"We rise with the sun, not for glory, but for those who depend on the light."
Brief History
House d'Auclaire began as a humble farming family, using their deep understanding of the land to cultivate not only crops but a legacy of resilience and service. Their efforts helped establish a vital trade network that once played a key role in strengthening the Sanctuary's economy. Though time and turmoil brought hardship and separation, the family's spirit never faltered.
Now under the leadership of Matriarch Nimera Romarin, House d'Auclaire has risen once more. Rebuilt from near ruin, the house has regained its footing through tireless effort, careful financial stewardship, and strategic alliances. No longer defined solely by its past, the house is now an active pillar of civic life--hosting events, supporting the community, and remaining unwavering in its loyalty to the Crown. As they move forward, House d'Auclaire stands as a symbol of endurance, honor, and renewed purpose within the Sanctuary.
The colors of House d'Auclaire--gold and forest green--reflect the spirit of the family: gold for perseverance, warmth, and quiet nobility; green for growth, grounding, and their connection to the land. Two animals represent the house: the direwolf, a creature of fierce loyalty, quiet strength, and unwavering protection; and the raven, a symbol of wisdom, watchfulness, and the ability to see beyond what lies on the surface. Together, they embody the heart of House d'Auclaire--loyal in the dark, steadfast in the light, and always vigilant for those they serve.
Values & Etiquette
❖ ◦ ≻ Hierarchy
The title of Head of House d'Auclaire is traditionally held by the Matriarch, passed to the eldest daughter upon the current Matriarch's resignation or passing. The eldest daughter has the right to refuse the title. If declined, the role passes to the next eldest daughter in line, continuing until one accepts the responsibility. Should none of the daughters choose to assume the title, the reigning Matriarch may appoint a successor of her choosing -- typically a female family member deemed most capable of upholding the house's legacy.
In the event of the Matriarch's unexpected passing, the eldest daughter assumes the role of Acting Head, serving until a new Matriarch is formally chosen by a vote among the current daughters of the house. This tradition honors the lineage of strong women who have led House d'Auclaire through both prosperity and hardship, ensuring its continued stability and integrity.
❖ ◦ ≻ Formalities
Proper greetings and social etiquette remain important in House d'Auclaire tradition, though modern interpretations have allowed for subtle evolution. Men are still expected to bow at the waist during introductions, showing deference and respect. Women, in turn, offer a graceful nod, lowering their heads for a full count of three to reflect humility and composure.
Historically, women of the house were require to maintain a fabric barrier -- such as gloves, a handkerchief, or a sleeve -- when engaging in any physical contact, particularly with those outside the family. While this tradition is still observed by many as a sign of refinement and modesty, it is no longer strictly enforced. Women may now choose whether or not to follow this custom based on personal preference and context.
Men, by contrast, have always been afforded more leniency in matters of physical contact and continue to engage more freely without the expectations of a barrier. However, mutual respect and consent remain paramount in all interactions, and decorum is still held in high regard, especially during formal events or diplomatic engagements.
❖ ◦ ≻ Marriage & Children
Marriage within House d'Auclaire is regarded as a sacred union, rooted in love, mutual respect, and emotional devotion, regardless of gender or identity. While marrying below one's station is traditionally discouraged, it is not forbidden. The house hold firm that love outweighs status, and its members are encouraged to form bonds of genuine affection, rather than political gain or superficial alignment.
Marriage is treated as a lifelong commitment, one to be entered with full understanding of the responsibilities it carries. Ceremonies are often intimate, grounded in symbolism and solemn vows, witnessed by family and overseen by the Matriarch herself, or her chosen representative. Divorce is rare, and permitted only under grave circumstances, such as confirmed infidelity or abuse. Should such a case arise, its handling depends on the origin of the wrongdoing:
- If the offending party is a born member of House d'Auclaire, they are subject to judgement and punishment by the standing Matriarch, according to the gravity of the offense.
- If the offending party is not of d'Auclaire birth, the family member is shielded, and a swift and clean separation is ensured, with no place for disgrace to take further root.
The naming tradition is a mark of legacy and reverence. The first daughter born into any branch of the family is named after either the current Matriarch or a Matriarch of the past, honoring the lineage of powerful women who came before. All children, regardless of the circumstances of their birth, are to be claimed under the d'Auclaire name. Whether born within or outside of wedlock, whether the mother is noble, common, or otherwise, the child is raised within the family--given the same care, respect, or protection as any other.
Mothers are deeply cherished, viewed as near-saintly within the house's culture, for it is through them that the bloodline continues and through their nurturing that the house endures. They are held in the highest regard, with their contributions--both seen and unseen--honored and protected fiercely.
Through all its customs, House d'Auclaire remains a family first, one defined not solely by blood or union, but by the enduring values of loyalty, compassion, and quiet strength.
❖ ◦ ≻ Indulgences
House d'Auclaire, born from humble roots, holds fast to the values of moderation, generosity, and service. Though their fortunes have grown, they remain guided by the principle of taking only what is needed and offering the rest to those who go without. Surplus goods -- particularly produce -- are regularly donated to charities and hospitals throughout the Sanctuary or exchanged with local shops and taverns to strengthen ties and support the greater community.
Alcohol and tobacco use within the family is uncommon but not forbidden. Such indulgences are treated with casual tolerance, so long as they do not stray into excess. Overindulgence in either is considered unbecoming, as self-restraint, responsibility, and discipline remain core virtues of House d'Auclaire's identity. Each member is expected to carry themselves with quiet dignity, regardless of wealth or station.
❖ ◦ ≻ The Arts
House d'Auclaire holds a deep and enduring reverence for the performing arts, with a particular devotion to music, ballet, and performative archery. Nearly every member of the house is encouraged to cultivate a musical talent or artistic discipline, not merely for entertainment, but as a celebration of grace, expression, and discipline. Music fills the halls of their estate, and it is tradition for every child born into the family to learn an instrument of their choosing-- fostering an early and lasting bond with the arts.
Ballet is especially cherished among the younger generations, with performances often held during house-hosted events and seasonal celebrations. It is seen as a noble expression of poise and control, blending elegance with emotional storytelling. Likewise, performative archery-- a unique fusion of martial prowess and artistry-- has become a signature tradition within the house, featuring displays of precision, form, and choreography that honor both the family's rural origins and their refined present.
Though House d'Auclaire maintains a private collection of musical compositions and historical instruments, they believe strongly in sharing beauty with the public. Their performances, showcases, and exhibitions are open to the people of the Sanctuary, reflecting the family's long-standing commitment to cultural enrichment and communal joy. These artistic traditions are fiercely protected, regarded not only as a heritage-- but as an essential part of who they are.
Traditions
❖ ◦ ≻ Hearthsoil Rite
Each spring, House d'Auclaire observes the Hearthsoil Rite--a quiet, heartfelt ceremony that pays tribute to the land that has sustained their family for generations. With roots deeply tied to farming and stewardship, the house hold firm to the belief that their prosperity began not with coin, but with soil, sweat, and patience.
The ceremony centers around the planting of perennial trees or flowers, symbolizing endurance, renewal, and gratitude. It is one of the house's rare private traditions, shared only with family and close friends, preserving the sincerity of the moment.
Following the planting, the family gathers for a modest but meaningful feast, prepared entirely from what they have grown or raised themselves. Every dish--be it fresh produce, preserved goods, or meats from their own herds--reflect their enduring connection to the land and their commitment to self-reliance and generosity. It is a celebration not of abundance, but of appreciation--for the earth, for hard work, and for the quiet strength that defines House d'Auclaire.
❖ ◦ ≻ The Calling Song
A beloved tradition of House d'Auclaire, the Calling Song is a melodic, high-pitched vocal call passed down through generations, used to reach family across fields and gather livestock from pasture. Inspired by ancient herding practices, it is both functional and deeply sentimental--a sound that ties the family to its rural roots.
Most often used at dawn or dusk, the song drifts across the farmland in lilting tones. Each branch of the family carries its own subtle variation in melody, but all harmonize as one. A call might summon cattle, check on a sibling in the distance, or offer comfort in times of uncertainty. To answer is to say: "I am here. I hear you."
Though quieter methods exist now, the tradition remains. In spring and summer, when the wind is right, the hills still echo with familiar voices--a chorus of kinship, carried on the breeze.
❖ ◦ ≻ The Diremark
In generations past, it was tradition in House d'Auclaire to mark a child's twelfth year with the gift of a direwolf pup--a rite of passage known as The Diremark. This was not merely a present, but a symbol of the child's first steps towards independence. The direwolf, a quiet and enduring emblem of the house, was seen as a guardian and a guide--chosen carefully, sometimes even said to sense which child it was meant for.
To raise a direwolf was a lesson in responsibility, empathy, and strength. Each pup required care, patience, and understanding--mirroring the growth expected from the child. The bond between them often shaped how that young d'Auclaire came to lead, protect, or serve.
Though no longer practiced, the Diremark lives on in story, told to children as they grow. It's a tale meant to inspire quiet confidence, reminding them that stepping into adolescence is a journey of both care and courage. The direwolf remains a cherished symbol--of loyalty, quiet strength, and the journey toward becoming one's truest self.
❖ ◦ ≻ Ashen Wake
One of the most sacred traditions of House d'Auclaire, the Ashen Wake is a funerary rite rooted in reverence, simplicity, and enduring symbolism. It serves as the final farewell to a departed family member, reflecting the house's values of humility, devotion, and quiet strength.
When a member of the house passes, the body is kept in a cool, shaded space until weather allows the ceremony to be performed. A small canoe is carefully handcrafted, fitted to the deceased and lined with straw, cherished keepsakes, and offerings from loved ones--each a token of memory, gratitude, and legacy. The body is wrapped in fleece and bound with white string, representing purity, passage, and release.
At dusk, when the tide is calm, the canoe is set adrift. A single flaming arrow is loosed with care, igniting the straw and beginning the final journey. The ceremony is held in near silence, with only the sound of the sea and crackling flame. No words are spoken unless they are words of quiet direction. In this stillness, grief and love are carried without voice, and the soul is guided onward--leaving behind an ashen trail that fades slowly across the water, like memory itself.
Family & Members
Baroness Nimera Romarin d'Auclaire | Matriarch of House (25)
━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━
{Played by soupi}
Nimera d'Auclaire is the steadfast Matriarch of House d'Auclaire, a noble family known for its humility, refinement, and deep ties to the Sanctuary. After years of separation, she rebuilt the house from the ground up, restoring its stability through quiet strength, financial leadership, and a deep commitment to tradition. Fiercely protective of her kin, she has become the anchor of the family, balancing diplomacy and unwavering devotion to those she leads.
Her service to the realm has since extended beyond her house -- now appointed as the Hand of the King and Head of the King's Council, Nimera lends her vision and voice to the Sanctuary's future, shaping its governance with the same care she gives her household. Composed and calculating, yet deeply human, she remains a figure rooted in grace, purpose, and enduring values. She is currently engaged to Shore Wethers, a steady presence whose quiet strength complements her own.
Shore Wethers | Patriarch of House (24)
━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━
{Played by Sikeopath}
Shore Wethers was once the son of a quiet, loving family of four--until a single, tragic night changed everything. A burglary gone wrong claimed the lives of his parents and twin sister, leaving him alone and untethered. For six years, he wandered without purpose, a nomad shaped by loss. That changed the day he met Nimera d'Auclaire.
Their connection grounded him , and from it, he began to rebuild. Now Captain of the City Guard and soon to be married into House d'Auclaire, Shore leads with quiet strength and unwavering loyalty, helping to carry the legacy of the house into a new chapter.
━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━
{Played by soupi}
Nimera d'Auclaire is the steadfast Matriarch of House d'Auclaire, a noble family known for its humility, refinement, and deep ties to the Sanctuary. After years of separation, she rebuilt the house from the ground up, restoring its stability through quiet strength, financial leadership, and a deep commitment to tradition. Fiercely protective of her kin, she has become the anchor of the family, balancing diplomacy and unwavering devotion to those she leads.
Her service to the realm has since extended beyond her house -- now appointed as the Hand of the King and Head of the King's Council, Nimera lends her vision and voice to the Sanctuary's future, shaping its governance with the same care she gives her household. Composed and calculating, yet deeply human, she remains a figure rooted in grace, purpose, and enduring values. She is currently engaged to Shore Wethers, a steady presence whose quiet strength complements her own.
Shore Wethers | Patriarch of House (24)
━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━
{Played by Sikeopath}
Shore Wethers was once the son of a quiet, loving family of four--until a single, tragic night changed everything. A burglary gone wrong claimed the lives of his parents and twin sister, leaving him alone and untethered. For six years, he wandered without purpose, a nomad shaped by loss. That changed the day he met Nimera d'Auclaire.
Their connection grounded him , and from it, he began to rebuild. Now Captain of the City Guard and soon to be married into House d'Auclaire, Shore leads with quiet strength and unwavering loyalty, helping to carry the legacy of the house into a new chapter.
Theodore Laurent d'Auclaire | Eldest Brother & Twin (27)
━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━
{Played by XalenAdjcent}
Theodore d'Auclaire is the eldest sibling of House d'Auclaire and twin to Antoinette, often seen as the most curious and unconventional among his kin. Despite his quirks, Theodore is deeply reliable-- a steadfast force within the family whose resolve rarely wavers. He oversees the Guardstaff with measured discipline and manages the family's wealth with the same sharp mind their father once did, always seeking quiet ways to see it grow. He is currently engaged to Ceana Iomharach, whose grace and affection offer balance to his grounded nature.
━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━
{Played by XalenAdjcent}
Theodore d'Auclaire is the eldest sibling of House d'Auclaire and twin to Antoinette, often seen as the most curious and unconventional among his kin. Despite his quirks, Theodore is deeply reliable-- a steadfast force within the family whose resolve rarely wavers. He oversees the Guardstaff with measured discipline and manages the family's wealth with the same sharp mind their father once did, always seeking quiet ways to see it grow. He is currently engaged to Ceana Iomharach, whose grace and affection offer balance to his grounded nature.
Antoinette Jacqueline d'Auclaire V | Eldest Sister & Twin (27)
━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━
{Played by Euphoria}
Antoinette d'Auclaire is the eldest sister of House d'Auclaire and twin to Theodore, known for her quiet authority and steady presence. Once raised to inherit the family name, Antoinette being the unspoken of the household, holding it together during years of hardship and separation. Though once destined for leadership, she came to long for a different life-- one shaped by freedom rather than duty. Her current whereabouts are unknown, and the family chooses to keep such matters private, honoring her need for distance and the story she chose for herself.
━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━
{Played by Euphoria}
Antoinette d'Auclaire is the eldest sister of House d'Auclaire and twin to Theodore, known for her quiet authority and steady presence. Once raised to inherit the family name, Antoinette being the unspoken of the household, holding it together during years of hardship and separation. Though once destined for leadership, she came to long for a different life-- one shaped by freedom rather than duty. Her current whereabouts are unknown, and the family chooses to keep such matters private, honoring her need for distance and the story she chose for herself.
Henri Matheo d'Auclaire | Middle Brother & Twin (25)
━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━
{Played by Freedom}
Henri d'Auclaire is the twin brother of Nimera and the quiet soul of House d'Auclaire. Gentle, grounded, and steadfast, Henri is known for his warm heart and unshakable calm. Though encouraged toward a more refined role, he chose to remain close to the land, taking a hands-on approach to the family's farmlands. Their father embraced his choice, teaching him the ways of the earth with pride. Now overseeing the fields and workers alike, Henri leads not with command, but with care--earning respect through kindness and consistency.
━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━
{Played by Freedom}
Henri d'Auclaire is the twin brother of Nimera and the quiet soul of House d'Auclaire. Gentle, grounded, and steadfast, Henri is known for his warm heart and unshakable calm. Though encouraged toward a more refined role, he chose to remain close to the land, taking a hands-on approach to the family's farmlands. Their father embraced his choice, teaching him the ways of the earth with pride. Now overseeing the fields and workers alike, Henri leads not with command, but with care--earning respect through kindness and consistency.
Amalie Manon d'Auclaire | Second Youngest Sister (22)
━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━
{Coming Soon}
Amalie d'Auclaire is the youngest and most enigmatic of the d'Auclaire children. Sheltered since the family's long separation, she was lovingly raised under the watchful care of Antoinette and Nimera, kept safe from the shifting tides of public life. Though not yet formally introduced to the Sanctuary's society, Amalie is known for her gentle charm and quiet curiosity. Shy by nature but drawn to the warmth of others, she adores gatherings and celebrations--even if, for now, she's only known the ones within her family's walls.
Alizée Estelle d'Auclaire | Youngest Sister (17)
━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━
{Played by Birb}
Description to come.
━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━
{Coming Soon}
Amalie d'Auclaire is the youngest and most enigmatic of the d'Auclaire children. Sheltered since the family's long separation, she was lovingly raised under the watchful care of Antoinette and Nimera, kept safe from the shifting tides of public life. Though not yet formally introduced to the Sanctuary's society, Amalie is known for her gentle charm and quiet curiosity. Shy by nature but drawn to the warmth of others, she adores gatherings and celebrations--even if, for now, she's only known the ones within her family's walls.
Alizée Estelle d'Auclaire | Youngest Sister (17)
━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━
{Played by Birb}
Description to come.
Extended Family
House Vanderlein | Cousin House
━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━
Though time and circumstance once placed them on diverging paths, House Vanderlein and House d'Auclaire share a long-buried kinship that traces back several generations. The two houses were once one, born of a single bloodline rooted in labor, resilience, and service to the Sanctuary. That bon, however, fractured when two brothers--one a visionary of stone and flame, the other a steward of soil and sun--clashed over the future of their growing family. One saw prosperity in craft and metal, the other in land and harvest. Their rift was not one of malice, but of vision. And so, they parted--one branch becoming Vanderlein, the other, d'Auclaire.
Years passed, and with them the memory of their shared beginnings faded into polite acknowledgement, and eventually, into silence.
Now, in the wake of both families' return to prominence, the distance has been bridged. With humility, shared purpose, and no lingering bitterness, the two houses have rekindled their bond, choosing to start fresh as cousins long separated by time rather than by affection. Their reunion is not marked by grand declarations, but by steady understanding--both houses shaped by hardship, healed by effort, healed by effort, and bound by the same enduring values: strength in service, dignity in labor, and care for those who walk beside them.
Where once there was a parting, now stands a quiet reunion--two families, distinct in tradition but joined again in respect and kinship.
Current Members
Maristello | Current Heir
{Played by konome3}
Nisrine | Eldest Daughter
{Played by OceanofStars}
House Vanderlein | Cousin House
━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━
Though time and circumstance once placed them on diverging paths, House Vanderlein and House d'Auclaire share a long-buried kinship that traces back several generations. The two houses were once one, born of a single bloodline rooted in labor, resilience, and service to the Sanctuary. That bon, however, fractured when two brothers--one a visionary of stone and flame, the other a steward of soil and sun--clashed over the future of their growing family. One saw prosperity in craft and metal, the other in land and harvest. Their rift was not one of malice, but of vision. And so, they parted--one branch becoming Vanderlein, the other, d'Auclaire.
Years passed, and with them the memory of their shared beginnings faded into polite acknowledgement, and eventually, into silence.
Now, in the wake of both families' return to prominence, the distance has been bridged. With humility, shared purpose, and no lingering bitterness, the two houses have rekindled their bond, choosing to start fresh as cousins long separated by time rather than by affection. Their reunion is not marked by grand declarations, but by steady understanding--both houses shaped by hardship, healed by effort, healed by effort, and bound by the same enduring values: strength in service, dignity in labor, and care for those who walk beside them.
Where once there was a parting, now stands a quiet reunion--two families, distinct in tradition but joined again in respect and kinship.
Current Members
Maristello | Current Heir
{Played by konome3}
Nisrine | Eldest Daughter
{Played by OceanofStars}
Page is currently under construction and is subject to change.
Last edited: