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House Valthorien

Above, a secret Valthorien stronghold stands firm, sheltering both legacy and loyal hands.

Legacy and Fall
Just five decades ago, House Valthorien stood at the pinnacle of Elysoria’s nobility, having held the crown for 350 illustrious years. Under their reign, the land flourished—especially The Merchant and Craftsman's Guild, who thrived in a golden age of trade and innovation. This close alliance proved mutually beneficial and endures even now, though cloaked in secrecy.   Their rule ended in the wake of civil unrest and the rise of The Holy Dominion of Daghda. Yet House Valthorien did not vanish. Dethroned but not broken, they remain steadfast in their pursuit of restoration.
“They may strip us of crown and court, but not of blood and birthright. The line does not end—it endures.”
— King Thrain
The Last Monarchs
King Thrain Valthorien and Queen Elara presided over what many remember as a cultural renaissance. The arts blossomed, diplomacy thrived, and commerce reached unprecedented heights. Their partnership with The Guild laid the groundwork for a secret alliance that persists in the shadows—an invisible network that now provides House Valthorien with resources, safehouses, and intelligence.   Their firstborn, Prince Eldrin, was groomed to succeed but died under mysterious circumstances shortly after the upheaval. Rumors linger of foul play, with many blaming agents of The Holy Dominion. His loss not only destabilized the line of succession but fanned the embers of resistance.  
The Heirs in Exile
Prince Eldrin’s daughter, Lady Seraphine Valthorien, inherited a fractured legacy. In exile, she found strength in Lord Drystan—a loyal noble from a lesser-known house. Their union produced three children, the eldest being Prince Alaric Valthorien.   Named after an ancient ancestor, Alaric was raised on tales of valor and duty. His upbringing emphasized not just legacy, but the burden of legacy. Where others saw a fallen house, Alaric saw a kingdom worth reclaiming.   Princess Liora, sister to the late Prince Eldrin, married into another noble line during The Dominion's rise. Her eldest son, Lord Edrian, commands considerable influence within the House and is a staunch supporter of Alaric’s claim.
“Legacy is not a relic. It is a promise waiting to be kept.”
— Prince Alaric
A House in the Shadows
Though stripped of title and territory, House Valthorien continues to protect its lineage. Ancient records, heirlooms, and genealogies were hidden away—safeguarded from The Dominion's reach. Their banners, blue and gold, are rarely seen but never forgotten. In remote strongholds and merchant enclaves, they hang as quiet reminders of a nobler era.   The house crest—a golden crown and soaring eagle—embodies nobility and resilience. The deep blue represents the early dawn sky, while the gold recalls a sun yet to rise.   To glimpse their banner is to remember: once, they ruled—and may yet again.
“Even in exile, the eagle remembers how to fly.”
— Traditional saying among Valthorien loyalists
Present Day and Hidden Influence
Prince Alaric, now the living symbol of Valthorien’s legacy, operates from the shadows. With the help of Lord Edrian and a growing underground network, he commands resources, intelligence, and loyalty spread across guilds and hidden enclaves.   Though The Holy Dominion watches closely, the whispers grow bolder with each passing year. In marketplaces, in coded letters, and in half-remembered songs, one message resounds:
“The Crown shall Rise Again.”
— Valthorien oath
House Valthorien Line of Heirs
 
Whispers Within:
A Private Exchange
Lord Ravian: “You’ve seen the boy, haven’t you? Broad of frame, that pale hair. He bears more resemblance to my father’s hunting dogs than to Drystan.”   Confidant: “You doubt his parentage?”   Lord Ravian: “I question what is claimed. And I wonder—if a name can be inherited, can it also be… corrected?”   Confidant: “Careful, my lord. Treason walks faster than truth.”   Lord Ravian: “Then let it run. As long as it runs in the right direction.”
Ranks of House Valthorien
  10. Scion of the Eagle: Symbol of House Valthorien’s future; bearer of its full legacy.   9. Lord/Lady Regent: Second-in-command; oversees all affairs in the Scion’s absence.   8. Voice of the Crown: Spokesperson and diplomat; speaks with the authority of the House.   7. Eagle’s Shadow: Elite agent entrusted with the House’s most delicate missions.   6. Knight of the Horizon: Commander and guardian of loyalist enclaves and operations.   5. Keeper of the Flame: Strategist maintaining unity and purpose across the network.   4. Falconer: Field agent gathering intelligence and spreading subtle influence.   3. Protector of the Crest: Guardian of symbols, relics, and the unbroken story of the House.   2. Herald: Storyteller and courier who keeps the Valthorien legacy alive.   1. Banneret: Initiate and recruiter; the first step on the path of loyalty.


Cover image: by This image was created with the assistance of DALL·E 2

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