[Neus]

ZELAG

Sigil: A skull on the ground surrounded by a crown of flowers.
House Zelag's sigil brings to mind a grim memorial, appropriate for their role as gravekeepers. This sigil is rarely, often only in the Zelag's ancestral halls, due to their passivity.

Color: Black.
House Zelag are often dressed in black, a common mourning color, which also helps hide the ash and various other ruined nature that stain their garments while maintaining the Godly Stage.

Heirloom: Trelnam's Edge
A sword said to be used by one of Alstalsia's ancient heroes, Trelnam Zelag, who also founded the house. The sword is on the level of most enchanted weapons, however being tied to Trelnam gives it an extreme amount of prestige, due to its wielder's role in Alstalsia's founding, and for his bravery, charisma, and foresight. Ironically, it is one of the few Zeran noble heirlooms which was not made from Zera's remains.

Size: Very Small
House Zelag is so few that they could barely fill a house, barely exceeding single digits. Despite this, they are held highly and respected for their history, as well as due to the contributions made by Trelnam during his time. It also shows their lack of ambition; with no army to speak of, the other houses are more trusting of their words, since they often speak in the best interest of Alstalsia as a whole.

Stronghold: Keeper's Terrace
Serving as more of a gateway than a stronghold, this humble stone building houses all of House Zelag and their servants. Directly north of the Godly Stage, it is also the only safe pathway leading onto it, closing off entrance to it with a strong gate wall. It is on this building that the flag of the house, and its sigil decorating it, are seen. Very rarely do these gates open and allow visitors to pass, as the Godly Stage is a sacred place in Alstalain culture.

Values:
House Zelag has existed since ancient times and has often served as a mediator between the prideful houses, something that began with Trelnam. Ever since Heaven's Contention, their efforts shifted more towards protecting and maintaining the graveyard of the Gods from those who would seek to alter it, whether that be monsters, thieves, or nature. At their heart, they are merely preservers; they wish for both Alstalsia and the Godly Stage to not wither away. Thus, the times they speak up at council meetings, it is often against things that would 'rock the boat', so to speak. For some of the more ambitious or chaotic houses, they are viewed as old fogeys who are unwilling to take chances and simply wish to live in their ancient era forever.

History:
House Zelag has existed since ancient times, and Trelnam Zelag is often seen as the founder of Alstalsia. He was one of Zera's premiere followers, and almost every powerful group wanted his favor for themselves. Despite this, Trelnam was a humble individual who was extremely careful in his dealings, not wanting to needlessly waste the world and land their God had given them. As a result, much of his time was spent dealing with both matters involving the country's growth, as well as its external security, and playing mediator between Zeran houses that always seemed to be in conflict. This is a role he performed exceptionally well, but it came at a toll to his health. He often fell ill, but continued his duties regardless of his personal well-being.

However, he also understood that this could not continue forever; although he was holding Alstalsia together while alive, it would very easily fall into chaos if he were not around. Thus, he created Alstalsia's High Council, a system where all of the powerful houses would be forced to work together and vote before taking any actions that could have dire consequences. It was put in the very center of the continent so that no one House would have to travel any further than the next to reach it, showing his wish for equality and cooperation. (Despite this wish, House Tyrmela would later move their affairs to the capital...) Predictably, Trelnam passed away from illness at a relatively young age, and his house would shift their role to gravekeepers, as well as shrink their power intentionally to allow the next-in-line of House Zelag to show their founder's sincerity.

Despite this, the House has drawn a surprising amount of negative attention, mainly from those jealous of their illustrious position, and from those coveting their stronghold for themselves. Some have even go so far to think that tending the Godly Stage gives them longevity, which may in fact be true; notably, Trelnam's brother, Garland, took over for his brother after his passing. Garland was only a few years younger than Trelnam, and people who have visited the Keeper's Terrace claim that he is still alive today, despite being well over 200 years old.

The most noteworthy of events that occurred from this is the known now as the 'Massacre of Silence and Ashes', where two Zeran houses, House Ignis and House Mantra, made an attempt to grab power from some of the existing houses. In particular, they wanted to depose House Zelag and gain their position, thereby elevating their status well above the other houses. However, to do so meant they had to pass through House Echor's lands, and their fortress, the Redwall, was one they could not overcome. Both houses were eventually exterminated by House Echor and House Orin's intervention.