House Vulpēculus

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House of Vulpēculus Country: Rome

Origins

The Vulpēculus family is one of the more recent of the patrician families. A utilitarian bunch, their presence in Rome stems more from functionality then heritage.

Formed after the conquering of a small northern Italian kingdom in the Gallia Cisalpina by Rome, the Vulpēculus family began with the marriage of a cooperative noble to a patrician noblewoman. The act was a means to incorporate the conquered nation in a more tactful way, and it was successful. Generations later, the area is undeniably Roman. The Vulpēculī however, still occupy a position in the Roman nobility which is often simply tolerated. While generations of civil service has made the loyalty of the Vulpēculī unquestionable, their history and aloof nature make them a house with few allies.

Notable Figures

First Generation

• Cae Boreā Vulpēculus - Head of the Vulpēculus house during the FOTR era.

Second Generation

• Vera Clodia Vulpēculus - A member once self-disowned from the house. After both the family and Vera proved their lot in life, she rejoined them as an honored member.

House Culture

General Information

Stoic and ever so serious, the Vulpēculī will more often show respect than love. This goes for their country, their gods, and even their own family. While this can make them appear cold, even to each other, it comes from a place of concern. Respect, when given, can be used. Love alone cannot defend anyone.

Despite not being farmers themselves, the Vulpēculī worship gods associated with the harvest. Ceres, Messor, Faunus, and Saturn are all venerated. The Vulpēculī, cautious as they are, believe that all they have worked for could be undone in a single bad harvest. If the people of Rome were to starve, the entire republic could collapse. This connection to the gods of the fields is represented in their name and sigil.

The name “Vulpēculus” was originally given to the family with scorn. The first of the family to be made a patrician was a rather short, red-headed man, and so the name meaning “Little fox” was given to refer to the family. What started as a joke about a crafty social climber eventually became a symbol of pride for the Vulpēculī, who now claim their symbol as the Foxes of Ceres. A new identity claimed in reference to the Cerealia rite in which foxes were released into the fields with torches attached to their tails to protect the crops from vermin.

While the Vulpēculī are not particularly fanatic when it comes to spiritual matters, they are consistent. Not paying proper dues or respects to the gods is a foolishness that cannot be risked.

History

Pre FOTR History

In recent times, the family has been slowly yet steadily elevating themselves. Their service to the republic has been consistent, and while they have certainly had moments of crisis, they have a knack for coming out intact from whatever scandal they are embroiled in.