![[DALL·E 2025-02-22 16.46.26 - A noble heraldic crest for House Aldori, the famed Swordlords of Brevoy, featuring a pair of crossed Aldori dueling swords on a crimson shield, symbol.webp]] ## **House Aldori** - **Motto/Sigil:** "Steel and Sovereignty" / A crossed dueling sword and laurel wreath on a crimson field. - **Region & Holdings:** Primarily based in **Restov**, the Aldori Swordlords control a significant portion of **southern Brevoy**. Their influence extends into the Stolen Lands, where Lady Jamandi Aldori seeks to establish vassal states like Rivermarch. - **House Colors:** Crimson and Silver. - **Societal Standing:** A **prestigious warrior-noble house**, though not traditional nobility. They command great respect but often clash with Brevoy’s ruling elite. - **Primary Industry:** **Martial training**, **mercenary work**, and **diplomatic influence** through the famed Aldori dueling tradition. --- ### **House Structure & Leadership** - **Current Head of House:** **Lady [[Jamandi Aldori]]** – A pragmatic and ambitious leader, she champions the cause of Aldori independence from the Dragon Throne. - **Heirs & Family Members:** No direct heir currently recognized; leadership is often determined by martial skill rather than bloodline. - **Loyal Retainers & Advisors:** - **[[Kassin Varkaine]]** – A master duelist and strategist. - **[[Idris Kaleth]]** – An envoy handling trade and diplomatic relations (currently negotiating with Rivermarch). - **Notable Ancestral Figures:** - **Baron Sirian Aldori** – The founder of the Aldori dueling style and a figure of legendary status. - **Master Ardan Velkaris** – A duelist who fought off House Surtova’s forces single-handedly during the War of Broken Blades. --- ### **Politics & Influence** - **Alliances & Rivals:** - **Allied with Rivermarch** (Tybalt initiated trade negotiations). - **Rival of House Surtova**, opposing their rule over Brevoy. - **Cautious of House Orlovsky**, who prefer neutrality. - **Political Ideals:** **Self-governance, martial excellence, and autonomy from Brevoy’s throne.** - **Reputation:** Honorable but headstrong, fiercely **independent**, known for their **unparalleled dueling prowess**. - **Enemies & Feuds:** Long-standing **animosity with House Surtova**, who view them as rebels. - **Military Power:** - Elite **Aldori Swordlords** train the best duelists and bodyguards in Brevoy. - **Highly skilled mercenaries** are often recruited from their ranks. - **Magical Affinity:** Prefers **martial prowess over magic**, but **some Aldori duelists incorporate minor spellcraft** into their techniques. --- ### **House History & Lore** - **Founding & Origins:** - Established by **Baron Sirian Aldori**, who trained an order of legendary swordfighters. - Fought for **Brevan independence**, but ultimately lost power when House Surtova took the Dragon Throne. - **Greatest Triumphs:** - Defending **Restov** against numerous invasions. - Training warriors whose skill is feared across Golarion. - **Darkest Secrets:** - Some claim the Aldori **secretly plan another rebellion** against the Dragon Throne. - Their **greatest techniques are hidden**, only taught to a select few. - **Current Struggles:** - Balancing **Restov’s autonomy** with the growing pressure from House Surtova. - **Establishing footholds** in the Stolen Lands through allies like Rivermarch. --- ### **Culture & Traditions** - **Core Values & Customs:** - **Personal honor and dueling skill** define one’s status. - **No standing army**—every Aldori warrior is an elite fighter. - **Preferred Fighting Style:** - **Dueling-focused**, using the signature **Aldori dueling sword**. - Some Swordlords incorporate **fast magic** or **combat acrobatics**. - **Religious Affiliations:** - No official patron deity, but many venerate **Gorum (god of battle)** or **Iomedae (goddess of honor and valor).** - **Symbols of Power:** - **Aldori dueling sword**, a mark of mastery. - **Restov**, their fortress-city, remains a **bastion of Aldori independence**. --- ### **Additional Notes** - **Inspiration & Vibe:** - **Ronin meets Renaissance Italy**—wandering master duelists seeking personal excellence and political influence. - **Potential Story Hooks:** - **Lady Jamandi seeks stronger ties with Rivermarch**—perhaps offering training or military support. - **Tensions with House Surtova rise**—Restov might rebel, forcing Rivermarch to pick a side. - **A lost Aldori dueling technique is rediscovered**, offering great power to the one who learns it. --- This should give a **rich and immersive** look into House Aldori! Would you like any modifications or additional details?