House Conover

The House of Conover is a noble House of Stormwind characterized by their loyalty and stubborn pride. It is an ancient House that can trace its history back hundreds of years to Alterac. Once very powerful due to strong ties to the Crown of Stormwind and the Duchy of what is now Duskwood, recent generations have left the Conovers reeling from political opportunism from their rivals and infighting from within. With many of their great lands now lost to other Houses, the Conovers have entered a period of revaluation, seeking to discover how they might re-shape their House to make it a prominent force once again.


House Name: Conover (Stormwind branch)
Head of House: Tandred Conover, Baron of Bluestone
Lands: Among others, the House holds the Barony of Ridgepoint (southeastern Elwynn), the Barony of Redfalls (eastern Elwynn), and the Barony of Bluestone (northern Elwynn). The House has a claim to the March of Highwall in Stormwind and various lands in Alterac.
Vassals: Among others, the House of Hillfort-Deadwood and the House of Castorby are vassals to the House of Conover.
Fealty: House Conover serve as vassals to the Viscount of the Valelands, the Earl of East Elwynn, and the Duke of Elwynn.
Notable Ancestors: Cadmin, Marquess of Highwall (first Conover marquess of Highwall, "Cadmin" is now a common first name for the House).
Relations with other Houses: Sour. Many Houses, even other loyalists, feel the Conovers are stubborn to a fault and impossible to work with. The Conovers, likewise, hate the other Houses for "stealing" their lands.
Blazon: Azure and two bars Argent, a wolf rampant Tenné armed Argent with langued Gules; for a Crest, upon the barred helm the coronet composed of four pearls; Mantling Azure and Argent. (in English: The shield is blue and two bars silver; the charge is a burnt-orange rampant wolf with silver teeth and claws and a red tongue; the crest is a coronet composed of four pearls atop a barred helmet; the mantling is blue and silver.)
Colours: Blue, white, and orange
Motto: "Loyalty always"

Symbolism: The colors of the House symbolize truth and loyalty (blue), peace and sincerity (white), and ambition (orange). The wolf symbolizes perseverance in long sieges and hard industry. The four-pearled coronet represents the House's baronage.

Family traits:
Family Alignment - usually Lawful Neutral

1. Dark hair. Usually dark brown or raven.

2. Dark to mixed eye color. Typically brown, hazel, or green.

3. Fair skin, though outdoor traditions lead to many Conovers having deep tans.

4. Loyalty. Members of the House of Conover are raised to respect authority and tradition and always work within proper procedure, even when this poses a threat to the House's well-being. If a Conover betrays the House or Crown, even for respectable reasons, they are disowned. During conflicts between Houses, House Conover always defends Crown, even when incompetent or immoral kings sit upon the throne and even if this requires the Conovers to betray their immediate lords. This, in turn, has caused great resentment against House Conover and makes many Houses scoff at the Conovers' claims of "loyalty". The House has lost many of its most important lands over the past few generations, including the March of Highwall, as a result of vindictive successors. This has left House Conover at a fraction of its former strength and has greatly strained their commitment to the Crown. Growing discontent among members is threatening to unravel the House's "loyalty always" alignment.

5. Ambitious. Conovers are perfectionists that strive to excel, especially after the loss of so many of their lands. This often causes personal turmoil, as members struggle to reconcile their loyalty with their ambition. Deception is considered a strength, but lying is not. Conover ambition causes them to stretch the definition of loyalty so that it applies to institutions rather than people. Conovers will therefore regularly seek to take control of whatever field they find themselves in (provided it can be done through lawful means), regardless of the merits of current leaders. This, more than anything else, has caused the most friction between the Conovers and other Houses, as they feel that the Conovers are hypocritical bullies.

6. Proud, stubborn. As a House that favors loyalty above all else, Conovers consider themselves the most respectable House, one that has suffered much thanks to the disloyalty of other Houses. They believe that only they are fit to rule, for only they will put the kingdom ahead of their own glory (a belief called hypocritical by the House's detractors). Conovers despise members of organizations with shifting allegiances, such as mercenaries, and can be very insular. An old House saying is, "Loyalty begets loyalty," meaning that only those who are loyal to the House can expect to be trusted by the House. Conovers treat outsiders with suspicion until they prove themselves to be trustworthy. A stranger that does become a recognized ally of the House is treated with respect, though they are seen as a beloved servant rather than a true equal.

7. Hunters. Conovers have a long history of hunting, and maintain extensive grounds set aside for that purpose. As a result of their traditions, they understand the cycle of nature and do not seek to overhunt.

8. Hounds. The charge of House Conover is a wolf, and they maintain large kennels in their lands. Most Conover manors possess at least one hound. The Conover breed is hardy and well-trained, though they can be rugged and, like their masters, are stubborn around strangers. Conover hounds are not bred for appearance, and the House considers such impractical showmanship to be disgusting. Conover hounds are often set against each other in blood sports, though there are some in the House who disagree with this practice. Supporters claim that it is essential to strengthening the breed. (Conover hounds use the Gilnean mastiff model)

9. Bad blood. The House of Conover has its origins in the Kingdom of Alterac. A Stormwind cadet branch was eventually formed as a younger son married into southern lands, and this branch has held lordship there for generations. The senior Alterac branch of the House, however, had its titles rendered forfeit after the Second War. While most view the Stormwind branch of House Conover as a Stormwind House, some believe that the blood of traitors runs in Conover veins despite their having left Alterac behind long before the nation went rogue. The Stormwind Conovers stoutly deny this and point to their reputation of honor and loyalty to Stormwind as proof of their sincerity. Detractors however like to point out that Conovers are quick to betray their liege lords in order to maintain positive relations with the crown--evidence, they say, that House Conover will do anything to stay within reach of the seat of power, just like the Perenoldes.

10. Lost land. Only a century ago, the House of Conover ranked among the highest levels of the peerage, as it held the March of Highwall--the border between Duskwood and Stranglethorn Vale. Like the rest of Stormwind, the march was sacked during the First War, with its lord slain and its residents displaced to Lordaeron. Following the conclusion of the Second War and the rebuilding of Stormwind, the march was not granted back to the Conovers despite their rightful claim. Instead, they were given the Barony of Bluestone in consolation. The reasoning behind this decision was that Stormwind could not trust an important border territory to a House with Alteracian heritage after the treachery of the Kingdom of Alterac in the Second War. The Conovers were outraged and felt betrayed by House Wrynn (though most believe it was the influence of House Prestor and Conover's detractors in the House of Nobles that lead to this decision). However, unlike other betrayed groups like the Stonemasons Guild, House Conover did not choose to turn against the Kingdom in response to this decision. It instead refocused itself in its remaining lands, from where it conspires to grow its influence once again.

11. Pendants. Members of House Conover typically wear pendants bearing the House's sigil. Each pendant has the name of the owner engraved on the back, making them unique identifiers. It is considered a great insult to steal a Conover pendant from its owner, and in the past these pendants has been used as a proof of death by those taking aggressive actions against members of the House.


Played Family Members

Areyah Conover (Areyah/Aréyah), 47, Rear Admiral in the Stormwind Navy Reserve, Marshal of the Militia of Ridgepoint, Stormwind Minister of Defense, Chairlady of the Council of Stormwind, Daughter of Elias, Mother of Cathee, Cousin of Anderyn III, Cousin of Tandred, Cousin of Anderyn IV, Cousin of Garon, Cousin of Audrey. [Lawful Good]
Areyah is the only child of Elias Conover, the former Baron of Ridgepoint. Though raised to be the perfect court lady, Areyah rebelled against her strict upbringing and attempted to spite her parents by engaging in terribly improper social activities. The First War changed everything, however. With the burning of her home and the forced evacuation to the northern shores of Lordaeron, Areyah found herself needing to grow up. She was encouraged to seek a marriage with other displaced noblemen in the hopes of exploiting the opportunity, but she instead chose to become an officer in the new Alliance of Lordaeron's military.

In the years since, Areyah has restored her standing within the family through her excellent service, though her refusal to get married (outside of one failed attempt with Sir James Norris) remains a sour mark. As a gesture of support for her, Lord Ridgepoint, Areyah's cousin, has granted her the ceremonial title of Marshal of the Militia of Ridgepoint.

In the last year, she has become a leading member of the Council of Stormwind.


Cathee Piner (Cathee), 19, 1st Lieutenant in the Stormwind Army, Daughter of Areyah, Cousin of Anderyn III, Cousin of Tandred, Cousin of Anderyn IV, Cousin of Garon, Cousin of Audrey. [Neutral Good]
Cathee has recently come to stay with her mother after selling off the Westfields property she inherited from her father, Sir James Norris. Cathee does not share the noble upbringing of her mother, having been allowed much freedom in her youth, and so regularly conflicts with her mother over various aspects of noble life. This comes in addition to the strain between the two caused by her mother's abandonment of her when Areyah divorced Cathee's father.

Cathee was originally of House Norris, but after the death of her father and selling of her Westfields property she has come under the domain of House Conover, through her mother.

Cathee had aspirations to become a priest in the Chapter of Holy Anethion, but put that path aside after the Chapter's attack on the Council. Instead, she has enlisted as a medic in the 1st Regiment of the Stormwind Army.


Audrey Conover (Aúdréy), 20, Protector in the Ridgepoint White Cloaks, Cousin of Areyah, Daughter of Anderyn III, Cousin of Tandred, Sister of Anderyn IV, Sister of Garon, Cousin of Cathee.
[...]

Unplayed Family Members

Tandred Conover the Betrayed, 26, Heir to the March of Highwall, Baron of Bluestone, Cousin of Areyah, Cousin of Anderyn III, Cousin of Anderyn IV, Cousin of Garon, Cousin of Audrey, Cousin of Cathee. [Neutral Evil]
Tandred was destined to become marquess of Highwall after the death of his father during the First War. This never came to pass, however, as after the Second War the House of Wrynn chose to withhold the March of Highwall from the Conovers in light of their Alteracian heritage. Displaced from his rightful land and given a small barony in northern Elwynn as a consolation, Tandred stews in his manor and waits for the opportunity to reclaim what is rightfully his. The treachery has lead to his spurning of the crown, and he especially despises his cousin Areyah for her choice to serve on the Council. It is rumored that he has become involved with several illicit and anti-government establishments since the loss of Highwall--the Defias Brotherhood in particular.

Anderyn Conover III, 39, Baron of Ridgepoint, Son of Anderyn II, Father of Anderyn IV, Father of Garon, Father of Audrey, Nephew of Elias, Cousin of Areyah, Cousin of Tandred, Uncle of Cathee. [Lawful Good]
Anderyn is relatively new to his position, having only inherited it a few years ago. As his uncle, Elias, had no sons, Anderyn had long been expecting the barony to eventually pass to him, though his preparations have not made the transition as easy as he would have liked. Regardless, Anderyn does the position proud, and rules fairly and justly over his lands. He is even humble, a rare trait for a Conover, and doesn't seek any power within the kingdom at large. For his part, he is content to simply rule his barony as best as he is able.

Anderyn is a strongly religious man, having deep faith in the Holy Light. He is concerned with the growing influence of the Chapter of Holy Anethion, seeing it as a perversion of the Light's virtues, but has made no attempt to ban or otherwise discourage Anethion interests in his barony.

Anderyn maintains only a small, token militia in Ridgepoint, as the majority of his men have been sent to serve in King Varian's army against the Horde. He gave the title of Marshal of the Militia of Ridgepoint to his cousin, Areyah, though the position is largely ceremonial--the small militia is easily able to manage itself.

Emmanuel Hillfort-Deadwood, 48, Baron of Redfalls. [Lawful Neutral]
Emmanuel rules over the barony of Redfalls, which has a sizable Anethionian populace. Emmanuel is strongly opposed to the Anethionians, and is angered by Anderyn's refusal to formally condemn their activities in his own lands. While Anderyn does sympathize with Emmanuel, he feels that it would be wrong to dictate religion in the House's lands.

Emmanuel maintains a strong militia, which works to quash any attempt by the Anethionians to institute their own "whitecloak" militias in the barony's villages. Emmnauel fears that the Anethionians, if given the chance to organize their own army, would attempt to depose him.

Emmanuel has one daughter of two years of age, and is currently considering marriage arrangements.

Anderyn Conover IV, Son of Anderyn III, Brother of Garon, Brother of Audrey, Cousin of Areyah, Cousin of Tandred, Cousin of Cathee.

Garon Conover, Son of Anderyn III, Brother of Anderyn IV, Brother of Audrey, Cousin of Areyah, Cousin of Tandred, Cousin of Cathee.

Sir Vincent Castorby

Creating a Conover
Not all members of House Conover are of the family proper (as shown by Emmanuel and Vincent). The most common classes for members of the House are hunters, warriors, and rogues. Mages and warlocks are rare, with the latter being disowned if they ever break the laws on dark magic.

Prospective players may freely play one of the above unplayed characters or create a servant, retainer, knight, or new family relative, but I ask that you let me know by PM so I can keep in the loop. I'd prefer that the two barons are not played, as actual titled nobility can be iffy in RP, but I'm open to persuasion.

Disclaimer
The Barony of Redfalls and Emmanuel Hillfort-Deadwood are used with the permission of Melnerag.

Made some updates. Main ones are describing the symbology behind the House's coat of arms and giving the House an Alteracian heritage.

For ease, the main updates are copied below:

Symbolism: The colors of the House symbolize truth and loyalty (blue), peace and sincerity (white), and ambition (orange). The wolf symbolizes perseverance in long sieges and hard industry. The four-pearled coronet represents the House's baronage.

9. Bad blood. The House of Conover has its origins in the Kingdom of Alterac. A Stormwind cadet branch was eventually formed as a younger son married into southern lands, and this branch has held lordship there for generations. The senior Alterac branch of the House, however, had its titles rendered forfeit after the Second War. While most view the Stormwind branch of House Conover as a Stormwind House, some believe that the blood of traitors runs in Conover veins despite their having left Alterac behind long before the nation went rogue. The Stormwind Conovers stoutly deny this and point to their reputation of honor and loyalty to Stormwind as proof of their sincerity. Detractors however like to point out that Conovers are quick to betray their liege lords in order to maintain positive relations with the crown--evidence, they say, that House Conover will do anything to stay within reach of the seat of power, just like the Perenoldes.

10. Lost land. Only a century ago, the House of Conover ranked among the highest levels of the peerage, as it held the March of Highwall--the border between Duskwood and Stranglethorn Vale. Like the rest of Stormwind, the march was sacked during the First War, with its lord slain and its residents displaced to Lordaeron. Following the conclusion of the Second War and the rebuilding of Stormwind, the march was not granted back to the Conovers despite their rightful claim. Instead, they were given the Barony of Bluestone in consolation. The reasoning behind this decision was that Stormwind could not trust an important border territory to a House with Alteracian heritage after the treachery of the Kingdom of Alterac in the Second War. The Conovers were outraged and felt betrayed by House Wrynn (though most believe it was the influence of House Prestor and Conover's detractors in the House of Nobles that lead to this decision). However, unlike other betrayed groups like the Stonemasons Guild, House Conover did not choose to turn against the Kingdom in response to this decision. It instead refocused itself in its remaining lands, from where it conspires to grow its influence once again.

11. Pendants. Members of House Conover typically wear pendants bearing the House's sigil. Each pendant has the name of the owner engraved on the back, making them unique identifiers. It is considered a great insult to steal a Conover pendant from its owner, and in the past these pendants has been used as a proof of death by those taking aggressive actions against members of the House.

Tandred Conover the Betrayed, 26, Heir to the March of Highwall, Baron of Bluestone, Cousin of Areyah, Cousin of Anderyn III, Cousin of Anderyn IV, Cousin of Garon, Cousin of Cathee. [Neutral Evil]
Tandred was destined to become marquess of Highwall after the death of his father during the First War. This never came to pass, however, as after the Second War the House of Wrynn chose to withhold the March of Highwall from the Conovers in light of their Alteracian heritage. Displaced from his rightful land and given a small barony in northern Elwynn as a consolation, Tandred stews in his manor and waits for the opportunity to reclaim what is rightfully his. The treachery has lead to his spurning of the crown, and he especially despises his cousin Areyah for her choice to serve on the Council. It is rumored that he has become involved with several illicit and anti-government establishments since the loss of Highwall--the Defias Brotherhood in particular.

Nicely fleshed out!