"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.
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 & Death
Marriage within House d'Auclaire is regarded as a sacred union, rooted in love and mutual respect, regardless of gender or identity. While marrying below one's station is traditionally discouraged, it is not forbidden. The House values love above status, encouraging its members to choose partners based on genuine affection rather than political or social advantage.
Marriage is considered a lifelong commitment, and thus not entered into lightly. Divorce is rare and permitted only under grave circumstances, such as confirmed abuse or infidelity. Even in such cases, the dissolution of a union with solemnity and care, ensuring the dignity of all involved.
In death, a member of House d'Auclaire is honored with a ceremony rooted in both simplicity and symbolism. The body is first kept in a cooler space until weather allows for the proper rites to be performed. Once conditions permit, a small canoe is carefully crafted to fit the deceased, its interior lined with cherished trinkets, offerings from loved ones, and a bed of straw.
The body is then wrapped in fleece and adorned with white string -- a symbol of purity, passage, and release -- before being placed within the canoe. When the tide is right, the vessel is set adrift into the sea. A single arrow, lit and loosed with care, strikes near the craft, igniting the straw and allowing the flames to consume the vessel in a final farewell. The fire becomes a guide, carrying the soul beyond the horizon, toward peace and memory.
❖ ◦ ≻ 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.
Family & Members
Thane Nimera Romarin d'Auclaire | Matriarch of House (25)
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{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. Rebuilding her house from the ground up after years of separation, Nimera emerged as a figure of quiet strength-- balancing diplomacy, financial leadership, and community engagement with unwavering grace. Though composed and calculating, she is fiercely protective of her family and her city, leading with duty at her core and a deep love for tradition, the arts, and the enduring values that shaped her legacy. She is currently engaged to marry Shore Wethers, a match that balances the other almost perfectly.
━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━
{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. Rebuilding her house from the ground up after years of separation, Nimera emerged as a figure of quiet strength-- balancing diplomacy, financial leadership, and community engagement with unwavering grace. Though composed and calculating, she is fiercely protective of her family and her city, leading with duty at her core and a deep love for tradition, the arts, and the enduring values that shaped her legacy. She is currently engaged to marry Shore Wethers, a match that balances the other almost perfectly.
Theodore Laurent d'Auclaire | Eldest Brother & Twin (27)
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{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)
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{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)
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{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 | Youngest Daughter (22)
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{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.
━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━
{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.
Page is currently under construction and is subject to change.
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