Overview
House Roberts is the count's house of Hernand. A long-established merchant family, they rank among the wealthiest households in the duchy. Their fortune was built through generations of commerce, and their wealth has allowed them to mingle with high-ranking nobles and prominent figures in the arts. The Roberts family is known for hosting lavish banquets and maintaining a lifestyle that reflects their financial success.
House Roberts holds a notable rivalry with House Felix. The tension between the two families runs deep enough that House Felix never receives invitations to the Roberts family's social events. This rivalry adds to Felix's reputation as a house that struggles to keep pace with its peers.
Details
Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
Type | Count's house |
Region | |
Rank | Count |
Leader | Count Roberts |
Alignment | Friendly |
Primary Role | Commerce and trade |
Known For | Wealthiest merchant family in Hernand; lavish banquets |
History and Lore
House Roberts built their wealth over many generations through merchant activity. Unlike the other noble houses, whose influence comes primarily from military strength, administrative authority, or technology, House Roberts derives its power from commerce. Their long-established trading networks have made them one of the richest families in the duchy, a position they leverage to maintain influence in Hernand's political affairs.
The family uses their wealth to cultivate relationships with the duchy's elite. Their banquets attract high-ranking nobles and artists, turning the Roberts estate into a social hub for Hernand's upper class. This social capital gives them political leverage beyond what their count's rank might otherwise allow.
Their rivalry with House Felix is a persistent feature of Hernand's political landscape. The exclusion of Felix from Roberts social events is well known among the nobility, and the competition between the two houses adds a layer of domestic tension to the duchy's politics.
Controlled Locations
House Roberts controls a diverse portfolio of commercial and military properties across Hernand, centered on Bluemont Manor.
Location | Type |
|---|---|
Bluemont Manor | Manor (seat of House Roberts) |
Bluemont Cask House | Production facility |
Karin Quarry | Quarry |
Muckroot Ranch | Ranch |
Nas River Fishing Dock | Fishing dock |
Bloomwood Ranch | Ranch |
Fort Perwin | Military fort |
Perwin Gate | Fortified gate |
Perwin Palisade Wall Camp | Camp |
Perwin Quarry | Quarry |
Perwin Trading Post | Trading post |
Meshley Trapsmith | Workshop |
Quests
House Roberts offers one of the more substantial faction quest chains available to the player. The questline begins with "Estate in Dismay" and involves helping Count Roberts deal with threats to his holdings, including bandits at Karin Quarry and a boss encounter at Fort Perwin.
Quest | Description | Rewards |
|---|---|---|
Estate in Dismay | Help the caretaker, clear bandits from Karin Quarry, and speak with Count Roberts. Includes the sub-quest "First Trial of Trust." | Gold Vein Map, Mining Knuckledrill, Azurite, Bloodstones, Engraved Gold Earring |
Continuing Concern | Investigate ongoing threats to House Roberts and defeat a boss at Fort Perwin. | Freya's Elixir, Lesser Elixirs |
Boulder from the Sky | Handle a mysterious threat involving a celestial impact near Roberts territory. | Three Bulging Copper Pouches |
Relationship with Other Houses
House Roberts sits comfortably within Hernand's hierarchy thanks to their wealth, even though their count's rank places them below the ducal and marquis houses. Their rivalry with House Felix is their most defining political relationship. The two families compete for influence among the count-level houses, with Roberts consistently coming out ahead due to their superior financial resources and social connections.
Their commercial operations complement the duchy's broader economy, and their holdings around the Perwin area, including Fort Perwin and the trading post, suggest they play a role in Hernand's trade routes and territorial security.
Tips
Start the "Estate in Dismay" quest chain when you arrive in Hernand. The Gold Vein Map reward unlocks a valuable mining location.
The Mining Knuckledrill from the first quest is useful for gathering resources at Karin Quarry and other mining nodes.
Fort Perwin contains a boss encounter during the "Continuing Concern" quest. Bring healing items and prepare for a tough fight.
Completing all three House Roberts quests provides a mix of mining tools, elixirs, and gold, making it one of the most rewarding faction quest chains.