House Krivaltis
The Rise and Fall of a Noble House
“Once a proud line of minor nobles, House Krivaltis was brought to ruin by betrayal, ambition, and tragedy.”
History of House Krivaltis
House Krivaltis was a minor noble family in the Viscounty of Verbobonc, granted its titles and holdings during the early days of the Viscounty's consolidation under Verbobonc rule. For generations, the family maintained a small but prosperous estate west of the town of Mol, in fertile farmland. Their crest—a green griffon clutching a sheaf of wheat against a white field—symbolized their blend of martial and agrarian traditions. The family’s downfall began during the reign of Lord Eldris Krivaltis, whose ambition, misjudgment, and desperation led him to betray his liege and align with the growing threat of the Temple of Elemental Evil. Known for their fertile farmlands and staunch loyalty to the Viscount, the house fell from grace after their involvement in the First Temple of Elemental Evil uprising was revealed following the Battle of Emridy Meadows. Once respected vassals, the family is now a cautionary tale of misplaced ambition and treachery.Founding and Early Legacy
Origins: House Krivaltis was one of the numerous minor noble families granted stewardship over fertile farmlands in the Viscounty of Verbobonc. Their holdings lay west of the town of Mol, south of the Velverdyva River, and within lands directly controlled by the Viscount.Role in the Viscounty
- The house held the title of Baronets for their contributions to local agriculture and their knightly service to the Viscount’s banner.
- Their freehold estate was modest, encompassing farmlands tended by serfs and several merchant-owned properties.
- While never politically powerful, House Krivaltis maintained strong ties with neighboring vassals and faithfully supported the Viscount's court.
The Estate and Freehold
- Location: Located on fertile plains near Mol, the Krivaltis estate produced grains, root vegetables, and livestock, forming the backbone of its wealth. The manor was the centerpiece of a small hamlet of serfs and tenant farmers.
- Holdings: The estate included a modest manor, granaries, stables, and a small village of serfs and free farmers.
- Demographics: Approximately 200 individuals lived and worked the land—100 serfs under the lord’s control and another 100 freeholders and their families.
Economy
- Crops: Wheat, barley, and root vegetables were the primary produce, with a smaller focus on herbs valued by apothecaries.
- Viscount's granaries: House Krivaltis often contributed grain and livestock to the Viscount's granaries, cementing their reputation as dependable stewards.
- Livestock: Sheep and goats thrived in the grasslands surrounding the estate.
- Trade: Most goods were sold in Mol, but small caravans occasionally ventured further.
The Burden of Lord Eldris Krivaltis
Early RuleLord Eldris inherited a stable estate but faced increasing challenges. Bandit raids, taxation demands from the Viscount, and poor harvests placed growing pressure on his resources.
The First Temple of Elemental Evil and Treachery
Timeline of Involvement:
- 565 CY: The rise of the Temple of Elemental Evil created turmoil in the Viscounty, as the cult began amassing power and subverting local nobility.
- 567 CY: Lord Eldris Krivaltis, patriarch of the house, was approached by Lucius Graeme, a cunning agent of the Temple.
- Eldris, seeking to safeguard his family's future amidst the chaos, agreed to provide intelligence and supplies to the cult in exchange for promised wealth and influence in the Temple’s envisioned new order.
Complicity in the Cult's Uprising:
- Lord Eldris secretly diverted grain and livestock from his estates to supply the Temple’s forces.
- He provided Lucius with maps and logistical information about the Viscounty’s defenses.
The Fall of House Krivaltis
The Battle of Emridy Meadows (569 CY)- The Temple’s defeat at Emridy Meadows exposed Lord Eldris's treachery.
- Under interrogation, captured Temple agents revealed Eldris’s role as a sympathizer and supplier.
- The Lands: These lands remain unassigned, now administered directly by House Langmuir.
- The Manor: The estate was abandoned, its ruins serving as a grim reminder of the family’s betrayal.
- Lady Nysera Krivaltis: Eldris’s daughter was stripped of her titles and fled to the outlaw haven of Nulb, seeking to reclaim her family’s honor.
- Lakash Quallad (Krivaltis): Nysera’s brother abandoned the family name, aligning himself with the Temple to secure his future.
The Temple Connection
- Facing economic hardship and struggling to pay his obligations, Eldris turned to Lucius Graeme, a charismatic agent of the Temple of Elemental Evil. Lucius offered financial relief and protection in exchange for intelligence on Viscounty troop movements and logistical support for the Temple’s operations.
- Eldris justified his betrayal as a temporary measure to preserve his house, unaware of the Temple’s ultimate malevolence.
Under Lucius’s influence, Eldris provided
- Food Supplies: Grain and livestock from the estate were sent covertly to Temple forces.
- Intelligence: Eldris shared troop movements and defensive weaknesses in the western Viscounty, aiding bandit operations.
Descent into Complicity
As his debts to the Temple mounted, Eldris became increasingly paranoid and ruthless, alienating his family and trusted retainers.The Fall of House Krivaltis
- Exposure of Treason: Eldris’s dealings with the Temple were uncovered when captured bandits revealed his name during an interrogation. The Council of Lords ordered an immediate investigation, and Viscounty troops descended on the estate.
- Arrest and Execution: Eldris was arrested, tried for treason, and executed by hanging in Verbobonc City. His lands were seized, and House Krivaltis was dissolved.
Aftermath for the Family
- Lady Marietta Krivaltis (Mother): A proud and devout woman of Oeridian lineage, Marietta died of illness shortly after the house’s dissolution. Her death was attributed to heartbreak and shame.
- Lady Nysera Krivaltis (Daughter): Stripped of her title and inheritance, Nysera fled to Nulb under the protection of Sir Torvel Hawkes, determined to reclaim her family’s honor and power.
- Lakash Quallad (Son): Nysera’s younger brother, Lakash, adopted their mother’s maiden name to avoid suspicion and began working covertly as an agent for the Temple.
The Legacy of House Krivaltis
- Impact on the Viscounty: The fall of House Krivaltis is a cautionary tale, frequently cited by the Council of Lords as an example of the dangers of unchecked ambition.
- The Estate Today: The manor remains abandoned, its fields worked sporadically by neighboring freeholders. Some say the land is cursed, while others whisper of hidden caches of gold and forbidden relics left behind by Eldris’s dealings.
Cultural Legacy
Motivations for Betrayal- Fear of Displacement: Eldris feared that his family would lose relevance as larger houses consolidated power.
- Influence of Lucius Graeme: Lucius manipulated Eldris with promises of status within the Temple’s envisioned rule.
- Infamy: House Krivaltis is a symbol of dishonor and disloyalty, often cited as an example of the dangers of ambition without foresight.
- Lingering Stigma: Former allies and retainers of the house remain distrusted by the Viscount’s court.
"Strength in Unity, Prosperity in Toil"
Lord Eldris Krivaltis (Deceased)
Ambitious but ultimately weak, Eldris’s desperation to maintain his status led him to ruin.- Flaws: Paranoia, short-sightedness, and an inability to accept failure.
- Role in the Temple: Provided food and intelligence, rationalizing his actions as necessary for survival.
- Role in Treason: Eldris’s decision to side with the Temple stemmed from fear and greed, believing the cult’s rise was inevitable.
Lady Marietta Krivaltis (Deceased)
A staunchly loyal wife who attempted to dissuade Eldris from his path.- Role: Managed the estate during Eldris’s descent, maintaining the appearance of order.
- Fate: Marietta died of illness shortly after Eldris’s execution, leaving her children to fend for themselves.
- Motivations: Driven by pride and a sense of destiny, Nysera sees Nulb as her starting point for political power.
- Motivations: Lakash seeks power and influence, using the Temple to further his goals. His loyalty to Nysera is secondary to his personal ambition.
Dissolution Date
569
Type
Geopolitical, Great house
Leader
Ruling Organization
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