House Llorien

One of two Houses not to accept commoners to their banner House Llorien relies on its direct family members to ensure absolute loyalty to the crown as they work with the nobles of other nations to further Soreinn's interests diplomatically.

Now TRUE HISTORY BEGINS...

## Background

Loliron. Loalln. Llarlin. Earlier and earlier in the history of the old world can the name be traced, with subtle variations in tune with the flavors and customs of the times. Present mainly in ancient medley and bardic tales and curiously absent from official accounts, rife are the mentions of the quiet son of Llorn and his patient and helpful advice. Almost a device, rather than a character, he serves as a foil to the arrogant and a sounding board for the morally confused. Often the actor simply wore black fabric, showing an elven face only when a lead or villain became truly lost. The face would speak, simply and softly, and music would sing out to the mood of the moment. The convention of the character lay in guessing the end result of the conversation, for it was never shown; only the changes in casts actions or... presence were shown through later scenes, as Llorn himself does not appear later in the play or story.

Piping, cheerful and frantic music thrills out into the crowd, sending children capering about the street, some with bright, playful, wild or even malicious looks aside to their lesser experienced fellows. The next scene shows minus one mad and failed villain.... or hero. Ah what an upset, what a game, what an ironic twist. The children laugh, or miss it completely, and the elders pause and wonder what makes the songs and games we play.

Somber draws on willow bark harps and bows peter out, disappointing many and heralding a quiet hush. The next scene shows a change in masks, or a different voice for the victim. Often a villain might become a hero, or a lead might take a final difficult step. The elders look to the children to see if they understand, that change is both difficult and sacred.

It is rumored that the plays are maintained through a circle of private donations, that the formula varies enormously in details but remains fundamentally the same throughout its history. Further rumors trace various donations throughout history to a clan of elves bearing a similar name. Conspiracy theorists throughout noble courts and accorded universities maintain that historical mention of many confirmed legendary myths have been altered to exclude scouts bearing the name. At the high court of the elephant spirit Gahness atop the peaks of pre-cataclysm Khanda in the Malawi jungle it was whispered the name bears great resemblance to the original house of Lon: one of the first elves cast of bark and vine by the goddess.

"How much of the blood can be claimed Llorien in present times calls into question the nature of variation, or evolution, in a plane where few races evolved. Inbreeding is slow among elves, but present. Accordingly outside blood is looked for, of the greatest controlled influx of untainted natural chaos. Marriage to the fates, a destiny of marking paths."

Regardless of rumor what is well known is the Llorien families strict adherence to purity of bloodline, a religious dedication to social and matrimonial matches of pure elven blood.

## Practices

(Definitely not the Praetorian Guard)

The house Llorien maintain public relations throughout the kingdom and Sorreine and beyond. It is their official duty as the longest arm of the military forces to utilize any methods or abilities to protect the elven people. It seems at odd ends with their mission that they maintain such gregarious or jovial relations with their contacts throughout the shattered lands. However the Lloriens are generally excellent hosts, public speakers, negotiators, friends and contacts; they go far out of their way to please even those who will likely become enemies in the future. Many a potential conflict was resolved through a friendly luncheon, or a timely missive and understanding word in the right place. A smiling Llorien seen riding out meant peace and order had been restored, without a leveling of some village to the overzealotry of adventurers. It seems a reflection of the elven people that such generous and friendly terms are offered to all who would deal in good faith, and the public reputation of the Lloriens who represent these terms is golden amongst allied circles.

The higher one travels in social circles the more respectful the review becomes, and less friendly, but to truly hear outright hostility one must travel down. Kings of thieves tell different tales, of a black fear dreaded name, of a popular tale come alive, of jingling laughter. It gives them shakes, and forces many a grizzled veteran to retire early, for the in the tales it is never how black or evil the deed that draws the face in the dark. It is losing their way, ignoring the unspoken rules, faltering and lashing out after getting too tired to play the game; and no one is safe from the high to the low.

Natural Order

Must be maintained

## Notable Members

Fughe Llorien

Morsoff Llorien

Arbay Llorien