House StormClaw
House StormClaw is the ruling family of the Stormclaw Empire, known for their ambition, pride, and the iron grip they maintain over their vast dominion. Their seat, the Sapphire Keep, towers over the capital city of Lindaphal, which serves as both the political and religious heart of the empire, closely tied to the Triad faith. The house originated with Stannis, a farmhand who tamed a griffin and was granted lands at the mouth of the Rulk River, a legacy that expanded as his descendants became conquerors and rulers. House Stormclaw's power is rooted in military might, strategic alliances, and religious influence, with customs such as burning their dead that reflect their belief in rebirth and divine right. Their legacy is marked by their self-made traditions, fierce loyalty, and the belief that their rule is not just a right, but a duty to shape the empire’s destiny.
Structure
It is tradition for every person with the surname StormClaw to be adressed as a prince or princess, regaurdles of their direct relation to the current King/Queen. The more distant a relative from the monarch the less political power you hold, but every StormClaw is welcome in the Sapphire Keep. The head of the House is always the reigning monarch, even when there are older and more expiernced choices, (Which is often the caste), who would better serve the role of Head of House StormClaw.
Culture
Decsending from the commoners who fled The Arnish Imperium and settled the Dawnlands, House StormClaw, after centuries of conquering and ruling, have developed new traditions that are befitting of their elevated station. One of these traditions is that of burning their dead, believed to stem from the original wishes of Stannis StormClaw it has now becoem tradition for all StormClaws. Kings and Queens often have elaborate funeral pyres and city-wide mourning periods.
Assets
While House StormClaw techincically posses the recources and assets of all houses that have sworn feilty to them, House StormClaw still boasts a considerable wealth of recources at their direct disposal. Most impressive of these assets is the Sapphire Keep, a large palace overlooking the city of Lindaphal, The Sapphire Keep also houses the hundreds of Guards, Servants and craftsman all in the service of the Crown. The Sapphire Keep is also home to the Crown's Guard, an elite group of 10 warriors sworn to protect the monarch and royal family. Outside the white walls of the Sapphire keep the entire city of Lindaphal and the surounding lands known as the Crownlands are also under control of House StormClaw. To keep control of these assets House StormClaw posses an army 5000 strong as well as having numerous vassals to call upon at any moment.
History
More than 2000 years before the rise of the StormClaw Empire, in some sleepy hamlet in the Dawnlands a legendary storm was ravaging the area. A local farmhand named Stannis managed to tame a mount a griffon, succesfully fighting off the Storm Elemental and saving his village. For his efforts he was granted a seat ruling over the small town of Lindaphal, and earned the nickname "StormClaw" a name that would go on to unite a dynasty that would forever change the landscape of Verdonia.
Apearence
Members of House StormClaw almost always have bright blue eyes, dark brown skin, and curly black hair. A more slender build, and smaller ears are also common traits within the family's history.
"Beware our tempest"
Sigil
The Crest of House StormClaw depicts the famed grifon in white on a field of Blue and Black. They say the blue half represents the clear sky and the black represents the stormclouds brought on by the elemental. The grifon of Stannis taking the mainstage goes to show how important this event was to House Stormclaw's legacy and culture.
Founding Date
2060 BSC
Type
Geopolitical, Great house
Leader Title
Family Leader
Founders
Head of State
Location
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
Related Items
Related Species
Related Ethnicities
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