House Evaine
The House of Beasts
House Evaine Lore
Led by Viscount Torben Evaine, House Evaine has existed for over 700 years, originating as an offbranch of House Haillenarte. They are a wealthy House with a considerable amount of influence in Ishgard.
Haillenarte Allegiance
Even though 700 years have passed, House Evaine remains ever loyal to the High House they're descended from. Viscount Torben does his best as a vassal to maintain a good relationship with Count Baurendouin. The loyalty of House Evaine has never once been in doubt.
House Evaine Interests
House Evaine hosts a variety of knights and duties as a vassal of House Haillenarte. It is in their best interest to become indispensible to the Count. And many Evaines feel they have long done so.
The Death of an Heir
Ser Gawain Evaine, the Bull Prince of Wildehaven, was the firstborn son of Viscount Torben. His demise rocked the House more than it rightfully should have. The effects of his loss are still felt to this day.
House Evaine
House Evaine was founded over 700 years ago by Viscount Aurelien Evaine, born Haillenarte, the youngest son of the Count.Since its founding, House Evaine has built and maintained its influence between its close ties to both the Holy See and House Haillenarte. These two, for the longest time, were the pillars that formed its foundation.However, the Calamity reshaped Coerthas and, with it, destroyed both the Stone and Steel Vigils. This brought about the sharp decline of House Haillenarte's influence. Despite this, the Evaines weathered the storm, relying more heavily than before on their ties to the Holy See to find passage and prevent ruin.The end of the Dragonsong War, ironically, brought an end to that as well. As the lies behind the Holy See's inception were exposed, House Evaine suffered greatly for its connection. Additionally, the death of the heir, Ser Gawain, the 'Bull Prince of Wildehaven', cemented their fate. Viscount Torben and Viscountess Morgause both were unable to fulfill their duties in their grief.Former Viscount Leudon is said to have stepped back in to coach his son back into form. Ensuring that trades were met, even behind closed doors, kept the flame alive just long enough to prevent total collapse.As the Skysteel Manufactory and the Restoration effort breathed life back into Ishgard, House Evaine was finally able to begin resolidifying their position. Damaged, but not broken.That damage however, allowed for other forces to rise up and challenge them like never before. House Fayad, vassals of the Viscount House Veuxclair and similarly a noble house who swore allegiance to House Haillenarte, decided to try to challenge House Evaine's livelihood.Now the two houses are engaged in a feud.House Evaine has more resources to call upon to win. But even a small thorn has a risk of infecting a wound.___If you are an Ishgardian Noble: You know House Evaine predominately by its moniker, the House of Beasts. They have garnered a reputation over the centuries of guile, cunning, and ruthlessness. They are politically savvy and fiercely loyal to House Haillenarte. Few would dare to make them their enemy.If you are an Ishgardian Lowborn: House Evaine has more interest in you than many other noble houses. They frequently form connections with those who have grown up in the Brume. You know that this is transactional, however. The 'House of Beasts' is good to you, but that doesn't mean its without its flaws.If you are intimately familiar with them: You have noticed that all the Evaines are 'pretty'. To an almost absurd degree. Finding an average looking Evaine is difficult. Surely they're not all born like that?
Haillenarte Allegiance
House Evaine is a direct vassal of House Haillenarte. They are considered one of the most loyal longstanding Houses underneath them.Every Viscount and Viscountess has done their best to maintain a healthy relationship with the Count each generation. This has afforded them not a small measure of goodwill, but a great amount of privilege. They often hold sway and can push for more than other houses of the same or similar rank.House Evaine is closest in status to House Veuxclair, a House that was established somewhere around a century after House Evaine with a more dedicated focus on militarization.Despite their close connection, there has only ever been one political marriage back into House Evaine from House Haillenarte since their founding to ensure their loyalty.It is likely another will occur within the next two generations.___If you are an Ishgardian noble: You are aware that House Haillenarte and House Evaine have close connections. When you hear the name of Evaine, you may instinctually know that their emblem is a Blue Rose, which is a direct representative of the House Haillenarte Red Rose.If you are an Ishgardian lowborn: Oh they're the rosey house, you suppose? They're bloody nobles. It doesn't matter what the fancybutts think.If you are a member of House Haillenarte: You know of the loyalty of the Evaines. Sometimes you might think that they have too much sway. But you also know that they remain loyal enough to back it up.
House Evaine Interests
House Evaine, being over 700 years in age, has garnered a name for itself by its ruthless precision. As the 'House of Beasts', it has whittled away at many competitors over the centuries and secured itself an irreplaceable niche within the Haillenarte sphere of influence.House Evaine primarily deals with trade. Whether that be from labor of duties, product creation, or information, House Evaine makes it their business to know everything about everyone in order to best serve House Haillenarte and conduct their business with efficiency.Those sworn into Evaine allegiance never spill the secrets they obtain. It is said that it is 'far easier' to coerce a coeurl to sing than it is to crack one of the stubborn retainers or subordinates of House Evaine.This kind of rigid refusal to divulge the information that they obtain-unless it benefits them- also means that they are quite wealthy. They are often first when it comes to fashion trends, rumors of war, changes in the market, beast hunts, and more. They have multiple barons under them and multiple orders of House Knights that follow their commands.___If you are an Ishgardian Noble: You will have heard of House Evaine. Your family may have had an experience where your business suffered as a result of Evaine involvement. Or perhaps you were granted information that benefitted you in some way. It is not considered a secret that House Evaine is the place you want to go if you want to discover something. But you must weigh the cost, because in the end, it is a trade.If you are a member of House Haillenarte or Associated Branches: You know to respect House Evaine for what they do. Many loyal knights have come from House Evaine and they will never betray you. House Evaine's interests serve you well.If you are an Ishgardian Lowborn: You have heard of House Evaine. You know they pay good money for equally good information. If you're hungry, paying attention can feed you. That makes them pretty nice, doesn't it?If you are an Outsider: If you have something to trade, the Evaines will take a look at your stock. If it is something useful, they might buy it for above market value. If it is something innovative, they might find you first.
Trading Industries
House Evaine is invested in a great many trading industries and have an array of companies working for them.
House Evaine Knight Orders
House Evaine hosts a variety of Knight Orders to fulfill its many duties in the service of House Haillenarte.
House Evaine Trading Industries
The Wilderhunt Company
Wilderhunt is a company composed of both knights and mercenaries in House Evaine's employ, the Wilderhunt Company is run primarily by House Faulmont.Its goal is to hunt exotic monsters and beasts that would do harm to the people of Coerthas and process the materials from those hunts into something that can be used to benefit the general public. The Company works closely with the Order of the Wilde Hunt.
Silver Flight Dispatch
A private courier and message service that guarantees confidentiality utilized by the highborn of Ishgard.It is not easily accessible to the lowborn and requires a regular upkeep fee. However, it promises certain protections of information that ensure that there are always clients more than willing to pay the associated cost.
Blue Rose Bestiary Archives
In association with the Wilderhunt Company, the Blue Rose Bestiary Archives is a semi-public library sponsored by the Evaine House that consists of field reports and shared experience of adventurers, mercenaries, and knights alike involving the natural creatures of Coerthas.Overseen by House Faulmont, it is a resource that can be accessed fairly easily.
Wildegrowth Gatherers
A company whose purpose is gathering raw flora based materials from across Coerthas, processing them, and turning them into material for trade, it is overseen by House Bellécroix.The company is responsible for many plant-based cloths and supplies the Knights of House Evaine with their linens.
Rose-Steel Forge
A company overseen by House Ravanne with the purpose of crafting and innovation, the Rose-Steel Forge primarily pulls their revenue from armament manufacturing for House Haillenarte. This has put them in direct opposition to some of the vassals of House Dzemael in the past.
Wintermantle Stables
A company whose purpose is to breed chocobo for war, the stables were established two-hunrdred and sixty years ago by House Ravanne and are currently overseen by House Laeville.They specialize in black chocobos and provide the mounts of many highborn. Almost all of the Evaine mounts come from this company.
Blue Thorn Distillery and Dyehouse
A high-end luxury company overseen directly by House Evaine, this company boasts of extensive vineyards somewhere hidden in the wilderness of Coerthas, untouched by frost, and provides exceptional alcoholic beverages, among other things.The company is also responsible for making inks, dyes, and perfumes that are used by aristocratic clients.
The Blue Lantern
A lesser-known tavern run by House Mallevoix, this is allegedly where many requests for information start. Frequented by higborn and lowborn alike, the Evaines control the flow of customers who are in need of House Evaine's most reputable services.Anyone can also approach this place to sell information to House Evaine. The better the information, the higher the return for the one who gives it.
The Wilderhunt Company
Beast Material Hunting and Refinement
Wilderhunt is a company composed of both knights and mercenaries in House Evaine's employ, the Wilderhunt Company is run primarily by House Faulmont, under the directive of House Evaine.Its goal is to hunt exotic monsters and beasts that would do harm to the people of Coerthas and process the materials from those hunts into something that can be used to benefit the general public. The Company works closely with the Order of the Wilde Hunt.
1. Monster and Beast Hunts
- The House is in charge of 'pest' removal near settlements in Coerthas. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of the citizens of Ishgard as they traverse the snowy landscape.
- House Evaine often is given first rights to any materials obtained on hunts that they partake in. They also often have the first rights to investigate nests and nearby dens of the creatures they hunt.2. Material Processing
- The Wilderhunt Company obtains and refines raw materials from monsters and ensures quality control before preparing them for trade or sending them to other avenues.
- The Wilderhunt Company also will take raw materials from adventurers in the area who are looking for quick gil at a slight decrease versus market value. This enables people to quickly sell their stock should they need to get rid of it and ensures that House Evaine continues to make a profit.
- Additionally, if an adventurer wishes to sign an exclusive contract on a specific material in an area, House Evaine will buy it from them for a 10% increase, which incentivises many long-term hunters in the region to sell exclusive to the Evaines.3. Material Process Training
- The Wilderhunt Company will hire those without prior experience and give them paid training. This has encouraged those who often are in desperate need of employment without the ability to fight to join the Company in more rural regions of Haillenarte lands.
Subsidiaries
The Wilderhunt Company is in control of two more specialized material processing minor companies in addition to their own processing. These consist of the following:- Frosthide Atelier - composed of artisans who are experienced in the art of leatherworking, Frosthide develops the raw material into fabric, clothes, and armor that can be used by the highborn.- Snowbloom Alchemical Works - specialized in the refinement of fluids obtained from beasts, whether venomous or useful in medication. This company specifically develops both poisons- under strict control- and medication at an affordable price for many of the lowborn citizens within Ishgard and regulates fair prices.
Secondary Trades
1. Monster and Beast Hunts
- The House is in charge of 'pest' removal near settlements in Coerthas. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of the citizens of Ishgard as they traverse the snowy landscape.
- House Evaine often is given first rights to any materials obtained on hunts that they partake in. They also often have the first rights to investigate nests and nearby dens of the creatures they hunt.2. Material Processing
-
House Evaine Knight Orders
Words
Order of the Wilde Hunt
An order founded by House Evaine over two-hundred years ago to assist with the overseeing of the safety of the Coerthan citizens who reside outside of Ishgard. Their primary duty is to hunt potential threats.
Template
Words
The Bull Prince of Wildehaven
Ser Gawain Evaine, otherwise known as the Bull Prince of Wildehaven, was the eldest born child of Viscount Torben Evaine and his wife, Lady Morgause Evaine née Pendrael. He was naturally gifted from a young age in economics and swordplay both and proved to be a reliable heir even prior to the birth of Torben's youngest son.His personality was said to be like light. He believed firmly in the principles of nobility, personal responsibility, and knightly valor. This motivated him to strive ever onward to excel. He became a knight at the tender age of eighteen because of this earnest devotion and dedication to the craft.He moved through political spheres with grace and, for this, he had a great amount of admirers. He frequented balls and galas and somehow always managed to make time in the day for the members of his House. In particular, he was often invested in his younger siblings and his cousins.It was said that the 'Bull Prince' would someday be a legend in Ishgard. He shone so brightly from a young age that there was no doubt in any mind that met him. He moved with a gravity the world would not soon forget.Until the battle at the Steps of Faith. As he fought with the other knights to hold back Nidhogg's rage, a piece of stone debris fell and crushed him. A rather ordinary end to an exceptional star.For all these things, when he died, House Evaine was left fumbling.The grief of losing everything they had known and their bright, shining heir left the lords of House Evaine and those who knew him with an extreme, profound sense of loss.___If you are a member of House Evaine: You knew Gawain. You had a personal relationship with him. He was always kind and present with you. Like a fairytale prince. There was no fault to be found with him. Now that he's gone, you miss him, but death isn't something you can recover from.If you are a retainer of House Evaine: If you were a retainer before the end of the Dragonsong War, you feel Gawain's loss almost as keenly as his family does. He somehow found the time for you, to check up on you and see how you were. He listened. That's rare in a lord. If you became a retainer of the house after the Dragonsong War, you know how softly your peers talk of the late Gawain. You might have wished to have been able to meet him, if only to know what all the fuss is about.If you are a knight of House Evaine: If you were a knight of the House during the Dragonsong War, you fought and trained with him. You knew his fighting style, his sense of humor, his dedication. There are few who are knighted so young, but you know he was well-deserving of that. His death is a stark reminder that even the most deserving can't escape death. If you were a knight of the House after, you have heard of him, and you know he was well respected. It's such a shame he's dead.If you are an Ishgardian noble: You most likely have met Gawain at some point. Whether that was during a gala, or on the battlefield. He was hard to forget. Beautiful, strong, and charming. You might even have been friends, had you taken the time to talk to him. He certainly loved to listen to other people.If you are an Ishgardian lowborn: You might have seen Gawain in the Brume more than once doing charity work. Unfortunately you didn't run in the same circles, but, from the sounds of it, the 'Bull Prince' was a pretty important person, right?If you're a foreigner: Why should you care? You never met him. You don't know who he is.
Gallery
A gallery of images associated with the late Ser Gawain. He was quite the good looking man.
Timeline
The general events of Ser Gawain's life, from birth to death, for reference to roleplayers looking to form a historic connection with this deceased heir. [Some Spoilers Within]
Important Relationships
A general overlook of some important relationships in his life. More detail will be provided elsewhere.
Gawain's Gallery
Ser Gawain Evaine
The Bull Prince of Wildehaven
Gawain's Timeline
Born on the 23 Sun of the Second Astral Moon in the year 1554 of the Sixth Astral Era, Gawain was born as the eldest son of Viscount Torben and the heir to House Evaine.
Gawain's Relationships
Gawain's untimely death left behind many wounds. Out of all those who died in the Dragonsong War, his had the biggest lasting impact on the current House Evaine politics and state.
Mordred Evaine
Gawain's first younger brother and the current eldest living child of the house, Gawain had a special bond with Mordred. He often felt like he had to speak up for him and look out for him, even beyond the others. Mordred would follow him around like a shadow or a raincloud when Gawain was still alive. Despite this, Gawain never turned him away.
Gaheris Evaine
The thirdborn child of Torben and Morgause, Gaheris was just a little too young to understand the ramifications of many of the major events that they lived through. Gawain tried to keep his spirits up and would often play with him or read fairytales to him.
Gareth Evaine
Gawain's youngest brother, Gareth was eleven when Gawain died. Because of this age difference, Gareth, although sad, was not nearly as impacted by Gawain's absence as his next two elder brothers. Gawain taught him how to use a bow, so Gareth continues to use one in memory of him.