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Overview

House Serkis is the marquis house of Hernand. Since the founding of the duchy, they have served as the right hand of House Celeste, managing internal affairs while the ducal house focused on diplomacy and external defense. This long-standing partnership has made House Serkis one of the most respected families in Hernand, with a reputation that extends across the region's political landscape.

As administrators, House Serkis oversees the governance of Hernand's cities, settlements, and rural holdings. Their territory includes industrial sites, military outposts, and agricultural operations scattered across the duchy. The family's focus on keeping Hernand's internal workings running smoothly has earned them a strong reputation among the other noble houses.

Details

History and Lore

House Serkis has been intertwined with the Celeste family since the very beginning of Hernand's history. When the descendants of the wandering knight Canta established the duchy, the Serkis family was there as their most trusted advisors. The division of labor between the two houses became the template for how Hernand would be governed: Celeste handled diplomacy and external military matters, while Serkis took charge of everything happening within the duchy's borders.

Over the centuries, this arrangement gave House Serkis deep insight into the inner workings of Hernand's economy, population, and infrastructure. They manage tax collection, mediate disputes between lesser nobles, and ensure that the duchy's settlements remain functional and safe. Their administrative reach extends from the bustling streets of the capital to the remote mills and farms at the duchy's edges.

The Knowledge tab in Hernand Castle includes an entry for Alan Serkis as a Prominent Resident. Standing near a guard in the castle for long enough triggers this entry, suggesting that the Serkis family maintains a visible presence at the seat of power.

Controlled Locations

House Serkis controls a mix of manors, workshops, military installations, and agricultural operations across Hernand.

Quests

House Serkis provides the faction quest "Lord Amidst the Ruins," which sends the player to investigate ruins in the Savage Peaks and ultimately confront a fallen king known as the Staglord. Completing this quest rewards the Staglord's Shield and an Abyss Artifact.

Relationship with Other Houses

House Serkis enjoys the closest relationship of any noble family to House Celeste. Their marquis rank places them just below the ducal house in the hierarchy, and their administrative authority gives them significant influence over the other noble houses. House Felix in particular is often overshadowed by the Serkis family's strong reputation, which has contributed to Felix's perception as a minor player among the nobility.

Tips

• The "Lord Amidst the Ruins" quest involves a one-on-one boss fight against the Staglord in the Savage Peaks. Prepare cold resistance gear and strong melee equipment.

• House Serkis's territory includes the Boomveld Bombworks, which can be a useful source of explosive crafting materials.

• Their strong reputation in Hernand means that gaining standing with House Serkis can unlock useful vendor access and NPC interactions throughout the duchy.