Eric Sheildsunder was a hero, he was a bear of a man who broke sheildwalls and enemies beneath his great axe, chopping them down like lumber. He was instrumental in the kingdom of Halfor's throwing out of Torgal from the central isles. For his contributions to kingdom he was rewarded with land from his beaten foes on Avestoc. This pleased him greatly, even if he rarely stayed there. For he was more than happy adventuring where the wind and waves took him. Eventually His travels took him to the far south past Averis, investigating rumors of Fae and other creatures of darkness congregating.

His disappearance and assumed demise left his house in rather poor straights. He was a womanizer and had many children well into his life, having two wives and more mistresses than one could easily count. Furthermore he had not designated a proper heir, much less facilitate their learning into how to manage a noble house. This began a massive downturn in the house's fortunes, massive mismanagement, lassitude, and a lack of the progenitor's driving charisma resulting in much loss, of wealth, of power, and of prestige. This in turn resulted in the death, disappearance and emigration of family members to other houses, other lands or even to adventure in far flung places.

Alden was born to a house in shambles, barely holding together, poor, no forces, and no real influence, with his father contemplating selling his land because he could not afford to maintain it. The young lad could not have grown more different than the hero who founded the house. Where Eric was a mountain of muscle and meat, Alden was slight and flexible. Where Eric battered and badgered under the raw eight of his personality, Alden did not go through people with his arguments, but around, convincing them that his way was in their best interests. Where Eric spent, whored and drank freely and often, Alden is the picture or control, spending only as much as necessary and never to excess.

Thus Alden took over the family at the young age of 14, when his father choked to death on a piece of cheese. Several family rivals and opportunists moved against the young lord, seeking to end the house and take his land for their own. What followed was four years of battle and blood, but Alden walked out of it whole and stronger for it. While recollections are hazy, it was clear most of his rivals and attackers fell from bad luck, food poisoning, taking a huntsman's arrow while enjoying a maiden from conquered lands, pirates ravaging their fleets, or in one Case being convicted and executed for treason. Regardless Alden ended his battle decisively when the he dueled Duke Shorestone, who had taken a large portion of Shieldsunder lands over the years. The young man beat the old veteran handily, as Duke Shorestone showed his age by moving slowly and exceedingly sloppily.

After this veritable coup Alden reduced his house's armed forces significantly, putting the money freed up into alchemical and medicinal tonics and healing houses, where men (and occasionally women) could visit to the healers there to seek relief from anxiousness, depression, stress, ill humor, erectile dysfunction and more. Many a nobleman visits these houses and leaves with a spring in his step and swagger to his stride.

His success has not drawn enemies however, the church is not fond of these houses, at all. but there is precedent for them in Averis and in Horfal law. Likewise many a detractor says he is a man without honor, as he does not frequent the battlefield or participate in the tourneys. However few can find fault in the services he provides and even less openly mock or insult him. Such people somehow always end up the worse for it.

"Every word, every action, every step in life, all of it is currency. How will you spend yours?"