House Carthas

Founding and Early History

House Carthas is one of the oldest noble families in Ertha, with roots tracing back to the early days of human settlement on the Celestine Peninsula. The house was officially founded around 450 BCE by Aleron au Carthas, a formidable warrior and leader known for his skill in battle and strategic acumen. Aleron established the city of Carthal, leveraging its strategic location near The Black Ridge to dominate the surrounding region of Ravenmoor. Under his leadership, Carthal grew into a fortified stronghold, serving as both the seat of power for House Carthas and a central hub for trade and military operations in northern Ravenmoor.
For centuries, House Carthas ruled Carthal and its surrounding lands with an iron fist, maintaining a strong military presence to secure their borders and uphold their influence. Their rule was characterized by a deep commitment to tradition, honor, and the defense of their lands against both external invaders and internal threats. This period of Carthas' dominance solidified their reputation as a house of warriors and strategists, capable of defending their territory against any who dared to challenge their authority.

Conflict and Exile

The power of House Carthas remained unchallenged until the early 2nd century CE when growing tensions between the secular nobility and the religious factions within Carthal led to a period of civil unrest. In 130 CE, these tensions culminated in a bloody conflict that saw House Carthas driven from power by a coalition of religious leaders and rival noble houses who sought to establish a theocratic monarchy dedicated to the Celestine Pantheon Pantheon.
Following their expulsion, House Carthas moved south to the newly established province of Thalwyn. There, they assumed control of the city of Dunhelm, a coastal fortress on the southern edge of the Celestine Peninsula. The move to Dunhelm marked a significant shift for House Carthas, as they transitioned from a position of ruling an independent city-state to serving as key allies of House Thalorum Thalorum, the ruling house of Thalwyn. This alliance allowed House Carthas to maintain their noble status and secure a new power base, despite their loss in Ravenmoor.

Notable Members of House Carthas

Throughout its long history, House Carthas has produced numerous notable figures, each contributing to the house’s legacy in unique ways:

• Aleron au Carthas Carthas (450 BCE - 390 BCE): Founder of House Carthas and the city of Carthal. Aleron was a legendary warrior and strategist whose leadership established the foundation of the house’s power in Ravenmoor.


• Lady Seraphina au Carthas (200 BCE - 145 BCE): A master diplomat who expanded the influence of House Carthas through strategic marriages and alliances. Her efforts secured the house’s dominance over northern Ravenmoor during a time of political upheaval.


• Lord Thaddeus au Carthas (110 CE - 160 CE): The last Carthas ruler of Carthal before the family's exile. Known for his staunch defense of secular rule, his reign ended with the house's forced departure from their ancestral seat.


• Lord Maric au Carthas (Current): The current head of House Carthas, ruling over Dunhelm in Thalwyn. He has forged a strong alliance with House Thalorum and is focused on maintaining his family's prominence in their new southern seat.

Current Active Members of House Carthas

The current generation of House Carthas continues to play a significant role in the politics and governance of Thalwyn:

• Lord Maric Carthas: The head of the house, currently governing Dunhelm under the suzerainty of House Thalorum. A pragmatic leader, he balances ambition with loyalty to his allies and is committed to preserving his family’s legacy.


• Lady Elara au Carthas: Wife of Lord Maric, known for her diplomatic skills and efforts to strengthen ties with other noble houses. She plays a significant role in managing the affairs of Dunhelm.


• Sir Aleron au Carthas II: The eldest son, named after the house's founder, known for his military training and aspirations to expand House Carthas’ influence in Thalwyn.


• Lady Seraphina au Carthas II: The youngest daughter, currently serving as an envoy to the Parliament of Redwick, where she advocates for her family's interests and strengthens their political ties.

Alliances and Marriages

House Carthas has formed several key alliances through marriage and diplomacy, especially following their relocation to Thalwyn:

• House Thalorum: The most crucial alliance formed after their exile. Lord Maric Carthas married Lady Elara Thalorum, solidifying ties between the two houses and securing House Carthas' position in Thalwyn. This alliance has provided House Carthas with protection and influence, helping them rebuild their status in their new southern home.


• House Ironwood: An ancient alliance dating back to their time in Ravenmoor, originally formed through the marriage of Lady Seraphina Carthas to Lord Galen Ironwood in 75 CE. The Ironwoods, known for their iron mines and skilled blacksmiths, continue to support House Carthas with military resources.


• House Bryndor: A minor noble house in western Ravenmoor that has long supported House Carthas. The two houses have intermarried several times, maintaining a relationship based on mutual defense and shared interests against the theocratic rulers of Carthal.

Achievements and Legacy

Despite the challenges of exile and relocation, House Carthas has remained a resilient and adaptable force in both Ravenmoor and Thalwyn:

• Founded the city of Carthal, which remains a significant historical and strategic location in Ravenmoor.


• Successfully transitioned to a new seat of power in Dunhelm, maintaining their noble status and influence in Thalwyn.


• Established a strong alliance with House Thalorum, ensuring their continued relevance and power despite their loss of Carthal.


• Preserved their martial traditions and cultural heritage, fostering a sense of unity and purpose within the family.

Type

Political, Family