House Vinarius

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House of Vinarius Country: Rome Family Motto: Through, order, prosperity

House Vinarius, or the gens Vinarius, was a patrician family in The Fall of the Republic. Its members held many prominent positions of the state, with their patriarch, Monkeus Vinarius, having served two terms as a senator in the Senate of Rome. They were known for their republican, traditionalist values and their vehement belief in the status quo of social order and class division.

Following the assassination of Monkeus at a senate meeting, House Vinarius declared war on the Senate of Rome, initiating what would be known as the Optimates Rebellion. Every living member of their house was subsequently killed in the war, effectively ending the main Vinarius bloodline.

Origins

The Vinarius family's origins lie in some of the earliest years of the Roman Republic, beginning as humble freedmen who used to work on vineyards. After gaining liberty, they began producing their own wine on small modest plots, selling the surplus in local markets. Even back then, these progenitors stoked a burning ambition, and worked hard to guarantee a legacy for their descendants.

Over the centuries, they established themselves as a wealthy patrician family known for their grasp over international trade and the wine industry. They owned vineyards stretching far and wide across the bright Italian countryside, with their trade branching through Rome—which, to most men at the time, felt like the entire world itself. Amphorae bearing their seal can be found all throughout the continent, appreciated for their quality. The voices of Vinarii held great weight in the social and political sphere of Rome, and several have even risen to consulship throughout history.

The Vinarii were, for a long time, known for their partiality towards luxury and indulgence. Their lavish parties and banquets gained a legendary status among other patricians for their excessive nature, and they spoiled others with their seemingly endless wealth. Meanwhile, they carried an air of elitism around the plebeians—not treating them with open disdain, but knowing that they are the plebeians’ betters, despite much of their wine empire being built on the back of the common people.

However, in the last couple of generations, the Vinarii slipped further and further into ruin and disgrace. Mishandling over their wealth and the family business have caused their grip over Rome’s wine industry to loosen. More notably, their vineyards had suffered degeneration to a mysterious degree. Their land underwent seasons of declining production, riddled with blight and rot that spread without reason. Vines that had once borne heavy clusters of fruit were withering on the branch, leaves curling in on themselves, recoiling from an invisible hand. Even trade routes began to falter, shipments lost to sea. These losses were, at first, dismissed as natural misfortunes of agriculture. The Vinarii, who were secure in the vastness of their wealth, paid it little mind—continuing to gorge themselves on their wealth, continuing their excessive indulgence without a care in the world. This streak of hubris carried itself far too long.

Year after year their harvests dwindled. By the time the crisis made itself clear, the Vinarii rushed to salvage the situation in a disorganized frenzy. Different branches of the family scrambled to reclaim control in their own ways—some attempting to restructure their estates while others sought to expand trade elsewhere, hoping to offset the losses with new ventures. At first, they jumped to blaming each other, different members trying to fix things in a way that they individually thought would be best, leading to bitter disagreements and family feuds.

However, as their empire kept unravelling—especially as their misfortunes with the land and harvest continued despite their best efforts—the blame shifted to the wrath of the gods, or on darker unseen forces. They lost themselves in the religious panic, turning to superstition. Frequent offerings that turned into rituals, desperately trying to redeem the favour of the gods. The Vinarii became erratic in their conduct and reputation, especially in regards to their superstition, and their name began to carry undertones of unease.

The new generation of Vinarii looked back on their family history and scoff at the idea that their ancestors fell to the hands of “fate” or mysterious curses. To them, the truth is far simpler: it was due to mismanagement, hubris, and incompetence. The new generation was ambitious and cutthroat, possessing a one-track mind as they try to reclaim their family’s former glory.

Even so, there was disagreement. Some held firmly to the belief that the downfall of their house was entirely self-inflicted and that every failure can be traced back to human error. They believed that with discipline and pragmatism, they could bring honour back to the Vinarius name. Others, meanwhile, had their doubts. They may not have spoken openly of divine wrath, still trying to maintain a level mind, but they could not ignore the patterns and the seemingly supernatural streak of unluckiness. How could it have been possible that their vineyards, which were the pride of their house, fell into such consistent decline even when placed in the hands of competent stewards? Their trade routes had abruptly faltered, and their once-rich and reliable land had failed without warning while their competitors’ estates were untouched. Could it really have been just hubris?

But to voice these concerns would invite ridicule from their kin. Whatever the case is, it didn't change their mission. Their goal was to reclaim their legacy, whatever it takes.

Members

Monkeus Vinarius

Monkeus was the 'pater familias' of the Vinarius family. At a young age Monkeus inherited a husk of a family drained by years of mismanagement. Its only possession of value was its name. A skillful administrator and calculating politician, Monkeus worked tirelessly to restore the family's fortunes and standing. With the Vinarii ascendant, Monkeus did not permit the family to rest upon its laurels, but instead relentlessly drove his children to do their part to secure the family's legacy.

Monkeus served two terms as a senator during the Fall of the Republic. He was ultimately assassinated on Day 5 during a senate meeting, prompting the Optimates Rebellion.

Sygnus Vinarius

Sygnus was the twin brother of his sister Donutella. In his youth he studied the works of blacksmiths, enamored by their expertise, as they skillfully molded metal into anything they desired. It was through this fascination that he became an apprentice himself to some of the most skilled smiths of Rome. It would be from this experience that he would pick up a fine attention to detail. Realizing that he was destined for more than smithing, Sygnus followed in his father, Monkeus's footsteps into Administration, but less in the aspect of politics and more into the logistical side of the gathering and distribution of resources for all of Rome, utilizing his careful call to detail he had carefully cultivated over the years.

Sygnus served as a Civilian Governor of Rome in its Administrative sector, and was killed in the Optimates Rebellion.

Donutella Vinarius

Donutella Vinarius, twin to Sygnus Vinarius, was the most pious and devout of Monkeus’ children. While Sygnus pored over the work of blacksmiths and metalworkers—Donutella was fixated on the gentler arts of weaving, finding the greatest pleasure in embellishing and tailoring her own garments in her eagerness to set the latest fashion trends. In passing, Donutella would seem well-spoken and amiable—she is a Vinarius who smiles easily, but played with her cards held closely to her chest. One would note that she was usually decorated with keys and seashells—symbols of the Gods and Goddess Janus and Venus, respectively.

Donutella was a High Priestess of the Roman Clergy, and was killed in the Optimates Rebellion.

Axonia Vinarius

The youngest daughter of Monkeus Vinarius, Axonia carried the same burning ambition that has distinguished her family for generations. She was at the administrative core of the family’s wine enterprise, known for her efficiency and attention to detail. In formal and social settings, she was consistently polite, always happy to strike up a conversation and make new connections. In the privacy of her home, however, the mask falls—and she became more openly disdainful towards those she does not see as equals. It was quite clear her mission is to preserve and strengthen the Vinarius name—though she remained somewhat of an enigma to even those close to her, who noted that she rarely reveals more than is necessary.

Axonia handled the family's domestic affairs, reviving their wine enterprise. She was a leader of the Optimates Rebellion following Monkeus' death, and was killed in the subsequent battle.

Aquarius Vinarius

Aquarius was nothing like their siblings, fashioned as the runt of the litter with a chip on their shoulder. Not the strongest nor the fastest, they were the one who survived on pure grit. While their siblings studied other fields, Aquarius studied the art of distribution. Shipping, negotiating supply with clients, learning to watch and listen to what people preferred and gaining an understanding of their tastes. To them, the family business had always been a tool to be utilized. A simple glass of wine can open many a door, and reveal many a secret. To hear the whispers of the elites as they plot and scheme against each other. Perhaps that was why Aquarius, despite being quite vocal about their belief that the Divine had nothing to do with their family’s fall from grace, would join the Religious Institution. The people of Rome rally behind the Gods, and if there is one thing Aquarius desires above all else, it was to never have to listen to the mockery of the other patricians again whispered behind their family’s backs. Perhaps, there is some value in the Gods after all…

Aquarius served within the Roman Clergy along with his sister Donutella. He was one of the few to survive the battle in the Optimates Rebellion, but was killed after being captured.

Tiggy Vinarius Scaevola

Tiggy Vinarius Scaevola was not a name that would come to mind to most when thinking of the Vinarius family line. Descending from a distantly related and smaller branch of the Vinarii lineage, during their darkest hours of crisis, her family was caught in the crossfire of zealous fanaticism as most if not all of her direct family were blamed and subsequently killed. The true story of the small family has remained all but lost to time. All that was known was that the present head of the Vinarii household himself had saved one of the youngest members of this small family. All that remained from this past were her damaged eyesight, and the lifelong debt that Tiggy served, operating as a a loyal right hand man to Monkeus Vinarius. Her bubbly and curious personality may not have matched the typical image one might have of the Vinarii, but it would be remiss to reduce her to just a friendly face. Serving under the administrative department, she had a knack for picking up skills and information. Her loyalty ran deep and she is willing to do whatever she can if it means furthering the goals of the Vinarii household.

Tiggy was known around Rome for her glasses business, and was killed in the Optimates Rebellion.

Djentus Vinarius

Born from the unclaimed blood of the Vinarius family, Djentus was the bastard son of Monkeus Vinarius. In his younger years, instead of chasing wealth and fame or status, DJ devoted his life to understanding people and knowledge itself. He studied philosophy, science, agriculture, medicine, and history wherever he could find them. He embodies ideals such as honor, pride in virtuous living, compassion, care, love, understanding, and empathy, and he strives to treat every person with dignity regardless of their status. His father sought him out, eager to find the plebian who shares his looks and carries knowledge that could rival the eldest of scholars. Faced with his son, whom he had no previous knowledge of, he offered no reconciliation, but control—even if hidden behind the walls of new requented love for a son he thought he never had. DJ was brought into the house he once rejected, not as an equal, but as an asset.

Djentus was the only plebeian member of House Vinarius. He was killed in the Optimates Rebellion.

House culture

The last patriarch, or pater familias of the family, was Monkeus Vinarius, who had five children. He held legal and social authority over the family, including its members and its fortune. His word was final in all important decisions whether that be marriage arrangements or business proposals.

The Vinarii were always deeply competitive. Siblings, in their climb for the top of the Roman social hierarchy, have had no qualms with throwing each other down the mountain. Monkeus has raised his children to be exactly that—cutthroat and resourceful. Each child was treated as a possible heir and an obstacle to the others. They were expected to pursue distinction in a way that it benefits the entire family, not only their personal goals.

The Vinarii outwardly presented an image of unity, knowing the value of perception in the social world. Hiding the fact that Monkeus’ children each vie for his approval, even if it means tearing each other apart to get it.

Political stance

Most of the Vinarii were staunch supporters of the republican government, for the pragmatic reason that the social structure was massively beneficial for the family. They aligned themselves with conservatism and opposed any shift toward autocracy or populist reform, as that threatened the very hierarchy that allowed them to rise as a family. Such changes were seen as destabilizations that threaten their economic interests and social standing. No doubt some of them buy into their argument, though self-serving, that the patricians are better positioned to care for the plebeians’ interests than the plebeians themselves.

The Vinarii believed that social order is natural and integral to society. They saw their position at the top as earned, built upon their ancestors’ discipline and success. The irony that their own ancient origins lie in freedmen was rarely acknowledged; when it was, it was depicted as proof of their exceptionalism. These beliefs ultimately divided them within the Senate of Rome, and their differing beliefs was one of the factors that led to the Optimates Rebellion.

General traits

Appearance

Common traits of the Vinarii are their thick, dark brown hair, their high noses, and their dark angular eyebrows, which give them a striking appearance. The earliest Venarii had tanned olive skin, but over the generations—as the family grew wealthier and shifted away from vineyard labour—they have paled to a light-medium complexion.

The defining characteristic of the Vinarii, inherited through each generation, are their eyes. They are a rich dark red—the colour of fresh wine. Very rarely do any of the family’s members have alternate eye colours, and when they do, they are seen as having “tainted blood”.

Personality

• Ambitious: Perhaps the most defining trait of the Vinarii is their ambition. Starting from when their progenitors were still only freedmen, clawing their way upward; to the golden ages, where they carved their name into the spine of the republic’s economy; and finally to the present day as its current members seek to reclaim their former glory. Once the Vinarii have their sights set on something, they’ll stop at nothing to achieve it.
• Resourceful: The first few generations of Vinarii were undoubtedly resourceful as they established and rapidly expanded their empire. The new generations of Vinarii seek to emulate this. There is little patience for sentimentality and even less for hesitation, even if they put up an image of cordiality.
• Proud: Pride runs deep within the Vinarii. They believe their legacy—their centuries of success—still deserve respect, even if they have fallen into decline. They have an almost obsessive need to prove themselves right.
• Charming: The Vinarii understand the power of perception, and are skilled hosts, trained from their adolescence to navigate social settings with ease. They can be disarmingly friendly and charismatic, forming countless connections so long as they believe it’ll serve them.
• Deceptive: Closely tied to their sociability, the Vinarii are good at presenting what they wish others to see. This allowed them to negotiate and persuade others in their prime, though in recent generations it has become more of a survival mechanism than anything else.
• Competitive: The Vinarii are intensely competitive, especially with each other, as they have been raised in an environment where their success in the political or economic world defines their self-worth. Each member of the family is encouraged to surpass the others.
• Resilient: Generations of struggle—first to rise, then to maintain, and then now to recover—have made the Vinarii extraordinarily resilient. Say what you want about them, but they do not break easily, that’s for sure.