House Sokolov

**Head of House**
 **Heir**
 **Seat**
 **Lands**
 **Overlord**
 **Vassals**
 **Founder**

**House Sokolov** is a proud and respected noble family that once held dominion over the Barony of Silverstone, a region located in the Kingdom of Lordaeron. The family is known for their rich history of service to the crown, with many of its members having served as knights in the kingdom's armies, as advisors in the royal court, or as high ranking clergymen in the Church of the Holy Light.

The Sokolovs are renowned for their skills in horseback riding and swordsmanship. Prior to the fall of Lordaeron, they maintained a strong cavalry force that was feared by their enemies. They are also known for their love of falconry. To this day, many members of the family keep and train hunting birds.

The current head of House Sokolov is Baron Borya Sokolov, a skilled warrior and diplomat who is well-respected by his peers. The Sokolovs are also hailed for their culture and refinement. They are patrons of the arts, who once frequently hosted elaborate tournaments and feasts. Their seat of power, Ironbark Hall, was lauded for its elegance and sophistication.

## History

### Founding

House Sokolov was founded approximately 1,045 years ago when House Barov elevated Stepan Sokolov to nobility. According to legend, the region of Darrowmere was threatened by an invading army from Alterac. The soldiers of Lordaeron were vastly outnumbered and outmatched, and defeat seemed inevitable. However, Stepan Sokolov, a skilled warrior and strategist, recognized that the invaders had a critical weakness: their supply lines were stretched thin and vulnerable to attack. Sokolov led a daring raid on the enemy's supply depots, destroying their food and weapons and throwing the enemy into disarray.

Inspired by Sokolov's leadership and bravery, the soldiers of Lordaeron rallied and launched a fierce counterattack, eventually driving the invaders back and securing the kingdom's holdings. For his pivotal role in this victory, Sokolov was hailed as a hero and showered with honors and rewards. Among these was the rare and prestigious elevation to nobility, which marked Sokolov as a member of the highest social class in the kingdom.

### Second War

The family's actions during the Second War were marked by unwavering loyalty and bravery in service to the Alliance of Lordaeron. When the orcs pushed into the northern kingdoms, the Sokolov family rallied to the defense of their homeland, mustering their forces and joining the larger war effort. Nikolai Sokolov, then the Baron, distinguished himself in numerous battles, leading his troops with skill and courage and earning a reputation as one of the kingdom's most capable military leaders.

In addition to their military contributions, House Sokolov also played an important role in supporting the war effort through their wealth and resources. The family's stockpiles of Ironwood and silver, as well as their trading networks, allowed them to provide critical supplies and provisions to Lordaeron's armies, ensuring that they were well-equipped and well-fed in the face of the enemy. Moreover, House Sokolov's leaders were known for their strategic thinking and diplomatic savvy, using their influence and connections to negotiate alliances and secure vital support from other factions.

### Third War

The Third War was a difficult and tragic time for House Sokolov, as they were forced to witness the destruction of their ancestral lands in the Barony of Silverstone. As the forces of the undead swept across Lordaeron, the Sokolov family fought valiantly to defend their lands and people, but ultimately they were overwhelmed by the sheer power and ferocity of the enemy.

Despite their efforts, the Sokolovs were ultimately forced to abandon the Barony of Silverstone, leaving behind their home to flee for safety in the Kingdom of Stormwind. This was a devastating blow to the family's pride and honor, as they had long been proud guardians of Silverstone and its people. Nevertheless, even in the face of such hardship and loss, House Sokolov remained steadfast in their commitment to Lordaeron, continuing to serve with honor and distinction in the years that followed.

### Attempt to Retake Andorhal

Six years after the events of the Third War, House Sokolov was still reeling from the loss of their ancestral lands in the Barony of Silverstone. Nevertheless, when the call to arms came once again, they answered without hesitation, mustering their forces and joining the larger war effort against the Scourge.

Nikolai Sokolov, now an old man, was among those who answered the call. He joined forces with the renowned paladin Maddox, who had been tasked with retaking the city of Andorhal from the Scourge; and together with the forces of the Argent Dawn, they led a daring assault on the enemy's stronghold. Despite their bravery and skill, however, the mission proved to be more difficult than anyone had anticipated. The Scourge had prepared elaborate defenses and traps, and the battle was long and grueling. In the midst of the fighting, Nikolai Sokolov was mortally wounded, struck down by a relentless wave of undead warriors, along with everyone else. The entire army was destroyed.

### Battle for Lordaeron

During the Fourth War, House Sokolov once again answered the call to arms, mustering their forces to retake their homeland from the armies of the Horde. Among their ranks was Irina Sokolov, the young heiress to the Barony of Silverstone. Irina distinguished herself early in the battle, charging fearlessly into the fray with her mace held high. Her powerful swings and expertly timed strikes felled countless Horde soldiers, and her courage and determination inspired her fellow soldiers to fight with renewed ferocity.

As the battle raged on, Irina continued to provide critical support to the kingdom's forces, using her strategic acumen and tactical expertise to outmaneuver the enemy and gain crucial advantages on the battlefield. Her leadership and bravery inspired her comrades, who fought with renewed vigor under her guidance. Ultimately, Irina's contributions to the battle proved to be instrumental to the Alliance's victory, as her skill and courage helped turn the tide of the conflict and secure a crucial victory for Lordaeron.

However, that victory did not last long. After their defeat, Sylvanas Windrunner and her army launched a devastating assault on Capital City. Using a blight that corrupted the very air itself, they unleashed a horrific plague, killing countless soldiers. The once-great Capital City was transformed into a twisted, nightmarish realm, haunted by the ghosts of the fallen. The devastation wrought by Sylvanas's actions would be felt for years to come, serving as a grim reminder of the true cost of war.

### Present Day

Although the Barony of Silverstone is now defunct, House Sokolov survives. They currently reside in the Kingdom of Stormwind, waiting for the opportunity to reclaim their lands.

## Notable Members

### Stepan Sokolov

House Sokolov was founded by Stepan Sokolov approximately 1,045 years ago. Born into a family of soldiers and falconers, Stepan rose to greatness through his exceptional skills as a warrior and his unwavering commitment to his people. He was a key figure in the defense of the land of Darrowmere against marauding bandits and rival kingdoms, leading his fellow warriors with courage and determination. His victories on the battlefield earned him the respect and admiration of his people, and he was eventually granted nobility by House Barov in recognition of his service and bravery.

As the first member of House Sokolov, Stepan set the standard for his descendants, instilling in them the values of honor, duty, and courage that would come to define the family's legacy. He was known for his loyalty to his homeland, his selflessness in the face of danger, and his uncompromising commitment to justice and fairness. Though he is long gone, his memory and his legacy live on in the actions and achievements of his descendants, who continue to serve and protect the people of Lordaeron with the same courage and determination that Stepan embodied centuries ago.

### Nikolai Sokolov

Nikolai Sokolov was the father of Borya Sokolov, once the Baron of Silverstone. A veteran of many battles, Nikolai was known for his bravery and his unwavering commitment to his family and his homeland. Six years after the end of the Third War, Nikolai joined forces with Maddox to retake the city of Andorhal from the Scourge, despite the dangers involved. Tragically, Nikolai was killed in the effort, sacrificing his life for the greater good. His death was a great loss to House Sokolov, but his bravery and dedication served as an inspiration to all those who fought beside him, and his memory is still honored to this day.

In addition to his valor and dedication to his family and kingdom, Nikolai Sokolov was also a deeply religious man. He was a devout follower of the Holy Light, and his faith played a central role in his life and his actions. His belief in the power of the Light to guide and protect him gave him great strength and courage on the battlefield, and his devotion to his faith was a source of comfort and inspiration to those around him. His death was mourned not only by his family and friends, but also by the many members of the Church who had come to know and respect him over the years. Nikolai Sokolov was truly a remarkable man, a hero both on the battlefield and in his spiritual life.

### Borya Sokolov

Borya Sokolov is the current head of House Sokolov. He is known for his staunch loyalty to his homeland and his dedication to preserving the traditions and values of his family. As a skilled warrior and experienced leader, Borya has earned the respect and admiration of his fellow nobles and the common people alike. Under his guidance, House Sokolov has remained a powerful and influential force, playing a key role in the battle to retake Lordaeron from the Horde. Borya's unwavering commitment to his family and his country has made him a beloved and respected figure among Lordaeron's refugees, and his leadership has helped ensure the continued prosperity and security of House Sokolov for generations to come.

### Irina Sokolov

Irina Sokolov is the heir to House Sokolov, one of the longest surviving noble families from the Kingdom of Lordaeron. A skilled warrior and strategic thinker, Irina has earned a reputation as one of the most capable and talented members of her family. She is known for her fearlessness in battle, her keen intellect, and her unwavering commitment to the ideals of honor, duty, and justice. As the heiress to House Sokolov, Irina is expected to one day assume the mantle of leadership and guide her family in their endeavors to retake and protect the kingdom. With her skills and determination, there is no doubt that she will make a formidable and respected leader, carrying on her family's proud legacy.

## Coat of Arms

**Helm:** Sokolov Helmet

**Coronet:** Baron Coronet

**Torse Colors:** Black, Royal Blue, and Silver

**Supporters:** Gryphons, Butterflies

**Description of Shield:** A silver falcon and crown in the center of a field of black and royal blue, where black is on the left and royal blue is on the right. The base of the shield is black with silver borders.

**Orders:** Lordaeron Knighthood

**Motto:** Soar to greatness

**Provincial Compartment:** Eastweald