House Astilor

Introduction
The House of Astilor is a noble house in the Valreach Imperium, primarily situated in the West of the nation with Fortress Ludenstadt the seat of power for the House. The current Patriarch is Charles Astilor (Glubenstein), and the House has various fiefs owned by members of different ranks. The House is known for its diligent building, mercantile outlook and integrity in the important values of loyalty, honour and above all else bravery. As such the House bears the Motto: Mighty, Brave, Bold.

Pre-Foundation
The House of Astilor began with a family on a far away island. This family lived in the Commonwealth of Archos in the far east, and were at the mercy of pirates when the Commonwealth collapsed. As funding from The Paragon Banking Clan waned, so to did the mercenary protection of the island; the raiding fleets of pirates grew bolder by the day and eventually a full scale pirate raid was launched. The Head of the Family, Edward and his wife Margaret were killed in the attack leaving their three sons and daughter orphans. In a valiant defence of the escaping Archosi ships, the oldest brother Arthur perished whilst fighting off mutiple pirates and securing the life of his son and the rest of his family. The survivors took what possessions they had and travelled as refugees westwards to escape the piracy which had taken their home. As Archosi ships dwindled in number, with storms raging and the threat of pirates ever present, the family landed on the shores of Valreach and journeyed inwards, finding social housing in the capital. It was here that Friedrich Aulian, noticed the diligent work ethic and smarts of the oldest living brother Charles. After speaking about their shared experiences and the world, it became clear to Friedrich Aulian, that an opportunity to reignite the lands of the West in Valreach lay in front of him. Charles was created Baron of Ludenstadt, and it was his responsibility to create a Noble House.

Name, Arms and Motto
The House of Astilor was named after Charles consulted with his younger brother Albert, where in memory of their older brother, they would name the House: Astilor, which is an old Archosi term for a Brave/ Courageous warrior. The Arms of House Astilor wouldn't come until the family had journeyed to the Old Castle in the The Barony of Ludenstadt. Whilst en route, the entourage was attacked by a lion in the jungle outside the Old Castle. Charles and Albert slayed the mighty beast, but its attack had a profound effect on Charles. The Lion moved with elegance and ferocity, it held grace while it was savage. It fought with passion whilst projecting its might. It stormed multiple attackers, it was brave. The Lion imparted a lesson on Charles, which brought together the teachings of his parents, and the memory of his lost brother. Charles chose to take the Lion, an important animal in Valreach as the animal on his Crest, and adopt the motto: Mighty, Brave, Bold; each word a lesson from his past. To be mighty and strong, a lesson from his parents, to be brave even in dire times a lesson from his brother's honourable sacrifice, and to be bold like the lion who took on many foes at once with grace and ferocity. Such the Name, Arms and Motto of House Astilor were created.

Establishment in Ludenstadt
House Astilor sought to establish a quick presence in The Barony and capitalise on what infrastructure was still operational. Thus Baron Charles appointed his nephew (whom he considered another son) Robert Astilor Lord Mayor of Raghrena, the Baronies largest settlement. The family rallied around Charles in securing connections and building bridges with other noble families, as they all knew this would help secure their new opportunity at a stable, and prosperous life.

A Seat of Power
The Old Castle of Ludenstadt had fallen into total ruin, dirt and rubble made up most of the walls, broken ceilings allowed heavy storms to rot away the wood and carpets of throne rooms and banquet halls. So Charles decided that for Astilor to grow and succeed, in both standing within Valreach and even just in what remained of Ludenstadt a new seat of power would need to be constructed. Thus a grand construction project began to create a fortress worthy of a Valrean Noble.

A Fertile and Agile River?
The Farmcona River is one of Valreach's most important and beautiful rivers. It flows from east to west, crossing the lands of the Astilor family. It is a source of life and wealth for many people who depend on it for water, food, trade and transportation. It is also a natural border and a strategic point for defense and diplomacy.

The name Farmcona comes from the Old Tongue, an ancient language  spoken by the first inhabitants of Ludenstadt. The old language is no longer used in everyday speech, but it is still preserved in some books, songs and legends. The ancient language is rich and complex, with words with many  meanings and nuances.

The word Farmcona means fertile and lively land in the old language. This name reflects the peculiarities and characteristics  of the river and its surroundings. The river is fertile because it nourishes the soil and makes it suitable for agriculture and livestock. The river is agile because it moves quickly and gracefully and changes its course and shape according to the landscape and the seasons.

The name Farmcona also has a deeper and symbolic meaning in the old language. The word Farmcona consists of two parts: Farma and Cona. Farma means fire or spirit and Cona means water or soul. Together, they represent the union or balance of fire and water, spirit and soul. The name expresses the harmony and diversity of Ludenstadt,  a country of many cultures, peoples and beliefs.

The river was called Farmcona  by Robert Astilor, the first mayor of Raghrena. Robert Astilor was a visionary and scholar who  learned the ancient language from his mentor Master Elion. Robert Astilor had  great respect and admiration for the ancient language, which he considered  a source of wisdom and inspiration. He also had  a great love and appreciation for the river, which he considered a gift and a blessing. Robert Astilor named the river Farmcona to honor its beauty and abundance and celebrate its role in bringing peace and prosperity to Ludenstadt. He also gave the name Farmcona to remind  people of their heritage and identity, as well as their duty and destiny. He wanted his people to be like a river: fertile and flowing