Dariune Clan

Clan Dariune came to prominence during the Kaldoric civil war as a favored supporter of Fierth. Qywald Dariune was appointed the Earl of Balim holding Kiban Keep when Fierth executed the previous occupant for betraying Fierth's opponent, Aidrik II. Forty years later Clan Dariune had changed sides, accepting Earl Curo's plan for the restoration of the House of Tane. Earl Dariune's support virtually assured the return of Aidrik III after Uthred's 'hunting accident' in 406. For the next 200 years, the Earls of Balim were the least of the Earls of Kaldor. While their lands were central, the lands of the other earls, notably the Earl of Neph and the Earl of Olokand, were more extensive. During the Baronial Revolt, Earl Alessa Dariune skillfully played his opponents off against each other, claiming no interest in the throne. He survived in his central position while other contenders were weakened or eliminated. After three years of conflict, attrition took its toll on his forces, and Alessa allied himself with Earl Haldan Elendsa of Olokand. The alliance cemented the throne for Haldan, and Alessa became a close confident and advisor to the King. Over the past century, this alliance with Clan Elendsa has given Clan Dariune substantial influence and greatly increased the stature of Clan Dariune in Kaldor. Kiban is now the second largest town in Kaldor after Tashal with a full castle and construction of a town wall underway. The individual Earls of Balim did not fare so well, with 8 earls in the 70 years following the Baronial Revolt. When Scina died, the succession council deemed Kaery to be too immature at 23 for the responsibility and selected Larilan to succeed. After Larilan died in 646, the succession council selected Kaery. Keary and his brother Aras had only daughters, including Miginath’s tutor Caniara, and the succession council selected Lanas to succeed Aras in 667. Lanas promptly died of pneumonia and Scina Dariune succeeded as the 19th Earl of Balim. The current Earl, Troda Dariune is cousin to both King Miginath and King Chunel Toron of Melderyn. Troda's sister Donesyn, a devout Laranian, lives in Tashal attending to the clan's interests in the capital. Troda is married to Olena Pierstel, sister of Baron Uthris Pierstel of Tonot. They have three children, Scina, Enoriel and Karison. Scina is a very eligible bachelor and negotiations are underway for the betrothal of Scina to Cheselyne Hosath, grandniece of King Miginath. Some people believe Scina is more interested in the pursuit of hunting and other sport than he is in the prospective betrothal. Enoriel is also of marriageable age, but the negotiations for Scina have more than occupied the Earl's heralds. Some have suggested a match with Urian Caldeth, but Enoriel refuses to have anything to do with, “that boorish oaf.” Karison is a competitive young man currently squired with Constable Mirdarne at Jedes keep. Earl Troda's second cousin, Tyrnal, has risen to the position of Rekela of Kephrus in the Church of Larani. He resides at Cholas Abbey and is a quite urbane and politically able Rekela. Unfortunately, this has made him a number of enemies. Tyrnal has survived three assassination attempts in the last two years, prompting the Earl to offer a bounty of 100 GP to an arrest.

Tyrnal's uncle through marriage is Constable Dagald Jendral of Fisen Keep. A widower, Dagald has outlived his two sons, who died in a Kath ambush twenty years ago.