House Pollybottom
House Polybottom is a gnomish noble family that has skillfully balanced their fae heritage with the traditions of their Karconi overlords, allowing them to maintain their status and influence within the empire. Ruling from their coastal castle, New Anchor, they control a vital trade port on the Karkoni Peninsula, making them an important player in maritime commerce. Known for their intelligence, adaptability, and resourcefulness, they have managed to thrive by embracing both the ancient fae customs and the expectations of their Karconi lieges. While their public face aligns with the empire's traditions, whispers suggest they still practice their old fae rituals in private, adding an air of mystery to their reputation. House Polybottom stands as a testament to resilience and cleverness, demonstrating how embracing change can lead to prosperity and survival in an ever-evolving empire.
Culture
House Polybottom has a culture that is an intriguing blend of fae heritage and Karconi traditions, resulting from their long history of adapting to survive. As one of the few noble houses in the empire that are entirely gnomish, they maintain many whimsical and eccentric customs, with a deep respect for nature and the old fae gods. However, to secure their place in the empire, they publicly follow the Karconi traditions and worship, skillfully balancing both worlds. House Polybottom values intelligence, craftsmanship, and cunning over brute strength, with their members often seen as clever and resourceful. Despite their outward adherence to Karconi customs, there are whispers that they continue to practice ancient fae rituals in private, making them a house of mystery and adaptability, respected for their ability to navigate the complex politics of the empire.
Assets
House Polybottom possesses several valuable assets that have helped them maintain their position of influence, with their coastal castle, New Anchor, being the most significant. Positioned along the Karkoni Peninsula, New Anchor serves as both a fortress and a bustling trade port, giving House Polybottom control over a key section of maritime commerce in the empire. Their lands are rich with fertile soil, allowing them to cultivate unique herbs and plants that are highly sought after for medicinal and alchemical purposes, which adds to their wealth. They also possess a modest fleet of trade ships, which they use to export their goods, further boosting their economic power and ensuring a steady flow of income. While not as militarily strong as some other houses, their control over a crucial port, combined with their knowledge of trade and diplomacy, makes House Polybottom a vital and influential player in the Karkoni Coast's political and economic landscape.
History
House Polybottom has a history that stretches back to the time before the Karker invasion, when they were already established as a respected gnomish family within the Noureen Wood. Originally of fae origin, they practiced the ancient customs and worshiped the old gods, living in harmony with the forests. When House Karker invaded and began consolidating power in the region, House Polybottom faced the threat of losing everything. Instead of resisting, they chose to adapt, converting to Karconi traditions and gods to retain their lands and titles, a decision that secured their survival but distanced them from their fae roots. After the conquest, House Polybottom used their cleverness and adaptability to thrive, establishing New Anchor as a prominent trade port and gradually expanding their influence. Although they publicly present themselves as loyal Karconi vassals, they have never entirely abandoned their fae heritage, and their ability to balance these dual identities has allowed them to navigate the empire’s shifting political landscape with remarkable success.
"Ahoy! Ahoy!"
Type
Geopolitical, Great house
Ruling Organization
Leader Title
Family Leader
Location
Controlled Territories
Related Species
Related Ethnicities
Comments