House Valenhurst

Ruling Title: Duchy of Sunhaven

This title denotes not only noble authority but also a sacred responsibility: to guard the Empire’s northern frontier against external threats, heretics, and rebels. The Duke of Sunhaven is also recognized as a Prince-Elector, with a permanent seat on the Sunfire Council, the Empire’s ruling body.

House Valenhurst, one of the most respected noble houses within the Holy Solarian Empire, is renowned for its steadfastness, martial discipline, and deep-rooted sense of honour and duty. Often described as "The Shield of the Highlands," House Valenhurst commands immense military prestige and influence, particularly along the empire’s northern borders, where they serve as a bulwark against incursions, rebellions, and invasions.

Unlike their politically ruthless peers in House Carathen or the ambitious strategists of House Solthar, the Valenhursts prefer defensive and protective strategies, emphasizing loyalty, discipline, and unity above all else. Their careful balancing of honour and pragmatism has earned them respect from allies and even begrudging admiration from enemies.

Seat of Power: Sunhaven Hold

The duchy's capital, Sunhaven Hold, is a white-stone fortress city built into the cliffs of the Auric Highlands. Its towering battlements, deep vaults, and shining starburst banners have made it a symbol of unyielding loyalty to Solenara.

Sunhaven is not just a military hub—it is a place of learning and faith:

• Silverwind Abbey trains warrior-monks and clerics devoted to martial piety.
• The Vigil Hall preserves the martial history of the duchy and its ancestors.
• The Chamber of Stars, an inner sanctum of the ducal castle, serves as the council chamber for war councils and oaths.

Political Influence and Role in the Sunfire Council

House Valenhurst occupies a powerful position among the Elector Houses, serving as a moderating voice within the Sunfire Council. They advocate for stability, unity, and measured approaches to conflict rather than reckless expansionism or religious extremism. Their pragmatic and disciplined mindset often places them as a counterbalance to House Carathen’s zealous fervour.

• Relationship with the Templars: House Valenhurst maintains strong ties with the Solari Templars, especially the Order of the Burning Oath, due to shared philosophies centred on defensive warfare and protection. Many Valenhursts serve within the Templars’ ranks, reinforcing these bonds.
• Rivalries and Alliances: Their pragmatic stance occasionally creates friction with House Carathen, whose fanaticism they view as dangerous. However, they often maintain good relations with Houses Velmaris and Solthar due to mutual interests in trade and military affairs.

Notable Members and Figures

• Duchess Alarice Valenhurst, "The Iron Griffon": The current head of House Valenhurst, Duchess Alarice is a skilled strategist and warrior known for her unwavering resolve and pragmatic leadership. Highly respected within the Empire, she is known for calmly navigating the political intrigues of the Sunfire Council without compromising her principles.
• Lord Commander Lucian Valenhurst: Leader of Fort Vigil and a celebrated military tactician. Lucian’s unyielding vigilance and sense of honour have made him an icon among the Empire’s border forces.
• Lady Elenna Valenhurst: A prominent commander within the Solari Templars and the betrothed (though subsequently abandoned) of Theresa Carathen. Fiercely loyal to both her house and faith, Elenna is currently embroiled in a delicate political situation due to Theresa’s flight, complicating relations between Valenhurst and Carathen.