House Arathmor
The descendants of Arathmor are the wealthiest nobles in the Dale-lands. In the days between King Girion's abandoning of Dale after the coming of Smaug, and the crowning of Captain Bard, descendant of Girion and slayer of Smaug, as King of the Dale-lands, House Arathmor had the most political clout. The position of Master, the ruler of Esgaroth under the old system, was traditionally held by the head of this family. Times have changed, however, and after Bard restructured Esgaroth's government, House Arathmor became reponsible only for foreign trade. The family controls the import and export of most goods in Esgaroth - a not inconsiderable duty given the town's status as the commercial hub of Rhovanion.
Arathmor, because of their emasculation by Bard, are traditionally opponents of the Girion King in Dale. They compete bitterly with House Taurdain, which controls goods inside the town and is their only rival in terms of wealth, and have disdain for Karath's role as military leaders, as well as for their traditional royalist leanings. House Arathmor would never express any of this openly, of course... that would not be good business.
Arathmor has a love-hate relationship with other cultures - they love taking their money when they get the better of them in a deal, but they do not trust them. They have no preferred trading partners, because after all, gold is gold. With a reputation as greedy snobs among the common folks, and unscrupulous but dangerously powerful amongst the nobility, House Arathmor is watched closely with suspicion... and dread.
Contents
House Symbol and Colors
The house colors are silver and blue. On the house shield a silver swan is sitting proudly over a sword of equal brilliance on a field of blue.
History
The first records of the Arathmor family can be traced back to around 2100 Third Age (T.A.), approximately 900 years ago. These first records tell of a marriage between two great merchant families. While Esgaroth and Dale flourished through active trade with Erebor, the Arathmor family gained in fame and wealth; soon becoming one of the richest families of the town.
In T.A. 2770, tales tell of the coming of Smaug and the destruction of Esgaroth and Dale. It is just before the coming of Smaug that the already powerful house Arathmor became recognized as nobility by Girion, King of Dale. It is told that the current head of the Arathmor family offered the King a large sum of money for the expansion of Esgaroth. Some of the other houses claim that Arathmor bribed its way into nobility, but none the less, the official act of nobility still exists, bearing the seal of the King.
The large sum of money was never paid, for Girion himself was slain shortly thereafter in the defense of Dale. However, House Arathmor played no small part in the rebuilding of Lake Town after its destruction by Smaug in those days, and provided the first Master of Lake Town. Ever since that day, the Master of the Town was almost always a Lord of the Arathmor bloodline.
Under Arathmor leadership, Lake Town flourished once more for many decades, becoming the center of trade in the region and regaining some of its former splendor. However, in T.A. 2941, Smaug attacked Lake Town again after being roused by Thorin Oakenshield and company. At this time, Bard of Girion slew the Dragon and the people took him as new King of Dale. Shortly thereafter, Bard assumed control of Lake Town by installing a new form of government, breaking the Arathmor rule that made Esgaroth great.
Little choice was left to house Arathmor but to accept its role in the Town Council next to the Taurdain and the Karath. However, up till this day, Arathmor remains one of the most powerful families, and certainly the most wealthiest.
Stances and Attitudes
The traditional view of House Arathmor on:
- House Girion - House Girion is the house of the King of Dale. The current King, Brand, is grandson to Bard the bowman, who in slay the Dragon Smaug. By doing so, House Girion obtained the loyalty of many, taking over the town of Esgaroth and rebuilding Dale with the treasures fromt he Dragon Hoard. Needless to say, the rivival of this House was a blow in the face to the mighty house Arathmor, who in those days provided the Master of the town, controlling Esgaroth. Still feelings of antipathy burn strong in the hearts of the nobles of Arathmor who, no less wealthy, have less power and mainly control the trade.
- House Karath - House Karath is the most powerful house in terms of military might. The nobles of this house have risen high in the ranks of the military and King Brand has asked them to oversee the defense of Lake Town. However, for their royalist leanings, Arathmor isn't closely tied to this house in any way. We will take their money of course... or any protection for trade caravans!
- House Taurdain - House Taurdain isn't seen by the Arathmor as being a "noble" house. Sure... perhaps there is some noble blood in the house, but clearly Taurdain is more a people's house. Viewed with suspicion by us Arathmor, Taurdain controls most of the craftsmen in the town. As such, this is probably the house that Arathmor will have most dealings with, buying their goods and selling them materials. This means that while we are skeptical of them, sometimes it is better to show a smile every once in a while - if that means getting the better end of the deal!
- Dwarves - House Arathmor has many dealings with the dwarves of Erebor, the Iron Mountains and, ever and anon, from the Blue Mountains. As (wealthy) neighbors, the Erebor dwarves are one of our most active trading partners. While we do not have a great liking for them, we love taking their gold and silver. A particular friendliness towards these littler folk is not uncommon, depending on the benefit that is in it for us!
- Elves - The only elves ever seen in Lake Town are the elves of Amon Thranduil. Especially the traders and merchants in our House devote time to learn the elven language, for the sole purpose of gaining their trust and friendship. While these creatures are sometimes really incomprehensible, the hoard of their King is legendary, and they seem glad to buy our wines...
- Other Humans - Nothing like getting a good deal out of a few of our fellow Dale-landers, especially the crafters. While those not of noble blood often aren't worth bothering with, we cannot pass on a good deal if it is presented to us. We will deal with those towards the South East, for instance, in Buhr Mahrling, but these people are viewed with a fundamental suspicion. Several trade caravans have been robbed in the general area, causing prices to go up.
- The King - While the tale of Bard the Bowman who shot the Dragon has become a famous tale in Dale, House Arathmor is of old the opponent of the King's house, Girion. While acknowledging the King has some power, it is, after all, the Arathmors who control the trade and the wealth of Esgaroth. Laketown is not Dale, and the King's rule is not as strong here. Although we would never tell anyone, we secretly long to restore Arathmor leadership over Esgaroth, often challenging the King.
Positions within the House
Within the household, there are a number of honorary positions:
- Lord Arathmor - is the title given to the leader of the house. The Lord is ultimately responsible for any decisions within the House; he can appoint people within the house and relieve them from their position at will.
- Steward - the Steward is second only to the Lord. The Steward is a title given to only one individual by the Lord, with the responsibility to oversee all house activity. Whereas the Lord is more responsible for the actions within the house, the Steward has a special duty to maintain relations with the other houses and with the council.
- High Treasurer - A small percentage of the income of each noble from Arathmor goes to the treasurer. This is, probably, one of the most respected roles in the House, as the High Treasurer keeps close tabs on the House funds. As such, he acts as Chief Counselor to the Lord and the Steward.
- Captain - While the Arathmor family is hardly militaristic, the title of House Captain is an honorary one, bearing the responsibility for the safety of the House Lord and Steward... and the house coffers!
- Master of Feasts - Through its great wealth, Arathmor is known for its splendid feasts. These fall under the responsibility of the Master of Feasts.
- Merchant Prince - This is a title that shifts every year from person to person. During a special celebration, the Lord gives out this title to the Merchant that is responsible for the most profitable deals. A great honor indeed!
Events
There are a number of events celebrated by House Arathmor, including:
- Great Feast - Probably the most prestigious feast in Lake Town, this large festival is held annually for all the nobility in town, even for those of House Taurdain. It consists out of a Song Contest, a Wine Competition and a Banquet followed by a Masked Ball. This is the perfect time for House Arathmor to work on relations with the other houses and make interesting deals. The splendor of this feast is by now almost legendary, showing off the wealth of the Merchant House.
- Erebor Caravan - Every year, a large caravan of merchants and entertainers sets out for the Lonely Mountain. Some go for pleasure, but most go for business. Often, the Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain come to Lake Town, but this is the perfect time to visit these smaller, bearded folks on their own ground. Usually a visit coincides with a fine feast and a lot of trading!
- House Council - The House Council is held at least twice a year, determining the strategic plans of the House, discussing town matters and, of course, drinking a fair amount of wine. House Councils are led by the House Steward, with the House Lord sitting in as observer and advisor. In the absence of the Steward, the Lord may choose to lead the council himself.
- Festival of the Merchant Prince - At this festival, the title of Merchant Prince is bestowed, for a year, on the most successful merchant in House Arathmor. At this ceremony, the Merchant Prince will be crowned with a silver band by the House Lord (or his representative).
- Archery Competition - While House Arathmor is not the House that is renowned for its militaristic capabilities, the House organizes, or rather, sponsors this event. All Dale-Landers are free to join the competition (after all, we generally make good money off this event by entry fees and selling goods). We try to keep the winner within our own House when we can, of course!
