Dragonlords of Viss/House Delfin
House Delfin
House Delfin is a lesser house, sworn to House Velayre. They control their ancestral home, the town of Akiros as well as all of the villages on the Isle of Delfin. The Isle of Delfin has never known any freedom but the sea, It's folk smaller and more wiry than their mainland neighbors, the inhabitants outnumbered and overpowered often in their tumultuous history. They have become skilled archers and duelists, and the streets of the town of Akiros have often run red with the blood of invaders. Delfin's men at arms are masters at urban warfare and skirmishing, however have little cavalry or heavy infantry. 500 of these warriors are permanently stationed in Akiros garrisoned in central castle, Glitterstone Keep. Here, the oldest male of the Delfin line resides, and conducts his administrative duties. The small castle also boasts a dragon roost, where recently, perhaps due to the mixing with Imperial blood, the House of Delfin have acquired a dragon, simply named Rain.
Another 500 soldiers roam the various villages, enforcing rule of law. The bulk of the forces provided to their bannerlord are mercenaries from the nearby isle conquered with Imperial aid. 1500 brutish men along with 500 native Delfinians make up their addition to the Imperial machine, a small force made more formidable with a dragon in it's ranks. ---
Culture
Compared to other Imperial aligned houses, the inhabitants of Delfin Isle might be considered prude. Native Delfinians are pale, with either blonde or sandy brown hair. The beating sun does not tan them, instead leaving them burned. They have learned to counter this with a cream compound made of several sweet smelling plants. It is not forbidden to publicly partake in sexual acts, and they will not begrudge foreigners who do so, but to be taken in public is a great humiliation, amplified by the depravity of the act in question. That is not to say that it doesn't happen, but usually only one party is consenting to it. They value romantic relationships, youth and beauty, and virginity. It is a father's right to sell off the virginity of their children once they have reached at least 9 years of age, and it is fairly common practice. Residents of Delfin Isle wear flowing cloth of pure white and creulean blue, the House colors of House Delfin pinned into togas or short robes. It is popular for youthful and beautiful residents to be gifted thick engraved anklets of bronze, and it is tradition for the bride in a marriage, regardless of gender to have a golden anklet permanently clamped upon them as a symbol of their commitment. Most of the islands economy comes from craftsmen, fishing, whaling and pearl diving, although there's a burgeoning tourist and retirement industry, as well as a small mining and forestry effort. Most of the raw resources produced are refined into finished products on the isle before being shipped out, Delfinians confident in their fine craftsmanship. All of the water related economic activities are done with the aid of dolphins, many pods of which reside in the waters around the island. They are revered, and the residents have a symbiotic relationship with the creatures.
House Members ---
Lord Olax Delfin: The oldest of two brothers, he's also an early bloomer, standing a surprising 5'11 at 14 years of age, and blessed with an athletic build and a gift for swordsmanship. He's the head of his house, having recently undergone coronation and at the advice of his advisors sent his younger brother into slavery to a major house as a political move. He is bonded to Rain, and has been on a short campaign where he has blooded both of his swords. He has discovered a love for battle, and is eager to be called to action again, having earned the respect of his Delfinian soldiers and the begrudging acceptance of his mercenaries.
Alexis Delfin: The youngest Delfin, an effeminate, quietly spoken boy of 10 years. More clever than his brother, and a much more administrative minded individual, Olax's loyal advisors had him sent off as a slave to prevent another power struggle, like the one that lead to the Delfin's being overlooked when it came to the delegation of a fiefdom that they'd had a large hand in taking. He also fetched a handsome sum. Alexis has a pair of brilliant gem encrusted anklets, having been considered a great beauty, but he was sold as a virgin.
Leas Delfin: The eldest and only daughter, a girl of 12 years. Despite her mousy appearance and voice, she's taken a shining to the use of a short-bow, and is handling the administration of the largest village on the Isle, Shimmercove. Olax is currently trying to find her a betrothed or make a similar political move.
Pendal Delfin: Uncle of the Delfin children, and leader of the Delfin armies. He's 45 years old, and while it shows in his appearance, it doesn't in his ability. Pendal never settled down and never had any want for the throne, only to fight and to fuck. It was on his advice that Alexis was sent away.
Relix Swarth: A trusted retainer, who's family has been serving the Delfin's from the beginning. His underlings are spies and librarians alike. He's a trusted advisor to the lord of Delfin.
The Head of House Delfin is always a male, and while the oldest male gets a default advantage of votes, with a near unanimous decision, a younger sibling can be put on the throne.
The Head of House Delfin is traditionally called the Prince of Dolphins.
Delfinians are sometimes derogatorily referred to as Dolphin-fuckers.
Point Count: 2 - Akiros, and the surrounding villages 5 - Glitterstone Keep, small castle 4 - Rain, a Dragon 3 - Troops, 1500 Mercenaries, 1500 Delfinians 2 - Ships for transporting troops