Reputation
Handernesse is not a House well-loved, although they command their fair share of respect and then some. Ambition has been a defining feature of the House for as long as any can recall; the leaders of Handernesse will do whatever is necessary to secure their own position, and to advance as they may. However, there are limits, for Handernesse also defines itself by its own form of honor. No scion of Handernesse will lie overtly; neither will they ever betray an ally unless that ally stabs them in the back first. Thus, the nobles who assist them are 'safe'… as long as they give Handernesse the same loyalty. Nonetheless, that doesn't stop Handernesse from collecting information and laying plans towards the day when they are betrayed. It's also offers no comfort to the majority of nobles, as Handernesse will only ally with someone who has something they want; small fish in the pond are beneath notice, unless they think to menace the big fish.
It doesn't help Handernesse that rumors linger, both in society and amongst the population at large — questions, suspicions of taint in their blue blood. Twenty-five years ago, the third and youngest Handernesse scion — believed to have been a son — was stillborn. Or perhaps died soon after birth. No two stories quite agree, as gossipmongers have had ample time to embellish the tale, but the consensus was reached that perhaps, just perhaps, the ruling family of the House should be watched. Worse still, only five years ago, the elder daughter of Handernesse vanished; in town one day and gone the next without word, without note, without ransom demand. No body was ever found. Some say she fled north, seeking lands free of taint. Many say she died; murdered by agents of a fallen House, caught out one night by tainted beasts, perhaps even revealed as tainted herself and quietly disposed of.
At this time, the rumors have long since faded into background noise, but they have not been forgotten; embers in the ashes which need only the fuel to flare up again.
Members
Lord Rymark na'Verra Handernesse
Lady Verra na'Maris Handernesse
Lady Phaedra na'Verra Handernesse (presumed deceased)
Lord Russo na'Verra Handernesse (deceased)
