The Headlands

* Triumvirate of the Headlands:
	+ Duke Berenal Grayblade
	+ Marcher Lord Adrian Gregor
 **Location**
 **Affiliation**
 **Prominent Locations**

**The March of the Bite (Grayblade):**
Viscounty of the Fang
Barony of Graston (The Warden)
Barony of Shorfall (DeWitt)
Viscounty of the Veil (Avernus)
Barony of Beau's Tooth (Delcarn)
Barony of Crooked Hollow (Blackmist)

**The March of the Range (Gregor):**
Viscounty of Gryphon's Roost
Barony of Keel Harbor (Crown Land)
Barony of the Snow (McCallan)
Barony of the Sheer (Kolreen)
Barony of the Dusk Thicket (Darkwater)
Barony of Fang's Grip (Houndsbane)
Barony of Edenford (Chesterfield)

**The March of the Reach (Greyfield):**
Earldom of the Tip
Earldom of the Gale (Darkoak)
Barony of the Frost (Frostvine)
Barony of the Roost (Woodcourt)
Barony of the Oak (Lockewood)
Barony of Ironwood (Darkwatcher)
Baronetcy of Ridgebane (Velanaris)
Barony of Ironsea (Marshoak)
Wickenden (Unaffiliated, Wickers)
Several other smaller villages.

 **Status**

# The Duchy of the Headlands along with all Blades lore associated with it/the Headlands has been retconned to the Ashen Coast. This information is here as it will be replaced later.

**The Headlands** is a large section of land located in the western reaches of the Kingdom of Gilneas. The region is notably comprised of three main sections, the Bite, the Reach and the Range. The region is also home to a duchy of the same name, Duchy of the Headlands lorded over by Lord Berenal Grayblade, who is also lord marcher of the Bite. The duchy it's self comprises a significant portion of the region.

## Regions

 File:Headlandshexfinal.png
Within the Headlands lay three key regions, the Bite, which lies in the north, the Reach, which lies in the west, and the Range in the east. In older times, the Headlands were led by the leader of the March of the Bite as Duke, though this title was revoked following the establishment of the Kingdom of the Headlands under the House of Cobalstant. Following the disbandment of the duchy into three separate regions, the Earldoms of the Range and the Reach, and the March of the Bite, the Headlands became mostly separated from one another due to conflicting interests and the lack of a sole leader.

### The Bite

Located in the northern portion of the Headlands is the Bite, where the House of Cobalstant made their home for generations. The ancestral seat of power in the region is the city of Bannhurst, typically described as a bustling city throughout history, that was established on a massive gold mine. The land of the Bite is extremely mineral rich and of the various regions hosts one of the larger forested areas of the Headlands, allowing for a diverse amount of work to be found in the region. Following the destruction of the House of Cobalstant, a northern Headlands family with distant blood relation to the Cobalstants, the House of Grayblade, replaced the longstanding family as Marcher Lords of the Bite. Under Lord Haverin Grayblade, they succeeded in reunifying the Headlands under a ruling body known as the Triumvirate of the Headlands, led by fellow lords Xavier Gregor and Cail Greyfield, Earls of the Range and Reach respectively. Following the destruction of Bannhurst following the Second War, the Bite was led by the House of Cloverfield briefly and later the House of Darkoak, a Reach born family that had held almost as much power as the Triumvirate lords.

The region was restored to House Grayblade when Haverin's heir, Berenal Grayblade, was revealed to be alive and after the death of the Darkoak family. Lord Grayblade currently leads the Bite and has also re-instated the Duchy of the Headlands, allowing for consolidated unity.

### The Reach

Located in the western portion of the Headlands is the Reach, ancestrally lorded over by the House of Greyfield. Perhaps the most mountainous region of the Headlands, the Reach men are known to be a hearty folk who have made their life by mining out the various caves, mountains and clefts that dot the land of the Reach. As a result, aside from the region of Ironsea, the area hosts no ports due to the high cliffs preventing settlement along the coast. Due to the druids of Rosefield, descendants of the natives of Gilneas, the region is also known for producing most of the food in the Headlands. From their seat of Brandon's Stead, the Greyfield family has ruled the region for generations undeterred as one of the oldest Headlands families, and the iron mine the city was established on supplies the Reach with a steady amount of work.

The region has been known to be the cause of several wars throughout the Headlands, specifically due to Greyfield ambition, and was known to be at odds with the Bite under the lordship of House Cobalstant as the two squared off for dominance of the region. The Reach hosts a diverse culture compared to the other three regions, hosting three separate sub-cultures within by way of the Great Mountain, the druids of Rosefield and the Reachmen miners that make up the majority. Despite their house's strength, House Greyfield has suffered severe losses after the Invasion of Gilneas, including the death of all true born sons and daughters of Earl Cail Greyfield, leaving the sole survivor of the family the thirteen year old legitimized bastard, Derrik Greyfield. As such, the region was to be regented by lady Lilurah Lockewood, Viscountess of Oakwood, until Derrik comes of age. She has since been replaced by Lerren Darkoak, Earl of the Gale.

After the re-establishment of the Duchy of the Headlands, the Reach was raised to the status of a March, thus making them Marcher Lords.

### The Range

Located in the eastern portion of the Headlands is the Range, ancestrally lorded over by the House of Gregor. Within the range one can find large amounts of flat land and hosts a sizable amount of farms. Despite this, the region has been noted to keep most of its settlements near the sea. Keeping true to this is the seat of House Gregor, Gregor's Crossing, a sizable port city that was established on a large silver mine. As such, fishing and mining typically make up most of the lands' profits. Perhaps one of the most peaceful regions, the Range has remained out of most of the wars involving the Headlands, opting to stay uninvolved in the constant conflicts between the Bite and the Reach. Notably, the Range was instrumental to the downfall of the Kingdom of the Headlands as they allowed the Greymane host to march through the Range towards the Bite to seize the Headlander King following House Gregor being slighted by House Cobalstant. Due to this incident, it was known that there was a large amount of distrust between House Cobalstant and House Gregor, and the Gregors were all too eager to put another family in charge of the Bite once the Cobalstants had been displaced. The region is currently led by Lord Adrian Gregor, son of the famed Earl Xavier Gregor.

After the re-establishment of the Duchy of the Headlands, the Range was raised to the status of a March, thus making them Marcher Lords.

### Lesser Regions

#### Dark Woods

Within the center of the Headlands is an extremely large sprawling forest known as the Dark Woods. Filled with eternal mists, the region was once home to an extremely large amount of pagan druid clans that made the Headlands their home. Following the arrival of the House of Cobalstant and the later colonization of the Headlands and formation of the Kingdom of Gilneas, these druids slowly died out in number as they moved on to the region of the Blackwald near Stormglen Village or were killed by fervent light worshipers who believed the druids to be heretics. Some one hundred years following the establishment of the Kingdom of Gilneas, over 90% of the pagan population disappeared and dense mists began to flow into the forest. Over time, the forest became unsafe to travel, hideous spiders known as Dread Lurkers became dominant in the region, as well as all sorts of mystical occurrences began to be reported. Due to this, the Woods are subject of a large amount of folklore and stories, and the region was later abandoned near completely save for small outcroppings. The largest remaining clan of druids left for the Reach, founding the town of Rosefield where they practiced the Old Ways unmolested. The second largest outcropping intermingled with the people of The Bite, later forming the town of Blackfall Reach on the outskirts of the Woods, noted as the only settlement within the forest's borders. Within the forest also lies the Monastery of the Silent Crow, a dilapidated old monastery that houses an order of shadow priests known as Raven Priests. These priests have been observed as devout light worshipers that believe the shadow can be manipulated to do the light's bidding, and practice a strange form of shadow magic known as Ravenry.

Until recently, it was believed most of the stories within the woods were simple tales and that the Dread Lurkers were all that need to be feared from the woods, however an excursion to build a road through the woods revealed the existence of a dark god-like creature known as Kil'zoth. Kil'zoth was later defeated by the Blades of Greymane with heavy losses, but his existence alone caused many to re-analyze ancient lore instead of shoving it off as fairy tales; as a large handful of creatures described in these tales were found to be real. The Dark Woods is still rather unsafe to travel, though following the demise of Kil'zoth and the construction of a heavily guarded road that connects the main three cities, they have become safer and merchants have begun to brave the woods to make their profits.

#### Ardeiria

Located to the south-west of the Headlands is Ardeiria or the Vaughtlands, a heavily snowed region that houses one of the most diverse populations of Gilneas. Traditionally separating themselves from the Headlands, the Great Mountain families lived and warred amongst themselves for generations until recent times. Led by the House of Vaught, the region has kept to its self and has stayed autonomous from the Headlands in order to preserve their own culture, which is reminiscent of the ancient Arathorian Empire. Brought into the fold by the House of Greymane after repeated shows of refusal to work with the other inhabitants of the land, the people of the Mountain remained to themselves even after this, going as far as to believe the existence of Orcs to be myth. In more recent times, they have finally been brought into the light of Gilneas under the Triumvirate, having been merged with the Reach following the re-formation of the Duchy of the Headlands. The region was then later seperated once more into its own earldom under the Duchy following the Vaught's proving of loyalty and the revealed survival of Arwel Vaught.

## Families

The Headlands houses many noble families, though it is unknown how many still survive following the Invasion of Gilneas.

### The Bite

#### The House of Grayblade

 File:Graybladecrest3.png
One of the three Great Families, the ruling house of the Headlands and Marcher Lords of the Bite, House Grayblade stands as leaders of the war torn people of the Headlands and of Gilneas. Despite the house's short presence in the region compared to the other families, the House has exerted a large amount of ambition and strength through the two lords that have ruled under it's banner. They are currently led by Lord Berenal Grayblade, who rules from his seat in Wolfstone Castle within Bannhurst. They lord over Bannhurst and Cobal's Hold.

#### The House of Avernus

 File:Avernuscrest3.png
Lords of Mistvale and viscounts of the Veil, the northern most region of the Bite, House Avernus has been within the Headlands as long as the Great Families. Ancestrally vassals of House Cobalstant, the House lorded over an obscure barony in the northern reaches, mining iron and biding their time as they were unable to oppose their over lords. When the House of Cobalstant was displaced, House Avernus quickly swore it's self to House Grayblade to gain favor, and was later able to build its self up far past where it had once been. Unfortunately, the growth was stifled when House Grayblade was nearly killed off, and they later suffered heavy losses under the orcish invasion. Since this however, Lady Aya Avernus has continued on her family name, and under her the family has risen to the position of Viscount and is seen as the right hand of House Grayblade when it comes to affairs of the Bite.

#### The House of DeWitt

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Lords of the Barony of Shorfall and as a result, Karnsburg, the House of DeWitt is a North Headlander knightly family that has deep ties with the House of Grayblade. Having redeemed her family name under service of her childhood friend, Berenal Grayblade, Lady Fleur DeWitt is the first of her house to reach nobility. Placed in Shorfall due to its importance and proximity to Bannhurst, the family continues to uphold their name and run the region they've been granted.

#### The House of Blackmist & House of Blackbriar

 File:Blackbriarcrest2.png
Barons of the Barony of the Crooked Hollow (and as a result, Blackfall Reach) and a deeply secluded house, House Blackmist is an enigma to most of the Headlands families. Descendants of the ancient druids that once inhabited the Headlands and settlers of the region, House Blackmist's blood can be traced back to both heritages of the region. Known for having established a township within the Dark Woods, the house and town remain mostly to themselves within the woods, having sworn to House Grayblade only out of desire to remain undisturbed. Due to their reclusive nature, their history is either largely uneventful or unknown and up until recently they were content to keep it that way. Under lady Karin Blackmist, the house and their lands became somewhat more proactive under the banner of the Blades, aiding in the excursion through the woods. Though they still remain very secluded and somewhat wary of the other Headlands families, their cooperation has benefited the region greatly as Blackfall Reach is now treated as an important trade stop by merchants that travel through the woods.

Lady Blackmist eventually disappeared without a trace, and after months of no word, was replaced by her cousin. Lord Hendric Blackbriar is a stark contrast to his cousin, who was a known practitioner of dark arts. Hendric is a devout worshipper of the Light, going as far as to adorn himself in Exarch's armor from Draenor. Though he is new to ruling the region, it is unknown how his drastic shift in religious policy will effect it.

#### The House of Delcarn

 File:DelcarnCrest2.png
Barons of Beau's Tooth, the House of Delcarn has low born roots and has replaced the House of Cloverfield as lords of the island. Lorded over by Highlord Cedrec Delcarn, the House is a native Headlands born family rewarded for their service to the Blades of Greymane. Highlord Delcarn has already made strives in the region, revitalizing the lands that once belonged to House Cloverfield and establishing new trade within the island. Having found a large mine of moonstone, a vital ingredient in Moonsteel, the island was raised to the status of a barony. Under Lord Cedrec, the family has also taken a leadership role in the Order of the Onyx Knights, allowing the branch of the Silver Hand to make its home within their seat of Light's Hand.

#### The House of Hartvale

 File:Hartvalecrest2.png
Baronets of the Baronetcy of the Hart and several other regions, the Hartvales are an extremely long lived family in the Headlands. One of the eldest baronet families, the Hartvales directly derive their line from the House of Cobalstant. Keeping with their progenitor house's ambitions and virtues, the Hartvales are known to be ruthless and cunning. The family, despite best attempts, has never been able to rise out of Baronet status due to constant in fighting within the family.

The family is split into three branches. The main branch, the Hartvales of the Hart, are led by Lord Abner Hartvale, an aged man with clear disdain for the duchy. The Hartvales of Dragon's Tooth, which is an extremely small knightly holding within the Baronetcy, are led by Thurman Hartvale. The Hartvales of Ashwood are led by Lord Brutus Hartvale, the son of Abner Hartvale. In contrast to his father, Brutus has aligned with the Duchy fully and even holds a spot on the Duke's Wolf's Guard.

#### The House of Thorne

 File:Thornecrest2.png
Baronets of King's Cross the House of Thorne is one of the many families that can trace themselves back to the Bite. Having supported the Northgate Rebellion publically, the Thornes were disgraced and had their lands taken from them along with their noble ties once the rebellion had ended. Wandering without aim for sometime, the House eventually rejoined the fold through the Blades of Greymane and were restored their holdings as a Baronet, in exchange for their continued loyalty and service. Led by Lord Lancion Thorne, the Thornes have put aside their past to see to a restored Gilneas.

#### The House of Enderlain

 File:Enderlaincrest2.png
Baronets of Ebonbreeze, the House of Enderlain is a long lived house that comes from the Bite. With several blood ties to the Wickers, the Enderlains are predominantly an Old Ways worshiping family. Coming from the deceased Ebonhollow family, the Enderlains have remained one of the few Baronet families that can trace their line back to a consistent region for several generations. With the Invasion of Gilneas having wiped out the many families of the Bite, the Enderlains have begun to rise to prominence. They are currently led by Leria Enderlain, who took over after her father and brothers were killed during the Invasion and the escape.

#### The House of Cobalstant: Defunct

 File:Cobalstantcrest.png
Former Dukes of the Headlands, Kings of the Kingdom of the Headlands and lastly Marcher Lords of the Bite, the House of Cobalstant was one of the oldest and most powerful houses in the entire kingdom at the height of their authority. Formed as a result of the merge of the two feuding families of Cobal and Stanton just as the Kingdom of Gilneas was in its formation period, the House of Cobalstant made its mark in Gilneas by claiming dominion over the Headlands. Granted the land as a Duchy, the House was split into three branches, the Cobalstants of Graston who mainly held to the Cobal bloodline, the Cobalstants of Shorfall who mainly held to the Stanton bloodline, and the Cobalstants of the Fang who held to the unified pact between the families. In time, the House of Cobalstant came to refer to the main branch of Bannhurst, which became the wealthiest and most affluent branch of the family. With countless achievements and honors to their name, the family's consistent ruthless measure (something echoed in their family motto, Strength above all) has been their most notable trait. The last vestige of the family was murdered within their manor in Bannhurst during the Second War after mismanagement caused a revolt. They were replaced by the House of Grayblade, which had served the crown loyally and held a minor blood tie to the Cobalstants through a wayward member of the family who had fled from their lands to evade an arranged marriage. The Cobalstants were later raised into undeath and are currently led by Hendrick Cobalstant, who has cast his lot in with the Legion of Vengeance.

#### The House of Cloverfield: Defunct

 File:Cloverfieldcrest.png
The House of Cloverfield was an extremely minor noble family that managed the island of Beau's Tooth. Unremarkable and rumored to have purchased nobility due to their mercantile roots, the family married into the House of Grayblade during a period where the family was just as unremarkable as they. Though it later paid off as the cousin house was able to gain minor advisory roles in the Headlands, their best boon came upon the affiliated house's perceived destruction. Elevated by blood right to Marcher Lord after the apparent destruction of House Grayblade, the Cloverfields enjoyed a brief amount of power before an accident abruptly cut their joy short, killing the small family off and leaving the House of Darkoak in power.

### The Reach

#### The House of Greyfield

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The House of Greyfield is one of the longest standing houses within the Headlands. Though throughout Headlander history they have instigated or partaken in a significant amount of bloodshed, the family's name is one of the most well respected and they are seen as the three great families of the Headlands. Leaders of the Reach and lords of the great city of Brandon's Stead, the Greyfields are a proud lineage that has faced near utter destruction several times, only to bounce back stronger than ever. They are currently led by Lord Derrik Greyfield, a bastard born son of the late Cail Greyfield who was legitimized following the presumed death of the last true born heir, Sieglinde Greyfield.

#### The House of Lockewood

 File:Lockewoodcrest2.png
The House of Lockewood is an extremely new house formed in the Headlands under Lady Lilurah Lockewood following her exemplary service in the blades and as steward to Lady Sieglinde Greyfield. Appointed as baroness of the Oak following the demise of the House of Oakenhale, the House of Lockewood has achieved varying successes in the woods that share the name of the township. Now under Daryl Lockewood, the House continues to manage the region through the troubling times that have befallen the Oak.

#### The House of Darkoak

 File:Darkoakcrest2.png
The House of Darkoak was one of the longest lived families in Headlander history. Seen as the "Fourth Great Family" of the Headlands, the Darkoaks found their roots within the pagan natives that once dominated Gilneas. Famed for their lands of Rosefield and its fertile lush plains, the Darkoaks used their druidic roots to extreme success economically and militarily, resisting subjugation by the de facto leaders of the Reach, the Greyfields. Seen as a substantial part of the Headlander history, the family's cousin branches eventually began to die out or removed themselves from the family name as they left the Headlands region. Having married into the House of Grayblade through Erleia Darkoak, the family was placed as Marcher Lords of the Bite following the apparent demise of the House. The house met its end at the resurfacing of Lord Berenal Grayblade, where the resurgent lord apparently murdered the lord and his only heir, thus putting an end to the blood line. Though the charges were later dropped upon evidence of framing, the family has been made defunct by the incident and are survived by their former cadet branch, the House of Dayne. The sole survivor of the house, Lerren Dayne, later petitioned to use his blood to revive the name Darkoak and begin the lineage anew, without the stain of betrayal that was the House of Dayne. It was approved, thus reviving the House under Lerren and ending the Dayne family.

#### The House of Darkwatcher

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The House of Darkwatcher is a new family to the region borne through the efforts of Khloros Darkwatcher, former captain of the Iron Guard. Having come from humble roots, Lord Darkwatcher answered the call of the then rising Lord Lerren Dayne and became his most trusted ally within the Reach. Staunchly loyal to his position, Khloros was eventually raised into knighthood by Lord Dayne and when Lerren was elevated to earl and onto the house of Darkoak, Khloros once again rose with him. Elevated to Baron of Ironwood, the House of Darkwatcher was born. They rule from the former Dayne seat of Ironwood Keep and Khloros has begun the lineage by marrying Clarisa Thornwind of the Thornwind Clan.

#### The House of Velanaris

 File:Velanariscrest2.png
The House of Velanaris is a minor but new family borne from the efforts of Remegis Velanaris. Having served in the Blades faithfully alongside Duke Berenal Grayblade from its initial roots when the lord had begun to rebuild the order, Remegis is one of the few who are known as a close friend to the Duke; even going as far to be able to call him by first name without issue. Having risen into knighthood after joining the Iron Guard successfully, Remegis was placed in command of Ridgebreaker Keep. After the elevation of Lerren onto Earl, Ridgebreaker was placed onto its own domain of Ridgebane, a Baronetcy. As a result, Remegis was rather abruptly elevated onto, rather low, peerage.

#### The House of Marshoak

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An older family that was one of House Dayne's original bannermen, they were the only house to survive fully through the two rebellions that wracked the Headlands. Stemming from bastard blood of the House of Darkoak as well, though far more removed, the Marshoaks were loyal to Dayne for generations and were known to hold the only port in the Reach, Seaward. After the elevation of Lerren onto Earl, the Marshoaks were granted a barony by the name of Ironsea and made barons as well. After the death of the former Lord Marshoak during the retaking of Rosefield, the current lord is Zale Marshoak, his son.

#### The House of Woodcourt

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The House of Woodcourt is a relatively new family that finds its roots in the Reach. Originally a family of craftsmen, the Woodcourts were elevated unto hereditary knighthood under Sir Bashel Woodcourt, Alastar Woodcourt's (the current lord) father. Elevated for his service in the army and heroism during the Second War, the Woodcourts found themselves slowly making their way through the ranks of the Reachmen knights until they were one of the more trusted guardsmen of the House of Greyfield. Alongside the Lancewroths, the Woodcourts guarded the Greyfield lords. Sir Bashel died during the Invasion of Gilneas, though his children lived on and continued their family name. Eventually granted command of the Arbor Wardens and the land of Highroost, the Woodcourts were elevated to barons by way of Sir Alastar Woodcourt due to his repeated excellence in service. Now lords of the Barony of the Roost, the Woodcourts retain their loyal and devoted nature. The family holds a deep reverence for the Old Ways, with wicker connection through their bloodline.

#### The House of Frostvine

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Barons of the Frost and leader of the coalition known as the Baronetcies of the Frost, the Frostvines were once the rulers of the Viscounty of the Frost. Extremely close in heritage to their wicker ancestors, the Frostvines rebelled alongside the Wickers during the Second War of Thorns, capturing the lords of Darkoak and Greyfield. After brutally murdering the Darkoak heir through castration, crucifixion, then freezing them to death, animosity grew between the rest of the Reach towards them. After the Second War of Thorns, the Greyfields took vengeance on the Frostvines. Executing most of the extended family alongside the lord of Frostvine, the central and northern reach were united in disdain for the family. The animosity carried out throughout history, refusing to answer Reachmen calls to arms outside of pure necessity. During the Second Range Rebellion, the Frostvines allowed Simeon Houndsbane's forces to capture part of the Eastern Reach. Following this, Houndsbane's forces betrayed the Frostvines and captured most of their men to be used as sacrifices. The Frostvines then earned their freedom by rebelling from within Hound's Ward, which allowed the Duke's forces to invade Hound's Ward easier. Though this was not done for loyalty's sake, the Frostvines were pardoned and their involvement kept secret from all but the Duke, the Marcher Lord and the Regent.

#### The House of Dayne: Defunct

 File:Dayne.png
The House of Dayne is a longstanding Headlander house that traces its bloodline back to a bastard of the House of Darkoak. Originally seen as a cadet branch of the Darkoaks and protectors of their farther reaches during Rosefield's time as a viscounty, the house of Dayne was exiled during an incident known as the Dayne Rebellion, where they attempted to over through the rule of the House of Greymane. A colossal failure on many parts, the house was disenfranchised and its last member, the heir Lerren Dayne, was taken as a captive to be raised under less treasonous influence. Through an unknown mishap, those who were slated to raise the young Dayne were slain and he escaped. Through one way or the other, Lerren managed to work his way into the Blades of Greymane, where he continues to serve valiantly in the name of their kingdom. For his efforts, he was named Baron of Rosefield and has worked to revitalize and restore his tarnished family name. He later petitioned to use his blood to revive the name Darkoak and begin the lineage anew, without the stain of betrayal that was the House of Dayne. It was approved, thus reviving the House under Lerren and ending the Dayne family.

#### The House of Oakenhale: Defunct

The House of Oakenhale was a long lived family within the Headlands that saw little to no real importance at any point. Born of a cousin branch of the House of Greyfield, the Oakenhales managed the small barony of the Oak for the majority of their existence. The family was characterized by its distinct lack of ambition and drive, and upon the invasion of Gilneas was almost completely obliterated. The family met its complete end when the last Oakenhale, who had been harbored in Theramore was slain upon the mana bomb detonation. They were replaced by the much more ambitious House of Lockewood which had already done more for the region shortly after appointment than the Oakenhales had in their entire existence.

### The Range

#### The House of Gregor

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One of the three Great Families, the House of Gregor is one of the oldest families in the Headlands. Ruling over the March of the Range, the Gregors have long since been a principle family that have embraced change that has come with Gilneas' evolution. Loyal to a fault and staunch worshipers of the Light, the Gregor family exemplifies modern Gilnean themes. A vast family, they are led by Xavier Gregor's eldest son, Adrian Gregor, who rules out of their seat of Gregor's Crossing within the Earldom of Gryphon's Roost.

#### The House of McCallan

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Lords of Snow-wood, formerly of the Earldom of the Grip, the McCallans are a southern Gilneas family that has been brought into the Headlands through their service in the Blades of Greymane. The current head of the house, John "Reaper" McCallan is a close friend to Berenal Grayblade, being able to call him by his first name without issue. He was elevated to Headland Nobility after his return from his imprisonment in Kalimdor. Having been granted the region of Snow-wood after its conquest and an ancient blood tie to the region, the McCallans have been made Barons of Snow-wood and kept under their service to Lord Adrian Gregor.

#### The House of Houndsbane

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Lords of Fang's Grip and former viscounts, the House of Houndsbane is a long standing Range family. One of the few nobles who were established in the Range, due to the lack of centralization in the region, the Houndsbanes were characteristically loyal to the House of Gregor. This trend was broken by Lord Simeon Houndsbane who set off the chain of events for the First and Second Range Rebellions. Rather than completely be disbanded, Lady Liara Houndsbane salvaged the family name by siding with the Duchy during the second rebellion against her brother. By the end of the rebellion, Liara was named the new lady of the House of Houndsbane.

#### The House of Darkwater

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Lords of the Dusk Thicket, the House of Darkwater is one of the older families of the Range. Originating as simple knights sworn to the House of Gregor back when the family revered the Old Ways, the Darkwaters set off into the Dusk Thicket towards the apex of the War in the Headlands. Seeking religious freedom, they established the town of Darkhaven within the Dusk Thicket. They later resurfaced, pledging loyalty to the House of Gregor a few years after the end of the war. The family was believed wiped out during the Invasion of Gilneas when the lord and his sons were killed defending Xavier Gregor, but a splinter branch of the family was found. Led now by Mari Gregor, a Darkwater who wed the Marcher Lord, the family continues as proactive members of the Range.

#### The House of Kolreen

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Lords of the Sheer, the Kolreens are a house that can trace its origins to the Range. Formerly a knightly house, they were risen into upper nobility. The Kolreens now look over the lands that were once entrusted to the Whitefangs until their stepping down. Aside from their rise to nobility, the Kolreens have served the Gregors as knights for quite some time and were once known to watch over the fringes of the Range.

#### The House of Chesterhill

Descendants of the House of Chester, the Chesterhills have been granted their forebears lands and titles after the extensive work of Major Aeliren Chesterhill in the Blades of Greymane and beyond. Placed in the hands of one of the most loyal members of their order, Aeliren seeks to restore the barony of Edenford and its respective holdings in the name of the Range. The family has chosen to adopt the colors of their ancestors rather than replace them, having updated the crest to more modern appearances.

#### The House of Chester: Defunct

Lords of the Barony of Edenford, the House of Chester has been defunct for many generations. Originating from the region of Duskhaven, they rose from a small family, being brought to the Headlands for their services to the crown, where they were granted the lands of Edenford. Following the destruction of Edenford, the family's legacy has been mostly lost to time. They are survived by the Chesterhills, who is in service to the Blades of Greymane.

### Ardeiria

#### The House of Vaught

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Founded by dissenters to the Troll Wars 2,801 years ago, the House of Vaught were the first settled of the north-western mountain ranges in Gilneas to be successful. After 20 years of enslavement of the remaining peoples (Both wicker and simple barbarians), construction, and warring against raiders, Ardeiria was founded as an Empire under Aderyn I. This was undone after Aderyn the Third's reign, if only to keep them locked away from Gilneas. This worked up until around 150 years ago, when the Crimsonthorns - their former allies - alerted the King of their presence and began the War of Subjugation.

#### The House of Kresten

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Originally the greatest blacksmiths of Aderyn's barony, the Krestens were born from the lands later named Lordaeron. During the travels to what would become Ardeiria, they were the ones who stole from other settlers, often murdering them in the process. Once the Empire was founded, they became the backbone of its military -- both in the nobility and the Ministry of War , which is predominantly men from the Bull. During the War of Subjugation, they were known as the region that gave the Royal Army the most trouble, namely due to the Gilnean general Rengford's evident sadism and immorality. However, they fell after Taeron's Boys were quelled in the Heron.

#### The House of Caer

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Viscounts of the Stag, they were Heronbrook's (Aderyn's former Barony) patrolmen and native militia. Born to the fields of Arathor, these men were known for their uncorrupted view of justice and sense of compassion -- an oddity for a race so recently started by the Vrykul. They did little in the way of protecting the caravan on the way to Ardeiria, but once it was founded they became its breadbasket, as well as a source for frontline soldiers. During the War of Subjugation, they were easily defeated and became the main staging point to pierce into the Heron.

#### The House of Vauswen

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Originally a bastard line of House Vaught, the House of Vauswen was created by Haedric Vaught (The then-king's brother) and made a cadet branch. However, after the Vulture's Rebellion wherein the Geroths had taken Vaughriff and were made to defend it, the House of Swen gave support to the usurpers and were then punished for it. As a puppet of Queen Anneryn Vaught's will, they later became known as the only family in Ardeiria known to practice real magic. In possession of the Barony of the Wedge, they maintained a strict isolationism during the War of Subjugation, beating back Ambrose Greymane's tired troops and promptly walling themselves off further.

#### The House of Maine

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The cousins of the former House of Raeford, they betrayed their family and remained loyal to House Caer during their peasant rebellion. For this, they were given the Baronetcy of the Iron, which was later extended to a Barony after they created the Vanquishers. They were the only family during the War of Subjugation within the Stag that was able to promptly fight back, due to being the only men in that region with aptly trained knights. Their position has always been the watchers of the border to the Bull, due to the two region's adamant hatred of each other - further fueled by religion.

#### The House of Redfist

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Owners of the Baronetcy of the Ruby Tide, they were originally enslaved clansmen owned by the later rebel House of Baltzer. However, they began becoming too civilized and human-like to truly enslave them without reason (For that reason and the Baronetcy being vacant), and were given their former master's area after their failed rebellion. Today, they are known for having multiple children, much like the Vauswens. However, they are only allowed to take one spouse (In contrast to the Vauswen's unlimited and one prime), and so it has become more iconic. They supply Ardeiria with the Bull's rubies, giving them luxury goods beside minc fur.

#### The House of Payge

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Baronets of Honorbrook, the House of Payge are one of the riches families in the Stag purely due to their positioning. Honorbrook sits at the northern border of the Stag and Heron, and so it receives travelers from both areas and, due to the Heron's normal wealth, have remained economically stable to say the least. They are often known as above-average tacticians, often held back by the overarching honorable cultural within the Stag. Honorbrook has been invaded in nearly every war in Ardeiria, causing much of the gold obtained from Heronites to be used for repairs - rather than luxury.

### Notable Headlands Families

#### Delhomme Family

Though not of Gilneas, the Delhomme Family has become incorporated with the region through the settlement of Stormbrook within the Barony of the Sheer. Sir Renat Delhomme, a Westfall-born paladin, has affiliated with the Order of the Onyx Knights and the Blades of Greymane and was more than willing to take up position of a landed knight to offer the starving and homeless people of Westfall a new place within Gilneas. As his settlement is within the Range, he is affiliated mainly with that region.

#### Daggerfang Family

The Daggerfangs are a small Gilnean family originating from the town of Keel Harbour. Though not of nobility, the family is well known for their strong Naval history, many of the family's members earning high ranks within the Gilnean Navy. Though, now even smaller then before the Exodus of Gilneas, the family lives on as the current head of the family, Admiral Ranets Daggerfang strives every day to keep the family alive and strong.

There are only five Daggerfangs left. They are not affiliated with the Duchy.

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#### Nash Family

The Nash Family is a Gilnean family who also originate from Keel Harbour.The two families have close bonds and both share a heavy naval history. They too, are not of nobility, but are a notable sight within the region. While ultimately the majority of the family fell over time, two members still remain, the family currently led by Chief Petty Officer Rurhan Warmane, who is striving to reignite the families heritage as he trains to become a sailor within the Gilnean Navy.

The family is small, with only two members still remaining.