House of Kovachev
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The House of Kovachev (Raev: Kovachevy, High Imperial: Domus Covaci) is a highlander ducal house and, a cadet branch of the House of Carrion.
History
Anthos
Following the Battle of Kaer Angren in 1483, Varon Kovachev and Vasili Vanir joined forces to establish the Kingdom of Akovia. However, Varon's mental deterioration led to his removal from the Akovian throne by Arik Vanir prior to the Schism War. This decline in Varon's mental well-being resulted in the loss of support from both the highborn and lowborn, prompting Arik's decisive action.
Vailor
Following the untimely demise of the heirless young lord, Stefan Sarkozic, the nobility of Carnatia proclaimed Stefan's grandfather, Count Jan Kovachev of Kvasz, as the Duke of Carnatia in 1546. He received his coronation on the field of Marandal by Emperor John I.
From 1546 to 1567, Duke Jan governed with a firm hand, serving as Imperial Marshal and leading the Holy Orenian Empire to triumph in both the Third Rurikid Uprising and the Riga War. Renowned among the highlander populace, he achieved war hero status for decisively defeating Duke Alexander of Courland's forces in battle and standing shoulder to shoulder with his men until the venerable age of 75.
Axios
In 1585, Count Sergei Kovachev of Turov withdrew his forces from King Andrik Barbanov’s army during the Deep Cold Uprising. This strategic move influenced other vassals to follow suit, effectively quelling the short-lived rebellion and maintaining the Kingdom of Haense's status as a vassal to the Holy Orenian Empire.
Following Sergei's mysterious death in 1589, his son Henrik inherited his father's titles. Under Henrik's rule, Turov thrived and swiftly became the northern trade hub of Tahn. In recognition of his achievements, Count Henrik was granted the Duchy of Carnatia, restoring the ancient ducal coronet to the House of Kovachev. Duke Henrik served as Lord Chancellor of Haense in the King's privy council for nearly half a decade until his assassination in 1600.
The Duchy of Carnatia passed to Henrik's son, Sergei II, who navigated the House of Kovachev through the Great Northern War. After fleeing into exile, Sergei abdicated in favor of his uncle, Viktor Kovachev, in 1611. Viktor reclaimed the Duchy of Carnatia during the Greyspine Rebellion, restoring the family's ducal title.
In 1619, Viktor, offered a place on King Stephen I's Privy Council, abdicated in favor of his cousin, Sergei III.
Atlas
In 1634, the House of Kovachev in Atlas came under the rule of Rickard I of Carnatia, son of Sergei III. Early in his reign, he assumed the role of Castellan to King Otto III of Haense. However, his ambitious pursuits led to strained relations with the Royal Family, marked by bitter and near-hostile exchanges with the Royal Court. Faced with rising unpopularity, Rickard abdicated in 1664 in favor of a regency council. His daughter, Emma I of Carnatia, succeeded him in 1669.
As the first Duchess of Carnatia, Emma faced hostility from the Haeseni nobility, exacerbated by disaffection for her father. Separatist Josef Kovachev, aligned with King Aurelius I of Renatus, sought to claim rule over the House of Kovachev. Named Grand Marshal of Renatus-Marna, Josef became Baron of Kovgrad and Lord Protector of the Gryphon’s Roost.
Facing pressure from political opponents within the Haeseni court and the presence of a popular replacement, Duchess Emma abdicated in 1674 in favor of Josef. However, Josef vanished in 1676, leaving only his son, Henrik II Kovachev, behind. Henrik assumed leadership, seeking Aurelius I's blessing, which was granted.
In 1686, Henrik var Josef abdicated his Renatian titles in favor of his uncle, Ser Carlovac Kovachev, to be released from his vows to Emperor Aurelius I. Returning to the Kingdom of Haense, Henrik swore loyalty to King Robert I, who appointed him Baron of Venzia and later Duke of Carnatia after discussions on succession laws with Haeseni kin. Henrik joined the Brotherhood of Saint Karl and, after nearly a year of service, was named Crown Marshal by Lord Rhys var Ruthern, the former Crown Marshal of Haense.
Culture
In terms of ethnicity, the House of Kovachev identifies with the Raevir culture, laying claim to their heritage as Highlanders. While adopting various Heartland and Northern traditions over time, one notable example is their nuanced utilization of Raevir botch. As centuries unfolded, a distinct Carnatian identity emerged, diverging from their Raevir roots. This cultural shift occurred as they yielded to the overarching unification of the Highlander People under King Petyr of House Barbanov.
The Carnatians, whom the modern Kovachevs consider their ancestors, originated from a blend of Raevir and Haenseti cultures, akin to the present state of the Haeseni People. Their roots can be traced back to the Hinterlands of Vailor, where sizable communities of Alimanian Peoples intermingled with the dispersed Lahian Raev population. Under the leadership of Otto Sarkozic, these communities were centralized into the Duchy of Carnatia, earning them the name Carnatians due to their affiliation with the Duchy.
House Kovachev distinguishes itself through its connection to fire, a core element in their history. The name and identity of the house are closely tied to this element. Fire plays a crucial role in Kovachev funerals, where cremation is the preferred method upon a pyre. The resulting ashes are carefully collected and preserved within jars, which are subsequently interred. Deviating from this tradition is considered a significant offense to the house.
Notable Members
- King Varon of Akovia, originally Imperial Marshal underneath both Emperor Tobias I and Emperor Alexander I. He declared independence after the disastrous Battle of Kaer Angren and bestowed upon himself the title King of Akovia in 1483.
- Jan Kovachev, 3rd Duke of Carnatia, Imperial Marshal under Emperor John I and war hero of the Highlander folk. Led countless Orenian forces to victory during the Third Rurikid Uprising and the Riga War.
- Sergei Kovachev, 1st Count of Turov and a paramount Haensetian bannerman, as well as a staunch supporter of Emperor Philip I during the Deep Cold Uprising.
- Henrik Kovachev, 2nd Count of Turov and 9th Duke of Carnatia. Restored the family's ducal coronet and served as Lord Chancellor of Haense briefly.
- Reza Elizaveta Kovachev, first Queen-Consort of Haense
- Rickard Kovachev, 12th Duke of Carnatia, Castellan of Otto III of Haense. Later to become a leading member of the Ascended and court advisor to Sea Prince Fëanor Sylvaeri.
- Ser Carlovac Kovachev, Baron of Kovgrad, Imperial Knight and Lord Constable of the Empire of Man.
