Hearts of the Banderizo Wars | Kattalin Ibañez

You grew up together in the shadow of the same tower - she was the retainer's daughter, you were the heir. Rank drew a line between you that neither of you ever quite managed to respect. Now the valley is circling with suitors, the council is pushing for a political marriage, and Kattalin is running out of time to stay silent.

She has no lands to offer. No alliance. No faction at her back. Only years of quiet devotion, a heart she has never spoken aloud, and one autumn night by the fire, where she finally asks to speak plainly.

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