Magnotta

House Magnotta
Head(s) of House	Artorius Magnotta, Mikani Magnotta
Voice(s)	Desma Magnotta
Kingdom	Lyceum
Liege	Malvici
Words	"By Sea and Sky."
Sigil	A gold hawk on a silver trident with a star in the center on a black field.
Nickname	Ospreys
County

In the winter of 1007, House Malvici set out to do their part to turn the isles against the Dark Reflection of Mangata and towards the Compact. Through diplomatic efforts and a strong military force, the people of the Cyrto Islands bent the knee to House Malvici. Duchess Calypso Malvici entrusted this new county to the hands of newlyweds Lord Artorius and Lady Melinda, making them Count and Countess of this strategic island cluster in the Lycean Sea. They took the name Magnotta to honor the Goddess of the Wind and Sea. With a new people to look over and a new family to establish, they kept a watch on the southernmost reaches of Arvus, acting as the Watch Tower of the Compact's southern holdings.

In 1013 however, Artorius, for reasons unknown though rumored to have been related to the divorce from Lady Melinda, abdicated and requested Lord Domonico Malvici to take his place. The new Count Domonico Magnotta has both been followed by several further flung Malvici family members changing their names and allegience to the small House as well as having fostered new bonds with the Prodigals sworn to the House.

Only three years later, in 1016, through unfortunate circumstances and natural causes, both Domonico and his wife Aahana passed away. Artorius stepped forward to reclaim what Duchess Calypso had once bestowed upon him in trust, with the support of House Malvici. Retaining the mantle of Count, Artorius has made it clear the traditions of the old blood of Malvici will remain strong in Magnotta.

By Sea and Sky.

Members

Character	Title	Age	Gender	Character Status
Aahana Magnotta		19	Female	Active
Artorius Magnotta		37	Male	Active
Desma Magnotta		20	Female	Active
Domonico Magnotta		28	Male	Active
Mikani Magnotta		30	Female	Active

Vassalage

House Magnotta is a vassal to House Malvici, which in turn is vassal to House Velenosa. There are some Baronies below them.

Cultural Notes

Since started by Malvici in 1007 as a Watch Tower of the compact, Magnotta holds to its Malvici roots. Though some cultural pieces have evolved as the Mountain Pol, and to some extent the Great Bay Pol, become more absorbed into the Southport immigrant population.

NOTE: This is an unofficial document managed by several of us players, to keep track of our house and vassel house projects (both completed and in the works), as well as any lore (relevant) details. Everyone (in the house or vassel houses) can contribute to it and is encouraged to do so. It's our story after all.

Childhood & Martial Training

For the Magnottans (via Malvici) training with a weapon starts young. Every child learns to hold a weapon and not only fight with their bodies but with their minds as well.

This starts at birth. Parents praise the strength of their child and games seem like drills to an outsider. Yet young children seem to enjoy it. They see training as play at this point. And in a way it is. Parents are very attentive to their children's development and take an active role in ensuring proper education.

At the age of seven, informal training starts for all children - there is no separation from noble to commoner nor between genders. This part-time training spans from scouting to minor patrols around safe spaces (i.e. Castle grounds and temples). The training at this stage is continued by parents but it started to include other trusted adults. Other schooling starts at this age as well. Commoners apprentice with their parents and nobles learn how to find their place within the family.

At the age of twelve, small units are built around skill sets. This determines who is on the path toward the Navy or to the Army. Though every child is trained in both, specialized training is gained. In addition, all children learn music and dance. This is on top of their studies in reading, writing, and history.

At the age of sixteen, formal martial training begins. The cream of the crop is trained to become the next League of Caer Morien or trained to guard the noble family as Magnottan Marines. The others prepare for their mandatory service at age eighteen. Please note that this is NOT to say all Magnottan Children become lifelong warriors. Just that all children are exposed to this education.

At the age of eighteen, all serve in either the army or navy depending upon their skill sets for two years. Afterward, they are free to follow their own path, be it military or more non-militia pursuits.

Again note, that just because they learn music and dance, does not mean they are good at either. Just learning how one's body moves and how to hear and listen to others as a group of singers adds to other areas of importance. Music also teaches you how to breathe and stamina.

Courting

Unlike the Hundred Cities, who profess their love through poetry - Magnottians woo their intended through song. Some write their own lyrics and tunes while others use tried and true songs. Both are acceptable and one is not looked upon more highly than the other, especially if the lyrics express precisely the woo-ear's intent and feelings.

From Malvici.

Customs & Rituals

Vulture's Feast

Soldiers share the good of their fallen comrades while enjoying the favored foods and drinks of the dead. A few tokens are saved to send back to the comrade's family, with condolences, and the rest are divided up amongst the unit.

If any conflict arises, they are resolved with the deceased's favorite game (see Games) or contest. This tradition began in Southport as a way to reuse goods on the battlefield by the Quartermasters. It has evolved to a way to not only honor one's comrades but as a way to blow off the steam of losing family in arms.

From Malvici

Funeral Rites

There are five parts to a 'traditional' Magnotta Funeral. Procession, Cremation/Sea Burial, Eulogy, Feast, and Commemoration. It should be known that funeral rites, especially from Magnottian Citizens from Southport and the newly converted prodigals, are done in the name of Lagoma, Tehom, and the Queen of Endings.

From Malvici

Procession

The larger the Procession the more wealthy or known the deceased was in life. Professional Mourners follow and mourn loudly. If the deceased cannot afford mourners, Priests/Disciples of the Queen of Endings will take their place. Musicians join as well. The Procession moves from where the deceased was prepared to the funeral bier (a bed-like tray) for cremation.

On a ship, the Procession is done before a Sea Burial. Though it is small and around the ship.

Cremation & Burial

The body is taken to the part of town set aside for the dead and put upon a funeral pyre. It is then burned and the ashes and remaining fragments of bones and teeth were interned, in the family mausoleum. The remains are not buried with any possessions.

On a ship, the body is not cremated as there is no place to safely have a fire. Instead, the body is wrapped tightly in cloth and dropped into the ocean.

Eulogy

At the mausoleum, words are said about the life of the deceased and are usually given by the family. If the person is not known or if there are no surviving members of the family, a Priest/Deciple of Lagoma says a few words about the transition from this world to the Wheel.

Feast

No funeral is complete unless there is a ritual feast at the end of it. The funeral was the final marker that told the deceased that they could continue on to the Wheel and the Shining Lands. That the family or those left behind would and should be able to move forward.

Commemoration

Once the body is buried/cremated/dropped to the bottom of the sea, the deceased still has to be remembered. On the Day of Vows (2/1) loved ones remember/honor family ancestors and those that came before.

First Sip

As is custom in the rest of the Lyceum, when offering a drink to someone/guest, a sip is taken before passing the cup. This is to prove the contents are not poisoned.

From the Lyceum.

Games

Breath

From Malvici.

Conquor

From Malvici.

Stones

From Malvici.

Vilification Tennis

From the Mountain Pol.

The Cyrto Archipelagos

The Cyrto Archipelagos (Cyrto Arch or Cyrto Isles) is a surprisingly vast chain of islands to the far southwest of the Compact at the intersection of the currents from the Lycene Sea and the Eventide Vast. Upon reaching the Arch, one finds rich soil with lush forests growing up into the mountains and down into deep valleys, separating them from the pristine beaches of white sand and bright blue waters. Volcanos dot the islands, some are active and some inactive. Though some of the islands are not inhabited - on the whole the Arch feels like paradise.

The largest of these islands is Cyrto Major. It is the furthest north and home to the tallest mountain in the archipelago. This makes for a great spot to overlook the rest of the islands and surrounding seas. This is the location of the County Seat.

Caer Morien, The County Seat

Caer Morien is a city built on the backs of ruins that reach as far in the past as before the reckoning. Far on the highest peak of Cyrto Major, the city has been built up in tall stone towers. Mixing new construction with old ruins, this city holds many secrets and is in the perfect position to watch over the Lycene Sea. The islands are also known for their vast fields of lilies and cocoa tree groves used for making chocolate.

Part of the Empyrean Trade Route.

Cyrto Castle

A mix of ruin and new construction. Cyrto Castle is a beautiful place. While it is a castle from before the reckoning, there is a beauty to it. Fortified but with murals of osprey, dolphins, lizards, and cocoa trees. Restoration has rebuilt much of the castle and yet the history is still kept. Who would be foolish enough to ruin something so valuable? It is a County Seat in paradise.

• 

  Cyrto Castle Layout

• 

  Cyrto Castle View

• 

  Cyrto Castle Passageway

Fort Magnotta

On the north coast in a shielded bay, Fort Magnotta was the first Lycene settlement in the archipelago. It has been updated from wooden structures to stone. It is the port one would use if they were traveling to Caer Morien and Cyrto Castle. However, you would have to go up the switchback to get up the mountain. The port is continually growing the more Caer Morien prospers. This is where the Empyrean Trade Route connects.

• 

  Fort Magnotta

• 

  A walk way in Fort Magnotta

• 

  A shop in Fort Magnotta

• 

  A home in Fort Magnotta

Orphanage of Aion

Located in Fort Magnotta on the corner of Mountain Road and Great Bay Road. The Pols have a tradition of raising parentless children, so this orphanage is well taken care of and the children there are well educated. The children are raised like all others Magnotta.

• 

  Outside of Orphanage of Aion

Cyrto Key

The Cyrto Key is a small dock/fort/settlement on the south side of the island in the Great Bay. Designated as both the gateway to further exploration/travel into the archipelago and as solidifying Magnotta control over the isles. It was built and designed by Countess-Consort Aahana Magnotta before she passed.

• 

  Cyrto Kay Great Bay Side

• 

  Cyrto Kay Peninsula Side

• 

  Cyrto Kay Wilderness

Military Doctrine

Magnotta Marines

Commander: Legio Lord Adriano Magnotta

The absolute cream of the crop of Magnotta's army and navy, these marines have been training for this position since the age of 16 and have continued to choose the path of serving in the military. They are proficient in not only sea battles but land ones as well. Confident and hardened veteran soldiers, they have a face and demeanor clearly showing their experience, expertise, and capability.

In uniform, they are clad in the black armor of Magnotta with small silver and gold color trimmings. Usually armed with a long sword sheathed at their side. They are also proficient with the spear and bow. The best of the Marines are called into service to defend the heirs and children of the main Magnotta line.

Praetorian Guard

The Praetoria, commonly known as the House Guard, are the personal cohorts assigned to the Count, Countess, and Heirs of Magnotta. The highest rank of each Praetoria Cohort is called the Cohors Praetoria or Praetor for short. Each cohort is charged with a specific group. Each member has been selected from the Magnotta Marines. They may not be the best fighter or the best tactician but they have the qualities each group would need. For example, those selected to protect the Heirs would need to show a good connection for the heirs they are protecting. Usually females with females and males with males.

• Count Cohors Praetoria: Praetor Dakarai Aspasia
• Countess Cohors Praetoria: Praetor Eira Rybac
• Heirs Cohors Praetoria: Praetor Kahina Arminius

Notable Ships

Metanoia, Galley Class Ship

• Owned By: Countess Mikani Magnotta
• Captain: Captain Mila Voronin

Bought by Countess Mikani Magnotta when she was a Lady of Redreef.

Swallow's Flight, Caraval Class Ship

• Owned By: Countess Mikani Magnotta
• Captain: Countess Mikani Magnotta
• First Mate: Ellis Avonmore

Bought by Countess Mikani Magnotta when she was a Lady of Crovane.

Tempest, Caraval Class Ship

• Owned By: House Magnotta
• Captain: Count Artorius Magnotta
• First Mate:

First Caraval to be purchased for the Osprey fleet. The largest ship in the fleet, the Tempest has a figurehead bearing the image of Mangata and was blessed by Archlector Madeleine Whitehart before it was put into use. It is also home to a Seige Weapon to attack from the waters.

Climate & Geography

Geography

The Cyrto Archipelagos (Cyrto Arch or Cyrto Isles) is a surprisingly vast chain of islands to the far southwest of the Compact at the intersection of the currents from the Lycene Sea and the Eventide Vast. Upon reaching the Arch, one finds rich soil with lush forests growing up into the mountains and down into deep valleys, separating them from the pristine beaches of white sand and bright blue waters. Volcanos dot the islands, some are active and some inactive. Though some of the islands are not inhabited - on the whole the Arch feels like paradise.

The largest of these islands is Cyrto Major. It is the furthest north and home to the tallest mountain in the archipelago. This makes for a great spot to overlook the rest of the islands and surrounding seas.

Industry & Economy

• Major Exports: Chocolate, Lilies, Cocoa
• Minor Exports: Dittany of Caer Morien, Eucalyptus, Cotton
• Major Imports: Blackwood, Crovane Shire Horse

House Members

Notes on NPC Family Members, NPC Staff, and other NPCs associated with the house. There is also information on if you want to create an OC for House Magnotta.

Heirs and Children

The children are in age order. They have a number in parenthesis for their number in the line of succession.

• 

  Lady Serah Magnotta

• 

  Lord Malcolm Magnotta

• 

  Lady Palania Magnotta, Heir Apparent

• 

  Lord Nakoa Crovane

• 

  Lady Emma and Lady Arcadia Crovane

• 

  Lady Aahania Magnotta

• 

  Lord Rusano Magnotta

• 

  Lady Senka Crovane

• 

  Lord Islwyn Crovane

• 

  Lord Kairos Cillian Magnotta

Lady Serah Magnotta - 1004 (4)

• 

  Lady Serah Magnotta

Firstborn of Count Artorius, with his first wife Lady Victoria Malvici nee Ashford. Since she came before the advent of Magnotta, her exact birthdate is a mystery but she was born somewhere in the year of 1004. This makes her a teenager in any sense of the word.

Serah has the black hair of her father and his pale skin tone. While Artorius has Ocean Blue Eyes, Serah's eyes are the Greenish Blue of the Ocean in the Great Bay near Caer Morien. She has her father's tall stature which for a young woman puts her at 5'10". Her build is athletic and she has a love for sailing.

Lord Malcolm Magnotta - 12/23/1007 (5)

• 

  Lord Malcolm Magnotta

Secondborn of Count Artroius, with his second wife Countess Consort Melinda Magnotta nee Grimhall. Though his parents were later divorced, Malcolm is just entering his teen years.

He has wildly curly hair that is a medium brown color. His eyes are the same Ocean Blue as his father and while he is tall he only comes in at 6'0" compared to his 6'4" father. His body is built for dueling as he works with his father on possible knighthood. With his mother in Grimhall and his time spent there, he does lean toward Mourning Isle styles while in Arx but when in Caer Morien he follows the house trends.

Lady Palania Magnotta, Heir Apparent of Caer Morien - 6/10/1011 (1)

• 

  Lady Palania Magnotta, Heir Apparent

Firstborn of the late Count Domonico with Countess Consort Aahana Magnotta. Nicknamed the Little Phoenix to those who knew her as a child or just Phoenix as she is known now to family and to the people of Caer Morien. She was lost and then was returned years later, which makes her look and act two years younger than she is and she probably is younger.

Palania looks and acts like her mother. Blonde hair, Average Height, Violet Blue Eyes, and Light Peach Skin with some freckling. She has the calm and grace of higher-ranked nobles when slaughtering weak talking points and irrational emotions of her enemies. She was blessed with a charming smile and seems to have the born in knowledge of which words to use honeyed enrapturing words or a more pragmatic tone.

Domonico trained her at an early age how to handle a medium weapon and how to fight, she remembers growing up and training with him. She also learned Volkov ways of the horse. She is a natural leader, even the children seem to defer to her and when an activity is started she seems to be at the center organizing the task or game. She does not suffer bullies and will take them down usually starting with her wit first and actions second. While she does enjoy arts, especially music, she is the heir Caer Morien needs.

Lord Nakoa Crovane - 4/20/1012

• 

  Lord Nakoa Crovane

First born of Countess Mikani Magnotta and Lord Rysen Crovane. Born into Crovane and still considered a Crovane Lord, Nakoa is still a boy and is unable to start his fosterage for a few years.

The boy looks like a small version of Mikani save for the sea-gray eyes of the Northern Oceans. His medium bronze skin sets him apart from his siblings who take more of their father's coloring. The Gray of his eyes can be light or dark depending on mood and they show a very inquisitive soul and adventurous drives of his parents. He is quick to give a hug or physical affection to those who need/want it. Since a young age he had been learning blades and now is equal to some more hardened sword fighters. Champion Caspian Wild is his uncle after all. He has a large interest in Knights and Knighthood as his father before him. Can speak and understand Marin'alfar, Northlands Shav, and Eurusi.

Lady Emma Crovane - 1/13/1013 at 13:13

Second born of Countess Mikani Magnotta and Lord Rysen Crovane. Born into Crovane and still considered a Crovane Lady, Emma is still a girl and is unable to start her fosterage for a few years.

Emma is the oldest of the twins and the girls are identical in look, but not personality. They both have pale skin and dark hair of their father. Otherwise, they are like their mother. Dark almost black eyes, highly expressive along with their faces. They are lean and muscular like their mother and walk like they aren't prey.

Here is where they differ. Emma has eyes that show how bright she is even as she looks through a person to their innermost core. Inspecting what is behind the person's outsides. She is a consummate explorer. She prefers to have her hands in the dirt or up in a tree or swimming in the ocean. She is action personified. Can speak and understand Marin'alfar, Northlands Shav, and Eurusi.

Lady Arcadia 'Dia' Crovane - 1/13/1013 at 14:13

Third born of Countess Mikani Magnotta and Lord Rysen Crovane. Born into Crovane and still considered a Crovane Lady, Arcadia is still a girl and is unable to start her fosterage for a few years. She received her name in honor of Marquessa Arcadia Stahlben.

Arcadia 'Dia' is the youngest of the twins and the girls are identical in look, but not personality. They both have pale skin and dark hair of their father. Otherwise, they are like their mother. Dark almost black eyes, highly expressive along with their faces. They are lean and muscular like their mother and walk like they aren't prey.

Here is where they differ. One doesn't know Dia long to know she doesn't talk. Or at least verbally. While her sister is off exploring, Dia prefers to study closer to home. She almost always has her head in a book on various subjects from the Occult to Diplomacy to Military Tactics. She isn't shy with a blade and she loves to write. Her words are expressed through writing. She may not speak many languages but she understands Marin'alfar, Northlands Shav, and Eurusi.

Lady Aahania Magnotta - 2/24/1015 (2)

Secondborn of the late Count Domonico with Countess Consort Aahana Magnotta. While being the middle child she is hard to look over. Hair of her father, the blue eyes of her mother. She is the best combination of the two. The most diplomatic of her siblings it might be because she is between them. She shines her best at a social gathering where she can discuss things that interest her. Not the fighter that her mother nor her father were, she does have a knack for finding compromise. Taller than girls her age she seems to have inherited Domonico's height as well.

Lord Rusano Magnotta - 2/24/1015 (3)

Thirdborn of the late Count Domonico with Countess Consort Aahana Magnotta. An almost spitting image of his late father. Ruslano has not only the dark hair and dark blue eyes of his father. But also the aristocratic features. He is serious and studious. He spends as much time training his mind as he does his body. He is either on the go with his animals or found in the library quiet. A boy of contradictions.

Lady Senka Crovane - 1/15/1019

While adopted by Countess Mikani Magnotta when she was part of House Crovane, the parents' names haven't been released but they were part of a Cadet offshoot of the Crovane Line. To Mikani, Senka is hers by blood, and treats her as such.

Senka, even as a toddler, can worm her way into any heart. Her grin makes her look like she is hiding something, but something fun. She has wavy hair dark hair, gray-blue eyes, and tanned skin that marks her as from the southern areas of Crovane lands. Her long lean body that she uses for running from her nursemaids and playing with the animals.

Lord Islwyn Crovane - 1/15/1019

While adopted by Countess Mikani Magnotta when she was part of House Crovane, the parents' names haven't been released but they were part of a Cadet offshoot of the Crovane Line. To Mikani, Islwyn is hers by blood, and treats him as such.

Islwyn is the prototypical baby of the family, he seems to know it even at his young age. Patient for attention yet many find it easy to give it to him. His piercing brown eyes. He looks aristocratic in a wild, untamed, way and has the same body build as Senka. He is more comfortable observing those around him. While people cannot help but be drawn to him.

Lord Kairos Cillian Magnotta - 1/13/1021

• 

  Lord Kairos Cillian Magnotta, baby

• 

  Lord Kairos Cillian Magnotta, toddler

The first born of Count Artorius and Countess Mikani Magnotta. Though born in Arx, the baby is a balance between the north and the south. He has the lean and tall build of his father and his mother's coloring. Almost black hair and dark eyes framed by medium bronze skin. His features being a mix of the classic Velenosan blood and the Mourning Isles 'exotic' make for a male that can stand out yet look at home anywhere in the compact. The mix also seems to help him look more like those from the Pols of Cyrto Major. Those in the Cyrto Isles took it as a good sign of the marriage between Artorius and Mikani.

Kairos' middle name was given to him as a remembrance of Lord Cillian Blackwood. A ranger from the Northlands who gave his life protecting the compact. Cillian was an ally of Magnotta and a friend to both the Count and Countess.

Though still a baby, not much is known of his personality yet. He is loved by his family and doted on by staff.

Notable NPCs

Great Bay Pol

Praetor Dakarai Aspasia

Head of the cohort in charge of Count Artorius' protection. Dakarai was an odd choice. Though he was from the Great Bay Pol, Dakarai knew which way the wind was blowing and bent the knee to Artorius when he was Count the first time. The Aspasia family in the Great Bay Pol were known for their diplomatic relations. They were the first to go in and try to negotiate before the warriors took over with more aggressive negotiations. While the Polmarkh of the Great Pol did not listen to them when Malvici came to Cyrto Major, the Aspasia family blended in well with the new family and the new direction of the Isles.

Dakarai is diplomatic and knows how to handle himself in battle. He is loyal to Artorius and can be used as a council if needed. He is level-headed, serious, and slow to anger.

Household Staff

Those that serve in Magnotta Manor in Arx or at Caer Morien Castle on Cyrto Major. Some of those working at Magnotta Manor in Arx were brought over from Countess Mikani's personal staff.

• 

  Casio Rybac, Head Chef

• 

  Ilias Rybac, Sous Chef

Casio Rybac, Head Chef

• 

  Casio Rybac, Head Chef

A veteran Malvici Army cook, who retired and joined former Count Domonico in Caer Morien as the head chef. The man specializes in simple but tasty/filling meals. He is stern in the kitchen but always seems to have a soft spot for the children in the house. The kitchen staff does things the Rybac Way or the Hard Way.

Praetor Eira Rybac, Magnotta Marine & Commander of the Commander of the Countess' Cohors

Youngest of the Rybac siblings. Eira came over with her brothers and was recruited into the Magnotta Marines. She does not have the love for cooking that her brothers do, but there is a fondness for singing and dancing should the occasion call for it. Currently, she is stationed as Countess Mikani Magnotta's guard.

Ilias Rybac, Sous Chef

• 

  Ilias Rybac, Sous Chef

Also a veteran of the Malvici army. When he first joined the house with his brother - he was the first Commander of the Magnotta Marines. After several battles and wars with the dark in the shadows, he retired and joined his brother in the Magnotta Kitchens. He prefers to expand his cooking skills and would love to make more intricate dishes if the head chef allowed it. Instead, he listens to his brother only arguing occasionally about how the meal should be prepared.

Lucia Asaph, Grounds Keeper for Magnotta Manor

Married to Nye Asaph.

Nye Asaph, Keeper of the Kennels & Animal Trainer

Married to Lucia Asaph.

Adding Family

Noble house members tend to come from Malvici, see genetics below. Commoners usually come from one of the Pols, they can be from Southport and moved to Caer Morien to start a new life or moved to be of service to the Noble Family.

Genetics

• Height - Usually range from 5'2" to 6'6", Magnotta and Malvici are usually on the taller side. Are there short ones? Yes. Just rare.
• Eyes:
• Skin:
• Hair:
• Female Names: Vasiliki, Kostantina, Dimitra, Eleni, Calla, Deianira, Ismena, Zoa
• Male Names: Kairos, Andros, Priamos
• Non-Gendered Names: Kefi