House Girion
The fourth family of the nobility is in fact a family of the town of Dale. It is the line of King Girion of Dale, who was killed by the dragon Smaug. The town was destroyed in the attack and its people fled south to Esgaroth. Bard the Bowman, a direct descendant of Girion, reinstated the family's royal standing when he refounded Dale after slaying Smaug in 2941 T.A. House Girion and its current head, Brand, King of the Dale-lands, has earned the respect of the people due to its tradition and age-old reputation for wise decision-making.
As noted, Girion is the ruling house of the Dale-lands, and that includes Esgaroth. In Dale, Girion's rule is absolute and uncontested, but in Esgaroth, its power is often tested by the other houses. Girion has the often begrudging respect of the Esgaroth nobility, however, because of its reputation, earned by the old Kings of Dale - brilliant administrators and military leaders. As well, its traditional wealth is growing anew thanks to the prosperity of the rebuilt Dale. Only an influential few Girions reside in Esgaroth, among them the Steward, the King's representative on the Council of Lords.
Girion has close and long-standing ties with House Karath, while Taurdain is traditionally somewhat more aloof towards the royals. Arathmor is a bitter foe, as they represent the old system of Esgaroth's governance which Bard deposed upon refounding the kingdom. The Lords and the people of the town on the lake obviously respect the House of Dale, however, or they would be less willing to be subject to the rule of its king.
Dale is close to Erebor, the Lonely Mountain, and so Girion has traditionally had more dealings with Dwarves than with Elves, though it does not bear any prejudice towards the First Born. It does, however, take a more balanced view of Elves than does House Karath. Because of the diplomatic strains placed on the royal house, its members often are experienced in dealing with other peoples and cultures.
House Girion is the royal family of the Dale-Lands. Its members in Esgaroth are most commonly involved in diplomatic affairs, the mastership of which is held by the Steward, or in tax collection and administration. Some Girions are found in other professions, however.
Heraldry
The Colours of the House are primarily green, or emerald to be specific. This hearkens back to the Old Kingdom of Dale and its rolling grasslands, and the gems that were wrought by the folk of Dain I who gifted a great necklace of emeralds to Lord Girion himself. Trimmings may be in gold or red, to convey the wealth of the Crown, and the fire in the hearts of the men who wear it. The colours of the Throne itself, as opposed to the Girion House in general is gold, a mark of Bard's victory over Smaug the Golden, black trimming being a frequent feature.
Iconography plays a heavy part in the colours and designs of the Royal House also, and so banners, shields, pennants and garb of certainly its higher echelons will contain many patterns and subtle markings of Girion and Bard, exquisite in some cases, crude yet effective in others. The armour of the men and Lords of Girion will be stained and adorned by many colourful gems, as a symbol of their prosperity, but never to over-shadow the practicality of such items, for the Girion are not braggarts, nor are they spendthrifts.
As for the Royal Crest, it is a crown of gold, shot through the middle by a black arrow, as tribute to the Bowman Bard himself. Other symbols which are held to be of Girion are that of the Black Arrow alone, a singing thrush, and a green diamond shape, although the latter two are less used in military fashion, being reserved usually for pennants and jewellery of Royal mint. They are also more common among the lesser members of Girion, whose families are of that clan and line, but perhaps not directly part of Bard's immediate family. They are symbols of the original clan colours and motifs, and are considered to be signs of purity and true descent from the Men of Dale.
History
Stances and Attitudes
The traditional view of House Girion on:
- House Arathmor
- The Arathmor are the primary adversary of Girion in politics and power, as the Merchant Houses held much sway over the land during the years of the Dragon. Being the old masters of Esgaroth, they were reluctant to give up their power and influence in the face of Girion expansion, and so are continually striving to regain their position. In light of this, House Girion are ever wary and suspicious of the Merchant House. They will tolerate the Arathmor's movements and activities, but with a watchful eye fixed on their motives.
- There is no love to be lost between the two, and so any member or affiliate of the House will be on guard around an Arathmor, considering them tricksy, corrupt and not to be trusted. They also will speak openly to this end, as if the truth be known, Girion would relish the removal of Arathmor as much as the reverse is true. In fact, there will be subtle plans to vanquish them if possible, so bear that in mind when dealing with them. This is a battle for power.
- House Karath
- The Karath are traditionally allies of the Royal House, having declared their fealty to the Crown openly. As such, the Girion respect and value the close friendship of the Warrior House, and a strong alliance is hoped to have been forged. House Girion will back often House Karath nearly to the hilt, as they recognise the military strength of the Karath,and value that also as a worthy tool to achieve their ends.
- This is not to say that Girion consider the Karath to be a mere pawn, but rather a useful resource in times of need, as well as stalwart allies the rest of the time. Girion expect the Karath to be loyal and deferential, but only so far as broad command. Unless the situation calls for it, there will be no open displays of superiority, as House Girion is most eager to earn the friendship of these warriors, for both their strength of character as well as at arms.
- However, as an aside, the House also recognises the fact that there IS a possible threat to power in Karath's military monopoly in Lake-town, and so if an innocent avenue to secure Girion power instead of Karath power in certain cases offers itself, the agents of the Royal House will show little hesitation in taking advantage of it. They have a Kingdom to maintain, after all.
- House Taurdain
- The Taurdain pose an interesting problem for House Girion. Whilst not overtly interested in power or might per se, the Taurdain are of course, the oldest and most secure of all the Noble Clans. They do not oppose the rule of Girion, but somehow do not seem to consider themselves entirely under the King's sway. In earnest, this does not pose a major problem for Girion, as all but the most obvious resistance to the Crown can be chalked off as minor and temporary, but still, there is the factor of the unknown in the motives and actions of the Taurdain. They are to be watched, indulged certainly, and never made to feel oppressed, but still must House Girion be on its guard. As with the other Houses, Girion must not allow a potential threat to its power to be permitted to grow, and so Girion work subtly and carefully to win their true loyalty, rather than disinterested allegiance.
- Dwarves
- The dwarves are great friends of the folk of Dale. Trade between the two races grows and strengthens with every passing year, and so the khazad of the Lonely Mountain are the Barding's first port of call in times of need. Whilst further removed from the dwarves than the King at Dale, the Girion of Esgaroth as well have a healthy respect and sense of camaraderie for the folk of Erebor.
- Due to the ties with Erebor dating back from the Battle of the Five Armies, Girion have always considered them to be of greater mettle than other allies, and so will treat the dwarves with much ceremony and glory. The alliance they have is strong and healthy, and so the Royal House will continue to keep it that way if it can, not only to help defend the sovereignty of the realm, but also as a reserve to keep any internal pretenders at bay and cowed.
- In general proceedings, dwarves should always be treated as guests, and at formal events, guests of honour. This is a tribute the House Girion deems fit to pay to the khazad, in recognition of their friendship. However, whilst this might entail a small measure of leniency towards their actions, it does not mean that Girion will brook any exceeding mischief from them. Just that they will be more inclined to adopt a more delicate policy in reprimanding any wayward khazad.
- Elves
- The elves have never been the staunchest of allies to the King, maintaining their usual policy of xenophobia. As such, despite the ties of old between the Men of Dale and the elves of Mirkwood have grown colder over recent years, the Bardings finding greater friendship in the dwarves. Whilst the memory of the old alliances may live on in men's hearts in general, the Girion are concerned with solidifying their own rule, and as such will be less inclined to pay the elves the tribute they are probably due.
- The elves then, in the eyes of House Girion are a venerable old race, who they would like to see taking an active interest in the affairs of the Dale-lands, but are very wary of them becoming overly involved. They are not seen so much as a threat, as a relic of the years when Girion was not as strong, and so they certainly do not want the elves reminding the populace of such times. Thus, the elves are treated always as dignitaries, but also ones who hopefully will be on their way as quickly as possible. They might even need a nudge in the right direction from time to time too, but please try to be subtle. We dont need any elves showing our Housemembers up in front of the public.
Positions within the House
There are a number of positions available within House Girion. These include:
- Steward of Esgaroth
The sphere of influence we are chiefly concerned with is that of Lake-town, and so the Househead of Girion is to intents and purposes the Steward of : Esgaroth, not the King, who of course commands the allegiance of Girion, not to mention the Dale-lands as a whole. Thus, we need not discuss such entities as the King's Men, the basic soldier-body of the land. Despite this however, an honour guard and company of the King's forces reside in the vicinity of Esgaroth, known as the Order of the Black Arrow.
- The Steward of Esgaroth is the King's representative and presides over the Town Council in his name. It is important to stress that the Steward does not RULE Lake-town, but rather acts almost as an observer, with the authority to put the Royal foot down if needs be. However, the King's policy in Esgaroth means that such occasions are rare, as the King wishes for the Town to grow and prosper with fealty to Dale, but through its own efforts. This is an important point to remember in the political tides of Esgaroth.
- At court, the Steward will abide generally by the Town Council's decisions, but has permanent freedom of speech within any proceeding, so direct orders are avoided as much as possible should a point need to be made. In addition, should any matter be deemed beyond deliberation of the Town Council, it is the Steward of Esgaroth who will pass judgement. With regard to military command, the Steward commands all Dale-lands forces within Esgaroth territory in times of emergency, excepting the Esgaroth guard, who are of course headed by the Marshall of Karath. This authority is again rarely called upon, as such cases where it is needed happen only in times of battle. This also should be taken into consideration when dealing with other military leaders, and the Steward should attempt to leave any decisions within a body to their leaders.
- Lady of Esgaroth
- The Lady of Girion has traditionally always been the Steward's spouse, but should a Steward be unmarried, then a relative of the Steward may take up the role. The Lady will be another ambassador of both the Crown in Esgaroth, and also the authority of the Steward. She must at all times act on the House's behalf, as, it is worth noting, should the Steward.
- Duties include not only attendance to state functions and to charm at court, but more tangible roles as well. She is likely to be the accountant of the House, directing matters financial and organising much behind the scenes. Social events, allocation of House wealth/resources are likely to fall into her domain, as she should know best the moods and wishes of her Steward.
- As well as this intimacy with him, the Lady would be expected to know much of what happens within the Household (and indeed the Estates), and also what occurs at court being certainly a member of the Town Council herself. She is counted as the Steward's closest and most trusted advisor, and as such must ensure that she is an effective one. She is of course, subject to his command, and her loyalty is hoped to be beyond question, noble and wise of nature. All but the Captain of the Black Arrow and the Herald will be under her command.
- Captain of the Black Arrow
- The Captain of the Order of the Black Arrow is one position to be held within the House, and only ever held by a high-ranking Girion noble, who has proven both valour and loyalty, as well as birthright to lead this specialist troupe. The company's primary role is to defend the House within Lake-town, and to act alongside the Esgaroth guard, but the Captain has no direct authority over them. In fact, he will act to support the Marshall of Esgaroth and the Town Guardsmen to maintain order, but is not under their command. It is purely a function of House relations, that the Steward usually orders this assistance.
- The criteria for the position are ICly to be a nobleman of Girion, and to have served well in either the Kings Men or the Order itself. Judgement will at all times lay with the Househead. He will defer to the Steward of Esgaroth in all matters, unless directly stated or ordered by the King himself, and obeys only their will. He in turn commands the Order to their instruction, and holds sway over all others of Household who reside in Lake-town.
- Herald
- The Herald of the Girion of Lake-town is a most important personage within the Household. Traditionally a man, for reasons of presence, the Herald serves as both courier for the Steward, as well as announcer of his decree. He/she will also serve as the Steward's most intimate protector, skilled at arms as well as perceiving danger. For obvious reasons, the Herald is chosen not only for his prowess in combat, but for his eloquence and oratory also. Granted full dispensation to act in the Girion name, and with Girion authority, the Herald nonetheless falls under the command of the Captain of the Black Arrow, and acts on his orders on occasion. The Herald will at all times display both the colours of House Girion and the Throne itself, and will also be called to voice their glory in formal occasions, as he is the Steward's ambassador to the noblemen of the other Houses. As such, he is often at court in this capacity, should the Steward himself not be present.
- House Falconer
- Another position to be filled is the House Falconer. Note that this is not the Royal Falconer, who will of course be based in Dale with the King, but the Falconer of the Steward. This man/woman will maintain the eyrie/falconry of the House, and also serve as the host of any thrushes who arrive in Lake-town bearing messages. They will then alert the Steward of the bird's arrival, but are not permitted to ask any news themselves of the messenger-bird.
- An interesting requirement of the position is to have not been born to the Girion House, for the simple reason of security. None but true descendants of the Kingdom of Dale have the ability to understand thrush-song, and so no message carried by the birds may be leaked if the Falconer cannot speak to them. However, once the position has been given, that person are considered to be part of Girion, and to have lost any other allegiances that they may have had beforehand, at least for the duration of their service. As such, strict screening of candidates will ensure that only one who swears absolute fealty to the Crown may be chosen as the Falconer, due to the importance of the messages in his/her care.
- Counsellor
- This accolade is more of a title than a full time position of its own, and should be conferred ICly onto characters who merit such an accolade. A member of the Girion Council is required to be present should the Council meet, and is considered of such worth that their opinion is valued highly.
- As said, the Council members need not hold especially high positions within the House, but are counted for their wisdom and loyalty. Therefore, the title may be conferred to many varied characters, and unusual and interesting traits or skills are encouraged. Healers, minstrels, soldiers of long service, and affiliates of high esteem are all great character traits that can bring much to the role, and make in-House RP fun and interesting. This is certainly not an exhaustive list, just a few examples that are likely to be the most common.
- Sentry of Girion
- An extremely specialist, and entirely unique role in the Dale-lands, the Sentry of Girion is a well respected, but little known character of the House. With the position that Girion are in, trying to enforce and promote the King's will, yet also attempting to nurture local prosperity and maintain public relations, propaganda and espionage are a necessity.
- As such, the House employs someone who takes on the mysterious role of Sentry of Girion. The specifics of this position are unknown to all but the Council of Girion, but he/she in reality is a spy, of the highest and most skilful order. To gather information, ensure security of the Household, promote the good name and popularity of the King all fall under the Sentry's jurisdiction. He/she also has the task of rooting out any possible dissent and dealing with it effectively, and they are usually given a wide latitude with which to accomplish these goals.
- Surreptitious methods and open ones are both at his/her disposal, and so in choosing a player for this role, ruthlessness and patience will be considered as well as determination and courage. It is a mixed blessing, and a mixed vocation as well to be the Sentry of Girion.
Events
- Tithe of Homage
- The folk of Dale are very much influenced and held in sway by the constant presence of the King, but obviously the people of Esgaroth do not have this reminder. Thus, a formal event, more ceremonial than tangible was introduced to maintain an official pledge of fealty from the townsfolk. This comes in the form of the Tithe of Homage.
- Held in the last day of Summer, the Lords and Ladies of all the Houses of Laketown are summoned, or rather, gathered together to pass the Royal crest and banner, which are hung outside the walls of Girion Place. There, they pass the Steward of Esgaroth and the Lady of Girion in a procession, bowing low before them, and they for their part stand to attention, both thanking and blessing the prosperity and loyalty of each noble in turn.
- A lesser ceremony is held for the common people, but it is just that, lesser. Whilst all may, and in fact are encouraged, to witness the Tithe of Homage, it is the pomp and ritual of this display that is the main event. But for the general populace, a mere gesture of loyalty to a nobleman of Girion is still expected, and may be given at any time of this day. This simple gesture is traditionally considered to be enough.
- Feast of Cleansing
- The Feast of the Cleasning marks the anniversary of Bard the Bowman's victory over Smaug the Golden in October. Held upon the 15th of the month, it is to celebrate the cleansing of the land from Smaug's foul presence, and the return of House Girion from obscurity. Whilst actually a Girion holiday, it is also presented to Esgaroth as a symbol of the Lake-town's freedom, and there are quite obvious hints in the ceremony that this refers more to the removal of Arathmor than of the Dragon. Still, it is never expressly stated, and all are welcome to the Feast, regardless of House or rank, which is held in the Great Hall of Esgaroth, and is paid for by the Royal coffers.
- The Feast lasts for an entire day, begun at dawn by a ceremonial shot by the Steward (or the King if present) of an arrow to the sky from Market Square, as a salute to the memory of the Bowman. This done, the ceremony moves to the Great Hall, and the feast proper begins. Several gestures are made during the day to indicate the valour of Bard, and also, more subtly, the cowardice of the Arathmor Master of Esgaroth. These thinly veiled rituals are topped off at dusk, when the Steward, or an appointed nobleman of the House walks to the Docks, and scatters a handful of golden coins into the Long Lake, to join with the body of the Dragon, and to imply a disdain for materialism. Throughout the day, no one is expected to work, although they are not prohibited from doing so, and the revelry following the coin scattering usually reflects this. All in all, a good day.
