Rathrali Dominion (Wrath-Raa-Lee-DoMM-In-Eon)

The Rathrali Dominion, also known as the Rathrali Suzerainty, the Rathrali Empire or various other hegemonic titles in various languages, refers to the collection of kingdoms, duchies, baronies and other states under the influence of the noble House of Rathrali originating in the great city of Rathral in South-Eastern Chotas. Headed by aging patriarch and ruler of the family's home nation (the Kingdom of Rath, spreading from South-to-Central Eastern Chotas) Suzerain Aldarain Daileus Rathrali, members of the family rule or exert influence over territories however they see fit; but theoretically for the benefit of the hegemonic Suzerain, who officially rules over everything and ultimately has the power, prestige and authority to step in directly when they are needed. Due to the vastness of the Family itself, as well as it's many associate families, the Rathrali Dominion is one of the most important political forces of modern times. When the sitting Suzerain dies, all of the members of the family (excluding bastards and exiled members) vote on which one of them should ascend to the position. It is the most prestigious position anyone born into the family can achieve, and one of the most powerful titles in the world, said to carry enough weight to make one a demi-god.   The House of Rathrali traces it's history back to Madame Optimae Rath, a rich, savvy trader who founded the city of Rathral in PP 547 (CR 9047). Ergo, the house has traditionally been one of sly traders who exploit the weaknesses of opposition to create monopolies- this mentality applies in both economics and Geo-politics. There is also a tradition of using marriage to acquire new territory, among other benefits, through lines of succession- Optimae Rath was given permission to found Rathral by her 3rd husband, the now-forgotten king of the city of Kiast. The most key tradition of the family however, is their adaptability- they are chameleons in every sense of the word, adapting to local custom, religion and environment with ease. Everything is permitted, so long as it increases the House's power and influence. Due to their founder being a woman, the Rathrali inherit titles and lands equally between the sexes, a rarity in most noble houses.   The Rathrali Dominion, taken as a whole, covers and/or influences;

• South-to-Central Eastern Chotas (The nation known as the Kingdom of Rath, homeland, personal holdings of the Rathrali family and Aldarain D. Rathrali)
• Northern Moureve (Kingdom of Utirbarg, Most Serene Republic of Izsmoth, Baronies of Oridan)
• Various colonies and territories in the Northern Archipelagos (usually administered by younger or disgraced members of the family)

The citizenry of the Rathrali Kingdom and the colonies of the wider Dominion, collectively known as Rathin, are known for their exceptional loyalty to the Rathrali family. A major debate in the jurisprudence of the Rathrali state over the years has been how to punish Rathin who illegally murder the dynasty's detractors, a common phenomenon in Rathrali lands.