House Carathen

Ruling Title: Duchy of Ignaris

House Carathen is the most devout and militant of the Elector Houses, embodying the fiery zeal of the Church of the Radiant Flame. Known as The Flame’s Vanguard, they view themselves as the chosen defenders of Solenara’s divine will, carrying her light into the darkest corners of the world. They are closely aligned with the Inquisition.

House Carathen’s lands are rugged and mountainous, centered around their impenetrable fortress city, Ignis Spire, perched on the edge of a great volcanic plateau. From here, they train the Empire’s most elite knights and maintain a standing army fanatically loyal to both their house and the Church.

Seat of Power:

• Ignis Spire is a volcanic fortress-city hewn from black basalt and obsidian, its towers rising like blades from molten cliffs.
• It is home to the Heartforge, a sacred chamber said to contain a shard of Solenara’s flame, where inquisitors and fire-priests undergo their rites of purification.
  Within these sanctified halls, relics are consecrated, heretics judged, and crusading flames kindled in the name of purity and divine order.
• The Flamecourt stands at the city’s peak, serving as the seat of House Carathen and a center of religious governance, where decrees are pronounced beneath burning braziers and carved sun-icons.
  Here, the Duke of Ignaris rules in concert with Inquisitorial voices, their word as absolute as fire.
• The Emberfields stretch across the lower slopes—ash-rich farmland sustained by volcanic soil and Solari laborers, broken by pilgrim paths, cruciform shrines, and smoldering monastic watchtowers.
  Together, they form a land where faith and fire are inseparable, and where every stone radiates the sacred zeal of the Flame.

Role in the Empire

House Carathen is the Empire’s torchbearer of religious zeal, fire-forged discipline, and fanatical devotion to Solenara’s light.

Zealot Enforcers of Doctrine

House Carathen is deeply entwined with the Solarian Inquisition. Many inquisitors are drawn from their ranks, and their duchy hosts Sanctum Ignarum, the Empire’s chief inquisitorial training ground. Carathen’s support ensures that the Inquisition remains a powerful, ever-watchful institution.

Guardians of Religious Orthodoxy

The Dukes of Carathen have long positioned themselves as the guardians of doctrinal integrity. They push for strict interpretations of Solenaran scripture and oppose reforms or leniencies that might weaken the Church’s grip on imperial life.

Instigators of Crusade

When the Empire embarks on holy wars—against the Moonborne Clans, heretical sects, or rebellious provinces—it is often Carathen who sound the call first. Their armies march with flaming banners and sermons, rallying fervent followers under the symbol of the burning phoenix.

Influence on the Sunfire Council

Though often polarizing, Carathen commands respect and fear within the Council. Their alliance with House Drakonis and parts of the Church gives them leverage, particularly on issues of faith, imperial purity, and warfare.

Fire and Ash Diplomacy

House Carathen has little tolerance for political subtlety. Their diplomacy is blunt, backed by righteousness and military force. This has made them both reliable and dangerous allies—unflinching in loyalty, but uncompromising when crossed.