House Larteton
Few noble houses possess an origin as colourful, or as fiercely disputed, as House Larteton. Even after centuries of prominence, no historian has succeeded in separating fact from family legend, and the Lartetons themselves seem perfectly content to let both versions endure. According to the account favoured by the family, Larteton the Fox was a Ranger lord of remarkable skill who joined Kaegor during the earliest days of the rebellion. A master of woodland warfare, reconnaissance, and ambush, he led a loyal band of foresters and huntsmen whose knowledge of the wild marches proved invaluable against both Orcs and the armies of the Higher Races. His courage, independence, and unconventional methods earned Kaegor's admiration, and when victory was secured he was rewarded with lands, title, and the right to found a noble house. Their rivals tell a rather different story.
In that version, Larteton was no lord at all but the notorious leader of a band of outlaws, smugglers, poachers, and highwaymen who had plagued the frontier for years. Facing execution for brigandage, extortion, and a catalogue of lesser crimes, he supposedly bargained for his freedom by placing himself and his followers in Kaegor's service. Whether through desperation or remarkable foresight, Kaegor accepted the offer, finding that men accustomed to surviving beyond the law made surprisingly capable scouts, raiders, and irregular soldiers. Whether ranger or brigand, patriot or opportunist, one fact remains beyond dispute: Larteton proved indispensable.
Unlike many of Kaegor's companions, Larteton never married. Instead he openly acknowledged fourteen sons born to various women throughout his lifetime. Far from concealing their parentage, he recognised each child publicly and ensured they received education, training, and opportunities worthy of gentlemen. Upon receiving his lands, he divided them amongst his sons, believing that a family spread widely would prosper more surely than one concentrated in a single estate. History has largely vindicated that decision. Today branches of House Larteton can be found throughout the Divine Empire, the Successor States, and the cities of the Crimson Coast. Some have risen to become respected nobles, military commanders, prosperous merchants, explorers, diplomats, or magistrates. Others have fallen into obscurity, poverty, or outright criminality. The family has never lacked for remarkable individuals, though not all have reflected equally well upon the name.
Unlike most noble houses, the Lartetons possess no single unquestioned head. The senior Imperial branch claims precedence over all others, citing its uninterrupted loyalty to the Divine Empire, yet this assertion is politely ignored, or openly laughed at, by several of the more prosperous overseas branches. Cooperation is common when mutual interests align, particularly in commerce, military ventures, or family marriages, but rivalry is every bit as characteristic. Feuds between cousins have occasionally escalated into lawsuits, duels, commercial sabotage, and on rare occasions outright warfare.
The fox has long served as the family's emblem and remains an apt symbol of its character.
Lartetons are renowned for intelligence, adaptability, and relentless ambition. They possess an uncanny instinct for recognising opportunity where others see only risk. Rarely content with their current station, they are forever seeking advancement, whether through commerce, military service, exploration, politics, or advantageous marriage. Among the old nobility this restless drive is often viewed with suspicion, whilst others admire it as the very quality that transformed an obscure frontier adventurer into the founder of one of the Empire's most widespread dynasties. The family also enjoys a reputation for charm, wit, and undeniable charisma. Lartetons are seldom shy in company and are frequently found at the centre of courtly society, military camps, or merchant guilds. Unfortunately, this sociability is accompanied by a less admirable notoriety. Tales of romantic indiscretions, illegitimate children, and spectacular scandals have followed the family for generations. Whether deserved or exaggerated, the reputation has become inseparable from the Larteton name, much to the amusement of some and the despair of others.
Another enduring characteristic is their extraordinary loyalty to family. However bitterly two branches may quarrel amongst themselves, outsiders who threaten one Larteton often discover they have made enemies of many. Blood may not always produce harmony, but it rarely fails to produce solidarity when challenged. Today House Larteton occupies an unusual position within Warlderia. Too ancient to be dismissed as mere upstarts, yet never quite accepted amongst the oldest noble dynasties, they continue to prosper through energy, adaptability, and an almost instinctive understanding of human nature. They have produced celebrated generals, daring explorers, accomplished diplomats, successful merchants, infamous rogues, and more than a few legendary adventurers.