The Alton family is one of the seven ruling comyn families of Darkover. The Alton family estate is Armida, where they are well know for breeding horses. While Armida is the main house of the domain family other landmarks and family homes are Mariposa Lake and the Edelweiss estate. In the past when Darkovan bred for laran gifts and abilities, the Alton Gift was forced rapport, however, very few possess the full extent of this donas. The family crest of the Altons is a black crag or mountains with an eagle over a green background. The Alton family motto is Fortuna Montani (Luck of the Mountains).