Coronet & Sceptre: Unraveling the Eldren Family Tapestry
As I reflect on our family's history, memories of my father's tales come to mind. Those quiet nights before adulthood claimed our time together were filled with stories of our prestigious lineage. He told me our journey began when the Eldren family first arrived on the archipelago of Arelith as humble merchants, setting foot in the City-state of Kohlingen in Northern Minmir.
In those early years, we were driven by a strong sense of ambition and an eye for opportunity. Within a short period, our family's hard work and foresight guided us to relocate our operations to the young Earldom of Minmir, situated on the border between the Northern realm of Kohlingen and the Southern lands governed by the Elven Council of Minmir. In the span of a few short years, the Eldren family's success in regional commerce caught the attention of the Elven Council. Acknowledging their labor and contributions, the council granted the Eldren family a Patent of Nobility in 13 BR, affirming their status as nobles. Earl Manfried, the ruler of Minmir, reciprocated this recognition by confirming their noble standing within his own lands.
Our family prospered until a political discord arose between us and the ruling House in 11 BR. Elienor Manfried, a cousin of Earl Manfried, defied social conventions by marrying Roddric Eldren, much to the displeasure of the Earl. He responded by banishing Elienor from the Château and his lands. Fortunately, the Earl's wife, Isabella, intervened and used her influence to resolve the dispute, ensuring that Elienor could remain in Minmir at her new husband's estate. There, she gave birth to a child named Friedrich, my ancestor.
Tragedy struck our family in 02 AR when Earl Manfried performed a dark ritual, casting a curse of eternal undeath upon the lands of Minmir during a night of revelry. This betrayal led to the destruction of Minmir, transforming Elienor, her husband Roddric, and many others into undead monstrosities. However, Friedrich was spared from this fate by Banite Monks from a nearby Monastery who whisked him away to the safety of his paternal grandparents, James and Helen Eldren. They had retired to Waterdeep several years before and established a prosperous textile business. Friedrich maintained a strong connection to Arelith and the Banite monks who had saved him, eventually converting to the Faith and marrying Kassandra Hunabar at his grandparents' insistence. House Hunabar of Waterdeep was very fashionable, with investments in textiles and the trade of stylish foreign garments. Friedrich and Kassandra went on to have a daughter named Ariel, whose story is not recounted here, and a son named Renard.
Renard Eldren, Friedrich's son, defied expectations by falling in love with and marrying Belaria Xyrlen, a Moon Elf sorceress and the daughter of an Import/Export Broker. Despite Belaria's breathtaking elven beauty and striking snow-white hair, their union was met with a disapproving gaze from society, casting a shadow over our family. In an attempt to regain Friedrich's favor, Renard honored his father's wish to establish a new family tradition: sending each child of the family on a pilgrimage to Arelith and the Banite Church upon reaching adulthood. This sacred rite of passage would solidify our unbreakable connection with the mystical isle and ensure our cherished Faith's unwavering continuity.
Then came Telris Eldren, my grandfather, a Half-Elf and son of Renard. He restored our family's social standing by marrying Lady Elizabeth Urmdrusk, a union arranged by The Church of Bane. House Urmbrusk of Waterdeep, known for their Banite affiliation and extensive land ownership, had quite the reputation. Rumors swirled about Elizabeth's unwavering devotion to the Black Hand, and whispers of her strong ties to a specific Banite organization circulated. Mother confided in me once that Elizabeth, even more devout than her husband, arrived at her wedding with a Banite Archpriest from Zhentil Keep, fueling speculations about her strong ties to the organization. I can not comment much on the matter other than the thrill of the story entertained me to no end as a child. Regardless, my father Patrick and his sister Jennifer were born from this pairing.
Continuing to navigate the complexities of alliances and arranged marriages in Waterdeep, it was my father Patrick Eldren, who took the next step. At the behest of his mother, he entered into an arranged marriage with Annette Hedare, connecting House Hedare, a minor noble family from Waterdeep, to our lineage.
In the year 136 AR, Jennifer Eldren, my Aunt, made her mark in Cordor by participating in "The Queen's Event" during her pilgrimage to Arelith. This contest aimed to select King Edward's future wife. Through the power of the popular vote, she emerged as the winner and earned the title of King Edward's consort, paving the way for her future as Queen.
Now, I find myself completing my education under the guidance of the Church and private tutors in Waterdeep. As tradition dictates, I am preparing for a journey to Arelith to explore our family's long-lost lands in Minmir. This pilgrimage holds immense significance, as it honors our heritage and strengthens the bonds between our family and the Banite faith of the Island. As I prepare for this pivotal moment in my life, I carry with me the weight of our family's history and the responsibility to uphold our legacy. I embrace the teachings of the Faith and the values instilled in me throughout the generations. The journey to Arelith awaits, and I eagerly step into the footsteps of those who came before me, embracing the rich tapestry of our family's past while forging a path toward our future.
- Excerpt from the personal journal of Kathryn Eldren, 178 AR