House Argenvent

House Argenvent was founded in the Sixth Astral Era 527 by Aldéric Argenvent, a wandering knight and warrior of ancient Elezen noble blood. He was among the first to settle in the newly built Ishgard, establishing the House on the foundations of his own upbringing. Though a minor house, Aldéric brought with him a considerable wealth and retinue from his original forest home with experience in logging, mercantilism, aetherology, and military thought. The House words became "Boldly to Victory" - borne from Aldéric's own moniker and the determination of its people.In the decades since its founding, House Argenvent established itself as among the most powerful of the minor houses, producing Temple Knights and scholars in equal measure, as well as engaging in trade to grow its already appreciable coffers. Further, Aldéric instilled within the House a belief that being a noble means nothing without the city and its people. As such, it was during this time that House Argenvent's charitable efforts began - efforts that continue to the present day.As the centuries passed, so did Aldéric's descendants come into power in turn, each continuing on his legacy with distinction. Indeed, the House continued to produce Temple Knights and scholars, but further, those who were talented in the alchemical and other sciences. The Dragonsong War saw many a knight of House Argenvent join the fight, while the less-martially inclined ensured the people of the city remained cared for.As corruption and inequality grew within Ishgard's walls following its closure from the wide world, House Argenvent navigated the careful line between voicing support for those speaking out against the powerful and maintaining their status - a status that could be used to ensure true change for the city. Indeed, following the fall of King Thordan II and the ascension of Aymeric de Borel into leadership, House Argenvent was among the first to voice their support.In present times, with Sylvain Argenvent at its head, House Argenvent has continued to carry on Aldéric's legacy - for the betterment of all Ishgard and its people, and perhaps even the world at large.

An ancient minor house of Ishgard, House Argenvent carries with it a unique culture, drawn from both Aldéric's own heritage and traditions established thereafter. Indeed, they have been carried on to the present day by descendant and ward alike.

• Seat
• Traits
• Customs

Argenvent Manor

The seat of House Argenvent is Argenvent Manor, a moderately-sized estate located in the lower Pillars. It is comprised of the main house, a greenhouse, a modest arboretum, aviary, and family crypt. Constructed in the original gothic style of Ishgard, its design is still relatively modest when compared to some of the more lavish architecture of other House seats.The main house consists of three floors, each adorned with the purple, black, and silver colors of the House. A foyer, dining hall, study, kitchen, and servant quarters make up the first floor, with additional pathways out into the arboretum. The second floor holds a library, meeting rooms, several guest chambers, House Knight chambers, and butler's quarters. The third floor is the residence of the lord and lady and their family, housing their chambers, private meeting rooms, a small chapel, and a private dining hall.Argenvent Manor is staffed by a traditional support staff, directed by a butler. The House has long treated their servants well, offering them more luxurious accommodations than perhaps some other Houses, as well as offering they and their children a more refined education.

The Argenvents have a reputation for long faces, tall stature, green hair, and blue or purple eyes. Many are known for their forthright demeanors, fervent sense of honor, and compassionate empathy for all peoples.Magical and martial talent is common in many Argenvents, with many becoming gifted spellcasters or Temple Knights. No matter their chosen vocations, they all share great propensity for compassion and empathy, as well as intense disdain for corruption and injustice.

Garb

Members of House Argenvent wear garb in the traditional colors of their house - purple, black, and silver. Much of it is adorned with filigree and winged imagery or specific depictions of a falcon, befitting their ancestral heraldry. Men tend to wear long overcoats and women flowing cloaks, made of sturdy cloth and wool to guard against the cold climates.

Faith

Like most of Ishgard, House Argenvent are devout followers of Halone, though they have evaded the zealous supremacy that can sometimes manifest in Ishgard's populace. They prefer largely to worship in private within the confines of Argenvent Manor, and their faith is intensely private.Members of the House have in the past funded the construction of several chapels to Halone in some of the more remote settlements of Coerthas, and built shrines throughout the Brume for the downtrodden to find worship.

Burial Practices

House Argenvent traditionally buries deceased members of their family in the crypts on the manor grounds. The Viscounts and Viscountesses of the House are given a statue of their likeness, sitting by their tomb, whereas other members simply display the House crest with their name below. The statues of the Viscounts and Viscountesses have a stone raven perched upon their shoulders or held upon their wrists, said to be representations of the falcons that carry their spirits to Halone's halls.

Historically, House Argenvent has had connections in many of the city-states throughout Eorzea, particularly in Gridania and elsewhere in the Black Shroud where Aldéric's family line originated and continues to flourish in the modern day. As they became further involved in the alchemical sciences, they fostered connections in Ul'dah and Thanalan.Domestically, they have long held the closest relationship with the Houses Kolaire and Maret, to the point that other nobles considered them to be branch Houses to the other, though there is no such actual blood or familial relation. They have long held further cordial relations with other Houses that do not hold isolationist beliefs, and a particularly good relationship with the lowborn and downtrodden - in so far as a noble house could through charity and goodwill.Since the end of the Dragonsong War and reemergence of Ishgard into the wider world, they have begun to rebuild their connections throughout Eorzea and beyond, particularly in the myriad lands of the Near East and the islands of Hingashi.

Aldéric Argenvent

Founder

Aldéric Argenvent - known in his time as Aldéric the Bold - is the founder of House Argenvent. A wandering knight and warrior of renown, borne with the blood of an ancient Elezen noble line, he was among the first Elezen to settle in the newfound city of Ishgard. Bearing proof of his bloodline, he founded a noble house that would last for many generations and his descendants would carry on his legacy of honor and fortitude.