House Giralt

**House Giralt** is a Human noble family deeply rooted in the political and economic landscapes of Ousurferia, the largest settlement of the Free Trade Cities. The family's influence extends beyond Ousurferia, reaching into the Kingdom of Althea and the rest of Venthalia. The current head of the house is Lord Harold Giralt, who also serves as the official representative of the Tramontano&Kotts Company (T&K Co) to the Althean Royal Government.

## History

House Giralt's history can be traced back to the early days of Ousurferia. The family was among the original "Lords of Ousurferia", a group of noble families who held vast wealth from the nearby gold mines. In 987 AV, Lord Barion Giralt married Queen Lysandra IV, adopting the title of Prince Barion Giralt. The family's influence grew over the centuries, culminating in the appointment of Lord Clifton Giralt as the head of Giralt Enterprises, a prominent cargo shipping company in the Free Trade Cities. In 1089 AV, Lord Clifton Giralt passed away, and the titles of lordship were passed to his son, Harold. Shortly after, Harold sold Giralt Enterprises to Lord Josor Rolf Esbrandt, owner of the T&K Co, in exchange for a small percentage of the company and a high-ranking position. This strategic move allowed Harold to maintain his family's influence in the maritime industry while also securing financial security and a significant role within the company.

## Family Members

### Lord Harold Giralt

The current head of House Giralt, Lord Harold Giralt, is a significant player in the political and economic landscapes of Venthalia. Born in 1068 AV in Ousurferia, Harold grew up alongside his younger sister, Emma, in a family deeply rooted in the maritime industry. As the official representative of the T&K Co to the Althean Royal Government, Harold plays a crucial role in facilitating communication and negotiations between the company and the Kingdom of Althea. His position allows him to influence policies and decisions that impact the maritime industry, making him a significant player in the economic landscape of Venthalia.

### Emma Tirone

Emma Tirone, Harold's younger sister, is a prominent noble in the Kingdom of Althea, known for her social influence and dedication to her family. Born Emma Giralt in 1070 AV in Ousurferia, she married Harmen Tirone, the son of the Viceroy to Queen Leonora II, Lord Darroll Tirone. This union between House Giralt and House Tirone further solidified Harold's influence within the Royal Court. Emma and Harmen have a son, Krysis Tirone, who is currently enrolled at the Goldsea Institute, where he excels academically in both History and Bard Studies.

## Influence and Legacy

House Giralt's influence extends beyond its immediate family. As the sister of the Lord of House Giralt and the wife of a member of House Tirone, Emma has a significant indirect impact on the political sphere of Venthalia. Her marriage to Harmen Tirone further amplifies her influence in the political sphere. As the official representative of the T&K Co to the Crown, Lord Harold plays a crucial role in facilitating communication and negotiations between the company and the Kingdom of Althea. His position allows him to influence policies and decisions that impact the maritime industry, making him a significant player in the economic landscape of Venthalia.

Despite the initial controversy surrounding her marriage, Emma has proven to be a steadfast figure in the Royal Court, earning the respect of her peers. Her marriage to Harmen has been a point of contention among some traditionalist members of the court. Despite these obstacles, Emma remains steadfast in her ambitions, committed to serving the Royal Court to the best of her abilities. Harold's influence extends beyond his professional role. As the Lord of House Giralt and the brother-in-law of the Viceroy's son, Harold has a significant, yet indirect impact on the political sphere of Venthalia. His connections to both the T&K Co and the Royal Court allow him to navigate the complexities of Venthalian politics, further amplifying his influence. His political acumen has been instrumental in the resolution of several political disputes, earning him respect and recognition among the political elite of Althea Prone.

In addition to his professional and political roles, Lord Harold is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He has used his influence and resources to fund several community projects in Venthalia, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare. His contributions to the Goldsea Institute, where his nephew Krysis Tirone is enrolled, have been particularly noteworthy. These efforts have further solidified his standing in Venthalian society, making him not just a significant player in the political and economic landscapes, but also a respected figure in the community.

## House Giralt and the T&K Co

The relationship between House Giralt and the T&K Co is a significant aspect of the family's influence. Harold's strategic decision to sell Giralt Enterprises to the T&K Co allowed him to maintain his family's influence in the maritime industry while also securing a significant role within the company. As the official representative of the T&K Co to the Althean Royal Government, Harold plays a crucial role in facilitating communication and negotiations between the company and the Kingdom of Althea. His position allows him to influence policies and decisions that impact the maritime industry, making him a significant player in the economic landscape of Venthalia.

The T&K Co's operations have had a profound effect on the continental balance of trade, almost single-handedly pushing the wealth of House Esbrandt near the levels of the current Althean royal family, House Sylis. This has indirectly benefited House Giralt, further solidifying its standing in the economic and political landscapes of Venthalia.