House of Rourke
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Descending from the once royal House of Elendil, came the House of Rourke (Common: Rourke; New Marian: Ruairc; High Imperial: Rourkus), established by Erin I, bastard son of Josiah Elendil and Cassia of Rourke. House O'Rourke has been renowned throughout history for their role as politicians and merchants. They made their first mark on the descendant realms in Atlas in the Duchy of Adria, with Patrick I becoming the Maer of Belvitz. Though most notably, their political adroitness landed them center stage in the Josephite Party in the Holy Orenian Empire. For this, they were afforded the County of Halstaig, a title once held by their ancestor Braehn Eldenil An'Hiraeth. Despite the eventual waning of Orenia, House O'Rourke continued to hold on to the county through titular means as they migrated between the Commonwealth of the Petra and the Kingdom of Númendil.
History
The First Era; The Founding
Erin I, beget four sons during his travels as a Bowie. The Eldest was Seamus, a man as quick to anger as a priest was prayer, then was William, a savant with numbers but too fond of the drink to use the intelligence GOD graced him with. Next came Padrick, a jovial giant of a man with soft eyes and a penchant for agitation of the plebeian masses. Last came Patricio, a man born in two worlds while being a part of neither for he was neither Ame or Adunian. For a time the brothers four traveled as Harren once had, with no home and no master but the sun and moon. After years of this roving, they came to the quaint town of Belvitz. The story is still told around the tables when the family gathers about how the four brothers drove off a murderous band of desperadoes. In return, the graceful Duke Ratibor granted them a roll of the sacred dice of Adria. It was in that dice that Padrick picked up that lay the future for the brothers four. For with that simple roll, he would ensure his own power as he became an alderman and finally a mayor until his death. Not much else is recorded from these times as it is believed that few if any of the brothers could write or read. The scraps of information that remain of these days are gleaned from records of Belvitz and oral traditions. What can be asserted is that the four brothers had children, many of which left Belvitz and the demise of the four brothers. It is said one vanished into the jungles, another drowned in a barrel of whiskey, one hung on the scaffold high, and the last was lost to the pages of history.
The Second Era; The Rise to Nobility
Two Generations since the last gathering of the blood had been called the clan had scattered to the winds. Padraig or as he is known to Imperial Sources Patrick II so-called the Grim due to his dour demeanor was contacted by a distant cousin of his calling on an age-old blood debt owed to the House of Carrion. Ever one to stand by his clan’s name he sought out the young lordling Ostromir Carrion, together the cousins crossed from Aeldin along with a retinue of scholars, mercenaries, priests, and servants. Patrick served for a time as a loyal retainer for Ostromir, but a servile life was not in the stars for the young man and it was then that he met a flaxen-haired beauty. After repaying the debt by saving the young crow from a demonic wyvern at the cost of his leg, Patrick moved from the Carrion Estate to the little town of Owynsburg in Kaedrin. It was during this time he sent word to the clan to come to Kaedrin. The first to answer his kin to answer his call was his brother Donovan ‘The Fair’, followed by his cousins Oisin (Later named John I ‘The Sailor’), William ‘Little Willy’, Santaina ‘Santi’, and lastly his sister Quinn ‘The Redheart’. The young family lived at first in relative poverty with six of them sharing a small lodging above their print shop, the first of many businesses of the O’Rourke Company. After a few minor successes by Donovan in the Equine business and some minor black market dealings, the family was finally financially stable enough to afford a proper home moving into a manor soon dubbed ‘The O’Rourke House.’ They were joined by a myriad of house guests such as Elke Lorenthus, an elvish druid who was a lifelong friend of Padraig; Válindàl Visaj — Grishnâkh’Raguk who later was known as the Crimson Rex of Krugmar, and a further myriad of unique personalities.
It was during that time that the family forayed first into political life, with Patrick running for Mayor and John for Member of the House of Commons. It was at this moment that the young man that would go on to be one of the most controversial figures within Orenian Political history was molded by the actions of Kaedrini elites and anti-Adunian reactionaries. When Patrick and his cousins first moved to Kaedrin they were greeted by signs reading ‘No Adunians need Apply’, and with housing in cramped Ghetto conditions. Despite this persecution -
The Third Era; Introduction to Imperialism
Snow fell upon Helena, coating its terracotta walls in a thick layer of white. Deep within the House of Commons, a fire was snuffed out followed by the gentle creaking of a door opening. “You again? Bahh! What do you want?” Were the last words ever uttered in the room. The next day, Patrick was found dead in his office. A voiceless funeral was held for the Count. Later that day Patrick’s eldest child, Azariah was approached by the Duke of Crestfall. Words were exchanged and admin the servants of Selm, Azariah was made Countess of Halstaig and Head of House O’Rourke. From there on, she took the formal name, Anastasia. After becoming Countess, Anastasia began a relationship with Carter Komnenos II, a descendant of Emperor John I. When the descendants fled Arcas to Almaris, Anastasia with the help of her grandfather Jonah Stahl-Elendil, began construction on the O’Rourke Stronghold; Erin Hall. Two years into the construction of the stronghold, Anastasia wed Carter in a private ceremony. The couple bore four children together, Gareth “The Unworthy”, Auden “The Mace-Catcher”, Iduna “The White” & Maeve “The Rose”. In the summer of 1801, the final tile in Erin Hall was laid and thus the structure was completed. Having been the first manor completed in the Empire’s countryside, Erin Hall stood as a beacon to the testament of the Adunian prowess.
Soon after, Patrick II's, long-lost son Patrick III re-emerged from a voyage to Aeldin with his daughter, Janette. Together Patrick and Anastasia dominated Providencial Politics before they split apart with Patrick venturing the Southbridge to join the Ranger Corps and Anastasia continuing her political career in Providence as Head City Clerk following the departure of Annabelle Kelmenour. Both of the siblings continued to progress in their respective fields with Patrick eventually becoming Warden of Southbridge and Anastasia, Magistrate of Providence. As their careers flourished, they turned their focus back to raising a family. Patrick wed Emilia Morgyrn and Anastasia wed Carter Komnenos. Both of their marriages were said to be relatively unhappy which eventually led to the assassination of Carter and the suicide of Emilia.
By this time Anastasia had sired her an heir; Gareth Padraig however Gareth soon fell ill and departed from the Empire, making his claim to the O'Rourke title illegitimate. Her second eldest son, Auden Thein had taken up the practice of the arcane arts, rendering him illegible to take the Halstaig title. This left her daughter, Iduna Anne as heir to Halstaig. Throughout her childhood, Iduna would be surrounded by servants and tutors, teaching her skills in leadership to prepare her for the title she would later inherit. In 1828, an assassination attempt was launched on Akello Cenobia - One of Anastasia's closest allies who at the time was living with the Countess. When the Countess returned home that night she was caught in the crossfire of the assassination. It was presumed Anastasia had perished due to the assassination as she was not seen in Oren since. This spiraled into what would become the presumed death of Anastasia and the ascension of Iduna to Countess.
Upon her initial assumption of the comital title, Iduna found herself challenged by the House of Lords over her birthright to hold such a station. After a year-long back-and-forth legal debate, the House, led by Erik var Ruthern eventually gave in and publically recognized Iduna as Countess of Halstaig. Due to the Nordling defeat several years prior, Iduna's reign was remarkably uneventful as Oren had secured itself once again as the uncontested leader in military and economic standings. Her reign eventually came to a close in 1849 after she was drug under the waves by a tropical storm while traveling at sea. Iduna's eldest daughter, Theodosia Illeana was then ushered to the comital throne as the next Countess of Halstaig.
House Culture and Tradition
The O'Rourkes descend from the Kings of Adunia; the Elendils and thus are very proud of their Adunian heritage, even being able to trace their direct ancestry back to Harren Horenson himself. Originally following in the footsteps of their parent house, Erin O'Rourke and the First Era strictly followed Bowie culture however, when the O'Rourkes settled down in Belvitz, they began slowly integrating into modern society. Further Imperial aspects began to spread into the family's culture during the Second Era and most notably during the Third under the reign of Iduna Anne who grew up in the Augustine Palace; the catalyst of modern Imperial society. Despite this many branches of the O'Rourkes fully rejected Imperial culture and embraced their Bowie ancestry as seen with Desmond Woodes.
House Relics
Forged by blacksmiths of Ildon, Liar’s Bane, a bastard sword with magical properties was originally given to the Hand of the Adunian King who was believed to be an ancestor of Erin I. Over time, the blade was passed down to the strongest warrior of the clan thus leading it to see many famous historical battles such as the Siege of Helena when Pious I wielded the blade or when Anastasia I wielded the blade in the Battle of Outer Arentania, and most recently when Calahan Antonius utilized the blade in the Battle of Lower Petra.
Making its debut during the Sutican War was a monkey’s paw discovered by Patrick II which he named Crow’s Heart due to the dark jewel it was crafted out of. Patrick II was able to control Crow’s Heart, not falling for the magical tricks; however, he commonly used it during political meetings and House of Commons sessions to intimidate his opponents. After Patrick II’s death, the jewel was given to his nephew, Dimitri Orlov. Five years later during the descendants' evacuation from Arcas to Almaris, Crow’s Heart was lost at sea just off the coast of the Daeperician Archipelago.
House Hierarchy
- Core Leadership
- Count/Countess - The Count or Countess otherwise referred to as the Peer serves as the executive chief of the House of Rourke, tasked with leading the family on a path of social and economic success.
- Heir - Second in command to the Count or Countess, the Heir serves as both an advisor to the current reigning peer along with serving as a leadership envoy to the Capital. The Heir is tasked with upholding a good public reputation of the family along with arranging marriages and events. In the event that the Count or Countess is absent from their duties, the Heir is to replace them until either they are made the Count or Countess or until the Count or Countess returns.
- Count/Countess’s Council - The Count or Countess Council is made up of five positions or seats. The Council serves primarily to advise the current reigning Peer and Heir however if both the Peer and Heir are incapable of fulfilling their duties the Council. Each member of the council is granted one vote.
- Grand Heir - The Grand Heir is the 2nd line to the Committal title. The Grand Heir often acts as the speaker of the Council, calling them together in times of need and relaying the discussions of the Council back to the Heir and Peer. When the current Heir becomes the Count or Countess, the Grand Heir is promoted to Heir.
- Seneschal of Erin Hall - The Seneschal of Erin Hall is the steward of the O’Rourke estate in Halstaig. They are tasked with the production and upkeep of the estate. If needed, the Seneschal may assign a Master of the Grounds to assist them with their duties.
- Seneschal of Cassia Hall - The Seneschal of Cassia Hall is the steward of the O’Rourke estate in Redenford. They are tasked with the production and upkeep of the estate in addition to tending to the well-being of the residents. Since Cassia Hall is located within a Municipality, the Seneschal is not permitted to appoint additional support to assist them.
- Keeper of Knowledge - The rank of Keeper of Knowledge is typically granted to a family elder or a family historian. The Keeper is tasked with educating members of the House on Adunian & Orenian culture & history. Furthermore, the Keeper is expected to keep records of the family along with building up the family archive.
- Keeper of Bones - The Keeper of Bones is responsible for keeping a healthy connection with the Church of Canon. The Keeper is expected to be an ordained church acolyte or priest. When members of the house are gravely ill, the Keeper performs their last rites.
- Keeper of Books - Upon the presumed death of Anastasia I, Iduna I introduced the Keeper of Books title in place of Grand Heir as the position became vacant. The Keeper of Books acts similarly to the Keeper of Knowledge in nature however, while the Keeper of Knowledge preserves family records the Keeper of Book manages all public family-related ledgers.
Titles
County of Halstaig
A titular title afforded to Oisin O'Rourke by Emperor Peter III in 1781. During Empress Anne I's reign on Almaris, the title was made landed and a marble estate known as Erin Hall was constructed in the western reaches of the Empire. After the events of the Aster Revolution, Erin Hall was later demolished and reconstructed into a formidable castle.
Barony of Daleport
On the Daeperician Archipelago, the Barony of Daleport was established on the southern shores by several Human Houses and Dwarven Clans. Azariah O'Rourke was elected as Baroness of Daleport. When the descendants left the Archipelago, the Barony was forgotten and the title, was no longer recognized.
Barony of Al'Ildic
Following the dissolution of the Fifth Kingdom of Oren, the remaining O'Rourkes under Sadie I found shelter among the Commonwealth of Petra where they were given Baronial status. While initially, they kept the title of Halstaig, they chose to drop it for the Baronial title of Al'Ildic instead, so as not to degrade Halstaig's status.
Notable Members
Padrick Erin ✝ (@Mandoleader)
Lord Mayor and Alderman of Belvitz, Weapon Smuggler to the Kingdom of Gladewynn
Oisin Seamus ✝ (@Areontrade)
First Count of Halstaig, Founder and Captain of the Imperial State Navy, Secretary of Defense for Kaedrin, Member of the House of Commons, Founder of the O’Rourke Printing Press.
Padraig Pious ✝ (@Mandoleader)
Second Count of Halstaig, Minister of the Interior of Oren, Secretary of Wealth for Kaedrin, Member of the House of Commons, Lord Mayor of Owynsburg.
Santiana Jose ✝ (@Radzig)
Captain of the Cock o' the Rock, Coxswain of the Imperial State Navy
Donovan Tyrone (@Bogs_Binny)
Kaedrini Imperial Boxing Association Host, Founder of the O’Rourke Equine Business, Imperial Medic.
Azariah Cassia ✝ (@Asutto)
Third Countess of Halstaig, Magistrate of Providence, Alderwoman of Helena & Providence, Head City Clerk of Providence, Lieutenant Grenademaster of the Imperial State Army.
Patrick Adrian ✝ (@jameson_h)
Minister of the Home Office, Proprietor of Redenford, Seneschal of Cassia Hall, Chairman of the National Party, Member of the House of Commons, Warden of the Rangers of Eastwood, Alderman of Providence.
Iduna Anne ✝ (@Itz_Cookie123)
Fourth Countess of Halstaig, Mistress of Arts & Culture for the Augustine Palace, Augustine Palace Court Educator, Apprentice Vodial Mage.
Auden Thein ✝ (@bloomtiara)
Seneschal of Erin Hall, Imperial State Army Private First Class, Creator of the Halstaig Library.
Desmond Woodes ✝ (@Scorce1799)
Owner of Paddy’s Pint Tavern in Providence, Paddy’s Pub Tavern in Redenford, and the Docks Grog Tavern in Sutica.
Cillian Edward (@Setsuko)
Surgeon-General of Oren, Four-Term Speaker of the Assembly of Providence, Head Clerk in Redenford, Lieutenant in the Imperial State Army, Captain of the Orenian Naval Fleet & Dockmaster in Redenford.
Owyn Donovan ✝ (@jmeatball)
Central Circuit Court Judge of Oren, Alderman of Providence, Head of the O’Ceartas Lineage.
Calahan Antonius (@__Pyrite)
Architect of Erin Hall, Lieutenant of the Westguard, Bosun of the HIMS Ark of Peril and Grace of Freedom
Theodosia Illeana ✝ (@rainedropf)
Fifth Countess of Halstaig, Inquisitor-General of Oren, Lady Vicar of Arentania & Oltermont, Captain of the Westguard
Sadie Cristonia (@Moenah)
Sixth Countess of Halstaig, First Baroness of Al'Ildic
Patriarchs of Rourke
Originally House O'Rourke followed an agnatic-cognatic primogeniture succession system, meaning that the eldest son of the family head takes over upon their death unless there are no eligible males - in which case a female may inherit. However during the reign of Patrick II, the house adopted a lineal primogeniture succession system meaning, the oldest living child inherits with no regard to gender. This change led to the first female matriarch of the House of Rourke, Anastasia I becoming Countess with her eldest child, Iduna Anne inheriting after her.
| Name | Portrait | Birth Parentage |
Marriage(s) Issue |
Death | Coat of Arms | Title(s) | Succession Right |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erin I "The Smith" Erin Josiah 1590-1642 (52 Years) |
|
1572 Brolwic, Aeldin Son of Josiah Elendil & Cassia of Rourke |
Margaret O'Malley Galaeve, Aeldin 4 Children |
1642 Unknown Age 70 |
|
N/A | House Founder |
| Patrick I "The Tippler" Padrick Erin 1642 - 1731 (89 Years) |
|
1639 Adelburg, The Empire of Man Son of Erin Elendil-O'Rourke & Margaret O'Malley |
Vasa Crow Belvitz, Duchy of Adria 3 Children |
1731 Helena, Holy Orenian Empire Age 92 |
|
Maer of Belvitz | Middle Son of Erin I |
| Pious I "The Somnolent" Pious Padrick 1731 - 1756 (25 Years) |
|
1692 Belvitz, Duchy of Adria Son of Padrick O'Rourke & Vasa Crow |
Clover Agusta Helena, Kingdom of Renatus 3 Children |
1756 Brolwic, Aeldin Age 64 |
|
N/A | Eldest Son of Patrick I |
| John I "The Sailor" Oisin Seamus 1756 - 1788 (32 Years; 7 as Count) |
|
1742 Brolwic, Aeldin Son of Sean O'Rourke & Kerry O'Vonstat |
Marina Dubois Owynsburg, Commonwealth of Kaedrin No Children |
1788 Charlesport, Commonwealth of Kaedrin Age 44 |
|
Count of Halstaig Members of the House of Commons |
Eldest Son of Seamus I |
| Patrick II "The Grim" Padraig Pious 1788 - 1791 (3 Years) |
|
1744 Brolwic, Aeldin Son of Pious O'Rourke & Clover Augusta |
Illaena Elendil Owynsburg, Commonwealth of Kaedrin 4 Children |
1791 Helena, Holy Orenian Empire Age 47 |
|
Count of Halstaig Minister of the Interior Members of the House of Commons |
Eldest Son of Pious I |
| Anastasia I "The Sword" Azariah Cassia 1791 - 1828 (37 Years) |
|
1770 Owynsburg, Commonwealth of Kaedrin Daughter of Padraig O'Rourke & Illaena Elendil |
Carter Komnenos II Halstaig, Holy Orenian Empire 4 Children |
1828 Providence, Holy Orenian Empire Age 58 |
|
Countess of Halstaig Baroness of Daleport Lady of Erin Hall Magistrate of Providence Knight Commander of the Order of the Lion |
Eldest Daughter of Patrick II |
| Iduna I "The White" Iduna Anne 1828 - 1849 (21 Years) |
|
1805 Halstaig, Holy Orenian Empire Daughter of Anastasia O'Rourke & Carter Komnenos |
Elias Asul'onn Redenford, Holy Orenian Empire 4 Children |
1849 Kahaen Sea Age 44 |
|
Countess of Halstaig Lady of Erin Hall |
Eldest Daughter of Anastasia I |
| Theodosia I "The Black" Theodosia Illeana 1849 - 1876 (27 Years) |
|
1826 Halstaig, Holy Orenian Empire Daughter of Iduna O'Rourke & Elias Asul'onn |
Leopold de Ruyter Providence, Holy Orenian Empire 3 Children |
1876 Vienne, Kingdom of Oren Age 50 |
|
Countess of Halstaig Lady of Erin Hall Inquisitor-General of Oren Lady Vicar of Arentania and Oltermont |
Eldest Daughter of Iduna I |
| Sadie I "The Young" Sadie Cristonia 1876 - 1912 (36 Years) |
|
1866 Halstaig, Holy Orenian Empire Daughter of Theodosia O'Rourke & Leopold de Ruyter |
Vladrick Kortrevich II
1 Child |
Unknown |
|
Countess of Halstaig Baroness of Al'Ildic Lady of Erin Hall |
Eldest Daughter of Theodosia I |
| Emigliana I "The Flower" Emigliana Maeya 1912 - Present |
|
1866 Unknown Daughter of Sadie O'Rourke & Vladrick Kortevich |
Edwyn Stayfr
2 Children |
Alive | 
|
Duchess of Fai O'Thuaid Countess of Halstaig |
Eldest Daughter of Sadie I |
