Groups of the Warhost

Bridgetown

Situated on the bleak south-western coast of Elmet in the Barony of Ravenglass, Ponton (or as it is really known, Bridgetown) sits squat and languid.

Surrounded by cursed marshy woodland and with a history of unrest, this large fishing town features a decidedly crusty assortment of peasantry and middle-class miscreants.

Proud of their heritage and stalwart in their defence of their home, Bridgetowners tend to be insular folk with hearts of gold once you get passed the dirt caked exterior. However they also possess an incredible distrust of authority, and the Motto 'Death to Tyrants' is oft heard around Bridgetown's nightlife.

House Blakewood

'Kill them all, the gods know their own'

The Blakewood family, whose name is taken from the forest in which lies their ancestral fort, began when the first Lord Blakewood was charged with marshalling forces to guard the borderlands between Oxford and Cymrja. The mandate was clear: Kill any who attempted to pass, for the gods would guide the souls of any wrongfully slain.

The household was first marshalled for war and has never shirked the responsibility of a call to arms from the nation or the warhost but have recently experienced long years of relative calm and peace. Even with this shift in focus, the household still produces some of the finest scouts, rangers, and heavy foot-soldiers in the regency.

House Greenfield

On the coast of Anglia lies the busy port of Wretham, and atop a cliff, looking out over the open sea, stands Greenfield House, home of the Noble House of Greenfield. Beyond it, deeper into the land of Anglia, are the growing marshlands where the many Troll tribes of the realm make their homes. In an effort to fit into Anglian society, the family took the more inspiring name of ‘Greenfield’ over the more straightforward ‘Marshland’, a move all concerned agreed was indicative of the family’s swift wit. Lord Brian Greenfield died in the marshes, leaving a grieving Lady Angela Greenfield and their only daughter, Lady Verity Greenfield.

Lady Angela is getting on in years, and has become somewhat bitter, harbouring resentment for any creatures who live in the Marshland, convinced as she is that they killed her beloved. Lady Verity, however, felt very differently. She spent her teenage years secretly meeting with trolls, learning how to craft gems, drinking fermented ale, and enjoying the company of low born and high born, human, animal, and troll, alike. It was on a gem trading excursion in the port town that Lady Verity found the love of her life; walking along the coast, she spotted a man lying, bedraggled, on the rocks below. Starving and near dying of thirst, he was a survivor of a ship wrecked out at sea that had been washed ashore.

As Tyberius recovered, he and Verity fell in love; however when Lady Angela met the man she was disgusted with his lack of nobility and societal standing. Unable to deny her love for Tyberius, and disgusted by her mother’s snobbery, Verity left the family home for the fenlands of the trolls, where she and Tiberius were married before the High Troll of the Crafting Halls. Seeking new purpose, the couple sought out the warhost and offered their services. Although Lady Verity is estranged from her family, Lady Angela is yet to disown her and so she retains her noble heritage and family name, which she shares with her husband, the newly named Lord Tyberius Greenfield. Already a master gem crafter, Tyberius adopted the noble life and altruistic aims of Lady Verity quickly, and has been working with Merlin on advancing all of the crafts within the Lions. Both he and Lady Verity would gladly welcome those of like mind into their fold, something sure to at once both infuriate the elderly matriarch of House Greenfield, and delight her daughter’s mischievous sensibilities.

House Landrivic of Deira

In the heart of Albion, between the northern realm of Bernicia and the southern territories, lies the sovereign nation of Deira. Here, amidst the vibrant tapestry of Albion's landscape, the noble House Landrivic has found its home. Led by the high-hearted Lady Cordelia Landrivic, the house is well respected throughout Deira, inspiring fierce loyalty among the commonfolk with its long-standing devotion to ideals of justice and nobility.

If you listen carefully, you may hear whispers of strange magics and dragons’ blood in the ancestry of the house, and all manner of stories are told in taverns and by firesides across Deira about the enduring gifts of this fantastical legacy.

Perched majestically within the bustling city of York in Deira, The Ember Keep serves as the new seat of power for House Landrivic. Its fortified walls and soaring towers stand as a testament to the family's enduring strength and the mystical ties to their dragon ancestors. From the grandiose halls where councils convene on matters of grave justice to the secluded chambers where family legacies are preserved, every corner of the Keep resonates with the spirit of House Landrivic.

In addition to Lady Cordelia's leadership, House Landrivic boasts another influential figure—Prince Dalkieth Landrivic. Adopted by Queen Matilda of Deira, Prince Dalkieth serves as the Hand of the High Monarch, wielding considerable power and influence in the realm. Supported by valiant knights who defend their homeland with unwavering loyalty, House Landrivic remains a beacon of honour within Deira - adhering single mindedly to their house motto - Purity, Ferocity, Justice.

Though the dragons of old may have faded into legend, the legacy of House Landrivic, under the leadership of Lady Cordelia and the guidance of Prince Dalkieth, burns brightly within the heart of The Ember Keep and across the ever-changing landscape of Albion.

House Leontes

House Leontes are an Anglian Noble family. Supported by their Knights and Bannermen, they dwell in the land of Harrowhill which spans from the Eastdowns, known to locals as "The Wold" to the coastal marshland.

The Town of Harrow Hill sits at the foot of a lone hill, a top which a fortified tower has stood for time out of mind. The Tower commands a great vantage point for leagues around and was constructed hundreds of years ago to keep a watch for raiders from the sea. Legend has it that dragons used to dwell in caverns beneath the Hill and that hordes of gem stones still lay beneath the stone. However, this is fanciful peasant talk and is not taken seriously these days.

The current Lord Leontes is Syr Bowyn "The White Dragon of Anglia", Son of the late Robert Leontes. He is supported by his Bannerman such as Syr Davos Addentine Syr Tolman and Syr Raynard.

House Of Thorns

The House of Thorns is made up of twelve ancient Ælvhen households from across the Great Forest, that once spanned the borders of Oxford and Elmet. Brought together again under an Ælvhen Knight named Syr Calidore, the House of Thorns are united under a green and white banner with its symbol of the Winged Lion surrounded with Thorns.

They stand as guardians of the old ways of the forest and champion both Sastrines and what they feel is right. Friend to any in need. With their Heart Tree planted this Ælvhen community have now settled in the Thornwood of Elmet. The Thornwood is a beautiful magical woodland full of awe and wonder. It is said their table in the warhost welcomes all with song and merriment.

The Current Lord of the Thornwood is Lady Keirinthallaflessinyllianspirisantini Aceleus Known as Lady Keirin. The House of Thorns also counts among their number the Voice Of Elmet, Lady Arion Rubeus.

Knights Valorous

"Facta non gloriatur"

The Knights Valorous epitomize a fellowship in which every member is regarded as equal regardless of lineage, history or affiliation. Hailing from diverse backgrounds, the Order unites under a shared desire to uphold the chivalric code with unwavering dedication. Bound by the motto "Deeds Not Words", eschewing lengthy deliberations, they prioritize positive, considered action above all else. Each member is valued for their individual strengths and contributions to the order's noble cause. Renowned for their commitment to action and their refusal to boast about achievements, the Knights Valorous, stand as paragons of gallantry, inspiring respect both on and off the battlefield.

Lance of Deira

'Over the Bridge and through the Flames.'

The Lance of Deira learned the hardest of lessons in the war with Maldred, and any who meet them for but a mere moment would not perhaps understand that. From the outside they are jovial, rowdy, high spirited and at times uncouth.

They are mighty warriors, their shields emblazoned with the burning bridge of Preston, and the armoured gauntlet that make up their resolve. As fiercely jovial as they can be, they are fiercely loyal to each other and to the people of Albion. From within their ranks you will find the crudest of jokes and the noblest of hearts, and in their time with the warhost they have proven to have both.

So, be it fine drinking partners or a shield brother that you can depend on, you know where the Lance will be. With the Blue and Red colours stained in their enemies blood; over the Bridge and through the Flames.

Order of the Crone

Released from the Mists of Elvesham during the fracturing of realities, the Order of the Crone are a knightly order dedicated to helping the weak, honouring the Lady Crone and spreading joy and hospitality. Out of their times and lands, the Order serve Albion and quest to unravel their own stories and those of the land, ably supported by their peasant retainers.

Knight Adventurers, Bardic Knights, seers, artisans and smiths - seek the Order for a cup of wine and a light in the mists.

The Banners of Heartsford

The Banners are the people of Western Bernicia, a collection of different Houses joined into a single group.
Each is a Bernician representing their house as a Noble, or, if they are a Peasant, a crafter, etc. then coming as a representative for that house. As a group they use the Horned Lion sigil to show they are of Heartsford, though some minor nobles will have their own sigil, that they’ll either have on a shield, or on a mini belt flag for instance, to show they are representing their house too. The main goal of the group is to show Bernician pride, loyalty to their Queen and country, as well as to strengthen Bernicia. They are a mix of a military force and a trading group, as they want to share Bernician crafts with Albion and the rest of the world. As a whole the group are proud Bernicians, representing their country, and that is fundamentally the basic goal of the group.

The Cast of Vengeance

'In the name of Solkar...'

The Cast of Vengeance are devoted to Solkar, working to ensure that righteous vengeance is meted out to those who commit crimes against the followers of the Gods of Law.

Those who travel with Cast range from Templar Knights who face their enemies face on in combat to scholars who judge the weight of a crime to determine punishment. Any who wish to avenge those who have been wronged will be welcomed into the fellowship that is the Cast of Vengeance.

The Family Songheart, Travelling Bards

The Family Songheart are the bardic remains of the once-famed Blackstone Travelling Carnival, hailing from the Isles-de-Pommes and now bringing their music, dramatic works, and classic performance to the Warhost.

A small outfit of singers and players, the price of their compositions is bought high, and their performances bought low, bringing well-loved creations to the Lions camp such as ‘Sir Mortlock’s Sacrifice’, ‘The Ballad of Lord Blakewood’ and plays such as ‘The Tale of King Gethin and His Little Willy, a Cutting Satirical Play About the Current Political Situation in Albion and Definitely Not a Ten Minute Long Knob Joke’.

The Gathered Sentinels

Ever Watching, Ever Serving, Ever Guarding / There's A Sentinel For That

Made up of an eclectic collection of those devoted to Albion, the Gathered Sentinels (or simply “Sentinels”) are dedicated to honing their skills and putting them to use for the good of Albion's people. Founded in 1115 by Letholdus Ward after the sacrifice of his lifelong friend, Elaina Stone, in the service of Albion during the battles at the Renewal of Magic 1115, this company of friends quickly grew. Letholdus and the other four original members became the first Owl’s Parliament and set about recruiting from across Albion.

Sentinels do not share one common set of skills; instead they are a versatile group with many abilities from all social classes of the Ten Realms, which has led to the adoption of the half-in-jest saying of 'There's a Sentinel for that' among their fellow Lions. What they do share is a desire to protect the people of Albion, and Sentinels do this in a wide variety of roles both on and off the battlefield.

The current Owl’s Parliament retains four of the founders; Letholdus himself, Baron Jhorik Kynriksson of Deepreach, Eorl Calenandir Escantar of Elvesham, and Rinoa Harper of Elmet.

The Knights Paladin

The Knights Paladin is a Templar order centred around utter devotion towards Faith and Justice. In its eyes, only the Sacred Seven Gods of Law have achieved perfect Justice, and only by following their teachings can justice begin to touch the Mortal Plane. Holding the legacy of their forebear, Saint Euric the Guardian, The Knights Paladin vow to defend the priesthood, the temples, and the Champion, a duty they will give their life in service to.

They are also expected to stand as pinnacles of the religious ideals that the Seven teach in scripture. Virtue is key to this, and strict adherence to their Oath of Faith and Codes of Honour is expected from all within their ranks. Thus they train both their martial prowess and religious purity fervently.

So it is that the Knights Paladin take their place amongst the Warhost of Albion, defending the Pilgrims and Shrines that can be found the Lions. Taking to battle with holy vows sworn to their charges, they are the dauntless shield against evil, and the holy beacon against the darkness.

Currently, the Knights Paladin are led by Sir Avenall, who yielded his secular titles and lands in 1124 and swore himself entirely to the Faith.

The House of Myr: 'The Exiles'

Hailing from the verdant and lucrative Myr region of North Oxford, The barony of Myr is among the most prosperous regions of Albion, controlling major roadways to neighbouring Elmet, Anglia, Wessex and Cornwall.

The noble House of Myr has, however, endured much hardship in recent years and all but fell in 1106 when its knights were banished from the realm of Albion, for reasons many are still unsure of.

The “Exiles” of Myr returned home in 1118 after years of service on a far-flung island in the frozen north to find their home changed forever. However, since that time the Exiles have not only rebuilt their former home, but have won glory and reputation as some of the most steadfast of Albion’s knights. Where previously they were regarded as a disgraced order, their return to the College of Arms’ roll of chivalry in 1123 and their stalwart service within the Albion Warhost has transformed the term ‘Exile’ into a byword for stoicism, with many new recruits eagerly seeking out the veteran Exiles in order to serve the crown.

The Exiles might seem like a dour band of grizzled veterans, often keeping their own council, for their fellowship was forged in the ice fires of far-off Sturmheim and the scars run deep within all who served during that time.

As a household of baronial knights of the realm, the Exiles serve the crown before any god of Albion, though their prayers are still well intentioned, and they maintain chantries to Damacest and Creed in particular.

Aside from knights and retained soldiers, the ranks of House Myr encompass all strata's of Albion society, from hunters to judges, and merchants to philosophers. But each Exile who bears or swears fealty to the golden cross of Myr is bound by one overriding purpose; to uphold their new-found honour, whatever the cost.

The Lionesses

‘Virtue mine honour’

Formed as a subgroup, the Lionesses serve to support the voices of the femme presenting Lions regardless of title, social standing or role within the faction. Any female Lion can join regardless of nation or group affiliation and can call upon the Lionesses in any endeavour.

Meetings may be called in order to discuss current affairs, or merely to decompress from the expectations of the warhost. No Lioness walks alone, and none should be without voice.

The Sovereign and Holy Order of the Knights Hospitaller of Damacest

The Sovereign and Holy Order of the Knights Hospitaller of Damacest were founded in Sussex in 1115 to provide aid to the peoples of Albion who suffered after fighting in Cornwall.

Starting small in a bier, the Sussex Hospital is now one of the largest in Albion. The Knights Hospitaller are sworn to the service of Damacest, to the tenets of peace, healing and mercy, accepting any who wish to serve in Damacest’s name, regardless of skill, background or kingdom so long as they are willing to heal others.

Their uniform and insignia, a white cross on a black background, has quickly become a symbol of hope across battlefields all over the world as the servants of Damacest perform the work of their Lady.

The Yeofolk of Corin's Cove

Corin Cove is home of the Colt family, the barony passing to Baron Diggory Colt after the death of Lord Arundel in the battle of Maidenshead. The lands are known for two knightly preceptories: the first of the Hospitallers of Damacest and the second of the Cast of Vengeance

Diggory has been a mainstay of the Warhost for some time now, but in recent years he has been joined by other nobles of the region, their retainers, and also the Yeofolk of Corin Cove. Notably, they include a band of tax collectors known as the Road Wardens of Corin Cove, or in their eyes "Diggory's Dogs", a few of whom were veterans of the fighting at Maidenshead. Although many have fallen in battle others have found themselves elevated to knighthood through their great deeds.

The people of Corin Cove are classically Essex: passionate, good hearted and practical people not afraid of a little grey in their path to doing the right thing. They can normally be spotted wearing colours of blue and white, a nod to the Arundel family heraldry: a white chevron on a field of royal blue.

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