Name: House Durand
Leader of the House: Baroness Penelope Durand & Baron Casimir Durand
Heir: none
Leige: House Rivers
Founding: The Crowing of Ethan Sedi
Family Members: Penelope Durand & Casimir Durand
House Durand - Masters of the Northern River
House Durand, the undisputed masters of the northern river, has wielded influence as a crucial transportation hub for the Church, the Tested, and the Empire across generations. Their seat, Rivercliff, stands as a testament to the house's legacy, conjured into existence during the Crusades by the founder of House Durand. Using the last of the stolen griffons from the Esten Kings, the founder crafted a castle that still bears the claw marks of those majestic creatures. These walls are considered sacred, and warriors touch them to invoke blessings before embarking on quests or battles.
The early history of House Durand is intertwined with the tumultuous period of the Crusades, where the house rose to prominence. The northern river, a strategic lifeline for trade and communication, became the focal point of Durand's power. As the house established itself as a vital link between key factions, it garnered favor and solidified its role as a linchpin in the intricate tapestry of the northern realms.
The Succession Crisis
In the winter of 188 R.E., House Durand faced an unexpected challenge with the death of Baron Yannick due to the plague. The obvious heir was Penelope Durand, a young and spirited individual, but her Uncle Timoté Durand saw an opportunity to seize power. Claiming that Yannick, on his deathbed, bequeathed the title of Shechensal to him, Timoté contested Penelope's right to rule, citing her perceived youth and fickleness.
The Succession Crisis unfolded in the courts, with Timoté's petition causing a stir. The Emperor, reluctant to make a decisive ruling, allowed the matter to linger, fearing the repercussions of disrupting the delicate balance of power in the north. Both claimants, Penelope and Timoté, found themselves at the Convocation at Mistwick, a gathering that would determine the fate of House Durand.
Penelope Durand, eloquent and determined, found an ally in Casimir Silverridge, a crusader knight who championed her cause. The Convocation climaxed in a bloody duel between Casimir and Timoté. Casimir emerged victorious, securing Penelope's rightful claim to the title. In an unexpected turn, Penelope married Casimir, making him the new Baron Durand. The unexpected twist not only secured the house's leadership but also cleaned house, as Penelope took decisive action against her uncle, who had sought to undermine her position.
Holdings: Fort Rivercliff, the City of Rivercliff