User:Vincentius1/Fiction/The Royal Lineage of House Ra'athim
The Ra'athim Clan hail from the Kingdom of Ebonheart, the oldest city-state in Morrowind, as well as, the largest settlement in the region of Stonefalls. Both the clan and the city's history dates back to the Merethic Era when Veloth guided his people to the promised land of Resdayn. The earliest known member was Orvas Ra'athim, who founded Ebonheart on the estuary of the Thirr Ouada, along the shores of the Inner Sea. Because of the city's location, Ebonheart had become the first capital of Morrowind, and the Ra'athim Clan had expanded their territory east from Ebonheart, and south into the Deshaan Plains and the rest of the Thirr Ouada. By the time the High Velothi Culture had declined, the Kingdom of Ebonheart had been established and held control significant control before the creation of the Great Houses. Only noble families were ruling distinct nations, such as the Veloth family that ruled from Narsis, or the Redoran family of Blacklight. The Ra'athim Clan have their origins in mining, and so the Kingdom of Ebonheart held lucrative Ebony and Glass mining land, held in fief by a wealthy businessman in Ebonheart. Early Ra'athim nobles had become aligned with the minor House Mora, a group from the Valus Mountains, who had a connection to the Cyro-Nords of the Nibenay, and because of this, they acquired the Staff of Chaos. This Staff was given to the Ra'athim Clan, as their symbol of power. It was because of this, the Ra'athim Clan had been given the High Kingship, beginning with Ivulen Ra'athim III. House Mora was behind the scenes, while the Ra'athim was at the forefront. By the early-first era, Ebonheart was one of the strongest Kingdoms in Tamriel, with the Ra'athim Clan retaining the High Kingship of Morrowind. In the transition to the First Era, High King Savarak Ra'athim was the leader of Ebonheart. According to myths, the Morag Tong had made their name in the Ra'athim region because of the Night Mother's background in the Ra'athim Clan.
In the first half of the First Era, House Ra'athim had made a notable impact in Morrowind's history. High King Savarak had three children, the eldest had died in infancy. The second child was Yoriss. Despite being the oldest child, she was not be designated to be the High Queen. Instead, she was trained to be a warrior by the Arms Masters of Blacklight. The youngest child was Kronin. Kronin was known as the Scholar-Prince of Ebonheart, very reserved to his studies and was physically-feeble. Regardless, High King Savarak passed away and the throne was passed to Kronin Ra'athim in 1E 224. It was peaceful times in Kronin's early reign, that was until in 1E 240, when the High King of Skyrim, Vrage the Gifted had initiated the Nordic Conquest. Within a few years, the Nordic Army, under the command of Jorg Helmbolg, laid waste across the southern-half of Morrowind, including Ebonheart. With a large fleet of Nordic longboats and the power of the Thu'um, Ebonheart had fallen to the Nords. Despite the mass resistance, Stonefalls was captured by the Nordic Empire. King Kronin and his family retreated to Firemoth Island where they rebuild and prepare to take action. In the waning years of the Nordic Occupation, a General of what is now known as the Kingdom of Necrom, Indoril Nerevar had defeated Derek the Tall, who had laid claim to Necrom's realm. Nerevar had built a rebellion with the former Queen of Necrom, Almalexia. And the word of the cause had spread like wildfire. King Kronin took the opportunity to appear out of hiding and retake Ebonheart from the inside. The Liberation of Stonefalls began with the death of Jorg Helmbolg and the sudden uprisings from Kragen Mar and Davon's Watch. King Kronin's final attack against the Nords had occurred in the Black Isle, along Azura's Coast. Olmgerd the Outlaw had laid waste across the southern coast and proved to be a threat across the southeast of the Inner Sea. The Battle of Tukushapal was one of the deciding battles of the Nordic Occupation. Kronin utilized powerful magic that proved to be equal in Olmgerd's talents in the Thu'um. In the end, both passed away in battle. To honor Olmgerd's death, Kronin's eldest son, Cruethys had organized a proper burial with Olmgerd's generals. Marvani Clan had buried the Nord with his battleaxe, underneath the Marvani Ancestral Tomb. All the while, Kronin was buried at the Ra'athim Ancestral Tomb in the Velothi Mountains.
As the Liberation of Stonefalls continued across the land, Yoriss Ra'athim had led a battalion of warriors to retake Kragen Mar, which was the Nord's last foothold in Stonefalls. At the time, Kragen Mar was ruled by House Sadras, a cadet branch that hails from House Hlaalu, who were in constant competition for the city-state. Yoriss had established order to the kingdom and slain the Nordic general. Yoriss had essentially served the role of a Provisional Governor in the kingdom but was recognized as the Queen of Kragen Mar by others. House Sadras had become close friends with House Ra'athim. When the Kingdoms of Morrowind were united, the ruling leaders declared him the Hortator. King Cruethys Ra'athim was among these leaders. Ebonheart participated at the Battle of Sheogorad Strait, which ended victoriously for both the Chimer and the Dwemer. The various leaders of both groups gathered at the citadel of Dagoth-Ur where they founded the First Council. Chimeri Kingdoms and Dwemeri Districts united together to rule portions of Resdayn. In Stonefalls, these two nations were the Kingdom of Ebonheart, and the District of Hendor-Stardumz, which currently sits on the coast of modern-day Bal Foyen. King Cruethys Ra'athim and Councilor-Queen Bluthunch VI had reigned over Stonefalls throughout the early years of the First Council. All the while, Queen Yoriss of Kragen Mar, and the Councilor-King of Raled-Makai ruled over the historic region of Shadowgate. According to the old text, the District of Stonefalls was a thriving group. The relation between both city-states was exponential and it is said both leaders were in very good terms with each other. All the while, the District of Shadowgate was militaristic and defensive. Knowing that the First Empire were on good terms with the former Nordic Empire, they felt an invasion occurred at any time. Regardless, time in Resdayn was peaceful.
Years later in 1E 668, the War of the First Council had broken out between the Chimer and the Dwemer after Hortator Nerevar discovered the Dwarves' plans to build the Brass-God, Numidium. King Cruethys had passed away before the conflict had occurred, and so his younger brother, Moraelyn was named the King. The middle-child, S'ephen had been given the title of Priest-King in the town of Mournhold, which is House Ra'athim's hold in Deshaan. S'ephen, now going by Ephen was given the title of godhood, as well as the reserved protection of the Staff of Chaos after Moraelyn's death. This was because S'ephen was not considered a member of House Ra'athim. [But for continuity, we will cover his story] Ebonheart, led by Moraelyn was able to overwhelm the Dwarves at the Battle of Starved Plain, and eventually besiege Hendor-Stardumz in 1E 673. The mainland Dwarves had lost contact with the Dwarves of Vvardenfell. King Ephen's forces, in a conjoint attack with Narsis and Tear were able to attack the Dwarven Council capital of Bamz-Amschend, breaking their hold in the southern-half of Morrowind in 1E 679. When the conflict reached its climax in 1E 700, the Battle of Red Mountain occurs. King Moraelyn and King Ulseth Hlaalu I of Narsis broke the Dwemer's hold at the city-state of Nchuleftingth. All the while, King Ephen's forces, alongside the Kingdom of Blacklight, fought the Dwarves on the Bitter Coast. It was here, King Ephen had fallen in battle. The Battle of Red Mountain ended with the sudden disappearance of the Dwemer, and the arrival of the Tribunal. In his honor, Ephen was one of the first to attain Sainthood in modern Morrowind religion. King Moraelyn, along with the King of Blacklight and Queen of Tear were initially on the fence regarding their sudden uprising. This is speculated to be the reason of Moraelyn's disappearance in 1E 703, after his daughter, Lian Ra'athim was old enough to rule Ebonheart and after the Kingdom contributed to Vvardenfell's colonization. This lead to the foundation of towns such as Fort Samarys and Suran.
Lian Ra'athim had twin children with an unknown member of House Mora named Ilver Ra'athim-Mora and Tethis Ra'athim-Mora. Because Ilver was born slightly before Tethis, he was named the Crown Prince of Ebonheart. The two grew up as rivals, to the point where their brotherly love was overshadowed by their competitiveness. Ilver was stubborn and ambitious, while Tethis was knowledgeable but foolhardy. As the two become experts in politics, the military, and other ventures, they became noteworthy throughout the nobility of Morrowind. Almalexia herself has commented on their perseverance. When the First Empire invaded Morrowind, commencing the War of Shadowgate in 1E 734, Prince Ilver and Tethis were at the forefront defending the Barony of Shadowgate, which is found along the Valus Mountains. According to ancient texts of the conflict, the brothers had used the Battle of Kagesh Fields as one of their many challenges, to prove their superiority to one another. During the conflict, Queen Lian had married King Wyndelius Sadras of Kragen Mar, having a daughter named Vermethys Ra'athim-Sadras. In 1E 766, the War of Shadowgate ended when the Kingdoms of Narsis and Kragen Mar had advanced onto the Nibenay Basin. It was assumed that Ilver took the throne, but based on a technicality, Tethis had just as much claim to the throne. And so the brothers gathered at the Ebonheart Castle courtyard that overlooks the Inner Sea. The two dueled and in the end, Ilver was victorious. Ilver was named the High King of Ebonheart, while Tethis, now known as, Tethis-Mora, moves one to Mournhold Point, accepted into open-arms by House Indoril. All the while, King Wyndelius eventually passed, and his daughter, Vermethys was named the Queen of Kragen Mar. With the War of Shadowgate over, political houses began to gather and unite to form a strong conglomerate. King Ulseth Hlaalu V approached Ilver and Vermethys with the intent of bringing them into House Hlaalu, while Ilver agreed on behalf of House Mora, Vermethys joined House Dres, due to House Sadras and Kragen Mar's connection to the Dres.
Because of an event currently lost to time, the Staff of Chaos had become a symbol of power to the people of Morrowind. And the specific circumstances on how the Staff of Chaos came to the Ra'athim Clan is also unknown, other than through indirect connections via House Mora. At this point, Ebonheart was still the capital of Morrowind, and the Staff of Chaos was wielded by Ilver Ra'athim. House Hlaalu slowly rose from behind to become the noteworthy Great House it became. Many attribute this to their status since they were considered weak in the eyes of the Great House and the Empires of Cyrodiil. Even with the fateful duel, Ilver and Tethis-Mora's competition continued. Tethis Indoril-Mora challenged Ilver's status and brought a believable claimant to the Staff of Chaos. But with this, came many other claimants of dubious value. The Kingdom of Necrom believed that they are in the right of the Staff of Chaos, considering Almalexia's heritage in Necrom, as well as, how much the Tribunal affected the province's history. The Kingdom of Blacklight and House Redoran claimed that without their efforts in both the War of the First Council and the War of Shadowgate, Morrowind had fallen. Eventually, Tear, Port Telvannis, and even Kragen Mar came and bring their worth to the table. This event became known as the Race of the Great Houses, taking place in 1E 767. But even then, this was always between Ilver and Tethis. Things came to an end when the Tribunal intervened, and denounced that Tethis-Mora was the clear candidate to the Staff of Chaos, citing an ancient will from Moraelyn, which gave the Staff to Ephen. This was never fulfilled as Moraelyn's death was never known. The rest of the province, along with the Tribunal, agreed that Mournhold should be named the capital of Morrowind. But with that, the Staff of Chaos was sealed in Ephen's tomb, per Ephen's own will. It remained there ever since. At around this time, both Kingdoms had become fierce rivals. Both Ilver and Tethis passed away in 1E 800. Both were be interred in the Ra'athim Ancestral Tomb. Vermethys Ra'athim-Sadras temporarily brought Ebonheart into Kragen Mar's domain, to govern her brother's kingdom, until Ilver's son, Gulmon was qualified in ruling over Ebonheart. This had left both House Dres and House Hlaalu in an awkward relationship. All the while, Tethis Indoril-Mora passed the helm to his daughter, Indoril Cindiri Dorom. Both Queens established a good relationship between each other, while Gulmon continued as the Marquis of Fort Virak.
The unification of both Ebonheart & Mournhold came at a most fortuitous time as 1E 822, commonly known as the Year of Great Hunger, went into effect across Morrowind. Because of how much the Kingdoms worked off each other, many Dark Elves saw hope among them, but even then, this alliance suffered greatly amidst the Year of Great Hunger. Many elves fell into legend following these events, most notably was Saint Rilms the Barefooted, who was once a minor noble, but gave away most of her life to help people and guide them to hope in what seemed like the end of Dunmeri civilization. She believed that all Dark Elves were equals, especially in times of peril, and so to better acquaint to the unfortunate, she gave up her shoes and took the appearance of a beggar. She passed away on the path towards Mournhold, where the City of Gems appeared on the horizon. Almalexia saw pity in the noble-turned-beggar, and she was canonized once her group had reached Mournhold. To this day, the Shoes of St. Rilms has become a prized artifact of the Tribunal Temple. Both Vermethys and Cindiri slowly followed in St. Rilms footsteps. Putting in much of their effort to restore Morrowind. And so when the year was over, the Kingdoms were rebuilt, and the influx of pilgrims had spread across Central Morrowind, building villages and pilgrim stops like Almas-Thirr, and Sailen Vulgate. The two Queens became the greatest of friends and are among those that were praised amidst the event. As it was dictated, Gulmon Ra'athim was named the King of Ebonheart, amidst the growing population that became loyal to the land. Both Vermethys and Cindiri passed away, with the former dying without children. Cindiri's lineage continued and perpetually move away from the Ra'athim Dynasty. What made Gulmon infamous was his arrogance, and need for conquest. When he was young, he was very arrogant, and rowdy. He attended military school at a very young age and excelled beyond man other students. When he was the Marquis of Fort Virak, he had constant conflict with House Redoran in the north. The land between Fort Virak and Silgrad Tower is lawless territory, not only because it is Great House borderlands, but because it is near the provincial border towards Skyrim, and the Rift. It was Gulmon's hubris that House Redoran began to show disdain for House Hlaalu, something that changed the latter Great House much later. Not many know this, but pilgrims from Velothis were very rare because it was Gulmon that prevented them from entering Stonefalls. And so when Gulmon became the King of Ebonheart in 1E 867, many people became wary, and rightfully so.
Gulmon's first day as the King of Ebonheart was hectic. He actively checked on Ebonheart's status as a Kingdom following the Year of Great Hunger. His belief was that the gods had gifted him such as vast kingdom. Both Kragen Mar and Mournhold had split away, and also continue to establish themselves, especially with their increased population. Gulmon's early reign turned Ebonheart into an industrious city, one that House Hlaalu used as their gateway into the Inner Sea, and eventually the Sea of Ghosts. Laws became strict in Ebonheart, and taxes were being imposed for import, and even for pilgrims coming from Tribunal town of Vivec, which surrounded the Temple of the Tribunal. King Gulmon was reclusive, surrounded by his private counsel, which followed him from Fort Virak. Because of the King's dubious nature, many rumors were spread regarding his background. The most popular was that he and his counsel were worshippers of Molag Bal and that on certain nights, Castle Ra'athim oozed of blue plasma known by Daedra researchers as Azure Plasm. But eventually, King Gulmon showed his true colors in 1E 880, when he declares martial law and prohibit any ships from entering or leaving Ebonheart. His forces moved across Stonefalls like a deathly plague, taking hold of Davon's Watch and Fort Virak, setting forth the same laws in Ebonheart. The coming conflict became known as the War of Domination, which resulted in the taking of Kragen Mar, and the blockade on Velothis, which brought much anger towards House Dres and House Redoran respectively. From the thousands of letters written from the warfront described Gulmon's camps as desolate, and a huge shift from what was already considered alien in Morrowind. It was always cold, and some warriors were completely shrouded in mystery. These warriors were in fact, Dremora, posing as Dark Elves so that the Tribunal was not aware. King Gulmon approached Narsis in a militaristic march, offering the elderly King Ulseth Hlaalu V to join him and to be safe from the impending conflict. When the King refused, he was assassinated the following night. Prince Brivan Hlaalu III had reluctantly accepted and was cast aside as Ebonheart assumed control of Narsis' army. The War of Domination had two fronts, across the Deshaan Plains, and the borders of Velothis.
House Indoril helped the Dres in the relief effort, but it made Mournhold and Necrom targets by Gulmon's rising power. The War of Domination had nighed included most Great Houses, save for House Telvanni, who swiftly took hold of northern Vvardenfell as the Redoran became more involved in the conflict. The conflict ultimately ended in 1E 891, as King Gulmon's forces approached Mournhold from the east. At the ruins of an old castle, Gulmon's forces rested until daybreak, when they attacked Mournhold. But following behind him was a lone warrior, whose village was burned to the ground by Gulmon's horde. His name was Eidolon, and he wielded an Ebony Longsword, known as Eidolon's Edge. Challenging him in Ancient Chimeri duel, Gulmon accepted and was promptly beheaded by the young Dunmer. It was said that when Eidolon sliced Gulmon's head off, a large well of angry spirits spewed out, and into the sky, to wreak havoc across the tormented land. But after Gulmon's well of souls finally stopped, Eidolon was stabbed in the back by one of Gulmon's loyalist, and soul-bound into his ring, which became known as the Ring of Eidolon's Edge. But with the death of Gulmon, and now this sudden abundance of Daedra in Morrowind. Vivec of the Tribunal began to root out Gulmon's forces and break his blockade over Velothis. The Buoyant Armigers swiftly took control of Ebonheart, and subsequently, all the cities that have fallen into dominion with Gulmon's regime. But even then, paraphernalia of Gulmon's conquest can be found across the Empire, in the darkest corners of the merchant-world. But as the order was returning to Morrowind, debates were held in Mournhold, over who should become the monarch of Ebonheart. Groups such as House Redoran and half of House Dres opted to have the Ra'athim Clan step down, as monarchs of Ebonheart, while groups such as the Sadras Clan, and even Prince Brivan III argued to keep them there, citing the Ra'athim Clan's contributions in Morrowind's history. In the end, High King Indoril Llandras Dorom chose his distant cousin, Therana Ra'athim, as the next Queen of Ebonheart. Citing her intense disapproval of her father's regime, as well as, her contribution to better his domain. Several people in the Kingdom of Ebonheart considered her a saint in a land of death. Much like her father, Therana took the throne with anticipation across Morrowind, and many inspections across Ebonheart, to bring prosperity since her great-grandmother's time.
Therana's reign as the Queen of Ebonheart is largely uneventful, but this was good, following Gulmon's reign. At this point, circa 1E 900, the surrounding provinces, which were isolated, for the most part, begin to intermingle, and people as far as the Summerset Isles and High Rock are known to appear in Morrowind, and other lands. And with this influx of travelers, came cultural diffusion. It was at this point, King Moraelyn's years following his disappearance had become known in the Kingdom of Ebonheart. A traveling book merchant from Daggerfall sold the historical fiction, King Edward, which is meant to be cohesive story based on the campfire stories of Moraelyn, the Witch-King of Ebonheart, and his son, Edward, the Hero-King of Daggerfall. When these series of books were presented to the Queen's court, Dunmer envoys were sent to the far west, to uncover more on the story of Moraelyn and Edward. In these times of relative peace, Queen Therana contributed to expanding Ebonheart as a city of knowledge and the arts. In the city's Rose District lies Kronin University, a city established institute named after the Scholar-King of Ebonheart, Kronin Ra'athim. Naturally, in the early years in Therana's reign, there was little interaction from the other Dunmer nations, but eventually, they lightened-up and things ran smoothly. At this point, there was little civilization in Vvardenfell. It was solely the temple-town of Vivec, and smaller towns across the Temple-Territory of Ascadia, Redoran Strongholds sanctioned to protect the island, and Telvanni Wizard Towers, for those that opted to study in complete solitude. Councilor-King Brivan Hlaalu III comissioned the construction of Balmora, using Ebonheart for transport between the mainland and Vvardenfell. Queen Therana and the Councilor-King convinced the High King and Vivec to sanction land, and hopefully establish another trade route from Blacklight to Ebonheart. And in 1E 921, the Hlaalu-Temple town of Balmora was built, by House Indoril architects. It became prominent several years later, and with it, the Temple-Town of Vivec was growing.
Queen Therana ruled over the Kingdom of Ebonheart until in 1E 993. She was able to bring prosperity across the land for quite sometime and re-established the Ra'athim Clan in a greater light. In 1E 978, Queen Therana married Count Harlin Sadryon I of Andrethis and had three children, Harlin II, Edram, and Nephethys. While Harlin II continued to rule from Andrethis, the throne must be passed onto either Edram or Nephethys. And eventually, when Queen Therana passed away, young Edram Ra'athim-Sadryon was named the King of Ebonheart. Harlin II had always been in the spotlight, in the public eye, while Edram studied to become a proficient leader. Because she was the youngest, Nephethys was reclusive, always retreating to the family library, nose deep in endless volumes. An envoy of Sotha Sil had appeared before the Court of Ebonheart, to bestow them The Truth in Sequence, volumes of books, from the Sermons of Deldrise Morvayn, who is said to be the Grand-Apostle of the Clockwork City. (ca. 1E 1005) According to scholars of Tribunal-Mythos, there was a spread of Sotha Sil worship at the turn of the century in Morrowind, in times of scholarly pursuit after a conflict in the province. This was believed to be an opportune time, as Tribunal-worship, and even faith in the people was in a decline, naturally after the Year of Great Hunger, and the War of Domination. Some saw the world that Sotha Sil was building as an escape into the future, far from the plagues of war and suffering. The sermons of the Truth in Sequence had spread across the hierarchy of Morrowind, from the nobility to the unfortunate. A tick that had infected Princess Nephethys. King Edram was abrasive from the spread of Sotha Sil's sect of religion. At this time, the Kingdom of Ebonheart showed veneration towards Vivec. Since Therana's reign, Vivec attained a close relationship with the Ra'athim Clan. The envoy of Sotha Sil had become a close friend of Princess Nephethys, and often retreated with her to the library. The young noble avoided official matters in the Court, in favor of her studies and her friend. But this did not deter King Edram, being much close to his mother, the King focused on the newly-established trade route on Vvardenfell, and contribute to the region's expansion, building roads from Vivec, to G'nisis and Suran.
King Edram's reign did not come without its misfortunes. In 1E 1011, Castellan Grurn Malvulis was revealed to be a secret worshipper of the Sixth House and Dagoth Ur. Much to the dismay of King Edram, who appointed Grurn and his family to secure Ebonheart's old territory of Firemoth Island. The Castellan was appointed for his service in Ebonheart's expansion, and his proficiency for maritime endeavors. But from his son, a friend of King Edram, the Castellan attempted to bring back the Sixth House by including his court and spreading it through Ebonheart and Balmora's elite. But Vivec's Buoyant Armigers invaded Castle Firemoth and the Warrior-Poet cleared Edram's name and exile the Malvulis Clan from Morrowind. It is reportedly said that the Malvulis Clan currently lives in the Imperial City, friends of House Indarys, the nobility of Cheydinhal. Another instance was in the latter years of King Edram when the Kagesh Tribe of Ashlanders raided the southern road towards Deshaan, by request of his cousin, Queen Sadras of Kragen Mar, King Edram's warriors fought against the Kagesh, until both the King, and Ashkhan Odiran Yakaniran, signed an agreement that gave the Kagesh Tribe a large bounty of land, removed from Ebonheart's road and prime with hunt. Naturally, many House Dunmer were opposed to this, but they cannot deny the increase in trade from Stonefalls to Deshaan, due to the route's safety. In 1E 1039, Duchess Nephethys Ra'athim of Vvardenfell mysteriously disappeared, along with her husband, the Clockwork Envoy. In her stead, King Edram appointed his nephew, Taron Sadras, to continue governing the Vvardenfell territory. In 1E 1052, King Edram Ra'athim had passed away, and with no heir. Naturally, it would have been Duchess Nephethys, but she had still disappeared. That was until later that year, when Duchess Nephethys Ra'athim had returned to Ebonheart, shrouded in an alien cloak. The Duchess returned to assume the mantle of Queen of Ebonheart, with her husband, the Clockwork Envoy. Nephethys' coronation took place on the Old Life Festival. During her reign, Nephethys was known as the "Shrouded Queen of Ebonheart," an entity in such high power, yet so mysterious. She was always reclusive, but her return brought her into a new level in the eyes of the public, or lack thereof. Many considered that Nephethys had died long ago and that this "Shroud Queen" was someone else, or even more than one person. But it was indeed Nephethys, the Shroud Queen of Ebonheart.
Queen Nephethys' reign runs successfully, and interestingly, the Queen lived longer than her predecessors, almost as close as her mother, Queen Therana, who reigned for roughly a hundred years. Things ran smoothly, that was until the Alessian Order advanced onto Morrowind. Sects of the Alessian Order began to establish themselves across the west. Knowing the failure of her ancestor, Jatanus I, Empress Sarmosia II's tactic to bring the Empire into her domain was to subtly push the Order into Morrowind. The Primarch of the Marukhati Selective fought to have another full-scale invasion of Morrowind, while the newly-appointed Arch-Prelate Fervidius Tharn was in favor of Sarmosia II's plan, and to take things slowly. By 1E 1184, the Alessian Order held small chapters across Morrowind, from Blacklight to Narsis, and even Tear, to Port Telvannis. There was a push by the Marukhati Selective to move onto Vvardenfell, but it was Vivec's decree to disallow them into his Temple-Territory. Queen Nephethys was the biggest advocate against the Alessian Order, passive-aggressively taking them down and suppressing them, by pushing the Tribunal's rhetoric. Religious intolerance had increased throughout Morrowind, bring animosity to both Imperial and Dunmer people. Things took a toll for the worse when the Grand Temple of Saint Felms in Blacklight was burned to the ground by terrorists. A great trial was conducted at the court of Indoril, in Mournhold. A large schism occurred as information on the trial had spread across Morrowind and the Nibenay, the intolerance between both races skyrocketed, and come ahead into conflict. Queen Nephethys Ra'athim of Ebonheart and Councilor-King Shalimar Redoran of Blacklight called for war, and so the Alessian-Morrowind War began in 1E 1199 with the Razing of Andrethis. Count Harlin III and his people were forced to retreat northeast, into the stronghold of Telva'druhn. The Alessian Order, stronger than before, were able to swiftly take western Deshaan, and advance onto the regions of Shadowgate and Kragen Mar. Queen Nephethys stepped out of her hiding, and take proper action against the Empire.
Queen Nephethys received the moniker, the Bronze-Sorceress of Ebonheart. What information is available at this moment is that Queen Nephethys had always donned an armor of bronze and oil, according to her scribes, and the generals that served her in the battlefield. Her battle prowess had put the Alessian Order on their feet, as both factions traded heavy blows at each other. At this point, the province of High Rock was a part of the First Empire, applying their powerful magic and battle tactics to good use. As the conflict had seemingly reached no visible conclusion, Queen Nephethys had been sighted to have wielded the Staff of Magnus, an ancient artifact of the Sun God of Magic, Arch-Mage Magnus. With this staff, the Queen reaped the land of the Alessian Hordes, forcing them southwest into the Valus Mountains, and bringing her armies into Cyrodiil. Her surge of conquest had become known as the "Wrath of the Shrouded," and it flooded the Nibenay Highlands with a strong surge of magicka that left notable settlements like Cheydinhal and Drakelowe in shambles. The event ended when the Queen had reportedly lost the Staff of Magnus, as it is predicted when considering the artifact's nature. The Alessian-Morrowind War ended in 1E 1254, with the "Wrath of the Shrouded" as the staff, was lost to the Bronze-Sorceress. At this point, the Emperor of Cyrodiil had called back the few remaining forces in Morrowind, and the sects of the Order that lived in Morrowind were rounded up, and persecuted by an Indoril court. Queen Nephethys continued her mysterious appearance, with her clockwork appearance devolving into myth and rumor. Queen Nephethys was "decommissioned" in 1E 1270, and her body was transported to the Clockwork City, in an area known as "the Apostle's Cairn." She died without any heirs, and the council of Ebonheart looked to the Grand Council on this affair. As the Great Houses began to formalize and become a singular entity amongst themselves, it was decided that a Councilor governed the Kingdom, in the name of House Hlaalu. But to leave the Kingdom's people in trusting hands and their ancestral monarchy, the Grand Council had named the son of the late Count Harlin III, Harlin IV as the Councilor of Ebonheart. His counsel occupied Castle Ra'athim, and he adopted the name, Harlin Ra'athim-Sadryon IV. Ebonheart was the first of the original Kingdoms to convert into a council-ruled city, something that eventually extend onto other Hlaalu territories, like Balmora, Suran, and Castle Firemoth. In early 1E 1271, Harlin IV was the leader of Ebonheart.
"Author's Note: Information regarding all of these events comes from the Annals of Old Ebonheart, which were largely destroyed during the Conquest of Morrowind (2E 865 — 2E 888), during the Tiber Wars. The Colovian Warlord, Bruccius Caudex had successfully taken the Kingdom of Ebonheart from Councilor-King Zahshur Ra'athim in 2E 870, establishing himself as the Provisional Governor of Ebonheart and its territories. But from what remained from the Annals, we were able to piece together some info between 1E 1271, to the Tiber Wars.
- The young Bothiisi Ra'athim was one of the many that served Bendu Olo but lost their lives in their battle against the Sload.
- Councilor Torvayn Ra'athim's militia, along with various others across Morrowind contributed to the War of Righteousness in the twenty-fourth century of the First Era, which led to the downfall of the First Empire.
- Ninbael the Wise, Councilor-King of Ebonheart was present at the Battle of Shadowgate Moor, during the everlasting conflict known as the Four-Score War. He was reportedly beheaded by the Crown Prince, Juilek Cyrodiil.
- Councilor Tolendir Ra'athim were among the few in Ebonheart's court to ally with House Hlaalu, as the Dres occupied Ebonheart during the time of the Ebonheart Pact. He perished not long after the Pact's dissolution and the Hlaalu's reclamation of Ebonheart.
That brings us into the late Third Era. Appointed as the King of Ebonheart during a rough time in Morrowind, Zahshur Ra'athim re-established his clan as the monarchy of Ebonheart, only to have his position lost with Bruccius Caudex's arrival. Many knew that Zahshur was the father of Feranos Ra'athim, a successful figure, and father of Katariah. All the while, a sect of the Ra'athim Clan had migrated to Mournhold, and hidden amongst the public as the Royal High Kingship of Morrowind. It has been confirmed by loyalists of Old Almalexia that the former High King of Morrowind, Athyn Llethan, and his brother, Zirik Vandas, acting King during the Imperial Simulacrum, were direct descendants of the Ra'athim Clan. But unwilling lived with that name publicly. But as the Imperial Province of Morrowind transitioned into the Third Era. We talk about more info regarding this."
Feranos Ra'athim was born in the early years of the First Era, as the only son of King Zahshur Ra'athim. As a noble Dark Elf, Feranos was very popular in the public eye, and know to make friends across the Empire, including the royal families of the north, from Dawnstar to Jehanna. When he was a young adult, Prince Feranos was present at the wedding of his good friend, King Mantiarco of Solitude, and the young Potema Septim. King Zahshur died of old age in 3E 82, Crown Prince Feranos attained the throne, and focus his attention on maritime trade. All the years of accumulating friendships with the Sea-Lords of the Northern Sea led to the formation of the East Empire Trading Company, a merchant's organization funded by the Great House Hlaalu, the Merchant-Lords of Colovia, and the Kingdoms that contributed to the enterprise. Ebonheart, along with Blacklight, Firewatch, and Tear became the four-major locations for the EEC in Morrowind. The Kingdom of Ebonheart had become a prominent figure, not only because of their position as a founding state of the EEC but because of their charismatic figure. By 3E 95, the Kingdom of Ebonheart was one of the most wealthy, but industrious cities in the Empire of Tamriel. King Feranos had married Hlamori Mothryon, the wealthy daughter of a Hlaalu noble, and had a daughter, Katariah Ra'athim. The Crown Princess Katariah was taught the rules of monarchy and business at a young age, to continue Ebonheart's streak. In 3E 110, Katariah was given the position as the Duchess of Vvardenfell, which was sparsely populated by the House Dunmer. Only minor farmlands and strongholds, sanctioned by the Tribunal were found in Vvardenfell. Former cities like Balmora and Gnisis were abandoned. From Vivec City, in the Hlaalu Canton, Katariah governed the very few people that lived on the Black Isle, supplying crops of Kresh Fiber and other goods. Things went quiet for both King Feranos and Duchess Katariah. King Feranos had been friends with King Mantiarco and Queen Potema, with Feranos appearing the former's funeral, having a slight idea on what the future holds for Potema. Following his friend's death, King Feranos strayed away from Queen Potema, catching up from time to time, and checking on the young Uriel Mantiarco, for the sake of the late King Mantiarco.
King Feranos' reign was largely quiet at this point in time, but as many would know, the Kingdom of Ebonheart were among the many powerful nations to take arms with Queen Potema Septim in the War of the Red Diamond. It is unknown when or why King Feranos engaged in conflict with Third Empire, but Potema's declaration of war was in late 3E 120. And Ebonheart fully partook with the Battle of Neugrad Watch of 3E 121, alongside the Nordic Bastion, General-Lord Vhokken of the Kilkreath. Civil unrest was present in the Kingdom of Ebonheart, with many opposed to Feranos' involvement in Potema's battle. But regardless, more and more soldiers came from Ebonheart's countryside, joining in a conflict that they were not willing to fight for. This continued all the way into the conflict's dissolution in 3E 127. It is said that King Feranos and Emperor Uriel Septim III were surrounded in their stronghold in Ichidag, the dry grasslands in Craglorn. King Cephorus I overwhelmed the Emperor's weak force. According to rumors by Craglorn scavengers, before Cephorus I could reach Uriel III in his war room, he was met with the depressed King Feranos. Who offered his head, with no resistance, in exchange for entrance into the war room. Whether this is true is unknown, but it was confirmed that Feranos was dead in the ruins of Castle Ichidag. As everyone knows, Cephorus I apprehended Uriel III and sent him en route to his domain of Gilane, where his carriage was abruptly sacked and the Emperor was stoned to death by the angry mob. King Feranos' death had reached Ebonheart within a moment's notice, and Feranos' advisor, Odral Marvani had announced Ebonheart's withdrawal from Potema's conflict, the first of many to do so. The Elder Council had decided that Odral Marvani, a close friend and advisor of King Feranos administrated the Kingdom until Katariah was deemed fit. Katariah grieved over her father's death but used this to fuel her strength in providing a prosperous reign.
Katariah Ra'athim continued her reign over the Vvardenfell Territory, with her production of Kresh Fiber increasing and exported by the East Empire Company. Her history here has been quiet, working alongside Governor Odral Marvani in the restoration of Ebonheart. However, public opinion on any kingdom that supported Potema Septim was very poor, and this was not the exception for the Kingdom of Ebonheart. But regardless, they continued their service for the Third Empire and Katariah was forced into the position as Matriarch of the Ra'athim Clan. As everyone knows, by 3E 137, Emperor Cephorus I defeated Potema Septim at the "Siege of Solitude" and took to great pains in restoring Potema's influence over the past couple decades. One such endeavor was re-affirming relations with her allied and former acquainted kingdoms. King Magnus Septim I and his royal family traveled to Ebonheart, where they were greeted by a grand ball with Councilor-King Dodrim Marvani-Ra'athim, who despite his royal background, was recognized as a Marvani Dunmer before actual Ra'athim-descent, by request of his parents. The ball was intended to be a way for the Kingdom to reconcile with the Third Empire. Here the elderly Queen Hellena of Lilmoth became acquainted with Duchess Katariah and recognized her potential as a leader. The Queen proposed to her husband that their son, Thoriz Pelagius "would be perfect with this woman and that it would look good across the Empire and Morrowind. This decision worked well in the end as in 3E 141, Katariah renounces her title of Duchess and marries King Pelagius III of Solitude. During this time, she met the young warrior, Nandor Beraid, who later became her sworn champion and bodyguard after winning the Tournament of Stamina, the first one since the "Cleansing of Haafingar." The four years that Katariah lived in Solitude was her experience outside of Morrowind, in a land that was alien to her. It was also when signs of Pelagius III's deteriorating health was showing.
Katariah's time in Solitude was uneventful, but it was enough to establish herself in the Third Empire's aristocracy and make connections. Among these allies was King Pelagius' sister, Jolethe Septim, the Jarl of Dragon Bridge, who later succeeded her brother following his ascension to the Emperor. Another was the Castellan of Balfiera, Jovron Direnni. In 3E 145, Emperor Magnus I passes away from old age, leaving the Ruby Throne to Pelagius III and Katariah. Their transition to the Imperial Palace was revered with little fanfare. The newly-named Emperor's reputation had been well-known throughout the Empire, his eccentricity had been the subject of tales and rumors across the Empire. All of it has been documented in the book, "Tales of the Madman," from the infamous writer, Darius Shano. Not to mention, the Ra'athim Clan was in the path of redemption, as Councilor-King Dodrim Marvani was making steady work to improve Ebonheart's status, albeit with contempt with some of Potema's most vocal advocates. And because of Katariah's jump across the Empire's nobility, some skeptical about her intentions as the newly-crowned Empress. This was even expressed by the Elder Council, prominently Thane Minglurmire, who hails from the rolling vineyards of Vengheto. The Elder Council managed to overrule her on several occasions, but regardless, Katariah managed to run the Empire, all the while Pelagius' secret was kept. Eventually, Emperor Pelagius III passed away at the Temple of Kynareth, on the island of Betony. Katariah began her reign as the Regent-Empress of Tamriel, bringing about the Empire's golden years and touring across the provinces to spread her wealth to the people. During her time as Empress, she had two children, Cassynder Septim-Ra'athim with Pelagius III, and Uriel Septim-Lariat IV with the Breton noble, Gallivere Lariat of Shornhelm. As many know, Katariah I passed away in 3E 200, when a disenfranchised branch of the Septim family assassinated her in the Arnesian Moors, near the city-state of Archon. Her funeral was held in Ebonheart, as the ceremony traveled across the Kingdom. She was buried in the Ra'athim Ancestral Tomb, deep in the mountains of Velothis.
"Addendum: By the mid-late Third Era, the Ra'athim Clan had slowly died out. It is said that when Dodrim Marvani assumed the throne of Old Ebonheart, the Ra'athim dynasty shifted towards the Marvani bloodline, and they eventually became the scions and rulers of Old Ebonheart, as seen through King Casik Marvani, who ruled during the Imperial Simulcrum. Although, there is speculation that the Ra'athim Clan live on through other means, most specifically, the Llethan Clan of Almalexia. It is theorized that the Llethan Clan descended from the lineage of Tethis-Mora and Cindiri Dorom's family that lived in Mournhold, and eventually the Temple-Kingdom of Almalexia, but this branch joined the Great House Hlaalu at an unknown time. Many know the clan from High King Athyn Llethan-Hlaalu, or his successors, Barenziah and Helseth. But even as the Ra'athim Clan are fading in obscurity, they will be remembered throughout the province for their contributions to Morrowind's history.
All the while, in 4E 7, the Great House Hlaalu lost their status as a Great House of Morrowind. Because of their failures in both the Oblivion Crisis of 3E 433 and the first decade of the Fourth Era, the Grand Council in Blacklight chose to revoke their title and give it to the Ra'athim's oldest allies, the minor House Sadras of Kragen Mar. Councilor-King Valenas Sadras-Dreloth provided a case for his house's contributions and their deserved title as a Great House. Many know that Kragen Mar is the center of agricultural resources across the province, and was constantly feuded between the Hlaalu and Dres. It is a very important hold, and one that sits in a vital spot between the regions of Velothis, the Kavas Rim, and Stonefalls. It is also the capital of Shadowgate, the historic region that divides Morrowind from the Nibenay. House Sadras advanced onto Hlaalu's old territories, specifically Old Ebonheart, where they sought to preserve the Ra'athim legacy. The current leader of Old Ebonheart, Evos Marvani-Omarys has teetered on their allegiance between the Hlaalu and Sadras, with rumors indicating the revival of House Mora.
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