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 n obles 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 Liam. 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.
