HOUSE VERES
There was once upon a time when the Veres name was whispered with excitement on the lips of wine-drunk wives and their deep-pocketed husbands. They were known for their lavish parties and eccentric family members, their public appearance no less than perfect.
The family themselves were known for their excellent homemade wine, made from vineyards that stretched over many acres across their estate. To have a bottle of Veres wine on the table at dinner was proof that one was successful. Accomplished. Someone to look up to with great awe, for they could afford such a delicacy…
PINTEREST
Lore
The Veres name is a name that has been around for centuries, tracing back to some of the very people who helped build the beautiful city of Faline, both through sweat and coin. Ivran blood runs deep in their veins, something that the family as a whole takes great pride in… as well as their extensive mage lineage.
When the first Veres couple settled in Faline, they spared no expense building their little corner of paradise. The very first estate was built near the outskirts of Faline, consuming several hundreds of acres in order to grow their prized vineyards. However, their climb to the top was a painful and laborious one, the family slipping into an increasingly large debt. Turns out, wine was not the first thing weary travelers wanted when they were looking to settle down in a new city.
The Veres business almost died the first few years after Faline’s establishment, but as the population grew in Faline, so did the demand for the finer things. The following generation was able to pay off their family’s debts, growing the rather chaotic estate into a thriving business. Over the years, they started to work their way up the nobility food chain, so to speak, securing themselves happily at the top with hardly any predators. And if there were any- they were quickly squashed like a bug on the wall.
Finally, things were looking up for the founding family.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck, late one night at the hand of a rival’s match. The entire estate lit up in flames; everything from their fields to their mansion burned to no more than rubble. The family was able to save several of their recipes, but everything they had worked for- it was simply gone. Once again, the Veres family found themselves needing to work their way from the ground up.
At least this time, they had some allies.
In order to keep their presence a bit more known, their next house was built closer to the heart of Faline. One could not walk down the street without at least feeling their presence, a stark reminder to all who dared to cross them that they would rise from the ashes. Of course, they struggled, as all do after such a devastating loss. Once again, they found themselves in debt, but they kept their chins high, for they had a plan.
There’s something to say about how fire rejuvenates the Earth, and the burning of their vineyards was no different. They carefully worked the land, restoring it to better than its former glory, their crops flourishing in a way that no one else could obtain. And quickly, they started to rebuild their empire.
They still remained in their newly built manor, content with having their vineyards separate from where they lived. They hired only the best security for the vineyards and had at least one family living in the house that they rebuilt there, too.
For years, the Veres name held a strangling grip at their position at the top, one of the best wine producers in all of Ivras. They had their ups and downs, but never again dipped into the poverty that they were in before. At least, not until Basileios came along.
The boy was born only a few short years after his non-mage brother; a sign from the gods that they had not given up on the family yet. His veins rushed with magic from day one, and the family worshiped him. He was to go to Namarast, grow as a Mage Protector, and hold an unstoppable power once he took over as head of the estates.
It was simply perfect.
Unfortunately, all that pampering went to the lad's head, and he was less than enthused to take all of that responsibility onto his shoulders. He blew through school, uninterested in his studies, until he overworked his magic to the point of losing it entirely. He was effectively removed from Namarast, returning home in shambles. The family only crumbled in his wake...
Lifestyle
Perfect, prim, and proper. There has never been an ounce of darkness following the Veres name. Sure, they have their money problem, but what noble isn't a little greedy? A little too loose with their money? No, as far as the world is concerned, the Veres name holds respectability, for they did help found the good city of Faline, after all. And with their supply of mages to Namarast over each generation, who's to say they don't have the best interest at heart for the greater good?
They do not curse, they do not cheat, they do not steal. They keep their hands clean and, well, if they didn't... you wouldn't know about it. Appearances and status are everything to this family, and they will settle for nothing short of perfect.
The family seems to be, on the outside, populated with only mages. Mages are the backbone of the Veres name and if any non mage is born to them, they are hastily erased and forgotten about. Children will be adopted out, adults shunned and shamed to keep them from uttering their last name on the same breath as their first. Of course, they aren't simply tossed to the streets to fend for themselves... Some money is set aside for the rejects, buying their silence, so to speak.
They are known for hosting several parties, most of them gathering at the vineyards and offering private tours, showing guests a little glimpse of where their fine drink comes from. They never miss and invitation and are always present at political affairs, of course. Faline is their home, their child, and they want nothing more than to see it flourish.
Despite their public appearance being incredibly gentle and, well, perfect, behind closed doors, the Veres family is anything but. They are aloof and they are harsh, expectations high of both servants and their own kin. They certainly make it worth it, though, with the pay they offer to their help.
Recent Events
The family took a sudden spiral at the same time Basileios did. The loss of his magic lead to a hit to their status. The boy who was meant to quite literally be the backbone of the family was suddenly cast from Namarast, consequences of his own actions, and the sharks surrounding the Veres family took their chance to attack.
They lost several of their supporters and rumors started to circulate. Perhaps the Veres weren’t so perfect after all, and their son seemed more than eager to prove it. What was once a beautiful and open estate became closed off and dark as the family tried to provide damage control. It is clear that they are no less than a wreck, desperate for any type of support to grasp at. Thankfully for them, alcoholics and party-throwers alike are able to help them keep their heads above water for now.
They took a leap of faith and promised their son to the Andraste family in return for support. This did help their reputation immensely, bringing them just enough to keep their seat, but it is clear that they are not in the same light as they once were. Disheveled, crumbling, and filled with darkness, it is only a matter of time before they fall once again.
Currently
It is no secret that Lord Thatcher Veres hasn’t been running the household for quite some time, rumors mulling about that his magic is corrupting, taking his sense with it. He is not violent or dangerous, but he is ill, never quite in his right mind. His wife, Lady Ilona Veres has been running everything herself, but it can be noted that she is no spring chicken either. The pieces are starting to crumble, and with the oldest son entirely uninterested in saving the family, the fate of it all rests on Basileios’ shoulder.
Of course, with Ilona still alive at the very least, the Veres name has yet to completely fall apart, but their clock is ticking…