HOUSE STAFYR

[House Stafyr 211]

HOUSE STAFYR

 

INTRODUCTION & FOREWORD

 

By Arthur K. Stafyr

23rd Lord & Guardian of House Stafyr

 

 

The legacy of the House of Stafyr is a rich and prestigious one. One of the oldest families in humanity, we Stafyrs have weathered the rise and fall of many an empire and kingdom alike. From windswept Shadowcastle to glacial Nenzing, my family has seen it all.

 

Our eternal virtues of Law, Honor, and Loyalty are what have held us together. Our history is part and parcel to who we are. Yet, in recent years, the several lines of Beorn have been scattered like chaff in the wind. The heritage which we champion has begun to slowly fade from living memory.

 

In an uncertain world, we cannot forget what makes us that which we are. Let the culture, customs, and traditions of the Almannir tribes and of the Stafyr family not go unrecorded. 

 

I pen this ethnography and history, the latter of which I have edited and modernized from the works of Leopold, Count of Nenzing and Nikolas Flynn Stafyr so that our name might not be forgotten.

 

Indeed, I further write this compendium with the help of my Uncle Thondorus, and my beloved Elia, so that it may be spoken by living tongues once again.

 

---

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ALMANNIR

Almannir Horsemen in the Highlands of Aegis, c. 572

 

Spoiler

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/180430-the-book-of-tales-chapters-i-v/

 

 

On Almannir History

 

An excerpt about the Almannir people and their history

by the current keeper of the Book of Tales, Thondorus II. of House Stafyr

 

Foreword

 

This brief summary shall give the reader some insight in the ancient and thus far very unclear history of the Almannir people. The contents are based on a combination of collected records, fragments of history and a more proper translation of the stories in the Book of Tales. A degree of conjecture is present, but the reader must forgive as this history is many centuries old. Without further ado, I bid the reader an enticing or equally boring read.

 

Overview

 

1. Etymology and meaning
2. History: Foundation, Aegis, transition into modern records (the Verge)
3. The five Houses

3. 1. Altbaum, Altbom, Oldtree
   2. Steinkachel, Stoakachl, Stonetile
   3. Weidenfrau, Wiidafrou, Meadowswife
   4. Steinfeuer, Stoafyer or Stafyr, Stonefire
   5. Rettersmann, Rettersma, Saviour
4. The Galdr
5. The Book of Tales and its stories
6. Closing statement

 

Part 1: Etymology and Meaning

 

Spoiler

As depicted in the early creation stories in the Book of Tales, Wealtfyr, the first Almannir to be mentioned in any record available was supposedly set upon the region of Galdrland or later called Almania on his own by the Creator (in Old Almannir “Machr”). However considering the commonly known and accepted origin of mankind as descendants of Horen, it is likely that he instead drew together people from all walks of a life to form something new, a group that perhaps had ideals and wishes, dreams to pursue. Regardless of such the name “Almannir” in a literal translation means “All-the-men” or “All-the-people”. This could underline that perhaps in the early days of them under the leadership of Wealtfyr, they were no cohesive people as they are known now, but rather a wild variety of Humans forged together through time with a common goal. To live in peace and prosper. Lastly, considering the presence of the Galdr (to be detailed later) protection from hostile environments and creatures might have been another driving factor.

 

Part 2: History: Foundation, Aegis and The Transition into Modern Records (the Verge)

 

Spoiler

The founder of the Almannir is Wealtfyr as per all records pertained to this date. It is expected that he has lived in the very early years of Aegis and found a distant stretch of land that has been inhabited by another Humanoid race that was local to the region only, the Galdr. Like many other minor or regional races we descendants met during our journeys through the years, the Galdr could have been one of the earliest to be known of that are not clearly of the descendant races, more on them later. The land that has been discovered by him was initially named Galdrland as per the oldest record available, with Hangaldr being a major if not the capital city of this realm. It is said to be a wide and mountainous land however with equally wide and fertile valleys, dense and lush forests, windswept highlands and plains alike. Forging a friendship very soon at the mountain Himmlsbruck (Heaven’s Bridge) with the present Galdr lords and rulers, Wealtfyr and his Almannir were able to establish themselves at the foot of the mountain and grow a prosperous capital city sharing the name of the same.

 

As time passes, peace and prosperity attract trouble. Following the records in the Book of Tales, a dragon with the name Fyrschlund soon beset the reaches of Galdrland and laid waste to their realm, killing and devouring without mercy. At this point generations had already passed and five great Houses had established themselves as the leaders of the Almannir. Of these five Houses, Altbom or Oldtree in common has assumed kingship of the Almannir in the same structure as the Galdr of Galdrland. The Kingdom name that was established was Almania.

 

With the subsequent destruction of Galdrland after years of attrition by Fyrschlund and an increasing host of undead servants under his command (Totamännr as noted in the stories mean actual Undead), it was upon the Almannir to be next in line to face destruction. However aware of the impending doom the Kingdom of Almania prepared and in a great crusade the five Houses led their united army against Fyrschlund. They managed to slay the dragon during the great battle that ensued, however many lives were lost and a good majority of the leading caste perished as well. Broken and leaderless, the Almannir scattered for the foreseeable future, the surviving members of the great five Houses leaving behind the devastated reaches of Galdrland and Almania, heading off to rejoin their brethren in the central regions of Aegis.

 

What follows is a period which is only covered by stories of adventures and quests fulfilled by the descendants of the survivors, many of them leading back into Galdrland. The most famous of which being the search for the Galdr gems, five magical jewels or gemstones that the Galdr gifted to the leaders of the five Houses.

 

Nearing the end of Aegis and the period of adventures of the Almannir, the Book of Tales has been written by Isovar Kurben, the bastard son of Galtor Stafyr, following his grandfather's recollections, written records and old correspondence. Following Beorn’s death, the Verge takes place and the Almannir are thrust into the realm of Asulon, where the first records of Saint Godwein of Huntshill and his family begin. House Stafyr.

 

Part 3: The Five Houses

 

As described in the preceding part, five Houses led Almania at its peak with the first one being of kingly status. Unfortunately the records are quite limited as to what are their traditions and customs but a few basic pointers may be given.

 

Spoiler

a.) Altbaum, Altbom, Oldtree

 

The House of the Almannir Kings, by legend descending from Wealtfyr’s firstborn. Their colors are brown and green. Their sigil animal is a brown bear, symbolizing the King of the Forest. Their words are as follows: “In Eintracht herrschend.” (“In harmony we rule.”)

 

b.) Steinkachel, Stoakachl, Stonetile

 

A House of renowned craftsmen and artisans, following lineage of the second son of Wealtfyr. Their colors are red and white. They have no sigil animal, but a brick tower as their symbol. Their words are as follows: “Stolz und Stärke.” (“Pride and strength.”)

 

c.) Weidenfrau, Wiidafrou, Meadowswife

 

A House of great healers and artists, following the lineage of the eldest daughter of Wealtfyr. Their colors are light-blue and white. Their sigil animal is a Bluethroat (a small bird), symbolizing beauty in the small details and in music. Their words are as follows: “Leben und Ehrfurcht.” (“Life and Reverence.”)

 

d.) Steinfeuer, Stoafyr or Stafyr, Stonefire

 

A House of capable diplomats, traders and bureaucrats, following the youngest son of Wealtfyr. Their colors are gold and green. Their sigil animal is a falcon, symbolizing the bringer of swift and good messages. Their words are as follows: “Recht, Ehre und Treue.” (“Law, Honor and Loyalty.”)

 

e.) Rettersmann, Rettersma, Saviour

 

A House of powerful warriors, following the youngest daughter of Wealtfyr. Their colors are gold and black. They have no sigil animal, but a sword as their symbol. Their words are as follows: “Ohne Furcht zum Schutze aller.” (“Without Fear to protect all.”)

 

Part 4: The Galdr

 

Spoiler

The Galdr are recorded as a race of giants or giant men. Ranging between ten to twelve feet they were the original inhabitants of the lands known as Galdrland and later as Almania. With their capital in Hangaldr records indicate they were masterful stonemasons and architects and their cities and fortresses were complex, sturdy and beautifully decorated. As a people blessed with extraordinary strength, an expected feat. Besides they also were gifted in various types of magic and unique craftsmanship reflected in their crafting of artifacts that  still exist to this day, withstanding the long years, wear and tear and even the natural elements. What is notable about the Galdr is their recurrence in many of the tales and adventures of the Almannir, a centerpiece of their history and understandably so, as they were seen as teachers and mentors who bestowed many gifts and taught Wealtfyr and his descendants well.

 

Part 5: The Book of Tales

 

Spoiler

An extensive tome wholly written in Old Almannir, the life’s work of Isovar Kurben. The stories contained within range from children’s stories to folktales to epics, it holds songs and rhymes, but also historical records of the ancient Almannir, their origins, their adventures after Fyrschlund’s devastation of their homeland Almania. Without a doubt it could be one of the most extensive works of mankind as a whole, but translation remains a tough challenge to paraphrase, translate and conjecture out of its contents, to avoid contradiction within its many tales and to piece together some things that have been oddly fragmented within. Many a man has held the Book of Tales, but only few are able to speak this ancient language, giving them a chance to translate bits and pieces. It takes years to cobble together a story and clearly it has taken years for working out the chapters that have been released so far. Cryptic and mythical in all of its being. The Book of Tales.

 

Closing Statement

 

This brief excerpt should give some insight into the history of the Almannir, their origin and who they were. It is by no means exhaustive and there are many more secrets to be found within the fractured sources spread through the libraries and memories of the people all around. What matters the most, is that the people descending from these heroes of olden days remember their roots and never forget their origin. History is part of who you are.

 

---

THE HISTORY OF HOUSE STAFYR

The Siege of Schattenburg, c. 1435

 

 

The Birth of House Stafyr 

(UNKNOWN - 1353)

 

Spoiler

It is unknown from where exactly Beorn the first known Stafyr was born. However as the language written by later Stafyrs resembles that of old hansetian it is commonly assumed that he was a descendant of a proto-hansetian tribespeople called the Almannir. 

 

Almannir were a horse-faring people that established small hamlets and wooden villages that could easily be abandoned and migrated. They had trade relations with what would later be the early modern human kingdoms but mostly kept to themselves and what has been written down could be interpreted as fables and stories rather than history itself. Most of what is known of the Almannir has been passed on from father to son.

 

It is said in the Book of Tales translated from old Almannir by Isobar Kurben that Beorn had committed a terrible sin by killing his own mother and being forced out of his home stealing all of value from his family such as the crown of Almannir but no other account found other than this states this fact making it very unclear what actually happened. What is known is that he abandoned his family name and adopted the name Stafyr.

 

Beorn had two sons Hanethor and Galtor and a daughter Sybilla who founded the three primary-lines of Stafyr, named after them.The lines were known for the Hanethorians strong sense of honour, Galtorians loyalty to its house and the Sybillan lawfulness and just ways. It can be assumed that Hanethor the First and Galtor fought in Aegis in order to protect their families and to let them move on to the new world and Sybilla has since the journey from Aegis been missing in any known records of Stafyrian history and with their deaths Thondorus son of Hanethor took the reins to usher Stafyr into the Asulonian era.

 

It is noted that the homestead of Rivacheg was founded by the remaining survivors of House Stafyr at the coast of the wastelands of Hanseti, led by Thondorus Stafyr together with other Almannir and Hansetians. After a couple of years, Thondorus passed away due to an illness combined with his growing age and his son Graveth assumed the seat as the head of House Stafyr and was elected by the villagers as master and bailiff of Rivacheg.

 

Graveth's reign continued the peace in Rivacheg and let the family grow again. His three sons, of which the last one was named Hanethor II., brought new hope to the House Stafyr as the sons and daughters of Galtor and Sybilla were nowhere to be seen. Graveth’s oldest son Theor was from early aged groomed to lead the house into the future whilst his other sons Uldorzil and Hanethor II. were raised to be a scholar and warrior as to aid the homestead in the future.

 

Rivacheg attracted plenty of trade and attention from other Hansetic villages spread around the southern wastes of Asulon and its strong wooden supplies were shipped all around the kingdoms of mankind such as Renatus, Salvus and Seventis. The men of House Stafyr got a reputation for being strong craftsmen and skilled lumberjacks a trait and mark that has been passed down in generation after generation. 

 

The Rise of Saint Godwein

(1353 - 1426)

 

Spoiler

Godwein was born as the first grandson of Graveth and showed at a very young age a strong aptitude for learning and hunger for knowledge. Graveth personally took Godwein into his care and made him his pupil. Soon after Godweins sisters birth his mother Ravenna fell ill and shortly perished followed by her husband soon after who with a broken heart died of grief. Nevertheless Godwein and his uncles Uldorzil and Hanethor II. stood strong and kept House Stafyr up together with the now elderly Graveth. Not much else is known of Godwein’s youth.

 

Unfortunately when Godwein was away hunting a band of marauding knights destroyed Rivacheg and killed all villagers and family of Stafyr. Godwein who had been out on a hunting trip came back to find his entire family slaughtered and home burnt down. He’d leave to never look back and after a woodsman had found the body of Graveth in the forests surrounding Rivacheg. He had the godliness in him to track down Godwein and hand him his will and the artifacts of Beorn were recovered by him. Godwein took the odd work around the sprawling kingdoms of man eventually settling himself in Arethor for a while working as a lumberjack for the construction of the new capitol and a humbling friendship began between him and the young Saint Godfrey.

 

After the construction of Arethor, Godwein traveled to the Adunian settlement of Ildon where he navigated the Adunian politics and was by ducal and imperial decree granted the title of Baron and promised a fief of his own but with the internal infighting that brew during the reign of Artorus Elendil led to the fiefdom never being realized until much later after the Taurus rebellion and the brief ascension of Torrhen Elendil as lord of the Adunians.

 

Godwein led the house for a long time and had two sons with his wife Alesira, Graveth II. and Theor II. During his leadership the family grew in size as Stafyrs from all of Oren started to come back and it was discovered that all lines of Hanethor, Galtor and Sybilla were all flourishing. Some Stafyrs that reunited with the house at the time were people such as the later Lord Edmund, Ser Farley, Emmanuel the Guardian of Stafyr and Lady Leana, wife of the last White Rose, Edmond Brunswick. The house established its first hold in Elysium in the small fortified village of Huntshill overlooking New Arethor, where the life of House Stafyr flourished and the house gained more political influence in the Holy Oren Empire as Godwein was named Lord Privy Seal by the emperor Godfrey and was promised a march under House Silverblade when more permanent lands were settled. 

 

During these times House Stafyr participated in many of the diplomatic dealings of the empire and Edmund Stafyr was knighted for his bravery in a skirmish outside New Arethor where he according to reports saved Godwein’s life During the blissful life of the Huntshill Stafyrs the primary heir of the house, Graveth II. the first son of Godwein committed a terrible sin and made a dark elven woman pregnant out of wedlock. Godwein was furious and had Graveth disinherited for his sinful behaviour and due to this Graveth went into a self imposed exile in the citystate of Eyveror. 

 

Oren’s influence grew and both Ser Edmund and his brother Farley were sworn to the knightly chapter of the Lion and Farley was personally squired by the later Jonathan of House Black later known as King John of Hanseti. Eyveror was seen as a bastion of sin and ungodly behaviour and when it became known that they were harboring wanted Adunian rebels from the Tarus rebellion Oren declared war on Eyveror and raised all its banners.

 

Godwein who had never been a warrior sent Edmund to lead the Stafyrian retinue and as Eyveror could not resist the onslaught the city was sacked and burnt to the ground. Edmund spent the entire sack looking for his cousin Graveth but he was nowhere to be found. Shortly after the sack Graveth would return to Huntshill and was allowed back as a family member however no longer as the heir as that had now passed on to his brother, Theor II.

 

When the island group of Kalos was discovered House Stafyr together with House Valois led by Duchess Chrestienne Valois built a large manor on top of a mountain, overlooking the island claimed by Oren and the house prospered together with the Auverginians and the manor was an impressive landmark overlooking the Orenian settlement and a staple to visit whilst wandering the Kalosian mountains.

 

It was on this island Godweins two sons both in short succession disappeared without notice. It is believed that Graveth still felt to much shame for what he had done and could not raise his half-breed bastards in Oren. It is by many accounts known that Graveth would eventually sire at least ten other bastards throughout his life. Theor would many years later return to the house and explained his long absence to the pressure of being made heir and that he was overwhelmed by the task and did not want it. Leaving it to what he felt was more competent kinsmen. However he would soon after be killed by a boar whilst hunting in Salvus.

 

In Anthos House Stafyr was given the southeastern shore of Oren, the land was named Schattenburg and the house were made vassals of the ducal House Silverblade. Stafyr continued to prosper, Godwein was named Lord Treasurer and Grand Justice by the emperor Saint Godfrey. But one morning Godwein was found dead. Laying on the steps of the throne room of the Shadowcastle. His life ended peacefully with his heart succumbing. After his death people noticed strange events occur after praying in the church of Feldkirch and when his grave was opened it was noticed that he had barely any signs of his death and his shield and axe had not begun to rot. 

 

After this was examined by the church Godwein was sanctified and named the patron Saint of honesty, woodworkers, fungi and skin afflictions. Due to the fungi affliction he had been cursed by in the caves of the Mori’quess that was covering half his body.

 

Clash of Brothers

(1426 - 1435)

 

Spoiler

Saint Godwein’s great nephew Ser Edmund was now made to rule House Stafyr as he was next in the line of succession. Edmund being a very content man in life had no aim to seek glory or power, his main wish was to keep the legacy of Godwein and House Stafyr safe from the growing unrest in Oren. He had for some years been a knight in the Chapter of the Lion and his main duty was to that, fighting the enemies of Oren and protecting the empire and the imperial family. Edmund managed to keep House Stafyr out of most internal conflicts, mainly the Teuton - Blackmont war where House Stafyr stayed neutral, sending no men to fight for either side.

 

Godwein had shortly before his passing arranged so that Edmund was married to the last living member of House Geminine, Angelika Geminine and with her titleage he was bestowed by her the lordship of her House as well. Thus in theory making it so that House Geminine was merged into House Stafyr. However this merge was brief as male members of Geminine would years later resurface and reclaim the title peacefully.

 

The death of Godwein had created a purpose for both brothers of Brenton. Edmund and Farley. They both worked diligently to preserve the legacy of Godwein but they both saw it as different ideas. Whilst Edmund as a lord wished to maintain the prominence of the house and its status as a peaceful and loyal house, Farley saw it most important to protect the house from sinfulness and disloyalty as he was appointed Guardian of Stafyr. 

 

Farley would often spend time trying to groom the unruly young man Alistier Stafyr who would later serve as the personal squire of Prince Pertinax Horen. Alistier reminded many older members of the house of Graveth II. especially Farley who would do what he saw fit to ensure that such a disgraceful action like that of Graveth didn’t take place once again. During these times Ser Farley’s marriage to the adultress and sinner Kinra Stark was absolved by the church and he began a courtship with Lady Emily of House Baelish after being granted permission to do so by Lord Adorellan Baelish. According to a journal written by Farley he was given permission to this after he made a jest so hilarious that Adorellan could not refuse his request.

 

The everyday life of Stafyr would soon be shattered as Edmund and Farley got into a fight. According to the journals of Edmund the fight began due to Alistier having been beaten by Farley. Edmund had ordered his brother to stop such actions and that it was not his duty to attack kinsmen in order to groom them. Farley argued otherwise and was once more ordered to never lay a hand on a kinsman and if so would be punished. Farley’s reaction was swift as he once more assaulted Alistier and Edmund out of rage ordered his brother’s disownment and banishment.

 

They both rushed outside into the courtyard of Schattenburg and into a cold autumn storm. Whilst they were shouting at each other Farley would charge towards Edmund and unfortunately blinded by rage, Edmund instinctively drew his sword and slashed it upwards as Farley lunged towards him. There on the mud covered grounds of the Schattenburg courtyard it was that Ser Farley Stafyr drew his last breaths before Lord Daniel Baelish who’d witnessed it all plunged his sword into Farley, ending his misery and sending him to the seven skies.

 

Edmund who had in the end always loved his brother would after this lock himself in his study for days. Only allowing his closest family and a few select servants inside. The servants would be seen coming and going with plates of food. They were always full. Edmund would not sleep, eat or rest and many say that even though he was only in his late thirties he would look like he was an aged old man. The exhaustion of this sent him into a heavy fever and he became delirious. According to Edmund’s journals during this fever he had a terrible nightmare whilst sleeping, in his dream he saw Farley surrounded by fire. He saw this as a sign from the Creator that the sins of Edmund kept Farley in purgatory and that he could not join the seven skies until Edmund had been absolved of his sin.

 

When his fever was gone Edmund departed to the holy lands, to fight in the crusades to redeem himself in the eyes of the creator, leaving his wife, his daughter and his entire family at home whilst he fought for the creator and Oren. Naming Alistier as lord-regent in his absence. With him to join the entire chapter of the Lion now led by his imperial highness Prince Pertinax of Horen and they fought valiantly in orcish lands and Edmund was granted the title of Grand Ser and Knight-Lieutenant of the Chapter of the Lion. A year later after the holy relics had been recovered he would return home to his family, resuming lordship of the house. The house would remain stable for a few years and a son would be born to Lord Edmund and Lady Angelika of House Geminine, they named him Farley after his late brother.

 

House Stafyr would carry on serving the empire under Saint Godfrey and his son Horen V and fought in many battles such as the Sack of Malinor and the astonishing victory at the Battle of the Crossing where the Orenians and high elves stood alone against all other races and crushed them in a swift blow. A display of the true might of Oren.

 

The now Ser Alistier would go on to sire a bastard child. Edmund, who was a godly man, was furious at his cousin’s adultery and to escape his rage Alistier ran away to hide with House Valois. Edmund assumed this and asked Countess Rose Valois to hand him over to Stafyr but she claimed he was not there.

 

During his stay with Valois, Alistier discovered that Rose Valois was involved in a plot to try and kidnap the daughter of the late Farley and to raise her under Kinra Stark instead of Stafyr. He returned to Schattenburg and told Edmund of this, who immediately informed his liege lord Uthor Silverblade.

 

Silverblade ordered all their vassals to raise levies and keep them such until further notice. He also issued a command to the Count of Riven, Daniel Baelish whose fort immediately bordered the Valois manor in Auvergne to construct siege equipment. A ballista was built directly aimed into Rose Valois’s bedroom window and Ser Alexander Valois settled in Schattenburg with the reason of being a claimant against Rose Valois in case of a war. However no war broke out and the conflict ebbed out into nothing.

 

Shortly after the great exodus of Oren, Edmund was named Lord Privy Seal of the faltering empire by the newly crowned Emperor William III. and he was also declared Noble Ser to replace Pertinax Horen as Commander of the Chapter of the Lion. With the new arrangement of knights established by the new Grand Knight Daniel Baelish, Edmund was also given the title of Knight Commander of Renatus.

 

Edmund did however not last long with his new titles. For some time he had been hiding his sickness from family and friends but it had caught up with him. He had been stricken with consumption and was getting worse by the day. His last remaining life he spent in bedrest, saying his farewells to his family until he suddenly passed away.

 

The Golden Age of Stafyr

(1435 - 1464)

 

Spoiler

His son Farley, who was only four years old inherited the lordship and his aunt Leana was named lady regent to rule together with Ser Alistier Stafyr until Farley’s coming of age. Oren was in chaos, the empire collapsed as war ravaged the lands whilst different noble houses grasped for power and land. To protect the house from the wars of man Lady Leana sealed the gates of Schattenburg and the only people allowed entrance was the farmers from Feldkirch and there isn’t any definitive writing what occured between the sealed walls of Stafyr.

 

At sixteen years old Lord Farley II. took over House Stafyr and the house returned from it's self imposed exile and was once again ready to return into the political game that is Oren. Farley quickly rearranged and had his titles adjusted into the common tongue as to not be affiliated with the Hansetic Teutonic order who were considered traitors and from this point Schattenburg and Feldkirch was referred to as Shadowcastle and Fieldchuch. After the brief rule of King Silius Horen, Farley quickly swore his allegiance to House Carrion and the 2nd empire was formed by Saint Siegmund. But the Carrions had many enemies.

 

In an incident with the church, the firstborn son of Lady Leana, named Godwein was lashed by the church without a seemingly just cause. The High-Ecclesiarch of the church was Franz Carrion and this had the young lord Farley angered. He had a meeting arranged to discuss terms with Sophia Horen who was in an open claim against the Carrion hegemony but Walter Stafyr and the bastard of Godwein, Beron Sturm interceded and arranged a meeting with the emperor. There the matter was settled and Stafyr abandoned all ties to Sophia Horen leaving her a landless and weak claimant. Farley who had seen the lies and incompetence of his cousin Godwein asked the emperor to legitimise Beron to ensure that Godwein would not become lord of Stafyr in case of Farley’s early death without a son.

 

Not long after Sophia Horen had laid down her claim the exiled house Tarus, allied with the dwarves and Teutons issued a declaration of war on the Orenian empire and its armies marched towards Shadowcastle. Farley raised his levies and rallied old allies to House Stafyr that had lived in exile since the reign of William the Weak. Such as Amador, Baelish and Pascal all came to aid Stafyr. Together with the armies of Oren the invading rebels, traitors and dwarves were defeated in a tough and gruesome battle. However Shadowcastle was damaged beyond repair and the castle was torn down and in its place a large village was constructed with a wall to act as defenses against any potential invaders.

 

During the preparations for the battle. Farley had befriended the Lord Marshal Heinrik of Roy and the two had fought side to side during the battle. Not long after, the emperor Siegmund died and instead of a new emperor being elected the empire was reformed into the Holy Kingdom of Oren after an agreement was made with House Winter and Heinrik of Roy was crowned King Heinrik Carrion and under Heinrik the armies of Oren turned their attention south and marched against the dwarven aggressors.

 

Farley was made warden of the south and Lord Privy Seal of the kingdom by King Heinrik. It was also arranged so that his sister Cecilia was swiftly married to the archduke of Herendul his grace Lord Edward Winter and he himself married a cousin to the king, princess Milena Carrion. Aligning the three largest houses of Oren at the time by blood. The now county of Shadowcastle was flourishing and Farley had the houses of Amador and Frost elevated to noble status as barons under him and took in a mercenary company led by the former exiled house of Pascal to assist him in keeping order in return for lodging.

 

Whilst fighting the wars against the dwarves Stafyr would form the rearguard and due to their history of woodworkers they constructed and manned the siege equipment used. During the battle of Thoringrad the Stafyrs broke down all dwarven defenses with great precision and lead Oren into a great victory. For the battle of Indograd, House Stafyr had rallied around four thousand men to fight. A combination of knights, guardsmen and militia House Stafyr made up the second largest military force of Oren during the battle. However this battle ended in a stalemate as the dwarves retreated into a large underground fort and the trench war begun. 

 

After years of trench warfare an uneasy peace was settled between Oren and its enemies as the draakar Setherien was growing in strength, his cultists spreading havoc around the lands of all mortal races. House Stafyr rallied its men to fight in the northern conflicts and fought hard in the battle of Castle Greywyn. During the battle the army had been divided in two by Setherien with many men trapped north of Grewyn. Setherien destroyed the siege equipment of Stafyr personally and the Stafyrs instead charged. They charged straight through the gates of Greywyn, many men died but the valiant bravery of the Young Lord changed the tide of the battle and the rest of the army charged with them. Shortly after crushing Setherien’s army. It is said that not a single Stafyr soldier who survived in Greywyn left the battle without a scar.

 

When the flood of Anthos occured Stafyr settled in a fort by the mountainside called New Huntshill and the house continued to flourish until the Zion wars broke out. In the Zion wars King Heinrik was killed in battle and Franz was declared heir of Oren and was to be crowned king. The same Franz that had in earlier years gotten into a conflict with Stafyr and he was not a forgiving man. For briefly aligning themselves with Sophia Horen, Farley was allowed to retain all his titles, privy council positions but Franz had three fingers on Farley’s left hand cut off in punishment.

 

The Order of Saint Lucien opposed King Franz however due the earlier schism wars that had been between the two. Under the order of Bishop John of Darfey the Deceterum were manipulated into murdering their own king and Farley swore fealty to the newly formed Imperium Tertius under Emperor Peter Chivay. 

 

During these turbulent times his cousin Godwein denounced the creator in the court of New Huntshill. Furious, Farley disowned Godwein from House Stafyr and had him banished from Oren with the promise of death if he ever returned. After seeing Godwein in the capitol just a few weeks later, Farley had his men arrest Godwein and he himself beheaded him on a log outside the city gates. According to the journal of Moris Stafyr, Farley was cold and distant for days after. 

 

Farley had been weakened by the death of his friend Heinrik and loss of his fingers and realized if he was to live a full life he could not be lord or he would suffer the same fate as Saint Godwein or his father Lord Edmund. Farley abdicated his titles and designated Symon Stafyr as Lord of Stafyr and Regent until his son Athelstan was of age.

 

Lord Symon Stafyr was not the same man that Farley was. Whilst Farley had been raised his entire life to rule Symon was a shy and awkward man who much more preferred to stand in the back of the room than in the center. However Farley lent as much advice as he could to Symon and Stafyr continued to stand strong as Symon with the establishment of the new capital settled what would be known as Eastgate.

 

However Roy Carrion, son of the late King Heinrik had been furious with Stafyr for not aligning themselves with the Carrion claimant after the death of Franz and wished for vengeance. In a duel for honour on the isle of Thales, Farley was cut down and killed by the young crow Roy Carrion. However, by accounts of the battle it would appear that Farley went into the duel knowing that he would die. That he could not harm the son of his friend.

 

The First Falcon’s Fall

(1435 - 1521)

 

Spoiler

At the arrival to Athera, Symon settled the coastline of Oren and constructed the village of Werdenberg. There he laid the foundations of some of the largest wheatfields ever seen by man and was jokingly nicknamed “The Bread Count” by his peers due to the fact that Stafyr had enough grain in its storage to supply the entire empire ten times over. The years went on and Stafyr lived quietly in the county of Werdenberg until that of Athelstan son of Farley came of age and was given rule of the county.

 

During Symons rule Stafyr had with the assistance of Amador maintained a strong cavalry force to roam its lands and was considered a strong house by its numbers but the unstable politics of Oren had left Symons rule tainted with missteps, however in a time where many old noble houses went extinct House Stafyr persevered.

 

Symon was glad to step back and enjoyed a quiet life as a councillor to his former lord’s son until he would many years later die as a content old man married to a woman whom he loved and children that cared for him. Athelstan was in many ways similar to his father, Farley II. He was humble, decisive and a good commander but lacked the ambition and motivation that pushed Farley forward.

 

During the rule of Athelstan he married of plenty of his cousins to other noble houses of higher standings maintaining the strong noble prestige built up by his father but his own idleness and lack of ambition had begun to cost the house prominence. Stafyrs once strong military that had been reformed under Symon and levied by House Amador was whittled down making Werdenberg vulnerable to House Vydra’s rapid expansion. 

 

During Athelstan’s rule Werdenberg was without his acceptance absorbed into the realm but also without any defiance. One thing to note is that during Athelstans reign, Stafyr purchased the land of Fursten and there built a fortress named Katzbutg to defend its wheat field.

 

Athelstan himself had early on been betrothed to a young Rovin woman, a match arranged by his close friend Gorn. But the match quickly turned sour. Athelstan supported the failed invasion of Roy Carrion and his betrothed, having her family fight on one side and beloved on the other was to much. She took her own life. The defeat of Roy’s forces and the death of his future wife drove Athelstan to accept vassalisation under Adria. Athelstan shortly after abdicated to the son of Symon, Thomas and vanished into a self imposed exile for the remainder of his life.

 

With the abandonment of Athera and the arrival at Vailor, Thomas established his new fief called Waldstadt in the northern forests of Adria. Shortly after he too abdicated with no heir, leaving the fief and the house under regency. After the death of Thomas, according to the line of succession the barony of Waldstadt and lordship of House Stafyr was passed on to Thomas’s little brother Jakob. But being a minor lord of Adria, he was stripped of the small keep after the surrender of the duchy and the end of the civil war. For the first time in about a century and a half, House Stafyr was unlanded and Jakob died shortly after.

 

Thomas and Jakob’s reigns were both brief and with the death of Jakob no lord of Stafyr were to be found. Thus, with no clear successor, many believed that his had been the death of Stafyr and the end of a house stretching from the early beginnings of the Imperial annals. 

 

Stafyrian Renaissance

(1529 - 1718)

 

Spoiler

Many noble houses throughout the lands could trace lineage to Stafyr but no trueborn Stafyrs were to be found for many years. Until the son of a distant Galtorian line Altaron made himself known and with his diligence and name established the barony of Arnault under the service of the Archduke of Lorraine.

 

Altaron re-established a competent Stafyr military and had a bustling village. Together with this he was named master of coin of Lorraine and served the archduke diligently for many years. More Stafyr descendants resurfaced from exile and the house was slowly regaining its footing in the politics of man.

 

Altaron was in some ways a mixture of Saint Godwein of Huntshill and Lord Athelstan. He had the diligence and vocabulary of Saint Godwein but lacked ambition and a clear sense of political manoeuvring such as Athelstan. Leaving Altaron as a very humble and content man in life and he ruled as lord of Stafyr for many years. Perhaps the longest since the days of Aegis.

 

But Altarons long reign had him old and with this age came negligence of his barony and duties as master of coin and Altaron was eventually stripped of his titles with the abolition of Lorraine and died as a landless nobleman at the age of seventy. Leaving the title as lord of House Stafyr to his cousin Eadwulf.

 

Eadwulf was granted the Barony of Thurant by virtue of being a long-serving captain of the Mardonic military. Shortly thereafter, his friend the Duke of Raetia passed without heir, declaring by will that Eadwulf would become the new duke - the first such occurrence in family history.

 

At the same time, one Christopher Louis of the Hanethorian line had risen to prominence in the heartlands, in the Kingdom of Lotharingia. First a mercenary captain fighting for the Rutherns in the Greyspine Rebellion, then hired by the Lotharingian crown after the assassinations and coup attempts of its later years, he was granted nobility and a keep as the Baron of Reims therein just prior to the Lotharingian-Romstun War. His valor in the two wars and marriage to the last known Vladov of the time, Camille Vladov, led to the newly reborn Haeseni crown negotiating a transfer of vassalship from the Lotharingians - losing the Barony of Reims but being granted the Viscounty of Grauspin under Haense in its stead.

 

This created a rift where the Galtorian Stafyrs would under Eadwulf would be called formally the Stafyr-Thurants and the Hanethorians under Christopher would be called the Stafyr-Grauspins. 

The rift would not last long; within three years, Eadwulf's mismanagement of Raetia led him to be stripped of the title of duke. Shortly thereafter, he declared his abdication from the Lordship of Stafyr, passing away in his sleep.

 

Christopher was now made Lord of Stafyr and had a long and peaceful tenure under the adopted Haeseni name "Kristoff Ludvik". One of the agreements made with Eadwulf before his death was that Kristoff would take on Eadwulf’s only son Godwein III as a ward. After Eadwulf's death, however, his widow Aurelia refused to hand over Godwein to the rightful Lord Stafyr - and in retaliation was disowned by order of the crown of Haense. Thus mended the rift, leaving Stafyr-Grauspin as the only true heirs of Stafyr. 

 

Kristoff served for over a decade as the crown's Envoy and trusted advisor, even attending the council meetings of the Sixth Empire in Stefan I's place. Using his friendship with St. Henrik of Bihar and the king, he would also arrange his sister Camille Stafyr's marriage to the former; she would eventually be the mother of Franz II and grandmother of Sigmar I, solidifying Stafyr's position in their new home.

 

He passed away peacefully leaving his lordship and titles to his second and only surviving son, Sergei Heinrik Stafyr; for over 60 years Sergei would serve in varying military roles, culminating in becoming the Lord Marshal. During this time, he was married twice legally and thrice more outside of the Church, swept under the rug by the government of the era.

 

However, in a drunken and old-aged stupor, he’d attack his own son Leopold, attempting to murder him.This would be the final straw - Leo, being surrounded by loyal Stafyr men, was saved by Hans of Sybilla shooting a crossbow bolt into Sergei. Leopold was made lord of Stafyr after his father's death and Hans pardoned as the act was seen as an act of righteous self-defence. Sergei tainting the legacy and as a result written out of most histories as his son rose to lordship.



Leopold quickly rose through the ranks, establishing the County of Nenzing in the far north once more elevating Stafyr to a committal status. He quickly married Lady Valeria of Baruch whilst his cousin Ser Gerard married the King's sister, Princess Nataya. His diligence in the Haeseni politics quickly granted him the title of Lord Kastellan and assisted the Houses of Vanir and Baruch to establish the counties of Ayr and Vasiland. After the abdication of Konstantin Var Ruthern, Leopold was given the position of Lord Palatine. Together with Marius II of Haense Leopold took part in the Nenzing conspiracy where the lords of Haense and Ves swore fealty to  Joseph I, Holy Orenian Emperor after Antonius I, Emperor of Man had dissolved the Empire of Man.

 

During the War of the Two Emperors, House Stafyr fought alongside the armies of Oren in several battles including the Battle of Upper Rodenburg and the Siege of Helena, during the siege the Lord of Stafyr directly commanded the Haeseni men together with Godfric of Alimar. Leopold continued to lead the house through the war becoming a more bitter, blunt and resentful man after seeing his men die. However loyal to their cause he kept fighting. Receiving plenty of scars on his body and losing one eye, Leopold would perhaps be the Stafyr lord in history to have seen the most war and combat.

 

In 1718 the Orenian and Renatian forces would clash once more in what would be known as the Second Battle of Leuven which ended as a Renatian victory after the Orenian army got disorganized and scattered by the Renatians chock tactics. During the battle Leopold received a wound to his side but due to the continued risk of remaining outside of Reza he ordered his men to begin the march north to Nenzing. After about one day and a half the lord collapsed, an infection had gripped his body and after another fourteen hours of bedrest. Leopold died of his wounds. A combination of septic shock and blood loss. His young son Erich was now elevated to lordship with Ser Gerard "The Bear" assuming the mantle of regent until the young boy would come of age.

 

The Bear’s Regency and the Erichian Era

(1718 - 1744)

 

Spoiler

Ser Gerard “The Bear”, a knight of the Galtorian line, would wisely manage his cousin’s estates until Lord Erich came of age. Another knight from the Sybillan branch of the family, Ser Konrad “The Wolfsbane”, would also rise to prominence during the regency of Leopold’s young son as Steward of Nenzing and Ser Gerard’s second. 

 

During this time, Ser Gerard was also tasked by Georg of Alimar, then the Prince Regent of Haense, with the raising of his young nephew following his father’s passing, the new King Andrik III. The young monarch was thus brought up alongside Lord Erich and his siblings, and it is said that the boisterous monarch was particularly fond of House Stafyr as a result throughout his reign.

 

The knights of the Regency would obtain positions on the Aulic Council of Andrik III, with Ser Gerard serving as Lord Justicar and Ser Konrad as Lord Speaker for many years. The latter would eventually follow in Leopold’s footsteps, rising to the position of Lord Palatine in the aftermath of the collapse of Terrence May’s administration in [insert year].

 

The House prospered under the protection of the Galtorian and Sybillan lines, which locked ranks to steward over the County of Nenzing in Erich’s name until he came of age. Though decimated by the War of the Two Emperors, Ser Gerard and Ser Konrad would rebuild the economy of their lands and replenish the ranks of their family to prepare for Erich’s reign.

 

Ser Konrad’s wife, Kamilla Stafyr, would also be accredited with working with her husband in lockstep to restore the economy of Old Reza and bring about the success of the royal capital of New Reza during her tenure as Grand Maer. Working in lockstep with Ser Konrad during his time as Palatine, the two would be seen as a political power couple for decades prior to their eventual retirement to their family’s glacial estate.

 

Upon his coming of age, Lord Erich himself would lead a distinguished, decorated political career in his own right. His cousins had managed his estates well throughout his childhood and wisely prepared him to rule upon his fourteenth nameday, and he had many triumphs and successes throughout both his early life and his later years.

 

Entrusted with managing the kingdom’s relations with the other imperial provinces, Erich would become Haense’s first Royal Envoy. He would also prove himself during the Rubern War as Commandant over the cavalry in the Brotherhood of Saint Karl. He also fostered in-depth relations with his mother’s House of Baruch and his wife’s House of Barclay, bringing great economic prosperity to Nenzing and the northernmost regions of Haense.

 

The Bear’s Regency, concurrent with and followed by the Erichian Era, is often remembered fondly as a time of great prosperity and peace for House Stafyr. The wise rule of Erich and the contributions of his knightly cousins greatly contributed to the House’s solidification as a significant political force within the Kingdom of Haense. He would maintain the gains brought about to the house by his father as House Stafyr became part and parcel to the politics of the realm.

 

The Second Falcon’s Fall

(1744 - 1794)

 

Spoiler

At the height of the Rubern War, widely considered to be one of the most devastating conflicts on the Arcasian continent, Erich was slain in battle. Not much later, Ser Gerard disappeared following the death of Andrik III whilst on a boar hunt in the highlands of Curon. Upon Erich’s death in 1744, Ser Konrad resigned from his position as Lord Palatine to follow in Gerard’s footsteps. 

 

He assumed the mantle of regent for the new Count of Nenzing, Alaric Stafyr, and would serve as such until his coming of age near the war’s end. The continued war of attrition waged against the Holy Orenian Empire by the Alliance of Independent States greatly weakened House Stafyr, with many among its ranks falling in battle to yet another bloody Haeseni war. Yet, Ser Konrad would wisely attend to Alaric’s estates as he and Ser Gerard had for his father until he came of age.

 

During this time, Ser Konrad would also arrange a marriage between Aleksandra Almiar, a Princess of Rubern, and the young Count of Nenzing. The two would work together as a team, bringing both honor and distinction to the House during their partnership. 

 

Princess Aleksandra would follow in Kamilla’s footsteps after her election as Grand Maer of Reza, rebuilding much of the war torn city and restoring the capital’s prosperity during the reign of King Andrik IV. She would also steward over the House as Lord Alaric and Ser Konrad left the continent for several year’s time during the Athera Expedition. 

 

Traveling to the former Stafyr lands of the derelict County of Werdenberg, Lord Alaric and Ser Konrad would succeed in recovering several significant heirlooms from both their ancestral homeland and the old Duchy of Haense. The small band of Stafyrs which accompanied Prince Rupert of Haense on his expedition would distinguish themselves during this adventure, returning triumphantly to New Reza as heroes of both their House and of the greater realm.

 

However, the celebration would be short lived. Merely a few years after the return of Lord Stafyr, the Countess of Nenzing would be stabbed by an assailant in a dark Reznian alleyway. Her cousin and longtime friend, Queen Maya of Muldav, would discover her body not long after. Her loss would haunt Lord Stafyr for the rest of his life, leaving him as a widower with two young children.

 

Later, Alaric would once again be called upon as one of the Crown’s commanders during the Scyfling War. He would engage in many battles throughout the conflict, leading men of the Brotherhood of Saint Karl against the invaders which had followed their expedition from the forgotten lands of Athera. Lord Stafyr became known as an expert in covert operations, a grizzled veteran skilled in the art of guerrilla warfare.

 

Following the war’s conclusion, Alaric would remarry to Lady Anastasya Gant. They would have several more children, many of whom would leave their ancestral lands to travel into the world so that they might seek out their own destinies. Upon Alaric’s death, his eldest son with Aleksandra, Hektor, would inherit both his titles and the lordship of House Stafyr. 

 

By now, an elderly Sir Konrad had since chosen to pursue his own affairs, serving as an Imperial Senator for many years prior to his becoming a founding member of the Josephite Party. He would later become the Imperial Diet’s first Majority Leader and second President, continuing his distinguished career as a legislator for the remainder of his life. Sir Konrad would die shortly after Hektor’s inheritance at the age of 78 in 1779, surpassing Saint Godwein’s record to become the longest living male Stafyr known in written history. 

 

High Pontiff James II, as well as both the governments of the Holy Orenian Empire and the Kingdom of Haense, would all conduct a joint vigil to commemorate the lives of Sir Konrad and his lifelong friend, Sir Terrence May. But with the wise Ser Konrad’s death came a period of great uncertainty for House Stafyr. 

 

Toward the end of Lord Alaric’s reign, the Stafyrs had chosen to abandon the glacial castle at Nenzing for the warmer, more fertile lands of the south adjacent to the capital at Ostrov. Yet Hektor’s mismanagement of even these lands of abundance would cause the House to grow ever weaker. For a time, his marriage to the mysterious Caspia of Kaedrin offered hope to the ailing House for a time as she competently endeavored to manage the Count’s affairs. 

 

However, the new Lord Stafyr would grow discontented with the Haeseni Crown due to the perceived persecution of his Wick allies. He would begin to incite demonstrations against his liege lord on the streets of the royal capital, and his civil disobedience would later eventually turn into all out rebellion.

 

As a result of his oath’s violation and his misguided attempt to challenge the Haeseni Crown, King Josef I would order the execution of Hektor Stafyr and the subsequent stripping of the family’s titles in 1795. This is an event still considered to this very day to be one of the most shameful moments in Stafyr’s long history, with the remainder of the family universally professing Hektor’s actions to be a grave betrayal of the House. Those few Stafyrs of Kristoff’s line that remained quickly scattered and became lost to the winds of time.

 

The ancient House of Stafyr, a family extant since the days of Godfrey’s Empire, would again be considered dead for many years with the presumed extinction of Kristoff’s line. The execution and disgrace of Hektor would mark the Second Falcon’s Fall, an event mirroring the death of Jakob Stafyr hundreds of years before.

 

However, the eventual rise of another distinct line of Hanethor nearly a century later would once again disprove this mistaken notion…

 

---

THE THREE LINES OF BEORN

An Artist’s Depiction of the Siblings Galtor and Sybilla as Youths

 

The three familial lines of House Stafyr all descend from the children of Beorn Stafyr, the founder of the House. They are aptly named Hanethor, Galtor, and Sybilla.

 

While there have been known to be Stafyrs who have broken the stereotypes associated with their lines in the past, the Three Lines of Beorn are often associated with the particular characteristics and occupations for which they are renowned.

 

Hanethorian Line

 

Spoiler

The eldest of Beorn’s children, Hanethor Stafyr was known for being particularly level-headed, pragmatic, and lawful. He was a just leader, renowned for his wisdom as he led his family unto prosperity.

 

The line of Hanethor is considered by most to be made up of the leaders of House Stafyr, with many Hanethors choosing to take a profession which will allow them to shine as leaders. This is often in government, but can also be sought in the fields of business, law, or any other area that can make use of their talents.

 

Though the strengths, weaknesses, and interests of individual Hanethors may vary, they always feel the drive to take the initiative to achieve success.

 

Galtorian Line

 

Spoiler

The second eldest of Beorn’s children, Galtor Stafyr was known for being both willful and emotional throughout his life. However, his sense of honor was also considered to be impeccable, and his actions were always beyond reproach.

 

The line of Galtor is considered by most to be made up of the warriors of House Stafyr, with many Galtors choosing to pursue a martial profession of some sort. Many have traditionally sought squireships, joining their liege lord’s military, or have endeavored to organize the House’s bannermen at the patriarch of Stafyr’s behest.

 

Though Galtors may often be strong headed and emotional, they are fanatically loyal to their family and to whatever code of honor they may hold true to.

 

Sybillan Line

 

Spoiler

The youngest of Beorn’s children was Sybilla Stafyr, his only daughter. Sybilla was known for being kind hearted, helpful, but above all else loyal to her family. She was known for both her clever wit and for her scholasticism, possessing great skill with her pen.

 

The line of Sybilla is generally considered to be made up of the scholars, diplomats, and artists of House Stafyr, with many traditionally choosing to pursue more artesian endeavors. However, Sybillans are also widely considered to be jacks of all trades, able to pursue anything which may interest them throughout their lives.

 

Above all else, Sybillans are fanatically loyal to those that they care deeply about. They will use their silver tongues, their sharp minds, and their piercing swords to achieve their ends, usually to advance the interests of those they hold most dear.

 

---

ALMANNIR & STAFYR CULTURE

Leana & Katherine Stafyr Riding Horses, c. 1732

By Katerine Ruthern nee Stafyr (@Sirenscall)

 

 

THE TRADITIONS OF HOUSE STAFYR

 

Over the centuries, House Stafyr has developed for itself a set of unique ceremonies and traditions. Many of these are Almannir in nature, though several are unique to the Stafyrs as an ancient family in their own right.

 

Though the customs and traditions of Stafyr are vast, I shall endeavor to document the most important to which almost all are accustomed. Even among our disparate members and branches, these coming of age rituals are all widely acknowledged.

 

Coming of Age

 

1.) The Hatching (Age 13)

 

Spoiler

At the age of thirteen, Stafyr youths will be taken to an aviary in the summer months to witness the hatching of a nest of falcons. Upon their hatching, a child of Stafyr is to choose for themselves an avian companion that they are to be tasked with raising. 

 

This time honored tradition of bestowing upon a child their first falcon can be traced back to the days of Beorn and his own children. It is considered by the Lords of Stafyr to be an exercise in teaching responsibility to the House’s adolescents.

 

2.) The First Pilgrimage (Age 16)

 

Spoiler

Upon reaching the age of sixteen, a young Stafyr will be tasked with undertaking a coming of age pilgrimage to a shrine dedicated to Saint Godwein, the patron saint of House Stafyr.

 

Fasting is a requirement for this journey, with the Stafyr undertaking it being required to go without food for three days. During this quest, they will be accompanied by at least one adult Stafyr who will guide them to the shrine in question.

 

Upon reaching it, they will be asked to spend the remainder of that Saint’s Day in silent reflection and prayer. They are to remain this way in intercession until Saint Godwein has granted an epiphany unto them as to what they wish to do with their lives, or they have otherwise been given a sign demonstrating such unto them by Godwein.

 

3.) The Falcon’s Flight (Age 16+)

 

Spoiler

Immediately after returning to the seat of the House, a Stafyr youth will be expected to prepare for a journey away from their country of birth. This is known as the “Falcon’s Flight,” following a rich tradition of wanderlust within the House’s ranks.

 

Stafyrs believe that it is important to see, and understand, the rest of the world before coming into their own as an adult. Beorn, Saint Godwein, and many other prominent names within the House were wanderers for years before settling down.

 

Thus, a Stafyr will be tasked with doing the same for a year after their pilgrimage. They are then to return to the seat of the House at the end of it, to start their lives from thereon out.

 

Almannir Funeral Rites

 

Spoiler

House Stafyr greatly differentiates from northern tradition in terms of its funeral rituals. 

 

Upon the death of a Stafyr or other Almannir, the casket of the deceased is to be put on display for all to see before the altar of a consecrated church, chapel, or cathedral. The clergyman shall then administer last rites to the fallen.

 

Thereafter, an immediate relative should step forward to give an oration regarding the deeds of the fallen. This may be done by one’s father, mother, brother, sister, son, or daughter. This is meant to recount the story of the fallen Stafyr’s life for all to hear before the deceased is put to rest.

 

After the traditional last rites are given, three Stafyrs representing Hanethor, Galtor, and Sybilla shall carry the casket into the traditional catacombs of House Stafyr. Those in attendance will be given candles, being instructed to follow after and place them before the deceased’s place within the tombs.

 

As they leave their candles at the foot of the tomb, they will be asked to say their final goodbyes before their departure.

 

Equestrian Festivals

 

Spoiler

Drawing upon its Almannir roots, the Stafyr will celebrate the importance of equestrianism to their heritage in the winter months by organizing a grand circuit race for its neighbors and kin to partake in.

 

This circuit race is then to be further accompanied by a joust, which is meant to allow those present to demonstrate their marshal ability.

 

Upon conclusion of these festivities, a feast shall then be held where a traditional Almannir fire show shall be held to entertain those gathered. This is meant to close out the facility, and further provide an ode to the heritage of House Stafyr.

 

Mummer’s Shows

 

Spoiler

In order to demonstrate the history of the House unto others and unto its youth, the Stafyr family will often employ the use of puppetry shows.

 

These “Mummer’s Shows”, as they are called, are meant to showcase dramatic scenes from the history of the House and of the greater Almannir people in a fun, entertaining, and engaging manner. 

 

To facilitate such, a booth shall be constructed that allows for the performance of these shows before a set of seating. Puppets will often be knitted by the women of the House resembling characters in these sagas, which will be told by the loremasters and playwrights of Stafyr.

 

Almannir Lullabies

 

Spoiler

Stafyr mothers will often sing their children lullabies to lull them to sleep. These are often beautiful melodies, telling of past deeds and heroics that they themselves aspire to achieve in the name of Law, Honor, and Loyalty.

 

This is a tradition which was adopted centuries ago from the elfess Lenora, who spent years comforting and caring for the younglings of the House. This became a tradition as Stafyr women adopted the practice thereafter, weaving tales of past heroic deeds into their own lullabies.

 

 

CULTURAL HERITAGE

 

Over the centuries, House Stafyr has developed for itself a set of unique ceremonies and traditions. Many of these are Almannir in nature, although nearly a half millennia of nobility has led to the adoption of some which are unique to the Stafyr family.

 

Traditional Foodstuffs

 

Spoiler

The Almannir diet consists primarily of heavier grains, poultry, red meats, and seafood. However, the variety of pickled foods are also very typical such as sauerkraut, rotkohl, and soleier. Due to the location of said ancestors, most indulged in a variety of red meat and game captured from their hunts. Stafyrs specifically take advantage of falconry to assist them in hunting for their meal. Alongside the heavier side of the diet, the usage of fresh salads whether it be fruit or vegetable is quite typical. 

 

When it comes to pastries the most desired ones are that of heavier dough bases with lighter toppings. Whether it be fruit, custard, or icing. The tendency of eating lighter pastries only arrives when attending grandiose feasts, and it is then most served are given fresh fruit from gathering trips. Alternatively, a joyous pastime of many lower-class Almannir or instructed to servants by their lords is the inquisitive decoration of cakes. With a splendor of toppings, patterns, and otherwise this craft is beloved by most; especially guests.

 

Beverages are of utmost importance to one's dining experience. And so when it comes to drinks most Almannir enjoy the glamor found in refined vintages, mostly white wines over the reds. Almannir Gold, a famously flavorful brew, is the preferred variety of mead, which is well liked among Stafyrs. For the later and more wicked nights a fine pint of ale might be enjoyed alongside the casual lager. In the earlier hours a fresh cup of coffee is to be favored or even a porcelain cup of tea with fresh herbs. 

 

Clothing

 

Spoiler

The attire of the Almannir is inspired from their warmer roots, with most donning more earthy and natural hues. It is common for the colors green, red, and browns to be found in their attire with sometimes the adoption of brighter colors found in the more feminine attire. In the later years of Stafyr as they migrated to Haense and adjusted to the colder weather the adoption of furs was taken in, feverishly supported by the admiration of hunt and falconry. And surely the primarily used compliment for nearly all their attire being gold, whether it be jewelry or threaded lining. 

 

Female Clothing

When it comes to the female apparel there can be two routes taken, that of skirt or pantaloons. The first option, which is the most common fit, is that of a lavish bliaut bound by belts fashioned from leather either plain, engraved with burnt detailings, or gemstones. Many times these are additionally dressed with beautiful and exotic fur pelts that accuentate not only the woman but the hue of the garb itself. When desiring warmer layers without the stubbornness of animal hide the typical woman might don herself with a diapered cloth cotehardie fastened over an underdress of thicker wool. Sometimes when decorating the cotehardie one might place a surcoat atop it, mostly fashioned with elaborate embroidery or diapered cloth. When growing older with age it is also more appropriate for the woman in question to wear skirts more akin to cord-gowns with cloaks laid unto them. The latter female fashion is that of pantaloons, typically bound tautly to the legs with twine secured about the ankles and a belt about the hips as to ensure they remain in place. This is usually accompanied by knee-high boots or stouter ones. The upper-halve of the attire might bear a decorative tunic with fur pelts or embroidered cloaks that hang off a shoulder. Sometimes a houppelande with longer sleeves might be worn, or shorter cotehardie and jacket with sleeves that cut short to reveal the color of an under-shirt.

 

Male Clothing

The fashion for men is just of equal importance and elaborate to that of the women. Typically men dress with rich fineries and thick wools, bound by the clutch of a sturdy boot and belt. Similarly to their female counterparts the usage of a colorful bliaut is common alongside the typical tunic. It is not atypical for men to dress themselves in these loose overgarments accompanied by leather belts and cuffs. The most popular items for decorating a simple tunic or bliaut is lavish cloth or fur capes, or animal hides and pets. A few other pieces of garb worn by Almannir men are cotehardies, jackets, and houppelandes. While having less options to that of the women the men ensure to wear their finery in elaborate methods, accompanying them with a variety of jewelry, belts, and hats. 

 

Jewelry & Regalia

 

Spoiler

Throughout the years the typical accessories donned by those in Stafyr adopted through the age, inspired by the different regions they resided in. As a result a variety of styles have been carried through the ages, frequently used to this day. The best way to categorize is through jewelry and headwear. 

 

Jewelry

When it comes to jewelry the two genders share a few common items they admire; brooches, rings, belts, and pendants. Most dressed with gemstones from the earth, or carved bronze and gold. Most Stafyrs favor making a display out of their jewelry more than their attire itself. Women might additionally wear earrings with bold crystals and ferrum lining, or atop their heads wear thin metallic circlets without gemstones out of respect for royalty. Men are more acquainted with fashionable brooches that usually have scenic moments in history marked upon their facades. 

 

Headwear

When it comes to headwear itself men and women typically differentiate entirely, as the categorized assortment of hats are specific to gender. However, this does not mean styles do not overlap; felt hats with feathers being a shared trait. Women usually don the following; circlets bound with crocheted cords, turbans, hennin and forgets, braided headresses, toque with chin bands, and most importantly virtue arrows. Virtue arrows originated from Lisette Stafyr and became a tradition for daughters to be gifted them by their mothers, worn until marriage. Men have a smaller selection of hats, as they tend to wear; felt hats with plumes, roundlers with chaperons, sugar-loaf hats, and felt bonnets.

 

The Men of Stafyr

 

Spoiler

St. Godwein: Saint Godwein of Huntshill is one of the most famous Stafyrs who ever lived. Serving as one of the right hand men of Exalted Godfrey, Godwein was said to be so honorable and pure of heart that he was incapable of telling a lie. Though not as well known as some other saints, he is the patron saint of lepers, woodworkers, and honesty.

 

Edmund Stafyr: Edmund Stafyr was one of the more prominents lords of the First Empire. Inheriting the lordship as Saint Godwein’s grand nephew, he served as Lord Privy Seal and Knight Commander of the Order of the Lion during the final days of Exalted Godfrey’s empire. He later killed own brother in a duel over differences in interpreting the Stafyr virtues, an act that would haunt him for the rest of his life.

 

Farley Stafyr: Farley Stafyr was said to be a brash man, one who was quick to anger. He adopted a harsher approach toward the raising of his family, seeking to instill strict discipline in the Stafyrs of Schattenburg. Such was his job, as Guardian of the House. He was said to be a charismatic man, who once told a joke so funny that he won the hand of Emily Baelish by making her father laugh. He was later slain at the hand of his brother, Edmund, in a tragic duel.

 

Farley II. Stafyr: The son of Edmund Stafyr, Farley II was one of the greatest Stafyr lords. He led the house into a new golden age, carefully navigating the collapse of the Empire and several of its successor regimes, including the Carrion Vochna and the rise of the Imperium Tertius. One of the shrewdest of the Stafyr lords, he is known as a master tactician who was able to not only survive but prosper during one of the most tumultuous times in human history.

 

Symon Stafyr: Upon mankind’s arrival in Athera, Symon Stafyr took up the reigns of the House following the death of Farley II. He successfully ran Werdenberg as a thriving settlement in the southern regions of the Fourth Empire and the Reformed Kingdom of Oren. Though his time as lord was prosperous, the First Falcon’s Fall would transpire after his passing when no heirs were to be found to succeed his vanished son, Jakob.

 

Kristoff Stafyr: Hailing from the Stafyr-Grauspin Line, Kristoff was the lord who first established his line of House Stafyr in the Kingdom of Haense. He won the Stafyr Civil War, defeating Eadwulf and the Stafyr-Thurant line to reunite the House. His revival of the House laid the foundation for its next era.

 

Leopold Stafyr: The son of disgraced the Viscount of Grauspin, Sergei Stafyr, Leopold Stafyr elevated the House to comital status and strengthened it to heights previously unseen prior to the First Falcon’s Fall. Serving as the Lord Palatine to King Marius II of Haense, Leopold hosted the secret conference which signed the Nenzing Proclamation. He was said to have seen more warfare than any other Stafyr lord during the War of the Two Emperors, falling in battle over the course of the conflict.

 

Erich Stafyr: The young son of Leopold Stafyr, he presided over an extended period of prosperity for the House alongside his cousins, Ser Gerard and Ser Konrad. Under his guidance, House Stafyr continued to retain its prominence in the Kingdom of Haense and grew to significant heights. He was known for his diplomatic skill, succeeding in cultivating relations with many of the kingdom’s great houses during his time as lord and serving as its first Royal Envoy.

 

Gerard Stafyr: A Stafyr of the Galtorian line, Ser Gerard Stafyr was christened “The Bear” for his grizzly ferocity and uncompromising tenacity. He would serve as a Marian Knight unto the royal family of Haense throughout his life. Marrying the sister of King Marius II, Gerard was partially responsible for the House’s elevation to the County of Nenzing under the reign of Lord Leopold. He would later go missing after the death of his nephew, King Andrik III. His warrior spirit is often considered to be among the greatest of the Galtor line. 

 

Konrad Stafyr: A Stafyr of the Sybillan line, Ser Konrad Stafyr established the modern duma as an institution as its fourth Lord Speaker. He later followed in Lord Leopold’s footsteps to become Lord Palatine to King Andrik III of Haense, becoming accredited with a massive economic revival during a time when the kingdom was on the verge of collapse. He would go on to serve as an Imperial Senator for Haense, as well as a co-founder of the Josephite Party, first Majority Leader, and second President of the Imperial Diet.

 

Alaric Stafyr: Lord Alaric led House Stafyr during the famed Athera Expedition, recovering several prestigious heirlooms during their journey to the Lost Continent. Fighting in the Scyfling Wars thereafter, he became known as a master tracker and guerilla fighter who was willing to do whatever it took to win battles during the conflict. He moved House Stafyr from glacial Nenzing to the more fertile lands of Ostrov during his reign, though his son would preside over the Second Falcon’s Fall after his passing.

 

The Women of Stafyr

 

Spoiler

Ravenna Stafyr: The wife of Saint Godwein, not much is known about Ravenna Stafyr. Regardless, she is often fondly remembered by the House as a significant matriarch figure. She helped to manage Godwein’s business dealings whilst he engaged in the world of politics, often tending the Stafyr lands while Godwein was away serving Exalted Godfrey.

 

Rhosyn Stafyr: Married to Farley III, Rhosyn was known for her particular sense of kindness and generosity. She had a witty sense of humor and a mischievous demeanor, but was also known for taking orphaned children into her and her husband’s household. She is often remembered as a beacon of independent spirit to Stafyr women, being renowned for her pride and her untarnished love toward others.

 

Lisette Stafyr: Born upon the continent of Tahn, Lisette van Rohm was brought under the wing of Eva Anna at a very youthful age. The pair were near inseparable as the future monarch ventured from the security of their homeland to the loud citadel of Johannesburg. It was here that Madame Stafyr established herself as a handmaiden of the Aesterwaldenian peer as she was wed to Ser Leopold Marna. Lisette van Rohm remained in servitude to Lady Eva even into her raised status into Westerlandic royalty. It was then that the Queen Eve of Aesterwald raised the status of her personal handmaiden to that of Lady Rohm. Throughout the years an assortment of duties would be placed upon the Lady, including but not limited to; prepping for the day, being a confidant, selecting wardrobe, managing certain affairs, and etc. Fearing for her beloved friend and her impending lonely future the ambitious monarchy paired her with what she deemed an appropriate suitor during one of the assemblies for her husband's hunts. Said suitor was Rowan Stafyr. With a short period of courtship the pair wed and Madame Stafyr continued to serve the Westerlands until the mysterious death of her monarchy. With that Lisette Stafyr moved to the Kingdom of Haense with her husband and began both proper retirement as a handmaiden and formally started a family. 

 

Hilde Stafyr: Born into an era of conflict the young Galtor was graced with a natural flame. Brought up alongside her brothers within the port-city of Metz she ended up having a natural draw towards that of the sea and combat. Through rigorous training and restrictions the Lady Hilde Stafyr became a more skilled and competent fighter than even her brothers. Conflicts arose when a polarization occured between Eadwulf, Baron of Thurant and Kristoff, Viscount of Grauspin, causing the requirement of man-at-arms from both sides to be summoned. Being a cousin of the Baron of Thurant, she had sought to end the tyranny which kept her family divided, and as the two families sought to meet within their beloved Thurant keep, she opened the gates which separated them. This allowed Kristoff to defeat Eadwulf, who had abandoned the Three Virtues and most of the basic tenets of Stafyr honor, and reunite the lines.

 

Frieda and Frederike Stafyr: It is rumored that these pair of cursed twins were born during a gruesome hail storm, wrought with destruction and chaos. As the winds blew abrasively with the cruelty of these icy bullets the two infants were born apparently and impossibly at once. As a result the mother of the pair had died, only muttering their names right before death; Frieda and Frederike. Upon growing up in their graced farmlands alongside their parents they were constantly in grotesque competition with one another, typically ending in delayed and horrific brawls. Even so, the two mostly identical twins could be picked apart from one another due to a primarily hidden bald spot laid on Frieda’s scalp from her sister. Later within their life the two were faced with the biggest quarrel of their love; a shared love. Not much is known about the day but only that through the vicious swipe of a dagger and thwacking of axe, the twins laid in each other's blood by the setting sun. In most severe cases of polarization between kin, Stafyr elders might bring up this sorrowful story of kinslaughter, comparing it to the monumental and age old tale of Edmund and Farley; the latter being slaughtered by his own brother. 

 

Rosemarie Stafyr: The daughter of Franz Stafyr, Rosemarie was born on the continent of Axios. She endured many great injustices at the hands of Sergei, Viscount of Grauspin, a terrible brute who presided over the House for many years. Regardless, she adhered to the Virtue of Pietas to a degree that many would never have been able to. She showed nothing but unfettered love toward others in her heart, caring for everyone whom she came into contact with. Eventually, Rosmarie would live to be one of the oldest Stafyrs, dying in her late nineties and never shying away from offering service unto her House.

 

Leana Stafyr: Born within the grueling war of the Two Emperors, this young Stafyr is typically idolized as the face of innocence and manner in which Stafyr youth should behave. Though having died young she was not known for many ambitious feats, only living on through oral tellings from her cousin and best friend Erich Stafyr later in life. The young Stafyr had died at the meek age of ten years old from horrid fever, rumored to be caught from one of the servants. Nowadays when Stafyr parents mention the ideal image of a child, they bring up Leana. 

 

Isabel Stafyr: The eldest of Sir Konrad Stafyr’s three children, Isabel grew up at old Nenzing in the aftermath of the War of the Two Emperors. Though her first three betrothals ended in disaster and her first husband was executed for murder, she eventually became happily married to Armande, Count of Leuven. As a girl, she was entranced with the idea of traveling the world, as well as with meeting new peoples and cultures. This interest continued well into adulthood and she would serve the Eight Empire as Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs for nearly twenty years. Eventually, she would also become one of the first Circle members of the esteemed Northern Geographical Society, a close friend of esteemed anthropologist and explorer Celestine Herbert, one of Oren’s foreign secretaries. Isabel lived well into her nineties and was known for her sharp wit and cheery disposition, greatly resembling her father and beloved by all who knew her as a true gem unto House Stafyr.

 

Kamilla Stafyr: Born the daughter Count Jan ‘The Black’ of Ayr and his wife Klara of Gant, the girl was indulged in an environment of chaos due to both parents being marked as traitors to the Haeseni Kingdom. This as a result ingrained into her a protectiveness for her odd family throughout her lifetime, only festered by the loving nature of her grandfather who primarily raised her. Such a stark trait of precautionary worry was typically seen throughout her earlier years mostly due to them being clouded by the War of the Two Emperors. During this time she met her beloved and famed husband, Konrad Stafyr. Once wed she eventually had the honor to serve as Maer of Haense for many years, devoting herself entirely to her family’s cause as the result of lacking many friends. To those she was close with, she was known to cherish them entirely, losing her typical outside facade of being cold and brash. Kamilla would be mostly known for her Maership, being accredited with reviving Old Reza and establishing New Reza in the aftermath of the War of the Two Emperors. She hosted many events and was in charge of both the tavern, city storage, as well as the clinic during that time, accounting for an enormous part of the Haeseni economy.

 

Aleksandra Stafyr: The daughter of Prince Kazimar of Rubern, Aleksandra Alimar married Alaric Stafyr, Count of Nenzing, under less than ideal circumstances. Regardless, she proved herself to be a competent Maer who followed in Kamilla's footsteps and did much to redesign the city of New Reza. She was beloved as a skilled architect and a loving mother during her time as Countess of Nenzing. However, she is better known for assisting imperial commandos in their rescue of the Empress of Oren from her imprisonment by the AIS during the Rubern War. Aleksandra contributed much to the Empire and to Haense during this conflict, and is renown for her grit and perseverance to king and country.

 

---

THE VIRTUES OF HOUSE STAFYR

St. Godwein Imparting the Virtue of Law Unto Ser Edmund, c. 1418

 

 

The House of Stafyr is renown for the motto which it has championed throughout the ages, this being the phrase “Licent, Honorem, Pietas.”

 

Roughly translating into “Law, Honor, and Loyalty” in the language of Flexio, a true Stafyr from any branch of the House will always strive to live by these virtues to the best of their ability. To live by these virtues is of paramount importance to any Stafyr. Failure to abide by these virtues will rarely fare well for a Falcon, often proving to be their downfall. 

 

This is a recurring theme throughout Stafyr history, as its members strive to emulate the lofty example set by Saint Godwein of Huntshill throughout his life. Though there have been definitive villains throughout the House’s history, those who have remained true to these virtues have thrived and prospered.

 

 

‡ LICENT ‡

 

Spoiler

Licent, or the Virtue of Law, is of the utmost importance to House Stafyr. The rule of law is part and parcel to the order of things, and all must be seen as being equal before it.

 

A Stafyr will always strive to uphold the laws to which they have sworn to defend. For every action, there is a consequence. All men and women must answer to the law, and there can be no exceptions to this. Justice must be served to those who violate it.

 

In the last two centuries, the Rights of Man proclaimed at Nenzing are held closely in the heart of every Stafyr. These and the Jorenic Liberties are of the utmost importance to House Stafyr. The inalienable rights given from God to man are one of the highest laws, and must be preserved for all humankind.

 

‡ HONOREM ‡

 

Spoiler

Honorem, or the Virtue of Honor, is of equal importance to a Stafyr. A man or woman are nothing without their honor, and it is important that it be upheld within the House.

 

When a Stafyr gives another their word, they should always strive to keep it to the best of their ability. It is said that Saint Godwein never told a lie throughout his entire life. Some Stafyrs will ideally strive to emulate this example, with the more mischievous of the House often using wit to twist truth or wordplay to their ends.

 

Furthermore, the idea of Stafyr honor is closely intertwined with reputation and integrity. Respect is everything to a Stafyr. An insult levied upon a fellow member of the House must not go unchallenged. Conversely, a member of the family who soils the House’s honor must be reprimanded or punished.

 

Stafyrs are also encouraged to practice what they preach. The physical abuse of one’s kin is despised to the utmost extent within the House. All blood members must be treated with dignity, even if heckled in a brotherly manner.

 

Yet sometimes, this principle must be set aside to serve the greater good. For instance, fulfilling one’s oath to serve an oathbreaker may not be for the best. Saint Godwein refused to do so under these circumstances. These circumstances are supremely rare, but honor can blind at times. This is something that Stafyr must not forget and keep in mind at all times.

 

‡ PIETAS ‡

 

Spoiler

Pietas, or the Virtue of Loyalty, is arguably one of the most important to a Stafyr. Above all else, this virtue must be adhered to by a true member of the Stafyr family.

 

A Stafyr must be loyal, unto their family and unto their friends. There is no place in the House for a Stafyr who schemes against their own family or kindred, and to betray one’s friends or comrades is seen as an act of grave dishonor. When a Stafyr’s word is given, he should do everything within his power to keep it.

 

Members of the House must be loyal unto their lord, but their lord must also be loyal unto them. This contract is what has bound the Children of Beorn together throughout the ages, even as the Three Lines of Stafyr have sought out their own lots in the world.

 

---

THE LORDS OF STAFYR

Ser Edmund and Ser Farley: A Clash of Brothers, c. 1428

 

• Beorn Stafyr
  • Born - Unknown
  • Death - Unknown
  • Titles: 1st Lord of Stafyr and Guardian of House Stafyr.
• Hanethor I. Stafyr
  • Born - Unknown
  • Death - 1349
  • Titles: 2nd Lord of Stafyr and Guardian of House Stafyr.
• Master Thondorus Stafyr
  • Born ~ 1300-1305
  • Death - 1355
  • Titles: 3rd Lord of Stafyr, Founder, Master and Bailiff of Rivacheg
• Master Graveth I. Stafyr
  • Born ~ 1320-1323
  • Death ~1380-1390
  • Titles: 4th Lord of Stafyr, Master and Bailiff of Rivacheg
• Saint Godwein the Honest of Huntshill
  • Born ~ 1360-1365 
  • Death  - 1426
  • Titles: 5th Lord of Stafyr, Marquis of Schattenburg, Baron of Feldkirch, Baron of Huntshill,  Lord High Treasurer and Grand Justice of the Holy Oren Empire. After his death sanctified as the Patron Saint of Honesty, Woodworkers, Fungi and Skin-afflictions.
• Lord Edmund I. Stafyr 
  • Born - 1392
  • Death - 1435
  • Titles:  6th Lord of Stafyr, Lord of Geminine, Marquis of Schattenburg, Baron of Feldkirch, Lord Privy Seal of the Holy Oren Empire, Noble Ser of the chapter of the Lion, Knight Commander of Renatus.
• Lord Farley II. “The Young Lord” Stafyr
  • Born - 1431
  • Death - 1464
  • Titles: 7th Lord of Stafyr, Count of Shadowcastle, Baron of New Huntshill and Fieldchurch, Lord Privy Seal of the Holy Kingdom of Oren, Warden of the South.
• Lord Symon “The Bread Count” Stafyr
  • Born - 1445
  • Death - 1509
  • Titles: 8th Lord of Stafyr, Count of Werdenberg and Shadowcastle, Baron of New Huntshill, Fieldchurch, Commander of Eastgate and Master Keeper of the Imperium Tertius.
• Lord Athelstan II. Stafyr
  • Born - 1460
  • Death - 1535
  • Titles: 9th Lord of Stafyr, Count of Werdenberg and Baron of Katzburg.
• Lord Thomas Stafyr
  • Born - 1474
  • Death - 1515
  • Titles: 10th Lord of Stafyr, Count of Werdenberg, Baron of Katzburg and Waldstadt
• Lord Jakob II. Stafyr
  • Born - 1477
  • Death - 1521
  • Titles: 11th Lord of Stafyr, Baron of Waldstadt.
• Lord Altaron II. Stafyr
  • Born - 1529
  • Death - 1599
  • Titles: 12th Lord of Stafyr, Baron of Arnaut and Master of Coin for the Archduchy of Lorraine.
• Lord Eadwulf Stafyr-Thurant
  • Born - 1579
  • Death -1622
  • Titles: 13th Lord of Stafyr,  Duke of Raetia and Baron of Thurant
• Lord Kristoff Ludvic Stafyr-Grauspin
  • Born - 1592
  • Death - 1632
  • Titles: 14th Lord of Stafyr, Viscount of Grauspin, Ambassador and Emissary of Haense
• Lord Sergei Heindrik Stafyr-Grauspin
  • Born - 1621
  • Death -1707
  • Titles: 15th Lord of Stafyr, Viscount of Grauspin, Baron of Thurant and Lord-Marshal of Haense.
• Lord Leopold Kristoff Stafyr-Grauspin
  • Born - 1688
  • Death - 1718
  • Titles: 16th Lord of Stafyr, Count of Nenzing, Viscount of Grauspin, Baron of Thurant, Lord-Palatine and Chancellor of Haense
• Lord Erich Stafyr-Grauspin
  • Born - 1712
  • Death - 1744
  • Titles: 17th Lord of Stafyr, Count of Nenzing, Viscount of Grauspin, Baron of Thurant, Royal Envoy of Haense, Commandant of the Brotherhood of St. Karl
• Lord Alaric Leopold Stafyr-Grauspin
  • Born - 1735
  • Death - 1775
  • Titles: 18th Lord of Stafyr, Count of Nenzing, Viscount of Grauspin, Baron of Thurant, Commander of the Royal Expedition to Athera (1756)
• Lord Hektor Stafyr-Grauspin
  • Born - 1755
  • Death - 1794
  • Titles: 19th Lord of Stafyr, Count of Nenzing, Viscount of Grauspin, Baron of Thurant
• Master Damron Stafyr-Beron
  • Born - 1735
  • Death - 1807
  • Titles: 20th Lord of Stafyr and Guardian of House Stafyr.
• Master Morvon Stafyr-Beron
  • Born - 1787
  • Death - 1856
  • Titles: 21st Lord of Stafyr and Guardian of House Stafyr.
• Master Nikolas II. Stafyr-Beron
  • Born - 1827
  • Death - 1884
  • Titles: 22nd Lord of Stafyr and Guardian of House Stafyr.
• Lord Arthur Konrad Stafyr-Beron
  • Born - 1868
  • Death - 1929
  • Titles: 23rd Lord of Stafyr, Baron of Thurant, Palatial Secretary, Royal Inquisitor, Chief Jovenaar of Haense
• Lady Elia Eryka Stafyr
  • Born - 1871
  • Death - 
  • Titles: 24th Lord of Stafyr, Baroness of Thurant, Curator of the Haeseni Crown Jewels
• Lord Edmund II. Hannes Stafyr-Beron
  • Born - 1895
  • Death - 
  • Titles: 25th Lord of Stafyr, Baron of Thurant
• Lady Katrin Eryka Stafyr-Beron
  • Born - 1928
  • Death - 
  • Titles: 26th Lord of Stafyr, Baroness of Thurant

 

---

THE STAFYR HEIRLOOMS

The Vault of Old Nenzing, c. 1745

 

 

‡ ANCIENT HEIRLOOMS ‡

 

Spoiler

The Crown of the Almannir

A copper crown, ringed with five slots where famous gems would have sat. Supposedly once worn by the king of the Almannir when it was complete, the current crown with only a single emerald gemstone was last worn by Farley II.

 

The Falcon Thondor 

Once assumed to be lost or long dead, the falcon which appears on the coat of arms of Stafyr is thought to be Thondor Stafyr reincarnated. However it always appears to aid those who it deems worthy and will always be in service of the current heads of House Stafyr.

 

The Armor of Beorn Stafyr

A suit of golden plate and silver chainmail, to be worn together but have been separated since its forging. The silver chainmail was traditionally worn by the lord of the house, the last to wear it being Farley II. The golden plate was to be worn by the knight protector of the house.

 

The Battleaxe Galtor and the Longsword Hanethor

Long lost, they were recovered by Kevan Hanethor in another age. The so-called “twin blades” are inscribed with the ancient tongue of the Almannir on their hilts. It is said that they never dull or decay with age.

 

The Book of Tales

Contains all the legends of the Almannir people, mostly written in Old Almannir and yet to be fully translated.

 

The Bastard Sword Tindle

Sword of Lord Edmund I. named by the bastard grandson of Saint Godwein. Its hilt was forged with the bone of a Wyrm and was once blessed by the ancient Clerical Order.

 

Shield of Saint Godwein

The shield of Saint Godwein that he used fighting for Exalted Godfrey in the days of the First Empire.

 

 

‡ MODERN HEIRLOOMS ‡

 

Spoiler

The Aegis of Snorri

This pelt was worn on the shoulders of Ser Konrad Stafyr for nearly six decades, spoils from the cursed direwolf Snorri. He ended the beast by his own hand with the help of his brother Artos Stafyr and Ser Thomas Raleigh, north of Old Ves on Mount St. Helena.

 

The Falcon's Talon

This sword was once forged as a gift for Ser Konrad Stafyr by Ser Wilhelm Barclay, the founder of House Barclay. It is a magnificent ferrum bastardsword wrapped in gilded, deep green leather. It bears a broad, curled crossguard with the words “LICENT, HONOREM, PIETAS” engraved into it. It is to only be wielded by a Stafyr who is unwaveringly true to the spirit of these virtues.

 

Lilliana’s Ruby

This magnificent ruby pendant, usually nestled on a satin pillow, once belonged to Lilliana Kortrevich. It was given to her by her husband, Duncan, which had previously belonged to his own mother. She passed it onto Kamilla Stafyr, who in turn passed it on to her own daughter, Isabel Stafyr. Since becoming a House heirloom, the Lady of House Stafyr has always been entrusted with guarding Lilliana’s Ruby. It is her duty to pass it unto the next Lady of the House upon her rise.

 

Lisette’s Virtue Arrow

A flat and wide hair pin approximately holding a length of 18 cm with a width of 3 cm. Its golden handle is covered in a collection of  faux aureate vines wrought around a variety of small taaffeite gemstones that act as small ‘grapes’. Towards the end it meets into a dulled point that is made to prod out the other end with the contour of the Stafyr insignia etched into both facades. It is traditionally handed down to either the youngest or eldest daughter of the reigning patriarch, and given back once she is wed. 

 

---

APPENDIX OF HISTORICAL WORKS

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

[[THANKS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:]]

Spoiler

This post was created by a variety of people who are passionate about documenting Stafyr history, philosophy, and culture. These include @AndrewTech, @Z3r05t4r, and @DahStalker who wrote the lion's share of this work. Save for a small passage on the events of late Arcas, most of the history was written by @Emenzi, @AmK, and @Z3r05t4r.

 

Some of the things included in this post, namely the culture, were added for flavor and direction. However, the vast majority has been inspired by actual roleplay that's transpired throughout the years. Stafyr is an extremely old noble family and is a very special House, so it seemed only right to make a detailed post to document a lot of the unwritten things about it over the years.

 

An additional special thanks to @Scourge for offering his insight into cultural traditions and festivals, @Emenzi for insight into Stafyr history and IG events, and also to @sarahbarah for helping find some lovely pictures for flavor.

 

Edited August 1, 2023 by House Stafyr

[DahStalker 2842]

  Elia Eryka went to gradually lower the charcoal in her grasp, aligning it nearby the set of blueprints she worked on with a smile. Suddenly to her delight she was disturbed from said work with word of said historical publication, lips further spreading upright. 

 

  She made plans to visit Rhosyn and Arthur tomorrow, already freshly engaged to the latter. 

Edited September 30, 2022 by DahStalker

[Adstrom 547]

R

[AndrewTech 2811]

Arthur Stafyr put away his quill, shadowy bags around the attorney's weary eyes as he gazed out of his window.

"I hope that you are smiling upon me, Saint Godwein..." He said to himself with a smile as he sealed the envelope to dispatch to the local historical press.

[TheCapybara 1803]

 

"Woah, didn't they die?" Eh, whatever. Haense needs more people for their nobility considering half of them call each other, cousins."

 

An exhausted Lord expressed to himself while writing and working on an abundance of documents.