House Gwynadar

[Cryptic 549]

 

 

HOUSE GWYNADAR OF THE PETRA.

THE GUARDIANS OF THE PYRE.

Written by Ser Alteon Gwynadar of Garenbrig 

in the year of our Lord 1916

 

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“ Stand Behind Me. “

Sefwch Tu Ôl i Mi.

 

 

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A depiction of Ser Alteon slaying a dragon during the Siege of the White City.

 

DISGYN I DARAN Y MYNYDD,

 

In the shadow of ancient oaths and the echo of forgotten battles, there rises a house forged in the crucible of duty—House Gwynadar. Born of the steadfast Ser Alteon Gwynadar and Dame Rowena Temesch, who defied fate's cruel hand to carve a legacy from the very fires of conflict, this noble line is known as the Guardians of the Pyre. Their sigil, the Gryphon, soars as a symbol of their bond with a creature of legend, once a harbinger of doom, now a beacon of hope. Shielded by honour and bound by an unyielding vow to protect the weak, the Gwynadars stand as bastions against the encroaching dark, their resolve as unbreakable as the ancient stones of Garenbrig. In the land of Numendil, where the echoes of the past reverberate through the present, the House of Gwynadar endures, ever vigilant, ever true.

 

 

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GENESIS

 

Alteon Guéymard, later known as Ser Alteon Gwynadar, was born in the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun and raised with the traditions of the Heartlandic people. His father, a Knight, was determined to shield him from the dangers and burdens of knighthood, hoping for a safer life for his son. However, when Alteon was seven, his village was attacked by Darkspawn, and the helplessness he felt as innocent lives were lost deeply affected him. From that moment, he vowed to become a Knight, to protect others and be a symbol of hope.

 

Despite his father’s wishes, Alteon secretly trained for years, preparing himself for the path he felt destined to follow. At sixteen, when he shared his ambitions with his father, he was met with anger and a desperate attempt to deter him. But this only strengthened Alteon’s resolve. Determined to fulfill his vow, Alteon left home, eventually finding his way to Garenbrig, where he would begin his journey, learning to become a Numendain and vowing its oaths.

 

“Through our hands, I see the foundation of a haven; through the struggles and sacrifices we've endured, I’ve witnessed despair and suffering, I've seen the innocent crushed beneath the weight of a world without mercy. Our hands may tremble with the burden, but they will build a sanctuary where justice reigns. We will carve out a place of safety, even if it costs us our last breath. Through our efforts, we will see a brighter future, and for that future, we will fight until every soul finds peace under our protection..”

• The reassuring words of Ser Alteon to Dame Rowena.

 

The Gryphon that assisted Ser Alteon in slaying the Dragon.

 

House Gwynadar of the Petra, known as the Guardians of the Pyre, proudly carries a name that reflects their deep loyalty and sense of duty. This title isn't just a nod to their patriarch, who served as Captain of the Order of the Pyre in Garenbrig and is now its Commander; it’s also a heartfelt way of honouring the trust and opportunity granted to him by Lord Glyndwr Glennmaer. It is also the symbol of the union between Ser Alteon and Dame Rowena which prompted ‘of the Petra’ in the name of the House. For the Commander of the Pyre, the chance to raise his own banner and establish a house was a gift he never took for granted, and the name "Guardians of the Pyre" is a constant reminder of that gratitude.

 

The members of House Gwynadar are more than just warriors; they are protectors in every sense of the word. From a young age, each generation is taught the values of courage, loyalty, and service. They are trained not only in combat but in the ways of leadership and justice, ensuring they are prepared to defend and guide their people with wisdom and strength. The bond between House Gwynadar and the Glennmaer family is one of genuine respect and loyalty, built over years of shared challenges and victories.

 

 

The Gryphon, their sigil, is more than just a symbol; it represents the deep connection Ser Alteon forged with the creature during the Siege of the White City. That Gryphon wasn’t just an ally in battle; it became a symbol of the protection and good fortune that Ser Alteon believed would guide his family for generations to come. To the Gwynadars, the Gryphon embodies their role as vigilant guardians, always ready to defend the people of Aevos.

 

In every decision they make, House Gwynadar strives to honour the legacy of Ser Alteon and Dame Rowena, who built their family on the foundations of love, loyalty, and a commitment to something greater than themselves. The title of Guardians of the Pyre is more than just a name—it’s a living tradition, passed down through generations, reminding them of where they came from and the responsibilities they carry. Through their actions, they continue to honour the opportunities given to them, serving as a beacon of protection and integrity in a world that looks to them for guidance and strength.

 

 

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STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS

 

House Gwynadar cherishes the memory and legacy of those who have shaped its rise, honouring the patrons and figures who paved the way for its establishment. The values and principles that guide this noble house are deeply rooted in the lessons learned from these influential individuals and families. Each of these patrons is remembered, not just as names from the past, but as living principles that continue to inspire and guide the members of House Gwynadar in their daily lives. Some are honoured as individuals, while others, like the Vourkehardts of Balian or the Smythes of Petra, are celebrated as entire families whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the house's history. 

 

These tenets and principles are known as Standing on the Shoulders of Giants:

 

1. The Generosity of Lord Glyndwr of Garenbrig: House Gwynadar holds in highest regard the generosity of Lord Glyndwr, the Lord of the fiefdom they call home. His willingness to give and support others is a guiding light for the members of House Gwynadar, reminding them always to give when they can and to be a source of support for those in need.

 

2. The Perseverance of Queen Adalia I: In the face of overwhelming adversity during the turbulent times of the Heartlander Confederation, Queen Adalia I stood as a beacon of leadership and perseverance. Her resilience serves as a timeless example for the members of House Gwynadar, who are inspired to persist in their endeavours, no matter the challenges, just as the Queen did in her uncertain times.

 

3. The Loyalty of the Vourkehardts of Balian: The Vourkehardts, family friends of the Gwynadars, have shown unwavering loyalty and friendship over the years. Their steadfastness is a model for the members of House Gwynadar, who are encouraged to cultivate the same level of loyalty, not just within their family but towards others, especially once they have taken their oath.

 

4. The Courage of Queen Catherine: The memory of Queen Catherine, mother of Dame Rowena, is etched in the hearts of House Gwynadar. In her final moments, she displayed extraordinary courage, fighting off bandits to protect her daughters. This act of bravery serves as a powerful reminder to all Gwynadars to face their challenges with the same fearless spirit, whether in battle or the trials of life.

 

5. The Ingenuity of the Smythes of Petra: House Gwynadar also honours the Smythes, a family known for their ingenuity and business acumen in Vallagne. Their success story, built on intelligent strategies and creative thinking, inspires the members of House Gwynadar to think outside the box, solve problems with innovation, and approach challenges with a fresh perspective.

 

6. The Honour of Kiku Nezukai: Kiku Nezukai, the Samurai Rat-Man and closest friend to the patriarch, is revered for his unwavering sense of honour. His dedication to his family, friends, allies, and his nation of Sakuragakure is a standard for all Gwynadars to follow. They are encouraged to live their lives with the same level of honour and justice, upholding these values in their daily interactions.

 

7. The Inquisitiveness of Jay Amaranth: Jay Amaranth, an old friend of the patriarch, is celebrated for his inquisitive nature and adventurous spirit in the realm of Aevos. His relentless curiosity is a virtue that House Gwynadar cherishes, encouraging its members to embrace a spirit of inquiry and to seek knowledge and understanding in all they do.

 

8. The Altruism of Ser Raug Ruthorn: The late Ser Raug Ruthorn, a knight who gave his life to protect a priest from attackers in Numendil, is remembered for his selflessness. House Gwynadar takes this as a profound example, striving to prioritize the lives of others before their own in times of conflict, while also recognizing that protecting one’s own family is a noble duty.

 

9. The Passion of Sir Artel von Theonus: Sir Artel von Theonus, a renowned blacksmith and relative of the matriarch, exemplified true passion in his craft. House Gwynadar encourages its members to follow his example, dedicating themselves fully to their pursuits, sharing their knowledge and expertise with others, and always striving to improve in their chosen fields.

 

10. The Patience of Princess Eriantiel Arthalionath: Finally, House Gwynadar honours Princess Eriantiel of the White City for her patience and forbearance. Her ability to handle outside pressures and fulfill her duties with grace is a quality that members of House Gwynadar are urged to emulate in their daily lives, practicing patience in all their endeavours.

 

In every action and decision, House Gwynadar looks to these principles as guiding lights, ensuring that the legacy of those who came before them continues to shape their present and future. A common saying to remind a family member to remember these tenets; is “You ought to stand on the shoulders of giants”.

 

 

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TRADITIONS AND WAY OF LIFE

 

 

FEATURES

 

The men of House Gwynadar are typically tall and broad-shouldered, often reaching over six and a half feet, with muscular builds shaped by their lives as warriors and knights. They have a slightly tanned complexion, though some may have paler skin, and their hair ranges from deep brunette to, occasionally, striking golden locks. The women of the house share many of these features but have a more slender, graceful figure while still possessing the same strength and endurance. Their skin and hair colours are similar to the men’s, along with their eyes, standing out with shades of blue or green. Despite their slimmer appearance, the women are equally resilient and strong, reflecting the enduring spirit and toughness of the family. Most Gwynadars often support the colours of Garenbrig in their styles, such as green, white and gold. They may also opt more to their Petran history with blue attire. It is encouraged to try to mix and match these colours together.

 

TEMPERAMENT

 

While everyone has their temperament, people from House Gwynadar are often recognized for their patience and steadfastness. Instead of rushing into conflict over every slight or insult, they prefer to face challenges calmly, believing it’s better to weather a storm than to fight it head-on. This doesn’t mean they’re passive, though; their endurance is driven by a deep commitment to preserving the family’s legacy and honour. To those who know them, they come across as kind, gentle, and comforting. Yet, when it comes to their enemies, they stand as an unbreakable shield, ready to protect and defend with unwavering strength.

 

 

HEIRLOOMS AND BIRTHRIGHTS

 

House Gwynadar holds several priceless artifacts close to their hearts, many of which have been cherished and passed down through the generations. One of their most treasured possessions is the greatsword known as Caladbolg, the Blessing of Saint Amyas. Originally issued by Garenbrig, this blade took on extraordinary significance when Ser Alteon, the patriarch of the house, wielded it in a crucial battle against Lord Glyndwr. In that intense duel, Ser Alteon’s victory with Caladbolg proved his valour and marked his rise to become a Knight of the Pyre. This moment was pivotal, not just in his life but in the creation of House Gwynadar. Today, Caladbolg is more than just a weapon; it represents the family’s enduring legacy and the courage that forged their path.

 

FIGHTING STYLE

 

As the vanguard of Garenbrig, the House has developed a fighting style that blends skill with a deep sense of duty. Their training teaches them to fight with both precision and strength, always to protect those who can’t defend themselves. Warriors from the house are proficient with a range of weapons, from longswords to heavy axes, but they all learn to use a shield or some form of cover, whether it’s a heavy kite shield, a simple buckler, or even a large gauntlet integrated into their armour. This emphasis on defence highlights their belief that protection is just as vital as offence. Their approach to combat reflects a commitment to honour and responsibility, ensuring they strike a balance between striking down enemies and shielding their allies.

 

 

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RITES OF PASSING

 

 

When a member of the family passes away, their body is cremated in the sacred fire of Owyn, either at the family estate or within the grand halls of Formindon Castle. This cremation takes place in the Pyre of Garenbrig, symbolizing the purification and release of the soul. After the flames have done their work, the ashes are carefully placed in crypts, accompanied by the deceased’s cherished weaponry. The shield or cover they used in life is then set as a solemn tombstone, marking their final resting place.

 

To honour the departed, family members gather water from the river Petra, a place of great significance and tranquillity. This water is used to cleanse the tombstone and the crypt, ensuring that the resting place is kept clean and respected. 

 

This ritual not only pays tribute to the deceased but also reinforces the family’s dedication to their values and traditions, celebrating a life lived with honour and commitment.

 

 

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THE BLESSINGS OF THE RIVER, PYRE AND STAR

 

 

The Three Blessings are cherished traditions in House Gwynadar, meant to help every member live by the family’s core beliefs and values. Created by Ser Alteon and Dame Rowena, these blessings capture the heart of their lives in Petra and Numendil, guiding the family through the years. They also offer a way for those who weren’t born into the family to become part of the Gwynadar legacy, welcoming them into the fold.

 

However, no outsiders know of the exact nature of the trials, as members of House Gwynadar have vowed to not share such details.

 

 

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PLANEDIG CRYF, CALON YN FFLAMIO,

 

His Highness, Ser Alteon ‘the Bold’ Gwynadar

Knight Commander of the Pyre, Prince-Consort of the Petra, Patriarch of House Gwynadar, 

Knight of the Realm

 

Her Royal Highness, Dame Rowena ‘the Valorous’ Temesch of the Petra

Knight Commander of the Petrine Laurel, Princess of the Petra, Countess of Clermont, Matriarch of House Gwynadar, Knight of the Realm