The Lords of Challant

In an age when steel and sorcery were the norm, the House of Challant dominated the Aosta Valley with an iron fist in a velvet glove. Loyal allies of the Counts of Savoy, the Challants were, in the magical setting of Vallee, noble lords renowned for their ambition, their wealth, and at times, their cold cruelty.

A Divided Legacy

Historically, the Challants were one of the most influential families in the Aosta Valley, their power consolidating over centuries. However, their unity was often tested by internal struggles for control of the family's territories and riches. Ebalo Magno, the founder of this dynasty, left a divided legacy among his numerous descendants, giving rise to several family lines, each with their own ambitions and characteristics.

The conflict later escalated in the events involving the famous Caterina di Challant, but she falls outside the time period of Magica Vallee.

In our setting, we have instead hypothesized a kind of centralization of the family in the hands of Ybleto.

Ybleto di Challant:

Historically a diplomat, in our narrative Ybleto is a more complex character. While maintaining his diplomatic skills, he has developed a more pronounced ambition and a more warlike and entrepreneurial nature.

In our setting, we have chosen to alter the spelling to Ybleto di Challant to identify a figure who represents both "Ibletos", both the one from the Challant branch and his cousin of the same name from the Ussell branch.

Aimone di Challant-Aymavilles:

Brother of Ybleto, Aimone was a more diplomatic and refined man. His political skills made him a valuable advisor to the Savoys, and his vast knowledge led him to hold important diplomatic posts.

Bonifacio, Lord of Châtillon:

Unlike his historical counterpart, Bonifacio in our narrative is a kinder and more accommodating man, more interested in a comfortable life than in fighting.

Pietro II di Challant-Cly:

Renamed "the Handsome," he has been portrayed in our setting as a cruel and tyrannical man, more interested in personal power than in the welfare of the people. His lust for dominion will lead him to clash with his relatives and the Savoys.

Of course, there are other branches and other characters, but we have chosen to keep them outside the main story.

A Cutting-Edge Army

The Challant soldiers wore uniforms bearing the family symbol "Argent, a chief gules, with a fillet sable in bend." We have imagined the red part as a shoulder cape and the black fillet as a belt to hold weapons. The latter was then personalized for each house with a pin.

In our setting, we have hypothesized that this large army protected a third of the valley's population (in addition to territories outside the valley itself) and that its technology had been influenced and enhanced by the military knowledge acquired during the crusade against the Bulgarians and Turks in the East. The silver-red troops of the Challants are imagined to be equipped with the most modern weapons of the time and composed of a heterogeneous mix of soldiers and monsters that made them difficult to fight.

Conclusion:

The Challants were undisputed protagonists in the history of the Aosta Valley. Their stories, steeped in power, ambition, and intrigue, have been a source of inspiration for Magica Vallee. Whether heroes or villains, the Challants are at the center of the many plots that make up this setting.

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