The House of Aegis-Tor

The Dwarves of house Aegis are what remains of the Dwarven Nobility and Aristocracy from before the fall of the world. The Dwarven Kingdoms were already in decline prior to the fall. The most commonly known Dwarven Hold, Tragriblu hold was just over a day’s ride from Cerc and historically constituted the greatest threat to the Nation of Cercia with the two kingdoms frequently skirmishing, which lead to the sacking of Cerc by the Dwarves, who held the city for 200 years before it was retaken.   This led to a tense relationship between the Dwarves and the city by the time the adversary started his campaign. The largest Dwarven Kingdom, Auguila-Tor believed that they could hold the unconquered mountains against the adversary and called all of the Dwarven kings to join them in the great city. They had great faith in the war machines, elemental servants and great walls.   The dwarves of Aegis-Tor are those who followed the dwarven hero Aegis to Cerc with faith in the plan for Spearfall. They arrived at the gates with wagon loads full of dwarven craft goods, precious metals, books and artifacts. Given the tense relations between the dwarves and the Cerc populace they were mostly denied admission to the city. It was only though the intervention of other great races that a peaceful resolution could be realized. The dwarves were allowed to purchase entry to the city, trading 90% of the collective wealth for entry.   The exchange allowed for the establishment of a Dwarven enclave in the city. The dwarves were granted a title, and allowed to follow traditions of self rulership. While the Aegis lords would defer to the King but otherwise would be able to conduct business in the city under dwarven law, maintaining their own security forces.   Over time this has become incredibly profitable for the dwarves, who have set about developing a progressive banking and investment system. Acting as moneychangers, lenders and intermediaries in contracts. The Dwarves have a reputation as being incredibly capable, shrewd and patient businessmen. In the last 100 years this has grown to the House of Aegis being the de facto bankers for Cerc, lending even to the crown and able to hold independent terms and private property. Overall, the initial investment of the dwarven payment to enter the city has been reclaimed 100 times over.   The House of Aegis is served by the Order of St. Niska, who maintain a full lance of knights.   Her Son, Jaysin Aegis is training with the Order of St. Niska. Her husband died 10 years ago. She is shrewd but forward thinking. Her primary goal is the recovery of Dwarven Heritage, artworks and lands.