Carthal
Carthal, the capital city of Ravenmoor, is a bastion of faith and power on the northern slopes of The Black Ridge. Originally founded by Aleron au Carthas of House Carthas, Carthal has long been a center of religious and political influence in the region. The city is now governed as a Theocratic Monarchy under House Votum, a ruling house deeply committed to the Celestine Pantheon. Unlike the more modern provinces of Thalwyn, Ravenmoor and House Carthas have ancient roots, making Carthal one of the oldest continually inhabited cities on the Celestine Peninsula.
Demographics
Carthal is home to a diverse populace united by a common devotion to the Celestine Pantheon. The city’s residents are primarily Ravenians, an ethnic group known for their austere lifestyle and deep religious convictions. Carthal’s population also includes a significant number of pilgrims, scholars, and clerics who travel from across Ertha to study and worship at the city’s many temples and shrines. This spiritual diversity has fostered a culture of religious tolerance and intellectual pursuit, with the city’s inhabitants deeply respecting the varied interpretations and traditions of the Celestine faith.
Government
Carthal is governed as a Theocratic Monarchy, a unique system that blends the divine authority of the Celestine Pantheon with the traditional rule of a monarch. House Votum, the ruling house of Carthal, claims descent from the first priest-kings who established the city's theocratic governance after driving out House Carthas during a violent conflict centuries ago. The current monarch, King Regus au Votum, rules in concert with the High Priestess of the Celestine Temple, Priestess Helene Cicero, ensuring that all laws and policies align with the spiritual doctrines of the faith. The ruling structure is supported by a council of clerics and nobles who advise on matters both divine and secular.
Industry & Trade
The economy of Carthal is deeply intertwined with its religious significance. The city is a major destination for pilgrims and devotees of the Celestine Pantheon, and its economy thrives on the services and trade associated with religious tourism. Artisans and craftsmen in Carthal are renowned for producing religious artifacts, scriptures, and ceremonial garments, which are highly sought after across Ravenmoor and beyond. Additionally, the fertile valleys surrounding Carthal support a modest agricultural economy, primarily producing crops and livestock used to sustain the city and its visitors.
Infrastructure
Carthal's infrastructure reflects its dual identity as a center of faith and governance. The city is built around the Grand Celestine Temple, a towering structure of marble and gold that dominates the skyline. The temple complex includes numerous smaller shrines, libraries, and dormitories for the clergy, making it the spiritual heart of the city. Surrounding the temple are well-maintained roads and aqueducts, funded by the offerings and tithes of the faithful. The city's outer districts feature fortified walls and watchtowers, remnants of its more tumultuous past when House Carthas still ruled, providing a formidable defense against any potential invaders.
Districts
Carthal is organized into several distinct districts, each serving a unique purpose:
- The Temple District: The spiritual core of Carthal, this district is centered around the Celestine Temple and its surrounding complexes. It includes numerous smaller shrines dedicated to different deities of the Pantheon, as well as the residences of the high priests and priestesses.
- The Market District: Located near the city’s main gates, the Market District is a bustling area filled with shops and stalls selling religious artifacts, books, and everyday goods. It is also the primary location for trade, where pilgrims can purchase offerings and sacred items.
- The Scholar’s District: This district is home to the city’s numerous libraries, schools, and theological colleges. Scholars and scribes from across Ertha come here to study the sacred texts of the Celestine Pantheon, making it a hub of intellectual and religious learning.
- The Noble District: The residence of House Votum and other minor nobles who have aligned themselves with the ruling family. This district includes the grand palace of the monarch and various administrative buildings necessary for governance.
- The Artisan’s Quarter: Located near the outer walls, this district houses the city’s craftsmen and artisans. It is known for its workshops that produce religious icons, ceremonial robes, and other sacred artifacts.
History
Carthal was founded in approximately 430 BCE by Aleron au Carthas of House Carthas, one of the oldest noble families in Ravenmoor. The city initially served as a stronghold for House Carthas, capitalizing on its strategic position near The Black Ridge to dominate the surrounding region. However, in 130 CE, following a protracted conflict driven by religious and political strife, House Carthas was driven out by a coalition of clergy and noble houses who favored a theocratic form of governance.
This shift marked the beginning of a new era for Carthal, as it transformed from a traditional feudal city into a theocratic monarchy under House Votum. The establishment of the Celestine Temple in 150 CE solidified the city’s role as a spiritual center, attracting pilgrims from across Ertha. The theocratic government led by House Votum has maintained stability through a blend of spiritual authority and political power, navigating the challenges of both internal dissent and external threats.
In 389 CE, during the War of the Southern Seas, Carthal played a crucial role in securing Ravenmoor's southern borders, leveraging its strategic position and fortified defenses. The city has continued to thrive, blending ancient traditions with a modern approach to governance, all while maintaining its devotion to the Celestine Pantheon.
Founders
Type
City
Population
225,000
Inhabitant Demonym
Carthals
Location under
Owner/Ruler