House O'Benin

Banner of House O'Benin created by @partbearpartnot

House O'Benin, located in Bronzeclaw, is a major Noble House in Merion. As the home and seat of power of one of The Twelvescore Enobled it is a major geo-political force in Merion, and an important contributor to the events prior to The Cataclysm and the resulting Merionese Succession Crisis.

## History

The large swath of land House O'Benin holds claim do did not always belong to them. In fact they were but a minor family ruling over only what would become Iron Rose. Around 995 YoG the ruling house, whose name has either been lost or expunged from records, raised its banners in rebellion to too some perceived slight. Due to some far off border conflicts it took the Candlebooks a considerable time to raise a force to deal with these rebellious lords and by then the disloyal vassals had built significant defenses and both sides prepared for a long war of attrition.

It must of been quite a shock to the attacking general that, after a week of siege of the defenses at the gate through (patreon mountain rang), new banners were seen hanging off the battlements. In fact as the Candlebrooks would find out the banner of the O'Benin's hung over almost every fort in the area.

As was discovered later while the rebellion was sending all its troops to its defenses House O'Benin, led by that young Lord Alistair, had been waging a guerrilla war against them. In one of the largest ambushes of Bronzeclaw history, Lord Alistairs troops had seeming appeared out of the woods and crushed the main contingent of rebel army. It is said that Lord Alistair killed the leader of the rebellion in single combat, though there is no proof of it.

Due to their Invaluable effort in ending the rebellion House O'Benin was offered a large portion of the land. In a shocking political move Lord Alastair refused claiming that since his House had protected the land his House deserved all of it. Not wanting to start another rebellion after just ending one the Candlebrooks relented and House O'Benin re-swore their oaths of loyalty now as lords of the land.

House O'Benin kept to itself for the next 85 years focusing only on regional diplomacy and trade. After the death of his father Duncan, Lord George O'Benin took over as leader of the House. Many were worried as George was quite the firebrand in his youth but it seems that his time becoming a Knight of Earth has considerable tempered him. Lord George has spoken about the need for House O'Benin to have a larger say in politics, though whether his dreams will be achived has yet to be seen.

## Leadership and Government

House O'Benin is currently lead by Lord George O'Bening The heir apparent is Fraser O'Benin

## Personality and Atmosphere

Both House O'Benin and the people of the land are known for their love of the outdoors and celebrations. Lord George spends little time with the peasants but when he does he tries to cultivate a appearance of a just, if strict, monarch. As a Knight of Earth he has been known to help settle disputes between merchants and the like.

## Traditions and Culture

Almost everyone in the lands of House O'Benin works either in the mines or somehow serving those that do. A love of large celebrations runs strong in their Veins

#### **The Grand Tourney**

Every year the House O'Benin hosts the Grand Tourney. Almost everyone is given the day off to attend it and Lords and Lady's of every region are invited. Throughout the 5 day long celebration every athletic ability is tested as are a few artistic ones such as poetry and singing. The Grand Tourney is culminated with a massive mock battle between two forces. The champion of the battle is honored and likely hired by House O'Benin.

### Notable Buildings and Monuments

* The Myriad Mines: House O'Benins land his home to massive mine networks. The 3 major ones producing Gold, Silver, And Black Iron (A Iron which always maintains the obsidian black color it is known for. Said to be stronger then normal Iron, though whether that's true or not has been, and remains to be debated.

## Relationships and Diplomacy

### Relationships with The Crown

Since the ending of the rebellion House O'Benin has had little interactions with the throne. When they have they are always seen as happily loyal, always sending in their tithes with a smile.

## Trivia

House O'Benin is written and played by someone @MalkavianEldar