Briars and Silver Foxes

[Walter Thornley]

Briars and Silver Foxes

❝It was after a decade's absence that master Thornley has returned to his domain; no later than the following morn, the winter chill has taken his ailing father. Ruin has come to this once prominent family. And yet, I shall remain steadfast, as I always have been.❞

- Garrick, the Thornley Estate Majordomo.
​

The family whose fame seems to have faded is suddenly in the rumours again - and curious glances are exchanged between half-forgotten friends, rivals and some of the retinue.
While the Thornley holdings not being awe-inspiringly rich have certainly prevented a swift advancement of generations in social ranks, they have also prevented hostile takeover. And now that the family influence may start to grow, the grown and talented children of the Thornley family may yet again come under scrutiny.
Are the silver foxes going to return with wit, or fade with a whimper?
(more about the legacy HERE plus most recent relevant tea HERE)

Bremen is a lush, mostly agrarian barony in the North Ilica, stretching away from the coast and sporting a diverse array of exports, including a local spice, locally grown rose-purple hardwood from the evergreen oaks, and the yet to be properly developed new sort of mount. (more on the land HERE)

RETINUE​

Garrick the Majordomo, and Anthea the Head Maid​ Long-suffering loyal housekeepers of the family in their dusk years, who have been married for forty happy years. Sweet, darling couple. The Thornley children are almost family. But so are the Hunt, to which Garrick and Anthea are senior advisors and prior Head and Hound. Garrick is also bringing up his successor, either his own child or a very sturdy recommendation - exceptional reliability is required, after all. (OPEN)

Hunt's Silver Hound (OPEN)​ A knight granted family lands, their formal position is overseeing the hunting grounds during the season. The un-official position is finding and marking any trace of cult or monster activity, any rumours of Blight and other non-direct threats to the land. Alchemist and likely weaver, inducted into the Thornley family's methods.

Hunt's Crescent Head (OPEN)​ A knight granted family lands, their formal position is overseeing the breeding of drakehorses. The un-official position is leading covert operation in eliminating the threats the Hound reported, overtly or covertly, leading the other Huntsmen.

FRIENDS & FOES​

Laetitia von Lyss/d'Aullimont (OPEN)​ Walter's ex-fiancée, now happily married, countess from merchant's daughter (disregard the two widowhoods), and with children of her own. Ruthlessly social, with a sharp sense of humor. Entertains herself by stirring trouble and minor scandals, used to send her despairing admirers to her 'jealous future husband' to duel... or try to set him up with someone. Has a soft spot for Walter, knowing full well why the arranged marriage of theirs didn't suit either of them. Friend of the family, source of party invitations.

Former Admirer (OPEN)​ One who knows what actually happened eighteen years ago to David the stable boy, with whom Walter was getting nothing but too close, and how David's body ended up washed onto a beach in the shadow of those tall white cliffs the estate perches on. ***​

Cunning Sleuth (OPEN)​ He'd figured them out. Demon worshippers, absolutely! His mission now is to find entry into the family's residence, and discover the basement of vile rites they definitely practice! ***​

Demanding Revanche! (OPEN)​ A neighboring barony's 'child from a good family'. Dueled Walter once to first blood, for Laetitia's tender affections, lost, and did not have a chance to recover from the poke to his pride. In the years after his rival's absence, somehow got closer with the rest of the Thornleys, and is an often guest. ***​

Love? (OPEN)​ Also definitely looking for a steady long-term romantic dalliance for Walter. The starting of it can be rocky, rivals to lovers or such, or not rocky at all, but I would like for it to be a healthy thing when it gets going. My guy wanna be sweet and writing poems for someone. I want a slow burn. I want a passion with commitment building up. I need me a power couple so I can start throwing bigger/more elaborate threats at.