House Dainhurst: The Unyielding Shield
House Dainhurst is the military vassal of House Waterspur, sworn to defend the borders of Shatterbleak with discipline, duty, and sacrifice. Unlike other noble houses, they do not seek power, wealth, or influence—they exist only to protect. Their warriors man the fortresses, hold the frontlines, and ensure the kingdom stands unbroken.
Founded in 2000 BGW, they are respected but politically insignificant, relying on Waterspur’s funding to maintain their armies. While loyal to the crown, they despise House Vexdane, whose deception and underhanded methods go against everything Dainhurst stands for.
They are not rulers or schemers—they are the first into battle and the last to fall.
Public Agenda
House Dainhurst is not a ruling house, nor do they seek power—they are the sworn military vassals of House Waterspur, charged with the defense of Shatterbleak. Unlike other noble houses that focus on politics, wealth, or espionage, Dainhurst exists solely to fight, to build fortifications, and to ensure that humanity’s strongholds remain unbroken.
They do not scheme in courts or broker secret alliances—they stand at the walls, ensuring there is still a kingdom left to rule.
Assets
Ironwatch Keep – The ancestral stronghold of House Dainhurst, built into the cliffs of western Shatterbleak, serving as the kingdom’s primary line of defense.
The Western Bastions – A series of outposts, fortifications, and supply depots, all maintained by Dainhurst warriors but funded and owned by House Waterspur.
The Goldhelm Order – A prestigious knightly brotherhood, composed of elite warriors sworn to defend Shatterbleak at any cost.
History
House Dainhurst was established in 2000 BGW when Garric Dainhurst, a decorated general under House Waterspur, was granted control of Ironwatch Keep. Rather than ruling as nobles, the Dainhursts dedicated themselves entirely to military service, swearing an oath that their bloodline would forever stand as the shield of the kingdom.
Unlike other houses that expanded into wealth and influence, House Dainhurst remained a warrior’s house, their legacy built on discipline, sacrifice, and honor. For centuries, they have manned Shatterbleak’s frontiers, repelling orc incursions, rogue warbands, and would-be invaders.
They hold no political influence, relying entirely on House Waterspur’s funding and governance to maintain their defenses.
Territories
No Independent Lands – House Dainhurst does not rule cities or farmland; their holdings are purely military installations maintained for Shatterbleak’s defense.
Ironwatch Keep – The only land they control, a fortress at the edge of human-controlled territory, serving as the first and last line of defense.
Military
House Dainhurst maintains the most disciplined and battle-hardened troops in Shatterbleak, but they do not fight for conquest—only for defense.
The Dainhurst Legions – The core military force, known for their unyielding shield walls and disciplined battlefield formations.
The Goldhelm Order – A prestigious warrior brotherhood, sworn to protect House Waterspur and its holdings at any cost.
The Wardens of the Iron Road – A scouting force, responsible for monitoring threats and ensuring supply lines remain secure.
Political Influence & Intrigue
Vassals to House Waterspur – House Dainhurst holds no real political power, as their duty is solely military service.
Disdain for House Vexdane – They view Vexdane’s manipulative and deceptive nature as dishonorable, believing that wars should be won through steel, not whispers.
Respected, Not Feared – While noble houses acknowledge their strength, Dainhurst is seen as a tool rather than a political entity.
