Jarldom of AshfallJarless: Myriane Ashgold
Path: Way of the
CrowDynasty Bio:
For as long as most can remember, the Territory called Ashfall has been under the control of the notoriously greedy and warlike Clan Helbrook, based out of the fabled Helbreach Keep. They were a strong folk that produced powerful warriors, buying the support and gold of others with brute strength and burning spirit. The Jarl before Myriane was known as "(the) Burning Axe of Helbreach", and was known all throughout the Kingdom for being a brutal, barely honourable man. When King Beron set off for some foolish journey, the Burning Axe of Helbreach offered no assistance, instead withdrawing into his territory and preparing for the next big battle. The battle never did come, however. For him.
House Ashgold is very new compared to the late Clan Helbrook, rising up during the period of time where there was no King to dispute its ascent into power. Originally containing only a single member, Myriane gets by using her new found influence among the other Houses in Ashfall, in addition to her surprisingly extensive resources. Having risen into power in the absence of a King, Myriane has not yet sworn her fealty to the King of Norsia.Province Name/Number: Ashfall / 6
Fiefdom Bio:
At the centre of Ashfall is the fabled Volcano, Helbreach and its great keep, known only as Helbreach Keep. Helbreach is located in a cluster of mountains and hills close to the coast, surrounded by wide tracts of fertile, relatively warm land. There is a large settlement known as Ashen Hearth bridging the Broken Fork, which marks the midsection of the Great Shard River leading from the central mountainous region to the easternmost coast. Another large settlement, called Direwolf Pass, is nestled between a pair of immense mountains to the west, where the main road passes through to the neighbouring Jarldom. Minor settlements are plentiful, especially in the area surrounding Helbreach.House Ashgold
Age: 25
Titles: Jarless of Ashfall, Head of House Ashgold, Keeper of Hellbreach, "(the) Gilded Maiden of Ashfall".
Myriane is the beautiful, extremely intelligent young woman recently raised into power over the territory surrounding Helbreach Keep. Her past is mostly a mystery, completely baffling all of Norsia as she almost seemed to have appeared out of thin air and swing the Territory into her favour overnight. There was a large amount of outcry when she first began to establish her authority, however it has all but settled in the prosperity that has followed her ascent. Together with her gathered supporters, she took Helbreach Keep and overthrew Clan Helbrook by defeating the Jarl in single combat. After successfully taking the Keep, it was just a matter of taking over the remaining territory in Ashfall and contacting the other Jarls to solidify her standing in the Kingdom.
After completely ascending to her position as Jarless, Myriane shed her old family name of "Sungold" and established "House Ashgold". She gathered together a few of her closest followers and allowed them to join her in her new House.
She is a famously charismatic and fair woman, whose golden hair has become a subject of widespread admiration. She stands at a height expected of women her age, and with proportions universally deemed "exceptionally attractive". Her eyes shine deep blue, and her expression is seldom but the image of calm, controlled mirth. She is always seen wearing a single golden bracelet on her right arm, an object that has been present in every myth and rumour surrounding her origins.
Myriane is an uncommonly powerful magic user, although she hides this fact from most of those outside of her innermost circle of allies. Nobody knows the full extent of her capabilities, but there are rumours spreading among her people that it was her magic that let her take the throne in Helbreach. Her most potent magics by far are her tongue and mind, both boasting capabilities many leagues above common men. She is not especially strong of body, but she is also not completely incapable in battle, owing mostly to her ability to out-think her opponents.
More so than most, the Maiden of Ashfall hides dark secrets, secrets that might lose her the support of her people if they were ever revealed publicly. She is also quite un-Nordish, and while this adds to her unusual appeal, this also makes the more exceptionally Norsian folk naturally distrust her. The seeds of unrest remain in Ashfall, despite her best efforts to quell the embers of revolt. Not only that, but she is young, and without husband or child. All of these factors save the first serve to create a mild of disturbance surrounding her rule.
Age: 31
Titles: Arl of Broken Fork, "The Direcat".
A devoutly Norsian man, but not one without his ambitions. Torik isn't particularly cunning, but sports considerable strength in battle and a great deal of respect among his people, making him an invaluable asset to Myriane. Was one of the first people to join up with House Ashgold and its attempt at the throne, and it was mostly due to his and his allies efforts that Myriane had a chance at holding the throne at all. Holds affections for the Jarless of Ashfall, although he wouldn't admit it to his wife. Somewhat known for being a bit lazy at times.
Age: 23
Titles: Thane of Ashgold
The younger of the Two Thorns, Beryl distinguishes herself with a shorter-than-average frame and aggressive personality. She's cleverer than most and quick on her feat, making her a fast-moving and fast-thinking warrior with a good idea of how battles should be fought. Still, she's young and with lacking experience, and her tendency to let her feelings preside over logic makes her vulnerable to provocation or intimidation. Less loyal than her brother, but no less devoted to Jarless Myriane's cause.
Age: 25
Titles: Thane of Ashgold
The elder of the Two Thorns, Erik is a tall fellow with a taste for battle and a bit of experience. He's stoic and hardy, a loyal but silent companion to the end. Still, his mind isn't very flexible, and he holds a rather idealized vision of what a Thane should be.
Age: 48
Titles: Thane of Ashgold, "The Wolf that Lives", "The Direwolf".
Beorn was the first person to join up with Myriane, before House Ashgold was even formed. Not all know of his motivations for joining up with her, but he is a cunning and strong man who aided her in penetrating the Keep at Helbreach. Is a veteran who fought alongside Burning-Axe Elric Helbrook, who has earned himself quite a bit of acclaim for fighting like a beast and surviving ten arrows in the back. He is held in high regard now that he has helped the Jarless of Ashfall claim her throne. Can be quite opportunistic, but shows a strange sort of loyalty for Myriane Ashgold, one that can hardly be explained by bonds of kinship. His most famous feats are those of survival, as he is said to have escaped death countless times in his day.