House Skarzyn

“Our Blades bring Justice”

Introduction

House Skarzyn is a family of renown within the Oleszaki culture, with some historical memory in other people groups. In the wake of the collapse their history as smiths by trade transitioned to ambitious power seekers looking to raise their status. Inevitably, it was Desmond who culled their plots and schemes, but they never lost their newfound political interests. One might know of the Skarzyn family by their serpent heraldry, or the tradition of their masks, but history knows them by their military traditions and political figures. 

Family

The Skarzyn Family is rich with history, but today they are ruled by their young patriarch Casimir-Horacy. He rules the household with his two brothers, who assist in managing their assets. 

For those looking to play a member of the family, while slots are not currently open, you can send a DM to Tanalorr on discord to see about options. 

Below is a list of current family members and their role:

Casimir-Horacy Cerazy Skarzyn

Family Patriarch

Age: 25

Ludwik-Lazor Adrianus Skarzyn

Family Seer

Age: 23

Romulad-Corvus Jan Skarzyn

Family Diplomat

Age: 21

Wojciech-Urek Bogdan Skarzyn

Family Justicar

Age: 42

Szyprian Guard

The Szyprian Guard, also known colloquially as the crimson guard, is an organization committed to protecting the Skarzyn Family. 

Family Heraldry

Skarzyn heraldry is defined by the serpent, a cultural cornerstone. The serpent will take many colors, including black, white, and crimson. The crimson snake is usually the choice of heraldry for the family's patriarch. Decorated above the serpent is the renowned mask, a cultural mainstay from their Oleszaki heritage. Only the serpent appears on Skarzyn banners, while the masks operate as features of family armor and military fashion. 

Family Etiquette

House Skarzyn, even in the midst of poverty, maintained a strict form of Etiquette. They are rarely crass, always well spoken, and tend toward the grandiose. Some noteworthy poets and philosophers litter the family tree going years into the past for this reason, being accomplished writers and speakers. Their masks are almost always worn, and they avoid removing them in the presence of strangers. To attempt to remove their masks in public will provoke immense ire and on occasion, violence. 

Etiquette toward the family patriarch is observed either by kneeling or bowing, and should be repeated when a difference of class is present. 

Family Philosophy

House Skarzyn relies on the hardy culture of the Oleszaki, and take serious their commitment to justice and the common good. The family patriarch will often wear a golden chain around their chest piece as a symbol of leadership but also the eternal binds of justice. 

One might imagine a symbol of justice as a set of scales. The philosophers and patriarchs of the Skarzyn family would disagree. Justice is an eternally bound concept, that binds all of life up in it. One cannot live a good and fulfilling life outside of what is just. To be a just member of your family, of your society, and of your people is the mark of a good man. The chains of justice similarly symbolize the value of punishment. They do not believe that punishment ought to fit the crime, but rather that the punishment should serve the good of the wronged. 

Family History

The name Skarzyn began in the smithing forges. They were craftsmen dedicated to the perfection of their art, avoiding the politics of the age. Yet, even removed from politics, they kept records of their family history during the harsh years following the collapse. 

The first of these patriarchs was named Konstantyn, a noteworthy figure in that he stabilized the family's position in a state of anarchy. He protected his sons and daughters from a horrible power struggle that gripped Sanctuary. Yet, for all of his skill his methods were supplanted by his son and heir Ludomir, who desired to put his family in a stronger and more political position.