House Lanford

Overview

House Lanford is the marquis house of Calphade. For generations, they have overseen the defense and governance of the Calphade region, which borders Pailune on behalf of the Duchy of Hernand. Led by Marquis Stefan Lanford, the family has earned the title "Uncompromising Shield," a name that represents both the house and the Calphade region as a whole.

House Lanford is defined by unyielding conviction and courage. Their territory is heavily militarized compared to the other noble houses, with castles, gates, depots, a siege armory, and a gunpowder mill all under their control. This military infrastructure reflects Calphade's role as Hernand's primary buffer against threats from the north and west.

Details

History and Lore

House Lanford has guarded the Calphade region for multiple generations, serving as the military arm of the Duchy of Hernand along its most vulnerable border. Calphade sits at the frontier between Hernand and Pailune, making it the first line of defense against incursions from the north. The Lanford family took this duty seriously, building Calphade into a fortified region bristling with castles, watchtowers, and military installations.

Marquis Stefan Lanford leads the house during the events of the game. He is described as a man of unyielding conviction, and his leadership has kept Calphade stable during a period of increasing regional instability. However, his trust was betrayed by Cassius Morten, a subordinate who had served as one of Lanford's officers. Morten turned against his lord and allied with the Black Bears, sparking a violent rebellion that threw Calphade into chaos.

The Greymanes become involved in Calphade's conflict when Kliff travels to the region searching for his comrade Oongka. Oongka had been fighting alongside Lanford's forces against the rebels throughout the conflict, demonstrating his loyalty to the Marquis. Kliff joins the battle, fights through siege engines, cannons, and watchtowers, and ultimately confronts and defeats Cassius Morten in a boss fight, ending the revolt.

Stefan Lanford also had an adopted son named Walter Lanford. Walter was originally an orphan whom the Marquis took in and groomed as his successor. However, Walter's deep insecurities about his humble origins prevented him from accepting this role. He eventually abandoned House Lanford entirely and established the Bleed Bandits, a criminal organization that has since spread fear across Hernand. Walter can be encountered as a boss at Fort Warspike, where he fights with a double-barreled gun.

Controlled Locations

House Lanford's territory is centered on Calphade Castle and extends across a network of fortifications, supply depots, and industrial sites.

Notable Members

Quests

House Lanford is central to the Calphade siege storyline in the main campaign. When Kliff arrives in Calphade searching for Oongka, he finds the region under siege by Cassius Morten's rebel forces and the Black Bears. The player fights through a large-scale battle involving siege weapons, cannons, and watchtowers before confronting Cassius Morten in a boss fight.

Walter Lanford appears as a separate boss encounter at Fort Warspike in the Hernand region. He fights using a double-barreled gun and relies on evasion rather than blocking. His fighting style includes scattershot attacks, blinding smoke grenades, and rapid repositioning.

Tips

• The Calphade siege is a large-scale battle. Stock up on healing items and bring weapons effective against armored enemies before heading to the region.

• Cassius Morten fights with a mace and shield. Look for broken pillars on the battlefield that Kliff can lift and throw for massive damage.

• Walter Lanford at Fort Warspike has only one HP bar but is extremely agile. Use a run-and-hit strategy and dash forward when he throws his blinding smoke to close the distance.

• Calphade's Gunpowder Mill and Siege Armory can provide useful crafting materials once the region is secured.