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1. Basic Information
- Name: House Farmus
- Species: Human
- Symbol/Heraldry: A silver wheel bound by iron chains, on a field of red and gold.
- Seat / Domain: Flown, Agroma
- Current Head: High Factor Neralis Farmus.
- Core Traits: Mercantile, pragmatic, shrewd, opportunistic.
2. Overview
House Farmus is synonymous with trade and transport in Siar’Morrin. For generations they have dominated overland commerce, holding an enduring monopoly on caravans, river crossings, and land-based routes. Where other houses rely on armies or piety, Farmus thrives on coin, contracts, and control of movement. Their wealth buys them influence in every major court, though their reputation is tainted by whispers of smuggling, black markets, and manipulation.
3. History
- Origins: Although House Farmus and its land based operations existed prior to the Age of Darkness (AoD), it was during this age they rose to prominence as the collapse of sea trade made overland routes vital. They seized the opportunity to build and guard their own network of caravans and crossings, profiting immensely.
- Notable Events:
- The Pact of Vitaurum: Struck with House Terra after the Age of Darkness, this pact guaranteed regular supply lines to the capital in return for royal sanction and protection.
- The Pilliga Pilgrimage: At first catastrophic, the closure of the Shadow Aisle pass forced trade south through Pilliga. By controlling Westrun, Farmus turned this crisis into opportunity, consolidating a chokehold on the east–west route.
- The Draven Pact: With the reestablishment of the Road North under Lucien Draven’s expedition, Farmus secured exclusive rights to caravan trade along the route, further embedding themselves as indispensable brokers of continental travel and commerce.
- Current Status: House Farmus stands as one of the wealthiest noble families in Siar’Morrin. Yet they face growing competition from the GST in long-range transport, increasingly challenging their monopoly. Yet their opportunism and reserves of wealth keeps them firmly in play.
4. Leadership & Family
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Current Leaders:
- High Factor Neralis Farmus: Current head of the house, famed as the architect of its modern wealth.
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Notable Members:
- Deyra Farmus: Neralis’ daughter, known for her sharp wit and ruthless diplomacy.
- Marcus Farmus: Cousin and commander of the Farmus guard companies, loyal but heavy-handed.
5. Culture & Reputation
- Core Beliefs: Wealth is power, and control of roads is control of kingdoms. Farmus philosophy is unapologetically mercantile, valuing coin and contracts over honour or faith.
- Influence: Immense in trade courts and merchant councils, though their reach wanes outside the Fluvitae corridor and to an extent the Road North.
- Allies/Rivals:
- Ally: House Terra, bound through the Pact of Vitaurum, their fortunes have long been intertwined with the crown of New Birania.
- Ally: Iron Concord, frequent clients, relying on Farmus trade routes to move their metals and crafted goods across Siar’Morrin.
- Ally: Lucien Draven, through the Draven Pact, Farmus secured rights to his Road North, tying them to his legacy of expansion.****
- Rivals: Glacimancer Storage & Transport Co. (GST), bitter rivals in the battle for continental supply chains, with GST’s arcane edge threatening Farmus’ overland monopoly.