Dhunne family

The **Dhunne** family is a noble family of Nordain, established at the end of the Nordish Rebellion.

## Background

In **8A96**, the rebel leader of Nordain, the rightful queen, Naranna was betrayed and assassinated. Her son Baylor, contemporary heir to the throne, fled for his life and stumbled on the rebel camp led by Gareth of Croftdale. His son Ornand allowed the prince to stay there, ignorant of his true identity. Thane Arnnolf, a Maudesian sympathizer who had betrayed Naranna, discovered the camp and killed most of the rebels, including Gareth. Ornand escaped, however, along with Baylor.

On the run, Ornand and Baylor fled into the Welserine Wilds where they were captured by the Sylvan and given to the Witch of the Wilds. Once she released them, they reunited with the rebels. The rebels were joined by an Maudesian spy Amarille, who led the group through the Underways to Dhunne where they met the remaining rebels.

Young Ornand embarked on a romance with Rowan, daughter of Terund Argander, Baylor's betrothed. He accompanied Baylor as the prince confronted Thane Arnnolf and the other traitors responsible for Queen Naranna's murder and executed them for their betrayal. Ornand and Rowan commanded the final assault against the Maudesians at Tolamir River in **8A99**. The armor of the chevalier who led the Maudesians was looted by Ornand, and the sight of him wearing it later became synonymous with Nordain's defiance of Maudet. Ornand was hailed as the Hero of Tolamir River for his great victory.

Despite the victory at Tolamir River, the rebellion continued for three more years until the rebels besieged Dersoden and killed King Alain, ending the occupation. Ornand was rewarded by being made Jarl of Dhunne, making him second in rank to the king. Realising that Baylor needed a queen, he gave up Rowan, who married King Baylor.

Ornand, who held no surname at the time, took the name of Dhunne, after his jarldom.

He married a beautiful woman, with whom he had one daughter, Rhealla. The Jarl remained a close advisor and friend of the king following Queen Rowan's death, though it was believed by some that it was truly Ornand who ruled. He was the most vehement opponent of Baylor's re-installation of the Grey Order in Nordain, believing them to be Maudesian puppets. Ornand never shook off his hatred for Maudet.

Rhealla Dhunne was made aware of her roots by her father, but was brought up as the daughter and heir of a Jarl. She shunned the company of other children, preferring to study and practice archery and sword-fighting. She was betrothed to Prince Renley, the king's only legitimate child, while they were children. The two became close companions, with many noting that Rhealla led the young prince around "like a puppy on a leash."

Rhealla grew to love Renley, whom she eventually married. While Renley led Nordain's armies, it was Rhealla who truly ruled the country in her husband's name. When she became the Queen, she was no longer the heir for her father's jarldom.

## Known members

* **Gareth of Croftdale** – father of Ornand
* **Ornand Dhunne** – Jarl of Dhunne
* **Arria Dhunne** – Jarless of Dhunne
* **Rhealla Kaulden** – Queen of Nordain, daughter of Ornand and Arria, and wife of King Renley Kaulden