The House of Carlisle

The House of Carlisle has a long history, although not as long as most of the other great houses of Amber. Among the Duchies of Amber, Carlisle is the most recently created, and that 8 generations ago now. It is not often the King creates a new Dukedom.

His Grace, The 8th Duke of Carlisle, the 12th Earl of Carlisle, Lord Phillip Pinegar.

Phillip spent his childhood as one might expect the heir to a Dukedom to do; engaged in study with tutors, playing, and being somewhat spoiled by his family and society at large. His father had passed on the Earldom of Carlisle to Phillip at his birth, feeling such holdings would help develop his son's sense of responsibility. As a young man Phillip was sent for further schooling at his father's alma mater, where he earned a reputation for his academic abilities as well as his inability to follow rules. Upon leaving school and finding little to do beyond supporting the House and managing the Earldom, he turned to the distractions most young noblemen find.

After spending a few centuries indulging his indolent tendencies, and becoming known for his skill with games of chance and with the ladies, the Earl finally met his match and got married. While leaving the Earldom in the care of his younger brother Paulus, yet retaining the title, Phillip and his wife went into service to the crown as Ambassadors at Large. They spent the next quarter century in various shadows, only to return home and retire their diplomatic titles upon his father's death.

As the 8th Duke, Phillip takes responsibility for a large extended family, the vast tracks of property that comprise the Duchy, the people within his Duchy as well as vassals to the House. After being married 250 years and producing no heirs, most people assume the Duchy will pass to Paulus Pinegar and his heir on Phillip's death.

Her Grace, The Duchess of Carlisle, Lady Juliana Westerville-Merrick-Pinegar.

Juliana started her life the first child of the newly created Baron of Westerville. The Baron's land-grant was far from Amber City in the country, and Juliana was taught all the things a young lady should know before embarking on the life of a gentlewoman, although her tutors were numerous and never stayed long. The Baron had served under Prince Julian and was knighted by him on the battlefield. The Baroness was a member of House Feldane before her marriage. Much like Phillip, Juliana was spoiled as a child, and well loved by her father's people.

When she was twenty, halfway through her debut season, she married Lord Samuel Merrick, the Viscount of Moorefield, who was over 900 years her senior. After her brief appearance on the social scene she disappeared from society for the next 40 years. When she re-emerged after her husband's death, she was living in Amber City through the generosity of her marriage-nephew. Soon after moving to the Merrick's Cityhouse, she became involved in philanthropic causes in Southside.

It was while working on one of her projects she met the Earl, and immediately caught his attention. Though it was well known that she enjoyed her independence, she gave everything up to marry the Earl and leave Amber as an Ambassador at Large. She was very happy to return to Amber after their long absence, and she quickly returned to work in Southside. Of late the Duchess has not been seen in public without a guard (or contingent of such), and it is rumored attempts have been made on her life.

Recently deceased at the age of 1,002, the 7th Duke of Carlisle wielded enormous influence over his House. His calm nature balanced his wife's more aggressive personality. Hallman Pinegar was deeply affectionate toward his family, and welcomed his wife's sisters and nieces into his household with open arms. Unlike most of the great houses, Carlisle does not have a history of fighting over hereditary rights, and the Duke's brothers still reside at the estate they all grew up in.

The Duchess lives life at full speed, and her older children tended to take after her. Much younger than her husband, she was his intellectual and physical match. At the age of 700 Vanessa looks closer to her eldest daughter's age. Vanessa is formal in public, but is known for breaking conventions. She could often be found in hells with Phillip before he married, and it is whispered by some that she can drink all her children under the table. She goes by "Vanny" with her close friends and family. Vanessa has the King's ear and has always been favored by him. She broke ties with her parents shortly after she married, as did her sisters.

The Pinegars are a close family. Patrice was born when Phillip was three, and Paulus and Pauline were born when he was twenty. All of the children were extremely well-educated and assured they'd always have a place in the House. Pauline was the first to marry, to a distant cousin and vassal to the family, the Marquess of Kurz, but she is still in residence at the estate often. Patrice has sworn off marriage, and is quite happy to assist with House business and spend time entertaining her friends. Paulus married a few years after Phillip did, and while the family does not always like his wife, they have embraced her as one of their own. Paulus and his family reside at the Carlisle East Plantation, helping run the affairs of the Duchy from the far end.