House Burrows: The Shield of the South
House Burrows is one of the oldest and most respected families in Banana, once the rulers of the land before the rise of the Morvain family. Their history is deeply rooted in combat, strategy, and the art of war, but it is also a family that has proven itself capable of adaptation in a changing world. Their legacy begins not with wealth or trade but with the ancient mastery of bone crafting and military prowess. The Burrows are warriors at their core, and their rise to nobility came not through commerce but through battlefield innovation.
While House Morvain’s wealth built an empire, House Burrows provided the might to defend and expand that empire. They are best known for their role in the creation of the shield wall—a tactical formation that changed the course of Banana’s military history.
Though their focus has shifted over time, House Burrows has maintained an unrivaled reputation for their warrior culture, military strategy, and mastery over the horse. Even now, they remain the guardians of the kingdom’s martial traditions, acting as military advisors to the royal family and providing elite soldiers to serve in the ranks of the Royal Silver Cloaks.
Before the age of bronze, House Burrows was nothing more than a tribal warband living in the tropical southern regions of Banana, far removed from the bustling trade cities of the north. They were originally known as the Boneclad Tribe, a group of skilled artisans who crafted weapons and armor out of bone, stone, and primitive metals. These early Burrows were fearsome warriors, but their true strength came from their unconventional approach to combat. Their bone armor, despite being rudimentary, was incredibly effective, and their ranged weapons (such as bone-tipped javelins and throwing spears) were far superior to most other tribes.
The Burrows rose to prominence not through the usual means of conquest but through their innovations in battle tactics. They perfected the art of the shield wall, a tightly-knit formation that could hold off even the most aggressive assaults. Combat for the Burrows was not just an art—it was a science, based on precision, timing, and discipline.
When House Morvain began its rise to power through wealth, trade, and influence, the Burrows, originally wary of such merchant-led nobility, quickly saw the advantages of alliances with the wealthy family. The Burrows, with their superior combat skills, served as mercenaries and trainers for House Morvain’s armies, teaching them the importance of disciplined formations, strategic defense, and the use of horses in battle. The Burrows became the military backbone of the Morvain-led kingdom, serving as both advisors and soldiers, ensuring that the Morvains’ wealth could be protected and expanded through military strength.
Though the Burrows no longer rule Banana as they once did, their name remains synonymous with honor, martial skill, and loyalty to the kingdom. They are considered the mighty defenders of Nova, and their warriors are among the best-trained in the land.
House Burrows is first and foremost a warrior culture. While they have adapted to the shifting political landscape, they still consider themselves the guardians of the kingdom’s military traditions. Unlike House Morvain, whose strength lies in commerce and political maneuvering, the Burrows value honor, strength, and the discipline of the sword. Their philosophy is rooted in practicality: in their eyes, the world is a battlefield, and one must always be prepared to defend their honor, their home, and their family.
This belief extends to every member of House Burrows, from the youngest to the eldest. Children are taught the basics of combat and discipline as soon as they are able to walk, and martial training continues throughout their lives. A Burrows warrior is always prepared to fight, but they are also taught to think and strategize. They view battle not as a chaotic event but as a well-rehearsed performance of calculated steps.
The Burrows are credited with perfecting several martial techniques that have become staples in the Banana Kingdom’s military arsenal, including the famed shield wall formation. This tactical formation was perfected by the Burrows long before it became widely used by the armies of the kingdom. The Burrows’ ability to maintain order and discipline in the chaos of battle is legendary, and their tactics often focus on using defensive formations to break the enemy’s will before striking decisively.
The Burrows Cavalry is another key aspect of their martial tradition. Their horses are trained for speed, agility, and coordinated strikes. Burrows riders are often seen as the shock troops in battle, using their speed to flank enemies, protect the flanks of larger formations, or chase down fleeing foes. The Burrows Cavalry is considered one of the finest in all of Banana.
Today, House Burrows serves as the military arm of the kingdom of Banana, providing elite warriors and tactical expertise to both the Morvain family and the Royal Silver Cloaks. Their horses and warrior culture are integral to the protection of Nova, and they are often the first line of defense when the kingdom faces outside threats.
The Burrows also provide military training to the kingdom’s armies, offering expert instruction on the art of the shield wall and horse combat. In times of peace, House Burrows still holds military parades, displaying the prowess of their warriors, and they are regularly called upon for military advice by both the Morvains and other noble houses.
House Burrows’ relationship with House Morvain is one of mutual respect, though it has also evolved into a relationship based on mutual necessity. The Burrows provide the fighting strength and military might to support House Morvain’s political and economic endeavors, while the Morvains supply the Burrows with the wealth and resources to maintain their warrior culture. The alliance is a natural one—while the Burrows might no longer rule the kingdom, they are indispensable to its protection.
The two families have long been allies, and while the Morvains are known for their calculating ambition, the Burrows maintain their reputation for honor and fighting spirit. The Morvains are the power behind the throne, but it is the Burrows who ensure that the throne is always protected.
House Burrows may not be the wealthiest family in Banana, but they are certainly among the most respected. Their warriors’ prowess and discipline are admired throughout the kingdom, and their military history remains an integral part of Banana’s legacy. Despite the rise of trade and the shift in focus toward commerce and wealth, House Burrows remains steadfast in their dedication to the way of the warrior, and they stand ready to defend the kingdom at a moment’s notice.
Their honor, strength, and loyalty to House Morvain ensure that their legacy will be remembered for generations to come.