House Wanderfoot


Heraldic Coat of Arms

Rank: Lesser Noble House of Arethane

Type: Kender

Background:

Once a wandering tribe of roguish travelers, the Kender of House Wanderfoot have ascended to nobility through the house's remarkable network of information, charismatic diplomacy, and uncanny knack for making connections. Their members are known for their insatiable curiosity and frequent escapades, often making them the eyes and ears of the court. Though their demeanor is lighthearted and carefree, they wield considerable influence, using their extensive social networks and clever schemes.

Motto or Saying:

"The journey is the destination."

Prominent Members:

  • Patriarch/Lord Speaker: Rilfander Wanderfoot
  • Matriarch: Verlenna Wanderfoot
  • House Heir: Faryn Wanderfoot
  • House Elder: Halver Wanderfoot
  • House Weapons Master: Tyllan Wanderfoot
  • House Mage: Kessandra Wanderfoot
  • Adiena Wanderfoot: Knight of the Black Rose

House Sajorte:

None at this time

House Squire:

None at this time

Family Traditions:

  • The Great Pilgrimage: A tradition where members of House Wanderfoot must travel to distant lands to uncover knowledge, treasures, or secrets before ascending to the title of "Seeker."
  • Footsteps of the Ancestors: Every year, the family holds a celebratory procession to honor their nomadic roots, where they retrace the steps of the first Wanderfoot ancestors.

Business Interests:

  1. House Wanderfoot is deeply invested in intelligence gathering, trade negotiations, and artifact retrieval.
  2. They often serve as mediators or spies, leveraging their social finesse and connections to broker deals or resolve conflicts within the court.
  3. Their interest in rare and exotic goods also makes them a significant player in the black market.

Influence and Prestige:

While House Wanderfoot’s jovial nature is often underestimated, their network and ability to sway opinions and gather secrets have earned them significant influence. Their houses are frequently sought out for their expertise in both covert dealings and fostering alliances. They wield considerable sway behind the scenes, often with a smile on their faces.

Related Lesser Houses:

Wanderfoot maintains strategic alliances with the following lesser houses, fostering cooperation and mutual support within elven society.
  • House Vannis: An ally in trade and knowledge exchange.
  • House Thalrath: An intellectual ally in the pursuit of lost artifacts.
  • House Galshon: A family tied by their common interest in diplomacy.

Alliances and Feuds:

Alliances:

  • House Ariquis: A trusted ally in matters of diplomacy and mutual aid.
  • House Ashriella: A family with similar interests in trade, politics, and occasional espionage.
Feuds:
  • House Verthal: A long-standing rivalry, due to House Wanderfoot’s constant interference in the Verthal family's business schemes.

Other Notes of Interest:

House Wanderfoot members are famous for their ability to blend into any environment, often going unnoticed in the midst of a crowd or palace intrigue. The family’s vaults contain a variety of stolen or traded artifacts from across the lands, some of which may or may not be cursed.

Colours:

Green and gold, representing the roads traveled and the wealth found along the way.

Residences:

  • House Wanderfoot’s residence in Arethane’s Royal City is a sprawling, labyrinthine estate, constantly shifting with new chambers and passageways, to accommodate their ever-changing number of guests and members. Their secondary estate near the city is known for its extensive library of rare scrolls, maps, and journals gathered from their travels.

Political Influence:

House Wanderfoot thrives in the court of Arethane due to their influence behind the scenes. Though they rarely engage in open politics, they often serve as intermediary voices in resolving conflicts, offering clever solutions that benefit their family without drawing attention.

Cultural Preservation:

House Wanderfoot has always maintained its love of storytelling, music, and art from their travels. They are a source of cultural exchange, blending the knowledge of various lands with their own eccentric twist.

Arts and Culture:

Kender artistry is an eclectic mix of practical and whimsical, often blending the beauty of life’s unpredictability with function. Their sculptures, paintings, and poetry reflect the beauty they see in chaos.

Education and Training:

  • House Wanderfoot places heavy emphasis on learning, often sending its members to the farthest reaches of the world to learn from other cultures. Their library is a trove of knowledge on everything from languages to obscure sciences.

Philosophy and Ethical Beliefs:

  • While House Wanderfoot maintains an irreverent sense of humor, their philosophy is rooted in the belief that knowledge is freedom and that discovery, exploration, and curiosity are the highest pursuits. They believe that no mystery is too trivial to explore, and no treasure too small to uncover. Their ethics are founded on a balance of curiosity and responsibility, ensuring that their adventures and schemes never cross into outright harm to others.