Dolmatra Dynasty
The Dolmatras, if they had survived into the present day, would find themselves outmatched and outmaneuvered by the unified might of the Empire. Their methods, rooted in exploitation and dominance during a fragmented era, would likely falter in a world where cooperation and centralized power are paramount. Yet, one cannot help but wonder—would their relentless ambition have driven them to adapt, or would it have led them to challenge the very foundations of the Empire, only to meet the same fate as before? The Empire today leaves little room for lone actors; it favors the collective strength of its people. The Dolmatras, ever the lone tigers, might have found themselves not just isolated, but obsolete. However, as a Historian I can't say I'm not curious to see their decendants try
Structure
The Patriarch/Matriarch (Head of the Family)
Role
The ultimate authority within the Dolmatra family, making all major decisions regarding trade, alliances, and the management of their lands.Responsibilities
Overseeing the family's vast business ventures, ensuring the continuation of their wealth and power, and handling diplomatic relations with other noble houses and the crown.The Inner Council
Members
Composed of the eldest and most trusted members of the family, including uncles, aunts, and cousins who held significant influence.Function
Advising the Patriarch/Matriarch, managing specific aspects of the family's operations such as trade routes, military assets, and espionage. Each council member oversaw a particular domain, such as finance, diplomacy, or security.Power
While the Patriarch/Matriarch had the final say, the Inner Council wielded considerable power, often influencing decisions through consensus or majority.The Heir Apparent
Role
The designated successor, usually the eldest child of the Patriarch/Matriarch, groomed from a young age to take over the family.Training
Received rigorous education in finance, diplomacy, combat, and leadership. The heir would shadow the current head of the family, learning the intricacies of maintaining the family's influence and wealth.Expectations
The heir was expected to embody the values of the Dolmatra family, particularly the importance of keeping their word and maintaining the family’s reputation.The Merchant Captains
Role
Key figures responsible for managing the family's extensive trade network. They were in charge of fleets, caravans, and warehouses, ensuring the smooth flow of goods and the acquisition of wealth.Authority
Operated semi-independently, with the autonomy to make decisions on the ground, but always in line with the family's overall strategy and interests.Reputation
The Merchant Captains were known for their ruthlessness in business dealings and their ability to secure profitable deals, often by any means necessary.The Enforcers
Role
The family’s private army, responsible for protecting the Dolmatra's interests and dealing with threats to their power—both external and internal.Duties
Enforcers carried out the will of the family, whether that meant defending their lands, collecting debts, or eliminating rivals. They were feared for their loyalty and effectiveness, often operating in the shadows.Loyalty
Handpicked for their loyalty and skill, Enforcers were often drawn from the ranks of trusted family retainers and lesser nobility who owed their positions to the Dolmatras.Culture
Values
The Dolmatra family was known for their unwavering commitment to honor and loyalty within the family. Their guiding principle, "A Dolmatra's Word is Bond," was more than just a motto—it was the foundation of their identity. Integrity in agreements and business dealings was paramount, and breaking one’s word was considered the gravest of sins, both within the family and in their interactions with others.Traditions
Annual Wealth Tally
Every year, the Dolmatra family held an Annual Wealth Tally, a grand event where the entire extended family gathered to present their financial achievements. This was not just a celebration of wealth, but also a means of competition among family members, encouraging them to outdo one another in expanding the family's fortune. The most successful members were honored with additional responsibilities and privileges within the family.Rite of Passage
Young members of the Dolmatra family were required to undergo a Rite of Passage before being considered full members of the family. This rite typically involved proving their worth through a significant business deal, a successful negotiation, or the acquisition of a valuable asset. Only after completing this rite would they be entrusted with the family’s deeper secrets and responsibilities.Social Practices
Marriage Alliances
Marriages within the Dolmatra family were more about alliances than love. Each union was meticulously planned to strengthen the family's position, either by merging wealth or securing political power. Dowries were substantial, and the merging of assets was often the primary consideration. The family’s influence extended far beyond their immediate circle, as they forged connections with other noble houses through these strategic marriages.Feasts and Gatherings
The Dolmatras were known for hosting lavish feasts and gatherings that displayed their wealth and power. These events were opportunities to showcase their influence, negotiate deals, and strengthen alliances. No expense was spared, and it was common for guests to leave with gifts, further cementing the family’s reputation as both generous and powerful.Education and Training
Education was taken very seriously within the Dolmatra family. Children were tutored in finance, diplomacy, and the art of negotiation from a young age. They were also trained in the subtleties of Dolmatra customs and traditions, ensuring that each generation upheld the family’s values and continued its legacy of wealth and power. Elders of the family often took a direct role in this education, sharing their experiences and wisdom to groom the next generation of leaders.Religion and Beliefs
While the Dolmatras practiced the prevalent religion of their region, they had their own set of beliefs tied to their family’s legacy. Central to their worldview was the idea that wealth and power were not just goals, but divine mandates. They believed that their success was a sign of favor from the gods, and that their wealth was a tool to be used in the pursuit of even greater influence. This belief system justified their ruthless tactics, as they saw their actions as fulfilling a higher purpose.Symbols and Heraldry
Family Crest
The Dolmatra family crest featured a golden coin with a sword and scales crossed behind it. The coin symbolized their wealth, the sword their willingness to defend it, and the scales their sense of justice—albeit one that heavily favored their interests.Motto
Their motto, "A Dolmatra's Word is Bond," was inscribed beneath the crest, serving as a constant reminder of the family’s core value of integrity in all dealings.Colors and Dress
The Dolmatras traditionally wore rich, dark colors such as deep burgundy, midnight blue, and forest green, often accented with gold. These colors symbolized their wealth and status. Their clothing was made from the finest materials available, often imported from distant lands, and was designed to convey both elegance and power.Art and Architecture
The Dolmatras were patrons of the arts, particularly those that emphasized wealth and power. Their estates were adorned with grand statues, paintings of their ancestors, and tapestries depicting their greatest achievements. Dolmatra architecture was known for its imposing structures—castles and manors that reflected their dominance and wealth. Each building was a statement, designed to awe and intimidate those who visited.Legacy
Even in their decline, the Dolmatra family's cultural influence persists. The rituals and practices they established continue to be echoed in the traditions of other noble houses, and their name still commands respect, albeit tinged with caution. The values they embodied, for better or worse, have left a lasting mark on the region's history and culture. The phrase "Is a Dolmatra's word their bond?" lives on as a proverb, used to defend a promise that is ironclad, or rarely, to warn against deals with those who may hold hidden agendas.Public Agenda
The Dolmatra family's public agenda was carefully crafted to present an image of responsibility, prosperity, and stewardship to the people of Bheria and then Vollis. While their true motivations were often driven by ambition and the pursuit of wealth, their public-facing goals were framed to garner support and maintain their status among the nobility and common folk alike.
Guardians of Prosperity
The Dolmatras positioned themselves as the guardians of economic prosperity in Vollis. They publicly committed to ensuring the continued growth and wealth of the region through their trade networks and financial expertise. By expanding markets, securing lucrative trade deals, and protecting local merchants from unfair practices, they sought to be seen as vital to the region’s economic success.Defenders of Tradition
As a noble house with deep roots in the region, the Dolmatras emphasized their role as defenders of tradition and stability. They presented themselves as protectors of the customs, laws, and social structures that had maintained Vollis for generations. This included sponsoring cultural events, funding religious institutions, and upholding the legal codes that benefited the noble class.Stewards of Peace
Despite their involvement in the war that shaped the northern territories, the Dolmatras publicly advocated for peace and stability. They often portrayed their actions as necessary to secure lasting peace, arguing that their control and influence were required to prevent future conflicts. By presenting themselves as peacemakers, they aimed to legitimize their authority and justify their territorial ambitions.Patrons of the Arts and Culture
The Dolmatras were known patrons of the arts, using their wealth to commission grand works of art, architecture, and literature. This public agenda served multiple purposes: it reinforced their image as cultured and sophisticated, it provided employment and support for artists, and it allowed them to shape the cultural narrative of the region. Through these patronages, they sought to leave a lasting legacy that would be remembered for generations.Benefactors of the Common Folk
To maintain the loyalty of the common people, the Dolmatras publicly supported various charitable endeavors. This included funding public works, such as roads and bridges, sponsoring festivals, and providing aid during times of famine or crisis. These actions were designed to create a sense of indebtedness among the populace, ensuring that the Dolmatras were seen as benevolent rulers who cared for the well-being of all their subjects.Expanders of Influence
While not overtly stated, the Dolmatras made no secret of their desire to expand their influence across the northern territories. They often framed their expansionist goals as a mission to bring prosperity and stability to less developed areas, thereby justifying their acquisition of lands and resources. This agenda helped to mask their true ambition with a veneer of public service.The Reality
While the Dolmatras' public agenda painted them as benevolent, responsible, and indispensable to the region's prosperity, their true motivations were often far more self-serving. They used their wealth and influence to manipulate markets, secure power, and suppress any opposition to their rule. Their involvement in the war and the economic tactics that fueled it were carefully concealed behind their public persona, allowing them to maintain control while pursuing their own interests.Assets
Western Region
Vollis
The Dolmatras held vast territories in Vollis, where they established their central power base. Their holdings included extensive vineyards, olive groves, and grazing lands, which contributed significantly to their wealth. The wines and oils produced on Dolmatra lands were highly sought after, with much of the production reserved for the nobility. Their central estate in Vollis was a sprawling fortress-mansion, renowned for its lavish architecture and vast libraries, serving as the hub of their operations. This estate symbolized the family’s wealth and cultural sophistication, and it played a crucial role in managing their extensive influence in the region.Scalehusk
One of the most impressive Dolmatra holdings was in Scalehusk, specifically at the gateway that connected Bheria to Vollis. This region was a vital mercantile hub, and the Dolmatras' control over it allowed them to dominate trade between the two kingdoms. They operated a vast network of trade posts, warehouses, and customs houses, collecting tariffs and fees that rivaled the income of the local dukedom. The wealth generated from Scalehusk was immense, so much so that the Dolmatras often overshadowed the Scalehusk Dukedom in their own region.Central Region
In Bheria, the Dolmatra family’s influence was rooted in their extensive landholdings in the northern region of Veimar, where they originally established themselves as lords. Their estates were largely agricultural, producing grain, livestock, and textiles that were vital to the region’s economy. Additionally, they controlled significant mining operations, extracting iron and coal, which were critical both for local industry and trade with neighboring regions.The Dolmatras leveraged the Pieras River to facilitate trade within Bheria and to connect their holdings with the broader trade networks in the southern kingdom. Their control over the Scalehusk gateway allowed them to dominate trade between Bheria and the western region, positioning them as gatekeepers for Bherian merchants seeking access to the west. This strategic control made the Dolmatras indispensable to both local nobility and merchants, cementing their influence across the central region.
Southern Region
In the southern kingdom, the Dolmatra family’s influence was notably diminished compared to their dominance in the west and central regions. Here, they were merely one among many merchants, unable to leverage their usual tactics and networks to gain a significant foothold. The southern merchants were more skilled, better connected, and more deeply entrenched in the region's complex trade systems, leaving little room for the Dolmatras to exert their usual control.Their southern estate, located in a fertile valley, primarily served as a retreat rather than a center of power. While the estate was productive, yielding high-quality agricultural goods and livestock, the Dolmatras struggled to compete with the superior trade networks and commercial acumen of the southern merchants. In this region, they were more observers than players, unable to replicate the success they enjoyed elsewhere.
Wealth and Influence
The Dolmatra family's wealth was legendary, allowing them to maintain a lifestyle of unparalleled luxury and to fund their extensive network of allies and agents. Their influence extended across multiple regions, making them one of the most powerful dynasties across the five kingdoms. They used their resources to build grand structures, sponsor artists and scholars, and maintain a private army that could rival Dukes. Despite their eventual downfall, the Dolmatras’ wealth and influence were such that they could stand on equal footing with the Vollin monarchy, commanding more trust from the people than the crown itself.History
Origins in Veimar
The Dolmatra family began as small-time lords in the northern region of Veimar in Bheria, managing modest estates and slowly building their wealth through agriculture and mining. Over generations, they became known for their shrewdness and ambition, strategically marrying into other noble families and expanding their influence within Veimar. By the time the Thirty-Year War approached, they had established themselves as a powerful force within Bheria.The Thirty-Year War and Its Aftermath
The Dolmatra family played a pivotal role in the outbreak of the Thirty-Year War. Their aggressive expansion into the contested western lands, coupled with deceitful tactics and provocations against the Formirians, escalated tensions into a full-scale conflict. Although the war ravaged the region, the Dolmatras managed to emerge from the chaos with increased wealth and power, securing new titles and lands in Vollis, which was still a young and unstable kingdom at the time. Despite their initial gains, the Dolmatras faced significant challenges in the aftermath of the war. The devastation left them vulnerable, and they had to work diligently to stabilize their holdings and prevent their newfound empire from crumbling. Their survival during this period was largely due to Vollis’s nascent status and the Dolmatras' ability to leverage their economic acumen to rebuild and expand their influence.Rise to Power and the Height of the Dolmatra Empire
Over the following decades, the Dolmatra family capitalized on the opportunities presented by the war’s aftermath. They expanded their influence across the western and central regions, using their control over key trade routes and mercantile hubs to build what would become known as the Dolmatra Empire. Their dominance in Scalehusk, a critical gateway between Bheria and Vollis, allowed them to control trade between the regions, further solidifying their power. However, their ambitions extended beyond trade. The Dolmatras integrated themselves deeply into the political fabric of Vollis and Bheria, using their wealth to influence local nobility and secure their place as one of the most powerful dynasties in the region. Their empire grew rapidly, but so did their list of enemies, both within and outside the regions they controlled.The Fall of the Dolmatra Empire
The downfall of the Dolmatra family began with the unification of the four kingdoms into the Vontian Empire. The formation of the empire brought about significant political and economic shifts, which gradually eroded the Dolmatras' control. The new Empresses saw the Dolmatras as a threat and systematically dismantled their influence, seizing assets and reducing their power.The final blow came with the assassination of the Dolmatra heir apparent, a calculated move by a clandestine organization determined to end the family's dominance. The Dolmatras, already weakened by the loss of their empire, scrambled to find a new leader, but each new head of the family was similarly eliminated. This cycle of assassinations and fear led to the family's eventual disintegration. Their rivals, seizing the opportunity, picked apart the remnants of the Dolmatra empire. The Veldt dynasty took control of their assets in Vollis, while in Bheria, the Veimar family reclaimed their ancestral lands, stripping the Dolmatras of their titles and holdings.
By the end of this period, the once-mighty Dolmatra Empire was no more, and the remaining descendants of the Dolmatra family were left scattered and impoverished, their legacy reduced to a cautionary tale of ambition and overreach.
"A Dolmatra's Word is Bond"
Founding Date
12 AAE
Type
Family
Demonym
Doltans
Leader Title
Founders
Location
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