House Votum

Founding and Early History

House Votum, known for its unwavering commitment to the Celestine Pantheon and its ruthless theocratic rule, emerged as a dominant force in Ravenmoor following the ousting of House Carthas from Carthal in 130 CE. The origins of House Votum are shrouded in mystery, with the earliest members believed to have been high priests and zealots dedicated to the Celestine Pantheon. Their rise to power began in the shadows, gaining influence among the religious factions within Carthal and the surrounding regions of Ravenmoor.
As tensions between the secular nobles and the religious order grew, House Votum seized the opportunity to position themselves as defenders of the faith. In a decisive move, they led a coalition of religious leaders and allied nobles in a rebellion that ultimately drove House Carthas from Carthal. With the secular rulers ousted, House Votum established a theocratic monarchy in 130 CE, with the head of their house assuming both the temporal and spiritual leadership of Carthal.

Establishment of Theocratic Rule

Following their ascent to power, House Votum wasted no time in consolidating their control over Carthal. They restructured the city's governance, intertwining the laws of the land with the doctrines of the Celestine Pantheon. The ruling members of House Votum took on dual roles as both monarchs and high priests, ensuring that all aspects of life in Carthal were governed by religious law.
Under their rule, Carthal became a theocratic stronghold, a city where faith and fear walked hand in hand. The establishment of the Holy Tribunal, a ruthless body responsible for enforcing religious law and rooting out heresy, solidified their control. House Votum's reign was marked by a series of purges, inquisitions, and public displays of their absolute authority, leaving no doubt about their willingness to use any means necessary to maintain their grip on power.

Notable Members of House Votum

House Votum has produced several notable figures, each known for their fervent dedication to the Celestine Pantheon and their ruthless methods:

• Regulus au Votum (150 CE - 210 CE): The first ruler of Carthal under theocratic rule. He was known for his brutal suppression of dissent and his unwavering devotion to the Pantheon, laying the groundwork for House Votum's dominance in Ravenmoor.


• Celestina au Votum (312 CE - 370 CE): A feared High Priestess-Queen known for her zealous enforcement of religious law. She expanded the influence of the Pantheon across Ravenmoor, launching several holy campaigns against neighboring territories.


• Aurelius au Votum (523 CE - 580 CE): A strategic thinker and master manipulator, he strengthened House Votum’s rule by forming alliances with key religious factions and using intrigue to eliminate rivals within Carthal.


• King Regus au Votum (Current): The current King of Carthal and leader of House Votum. Known for his ruthless tactics and unwavering commitment to theocratic rule, he has continued his ancestors' legacy of governing Carthal with an iron fist, enforcing religious orthodoxy and punishing any form of dissent.

Current Active Members of House Votum

The current generation of House Votum continues to wield power with an iron grip, maintaining their authority through a blend of fear, faith, and ruthlessness:

• King Regus au Votum: The reigning monarch and High Priest of Carthal, known for his harsh policies and dedication to maintaining the purity of the Celestine faith. His reign is marked by a continued campaign against perceived heretics and dissenters.


• Queen Atalantia au Votum: The wife of King Regus, she serves as the chief advisor and is known for her keen political acumen. She oversees the Holy Tribunal and is rumored to be the true power behind many of the more brutal edicts issued by the throne.


• Prince Marcus au Votum (Presumed Dead): The eldest son, trained from a young age in both the spiritual and martial disciplines. He was known for his fanatical devotion to the Celestine Pantheon and was seen as the heir apparent, expected to continue his father's ruthless legacy.


• Princess Theodora au Votum: A charismatic and cunning figure, she serves as the ambassador to the religious communities within Ravenmoor and beyond, fostering alliances while subtly spreading the influence of House Votum.

Alliances and Marriages

House Votum has maintained its power through a combination of strategic marriages and alliances with influential religious figures and factions:

• House Drasten: A minor house known for its scholarly pursuits and deep knowledge of the Celestine Pantheon. House Votum has married into House Drasten several times to strengthen their theological legitimacy and reinforce their spiritual authority.


• The Celestine Order: A powerful religious faction within Ravenmoor, the Order has been a close ally of House Votum since the theocratic takeover. The two have a symbiotic relationship, with the Order providing spiritual support and House Votum ensuring the Order’s dominance in religious affairs.


• House Gillcrest: A military house from the northern frontiers, known for their disciplined troops and loyalty to the Celestine faith. The marriage between Prince Marcus au Votum and Lady Isolde of Ironcrest was arranged to bolster Carthal’s defenses and ensure a steady supply of warriors for the Holy Tribunal.

Achievements and Legacy

House Votum's rule has been characterized by a relentless drive to maintain their theocratic control over Carthal and spread the influence of the Celestine Pantheon:

• Successfully established a theocratic monarchy in Carthal, merging temporal and spiritual authority in a single ruling body.


• Created the Holy Tribunal, a powerful institution that enforces religious orthodoxy and eliminates dissent.


• Expanded the influence of the Celestine Pantheon across Ravenmoor through a series of holy campaigns and alliances.


• Maintained their rule through strategic marriages, ruthless governance, and unwavering dedication to their religious convictions.

Current Goals and Ambitions Under the leadership of King Regus au Votum, House Votum is focused on solidifying their theocratic rule and expanding their influence across Ertha. They seek to eliminate any remaining pockets of secular resistance in Ravenmoor and extend their control into neighboring provinces. Through continued religious indoctrination, strategic alliances, and military might, House Votum aims to ensure that Carthal remains the spiritual and political center of the Celestine Peninsula.

Type

Political, Family