Carian Royal Family

Lore & Background

The Carian Royal Family rose to prominence in the age before the Erdtree's golden order, when glintstone sorcery was the dominant magical tradition. Rennala, a peerless sorceress, led the Carian forces against the Golden Order and forged a temporary peace through her marriage to Radagon. Their union produced three children: Ranni, Rykard, and Radahn, all of whom became demigods through Radagon's later union with Queen Marika. However, Radagon's departure to become Marika's consort shattered the family, leading to Rennala's descent into madness and the eventual dissolution of the Carian royal line. Ranni, the Lunar Princess, now orchestrates a grand scheme to usher in a new age under the dark moon.

In Their Own Story

The Social War (357–355 BCE) marked a turning point where Mausolus actively supported rebels against Athens. Demosthenes later described him as the 'prime mover and instigator' who drove the Chians, Byzantines, and Rhodians to revolt. This conflict allowed Mausolus and Artemisia to extend their authority into the Dodecanese. After Athens suffered naval defeats and near bankruptcy, Artaxerxes III intervened, forcing a peace that recognized Carian control over Rhodes, Cos, and Chios. Rhodes, formerly a democracy aligned with Athens, was replaced by an oligarchy backed by a Carian garrison. Theodectes of Phaselis honored Mausolus with a play titled 'Mausolus' at his funeral. Shortly after the war ended, Mausolus died in 353 BCE, leaving Artemisia to complete his monumental tomb.

Reader's Guide

Visitors seeking information on Mausolus must distinguish between historical fact and later legend. His reign began precisely in 377/6 BCE following Hecatomnus' death. He ruled jointly with Artemisia, who held authority as a 'joint dynast' despite only Mausolus being titled satrap; the couple had no children, suggesting their marriage was symbolic given Carian norms. For those studying the Revolt of the Satraps, note that while Diodorus lists him as a rebel, Xenophon records his cooperation with Artaxerxes against Ariobarzanes in 366 BCE. In Lycia, Mausolus ended Pericles' dominance after c. 362 BCE, replacing independent dynasts like Erbbina and Kheriga with Carian administration. Coins bearing his image replaced local issues across the region. His brother Pixodarus later served as garrison-commander in Lycia under their rule.

Did You Know?

• Rennala's great rune, the Great Rune of the Unborn, allows for the rebirth of champions, reflecting her mastery over life and sorcery.
• The Carian Royal Family's signature sorcery, the 'Carian Greatsword' and 'Carian Piercer', are enchanted blades of glintstone that mimic the combat style of their knightly protectors.
• Ranni's quest to overthrow the Greater Will involves a hidden path through Caria's deepest secrets, including the mysterious 'Fingerslayer Blade'.
• The Carian Manor is guarded by spectral knights and other hostile spirits, remnants of the family's former glory.
• Despite their fall, the Carian Royal Family's influence persists through the 'Carian Filigreed Crest' and other artifacts sought by sorcerers across the Lands Between.