House Waterspur: Lords of Shatterbleak

House Waterspur stands as the oldest and most revered human dynasty, the ruling house of Shatterbleak, and the keepers of the first true human kingdom. Unlike the Ashwoods, who built their power through conquest and domination, the Waterspurs believe in stability, order, and tradition. Their rule is founded on the belief that a kingdom is not merely held—it must be preserved for future generations.

Their public image is one of wisdom, nobility, and responsibility, ensuring that Shatterbleak remains a beacon of human strength and resilience. They champion laws, diplomacy, and trade, but when war is necessary, they are not afraid to take up the sword. Unlike the Ashwoods, who seek to expand at any cost, the Waterspurs view strength as a means of protection, not conquest.

Goldencliff Keep – The ancestral seat of House Waterspur, an imposing citadel carved into the cliffs, overlooking the Giant Tears River and the Shrieking Sea.

The Goldfleet – The most powerful naval force in The Ancient Reach, ensuring dominance over Shatterbleak’s ports and coastal trade routes.

The White Spires of Riverhold – A grand city and cultural hub, housing the Kingdom’s finest scholars, clerics, and historians.

The Waterspur Vaults – A treasury of immense wealth, said to be the largest repository of gold, relics, and historical texts in all of The Ancient Reach.

The High Council of Lords – A gathering of noble houses sworn to House Waterspur, acting as advisors and overseers of Shatterbleak’s vast lands.

House Waterspur traces its lineage to Orlan Waterspur (c. 3040 BGW), the first human king to establish a permanent stronghold for mankind after the Great Exodus. It was Orlan who led humanity westward, out of the fertile riverlands and into the rugged cliffs of Shatterbleak, where they built Goldencliff, the first great human city.

By 3000 BGW, House Waterspur had cemented itself as the royal bloodline of mankind, guiding humanity through wars, famine, and expansion. Unlike the Ashwoods, who suffered their decline in Greendale, the Waterspurs have never lost their kingdom—though threats from within and without have always loomed over their rule.

Throughout history, they have been known as stewards and protectors, prioritizing law and legacy over reckless ambition. They have weathered civil wars, orcish incursions, and conflicts with the Ashwoods, yet they endure, unbroken.

Ancestral Lands – Shatterbleak (founded during the Great Exodus, 3040 BGW).

Strongly Held – Goldencliff, Rivershire, and all the surrounding fortified cities.

Trade Influence – Control of all major ports and shipping lanes along the Shrieking Sea.

House Waterspur commands the most disciplined and well-funded military in The Ancient Reach. While not as numerous as Hollow Lake’s forces, they are strategic, well-trained, and unwavering in loyalty.

The King’s Guard – An elite warrior order sworn to the Waterspurs, known for wielding Drakthorite-forged blades, making them nearly unstoppable in battle.

The Golden Armada – The naval backbone of Shatterbleak, controlling the Shrieking Sea and ensuring no rival power threatens their coasts.

The Ironwatch – A fortress army stationed along the western borders, maintaining defenses against both external and internal threats.

The Falconers – An elite scouting unit, trained in mountain survival and rapid response tactics.

Primary Faith: Solara, the Radiant One – House Waterspur holds Solara’s tenets of justice, light, and civilization as sacred, often ruling in consultation with High Clerics.

Forbidden Religions: Any worship of Vyrakath or Kragoth is seen as heresy, punishable by exile or execution.

Clerical Influence: The Order of the Sunlit Throne holds great influence, guiding moral and political decisions.

Agriculture: The lands of Highvale and the Golden Plains are the breadbasket of The Ancient Reach, producing vast quantities of wheat, barley, and wine.

Industry: House Waterspur controls the largest shipyards in the known world, producing warships, merchant vessels, and rivercraft.

Shatterbleak’s control over maritime trade is absolute—they hold chokepoints along the Shrieking Sea, forcing rivals to pay tolls or seek less efficient routes.

The Royal Academy – An institution of learning, educating future leaders, naval commanders, and scholars.

Literacy Rates: Among the highest in The Ancient Reach, but education is stratified—commoners receive basic schooling, while nobility is trained in governance, warfare, and diplomacy.

The King’s Highway – A vast road network linking all major cities.

The Grand Harbors – A series of fortified docks, allowing House Waterspur to control all naval activity in Shatterbleak.

The Eastern Fortresses – Defensive outposts ensuring no invasion force breaches the heart of the kingdom.

House Waterspur’s diplomatic reach extends beyond Shatterbleak, influencing the Gilded Coin Collective, naval alliances, and trade guilds.

The Order of the Sunlit Throne – A powerful clerical organization aligned with the Waterspurs, ensuring religious legitimacy for their rule.

The Merchant Lords – While House Waterspur rules, they rely on merchant houses to expand their economic influence, making them skilled political manipulators.

Relations with Hollow Lake – A cold but stable alliance—though House Ashwood and House Waterspur are both human, their values and goals are vastly different.