The Crest of the House Grey
House Grey is one of Asgarnia’s noble houses, dating back to the formation of Asgarnia. House Grey originated as a cadet branch of House Holzern-Grau, an influential house of Misthalinite magi infamous for their work combating the forces of Drakan for many years. When an old nomadic clan finally settled a village of their own in the early 4th age, the central ruling family became the House of Holzern-Grau. The Greys first emerged when a 2nd son sought his own fortune, and aligned himself with would-be-king Raddallin. They were some of the earliest followers of Raddallin and eventually traveled west to aid in the unification of Asgarnia. After many years, as Asgarnia broke apart due to the neglegence of many rulers, House Grey would rise to the throne of Asgarnia in it's own right. Varis I became King in Burthrope, and would go on to reunify and even expand upon Raddallin's kingdom, all without a single conquest. Bringing about an era later named the 'Pax Imperium', Asgarnia experienced a time of high prestige that projected House Grey into fame. After a betrayal within the family, the Greys abdicated from Asgarnia. They have remained active and prominent since the betrayal, the House of Grey having produced several Dukes, Jarls, Princes, and Kings throughout the world since that time.
The Grey Family
The Grey Dynasty
Historical Roles
- Emperor of Argrevia
- High King of Kandarin
- King of Anglia
- King of Asgarnia
- King of Burthorpe
- King of Camelot
- Duke of Ardougne
- Duke of Yanille
- Earl of Rimmington
- Jarl of Jatizo
- Jarl of Neitzinot
History
The House of Holzern-Grau is a military family with a history largely buried deep into the past of the public record. They back to around the year 200 of the fourth age, when the tribal chieftain of the nomadic clan decided to settle his people, founding the village of Holzern. Steptimius took the name of Holzern-Grau The village remained independent for nearly 800 years until, like all the settlements around it, it paid homage to Avarrocka and became a part of the Kingdom of Misthalin.
Faithfully serving the kingdom, when the call to war came against Lord Lowerniel Drakan, the Von Holzern-Grau were one of the first to answer the call. For the next few hundred years, the battle with the Zamorakian hordes raged on, and the family gained notoriety for their leadership capabilities, as well as combat prowess. The Von Holzern-Grau’s became notable for producing some of the most powerful battle-mages of the age, with the head of the family often being adressed an Archmage out of tradition.
After hundreds of years of warfare, Drakan's forces had finally been banished across the salve river. The Von Holzern-Grau served for many years with distinction, and their traditions of magical practice grew strong and well established. Although the village of Holzern prospered, the House saw little more opportunity as the years crept along. Eventually, a charasmatic new leader, Raddallin, offered to lead a host into the west to establish a new kingdom. The House of Grau, a young cadet house with much to prove, was one of the earliest to pledge alliance to him. The House, led at this time by Saivar Grey with the Grey Knight Order as his host, traveled west to fight the Asgarnian Unification Wars.
[Under Contruction]
Who are the Von Holzern-Grau?
The House of Holzern-Grau came from a tribe of misthalinites who claim heiritage from 'The Shepard' or 'The Wandering Man', a folklore figure. This account originates from the end of the Third Age, and is nearly impossible to authenticate. 'Septimius', the founder of the 'Holzern' name, is the first historical reference historians have been able to confirm. His tomb reads 'Seventh son of Grau's Seventh heir'.
"It is said that long ago that our ancestors sat at the center of the earth, in the world's mightiest city. A great destruction came and struck the earths center, razing the city and casting our people to wander as nomads for many generations. Finally, a son of the Great City who called himself The Grau found our tribe, and revealed that he was our kin. His powers of magic were mighty, and he instructed us in the use of this power, bestowing upon us the strength of magic. The Grau bore a son with the daughter of the Chieftian, and proclaimed that his blood would guide his people forever more."
Status and Influence
In recent history, the family first rose to prominence with Sillis Grey and his Grey Knights. He and his knights largely resided in Asgarnia, and they were known to fight in several disputes of the age. Although Sillis attained only minor fame, he did meet some of the people whom would later become his closest allies and friends.
The rise of Varis Grey (Mysteriously following the death of Charles Wyatt which mysteriously followed the death of Sillis Grey.) in burthorpe was swift and immediate. Within two days of his arrival at burthorpe, he was appointed a Senior Advisor. Within four days, he was King. This rapid rise to power startled many, and others saw him a fresh target. Varis proved himself quite capable against various challengers, and quite capable as a leader. He achieved international fame when Asgarnia was reunited under his crown. Famously, he was known to boast that he had never conquored a city, yet had gained an empire through diplomacy starting only with Burthorpe. His court became an international center of diplomacy and at the peak of his Kingdom, Varis' word held sway across nearly all of the civilized world.