The Tarth Dynasty

## History

### Current Head

The Tarth Dynasty of Ostrava is currently headed by Queen Alisa II, second-born daughter of Queen Alisa I. Queen Alisa (II) was born in the year 668 and ascended to the throne in the year 689 after her mother succumbed to an illness. Her Imperial Advisor is her cousin Lord Damien of Corville.

### Founding

In the year 61, colonists from the a unknown region sailed into the Ostrava Sea and up the Pravia River to claim the fertile lands, rich with minerals and nutrients for grazing animals. The first settlement was established by Salazar Tarth and was named Pravia. The origin of the Tarth family is unknown, but historians believe they came from a minor noble family from a distant continent to the far East.

### Empire

The Tarth's power peaked in the year 469 when it became an Empire, claiming over 50% of the continent. It was under Empress Euphemia III that the Tarth Empire became the wealthiest nation in Simeria, after she ordered more research into gold mining in Ostrava, leading to the discovery of 23 new gold mines. The large gold reserves allowed Ostrava to not only recruit their own populace, but also hire mercenaries from other nations on the continent. The Empire collapsed in 506 after the Civil War of Succession in 505 that lasted until 508. The eventual claimant of the throne was Queen Desmelda II, who successfully defended the borders of Ostrava from her younger brother Charles, who evaded capture and eventually founded House Diocese of Vannismark in 515. The ex-colonies of Ostrava are: Midvale, Vannismark, Godiva, Valore, Vienne, Vastia, Gettae, Saltash, the Isle of Bimsby, and the Isle of Mer.

### Seat

The seat of the Tarth Dynasty is the city of Pravia, the capital of Ostrava. Pravia was founded in the year 61 by Salazar Tarth and quickly expanded due to a wealth of resources, and eventually gold. Its location on the Pravia River allows easy defence from incoming fleets, as well ad providing a moat around the city to protect it from land invasions. The Tarth's rule from The Eagle's Nest, a large palatial castle in the city centre. Pravia is the wealthiest and largest city of Simeria with a population of 71,000.

## Allies and Enemies

### Ex-Colonies

Ostrava has a fairly peaceful relationship with its ex-colonies on the continent. However, there is frequent conflict between the Ostrava Fleet and the raiders of Bimsby. The Tarth Dynasty still take pride in their past Empire and hold an annual ceremony that includes representatives from peaceful ex-colonies. The ceremony is seen as advantageous to these nations as Ostrava is still the most powerful nation of Simeria, and a good ally to have.

### The Lowlands

The alliance between Ostrava and The Lowlands has been prosperous since the year 76 after the marriage of Prince Raymond (second-born son of King Richard) to Queen Eliza I of the Lowlands. Since this marriage alliance, House Zurik has been the main are of focus when looking for a betrothal. This proposal was key in cementing the healthy border between these two kingdoms, even allowing civilians to pass freely.

### Midvale

The border between Ostrava and Midvale is peaceful but still fortified from the Tarth Civil War (505-508). There are only infrequent conflicts with minor noble families.