign to claim their lands for the kingdom, offering Hawkhome a permanent spot in an equal Luxfordia.
Among the House of Dukes, Hawkhome prioritises the preservation of Imperia's natural resources. They have shown themselves in direct opposition to Ironwatch's rampant desire to exploit the land in order to fuel their military powerhouse and have made connections with the Wylderin to aid in the restoration of destroyed woodlands. Decades prior to the Grand War, a special request was made to bring Druidism to Hawkhome, which would fail to take root as the war tore a rift between the two factions yet in the post-war world a renewed project between Hawkhome and Wylderin has started to show promise.
King's Crossing
Duke: Americ Dymeter
Founded during the early Era of Unity, King's Crossing served as a passion project for King Simon Victoria's which turned into a successful trade city that would pave the path for negotiations between his nation and the Chronos to the south. King's Crossing would also be the birthplace of the holy spirit of Divinism and remains the second most religious settlement in Luxfordia, bested only by the capital.
The dukes of King's Crossing all share a similar characteristic in being spiritual people with a knack for business and trade which makes them the go-to financial advisors to the kingdom in the House of Dukes. Their highest priority is the health of the kingdom's economy and they are often on the frontlines when it comes to foreign relations.
Etherin
Duke: Lantheon Evertome
After stealing the secrets of magic from the Dragons, Deldarach Hawktalon would lead a rigorous rebellion with his Asvarkind to demand equality from their human overlords. In order to mete out justice and find a solution to their plight, King Louis Marcus Lionheart granted Deldarach the rank of Duke and sway over the untapped westlands riddled with untamed monsters and a strange arcanic presence. Etherin city would be founded atop mystical leylines present there and would become a high society for magic and the use of it, with the esteemed Etherin Academy becoming the crown jewel of the estate.
Though there have been many ups and downs for the Asvars of Luxfordia, they have remained a determined people who more than ever hold a strong sway over the future of the kingdom as a trueblooded Asvar has been crowned Queen. As a result of this, Etherin's duke is an obvious favourite for Queen Regindra though she has made an effort to remain neutral and hear each Duke's opinion and voice as is customary of the monarch. Etherin's role in the House of Dukes is that of the development of education, magical research and the training of the kingdom's magi for both defence and offense should it be necessary.
Darksorrow
Duke: Leon Darmas
Originally a tribe of fierce monster hunters, Darksorrow joined Luxfordia willingly when Yor Qorrus proved how powerful a nation can be united. Honourbound and warrior-like in spirit and mind, Darksorrow swore loyalty to the newly reborn kingdom and promised its eternal safety so long as they tread the unforgiving lands. A reform would occur in 1458 when the Estate clashed with the Brood of Venorion, Dragonlord of Imperia, which would reach a climax with a battle between the great dragon and Tharus, champion of Darksorrow. Instead of killing the man however, Venorion was impressed by his fighting spirit and granted him his draconic oath that would allow their two factions to live in harmony with one another.
Since that eventful battle long ago, Darksorrow has distanced itself from the politics of the kingdom, becoming labelled as the "silent seventh" in the House of Dukes. They continue to contribute enough to be considered a member of the kingdom and even showed support towards the rebellion led by Regindra Fedelerin during the Grand War, allowing her to liberate the kingdom from the bloodline of the Greymoores. Their stances fixate on both culture and military development and have recently taken a more active role in training the kingdom's militia and military in Ironwatch's stead.
Base of Operations
The House of Dukes make their predominant meeting place in the self-same named chamber within Castle Luxondros to discuss the decisions of the kingdom. It is common for a Duke to be seated in each of the seven seats around the round table alongside one or two followers, known as Segvidors, of each Duke.
