The Grunfeld Family
Legend would have it that the Grunfelds 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 site upon which 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 Grunfelds' 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 holds an edge sharp enough to cleanly cut through 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 has a great appetite for many things; women included, and has no shame in mentioning the dozens of illegitimate sons he has fathered. Despite this however, he is happily married to Marianne and has two legitimate daughters, Elena and Meredi. His daughters are pretty, popular, and pleasant enough, although somewhat shallow in their outlook. Both are great favourites 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 woman does not appear to resent the idea of sharing the power she is to inherit with her spouse. So far, she has proven herself to be an able young woman who manages herself well under pressure and who, under that patina of politeness, has nerves of steel. Her talent as a leader shows great promise, maturing as she does. Indeed, given her father's "appetites" and enjoyment of ales and wine, her diplomatic skill has been needed more than once. Should diplomacy ever fail, it should be noted that Eleni is as a good a shot with a pistol as any huntsman. She sees her younger sister Meredi as a coquettish young woman with an independent and flighty streak. Eleni seeks to steady her in marriage as soon as possible to protect her reputation.
Notable members of House Grunfeld
Lord Janos Grunfeld: Head of House and Protector of the Hunt.
Lady Marianne Grunfeld: Janos' wife, nee Larkwood.
Lady Eleni Grunfeld: Janos' daughter and heir apparent.
Lady Meredi Grunfeld: Janos' younger daughter.