House Hudson-Backenridge

**Head of House**
 **Heir**
 **Seat**
 **Lands**
 **Overlords**
 **Vassals**

The family of **Hudson-Backenridge**, also referred to as the **Hudsons-Backenridge** or the **Hudsons of Backenridge Manor**, is a minor Stormwindian noble family which rules over the County of Silverdane in the Duchy of Eastvale, Elwynn Forest. It is referred to as Hudson-Backenridge to distinguish it from other branches of the wealthy Hudson family, which have their seat in the County of Whitecliffe in the Duchy of Westridge.

The Hudsons-Backenridge are a small family, comprising 6 members in 632, with land in Elwynn Forest and Northrend.

## History

The House was created in 610 with the marriage of Tolthon Hudson to Countess Adelie Seymour against a backdrop of unrest between the major families of Eastvale. The death of Nigel Seymour, Count of Silverdane, left the sixteen year old Adelie Seymour caught between saber-rattling and insecure rivals, none of whom would accept that she marry a suitor from a rival family which would tip the balance of power in Eastvale.

The compromise reached to avert civil conflict was to establish an independent power in Silverdane by having Seymour marry a minor suitor from a minor house of her own choosing. She chose Tolthon Hudson, then 22, an officer of the Brotherhood of the Horse, an unlanded member of a wealthy family, and a man with a reputation for diligence, caution, and integrity.

In order to avoid appearances that House Hudson would be imperializing within the Duchy of Eastvale, the newly elevated Count Silverdane registered his family with the House of Lords not as "Hudson," but "Hudson-Backenridge," after the Seymour seat of Backenridge Manor. He adopted a new coat of arms which kept the grey wings on green of the Seymours, introducing purple stripes as the only nod to his Hudson roots.

By all accounts, the marriage between Adelie and Tolthon turned out to be a happy one as they discovered mutual friendship, love, and trust for each other. The unlikely pair quickly had two children, a son named Tenedrian and a daughter named Abigale. Eight years later, they had twins which they named Louise and Varian.

Much to the disappointment of his own family, Silverdane distanced himself from them as well, writing to Benedict Hudson in 621 that, "Silverdane is of Eastvale and Stormwind—it cannot march to Westridge to partake in the disputes there." Relations between Count Whitecliffe, Silverdane's uncle, were cordial and understanding of each others' circumstances. However, the accession of Benedict Hudson to his father's title upon his death led to a souring of the relationship. Hudson-Backenridge men partook in the Whitecliffe Civil War of 631 KY, suggesting that Silverdane sent some form of aid to satisfy his cousin.

After the war against the Lich King, the Hudsons-Backenridge acquired significant land interests in Northrend. Silverdane spent a large amount of time there managing the new properties and arranging their sale. In 629, these were incorporated into the overseas Marquessate of Aldershire, with Silverdane as Marquess.

## Members

Lord Tolthon, Count Silverdane     ⚭     Lady Adelie, Countess Silverdane

* Lord Tenedrian, Baron Backenridge
* Abigale Hudson-Backenridge
* Varian Hudson-Backenridge
* Louise Hudson-Backenridge

## House Troops

### Silverdane Militia

The Silverdane Militia is an organization maintained by the Hudsons-Backenridge in the County of Silverdane on behalf of King Wrynn. It is composed of all able-bodied men and women in the county from ages 15 to 60, all of whom are required by law to serve in the militia, partake in regular drills, and serve if called.

In practice, not all able-bodied persons in the County will be called out at any given time. It falls to the Lord Lieutenant to decide who will go and who will stay to satisfy the levy requirements imposed by the Crown.

In ordinary times, the Hudsons-Backenridge have sometimes found it necessary to operate the militia. By law, militiamen maintain their own uniforms and arms. They have been known to wear blue wool uniforms with gold facings and black broad-brimmed hats. Their muskets and gunpowder, with which they drill, are kept in an arsenal near Backenridge Manor. After years of drill, they are disciplined and orderly for amateur soldiers and their officers have experience giving parade ground commands.

### Aldershire Militia

The Aldershire Militia is a disperate organization maintained between the townships of the Marquessate of Aldershire for the protection of the territories against troll, undead, and Horde incursions. Unlike its Eastern Kingdoms counterpart, the Aldershire militia is primarily locally-organized and led, composed of colonials who bring their own guns, their own packs, and their own clothes.

Highly undisciplined and poorly led, these militia most often fight out of order and in a highly disorganized manner—rising out of the bush to fire before ducking back again. This makes them practiced bush fighters in the open expanses of the north. Familiar with the climate and the terrain, they tend to be excellent survivalists. However, they also tend to be highly individualistic, make their own plans, lack cohesion, and melt away when the going gets tough. This makes them difficult and unreliable soldiers on campaign.

## Gallery

### People

Lord Tolthon Hudson-Backenridge, 9th Count of SilverdaneLord Tenedrian Hudson-Backenridge, Baron of Backenridge
### Signatures

Tolthon Hudson-Backenridge's signature as Count Silverdane
### Tabards and Insignia

Hudson-Backenridge Coat of ArmsTabard worn by Hudson-Backenridge retainers and militiamen from Silverdane and Aldershire when not in service to the Stormwind Army.