De l'Isle

History
The House de l'Isle has existed for over 850 years, though they have been in Téoren only since the year 744 when Robert I relocated the House during recolonization. Much of the history of the House was lost in the migration to the new world. de l'Isle originated as a barony in the old Kingdom of Tamins in the year 113. The founder Cosme was granted a title for exemplary service in the King's military counsel. The House continued to be a respected name and attained a dutchy sometime in the 500's.

The Migration
During the reign of Amaury I, de l'Isle came under attack by the Duke of Gaspar in the Kingdom of Tamins. The war between the duchies lasted 30 years, and by the end, the de l'Isle house was in ruins. When Amaury I died during the war's final battle, Robert I immediately packed the most precious of the family belongings and escaped to Téoren with the members of his close family. The House claimed the northern territory in Téoren and rebuilt its wealth and prestige. It is likely that the house is now more powerful after joining the Kingdom of Téoren than it could have aspired to be in the old kingdom.

Culture
The culture in the de l'Isle territory is noticeably split between "high" and "low," and its social classes are highly stratified. Those in the high class are the de l'Isle family and those they favor. Those in the lower classes are the surfs and the high number of workers who live in Ironshore, the duchy capital. This stratification is a source of tension for House de l'Isle, both historically and currently.

The House itself is considered part of the old guard in Téoren, and is a highly conservative aristocracy. The long history of the House is a point of pride among its members, and the family has taken great care to preserve its regal traditions. Among those traditions are lavishly decorated long halls, the focal point of which are huge tapestries featuring the faces of de l'Isle dukes and heroes.

In contrast, the general population of the duchy are looked down on by the House for being "crude." The harsh climate and nature of the work in the duchy (farming, iron mining, and smithing) have contributed to a rough and tumble culture. It is not uncommon for a worker in Iornshore to go to the local tavern and drink themselves under the table after work, sleep a minimum amount of time, and have a hearty breakfast of beer and eggs before returning to work at the mine or the smith. The peasants and workers of the de l'Isle territory have a reputation for alcoholism, foul language, and raucous festivals.

The Wine Rebellion
In the year 873 under the reign of Félix I, King of Téoren, the annual Festival of Iron turned into a protest against the House de l'Isle and the aristocratic culture they practice. The workers, who were never allowed access to the wine produced in the region, broke into the de l'Isle mansion and sacked the wine cellar. Chanting, "We Work. We drink," through the streets, the peasants drank all the wine housed in the wine cellar in one day.

When King Félix, who was living in the capital at the time, learned of the incident, he was heard to say, "They work. They drink," and poured his glass of wine on the floor. It is likely that the King knew heavy handed reprisals would result in further protest and the collapse of the de l'Isle economy. However, following this symbolic gesture of solidarity, the King ordered the secret disappearance of those who led the Wine Rebellion. The next year at the Festival of Iron, the King guaranteed that wine would be free to any worker or farmer at the festival. This tradition holds until this day.

Today
Visitors to the duchy will often note that the culture is tolerant and even enlightened. The capital is made of fine buildings decorated in ornate ironwork, and the population seems content in their relatively fine houses, drinking cheap beer. However, extended time spent in the city will reveal the tensions simmering under the surface. Although the Wine Rebellion and the comforts granted to the lower classes since then have mollified most of the population, more radically minded workers in the city still resent the House for their luxuries and disdain of those under them. It is not uncommon for someone radically minded to disappear in a mysterious mining accident from time to time. The joyous festivals held throughout the year also include a large amount of staged adulation for House de l'Isle, and the family's pomp and circumstance serves to remind workers and farmers who is in control of the territory.

Holdings and Economy
The House de l'Isle reigns in the north of the Kingdom of Téoren. Bordered by mountains and glacier, the climate can be inhospitable, and all of the de l'Isle settlements are located on the sea or major rivers. House de l'Isle produces both iron and wine. Unlike the white wine produced by house Wynte, most of the wines produced in the town of Thatchfield are red in color and smokey in flavor. The iron armor produced in the duchy capital of Ironshore is known throughout the Kingdom of Téoren for its fine quality.