House Fletza
House Fletza owns land in western Hana, on the coast of the Wailing Sea. Its head is Boyar Jurand Fletza.
History
House Fletza has been a significant presence in Hana since before the Third Greytide and was one of the strongest voices in the wake of the Greytide for Hana to join Adana and Dyria in establishing the proposed empire. It owns significant land in western Hana, including the port town of Chelm, where it has made its home since its foundation.
The Wailing Sea is perilous and imperial mariners are reluctant to use it. Imperial ships which traverse it are typically from or bound for the Whitewater, in Lonin, on which sits House Albalaski's home, Vilslev. However, the sea is also the way by which seaborne raiders from the Terror arrive to the shores of the Commonwealth. Bitter experience has taught the people of Hana and Lonin that fortifications alone will not suffice to shield against the raiders, who will lay waste to an unwalled village. The Commonwealth instead goes to considerable expense to fund a fleet, which is based in Chelm. The Crown official charged with commanding that fleet is often, but not always, a Fletza - they have considerable influence over who is appointed, since their home accommodates the fleet.
House Fletza has a very strong maritime tradition. Its nobility are well accustomed to sailing aboard the warships that patrol the Wailing Coast. Fletzas frequently travel elsewhere in Elthos to spend time with the navies of other realms, both imperial and non-imperial, to gain experience and remain apprised of the newest ideas in navigation and naval combat. This habit has given them a reputation as travellers and explorers.
House Fletza supported House Vanzek's bid for the throne. House Fletza is one of the largest landowners in Hana, certainly larger than House Vanzek, but has never sought to place one of its own as monarch. Reasons have varied, although a consistent trend over the years has been that it has continued to leverage its influence among the nobility for matters of interest, and it has always been viewed as the main power-broker in Hana. Since the Commonwealth was formed in 547, House Albalaski has become the largest house, though this is entirely agreeable to the Fletzas, who have worked closely with the Albalaskis for a long time.
Holdings
House Fletza owns extensive land along the coast, including numerous villages. There is a mix of farmland and even a few small fishing communities, although a person needs to be doughty indeed to go fishing in the Wailing Sea. Most fishing boats do not go beyond sight of the shore.
House Fletza's seat of power is in the town of Chelm. Chelm is home to a superb natural harbour, shielded from the worst weather of the Wailing Sea. The harbour is extensively fortified to keep at bay seaborne raiders from the Terror. It hosts most of the Commonwealth's navy - a force funded by the Crown of the Commonwealth, rather than by any one house - and much of Chelm's economy is devoted to supporting the navy.
Current Events
House Fletza is in a stable position. It has the same concern as anyone in Hana regarding the Terror, and is the first defence against raiders crossing the Wailing Sea. In that regard though, the Fletzas don't find themselves under particular pressure. The house continues to look outward and many of its members might be found across Elthos. It maintains a consistent presence in Sanctuary, where the Fletzas have quite a reputation for being willing to take up with anyone who presents an opportunity of adventure, especially if it involves ships.