On the Eastern side of Arilaand, there are several minor Houses and nobles who oversee regions in small keeps and settlements. They provide personal levies to the ruling regional Lord, and see to the peace and security of their personal lands. These families operate autonomously until they are called to perform tasks for their Lord, who resides at Castle Leydford. These families are as follows-
- House Holton
- House Atterton
- House Linwood
- House Wyther
These houses are important and old. Even though they are minor noble Houses, they are integral to maintaining the region and keeping the populace in check, trade profitable, and war prepared for. In a time of war, The ruling Lord will summon noble levies - forcing the Houses that are loyal in this region (that should be all of them) to raise a percentage of their personal troops, and send them to the ruling Lords army. They will then bolster his ranks and obey his commands without question. The minor nobles will act as commanders in the field on the Lord’s behalf. Once the conflict comes to an end, the levies will be sent home.
House Holton[]
House Holton is ruled by the nobleman Aden Holton. He is a minor Lord and the eldest of his house. He has two sons, both seasoned swordsmen and commanders. They often patrol the countryside with personal retinues, dealing with bandits and any signs of unrest. They are Avenelle Holton, and Nicholas Holton. Both of these sons take their duty seriously, and never fail to impress their father. Their mother, Lady Cierra Holton, is removed mostly from the affairs of her family, other than maintaining the family home and acting as a personal diplomat regarding guests. There are several other members of this minor house, each doing their own tasks in service to their Noble. House Holton provides refined ores and metals, with some of the most impressive smiths in Arilaand. They have long produced armor and weapons for House Harwin in the days after King Aleus ascended the throne.
Aden Holton is steadfast loyalist to King Aleus, and by extension, Lord Gavus. He has served under the King in times of war as a proven commander, and is rumored to have attempted to assist the eastern kingdoms during the Battle of Eternal Day with a company of mercenaries. It was never proven, but many believe Nobleman Holton did everything in his power to halt the Empire’s advance in secret. He is a proven commander, caring father, and able administrator. His sons are similar, showing nothing but love for family, loyalty to the Crown, and ability at command.
House Atterton[]
House Atterton is ruled by Tarstor Atterton. Tarstor is a noble who is best known for his cruelty. His provinces are some of the most secure and bandit free - but also the least happy. He has no qualms with extreme punishment for even the smallest of offenses, and seems to revel in the destruction of those he considers ‘problematic’ in how he runs things. House Atterton supplies a great deal of lumber and food, mostly taken from the borders of Badaria Forest. They do as they are commanded - and provide what the throne commands - but not a copper piece more. Nobleman Tarstor is not a fan of the policies of his King, and even less so of his weak son, Lord Gavus. He humors the Lord, and appears professional, but in the privacy of loyal men and family, he does not hold back his disdain. Tarstor has a son, a bastard, born to him after the death of his wife. Aarick Atterton is loyal to his father and has high hopes of being legitimized by his father. He serves the Nobleman well, and has nothing but hate for whomever disregards him for his bastard status.
Tarstor Atterton is a man of brutal principle. All things can be settled through force of arms, and a man who is better suited to leadership should take it, if it isn't awarded. He thoroughly believes that Lord Gavus is not suited to rule, and seeks to support another for succession. He will still fulfill his duties, but he is the kind of man that would back another, if given the chance. If you stand in his way, you die. If you dont agree with him, someone you love may become his guest. He is versed in all things underhanded, and isn't afraid to do what he feels he must.
House Linwood[]
House Linwood is the oldest of the smaller eastern Houses. It has always been prevalent in supplying the local Lord with manpower. House Linwood, ruled by Edmond Linwood, is one of the most populated minor Houses. It sports the largest levy in the east, boasting almost a thousand bodies. Thanks to its positioning to the south of Leydford, it has access to tons of plains and flatland good for building. Homes and markets made it a center for travelling commerce and brings in the revenue needed to support such a large populace. The only real concern is, due to its proximity to the border, If an invasion was ever launched before the levy could be raised, they would be overcome before ever being armed. But, in times of need, House Linwood is known for bringing well supplied forces nearing a thousand men. Edmond has two sons, Derik and Egan Linwood. Both are opposite in their beliefs in terms of Lord Gavus. Derik believes the ruling family is to be supported and supplied, while Egan thinks it is a waste, and the family should focus on bringing its own power to bear.
Edmond Linwood is a careful man. He is known to weigh his options and seek wisdom in advisors before ever making a move. He prefers to observe his enemies and note their weaknesses before he ever acts. While it is often joked about that Edmond is slow to rouse, it's known that rousing him is a terrible mistake - especially with a thousand loyal men at his back. While he is not an avid dissenter, Edmond is reserved on his support while fulfilling his duties to the Crown. He remains professional and quiet, but his true opinion is unknown.
House Wyther[]
House Wyther is an old, failing minor House. Its head of family is Rosewall Wyther, an old friend of King Aleus. Once one of his most loyal commanders, this Nobleman is now too old to effectively lead. Though his mind is still clear and strong, his body has become too frail. He lives out his days of old age at his Estate, looking over what is left of his lands. Most of House Wyther’s loyal families are dead, or have fled. The harsh northern border invites raiders from outlaw clans in Haeloth, and they have taken their toll. Their levies are some of the smallest - numbering less than two hundred. And to make matters worse, the eldest and only son, Garret Wyther, was killed in one of these raids. Now House Wyther has no heir, and stands to be extinct or absorbed once its head of the family passes on. Their main trade, consisting of bred horses and domesticated animals, is failing, as the manpower needed to keep up such an industry is lacking, thanks to these attacks.
Rosewall Wyther is a kind, and honorable man. He cares for those who serve his House, and is careful with the lives entrusted to him. He is one to examine something from all sides before making a decision that commits lives to action. He values the integrity and loyalty of his men more than anything, and while they are now few in number, they are dedicated to him as well. Rosewall is completely loyal to King Aleus, and by proxy, his son. He has always tried to serve his King well, and even now attempts to keep the borders safe with what he has to assist Lord Gavus. Should this Nobleman ever be called upon, it is guaranteed he will serve the ruling family to his last.