The Houses of Framí

> *"Gold is little comfort for the kinsman dead." - a Framian saying.*
>
>

The Framí province is a region set within the Empire of Akino. It is dominated by the Chonobi culture, which is explained by the Chonobi's ancestors landing into the north of the region. Only to expand south and take the land for themselves. Resulting in driving out several native clans of the region, before establishing their own holds within the region.

## The Great Houses

The region's politics is dominated by three great houses. Though the region has been integrated into the politics of the Fire - during the reign of the Hanamoto daimyo - it has never been subdued fully. A feat that many denizens of the region are quite proud of. Even if it resulted in being taxed heavily and various oppressive acts of the Fire daimyo in the past.

Without being truly loyal to the Fire Daimyo, the Great Houses of the region have been looking for guidance and support from their southern Chonobi brethren - namely the Hon clan. Even while the Great Houses have sufficient supplies and generate enough revenue on their own, they have been constantly influenced by the stronger and wealthier Hon houses to their south.

### The House of Aldinn

> "Here to stay." - Motto of House Aldinn.
>
>

The lords and rulers of Hofsvagr, which is currently the capital of the Framí region. The House of Aldinn is an ancient noble house, originating from the days when their ancestors settled in these lands. They have managed to endure through the test of time and several troubles that caused other clans and folk to collapse.

They are known to be a pride lot, who claim to have legendary ancestors that have worked and fought hard to preserve their holdings. Even despite some signs of decline, the Aldinn have been able to greatly influence the lesser houses of the region with effect. Though these advances would be constantly be threatened and often undone by their rivals.

Currently, the House of Aldinn is the governing family over the region. Though they had little governing power during the days of the Fire Daimyo, this changed with the dawn of the Empire of Akino. With a more tolerant and fellow Hon as ruler, the Aldinn house has been elected to govern the province in the Empress name.

#### Aldinn's Family

Befitting as one of the great houses within Framí, the House of Aldinn is of noble stock. They have held on to tradition and honour throughout the centuries - weathering various challenges and feuds with pride and strength. Ruling from the city of Hofsvagr, they are said to be a lot that is great at holding grudges and slow to accept friendship.

These days, the House of Aldinn is ruled over by Bjarnfreður *(spoken as: Bjorn-fjeudor) - a combination of bjǫrn meaning "bear" and friðr meaning "love, peace"*. He is a stern leader that has managed to keep the reigns over his subjects with an iron will. Despite his strict rule, his kin and subjects adore him. While a middling fighter, Bjornfreudor has shown great capability in leadership and management - this is also evident in his preferences to settle feuds in a civil manner than with steel and courage.

Another key member within the Aldinn family is Bergr *(spoken as: Berg) - from the Chonobi name element berg "protection, help"*. The heir to the House of Aldinn, who is quite different from his father. Whereas his father may sport more interest in knowledge and stability, Bergr has announced already his ambitions to bring glory to the house of Aldinn and ensure its future through the sword. Despite these differences between leader and heir, the House of Aldinn stands strong.

### The House of Seggrfold

> "Glory, pride and honour." - Motto of House Seggrfold.
>
>

Hailing from an ancient bloodline, the members of Seggrfold's house are one of the most influential noble family within the region of Framí. They have founded and governed the city of Fura and the surrounding land. Their capable stewardship over their land has brought them the loyalty of their thegns and hersirs, not to mention a good amount of wealth. This is further cemented by their important position as the existing trade towards the Gaikotsu Bay, towards the surrounding countries and regions.

With trade flowing through their lands and commerce making them rich, the Seggrfold house hasn't always experienced peaceful or prosperous times. Being the rival of the other two Great Houses of the region, it has been in a constant state of maintaining a hold over the lesser houses of the region, nearby their lands. Even in spite of with the dawn of the Akinian Empire, the House of Seggrfold always seems to be a step behind that of their rivals.

If anything, the Seggrfold House has managed to get one advantage over its rivals: their diplomatic game. The trade and commerce within their land has allowed them to build up a good relationship with the House of Dowhon and the Hyuzu clan within the Earth country.

#### Seggrfold's Family

The men and women from House of Seggrfold are respected and dreaded within the lands of Framí. This is mainly because that their influence in Framí can't be denied. Their capability in governance has even managed them to elude their privileges being oppressed during the tenure of the Fire Daimyo's. However, it also seems that there is a curse resting upon the House of Seggrfold that prevent it from truly coming to its rightful place. Some say that a descendant of Seggrfold failed at killing a rampaging beast - often a dragon. This failure led to their curse, which would endure for as until someone of Seggrfold's descent would succeed at a similar task. At first, this led to many descendants of the House to embark on adventures and journeys - in hope to break the curse that was laid upon their house.

However, to this day, the descendants of Seggrfold live in the shadow of this curse. But instead of giving in, they bear it as a badge of pride; arguing that demons and worse need to damn them in order to have a chance against the likes of them. It is no wonder that their leader, Lífgjarn - Chonobi name meaning "eager/willing to live" - is known to be a prideful man.  As the leader of the House of Seggrfold,

Lífgjarn is described as a cunning leader. He has proven his capability in terms of diplomacy and commerce. His rivals claim that his greed knows no bounds but his kin and subjects have enjoyed a relatively prosperous reign - thanks to his talents.

The heir of House of Seggrfold used to be Milayna, the oldest daughter of Lífgjarn. However, upon the birth of Sævar, the inheritance would be his. A small rift would be caused as many had gotten used to the idea that Milyana would inherit the leadership. A drastic measure had to be taken to ensure stability: Milyana would leave on a 'voluntary exile', deciding to join and serve in the Imperial military. All to provide peace within her House.

### The House of Óttarr

> "Valour in Duty." - Motto of House Óttarr.
>
>

The House of Óttarr is relatively new, compared to that of its rivals lineage and history. Only for the last few decades have they been in power of their lands and regions. When the Fire country vassalised the region, the previous house, that of Uthar, attempted to resist. To set an example, the Fire daimyo executed the entire line of Uthar. Most members were publicly executed by hanging - which was a clear mocking gesture to the religious practices of the Chonobi at their Thing. Though some of Uthar's descendants were burned alive. Though clearly wary and intimidated, the House of Óttarr would rise to prominence.

Perhaps not as wealthy as the Seggrfold house or as dominant as the Aldinn's family, the Óttarr family has been able to situate themselves quite well in their position. They have access to the eastern sea, allowing them to trade with the other provinces. Lately, they have managed to secure a good relationship with the House of Magnhild.

Another advantage that the Óttarr house has been utilizing is the few enclaves of Taika communities that reside in their territory. Though many of these Taika have been converted into adopting the same gods, they act as loyal servants to establish good connections with Taika contacts - something that the other two houses have been unable to.

#### Óttarr's Family

There is a saying among the people of Framí: *"A brother willing to stand shoulder with you, is one to be cherished."* And it seems that the House of Óttarr has taken this saying to the heart; there are few that are more united than the House of Óttarr. Loyal to their kin and people, the descendants of Óttarr have forged a reputation of bravery and valour - the horrible threats of the deep sea or men have done little to terrify the warriors of House Óttarr.

The lord of House Óttarr represents these ideals as none other. Known by his name Galdur the Brave, he came to power in the coming of the year 477 ADS. Though not as experienced as many other leaders within Framí, lacking the patience of more aged leaders, Galdur has shown promise nonetheless. His bravery and relentless of providing a secure future for his House have won him admiration from both friend and foe.

The current heir of House Óttarr is one the younger brother of Galdur, known by the name of Hafsteinn. Though less eager to use steel to prove his worth, Hafsteinn is known to be determined to make his House proud - bringing it glory by earning feats while serving the Imperial army. Aware of his role, it is known within the House that Hafsteinn doesn't have the ambition to follow his brother - hoping rather that his brother will sire an heir of his own.

## Other Noble Houses

Other than the large three houses that dominate the geopolitics of the region, there are smaller noble houses that are present. These have less wealth and weight in terms of politics and influence but have managed to somewhat remain free from being entirely dominated by one of the three houses.

A distinct difference with these lesser houses is that they aren't named by their founding lineage but rather by the name of their main hold.

* **The House of Holdrness**

Ruled by the stern lord, Hallmar, the House of Holdrness has been a staunch ally of the Óttarrs. Located in the eastern sphere of Framí, the House of Holdrness is one of the very few Chonobi holdings that openly accepts Taika influences. This has caused some friction with their neighbours, who see the adoption of Taika traditions and customs as weakness and betraying the ways of old. In spite of this, the House of Holdrness have managed to stay strong - their lineage never toppled by a rivals.

* **The House of Hylrborg**

Led by Hildar the Old, the House of Hylrborg is a loyal ally to the House of Óttarr. The people of Hylrborg are a proud lot, even by Framian standards. They seem to be fond of the waves, organising many festivals and events that orienate on maritime affairs. Some within the House of Hylrborg claim that blood of the old lineages run through them - for they haven't forgotten about their ancestors rule of the waves. It comes as little surprise that some of the best ships and sailors from Framí originate from Hylrborg.

* **The House of Djurby**

Ruling from their fortress over the nearby land, the House of Djurby are stark allies of the House of Seggrfold. Through several marriages and traditions, it is not surprising that some outsiders have trouble to separate the two - aside from their crests and such matters. It is said that the most beautiful women of Framí are from Djurby, though that is left to taste. What is certain is that the House of Djurby is quite militant. Having dealt with various feuds, they have gained a grim reputation when it's about fighting. Some of their most competent warriors are taken into the household guard of their Seggrfold allies. Their current lord is known by the name Dalbert the Hound.

* **The House of Myrrborg**

Governed by the young lady, Dalrún the Clever, the House of Myrrborg is closely tied to Seggrfold. Not just because of their strong alliance and loyalty towards one another but literally through blood. The House of Myrrborg originates from the House of Seggrfold. These days, the house members may not be related that closely but they still consider each other as family. The House of Myrrborg are known for their vigilance and diligence - willing to bleed for their Seggrfold allies.

* **The House of Veidrborg**

Veidrborg is ruled currently by Eldur. Located in the centre of the Framian highlands, the House of Veidrborg isn't as wealthy as its neighbours. While self-sufficient, it still lacks in various strategic goods that could empower it. Such a drawback hasn't halted the people of Veidrborg to compete heavily with their neighbours. Vicious enemies, they are giving a modicum of respect and mockery by their rivals, often called hounds of Aldinn.

* **The House of Grantebru**

The fortress, which serves as the capital of House Grantebru, is reputed to be centuries old - predating even the Alaricus who once inhabited the region. The true origins may never be known, but the fortress has done its part to safeguard the House of Grantebru. Wealth is kept deep within the tight security as commerce flows through the holding. Loyal to the House of Aldinn, some feuds do exist between Grantebru and Osraige. Even with the influence of House Aldinn, these two houses are more rivals than combined allies.

* **The House of Osraige**

Located closely to the border with the Frost country, it is no wonder that the House of Osraige is wary of outsiders. They refer to their duty as the wardens of the northern mountains, even though nobody has given them this duty. The members of Osraige refer with a sense of pride back to the days of the kingdom of Vadrheim. Their ancestors guarded the border with the Frost and firmly believe that the border will hold as long as someone of their lineage will manage it.

## Trivia

* Much like the Chonobi invaded the Framían region, the inspiration of lore for the clans and people of Framí are drawn from the various people of Scandinavia that invaded parts of England and Ireland. Some places such as Djurby exist still today but underneath a different name, like Dublin.
* Another source of inspiration for the Framían clans and people are the Northmen of the Lord of the Rings setting. They bear similarities in pride and honour, which are pretty striking.
* The idea of the Framian clans being united into one solid realm is also inspired by real history. While probably not sporting the same amount of territory, the idea of a united Framian realm seems to resemble that of the North Sea Empire - that once existed for a brief time before collapsing.
* Something that sets out the Framians from the other Chonobi seems so far to be their accent, love of song and drink and loyalty. Positive attributes that have been stated about Irish and Scots are a source upon which the Framians are based.