Originally hailing from Maelburg in Norenes. The family was one of the first to flock to Kestar's banner when he led his conquests of what would later become Estivan and Norenes. For that and their loyalty to him they were rewarded a sizable fiefdom in the south-east of Estivan, there they established themselves in what is the current seat of the family, Maelcliffe.
Known as the staunchest supporters of the Kestari they withheld a long and gruelling siege during Arlak's Invasion, only to be relieved over a month after his fall. Today they are one of the five major noble houses vying for power in Estivan. They see the houses of Blackstrum as upstarts, and have always had tense relations with the Silebor. Their closest allies would be the Corvis of Temperdale.