House Otrava
House Otrava is an old, yet often overlooked noble family on the western borders of the Dragmire in Trasnia. They currently owe their allegiance to House Dragavei, the family who rules nearly the entirety of the northern half of the Duchy of Trasnia's continental lands.
The current leader of the house is Alexandru Otrava who has worked diligently and ruthlessly to secure what additional land and influence they can, working closely with their liege, Count Radomir Dragovei.
Culture
House Otrava comports itself in a way befitting an old noble house despite their standing as only a Barony. However, the house has some symbology and traits that sometimes gives the wrong impression. For instance, the symbol of house Otrava has always been, rather defiantly, a two-headed serpent despite the cultural dislike of snakes. This is not helped by rumors of their bloodline being tainted with something foul.
Additionally, likely not helping the lack of ascension through the noble ranks, House Otrava's line of succession has been rather unconventional. Through the generations, it has not been uncommon for a younger child within the family to be chosen as heir rather than the eldest, regardless of gender, skill, or profession. Rarer, but often seen, a lesser or cousin branch of the family would take over rule of the family and its holdings, effectively swapping places with the ruling branch - usually peacefully. At other times, a child from a branch family will be adopted into the main family and raised as heir despite the main family already having children that are ready to take on that role themselves.
Public Agenda
House Otrava's goal is rather dull when it comes to the nobility, insofar as it is not anything special. Their current dealings have them marrying their son, Virgil Otrava, to daughter of the house of Countess Delir in their neighboring Duchy. This would be a very beneficial deal for House Otrava who would have a new political tie to a house greater than their own with all the influence that comes with that alliance.
Additionally, Virgil Otrava has recently been publicly announced as the next heir of House Otrava, despite his elder sister being previously named to that role. It is believed that he will take over House Otrava shortly after his marriage to Lady Iona Delir.
Assets
- House Otrava holds a large marble quarry from which it has derived most of its wealth thanks to the particular marbling being crystaline.
- Outside of their mountainous home, they hold a large amount of farmland on the edge of Dragmire - though that land is at threat of shrinking as the mire continues to spread.
- Though mostly used as a display or in the production of mirrors, mining of other minerals, and medicine, House Otrava sits on a large amount of quicksilver (mercury).
- They also hold a number of knights under their banner that make a significantly smaller house like House Otrava more formitable than might be expected.
History
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