Ui Briuin Family

Origins: A New House Rises

The Feast of the Black Swan: 9/2016

The rosy fingers of dawn's creeping light swept over the high hills and forests where the minor nobles of the house of Ui Briuin have lived for three generations. The small holdfast to which they made their estate seemed little more than a hunting lodge to the grander nobles of the realm. But Adare Hall had always been renowned for its hospitality to those who resided within their demesne, and the traveling nobility of Xavax on their way to the castle. The high hearth was always lit, and the feasting hall always had fresh game to feast upon. For the Ui Briuin held their origins as hunters in times of peace and archers in times of war, and in spite of their rise from the common man the family always held true to its past. So it was that on this dawn a letter came to Adare Hall calling to arms all those who could fight for the sake of the realm. To be granted the honor of serving the Imperium by fighting in the Xerarch's army was a chance that no true patriot could dream of passing up. All that truly mattered was which of Art Ui Briuin's children would take up the call and in doing so bring glory and honor to their house?

The meeting among the immediate family was intense with each of the children stating their case and trying to claim the right for themselves. The eldest son Caoimhín was the finest warrior of the family and skilled in both horse and sword. But he was the heir of Adare hall and Art would seldom part with his oldest in spite the enthusiasm shown and the ferocity of his arguments. His second son Eoghan spoke next, and though the flaxen haired youth was but a few years younger than his brother he was no less worthy. Eoghan's skill with the bow exceeded that of both his brothers, and although Caoimhín bested him with blade Eoghan made it a match. Plus Eoghan was not likely to inherit and his temprament was ill suited for the priesthood unlike his younger brother Ruari. What better way, thought Art, to give his son the best chance of making something of himself and possibly obtaining further lands. Besides it would remove the chance of his sons fighting to inherit their home when he was gone. So it was that when all the arguments were made Art Ui Briuin had come to a decision on just who he would send to represent their house in the armies of their Xerarch.

Their own messenger was given a fine feast while the note was written, and by the midday's sun he was sent off with letters for all the nobles in the realm. Letters that announced that the house of Ui Briuin remembered their oaths, and would send one of its own with his personal army. Their forces may prove small, but their arrows will soar swift and true as if on the wings of sparrows in the defense of the Imperium. Look for them on the morrow and know that even the smallest of houses honors the call of our Xerarch.

History

The Ui Briuin family had lived in the hinterlands of the Xavax region for generations long before they were to be known as the Ui Briuin. There with other settlers they formed a community which blossomed to a village surviving just on the edge of Xavax's border with Enubec. While many of his ancestors practiced various trades the vast majority of the Ui Briuin's ancestors acted as hunters, or tanners, and on once every so often the occasional scout for the lords of the realm when they had need. So it was from generation to generation that this family, one of the oldest within their little village, became marginally well known within the area. It was that brief spread of fame that attracted a landed Count to seek out Brión Mac Orin as a guide for his army while fighting within the region. Brión managed to serve with distinction as an acting scout, and never had he managed to be caught as the wild lands and forests were his true home. Had things progressed at this rate though Brión might have been a richer man before returning home. Still he wouldn't have been any more famous than any other soldier serving their liege. No, for Brión the wheel of destiny turned during his third campaign out from his home in the hinterlands. Already a survivor of two long wars, he had grown a wiser man and a caring father. But more than that his council had become a necessity for his liege as he maneuvered his forces from battle field to battle field. Still no amount of intelligence could stave of the hands of fate and in a climactic battle far from their home the Count's forces were nearly annihilated. Barely managing his escape the Count fled the field with but a hand full of desperately wounded soldiers and his own wounds taking their toll. It was only through the efforts of Brión that the wounded men were able to travel unmolested by their foe, to eat as he hunted and scavenged for his lord, and eventually make it home after weeks of travel. As such for his service Brión was made into a noble of the realm, and given a small tract of land in the hinterlands he loved so much. Taking with his title a gift of gold from the count Brión began construction on Adare Hall just on the outskirts of his village. This proud manor would come to be the ruling seat for Brión the next following generations of his family. Sadly Brión had died shortly after completion of the manor, and was buried shortly after. Brión's wife Líadan inherited her husband's title and land upon his death as her children were too young to rule. So it was that Líadan Ui Briuin became the Lady of Adare Hall, and cemented the name of her family for the generations to follow.

Notable Members of the Ui Briuin Family

Brión Mac Orin: Founder of the family, and the first Lord of Adare Hall. Ruled 7 months.

Líadan Ui Briuin: Brión's wife and successor. As skilled a hunter as her husband, fought of an invasion of the undead that attacked their lands, and set the family's law of hospitality. Ruled 16 years.

Art Ui Briuin: The eldest son of Brión and Líadan, inherited the title and rights to the Ui Briuin's land upon his mother's tragic death facing a monstrous beast. Known to be welcoming to all, and rather pragmatic. Current ruler of Adare Hall.

Donal Ui Briuin: The second son of Brión and Líadan, left for the colonies when he came of age to make a name for himself and his family. He proved to be moderately successful gaining some traction for his family. Father to Dame Caoimhe Ui Briuin, and sire of his bastard son Niall Redspear. ((More to come))

Eoghan Ui Briuin

A Carefree Life

Eoghan was born the second son of a minor noble family whose plot of lands rested in the wooded hinterlands that bordered the provenances of Xavax and Enubec. Though technically of noble blood the Ui Briuin family had far more in common with the peasant class than those of higher society. The Ui Briuin did not attend any high functions, nor were they present beyond an official swearing of loyalty when the Imperium was founded. As such the youth of Eoghan and his brothers had little to do with what most noble children might have been accustomed to. As a child he was more often found with the local boys roaming the forests of his family land, or messing around with his bow than actual studies. Only on the occasion of a guest gracing the presence of Adare Hall did he even dress as befitting his station. In time this would change, as the boy grew older his interests began to shift more towards becoming the hero his grandparents were. His father also managed to hire a tutor to come when he was around the age of ten to try and educate his otherwise wild children. As such he proceeded into puberty with a little learning and lofty goals for his future. Day in and day out he would find himself either in his books or in the practice field honing his skills with his older brother. He discovered that he made for a remarkably average swordsman, but given the bow and there was not a hunter in the village that could best him. So it was that this was how the days of his youth passed, were it only to remain so. But time and fate move on grander scales and destiny would call Eoghan beyond the small world that he knew.

((More to come))