House of Stafford
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The House of Stafford traces its roots back to when the House of Staunton were merely Dukes of Courland. House Stafford had humble beginnings and for much of their existence, they were commoners who served their liege faithfully. However, that's not to say the family did not do well for themselves. The Staffords garnered wealth and influence by acting as smiths and merchants who operated out of the port-city of Riga, at the heart of the Duchy. While amassing a decent of amount of minae, they had also made quite a reputation for themselves. Their arms and weaponry were of such fine quality, some time ago the term Stafford Steel was coined. Soon, the coffers began to swell, and the family was able to live comfortable lives in relative security. Despite this, they were never out of touch with their origins.
Before the onset of the Riga War, the “Stafford Brothers”, Gregor and Ramsey, as they came to be known, enlisted within the Eagle’s Vigil. During this period was when the Staffords truly set themselves apart as natural martial leaders. Ramsey showed skills in leadership and quickly ascended the ranks, finding a high position within the Officer Corps. Gregor, on the other hand, while not exactly the most bright of the bunch, he demonstrated remarkable strength and prowess in honest melee combat. The two served as inspiring beacons to the common footmen within the ranks, bringing up morale and fighting spirits. Such was necessary when the Riga War broke out. The Houses of Barbanov and Kovachev rallied to the aid of the Vanirs, whilst the Staffords and other Courlanders stood steadfast, ready for the impending onslaught. However, Courland would find itself defeated after the victory at the Battle of Westmark, unable to keep up the war effort against the Carnatian war machine.
Having been couped and the capital lost, House Staunton and their remaining loyal vassals and bannermen fled to the Dreadlands. They were deemed traitors and were thus outcast from the Empire. For 30 long years, they quietly brewed, amassing strength, and plotting their inevitable return.
A series of events led to the resurrection of House Staunton and the eventual uplifting of Stafford into nobility. The time to strike was nigh, as the Empire seemed to have bitten off more than they could chew. Within a short span of years, the Holy Orenian Empire executed another genocide of the Mali’Fenn race, launched an incursion into the Orcish jungles, instigated war with the Dwarves and their vassals, failed to suppress a Savoyard rebellion, and made an attempt on the life of the Archduke John d’Amaury. It would be no surprise that the Empire would have many enemies, each with their own grudges and grievances against the Imperium. Tobias Staunton lept at this opportunity and called his remaining banners to arms. Amongst those who answered the call were the Staffords. Ramsey, who was now on his own, aided the Stauntonite forces in acquiring the stronghold of Ostwick, Courland’s first real foothold upon the realm of Axios, and settled there with what remained of his family. Now an aged man, Ramsey set about organizing the remaining Courlandic loyalists into an effective fighting force. Not as quick and nimble as he once was, he served as a strategist and advisor to King Tobias. During the interwar period, Ramsey had 4 children with his wife, Myranda: Glendon, Teren, Gerhard, and Sophia. Ramsey’s sons would now be young men, and both of them eager to serve within Courland’s newly reformed army, having heard stories of their father and uncle’s successes back when the Kingdom was a Duchy.
Having been quite the swordsman during his youth, Ramsey was able to shed much of his ability to both of his sons. The three often engaged in sparring and practices within Ostwick’s vast courtyard. The two sons, Glendon and Gerhard, both showed remarkable skill with a blade. However, Glendon truly stood out as an exceptional swordsman, repeatedly beating seasoned veterans in practice duels. His father saw potential in him, enlisting him into the Officer Corps, where he was given junior command. Glendon was a natural leader, having a certain charisma that inspired those around him, allowing his unit to claim victory over the others during wargames. He would soon put these new skills to the test as the rebellion grew into a full-on worldwide conflict. Glendon led his men courageously at the Battle of the Gorge, his unit successfully plugging the gap and halting any Orenian advance, buying time for the Dwarven and Stauntonite forces to regroup for a counterattack and a close victory against Orenian defenders. High off their victory, they continued their push southwards into the Orenian Heartlands. There, their advance was halted upon stumbling across the now regrouped Orenian banners in open field. Glendon, along with his few good men were assigned to lead a small advance in what would become known as the Battle of Goldfields, something an inexperienced commander such as him would never expect. Regardless, he performed admirably in his role, helping punch a hole through Orenian lines, leading to a complete rout and panic through the Orenian ranks. There, they proceeded to harass and push them off the battlefield and achieved a decisive victory. However, amidst the chaos of the fighting, Glendon’s brother, Gerhard, would’ve been felled by an Orenian blade. He was certainly troubled by the passing of his brother, but instead of weeping, he used this to strengthen his resolve. He immediately made preparations for the inevitable Siege of Johannesburg, although it would never come. Instead, the Orenian Emperor, Philip Frederick, would detonate the city with a massive thanhic stockpile as to deny the city to Coalition forces, bringing an end to the war. The Courlanders had originally intended find a permanent settlement upon the ruins of the Heartlands, however, that would now be impossible with much of the surrounding area turned into a toxic, unbreathable environment. House Staunton and their vassals would look elsewhere to establish a great capital, sailing towards the Old Dreadlands and building the city of Aleksandria upon the ruins of Fort Dunamis. A great city was constructed, the government was established, and ambitious plans were put into place. All the while, the Stafford family would find itself lifted to nobility by the grace of King Tobias, being elevated to baronial status at first, and eventually being lifted again to comital, where they would be charged with the keeping of the County of Chesire. Glendon planned a small, humble keep to call his own, naming it Castle Hornwood, the current seat of House Stafford.
Notable Figures
Gregor Stafford - Gregor was known for his brute strength and his immense size. Whilst intimidating in appearance, Gregor was known to be very kind, full of humour, and always easy-going. Gregor was also heavily devoted to the Canonist Faith, always keeping a Lorraine Cross around his neck, and eventually leading to his dubbing as “Gregor the Pious.” He was a loud, boisterous man, but would pass quietly in his sleep before the Exodus occurred.
Ramsey Stafford - Ramsey was the older brother to Gregor. He was a fine tactician and strategist, having the ear of King Tobias. From Courland’s humble beginnings to the formation of the Kingdom, he has remained loyal. Knighted by King Tobias, he was later elevated to the status of Baron, becoming the first Stafford patriarch. Soon later he abdicated, leaving the barony to his eldest son, Glendon.
Glendon Stafford - Glendon originally intended to live that carefree life enjoyed by his uncle, Gregor. He was driven by tales of chivalry and valour, but would soon take up a mantle of responsibility upon his father’s abdication. Under his rule, he had Castle Hornwood constructed, behind Aleksandria. Soon after, King Tobias saw it fit to reward Stafford loyalty with a County, Glendon being named the Count of Chesire. From there, he enjoyed a brief run as Lord Marshal, but would soon resign from the role, focusing on issues at home.
Artifacts and Relics
Gregor’s Cross - The Cross of Gregor Stafford. Gregor was known to always carry it into battle, visible against the steel of his plate armor. He would never take it off, believed to be a good luck charm.
Amberheart, the Flaming Sword of Royland - The ancestral sword of House Stafford. First wielded by Royland Stafford during the 18 Years War. During battles, he often set it alight to slay foes. While not exactly practical, it was truly a spectacle.
The Antlered Coronet - The Antlered Coronet was crafted by Glendon Stafford as a small ornament to rest atop his head or helmet. The small crown would be designed from animal bones, horns, and antlers.
The Silverbranch Longbow- The Silverbranch Longbow was a weapon wielded by Stephanie Stafford as her first weapon. She’d crafted it herself after speaking with a local carpenter, planning the most intricate design.
The Famed Lance - The Famed Lance was a green and white adorned polearm wielded by Tancred Stafford, used to win many a tournaments. Known for first adopting the colors of House Stafford.
