Heraldry and Knighthood in Thunder Rift
by HåvardThe Knights/Current members mentioned at the end are knights featured in the module. Longmane is an unknown location, but perhaps the source of the fiefdom of Sir Ursus Longmane, the Vampire from Haunted Tower. Barrik was also a candidate for the Two headed eagle one.
Thunder Rift no longer has a king and there is no mention of nobility outside Sword and Shield. The Knights mentioned are also low level so they have nothing to do with the Fighter's option available at 9th level, although that may be an intended path for some of these warriors. My idea is that the title Knight in Thunder Rift is something awarded to the bravest warriors of each town or village, thus also granting them the privilege of wearing the insignia of that town.
Avenal – Order of the Black Knight – Black Dragon
Family Stronghold: The Swamp of Avenal
Members, Current: Sir Argyl II
Members, historical: Sir Argyl I (The Black Knight)
The knights of the Avenal family are sworn to vengance. The oldest son of each generation takes the title 'the Black Knight'.
Melinir (Lawful) - Golden Lion
Family Stronghold: Melinir
Members, current: Sir Brion and Sir Erik
Members, historical: Sir Mathew of the Fighter's Academy
Kleine (Neutral) – white and red checkers
Family Lands: Kleine
Members, current: Lady Taris
Torlynn (Lawful) – Golden Griffon on Blue
Family Lands: Torlynn
Members, current: Sir Tristram
Members, historical: Duke Hector Barrik, The Wizard Barrik
Kraal (Chaotic) – White Griffon Head
Family Lands: The Black Swamp
Members, current: Sir Stimdum
Members, historical: Lady Kraal, The Blacksmith Kraal
The Kraal family dates back 800 years to the construction of Castle Kraal. Its founder is said to have been a Blacksmith who died during the construction of the castle. The Kraal family have a special hatred against Ogres.
Longmane (Chaotic) – Two headed Eagle
Family Lands: Gloomfens
Members, current: Sir Renk
Members, historical: Lord Ursus (actually still around as a Vampire), Sir Jamesson the Defender
The Longmane family offered their lands to host the Fighter's Academy. Since the creation of the Gloomfens, the Longmane family have relocated to Kleine. Not long ago, Lord Ursus a recent member of the family sought to reclaim his ancestral lands. He has not been seen since.
Edgewater (Neutral) – Red and White pattern
Family Lands: Edgewater
Members, current: Lady Rianna