House of Martigen
The Martigens are one of the most prestigious dynasties in the history of Western Ocea, and, while their power has dwindled in recent centuries, they are still a force to be reckoned with in the international politics of the region. Originating as minor lords and diplomats, the family rose to become a leading political entity in their own right; their influence allowed them to orchestrate the international world around themselves, creating a web of connections that served their interests, and brought them vast amounts of land and titles. During the height of their power, nearly every major political force in western Ocea owed some debt to the Martigens, and they cultivated those debts and obligations fastidiously. It is said that, while the family did suffer military defeats, they never came out of a negotiation second best, even if it was a negotiation of surrender. Furthermore, many rumours circulated that the Martigens possessed potent magical powers and artefacts; rumours that the Martigens themselves helped to perpetuate.
History
The Martigens began their rise as dukes of Riana, a small city in fertile countryside, and as vassals to the much larger and more powerful Court of [placeholder empire]. It was in their capacity as courtiers of [placeholder empire] that the Martigens began their long association with international diplomacy and espionage. In [placeholder year], the emperor [placeholder emperor] appointed Aacho Martigen as his ambassador to [placeholder country].
Type
Family
Leader
Family Leader
Controlled Territories
Notable Members
Comments