The Grunfeld Family
Legend would have it that the Grunfeld’s were the first to reach the land that is now the city of Lalenth. They were pioneers that hailed from a far off place, trekking through the wastelands to find a suitable place to settle. Despite the fact that this jars slightly with other traditions regarding the formation of the city, whether it be out of respect of rank or love of the legend, few have challenged the Grunfeld’s assertions. The family are highly popular; mainly due to their involvement with the Nevernight Festival. All circles of Lalenth society hold them in great affection.
The family have strong connections with the Huntsmen and have long been honorary sponsors of that group. The Grunfeld House provide them with the lalenthrium wards that protect them on their travels in the wastelands and also promise to care for the family of any Huntsman lost whilst outside the city limits. In exchange they take a cut from the spoils of any such expeditions. This provides them with a fairly constant income.
Janos Grunfeld, the current head of household loves to talk about his family’s adventuring past. In his youth he was as bold as any huntsman and led many expeditions into the wastelands to hunt down beasts that were molesting the city. The walls of the Grunfeld residence are covered with trophies from various expeditions. Strange creatures look down upon the visitors; some of them too fantastic to be real. During these trips he also collected a large quantity of lalenthrium, which he had forged into a filigree inset for a long sword. The now famous Grunfeld Blade has not been used nor sharpened for twelve years but still it is sharp enough to cut a silk scarf.
Janos is a likeable man who lacks any pretension. He enjoys nothing more than sitting round the fire at home or even occasionally a local tavern swapping tall tales over a mug of mead. He is happily married to Marianne (nee Larkwood) and has two daughters, Elena and Meredi. His daughters are pretty, popular and pleasant enough, although somewhat shallow in their outlook. Both are great favourites at court and seldom sit out a dance. Elena is the heir apparent to the house and is determined to find a suitable husband to inherit with her. The young lady is of a romantic disposition and does not appear to resent the idea of sharing the power she is to inherit with her spouse. Having said this, Elena is still young, barely 19. Her attitudes may alter as she grows tired of the constant attention from suitors.
Blake Alacosts’ Guide to Lalenth Fashion:
Regardless of how cold the winter wind blows or how deep the snows swirl, the dress of the Grunfeld’s is redolent of summer’s bounty. Rich gold and reds mix in opulent patterns and textures. Clothing tends to be fuller with heavy swags of cloth and is adorned with heavy gems of jet and amber. In a quaint tradition of this house, the younger members will dress their hair with flowers in formal situations.