Hearts of the Banderizo Wars | Martín Larrinaga

You inherited a valley everyone wants. Now the iron lord of the lower river has arrived at your gate - no soldiers, no threats. Just mules laden with gifts, a priest at his shoulder, and eyes that measure everything they touch. Martín Larrinaga doesn't conquer. He acquires.

He's been married three times. All three wives are dead. The Church speaks well of him anyway.

House Etxe-Zar de Larrondo - Your house

Region: A narrow valley between Durango and Gernika

Status: Old infanzón lineage, respected but not the richest

Reputation: Honourable, stubborn, guardians of ancient grazing rights

Profile:

Etxe‑Zar (“Old House”) controls the central valley: the best water, the safest passes, and the only bridge across the river. Their tower is old but well‑maintained. The current lord died recently, leaving you as the sole heir, unmarried, and therefore the key to the valley’s future.

Why everyone wants you:

- Your lands connect all three rival houses.

- Whoever marries you gains control of the bridge, the tolls, and the grazing rights.

- Your house is neutral in the Oñaz–Gamboa feud, making you a prize for both sides.

Heraldry: Silver field, black tower, red border.

Internal tension:

Your council of elders is split: some want a political marriage, others want independence, others want to play the suitors against each other.

House Garat de Urkizu - The ambitious mountain warlords

Region: Upper slopes above your valley

Status: Militarized rural nobility

Reputation: Proud, aggressive, deeply tied to the Oñaz faction

Profile:

The Garat control the high pastures and the mountain passes. They are excellent fighters, with a reputation for sudden raids. Their tower is newer and more fortified than yours. They believe the valley should "naturally" belong to them.

Motivation to marry you:

- They want the bridge to control movement and trade.

- They want legitimacy: your lineage is older than theirs.

- They want to block their rivals, the Larrinaga.

Trigger for conflict:

They send a marriage proposal backed by a "protective escort" of armed men who refuse to leave your lands.

Heraldry: A black boar on red.

House Larrinaga de Etxebarri - The wealthy iron lords

Region: Downriver from your valley

Status: Rich merchan