House Tjorgrim
Part of the Taldor Campaign
House Tjorgrim
Overall House Alignment: A mix of Lawful Good / Neutral Good
Common Classes: Fighter, Barbarian, Bard, Aristocrat
Rarer, but not unheard of: Cavalier, Paladin, Ranger, Cleric, Druid
Rare: All others
Favoured Deity: Openly, none. Privately (but not secretly) Erastil, Torag
House Blazon: A white flower on a field of green, with several discarded golden coins at its base
House Motto: From Service Born
House Structure: The Tjorgrim are organized as a rough meritocracy, which continues to irk some of the more hierarchically minded members. The head of the House is styled the Lord Protector, and he is served by a council of the ablest of both genders. Merit is measured roughly, at times corresponding to martial skill, at times by prowess in the verbal arena of the Senate. Currently the House is in a more martial phase, driven by the assignment to take over the operations of Westport. By custom the Lord Protector must always be married, and in fact on several occasions in the long history of the house a Lord Protector has had to step down upon the death of their spouse when they were unwilling to immediately procure a new one.
Overview: Tjorgrim is a House caught between two worlds. As a Senate family they are responsible in part for the running of the Empire, participating in the legislature and keeping the massive Taldan bureaucracy running as smoothly as it is able. But at heart they long to fight, drawing much of their self-image from their noble martial heritage. As a Senate family and not a Noble House they have far less freedom to exercise hard power in pursuit of their goals, which leads them to pursue vigorously those occasions when blades can be legally drawn and blood properly spilled. Very recently the death of Harbormaster Hallador, Boss of Westport, has opened a power vacuum that the Tjorgrim were overjoyed to fill, though the complexity of their new duties now threatens to overwhelm the young though eager Lord Protector.
House Tjorgrim was founded over seven hundred years ago in an unlikely event that has now risen to the level of myth. The facts, though amazing, are however true. The House's founder, one Piter Tjorgrim, was an Ulfen Guard. The Ulfen Guard are and were an elite bodyguard force dedicated to the office, if not always the personage, of the Grand Prince. Upon retirement from the Guard each man is entitled to enter the Royal Treasury and leave with whatever they can carry. Many men have founded dynastic families based solely upon this wealth, as the treasury is vast and the men of the Guard are strong indeed. Piter, though, had his eye set upon another prize. He had previously been rebuffed in his pursuit of the lovely Amagalia Licinianus, of the Senate family Licinianus. Such a pairing could never be, of course, as the Licinianus were jealously protective of their standing in the hierarchy of Taldor and would not have their reputation sullied by marriage of any of their daughters to a mere soldier, Ulfen Guard though he might be.
By clever contrivance, however, Amagalia and Piter managed to sneak Amagalia into the Royal Treasury the evening before Piter's retirement. When he emerged from the Royal Treasury carrying no coin but only the beautiful young woman in his arms his brash deed quickly became the singular subject of conversation through all levels of society. Some thought he should be hanged for such effrontery, others were highly amused at what they saw as a most capable joke indeed. Luckily the Grand Prince was among the latter camp, and he proclaimed that Piter should not only have Amagalia's hand in marriage, but should be raised to the height of the Senate as well. With this Royal blessing (and the copious amounts of jewelry the practically-minded Amagalia was wearing), House Tjorgrim was formed.
The tale of the star-crossed lovers and their clever solution to their dilemma became a popular subject for playwrights and poets, and re-creations of their act of romantic defiance can still be found on stages in Oppara today, though it often seems any possible variation in staging must have long since been exhausted.
Today Tjorgrim continues to honor the blended nature of its origin, mixing martial prowess with practical statecraft. Though the blood of the family has long since diverged from Piter's Ulfan roots, the House continues to occasionally bring in spouses from the Lands of Linnorm Kings, claiming that this hearty blood serves to strengthen the Empire. Not all share this opinion, and it has lead to a fair share of distinct snubbing of the Tjorgrim "barbarians" and their "savage" spouses. In truth most of the House would be completely at a loss if suddenly dropped down into those northern wilds, though most of the House Members flatter themselves that an ancestral talent for troll-slaying and arctic survival would somehow manifest itself if required.
Such prejudice has not stopped the Empire from making use of Tjorgrim's ties to the Ulfen when the needs of diplomacy would benefit. Tjorgrim has also from time to time managed to convinced other retiring Ulfen Guard to remain in Taldor and join their House rather than undertaking the usual retirement to Ullerskad or other remote towns. This behavior has also provoked occasional protest, of course, as claims are made that Tjorgrim may exert an unseemly degree of influence over the Ulfen Guard itself, which is supposed to be above politics of all sorts. The degree of this supposed influence is highly in question, however, and in reality there is little more than cordiality and respect there.
Overall the Tjorgrim have spent seven hundred years attempting to fit themselves into a highly traditional and hidebound society without abandoning the unique strengths in which they rightly place a great deal of pride. To many in the Senate they will always be filthy barbarians, but in the face of external threats -- whether from the Noble Houses or outside Taldor -- they are at least our barbarians, who can be counted on in a pinch to do what is best for Taldor.
Notable Historical Tjorgrim
Piter Tjorgrim (Fighter)
A man of great strength and even greater cleverness, he had already become one of the Grand Prince's favorites even before his audacious retirement. When the demands of running a House were thrust upon him he rose to the occasion, transforming himself into a scholar and a statesman. Over the years his legend has grown. Those in the House may choose to honor him for his prowess at arms or his capable mind, but he is perhaps most revered for his open and completely expressed love for his wife Amagalia. Piter and Amagalia's exchanged love letters are enshrined in the archives of House Tjorgrim and are considered a greater relic than even the sword he wore into battle.
Amagalia Tjorgrim (Aristocrat // Bard)
Piter's love, his wife, and in many ways his equal. Few would contest that in the earliest days of the House all would have been lost had Amagalia's wise hand not been at the tiller. Through careful building of alliances with other Houses she ensured that the wrath of House Licinianus did not serve to undo what the Grand Prince had wrought. It was she who deflected a thousand subtle procedural attacks using the tools she had learned in her father's house, until reluctantly after many years the existence of the Tjorgrim "barbarians" became just one of those things that people became resigned to deal with. Modern depictions show Amagalia as a stunning beauty with fairness to eclipse all others, though in truth she was of perhaps only above average countenance. Young lovers will often leave flowers at Piter and Amagalia's shared grave on the anniversary of their betrothment.
Bjornak Tjorgrim (Barbarian)
A member of the Ulfen Guard who was persuaded against his better judgement to remain in Oppara and marry into Tjorgrim upon his retirement. History might have been better served if he had followed his initial instincts, for it soon was shown that Bjornak was not well suited to life in the city outside of the strict regimen of the Ulfen Guard. After one too many drunken brawls he was promoted / exiled to the limits of the Taldan Empire, commanding Tjorgrim forces in an ill-fated expeditionary force into Qadira. Embarrassingly his small force fared far better than expected, bringing back a hostage Caliph. This proved to be a thumb in the eye to several of the more martial Noble Houses, who exerted pressure through the Senate to have this "victory" bring dire political consequences on the still relatively weak house. Bjornak decided unwisely to take matters into his own hands and, long story short, ten deaths later there were explicit rules for carrying weapons on the floor of the Senate. Bjornak himself was hanged for his actions, to his last moments wondering exactly where all of this had gone wrong, and cementing the image of the Tjorgrim as dangerous barbarians into several generations of Taldan.
Notable Current Tjorgrim
Voljak Tjorgrim, Lord Protector (Human Fighter 8 // Bard 4 / Aristocrat 4)
The current head of the House, only recently risen to this position after the death by old age of the generally well-respected Erik Tjorgrim IV. Voljak bears the red hair common to many Ulfen but otherwise displays few of the traits of the northern people. He is generally cautious and methodical, and though a respectable duelist in the Rondelero style has not earned great reknown upon the battlefield. His command of Senate procedures is impressive, though, and he is a most capable orator. There are some who grumble that given the Westport situation he is not the right leader for the times, but this could hardly have been anticipated three years ago when the then 29 year old came to power. He leans heavily upon his wife for counsel in private, but mindful of possible impressions of being a weak leader he is almost openly hostile to her in public. This, it is said by those within the House, is not a situation that can persist indefinitely.
Brenna Tjorgrim, Lady Protector (Human Barbarian 11 // Fighter 11)
Brenna is from Ulfen; Voljak traveled there to choose a bride, and by all accounts the two are very much in love. She is a formidable fighter and has a first-class strategic mind. However she is not, and likely never will be, a good fit for the social circles of Court. This frustrates her, but she has found a new sense of purpose in the Tjorgrim's takeover of Westport in Harbormaster Hallador's death. She has been known to patrol the streets of Westport herself, or with only a small retinue of bodyguards, dispatching immediate justice with her broadaxe. She is also, it should be noted, quite beautiful if one has a bent for the rustic dominatrix sort.
Braskin Tjorgrim (Human Cavalier 9 // Fighter 6 / Duelist 3)
Braskin is House Tjorgrim's primary troubleshooter, at least for those occasions when it would be politically difficult to send the Lady Protector of the House herself. Of course there is often some dispute between the Lord and the Lady as to exactly which occasions qualify for this distinction. Few would disparage Braskin's martial skill, though. From the back of his snow-white charger, gleaming in mithral, he represents Tjorgrim's finest contribution to the ranks of the noble knights of Taldor. When not engaged in swordplay Braskin enjoys gardening, Taldan chess, and attending philosophical lectures.
Timon Tjorgrim (Human Cleric 9 // Bard 4 / Aristocrat 4)
Timon is a priest of Torag, attending to the spiritual needs of the House and offering counsel to both Voljak and Brenna. This often puts him in an awkward position, as both strong-willed individuals seem to believe that he is solely their confidant and often turn to him for advice about their rocky and tumultuous marriage. The long-suffering and aged priest does his best to keep things on an even keel, while secretly looking for some bright up and comer to replace him and allow an early exit into retirement. Timon has very little Ulfen blood in him and can easily pass as a full-blooded Taldan without a second glance.
Arkran Tjorgrim (Human Aristocrat 8)
A relatively recent addition to the House, Arkran was quickly married to a younger daughter of Tjorgrim who was expressly imported from the eastern wilds of Taldor for the purpose. Arkan is, quite simply, a wizard at numbers and commerce. He was in the employ of Harbormaster Hallador at the time of that gentleman's death, though the dour half-elf seemed to express little grief at his employer's untimely demise. Knowing of his reputation and realizing that Tjorgrim might have the muscle to maintain the Harbor but not the skills, Voljak moved quickly to induct Arkran into his House. Some say too quickly, that the rushed marriage betrays the principles of romance upon which Tjorgrim was founded, but Voljak felt desperately that he needed to cement the relationship with this key resource through ties stronger than gold. It matters little to Arkran, who is in fact entirely homosexual and is most happy sequestered among his ledgers with an abacus in hand. The man is not motivated by wealth or power, only a nearly insane need to have columns of figures add up correctly. His young and unsatisfied wife, Mitralia Tjorgrim, has recently been said to be seeking satisfaction elsewhere.
Strengths of House Tjorgrim
Blood of Fire and Ice - Though it should have been diluted over generations, somehow the Ulfen heart still beats strongly within the chests of all of House Tjorgrim. At times of great need even the least of the House seems capable of drawing upon that passion, whether it be in a fiery Senate speech, a desperate clash of swords, or the insistent wooing of an unattainable woman. The passions of the Tjorgrim run deeply, and woe to those who awaken them without considering the consequences.
Awfully Good Fighters (For a Bunch of Bureaucrats) - Few would consider the Tjorgrim a match to Houses such as Branas or Eiredor. But few also would completely discount them. Their forces may number only in the hundreds, but their ranks contain many fighters of great merit. Certainly their martial strength eclipses any of the other Senatorial families, most of which consciously choose not to lower themselves to such pursuits.
Awfully Good Bureaucrats (For a Bunch of Barbarians) - Similarly, though few would place the Tjorgrim in the top tier of Senate movers and shakers, they tend to hold their own in the ongoing political struggles. Most would have counted them out long ago, but somehow they manage to hold their place against the shifting currents. They tend to be better listeners than talkers, and the flashes of true brilliance within the house are cultivated rather than scorned.
Control of the Harbor - Well, "control" might be too strong of a word. A great opportunity has been placed into Tjorgrim's hands. Current betting pools in the Narrows give the family even odds of maintaining their position in a year, so that's not too bad. If they can hold the reins of this charging horse then either great respect (if they choose to remain uncorrupted) or great wealth (otherwise) could be theirs.
Weaknesses of House Tjorgrim
Bunch of Fucking Thieving Barbarians Who Don't Know Their Place - The Senate has kinder ways of putting it, but it all amounts to the same thing. Seven hundred years may seem like a long time, but somehow Tjorgrim still gets treated as outsiders, even by Houses who have existed for less than half that time. It's never more than a dozen years before Tjorgrim jokes come back into favor at court, given the wide variety of applicable targets.
Over Their Heads in the Harbor - It's a great opportunity --- FOR UTTER FAILURE. Truly the Tjorgrim are not well equipped for this task. Many of the Royal Houses might have done better. Tjorgrim's sole unique qualification is that they have the martial strength to maintain order, with the political neutrality afforded by being a part of the Senate rather than one of those power-hungry Royal Houses. That gives them the moral authority, but in the meantime what exactly do we do with all of these fucking boats? It's enough to make one wish to send away for a fleet of Ulfen longships to help keep order.
Sort of Soft, Eh? - Incredibly, while there are those who demean the House Tjorgrim as being a bunch of loudmouthed hot-blooded barbarians spoiling for a fight, there are others who decry the family for having at their foundation the weak timber of romantic love. This is an aspect of the House that Tjorgrim cherishes, if not openly flaunts, but the admiration of poets, bards and moonstruck lovers can be cold consolation when "men's work" must be done. The Taldan Empire has at its heart a rather strong streak of machismo which sometimes clashes with virtue of this sort.
Can't Take a Hint, Won't Take a Coin - Perhaps in overcompensation for their reputation as barbarians, House Tjorgrim has adhered fairly strongly to an internal code of honor which does not always play well in the shifting sands of the Senate. "I scratch your back, you scratch mine" tends not to go over well with Tjorgrim, which often leaves them as the only unscratched back in the room.
Foreign Relations of Note
Tjorgrim takes few positions on the foreign relations issues of the day. They have their hands full with the Harbor situation, so any thought of war is just not within their visible horizon.
