The Solages

"During the terrible period known as the Hundred Years' War, the French crown faced the Kings of England, who laid claim to the throne. France was supported by valiant knights who believed in God and dreaded the forces of evil."

"Lors de la période terrible connue sous le nom de la guerre de Cent Ans, la couronne de France affronte les rois d'Angleterre qui y prétendent. La France est soutenue par de vaillants chevaliers croyant en Dieu et redoutant les forces du mal."

In the Languedoc, part of Occitania in the south of the kingdom of France, east of Aquitaine, the town of Carmaux was a small agricultural settlement under the protection of the Solages family. A day’s ride away was the city of Albi, a religious stronghold established after the Albigensian Crusade against those called heretical Cathars,  Further afield were Castres, Toulouse, and Carcassonne, and closer towns like Cordes-sur-Ciel and Castelnau-de-Lévis featured fortified garrisons known as Bastides. 

A closer map of the region .

"The lands about our town are diverse; steep limestone hills and rugged mountains stand watch over rolling hills and verdant plains nourished by the river Tarn. Here, the warmth of the Mediterranean breath meets the resilience of continental stone, bringing dry, sweltering summers and winters of heavy rain. Truly, we are blessed by God, for our soil grants us abundant harvest and our woods yield glorious  bounty " De Solages Sr

The area is doted of Castle and watch tower , to protect the land from the Gascon invader in the past , and now the English. Build in limestone they have this light stone colour who reflect the golden ray of the sun , roof are often made of red clay , and timber is oak , as it is dominant in the territory. 

Jean de Solages came from an ancient lineage of minor French nobility. Originally from Rouergue, he acquired these lands through his marriage to Rose Carmain de Nestripelisse, daughter of Arnaud de Duèse, Vicomte of Carmaing. He was described by the scribes of the time as:

"Jean de Solages, qualifié noble et puissant seigneur et chevalier, seigneur et baron de Tholet, Castelnau, Pruhines et du Caylar au diocèse de Rhode "

"Jean de Solages, described as a noble and powerful lord and knight, lord and baron of Tholet, Castelnau, Pruhines, and Le Caylar, in the diocese of Rodez."

"D'azur au soleil agissant d'or"

"Azure, a sun in his splendor Or."

His two sons, François and Gabriel, are proud young knights. They mastered the way of chivalry while serving as pages to the Duke d’Ussel, where they were tutored in horsemanship, courtoisie, etiquette, religion, and the arts of war from a young age. 

Along with the other lords of the region, they recognize the House of Valois as the rightful Kings of France. Together, they protect their lands, their peoples and the surrounding region against the  English attacks from Aquitaine, as well as the marauding "Great Companies" of Écorcheurs. 

In Occitania  Jean de Clermont is then Marechal de france and represent the will of the king , alongside Jacque 1st de Bourbon , Connetable de france , and the King brother .