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| - The Zelhardt Family (Leobische: Die Zelhardt Familie) was a Leobische noble family, named after the compound of the Leobische words for Zeal (Zel) and Heart (Hardt). The family was founded by Alaric Zelhardt, who gained nobility through a distinguished military career in the Leobische Royal Army. The general of the Leobische Cavalry Battalion, he held one of the more prominent roles in the Army prior to his ascendancy to nobility. The Zelhardts were prominent figures during most of the family's existence in the Kingdom of Leoben, having been everything from bishops to consorts, and ruling a significant portion of the land, known as the Duchy of Rynburg, which was given to them upon the ennobling of Alaric Zelhardt. During the Leobische Civil War of 1373 C.E, the Zelhardt family sided with Queen Elena of Leoben, and partook in most of the battles with considerable forces. Herzog Ulter Zelhardt, the reigning head of the Zelhardt family at the time, was a devout servant to King Friedrich, Elena's father, and was one of the few prominent nobles to support her as the heir of Leoben. This allegiance to Queen Elena benefited the Zelhardts greatly, as she repaid them with many resources, as well as a permanent seat as an adviser to the reigning monarch of Leoben. The Zelhardt Family came to a temporary end in 1388 B.E. A rumor had spread in the province, stating that the heir apparent of the Zelhardt family, along with the Duchy of Rynburg, had been disowned. This rumor ended abruptly, when Herzog Ulter Zelhardt, along with his wife, was assassinated. Tark Zelhardt, the seemingly disowned son of the duke, was also officially declared dead, but would later return alive to his home during the Asevian Invasion, after which he pushed his claim on the Duchy of Rynburg, rebuilding his old home and restoring the Zelhardt Family rule over much of Leoben.
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