Grimcrest
House Grimcrest
House Grimcrest is an old and reclusive noble family based in the city of Castlemere. Known for their wealth, isolation, and rigid adherence to tradition, the Grimcrests once held a seat of moderate influence within the Ravencrest court. In recent years, their political presence has faded, though they remain wealthy, enigmatic, and tied to several unsolved intrigues.
The family estate, Grimholt Manor, rests atop the cliffs overlooking the river and is rarely seen by outsiders.
Lord Hawthorne Grimcrest
Hawthorne Grimcrest is the current and sole recognized head of the Grimcrest family. A heavyset man in his late 50s, Lord Hawthorne is known for his stern demeanor, love of rare wines, and general disinterest in public affairs. Though he has never married and has no heirs, his long-standing friendship—and rumored romantic connection—with Lord Dorn Greycastle has kept his name in court whispers for decades.
- Titles: Lord of Grimholt
- Age: 58
- Known For: Reclusiveness, rumored affair with Dorn Greycastle, hoarding ancient texts
- Rumors: Some claim Hawthorne has been seen frequenting the Blackwood Quarter late at night, though no one knows why.
Horace Grimcrest
Horace Grimcrest is the illegitimate son of Charles Grimcrest, making him the half-brother of Lord Hawthorne. Though not publicly acknowledged, Horace has maintained a quiet presence within Castlemere’s darker corners—acting as an unofficial agent and procurer of rare, often forbidden, artifacts.
In truth, Horace is a devout worshiper of Asmodeus and a ranking member of the Cult of Asmodeus. He uses the resources of the Grimcrest name to further infernal agendas behind the veil of obscurity. While his relationship with Hawthorne is strained, the elder Lord either remains unaware of Horace’s true allegiances—or chooses to ignore them.
- Titles: None officially; sometimes referred to as "the Red Brother" in criminal circles
- Affiliation: Cult of Asmodeus
- Traits: Charismatic, cunning, secretive
- Known For: Disappearing for long periods, rumored involvement in occult rituals, charming demeanor masking a darker core
Family Seat
- Grimholt Manor – A sprawling stone estate perched on the cliffs east of Castlemere. Said to be built atop ancient crypts, the manor is heavily warded and contains one of the largest private libraries in the region. Access is strictly limited to those with a Grimcrest seal.
Legacy and Reputation
House Grimcrest has always maintained a distance from the other noble families, cultivating an image of aloofness and propriety. However, rumors of internal corruption, hidden passions, and infernal pacts have plagued them for generations. Their name carries both weight and suspicion in equal measure.