King Kalthar

Background:

After High King Logrolf’s death in 431 of the second era, the realm entered the Interregnum, a period in which it was divided between two pretendents : High King Svartr in the west and High Queen Freydis in the east. As many other of Skyrim’s vassals, King Kalthar seized this opportunity to declare independence and reign unopposed in the Rift. Born under the Shadow, and trained by his mother in the arts of intrigue and skulduggery, King Kalthar has always been at ease working in the shadows, revealing his plans only long after their execution. His goal has never been to take control of Skyrim or to expand his kingdom, but rather to expand his influence and use it to this vantage. This succession crisis is the perfect opportunity for King Kalthar to use his influence to play a role in who the next Emperor or Empress of Skyrim will be. To achieve this, King Kalthar knows he can use his geographic position to his advantage. To the east, the Velothi Mountains and gateway controlled by the Dawnguard protect the Rift from Morrowind. To the south, the Jerall mountains separate it from Cyrodiil. To the west, the hold of Helgen keeps it safe from orc raids, and even if they were to fall, the Lion Pass between the Hrothgar and Haemar’s shame is an easily defendable position. Finally, the northern frontier can be defended through using an astute combination of mountain passes, Lake Geir and the Darkwater River. The Rift is the ideal base for which King Kalthar can expand his influence and interlope in foreign affairs while remaining safe from foreign attacks.