Ducal Guard of Rhyl

Posted on October 30, 2025 in Steel-Realms

The Duke of Rhyl relies on his vassals to supply troops like any other liege, but also has a large standing force known as the Ducal Guard. Most are stationed in the Ducal Barracks in the capital city of Rhylan. Additional Ducal Guards are present in each of the Ducal Estate(s) of Rhylan. They exist as a small army of the Duke to defend the capital and assist vassals (or quell insurrections by them). The guard has a consistent muster in its main barracks. The standard service is 16 active years. All of the guard wear Greenstone Bracelets to mark their service oath.

They do NOT serve at North Gate Garrison except as a peace keeping force – like military police.

Ducal Guard Muster

The normal muster consists of about 600 infantry, 300 bowmen, 150 cavalry, 30 hedge-knights w/small retinues of a dozen or so each, 300 irregulars/skirmishers and about 300 support staff for logistics and supply. About 10% of these groups are officers in times of peace. They are led by a single individual with the rank of “Captain” and a “Lieutenant” at each of the smaller barracks or estates commanding the troops on site. These are often commanded in the field by full knights of the duchy, assigned by the Duke or one of his generals.

Another 100 veterans (most ‘retired’) and administrators run a training facility on the Salt Shore on Lake Caolite. They are trained in warfare and the basics of law. They also travel with local officials and soldiers, watchmen, and deputies of locals in southern Rhyl to observe and learn. Each year losses are replaced, usually 30-50 mustering out after their full service term in times of peace.

The Ducal Guard maintains the Garrison of Merrim at Silverstone Tower of around 60 soldiers and 10 officers, and 10-20 swift riders and horses to alert those necessary in the event of an emergency.

The Houndsmen of Rhyl

The Houndsmen are an elite mounted infantry force of about 100 (ten groups of 10) that enforce the law and forcibly bring peace with shocking efficiency and zeal. Unrest and instability are intolerable with the ever-present existential threat of the Lich Lords. Any sizable force that threatens that the vassals cannot deal with is stomped out without quarter or mercy by them. It is the Duchyl of Rhyl’s equivalent of The Order of the Black Gorgons (and are said to have contacts among them). This force is paid for partially by the tribute given to the High King.

Ties With the Heralds of Rhyl: The Ducal Lineage, the Ducal Guard, the speakers for the Elven Wealds of Rhyl, locals of the Territories and Fiefdoms of Rhyl know those near them, and all those trained and dwelling in the Lodge of the Songbird know the Heralds of Rhyl

Ducal Lineage of Rhyl

Posted on October 28, 2025 in Steel-Realms

The Ducal Lineage has changed bloodlines multiple times in its history. It officially began at the conclusion of The Rhylander Compromise. The current ruling family is the family started by Sir Mikael Graefstone (famous for constructing the Bastion of the Dawn). It has ruled since it assumed the Ducal responsibilities in CY 7714, at the request of the High King of Gladnor. The family was once the Baron of Redmark. He was young at the time, unmarried. Elevated in a surprise move when no direct heir for the previous Ducal family of Claydaer. The Rylan Grant council members were unhappy as it brought eastern traditions and bloodlines back into prominence. The obvious reason to choose them was their devotion to duty and the stability of the Duchy over everything else. He was soon married to Henveria in CY 7715 – a “princess” of Kaald – in an attempt to heal the old wound that kept the north aggrieved of the High King and southerners. She asked that the old wolf symbol of Rhyl be replaced with the Great Northern Owl and together they updated the motto of the duchy. The Ducal family lives in the Ducal Estate of Rhylan. The Ducal Lineage is always represented by at least the Duke and one other in the Rhylian Ducal Retinue.

The ruling family of Ducal Lineage is baptized in the Godspring of Rhyl at birth and drinks from it.

Rhyl Culture | Territories & Fiefs | Features | North Gate Garrison | Map

It’s one of the more tight nobility branches in all of the Steel Realms because although the stewardship of the Duke has changed hands a few times, the families that marry into the line (through the efforts of the families of the Council of Rhylan) and other peerage lines date back over 5,000 years through the time of the Kingdoms of old Rhylan.

CAMPAIGN CHRONICLE >> The North Revealed is a Living World campaign set in The Northern Hearthlands/Grand Duchy of Rhyl of the [Fantasy] Steel Realms.

Current Ducal Lineage: Sir Suevan Graefstone II, age 45

• Daughter: Roissin, age 25
  > Eldest half-elf daughter out of wedlock, not well accepted by the people
• Wife: Lady Trishan Graefstone, age 41
  • Daughter: The Marchioness, Lady Saffrai Graefstone, age 19
  • Son: The Marquees Haroldwin Graefstone, age 16
• Sister: High Lady Heleeni Graefstone, age: 47
  > Duchess for 5 years before sickness forced her to convalesce, and she had no heirs.
• Brother: Sueven Graefstone III, age 40
• Sister: Aestriani Graefstone, age 36
• Brother: Kamdaelii Graefstone, age 34
• Brother: Harshrin Graefstone, age 24
• Sister: Kulfini Graefstone, age 14
• Mother: Duchess Badrahnia Graefstone (outlived her husband by 3 years)
• Father: Duke Suven Graefstone

Sueven Rulership

Sueven spent nearly 25 years as Duke of Rhyl. In that time, he locked down the duchy quite a bit. There were many calamities he and his father faced. He passed in CY 9181, after overseeing the effects of the end of the Soul Scourge. He was both presented for his sternness but appreciated for his strength and forcefulness in keeping things together in a difficult time.